Youth Volunteer at City Farm

Surrey Docks Farm is a working city farm and charity that engages community in farming, food production and the natural environment. 

We deliver a fun and lively Youth Programme for children and young people at the Farm aged 8-18 years old every weekend. We rely on a dedicated team of adult volunteers (aged 18+) to support our experienced Youth Workers in offering a creative, youth-led, outdoor experience.

We’re now recruiting for volunteers who can commit to a regular half day volunteer shift on a weekly basis supporting delivery of our weekend youth clubs for the same ten children each week. It’s important for our young people to have regular volunteers who they get to know and can build a rapport and trust with. Current volunteer vacancies are on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1:45-4:45pm, plus Sunday mornings from 9:45am-12:45pm.

About the roles

Club members get involved with all aspects of a working farm including mucking out and caring for animals, growing their own food, learning about environmental conservation, cooking and traditional craft activities; alongside a focus on youth-led social action projects and development of personal and employability skills. Youth volunteers assist with the delivery of the weekly clubs, supporting young people and helping Youth Workers clear up after sessions.

Our youth volunteer role provides a great opportunity for anyone looking to gain experience in outdoor education, youth work and development of young people; as well as engaging in a meaningful activity giving back to their community. Volunteers receive a free Farm uniform and discount in our riverside cafe, as well as invites to our celebratory events.

Experience with animals, gardening, cooking or crafts is preferable, but more important is someone who is enthusiastic, patient and interested in enabling our young people to thrive and develop.

How to apply:

If you're interested in volunteering with us, full details can be found on our website where you can get in touch by completing our volunteer enquiry form. One of our team will then invite you to a volunteer introduction session where you can find out more about our Youth Programme and discuss what the role involves. 

All volunteers must be committed to promoting the development of young people and will need to undergo an enhanced DBS check, as well as providing two professional or academic references and attend an induction detailing our safeguarding processes and procedures prior to starting.