Volunteer FAQs

Is there an age limit to volunteering?

Yes, you must be 16 or over to volunteer with us.

What training will I receive?

As we work with children and young people it is important that you receive safeguarding training and understand our safeguarding policy. This is covered in our initial training session, and refreshed every 3 years. We also occasionally send round free training opportunities which are related to the role when they are available, but these are optional.

Will you pay for my travel?

Yes, Little Green Pig are able to reimburse any travel costs from within Brighton and Hove which volunteers incur when traveling to workshops.

Do I need any qualifications?

You do not need any formal qualifications to volunteer with us at Little Green Pig. We do ask that you are enthusiastic, and can speak and write in English.

Can I volunteer with a friend?

The vast majority of our workshops require multiple volunteers so yes you are very welcome to volunteer with a friend, however during the workshop you may not be working together as story mentors work with small groups of children.

If you would like to have support for your first few workshops we have a shadowing scheme where you can be paired up with a current mentor to allow you to understand the role more and get to know the children before supporting a group on your own.

I work full time Monday-Friday, can I still volunteer?

Most of our workshops take place after school between the hours of 14:45 and 17:00 so this may not suit those who have commitments during these times. However, we do run one weekend workshops and events such as our Brighton Festival Takeover Weekend, and weekend projects, such as Amplified, so this might be an option for you if you want to get involved but are unable to commit to a regular After School Club.

Do I need a DBS check to volunteer?

Yes before volunteering you will need an enhanced DBS check and this is something which we will organise and pay for.

What will I get out of volunteering?

Volunteering is an opportunity to meet like minded people, gain a sense of purpose, and take an active role in your community. It can be hugely beneficial for individual mental health, as well as giving you great experience within a creative role. It is an excellent experience to add to your CV, and we are happy to provide references for the future.

Is there an opportunity to lead workshops or make suggestions?

Yes! Story Mentors play an active role in our workshops, and always have a brief before and debrief after to offer feedback and suggestions for what went well, and what could have perhaps been improved upon. Volunteers are always welcome to present suggestions for projects or activities, either by contacting the Workshop Leader directly, or the Volunteer Manager. Volunteers are also welcome to lead parts of workshops if they feel confident doing so.

Do I need to be able to drive?

No! The vast majority of our workshops are accessible via public transport and we can reimburse the cost of this.

Can I volunteer with Little Green Pig as part of a placement for School/College/University?

Yes, you can volunteer with us as part of a placement, please email our volunteer manager Sally on sally@littlegreenpig.org.uk for more information.

Are your workshops wheelchair accessible?

Our office and the vast majority of our workshops are accessible for wheelchair users.

Can you meet my access requirements?

At Little Green Pig we will always do our best to ensure our volunteering opportunities are accessible to all. If you have any access requirements and would like to discuss this further please contact our volunteer manager Sally, sally@littlegreenpig.org.uk, or you can call us on 01273 234 776, or text us on 07930 345968.

Can I volunteer at a workshop which my children are attending?

Yes, Story Mentors can sign up to workshops which their children are attending.

I can’t commit to the same days each week, can I still volunteer?

Yes! Some volunteers attend the same After School Club weekly while others attend various clubs as and when they can. We understand that everyone’s schedule is different.

Have a question which wasn’t answered here? Feel free to get in touch with our volunteer manager Sally and she will get back to you.
Email: sally@littlegreenpig.org.uk
Call: 01273 234 776
Text: 07930 345968