We’re currently recruiting volunteers!
Interested? Please read on… and check out our Volunteer leaflet!
CHIPS has an amazing group of people who are dedicated volunteers. Without them CHIPS simply could not exist. Joining in the CHIPS fun as a volunteer can be a hugely rewarding experience and in return you will be helping make such a positive difference to the children and their families.
If you are a dedicated, fun and caring sort of person who has some time to spare then why not consider joining CHIPS as a volunteer. We offer volunteering opportunities both at our schemes, and in a fundraising capacity helping out at events etc.
What does the role entail?
Please see our Volunteers Roles and Responsibilities document for more information on the role of a Volunteer at CHIPS. If you’re a young volunteer you’ll also get the chance to take part in our Volunteer Accreditation Scheme. See more below.
Who can apply to be a Volunteer?
- CHIPS accept applications to become a volunteer from anyone who is aged 12 or above.
- CHIPS welcome people who are looking for somewhere to complete their ‘service’ section of the Duke of Edinburgh award.
- CHIPS requires a minimum of 6 months regular volunteering as a commitment, as we invest training and staff time for our new volunteers.
Process to become a Fundraising Volunteer at CHIPS
- If you are interested in helping out at our fundraising events, just drop an email to Info@chipsplay.org and pop a note in the email that you’d like to be contacted when we are looking for volunteers for any of our fundraising events. We’ll then be in touch when one is coming up – there’s no long term commitments to CHIPS needed, but if you put your name down for an event, you’ll be relied upon to be there and help make the event happen.
- If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at CHIPS please read through the volunteer leaflet below and contact the CHIPS office using the details on the ‘Contact Us’ page of this website to see where we are recruiting volunteers for if there is no notice at the top of this page. Our Volunteering Coordinator can be reached on 07496 249919 or volunteering@chipsplay.org.
- Fill in this Young Volunteers Application Form or Adult volunteer Application Form and send it to us via email or post.
- You’ll need to sign our Confidentiality Form too as part of your sign up process.
- If you are over 16 you will need to be DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked. This sounds scary but it is simply a check for criminal records and other relevant information so that CHIPS can check suitability to work with our children. This will be undertaken by CHIPS and all we ask you to do is fill in a few forms.
Benefits of Being a Volunteer at CHIPS
- CHIPS can offer specific training where you can learn new skills and develop existing ones.
- It is a great place to meet and make new friends
- CHIPS can be a very rewarding experience and introduction to working with people who have additional needs
Young Volunteer Accreditation Scheme
CHIPS encourages the personal development of the young volunteers via a Bronze, Silver and Gold accreditation scheme. Whilst volunteering at our schemes, you’ll have goals to work toward (if you’d like!) so that you can earn your accreditation with us. Those earning Gold Awards will be invited to our AGM to have them presented! Please see the link below for more details on how it works.
Please Contact Us if you are interested in becoming a volunteer and have any questions.
Files
Young Volunteers Application Form
Adult volunteer Application Form
Young Volunteer Accreditation Scheme
Confidentiality Form
Volunteers Roles and Responsibilities
Hear from our volunteer - Gracie
Gracie Cook, age 14- CHIPS volunteer
Initially I signed up for volunteering with CHIPs to support the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award that I was completing at school. I wanted to build up my confidence with children, particularly special children with individual or complex needs.
I help at Ware CHIPS, held on Saturday afternoons.
I absolutely love it! Initially I liked just having fun with the children. Every week I am designated a new child. I have the responsibility of keeping that child happy and safe through a number of activities. We play games, arts and crafts, outside play on a climbing frame, Lego, dressing up sometimes for fun fashion shows and games on an I-pad.
The experience of CHIPS has made me feel more mature. I like the responsibility and love being with the children. The children are all very different with individual needs. My work at CHIPS has helped me to learn to adapt to support the children’s needs.
The children range from around aged 4 – 17 years old. I tend to be placed with the younger ones as I am one of the younger volunteers. As a young volunteer I am supported by adult leaders who make me feel welcomed and appreciated.
I really look forward to going to CHIPS and leave the session with a great feeling of satisfaction. I do feel that I make a difference as it is nice to have an influence on the children. We have a lot of fun!
I help as much as I can and always offer during school holidays.
I am very grateful to be given the opportunity and would recommend it to everyone.
