We want to recruit and train a small number of adults who can provide 1 to 1 support to our tenants. We expect a buddy to meet with a tenant regularly; to go to the coffee shop, take part in an exercise class or help the tenant volunteer. A buddy will be trained to provide appropriate support and will meet tenants in a public place.    ​

Description of the role:
The role of a volunteer buddy is to:
- Provide one to one or small group support to young people to promote their independence and integration into the community
- Build safe and trusting relationships with young people to increase their support network and reduce loneliness
- Be a positive role model to motivate, inspire and raise young people's aspirations
- Encourage participation in a range of positive or volunteering activities to increase independence and confidence in self
- To provide written feedback after sessions to ensure open and transparent communication with staff and other support workers
- To share ideas and feedback to the team to ensure that opportunities for activities are relevant and meet the needs of the individual
- To attend relevant training for the role
- To carry out the work in a non-judgemental way
- Be open and honest about own challenges whilst buddying and be able to reflect and feedback about the scheme

Skills and qualities needed for the role:- Good communication and interpersonal skills when working with others
- Self-motivated, reliable and organised
- Active listening skills
- Ability to relate to young people and establish rapport
- Relevant knowledge and experience to be able to provide the right level of support – e.g. youth work, teaching, mentoring
- Good level of written communication skills and ideally experience with writing supporting statements, CVs and applications
- Ability to use questions and constructive feedback to enhance service development
- Flexibility
- Patient with a positive attitude
- Empathetic and understanding of the issues young people face
- Supportive and encouraging
- Able to inspire, empower and motivate young people
- Able to help young people develop to reach their potential
- Willing to take on a challenge and make the project a success

What is in it for me?
- Gain experience and transferable skills with working with young people, those with mental health challenges or those facing isolation
- Receive training and support to develop skills and awareness of young people, safeguarding and homelessness
For more information or an application for please contact us. 
This role will require a DBS check as you will be working with young people and vulnerable adults. We will only select volunteers who are able to provide the qualities above, and have a positive and non-judgemental attitude. Full training and support will be given. 

We are seeing lots of press and information about universal credit, homelessness and mental health in young people. However often people dont think that these issues are affecting people locally in Ripon. 
In November for Children In Need BBC 3 showed Stacey Dooley The Young and Homeless. We felt that this was a good representation of the situation locally. If you want to see what its like to be young and homeless, then please take a look on I player or You Tube. 

Ripon YMCA have produced a leaflet with information about Local Organisations and Services for Homeless People or those at Risk of Homelessness. 

We worked in partnership with Harrogate Borough Council, Harrogate Homeless Project, Ripon Food Bank and the Salvation Army to help inform people of the services available. 

We are often asked where should people go and who can support them. 
Sometimes people are fully aware of their rights and support services available, but they choose not to engage. 

Click here to view the leaflet