Become a Volunteer at DHYP

The minimum time commitment varies depending on the role, however we generally ask our Volunteers to spare between 1-2 hours per week to ensure that both Volunteer and Client get the best out of the sessions.

We do not ask for specific qualifications, more a passion for and experience in the elements of the role you will be undertaking. Desirable personal qualities for all of our voluntary roles include excellent interpersonal skills, patience, adaptability, open-mindedness and the ability to connect and engage with young people. We also look for commitment to our values which are to be collaborative, inclusive, accessible and productive.

We will endeavour to work through all applications as quickly as possible. The selection process will involve completion of an application form, an informal interview with a member of DHYP staff and induction training. We’ll also require a satisfactory reference and a DBS check before you can start volunteering.

A DBS check is a request made to the Disclosure and Barring Service which holds details of previous criminal convictions. All of our staff and volunteers are DBS checked prior to appointment, as protecting the young people who access our services is always our highest priority. A DBS check can take up to ten weeks to process although most are returned within two weeks. DHYP will arrange a DBS check for your voluntary role and will cover any costs associated with this.

DHYP will provide you with all the resources and equipment that you need to carry out your voluntary role safely and effectively. There may be instances when we ask if you already possess equipment specific to the role and if you are happy to use this, but if not, DHYP can supply alternatives.

We will provide a reference upon request for Volunteers who have been with us for a minimum period of three months and who have made a commitment to our organisation.

The location of your voluntary activities will be dependent on the role. Some of our roles are office based, whereas some may be outdoors, and some are in our clients’ own tenancies or shared houses. Your Volunteer Coordinator will be able to provide you with all the details specific to your role.

A Referee can be a current or previous employer, former school teacher or someone who knows you through an extra-curricular activity (such as a Sports Coach) or a person who has ‘professional standing’. Referees cannot be friends, immediate family members or members of your own household.

You will benefit from a comprehensive induction and initial training plan and ongoing support from a Volunteer Coordinator who will be there to assist you and who will organise monthly catch-up meetings. If you feel you need any additional training or support to carry out your role at any time, please let us know so that we can arrange this.

We will happily reimburse any pre-agreed out-of-pocket expenses as long as appropriate receipts are provided.

We are happy for our staff and volunteers to wear face coverings should they choose to, but we do not require this.