Sports & Outdoor Activities Volunteer, Throughout Northern Ireland

We are looking for sports and outdoor activity enthusiasts who have a keen desire to share their skills and make a difference in the lives of others. This role is ideal for those pursuing a career in sport or coaching and who wish to gain experience or those who would simply love the opportunity to share their passion. Whether you are keen footballer, boxer, runner or hillwalker, we would love to hear from you.  

How you will make an impact

As one of our Sport and Outdoor Activities Volunteers, you will have the opportunity to:

• Motivate clients to participate in sports and outdoor activities and in doing so, promote positive mental wellbeing and reduce social isolation.
• Facilitate sports and outdoor activity sessions for clients on a 1-1 basis or in small groups.
• Support clients to develop confidence and increase their self-esteem in a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Assist clients in setting goals and encouraging them to achieve these.
• Assist clients to access sports and outdoor activity opportunities in their local communities.

We’re with you every step of the way

As a Simon Community NI volunteer, you’ll receive excellent ongoing support from a supervisor, our Volunteer Coordinator and existing volunteers. Before beginning your volunteering, you will receive a full induction and any necessary training, ensuring you feel a valuable member of the team from the start.

In addition to this you will also have the opportunity to:

• Be part of a team dedicated to ending homelessness.
• Enhance your CV by using and developing your interpersonal and communication skills
• Receive out of pocket expenses as outlined in our Volunteer Expenses Policy.

The skills and personality we are looking for

• Enthusiasm and passion for sport and the great outdoors!
• Motivation to support individuals who are experiencing homelessness
• An empathetic and non-judgemental outlook
• Excellent communication and timekeeping skills.
• The ability to work in a team but also able to think on your feet
• Able to work with people who may present with complex needs
• Open to learning

Your commitment

We are looking for someone who would be available 2-3 hours per week, ideally for six months. There is flexibility for this role and we can discuss this further with you.

We would also ask that you commit to the following:

• Demonstrate Simon Community NI values of being non-judgmental and client-led.
• Willingness to attend supervision and training to develop you further in your volunteer role.
• Operate within all relevant Simon Community NI policies and guidelines, including safeguarding, health and safety, equal opportunities and confidentiality.

Essential checks we will need to complete with you

When you apply to volunteer with us, we will need to process some routine pre-volunteering checks. These will include an Enhanced Access NI check (free for all volunteers). For us to complete the check we will ask you to provide relevant documentation at your interview.

You will also be asked to provide two satisfactory references. Please note that unfortunately we cannot accept references from family members, or partners.

Ready to apply?

You can apply for this role online following the link below. Please make sure you complete all sections of your application form, giving as much detail as you can.

When you submit your application, we will be in touch with you with information on the next steps.  If you experience any problems with your application, please get in touch with us via email or phone.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Apply online

Apply online at https://www.simoncommunity.org/get-involved/volunteer or contact our Volunteer Coordinator via [email protected]