The YMCA is a voluntary organisation based in local communities right across Scotland. Thousands of volunteers give of their time in lots of ways to help to support children, young people and families.
You don't need to be an extraordinary person with amazing talents to volunteer for the YMCA. You just need to have a heart for young people and some spare time. Nor is age a barrier ....often it is the substitute ‘gran' behind the coffee bar who gains the trust of the young person and the opportunity to influence their world.
Also...volunteering can be fun! You will meet some great people with great values in life and will often be able to offer important help to a young person.
Volunteer opportunities available to you will differ from YMCA to YMCA but we can give you a flavour of what might be on offer
• Working with a team of volunteers in your local community drop-in centre
• Journeying alongside a vulnerable young person as a mentor
• Helping us out in the office, on a wide variety of project and programme work or just taking care of everyday tasks that we always need to do
• Helping us to manage the organisation in a wise and professional manner
Contact your local YMCA today to ask about volunteering.
All YMCA volunteer placements are closely supported by staff or experienced volunteer leaders. You will always have someone to go to for help and guidance and advice.
As a YMCA volunteer you can also expect some things from us .....
• Clear and precise communication and boundaries in terms of what we invite you to do and how you go about doing it
• Our support and guidance will be available to you whether initially as we help you to understand the role or later as questions arise.
• You can always come back to us to check out how you are doing or to change what you are doing.
• We will normally cover all your expenses as a volunteer.
• Re-assurance that you are fully covered under our insurance policies as a YMCA volunteer
As a YMCA volunteer you may be working face to face with children and young people. For both your safety and that of the young people you will be required to undergo a disclosure check. Don't worry about this, YMCA takes care of any paperwork, it's just a good practice measure that is part of our care and protection of both our young people and our volunteers.