Our Top Supporters

Volunteers

We have the following volunteering opportunities available:

Group Support
Face-to-face work with young people – evenings and Saturdays.

Management Committee members / Trustees
Meeting every 6 weeks to oversee the running of STEP.

Community Fundraisers
If you are unable to commit to a regular time, perhaps helping to raise money for STEP would be more suited to you. If you have any ideas for this or are involved in any events, please get in touch.

Group Support Volunteers

STEP seeks positive adult role models (over 18 years of age) to work alongside Project Workers in small groups of 7 – 18 year olds. Groups are activity based with a therapeutic aim behind them, for example anger management, building self-esteem or improving communication skills could be looked at through art, drama or cooking.

When Required

Weekday evenings, 6-8pm. Volunteers work 1 session per week.

Groups run in approx. 14 week blocks so minimum commitment = 1 full set of groups.

Daytimes – Saturday Project for young people with learning difficulties (11am-1.30pm), August Summer Programme, and half term holidays.

Location

STEP (Nythe Centre) for all groups, training and supervision

Principal Responsibilities

To work with staff to ensure groups are relevant, documented and properly run

Recruitment Method

Application form, Informal Discussion, Group Observation, References, Police Check

Please download an application or contact us for an application pack from STEP on 01793 209180

Skills and Qualifications

  • Enhanced police check (DBS) essential – to be completed during the induction
  • Empathy for young people
  • Flexible and reliable
  • Able to use own initiative
  • Approachable, enthusiastic and keen to “get stuck in!”
  • Must be willing to participate in training and supervision

Expenses

All reasonable travel expenses are paid back. Volunteering at STEP should cost you nothing but your time. Volunteers make regular mileage claims for a personal vehicle or keep public transport tickets for reimbursement by cheque within one week. It is the volunteer’s responsibility to ask for the relevant form and ensure the claim is submitted to the Administrator.

Training

Training is currently being reviewed but sessions include Boundaries, Role of the Volunteer, Safeguarding Young People and Dealing with Difficult Situations.

Testimonials

STEP welcomes feedback from our parents/carers, referrers and stakeholders which in turn helps to shape our service.
STEP has given my child the confidence to try new things and met new people and form friendships with like-minded people.
Parent
I am now able to talk easier with my child.
Parent
We have a big hectic family; STEP has given my daughter time to focus on herself.
Parent
My son is more understanding towards his family and their feelings.
Parent
Less fighting in school now. My daughter is better at walking away from her sister, she will go to her room to avoid arguing.
Parent
Communication between us all has improved. We are not afraid to talk about things now.
Parent
His anger has subsided and he can manage situations better. A happy son means a happier life for us all.
Parent
Great job, thank you. You do everything you can to help. You have been kind, very accommodating and listened to us.
Parent
Over time, STEP has been proven to be the most effective intervention for the young people referred. Swindon would be a much poorer place without STEP.
Referrer
STEP has proved support to our students who are experiencing difficulties at home or school. We see how successful referrals have been, as well as how positive pupil feedback is.
Referrer
I consider STEP to be an invaluable service. I have witnessed first-hand the difference attending STEP has made – developing social skills, building resilience, raising self-esteem and building confidence. The staff are professional and it is clear they are committed to make a real difference to the lives of young people.
Referrer
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Trustees

S.T.E.P is overseen by a committee of Trustees. Members are invited to join on the basis of their interest and skills. New members are voted into position by existing Trustees.

Our Trustees

Act in the best interests of service users (children and young people)

Make sure charity money is spent on the intended purpose

Operate within an organisational structure with set rules

Avoid conflicts of interest / remain independent

Trustees take overall responsibility for everything STEP does, and act collectively to direct it, according to the Charity’s governing document (Constitution).
Governance is concerned with leadership and direction. It is about ensuring STEP has a clear, shared vision of its purpose, what it is aiming to achieve and how in broad terms it will go about doing it.
However, although they have ultimate responsibility, governance is not a role for trustees alone. Trustees must work with managers, staff, volunteers, service users and stakeholders to ensure STEP is properly run and meets the needs for which it was set up.

If you are interested in finding out more about the committee, or becoming a Trustee, please send us an email: stepswindon1@outlook.com