Are you looking for a fun and rewarding way to give back to your community?
OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway is a brand-new charity which will provide thousands of young people from across Thurrock with a safe and inspiring place to spend their leisure time.
Open seven days a week, it will offer over 20 activities every session, supporting young people to lead healthier, happier, more aspirational lives.
As a charity, we need support from an amazing team of volunteers to make this happen! As a volunteer you get the chance to meet new people, learn new skills, have fun and most importantly, make a huge difference in your community.
We’re not recruiting until 2027, but if it sounds like something you’d be interested in, then watch this space.
How do I become a volunteer?
OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway opens in (Insert Date) with most of our volunteering opportunities being advertised just before. If you want to register your interest, email (insert email)
Do I need any specific skills to volunteer?
For most of our roles we just ask that you’re passionate about helping young people and there is no prior experience needed! However, there are some roles where we’ll be looking for someone with a particular skill or qualification. Each role description will specify what skills are needed, if any are needed at all.
If I don’t have any experience working or volunteering with young people, can I still apply?
Absolutely! While it’s beneficial if you have some experience working or volunteering with young people, this isn’t essential. We all need to start somewhere, and we’d love to support you in your first role alongside young people.
How much time do I need to commit?
As a volunteer you will not be contracted to any time commitment. That being said, each role description comes with a ‘suggested time commitment’ that we hope you’ll be able to fit into your week. There is always flexibility within any suggested time commitment so please have a chat with us if you’re not able to offer the full amount.
How old do I need to be to volunteer with the Youth Zone?
We ask that all of our volunteers are at least 18 years of age.
I’m not a British national, can I still volunteer?
Generally speaking, this shouldn’t stop you from volunteering. However, we would ask that you check the terms of your visa and demonstrate your eligibility to volunteer during the recruitment process.
I’m receiving benefits. Will volunteering affect these?
Volunteering rarely affects benefits but there is some really helpful information on the NCVO website. You can find the information, here: NCVO – Volunteering and benefits
Will I be interviewed?
The application process for most roles will require you to come in and meet with us for an informal interview. This will take around 45 minutes and will be held by the Volunteer Manager and the Coordinator involved with the specific volunteer role.
What can I expect when I volunteer?
You can expect a clearly defined role within our Youth Zone, a volunteer management specialist you can go to for support and a sessional main contact who will assist you throughout your volunteering journey. You’ll be provided with training, ongoing support and feedback throughout your time with us so that you can develop your skills. As well as this, we’ll ask for your feedback, whilst utilising your skills/experience and continually appreciating your contribution.
Can I leave if I don’t like my role?
As a volunteer you can leave your role at any time. However, if you intend to leave, we’d ask that you give us as much notice as possible so that we don’t have any gaps in our services for Young People.
Can I volunteer from home?
Most of our roles do require volunteers to come into the Youth Zone. However, we do have some roles that require visits less often and some administration tasks which can be done from home. The location of each role will be stated on the respective role description.
Do I get my expense paid?
Yes. We reimburse any expense incurred during your volunteering with us. All expenses need to be claimed back, using a valid receipt and in compliance with our expense policy; but don’t worry, we’ll go through all of this during your induction!
’ve got a criminal record – can I still volunteer?
All of our volunteer roles require an enhanced DBS check. A criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from becoming a volunteer; the decision will depend on the type of offence and its relevance to the volunteering role. If you do have any unspent convictions, please include details in a sealed envelope send to the Youth Zone marked for the attention of Daniel Burns.
Do you offer corporate volunteering opportunities?
Yes we do. Please visit our supporters page for more information, or email enquiries@Thames Gatewayyouthzone.org.
I have a disability; can I still volunteer?
Absolutely! Approximately 10% of Youth Zone members identify as having a disability or additional need, and representation is really important to us. Please
do let us know at your interview of any reasonable adjustments so that we can support you.
I need to volunteer as part of my education, can I do this at OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway?
We do offer placements, but these are organised through local universities and are extremely competitive. Please speak to your placement tutor or email enquiries@Thames Gatewayyouthzone.org.
I’m pregnant, can I still volunteer?
When we are notified that a volunteer is pregnant, we carry out a risk assessment to see if the volunteer role they want to take on is safe for them to do so. If we feel the role poses too many risks, we may be able to make some adjustments or suggest another volunteer role.
My child wants to attend the youth zone, can I still volunteer?
This will be reviewed on a case by case basis but we’ll do all we can to make it happen for you both!
Our Values
Young People First
Young people are at the heart
of everything we do, inspiring
and challenging us to deliver
services that exceed their
needs and challenge them to
be the best they can be.
Excellence
We encourage ourselves and each other to be the best we can be through continuous learning and improvement, and a focus on finding solutions.
Respect
We act with honesty and integrity, celebrating diversity across the whole organisation and caring about each other, our young people and the Youth Zone environment.
Ambition
We are passionate and driven in taking on new challenges,
embracing new ideas and exceeding our ambitions for young people,
the Youth Zones and our local communities.
Collaboration
We create and nurture strong, creative partnerships, working together to achieve better results and outcomes for young people.
WORK WITH US
Do you want to be part of a dedicated team working together to change the lives of young people? If so, check out our vacancies