Volunteer in children's centres and youth hubs

Children's centres and youth hubs support the needs of children of a range of ages and are essential in achieving positive outcomes for young people and their families as part of the support package offered by Early Help and Preventative Services (EHPS).

There are 85 children’s centres and 12 youth hubs across Kent. Each one has a team consisting of a Delivery Manager, Senior Early Help Worker, Early Help Worker, Early Help Support Worker, Business Support and volunteers.

Volunteering roles in children's centres and youth hubs could include:

• creating a welcoming environment for children, young people and their families by manning reception
• supporting the Early Help Worker in delivering group work
• helping to create flyers, posters and display boards
• helping with art sessions and workshops.

Read about how you can benefit from volunteering with us.

Children's centres

Children’s centres provide services for young children and their families. They also provide advice and assistance to parents and prospective parents to enable them to access services elsewhere.

Services offered by children's centres include:

• childcare
• early education
• training or finding a new job
• antenatal classes
• baby clinics
• support with breastfeeding
• support with parenting and speech and language
• drop-in sessions for parents and children
• services for children with special needs and disabilities
  opportunities for families to get involved with volunteering and designing services.

Youth hubs

Youth hubs offer young people a safe space to explore their identity, experience decision-making, increase their confidence, develop inter-personal skills.

Youth hubs provide young people with access to universal youth services in their local area, including evening and weekend activities.

Targeted, evidence based youth work within the youth hub settings ensures intervention as early as possible to ensure wellbeing.

Services offered by youth hubs include:

• support for young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET)
• youth forums to ensure the needs of young people are at the centre of everything we do
• focused group work with children and young people from vulnerable groups
• international trips and residential services
• educational informative visits from professionals such as Public Health
• support for young people to access further opportunities within Early Help and Preventative Services such as outdoor education, participation and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Apply

View and apply for vacancies in your preferred area of Kent below.

If you need further information or support with your application, email earlyhelpimprovement@kent.gov.uk.