Volunteering

Start360 Volunteer Application Form

"What is the essence of life? To serve others and do good" Aristotle

Start360 recognises the important contribution volunteering makes to individuals, communities and wider society and looks to promote volunteering opportunities across all its services. We are committed to building up our volunteers skills and employability. Many of our staff started their caring careers through volunteering opportunities - building confidence & self-esteem; improving emotional health & well-being; learning new skills; gaining experience and developing a sense of purpose.

Potential volunteers will undertake an application and interview process with an AccessNI check to confirm suitability. Having a criminal record will not necessarily eliminate you from volunteering. Volunteers will complete an induction programme and Safeguarding training. Start360 promotes continuous professional development for all its staff and volunteers with access to training and ongoing support mechanisms.

Sean is one of our current volunteers,

"Dedicating time and giving to others has helped protect my mental and physical health as well as providing a sense of purpose. The social aspect of working for Start360 as a volunteer has helped me in making new friends, expanding my network and boosted my social skills. It has been a great way to gain experience working in a new field."

Start360’s volunteer service is designed to support individuals who are looking to volunteer but who experience barriers due to mental health, addiction or involvement in the criminal justice system.

Start360 recognise individuals who have lived experience of these types of issues have many positive attributes to bring to the table though they often face barriers to accessing the experience and learning they need to carry out such work. At Start360 we are committed to facilitating an environment for change and Start360's volunteer program aims to reduce these barriers by providing an environment where individuals will gain skills and experience needed to progress on their journey.

As a volunteer you will be able to see how organisations work, assist in running programs, shadow experienced workers and gain qualifications whilst with the program.

Successful participation in the volunteer service will require a level of commitment, though this commitment will be rewarded. Internal and potential external training will be provided in a way which best suits each individual volunteer and further support will be provided by the team you will be working with and a designated worker.

We aim to have you skilled up and ready to move forward to further education or employment in a time frame which suits you. We truly value our volunteers and the work and contribution they make and, in turn, we are committed to building them up into skilled workers

For more information please contact Johnny Moore: 028 9043 5810 | johnny.Moore@Start360.org