Long-term Commitment

Opportunity Name: Mentor
- Young people aged 0-25 with autism and/or a learning disability

Districts: Borough wide, Astley Bridge, Bradshaw, Breightmet, Bromley Cross, Crompton, Farnworth, Great Lever, Halliwell, Harper Green, Heaton & Lostock, Horwich & Blackrod, Horwich North East, Hulton, Kearsley, Little Lever & Darcy Lever, Rumworth, Smithills, Tonge & The Haulgh, Westhoughton North & Chew Moor

Opportunity Type: Long-term Commitment

Time Of Day: Weekday Mornings, Weekday Afternoons, Weekday Evenings

Where Is The Opportunity Located?: Outdoor

Requirements: Will require a criminal record check (DBS)

Wheelchair Access?: No

We are looking for volunteers, with a passion for making a difference in people’s lives, with a friendly and approachable attitude and an ability to engage young people and adults, empowering them to take steps towards improving their situation and achieving their goals.

The Greater Manchester Keyworker Team works across all Greater Manchester, supporting young people (aged 0-25) with autism and/or a learning disability. These young people are or have been at risk of going into an inpatient setting due to their mental health. The service provides each family with a Keyworker, who creates a crucial care package to support the individual away from high risk and moving towards stability.

As a volunteer, you will be introduced as a young person begins the work of re-integrating themselves into their community, education, and preferred activities.

Activities that you may be required to do can vary from support with travel, attending social events/clubs/activities, accessing a young person’s special interest, and emotional support and guidance.

We would request that you are available for a minimum of 4-6 hours a month, over a minimum period of 12 months – the specifics of this will vary from family to family and can be discussed s, additional time for training and supervision.

All our young people have a diagnosis of autism, and/or a learning disability. As a service, we champion the diverse range of communication styles, behaviour presentations and sensory needs that diagnosis brings. Therefore, as a volunteer you will be provided with training to prepare you to recognize and adapt your support style to meet these needs. This is a great opportunity to learn a lot about neurodiversity, through robust training and direct experience.

You will need to join us with an open heart and mind.

We are in particular need of male volunteers, as we have many young men in our service looking for a male peer to guide them.

Drivers are often easier for us to match with young people. If you are not a driver and we cannot find a match, we will help you explore other great volunteering opportunities within our service or across Barnardo’s