As a HAF Volunteer Youth Support Assistant at Element Society, you will help deliver exciting, inclusive activities for children and young people during the summer holidays. Working alongside qualified staff, you’ll support the day-to-day running of sessions in our Sheffield youth hub, including arts, sports, music, and games. You’ll play a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming environment; especially for those with SEND or facing disadvantage. Volunteers help ensure every child is included, engaged, and receives a healthy meal. This is a flexible opportunity where you can choose to support primary-aged children or teenagers, and select the days that work for you. Full training is provided, and you’ll gain valuable experience in youth work, safeguarding, and inclusive practice, all while making a real difference to young lives.
VOLUNTEER THIS SUMMER WITH ELEMENT SOCIETY
Help make a difference for children and young people in Sheffield!
We’re delivering our Summer HAF (Holiday Activities & Food) Programme, supporting local children and teenagers with fun, food, and friendship. We are looking for students to join us in delivering this fantastic initiative.
WHO WE NEED:
Students aged 18+ who want to:
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
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Help run creative activities like arts, music, sport, and games
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Support children and teens with a variety of needs
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Shadow trained staff and build great experience
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Make sure every child gets a nutritious meal in a fun, welcoming environment
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN:
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Practical experience in youth work and safeguarding
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Skills in inclusion, team leadership, and communication
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Flexibility – choose the days and weeks that work for you
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A certificate and reference from Element Society
WHEN & WHERE:
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Primary Programme: 29 July – 22 August | Tues–Thurs | 10am – 2pm
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Teenage Programme: 5 August – 15 August | Tues–Fri | 3pm – 7pm
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All sessions take place at:
Element Society, Yorkshire House, 66 Leopold Street, Sheffield, S1 2GZ
You’re welcome to get in touch for an informal chat about the role.
No CV needed – just enthusiasm and a willingness to support others!
Overview of Project
Element Society is proud to be delivering the Department for Education-funded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme again this summer. Running from our city-centre youth hub in Sheffield, the programme provides enriching activities and nutritious meals for children and young people who may experience disadvantage, isolation, or food insecurity during the school holidays.
We are delivering two tailored programmes: one for primary-aged children (4–11 years) and one for teenagers (12–16 years). Sessions include arts and crafts, indoor sports, dance, music and more; offered in an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment. We welcome children with SEND and ensure accessible one-to-one support where needed.
Our goal is to reduce holiday hunger and social isolation while creating space for joy, connection, and personal growth. Through fun, food, and friendship, HAF offers vital early intervention that supports wellbeing and strengthens communities.
This is youth work with real purpose, right where it is needed most.
This Role Involves
Supporting the delivery of Element Society’s HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme, which provides enriching, inclusive sessions for children and young people during the summer holidays. As a volunteer, you will assist in a range of fun activities including arts and crafts, music, dance, games, and indoor sports. You’ll work alongside trained staff to ensure that every participant feels welcome, safe, and included—particularly those with additional needs or facing disadvantage.
Volunteers help set up and run activities, support individual engagement, and contribute to a positive group environment. The role also includes helping ensure all young people receive a nutritious meal and understand the importance of healthy choices. You’ll gain experience in youth engagement, safeguarding, and inclusive practice, while building confidence and communication skills. This is a hands-on opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of children and teenagers across Sheffield.
Location
Yorkshire House, 66 Leopold Street, Sheffield, S1 2GZ
Skills/Experience Required
Skills/Experience Required*
A genuine interest in working with children and young people
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Friendly, patient, and approachable manner
Ability to work well as part of a team
Willingness to get involved in a range of creative and physical activities
Open-minded and inclusive, with a commitment to supporting all young people
Reliable and punctual
Willingness to undertake training, including safeguarding and youth engagement
No prior experience needed – full training and support will be provided
*Applicants must be aged 18 or over. Previous experience working with children, young people, or individuals with additional needs is welcome but not essential.
Benefits to Others
By volunteering on this programme, you will make a direct and lasting difference in the lives of children and young people in Sheffield. Many of the young people we work with face barriers such as food insecurity, social isolation, or limited access to safe and positive activities during the school holidays. Your time and support will help create a space where they feel welcomed, valued, and included.
You will contribute to:
Reducing holiday hunger by helping deliver healthy meals
Creating fun and enriching experiences that build confidence and social skills
Supporting children and teenagers to feel safe, connected, and inspired
Enabling young people with additional needs to access inclusive opportunities
Strengthening families and communities through meaningful engagement
Your involvement helps ensure that every child has the chance to enjoy their summer, make new friends, and grow in a safe and supportive environment.
Benefits to the Volunteer
Volunteering on the this programme is a rewarding way to build confidence, develop practical skills, and gain experience working with children and young people. You’ll receive full training in safeguarding, inclusion, and youth engagement, and have the chance to shadow experienced staff. This is ideal experience for careers in education, youth work, social care, or community leadership. You’ll also gain a reference, make new connections, and be part of a supportive team making a real impact in your community; all while having fun and learning something new every day.
Role Duration
Role Duration
This is a short-term voluntary role during the summer school holidays.
Primary Programme: 29 July to 22 August 2025 (Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10am – 2pm)
Teenage Programme: 5 August to 15 August 2025 (Tuesdays to Fridays, 3pm – 7pm)
Volunteers are not required to commit to the full duration. You can choose the weeks, days, and age group that suit your availability. Flexible scheduling is available.
Time Commitment (hours Per week/month/year, etc)
TBC
Training Information
All new volunteers will be required to attend a one-day training and induction session before starting their role. This will ensure you feel confident, prepared, and supported in working with children and young people.
The training will cover:
Safeguarding and child protection
Working with children and teenagers from diverse backgrounds
Supporting young people with additional needs (SEND)
Behaviour support and positive engagement strategies
Health and safety, emergency procedures, and reporting
Overview of the HAF programme and Element Society values
Site induction and role expectations
Time Commitment:
The training will take place in late July and will last one full day (approx. 10am – 4pm). You’ll be notified of available dates after applying. Attendance is essential for all new volunteers.
Expenses Information
We want to ensure that volunteering is accessible to everyone. All volunteers are entitled to have the following reasonable expenses reimbursed:
Travel Costs: Public transport fares (bus/tram/train) or mileage if using your own vehicle. Receipts or proof of travel may be required.
Lunch Allowance: A contribution towards lunch will be provided for each day you volunteer, or a meal may be provided on site depending on the session.
Full guidance on how to claim expenses will be provided.