Residential Community Volunteer

Location: In our City community (north Edinburgh) or at our Farm community house (rural location near Wilkieston). You might move between both, if needed.

At the Farm community, you will live in a studio bedroom. In the City Community, you will share a room with another volunteer. You will live alongside the young residents who you are supporting.

You will not pay for rent or bills (including internet). We will also cover your food costs, and provide a weekly subsistence allowance.

Time: Full time living in the community for minimum 6-9 months. You have 2 days off per week to explore, rest and have fun.

You will also have holidays, which includes a small holiday allowance. You can take time off to explore Scotland, the rest of the UK and further abroad.

Visa requirements: If you are applying from outside the UK (and are not a British citizen or resident in the UK), we will help you get a Temporary Worker (Charity) visa.

What are our City and Farm communities?

The purpose of our residential communities is to offer a space for young people to develop their confidence, skills and abilities to live independently. We want to empower them to eventually move to a more sustainable living environment on their own. Living with volunteers helps residents see alternative ways of coping with life, problems and issues.

We partner with social work organisations and the local council to make this happen. The two Communities have up to 15 residents (aged 18-30) in total, who come to live there because they were homeless. Up to 6 volunteers live with the residents between 6-9 months throughout the year. They are always supported by our team, who assess the residents, provide them guidance, uphold the rules and agreements, and have overall responsibility for everyone in the communities.

What will you do as a volunteer?

You will be living alongside young people who have experienced homelessness. You will support them and help look after your shared spaces, as this is your home together. Some might struggle to engage or have behaviours that are challenging. Residents may also have learning difficulties, mental health issues, disabilities, or are dealing with trauma.

This can affect how they interact with you or other residents, or struggle to follow rules. Your main part will be to creating a positive living environment and experiences, which will help move people towards a more positive future.

You will be part of a team including other volunteers, who contribute to the running of the community. Your tasks will be varied and can include:

• Being a peer mentor and staying in touch with the residents
• Accompanying a resident to appointments
• Helping a resident to cook a meal for the whole community
• Offering guidance on different topics and issues
• Organise activities, which can be walks, cycling, board games night, karaoke, tea and cake (whatever your interests) for the residents to come along.
• Help the residents develop the skills and confidence to move forward in life and become more independent.
• Leading or supporting residents to shop and cook food.
• Sharing information about the residents to Cyrenians employees, including concerns, feedback from activities or interactions that you have had with them.
• Help create a fun, secure and stimulating space for everyone
• Working together with your fellow volunteer(s) to agree who is volunteering when and arranging time off.

We will provide support and training needed for you to engage with the tasks and young people in a safe manner. Support, supervision and team meetings are regularly every month. Our team is there to support you and the residents. 

You can find more details about this volunteering opportunity in the decription below.