Join our passionate team to help others
We seek to recruit the most diverse team of enthusiastic volunteers imaginable. The wealth of skills, careers and interests that our volunteers represent is one of our greatest strengths. We are a fully inclusive organisation with no upper age limit!
Why become a volunteer?
Our initial and ongoing training is thorough which means our volunteers feel confident and well-prepared.
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Our one-day training is comprehensive and includes everything that you need to know about safeguarding. We always train in small groups so our sessions are informal giving you plenty of time to share ideas, ask questions and get to know us and the other new volunteers. We’ll also help you to apply for a DBS check and cover the cost.
Meet our volunteer support managers
Louise Parry
Volunteer Support Team Manager
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I joined Passion for Learning as a Volunteer Manager in June 2019 before becoming Volunteer Support Team Manager in September 2022. Prior to this I was a Deputy Manager and SENDCO of a charity run pre-school. I have always been passionate about working with children and helping each individual to achieve their full potential. I feel privileged to be a part of the organisation, working alongside our wonderful team of volunteers and the children they support. I am mum to two wonderful children, 22 and 19 and enjoy reading, cooking and walking in my spare time.
Catherine Adams
Volunteer Support Manager
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Working with young children has always been my passion and it has been expressed through many years teaching in primary schools here and abroad, raising my own family and in church children’s work and holiday clubs. After ‘time out’ to be at home with our two girls when younger, I began volunteering with Passion for Learning, and loved supporting children in school – helping them develop in confidence and self-esteem through activities, chat and play. I loved it so much I joined the team of Volunteer Support Managers and am excited to support other volunteers in giving their time, enthusiasm and expertise to children in local schools. There is nothing better than building a relationship with a child, and seeing them flourish and grow. Outside work I love all things creative and outdoors – singing, sewing, cooking, theatre, hill walking, camping and exploring abroad when I can.
Ben Roycroft
Volunteer Support Manager
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My passion has always been supporting people and helping them develop. I studied Physical Education and School Sport at Sheffield Hallam University and then completed a Primary PGCE at the University of Chester. After being a primary school teacher and also working and volunteering abroad, I moved into the care sector. I began as a support worker and worked my way up to managing two supported living services in Chester, supporting male adults with learning difficulties and mental health problems. I appreciate the importance of being able to give something back whilst helping people achieve their goals and how the smallest thing can create so much joy in someone’s life. I was aware of all the wonderful things Passion for Learning were doing for children and communities around Cheshire and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
In my spare time, I love to socialise with my family and friends, play football, go on trail runs or spend my weekends on long walks in the Lake District.
One to One Support Volunteers
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Spend time each week with children who need some special time to help them during their school day. The children rely on the consistency their volunteer brings each week and absolutely love the time they spend together which means the results can sometimes be life changing. We work really closely with schools and our volunteers to make sure that each session is fun and inspiring.
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We have hundreds of books, games, craft materials, jigsaws, science sets and much more which all volunteers have full access to at any time. In addition to this, if children or volunteers have something very specific that they would like to use in their sessions, we can support them with this by providing focussed resources or materials.
After school Enrichment Clubs
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Our clubs run for an hour at the end of the school day. Children enjoy a substantial snack together, play games, make crafts, enjoy books and spend time with volunteers to encourage their confidence, knowledge and skills.
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Enrichment Club sessions are often themed and make connections with national or international events e.g. the World Cup, the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landings and even ‘Brexit’ to explore the concept of democracy.
Minibus Drivers
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Our Passion for Learning minibus enables us to take the children on fantastic trips and outings. We have a Whatsapp group for our Volunteer Drivers so they can easily see which driving opportunities they can sign up for.
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We would welcome applications from anyone wishing to assist with driving the minibus. A full, clean license is required as well as a DBS check and volunteers will also need to attend a full day training session at a trusted MIDAS registered training firm.
Events and Other Activities
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There are several other ways in which you can get involved. We have trips, events and activities throughout the year such as Nature Play sessions, Gardening and Book Clubs, Careers Carnival and much, much more. There really is something for everyone!
How Can You Volunteer?
The process of becoming a volunteer is simple, informal and supportive. Prospective volunteers can apply online, give us a call or drop us an email. One of our Team will get back to you as quickly as possible to arrange for us to meet you.
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Every volunteer needs to apply for a criminal records check (known as a DBS) but we do the application with you, process it and pay for it. Once you are happy that you understand the commitment and would like to join our Team we will arrange for you to attend one of our training sessions usually held at our head office in Ellesmere Port.
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Our training is comprehensive and includes everything that you need to know about safeguarding. We always train in small groups so our sessions are informal giving you plenty of time to share your ideas, ask questions and get to know us and the other new volunteers.
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We would love you to join our volunteering team!
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Please click below to complete our online application form and a member of our volunteer team will be in touch.