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Quite a number of children
and young people need help in various ways, whether during their
earlier school years, or coping with the teenage period, or in making the
transition to adult life.
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This help can range from individual counselling to providing
youth activity centres and programmes.
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Many of the organisations, who provide these kinds of help, use
volunteers of all ages on a regular or occasional basis. You can also be
an informal helper to young people among your friends and wider family.
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Much of the work involves
basic activities like social contacts and befriending, though
there is also scope for volunteers in special counselling and advisory
services. Other activities in which volunteers often
participate include fund raising and administration.
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Children's Society www.the-childrens-society.org.uk/
NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk/
Save the Children www.savethechildren.org.uk/
Boys' Brigade www.boys-brigade.org.uk/
Girls Brigade www.girlsbrigadeew.org.uk/
01235 510425
Guide Association www.guides.org.uk/
Scout Association www.scoutbase.org.uk/
British Federation of Youth Marching Band Organisations www.marchingbands.org.uk/
British Youth Band Association www.byba.org.uk/
See also the organisations listed under
Volunteering
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UK Youth
Boys' Brigade Gazette
Guiding
Scouting |
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Find a local group or club
that provides activities and help for children and young people (see organisations
above).
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See if your local group
offers introductory sessions or events. Take a class or course
relevant to young people at your local adult education centre.
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Consult books or magazines
on the needs of and help for young people.
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Check in your local
library/paper or volunteer centre for more information.
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Skills and people
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People of all ages and
both sexes can volunteer to help young people.
There is no need to have special skills or knowledge but many groups
offer volunteers training in helping and giving advice.
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You will be in contact with young people from teenage on, from a wide
variety of background.
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You can find the individuals or youth groups who
need help, either by contacting the specialist organisations or through
your own friends and family.
Equipment or clothing
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As a volunteer you don't need to have any special equipment, though you
may need sports and other equipment and clothing to share in group
activities.
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Some organisations like you to
wear badges or clothing to identify yourself.
A place or facilities
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You can help in young people's homes, by taking/driving young people where they
want to go, or by working in a social centre or residential home.
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Fund raising and administration will generally involve activities locally,
with some work at home.
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