Organisation Name:
Growing Hope
Organisation's Cause(s):
Children / Young People / Families
Location of voluntary activity:
Holy Trinity Church
East Parade, Melrosegate, Heworth, York YO31 0RP
When are volunteers needed: One day a week seeing up to 10 x children for 1 year in duration.
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Volunteering with Children & Young People
Role description:
Volunteer Children's Therapist/Counsellor: Supports children emotionally through talking, play, or creative therapies to help them process feelings, build resilience, and cope with challenges such as trauma, anxiety, or behavioural difficulties.
Volunteer Paediatric Occupational Therapist: Helps children develop the physical, sensory, and cognitive skills needed for daily activities (like dressing, writing, or playing), often supporting those with developmental delays, disabilities, or sensory needs.
Volunteer Speech and Language Therapist: Assesses and supports children with speech, language, communication, or swallowing difficulties, helping them express themselves clearly and interact effectively with others.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
1. Volunteer Children’s Therapist/Counsellor
Skills required:
Empathy and active listening – to create a safe, trusting environment for children.
Child-centred communication– using age-appropriate language and creative methods (e.g. play, drawing).
Emotional regulation and resilience – to manage challenging conversations calmly.
Confidentiality and safeguarding awareness – to protect children while knowing when to escalate concerns.
Team collaboration – working alongside families, staff, and other professionals.
2. Volunteer Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Skills required:
Observation and assessment – identifying developmental, sensory, or motor difficulties.
Practical problem-solving – adapting tasks or environments to support children's independence.
Creativity and flexibility– using engaging, child-friendly approaches to build skills.
Patience and encouragement– helping children build confidence through small steps.
Multi-disciplinary teamwork– liaising with teachers, parents, and therapists.
3. Volunteer Speech and Language Therapist
Skills required:
Clear verbal and non-verbal communication – essential for modelling and supporting speech development.
Analytical thinking – to assess language, speech, and communication needs.
Adaptability – tailoring interventions for children with a range of abilities and diagnoses.
Empowerment-focused support– helping children and families celebrate progress.
Documentation and goal setting – recording outcomes and planning next steps.
Will there be a DBS check? Yes
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Families
Hearing impaired
Intellectual/Learning Disabilities
Ongoing Volunteering
Skilled Volunteer
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
Volunteers at Growing Hope - a Christian charity offering free therapy for children with additional needs, can gain a range of valuable personal, professional, and spiritual benefits, including:
Personal Growth
Deep sense of purpose - by making a tangible difference in children’s and families’ lives.
Emotional fulfilment - from helping children unlock their potential.
Enhanced empathy and patience - especially in working with children with additional needs.
Professional Development
Hands-on experience in a clinical, educational, or therapeutic setting.
Opportunities for learning and shadowing - experienced therapists and clinicians.
Development of key skills - like communication, observation, and safeguarding.
A supportive and reflective environment - to grow in confidence and competence.
Useful experience for careers - in counselling, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and SEND education.
Community
Regular team meetings and supervision - that nurture both professional practice and spiritual wellbeing.
Being part of a wider movement - working to bring hope and inclusion to families navigating disability.
How to get involved:
Email Growing Hope expressing an interest in any of these roles:
york@growinghope.org.uk
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 30-06-2025