Volunteer With Us
Make a real difference in the lives of young people in our community.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering with The Walden Shed is an opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people who are at a critical point in their journey. Many of the young people we work with have had negative experiences with adults and institutions — your consistent, positive presence can help rebuild that trust.
Volunteers are not just helpers; they are role models, mentors, and living proof that the community cares. By giving your time, you become part of a young person's story of change.
What Volunteers Do
Support Activities
Help young people with practical, hands-on activities. This might include woodworking, repairs, creative projects, or other skills-based work.
Build Relationships
Simply being present, consistent, and reliable makes a huge difference. Your positive interactions help rebuild trust and confidence.
Share Skills
If you have practical skills — from DIY to gardening to cooking — you can share these with young people in a supportive environment.
Be a Role Model
Young people benefit from seeing adults who are reliable, respectful, and engaged. Your example matters more than you might think.
Listen & Encourage
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is listen. Offering encouragement and belief in a young person can be transformative.
Support the Team
Help with the day-to-day running of the Shed, from setting up activities to tidying up. Every contribution matters.
What We Need
Essential Requirements
- Must be over 18 years old
- Willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check
- Reliable and able to commit to regular attendance
- Patient and non-judgemental
- Willing to follow safeguarding policies
- Able to maintain appropriate boundaries
What We Provide
- Full induction and training
- Safeguarding training
- Ongoing support and supervision
- DBS check (free of charge)
- Opportunity to make a real difference
- References for future opportunities
Time Commitment
We understand that everyone has different availability. We ask for a minimum commitment of a few hours per week on a regular basis. Consistency is important for the young people we work with — they need to know that you'll be there.
We're flexible about exactly when and how often you volunteer, but we do need people who can commit to being reliable over a sustained period. Short-term or one-off volunteering isn't right for this particular setting, as the young people benefit most from building lasting relationships.
Express Your Interest
Interested in volunteering? Email us at team@thewaldenshed.com and we'll be in touch.
Please include the following details:
- Your name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Your location (town/village)
- Skills and experience — tell us about any relevant skills or experience you have, including practical skills, working with young people, or other relevant background
- Your availability — when are you typically available to volunteer? (e.g., weekday mornings, Saturday afternoons)
- Why you want to volunteer with The Walden Shed
- DBS status — do you have a current DBS certificate? (Enhanced, Basic/Standard, willing to obtain one, or on the DBS Update Service)