Address:
373-375 Springfield Road
Belfast BT12 7DG
Northern Ireland

Phone: 028-90-313-945 Fax: 028-90-315-807

E-mail: fsvolunteering@btconnect.com

Forthspring Web page: www.forthspring.org.

BVSer’s Role Title: Youth and Children Programme Volunteer

BVSer’s Immediate Supervisor: Suzanne Thompson Volunteer Co-Ordinator

Role Description:

The Youth and Children Programme Volunteer will assist in the planning, and implementation of programmes for youth and children. They will be part of a team of staff and volunteers who will support personal development and relationship building. An important part of this project is face to face work with children and young people from both the Protestant and Catholic traditions. The overall aim of the project are to create a safe, friendly environment where children and youth can grow as individuals and ultimately build relationships across the divisions that exist within our neighbourhood long the peace wall.

The Youth and Children’s Programme Volunteer will be engaged in Afterschools Club for the children and evening Youth activities. They will be working up to four evening per week. In the summer they will be assisting in providing special summer programs for children and youth. During the year them may on occasion take part in special overnight trips away for children or youth. They will be expected to volunteer for 35 hours per week with time off for hours worked in the excess of this. They will receive 30 days off for per year as well as local statutory holidays.

Minimum requirements

Age 21

Flexible, compassionate, patient, enthusiastic, creative, and enjoys working with children and youth. Good social skills are essential for this post. We need people committed to reconciliation work.

Preferred experience

A university degree in teaching, physical education, outdoor education, or social work. Experience in working with inner city children and young people.

Abilities

We are looking for someone who is creative and self-motivated. Skills in art, crafts, music, sports, outdoor activities, good group work skill would be valuable.

Description of project/organization:

Forthspring is an inter-community partnership between the Currach Community, Cornerstone Community, and Springfield Road Methodist Church and serves the communities of the mid-Springfield Road + Woodvale areas of West Belfast. We are located right along the Peace Wall that physically divides the road and symbolises all the divisions, pain, and mistrust within our neighbourhood. Our partnership has grown out of a desire between local Catholic and Protestants to work together for the betterment of their community. Our aim is to provide a friendly and open environment where people of all backgrounds, ethnic, or political persuasion can meet and build relationship across this divided community. We serve people of all ages in our local community.

Housing

The BVS volunteer will be housed close to Forthspring in a house shared with other international volunteers.

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