Volunteering information
About volunteering
We believe that volunteering is an important way for people to get involved in their local community.
There are many different volunteering opportunities available in Derby. Many of these are based within voluntary and community sector organisations.
There are also opportunities to do voluntary work with the Council, with other public sector organisations and also within the private sector.
Derby Volunteer Centre
Derby Volunteer Centre helps people who are interested in volunteering to find suitable volunteering opportunities.
The centre also works with organisations to promote good practice in recruiting and supporting volunteers.
If you are interested in volunteering you may want to try one of the 'Volunteering Works' sessions. These are free introductory training sessions for potential volunteers from all backgrounds.
For further details and support in accessing volunteering opportunities, visit the Derby Volunteer Centre website, telephone 01332 342272 or email volunteer@communityactionderby.org.uk.
Volunteers needed to befriend young people in care
Derby Children’s Rights service is looking for volunteers to support young people that are in care under Derby City Council.
They are looking for volunteers that are:
- over 18 years old
- from all backgrounds
- from across all Derby's communities
What does it involve?
Independent visitors (befrienders) support a child or young person on a one-to-one basis. Young people are offered the chance to meet with an independent visitor if they have little or no contact with their own families.
As a volunteer you are there for the child or young person; a positive role-model who is independent and distinct from the paid professionals they see.
You will meet with a child or young person once a month to offer support, encouragement and guidance. This could involve taking part in a fun activity together or simply having a chat.
If you would like to be there for a child or young person, letting them know they have someone on their side, then this is the volunteering role for you.
We will support you in this role by ensuring that you receive regular supervision and have a key contact for day-to-day advice and guidance. In return for the time you give you will receive valuable training and gain experience and skills.
You’ll be making a real difference too.
For more information on volunteering with Derby Children’s Rights Service, visit the Change Grow Live website or email Mandy.Giles @CGL.org.uk.
Volunteers needed to help reduce youth crime
To help reduce youth offending, Derby Youth Justice Service, Youth offending, is looking for volunteers who are:
- over 18 years old
- from all backgrounds
- from across all Derby communities.
For more information on volunteering with the Youth Justice Service, email helen.porter@derby.gov.uk.
What's involved?
Youth offender panels - volunteers will be asked to sit on a youth offender panel alongside another volunteer and a member of the Youth Justice Service. The aim of the panel is to work with the young person and their parent or carer on a 'contract' of activities to address their offending behaviour.
The panel will then be responsible for monitoring the young person's progress with the contract. You would need to be able to spare two to three hours a week.
Volunteers receive free training for these roles and out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.
Volunteering in Youth Services
If you are interested in volunteering work with young people, please contact the youth clubs directly.