Young Commissioner (for 11-25 year olds) - Volunteer Centre Sutton

Regular opportunity for under 18s (under 25 if SEND or a Care Leaver) who live and study in the London Borough of Sutton to get young voices heard and improve the borough.

About the Organisation

Volunteer Centre Sutton is a local charity dedicated to supporting and promoting volunteering across the London Borough of Sutton. We help local people find the volunteer role that best matches their skills, interests, and availability, while also supporting charities, organisations, and community groups to develop strong volunteer programmes. We also run a number of our own volunteer-led projects, all with the aim of building better lives through volunteering. 

What you will be doing

What do the Young Commissioners do? They...
 
• Represent the voice of Sutton's youth to improve Sutton for other young people.
• Influence key decision makers from various organisations such as the council, NHS professionals, the police, local charities, politicians and developers.
• Run campaigns such as anti-vaping, pro-voting, White Ribbon Day and their Celebrating Sutton's Diversity project.
• Focus on improving safety, working with the police e.g. co-producing a police newsletter.
• Focus on improving mental health e.g. creating a Mental Health sign-posting document.
• Focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion e.g. Power of Women event and their Youth Empowerment event at Throwley Yard with Sutton Women's Centre.
• Organise and help with events and activities in the community e.g. Easter Egg Fundraiser, Refugee Week picnic and Local Committee Meeting.
• Improve the borough and encourage other young people to get involved e.g. Beddington Park litter pick with Hong Kong families.
• Win awards e.g. Jack Petchey achievement awards.
• And of course, eat plenty of snacks and have fun!

  

Age Range: We welcome applications from under 18s, including from 13+.

What's in it for you?

Benefits of becoming a Young Commissioner:
 
• Directly improve your neighbourhood for other young people - and your C.V.!
• Represent your friends and communities.
• Learn new skills especially leadership, public speaking, event organisation.
• Make new friends and work as part of a team with other young people from other schools across the borough of all backgrounds and ages.
• Unique opportunities to network with key influencers and gain inside intel e.g. tours of new developments.
• D of E volunteering option when attending every session and bonus events.
• Regular support and contact from the Youth team.
• Chance to win a Jack Petchey achievement award. Also great for your C.V.!
• Your choice of snacks and fun activities e.g. end of exam Escape Rooms.

What skills will you need?

Activities: Advice, Information & Support, Community Work, Youth Work, Campaigning & Lobbying, Under-16 Volunteering

Skills & Attributes: Evaluating & Reviewing, Working part of Team, Communication Skills, Listening Skills

Skills Description: No specific skills needed, just the ability to listen, learn, share and be respectful of all views that are presented along with being reliable and enthusiastic about getting involved. We help you develop skills in public speaking, planning and organising.

What's the time commitment and where? 

We have a regular meeting every fortnight in central Sutton on Thursday 4-6pm in term time, and have lots of bonus options to help in between (virtually and in person at various times including weekends, evenings and sometimes daytimes and holidays too).

 

Location: Central Sutton for regular meetings and we also go elsewhere e.g. parks, Civic Centre, libraries etc.

Disability and Access Support: Get in touch and we can chat.

How can I apply?

Please complete the form below and we will put you in contact with the organisation. It’s helpful if you can tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in this role in the message box below. 

By completing this form you agree for us to pass on your contact details to the organisation.

 

 

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