Want to be a Young Volunteer?
Want to volunteer? Use the '
Contact Us' form to get in touch. Otherwise you can visit
http://www.redcross.org.uk/volunteer
The British Red Cross is part of the largest Humanitarian Movement in the world. We are looking for young people that want to make a difference, help others, have fun and develop themselves.
What does the Red Cross do?
Put simply – we help people in crisis across the world and around the corner.
You will see us on TV undertaking relief work in some of the poorest and crisis struck parts on the world. In the UK, we also respond to disasters such as fires, floods and other disasters. We provide first aid cover at events, care in the home, loan out medical equipment, transport people to where they need to go, provide therapeutic massage, skin camouflage for those with burns and scars, orientation services for refugees, tracing services for those separated by disaster and first aid training. As you see, we offer a lot of services!
How can I get involved?
You can join us a young volunteer at the age of fifteen. There are a number of roles specifically for young people:
Peer Education (age 15+): You
can learn about First Aid or Humanitarian Education and then pass the
information onto other young people and adults. We do this in a number
of ways:
> A “Road show” which visits several different places such as theme parks, shows and other venues..
> First Aid Courses for young people and adults.
> Awareness evenings for Scouts, Guide and other Youth Organisations.
Peer Befriending (age 15+): We help young refugees adjust to life in the UK. A new project is starting in Redhill and we need young volunteers to help these young people to integrate into the community – this will include a weekly meeting where various activities allow them to be young people and provide them with vital skills.
Shop Volunteers (age 15+): We need young people who can volunteer in our shops – helping sort stock, price things, create displays and more. We can now offer a new certificate in retail skills – Shopoholics. Sounds interesting? We have shops in Fareham, Farnborough, Lymington, Ringwood, Romsey, Dorking, Great Bookham, Redhill, Freshwater, Newport, Ryde and Shanklin.
Fundraising: You can help us raise money for our services in a number of ways:
> Helping organise an event at your school or organisation (such as Dress in Red)
> Helping with or organising a Dance for Dance for Life see: www.redcross.org.uk/danceforlife
> Helping collect for Red Cross week (age 16+)
First Aid at Public Events (age 15+): We attend public events such as the New Forest Show, Southampton Guildhall and lots of other local events, where people gather and we help those who get injured or suffer from a medical emergency. You would need to undertake training in first aid, manual handling and there are options to go on and do enhanced first aid modules, leading eventually to the IHCD ambulance qualification (age 18).
Volunteering in our services: You can volunteer within our core services from the age of 15, although the level of involvement will depend upon the minimum age and risk assessment carried out.
How do I get involved?
1. Contact us and complete the volunteer interest form indicating that you are interested in volunteering.
2. We will contact you to discuss your role and make sure you are happy with the commitment and answer any queries you have.
3. We will give you an induction so you learn more about us and our organisation.
4. You will then be invited on training courses e.g. First Aid and Peer Educator Training.
5. You will then start your volunteering supported by your mentor.
How much time do I have to give?
You can give as much or little as you like. Our volunteering is flexible – you can stop and start as necessary, for example during exam times and give more time when you are free e.g. during school holidays.
What do I get out of it?
> Full adult membership of the British Red Cross: you will receive an ID card, copies of our magazine Red Cross life and insurance cover while on duty.
> Work-wear (Red Cross polo shirt etc.) to wear when on duty.
> All training provided free of charge.
> Accreditation through the Youth Achievement Awards, Millennium Volunteers and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (Service Section).
> The Red Cross take Child Protection seriously and you will be given details of your local Child Protection Officer and all mentors you are assigned will be criminal record bureau checked.
What do we expect from you?
> To take part in the training programme.
> To follow health and safety guidelines.
> Behave in a responsible manner as an ambassador for the organisation.
> Let your contact know if you cannot attend for any reason.
> Ensure you bring a consent form with you to each event.
> Follow our seven fundamental principles.
So … if you are interested, get in touch or send back your volunteer interest form today!