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Volunteer with us

Volunteers are an invaluable part of Nova Children's Project and we are grateful for the support they give us. We are always looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to join our team, so please get in touch if you are interested. Simply by giving your time and sharing your passion, you will make a real difference to many children and young people and their families' lives. 

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See what some of our previous volunteers have said about their time with us:

"Volunteering at Nova has been an incredibly rewarding experience - the club offers so many different activities which are not only fun for the children, but the volunteers too! Being given the opportunity to volunteer here has been inspiring, not only helping my university applications but also allowing me to meet and support a group of amazing young people with a range of disabilities. The staff and overall environment have been incredibly welcoming and encouraging, providing volunteers with appropriate training and support. While the role can sometimes be challenging, I have never felt out of my depth or overwhelmed thanks to the support of the team, and there is always someone available if you need help. "

Volunteer Video
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FAQs

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Why volunteer with us?

Volunteering with Nova Children's Project can be beneficial for a range of reasons, including: 

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  • Help you gain a wealth of experience and develop valuable skills many of which are transferable into the work place

  • Increase your knowledge and understanding of disabilities and  the lived experience for children, young people and their families. 

  • An opportunity to make a difference to the lives of the children and young people who attend our services and give something back to your local community

  • Can be used to support your university applications and provide required experience for a range of courses, particularly those relating to health and social care

  • Access to training opportunities, improving your knowledge and understanding of a range of topics

  • Enhance your CV and increase job opportunities 

  • Support with schemes such as Duke of Edinburgh Award or Creativity Activity Service for the IB

  • An opportunity to meet new people and make friends

  • Most importantly, it is fun and rewarding!

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What will I do as a volunteer?

​Our volunteering opportunities consist of two key roles. You can be involved in one or the other, or both! 

  • Support with clubs and playschemes - You will support the children and young people whilst they attend our clubs and playschemes; playing and interacting with them, looking after them and ensuring they are having a good time. You will be working alongside other volunteers and experienced staff. 

  • Fundraising - You will support with raising vital funds needed to support our services.

 

What training and support would I receive?

All our volunteers complete Induction Training, which covers important topics such as Disability Awareness, Communication Skills, Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Health and Safety. This is delivered by a combination of face-to-face training and accredited and certificated e-learning. Where appropriate, you may be offered additional training, such as Makaton, enteral feeding, epilepsy awareness, behaviour management and moving and handling. During your time as a volunteer with us, our Volunteer Coordinator will be available for any advice or help you feel you need, alongside providing supervision.

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When can I volunteer?

Our clubs run on weekends during term-time and a mixture of weekdays and weekends during school holidays. You are able to choose in advance which sessions you would like to volunteer at, enabling you to fit it around your other commitments. 

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How often would I need to volunteer?

We ask for a minimum commitment of one session per month for at least six months. This ensures we can keep some consistency for the children we support and it means you get the most out of the experience. Alternatively, if you are interested in volunteering in a one-off block, you can do so during our Summer Playscheme, which runs 4-6 days each week during the school summer holiday. For this, we ask that you complete a minimum of ten sessions in total. This can either be in a block of two weeks or spread out across the summer holiday. You are able to choose the dates you volunteer.  

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How old do I need to be to volunteer?

Due to the nature of the role, you need to be aged 16 or over. There is no upper age limit. 

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Where is the role based?

We currently run clubs and playschemes in both Tunbridge Wells (Southborough) and Tonbridge. You would need to be able to get yourself to one or the other, but we can provide lifts between the two if necessary.

 

Will you provide me with a reference?

Yes, we are more than happy to provide references for volunteers who have fulfilled their agreed commitment with us.

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If you have any further questions about volunteering with us, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

 
Interested in making a difference as a volunteer?
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