Organisation Name:
Spear York
Organisation's Cause(s):
Children / Young People / Families
Education & Learning
Location of voluntary activity:
York Vineyard Church
3 Fawcett Street
York
YO10 4AH
When are volunteers needed: For one hour-long slot during our 1-1 sessions, which are held on a Wednesday between 11am - 5pm.
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Advice / Information / Support
Befriending / Buddying
Volunteering with Children & Young People
Role description:
The Spear Programme is an initiative of Resurgo, run in partnership with the local church, which equips 16-24-year-olds to overcome the barriers they face to employment. 75% of the young people who complete the programme obtain employment and are still there a year later.
The Spear Programme begins with four weeks of coaching, known as Spear Foundation, in which a group of young people are led through a series of work-readiness topics, with a strong emphasis on attitudinal and soft skills coaching alongside practical training such as writing an impactful CV and interview practice. This is followed by 6 months of follow-on support, known as Spear Career, in which trainees who have completed Spear Foundation receive personalised career support.
The role of the volunteers is primarily to support with the weekly 1:1s young people will receive throughout the programme. These 1:1s are key touch points for relationship building, work-readiness development, and goal setting. Each volunteer will meet the same young person each week to build relationships with them, inspire them, and equip them to get back into work.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
If you are passionate about young people, believe in their potential, and are keen to support them in a practical way, then we would love to hear from you. You do not need any specific qualifications or experience – we are keen to find volunteers who have a heart for young people, and can offer their time to listen to them, coach them and guide them on their career journey.
Will there be a DBS check? Yes
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Ongoing Volunteering
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
This is a very rewarding role, as you will have the chance to work alongside a young person and see them change, grow, and ultimately achieve their aspirations. You will be trained as a volunteer coach, and then you will practically develop these coaching skills over the course of the programme. You will learn specific coaching techniques, and will grow in your interpersonal communication skills. You will also gain experience working with young people from a range of backgrounds, and will benefit from support and advice from trained coaches.
How to get involved:
Please email the Centre Manager, Naomi, at naomi.thomas@spearyork.org.uk. We can get in touch with more information!
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 31-12-2026