Birmingham Children’s Trust is looking for dedicated and compassionate volunteers to support children and young people in care and care leavers. Many of our young people simply need a reliable person they can trust — someone who will be there for them consistently and without judgement.
Through a range of programmes, you can make a genuine difference:
Independent Visitors – Befriending Service (Ages 8–17)
Independent Visitors (IVs) are matched with children in care to offer friendship, consistency, and fun experiences. Many have little or no contact with their birth families. You’ll visit regularly and enjoy activities together — such as going to the park, cinema, theatre, bowling, or exploring new hobbies — building trust, confidence, and a sense of stability.
Develop Me Mentoring Programme (Ages 16–25)
Develop Me matches mentors with young people in care and care leavers to help them set and achieve personal goals, explore education or work opportunities, and build life skills. You’ll offer encouragement, promote wellbeing, and provide a safe space to talk, helping them grow in confidence and independence.
Next Step – Befriending Service (Ages 16–25)
Next Step supports care experienced young people who may be socially isolated. Volunteers offer friendship, companionship, and opportunities to socialise. You’ll help them build connections, improve wellbeing, and learn practical skills such as cooking, budgeting, and preparing for work, alongside creative and fitness activities to boost confidence.
As a volunteer, you will be a positive, consistent presence in a young person’s life, offering encouragement, guidance, and a safe space to talk. Whether through befriending, mentoring, or shared activities, your support can help them grow in confidence and feel more connected.
You might:
- Spend regular quality time together, building trust and rapport.
- Encourage them to try new activities and experiences.
- Support their personal goals, whether in education, work, hobbies, or wellbeing
- Help develop essential life and social skills.
- Provide a listening ear during challenges or changes.
- Signpost to useful opportunities, services, and resources.
- Celebrate their achievements, big or small.
Time commitment: We ask for 1–2 hours per week and a minimum commitment of 12 months to provide stability and consistency for the young person you support.
What We’re Looking For
We need people who are:
- Reliable, trustworthy and approachable
- Able to listen without judgement
- Skilled at building rapport with young people
- Passionate about supporting children and young adults to reach their potential
What We Offer
- Free DBS check provided
- Full training in mentoring, befriending, safeguarding, communication skills, relationship building and coaching.
- Opportunities to attend events and activities with young people.
- Ongoing support from our team.
- The chance to make a genuine, lasting difference in a young person’s life
Additional Information
Interviews: Rolling, August – December 2025
Closing date: Rolling – please apply early, as opportunities may close once enough applications are received
Your time and support could change a young person’s life – and you might find it changes yours too. Please click the link at the top of this advert for more information about the different volunteer opportunities available with the Trust: