We have created good working relationships with many schools, colleges and National Citizen Service groups, and are looking to strengthen relationships with these organisations in order to attract more young people to volunteer at any Little Miracles branch.

By volunteering with Little Miracles, we aim to help young people grow into well-rounded, compassionate adults who have had a variety of life experiences. We welcome individuals and groups of young people who want to help families in need, and in return, we provide a safe working environment, clearly defined rights and responsibilities, and an enjoyable role that is catered to their abilities and interests. 

We welcome young people undergoing their Duke of Edinburgh award to our Centres, here we can support you to complete certain tasks you need to meet to complete your award. 

In addition to fundraising young people can, depending on the size of the group:

• Help with the general running of sessions, including preparing resources beforehand and making sure every child has what they need, helping children with the activities and making sure the environment is clean and tidy.
• Support children with their development and to play.
• Help run events, like a fun day, themed days such as Disney are always popular with our families. 
• If you are looking at gardening and maintenance we have a place for you too, we have a lovely garden area that needs tending, there are also painting and cleaning tasks - if this is your interest then please let us know!

All young people will be assigned to a Line Manager who will be responsible for the young person's wellbeing as well as communicating with the young person's school. They are given a full induction to Little Miracles, including aspects like food hygiene, fire safety and any day to day running of the charity and the role they will be performing. We provide all of the training the young person needs to be safe and keep others safe (many of which are accredited online courses).

All staff (and volunteers, where appropriate) that young people will be working with are holders of an active enhanced DBS certificate as provided by Little Miracles. We will cover the cost of an enhanced DBS check for young people over the age of 16, where appropriate (if the applicant wants to work with children). Our lower age limit for taking on volunteers is 14 - children younger than this will still be supported if they'd like to help out, but the distinction between supported person and volunteer must remain clear.

Young people bring a lot to Little Miracles, and the volunteer experience can build valuable life skills and a CV that helps them showcase their skills in getting into further education, volunteering or paid employment. We especially want to attract young people who themselves have an additional need, disability or life-limiting condition, we go the extra mile to ensure that these young people are accommodated fairly, both in terms of their treatment and in the opportunities they can access. You can read more about our supported volunteering here. Little Miracles is a proud member of the Disability Confident scheme.

Students who are looking for a placement to aid their personal development or as a requirement of their course, who need a certain amount of client hours for example, may find our Professional/Student Placements page useful.

If you would like to volunteer independently of an NCS group or educational organisation, click here to fill in our online volunteer application form - be sure to mention any additional needs you may have so we can best support you throughout your volunteer experience.

To find our more please email volunteering@littlemiraclescharity.org.uk or call 01733 262226.