Play Volunteer
Poplar HARCA supports and delivers a range of inclusive community activities for all ages. Children and young people are a valued members of our communities and as such all events include an element of work with children and young people. Poplar Harca also works with partners who are specialists in work with different age groups, whether that’s children from birth to 4 years old, primary age children from 5-11 and secondary school age children and young people age 11+
All children need to play, play is a social, creative, active and imaginative process, part of our shared human experience that supports happy and healthy development for children.
No matter how old we are or where we grew up we have all played as children and despite changes in the world around us, for example increasing hours of screen time for children, active and social outdoor play is still an essential part of childhood.
Volunteers will be supported by Poplar Harca volunteer team and other professionals, where appropriate, who are working with Poplar Harca towards shared community engagement goals.
Description of tasks
- Work with children between the ages of 5-13 in different settings, for example a community centre or outdoor event or project.
- Planning and delivering play opportunities for children and families
- Undertaking training in play and other relevant areas, for example First Aid, Safeguarding, health and safety and risk benefit assessment.
- Ensuring the safety and well-being of children and young people attending play sessions
- Planning varied activities to support active, creative and imaginative play opportunities suitable for children, with and without disabilities.
- Working as a team to create a friendly, supportive, inclusive atmosphere for children and families.
- Listen to children, respond to the child’s individual needs and reflect with other team members to ensure children’s choice and voice are at the heart of play opportunities.
- Carry out all responsibilities and activities within an equal opportunities framework.
- Work within agree policies.
- Any other duties as required.
Requirements
Who can be a Play Volunteer?
All volunteers must have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, to check you don’t have a conviction that would prevent you working with children.
You will have energy and enthusiasm, a genuine interest in supporting the child’s right to play and in community based activities.
We are looking for motivated, energetic and enthusiastic volunteers. You will have excellent listening skills and the ability to quickly build rapport with parents and children alike. As you will build relationships with children it is important that you are reliable and ideally you will be able to volunteer for at least 3 months on a regular weekly basis.