Volunteer Roles

If you are excited about joining YLF as a volunteer, view our roles below and start making a difference today

YLF volunteers are the backbone of our mission, dedicating thousands of hours each year to make a tremendous impact in our local community. Their efforts create positive change for young people, and without them, we simply couldn’t function.

You can make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life and we’re confident it will make a positive impact on yours, too! Read an intro to each role below or click through for more info on each programme…

Volunteer Roles

Mentor

YLF Mentors support emotional wellbeing, build skills and positive aspirations, and develop self-confidence, based on goals set by young people. There are various mentoring roles including 1-2-1, small groups, within schools, the community, and as part of our care leavers offer – or read more about our Therapeutic Alliance mentoring below:

Mentoring

Youth Worker

YLF Legends Programme offers a fun, supportive environment for disadvantaged young people across Kent. Volunteer Youth Workers can engage in weekly groups, half-term events, overnight camps, day trips, and educational opportunities, helping young people to form valuable life skills. Read more about our Legends programme below:

Legends

Befriender

YLF supports young people in care by connecting them with a volunteer Befriender who provides advice, companionship, and has a long-term interest in their wellbeing. These ‘Independent Visitors’ offer consistency, helping them develop social skills, build self-esteem, and gain confidence in exploring new interests. Read about Befriending below:

Befriending

Appropriate Adult

An Appropriate Adult ensures fair and proper conduct while a young person (10-17) or vulnerable adult is in police custody. Required by law, this role is usually filled by a parent or carer. YLF volunteers step in when needed, dedicating over 10,000 hours annually to support detainees’ rights and understanding.

Appropriate Adults

Accompanying Adult

Volunteer Accompanying Adults support unaccompanied children in immigration age assessments ensuring fairness and understanding. They help the child understand procedures and rights and observe social workers’ conduct. These assessments must follow legal standards.

Accompanying Adults

Trustee

Did you know that our Trustees are volunteers? A Trustee plays a vital role in shaping the future of our charity, providing strategic guidance. They collaborate with other trustees, oversee key decisions, and help to ensure the charity’s long-term success and impact in the community.

Trustee