Volunteer Opportunities
Durham Area Youth could be a great opportunity for you to gain experience, give something back and support the young people in your community. If you are 16+ and interested in developing skills and learning in the area of youth provision we would love to hear from you. We also offer Youth Work Level 1 and 2 courses for anyone who wants a career in youth work.
We have various volunteering roles available from supporting young people directly in sessions and on trips to helping with the running of the organisation.
All volunteers will be asked to fill in a short application pack and a Enhanced DBS will be carried out. (Cost covered by DAY).
Details of what is involved in volunteering can be found here.
The application form for download can be found here. Please complete it and return it to Info@durhamareayouth.org.uk or drop it in at one of our sessions. Alternatively you can complete the form on line by following the relevant link:
Young Volunteer Application Form
Adult Volunteer Application Form
Session Support
We welcome individuals who are interested in supporting our youth delivery sessions working directly with our young people during one or more of our Monday-Friday sessions. The role involves supporting the youthwork delivery team, taking part in sessions and supporting the young people. Relevant induction will be provided along with clear roles and responsibility explanation.
Trustee
DAY has volunteer trustees who all live locally and bring different expertise to the running of the organisation. We are looking to grow our board of trustees in all areas of expertise, including those who have experience in HR, Youth Provision, Funding, Marketing and Publicity. If you feel you would be able to support as a trustee please get in touch to have an informal chat with another trustee about the role and involvement.
Fundraising
We are always looking for new ideas and support to raise funds for the work we do. if you wish to arrange an event, take part in a challenge or work with the young people to create a fundraising idea we would love to hear from you.
If you have a passion for working with or supporting activities for young people and want to make a difference then get in touch!
For more information contact info@durhamareayouth.org.uk or speak to a member of staff at any of our sessions.
Youth Ambassador Role Description
About Durham Area Youth
Durham Area Youth (DAY) exists to create more and better opportunities for young people across County Durham. We work alongside local organisations, communities and young people themselves to build a stronger, more connected youth sector.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: young people should be heard, valued and involved in shaping the opportunities available to them. We create safe, inclusive spaces where young people can build confidence, develop relationships and make a positive difference in their communities.
The Opportunity
We are creating roles for two young people to volunteer as Youth Ambassador of Durham Area Youth.
This is not a typical role. It is an opportunity to step into the “behind the scenes” of a charity and influence how decisions are made, advocate on behalf of young people and share your lived experiences. As a Youth Ambassador you will help shape the direction of Durham Area Youth, contributing to conversations about who we are, what we do and what needs to change.
You won’t just be asked for your opinion, you will be part of the process of designing, challenging and improving the work we do.
About the Youth Ambassador Role
The Youth Ambassador focuses on the bigger picture of Durham Area Youth. It brings together young people to think about the future of the organisation and the wider opportunities available across County Durham.
As part of the DAY, you will work alongside trustees, staff, partners and young people on real projects, gaining insight into how decisions are made and how the charity operates. Over time, you will develop knowledge of key issues affecting young people and play an active role in shaping responses to them.
A key part of this role is championing youth voice, making sure that young people are meaningfully involved in decisions, not just consulted as an afterthought.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Youth Ambassador, your role will centre around contributing your ideas, experiences and perspective to help improve what Durham Area Youth delivers.
This will include taking part in meetings and discussions, where you will explore priorities, share feedback and help shape future plans. You may also be involved in specific projects, working with staff and partners to develop new ideas or improve existing services.
At times, you may represent Durham Area Youth at events or activities, helping to share the work we do and the importance of youth voice. You will also play a role in bringing the views of other young people into the room, ensuring that decisions reflect a wide range of experiences.
Alongside this, you will have opportunities to build your skills through volunteer training, share your experiences and provide peer to peer support.
Young Volunteers
This is a voluntary role, however, has the following benefits of volunteer expenses, T Shirt and jacket provided, DBS check, Safeguarding training, Food and Hygiene and First Aid training.
We recognise the value of your time, insight and lived experience. A full induction and Young Volunteers Handbook will be provided to support you within the role.
What You’ll Gain
This voluntary role is designed to support your personal and professional development.
You will gain experience of influencing real decisions, build confidence in sharing your views and develop skills in communication, teamwork and leadership. You will also have the chance to meet new people, build networks and gain insight into how organisations and partnerships work. Training will be available to you to support your development.
For many young people, this becomes a valuable stepping stone into further opportunities in education, employment or youth and community leadership.
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for young people aged 16–21 who want to make a difference and uphold the values of DAY.
You don’t need formal experience but we do require that at some point, you have taken part in a Durham Area Youth Programme. What matters most is your willingness to get involved, share your ideas and listen to others. You should be open to working with different people, able to contribute to group discussions and interested in improving opportunities for young people in your community.
Some experience of group facilitation, youth-led social action or sharing your views can be helpful, but it is not essential.
Commitment
This role is designed to be flexible and fit around your life.
You will be asked to attend regular meetings and take part in activities where possible, but we understand that education, work and personal commitments come first. We ask that Young Advisors contribute around 2–10 hours per month, depending on availability.
Safeguarding
Durham Area Youth is committed to creating safe environments for young people. Depending on your involvement, appropriate safeguarding checks may be required.
It is important to understand that this role is part of a wider youth engagement programme. Young Advisors are not employees of Durham Area Youth but are volunteers.
Summary
This is an opportunity to be part of something meaningful.
As a Young Advisor, you will help shape not just what Durham Area Youth does, but how young people across County Durham experience opportunities, support and community.
Your voice matters and through this role, it can create real change.
For more information speak to info@durhamareayouth.org.uk