Volunteer
Volunteers are the “Magic” key to our success
Volunteering with Cheshire Young Carers is a meaningful way to build skills, gain experience, and make a real difference in the lives of young carers. With personalised training and ongoing support, we help every volunteer find the role that suits them best — creating a balance of fun, challenge, and reward.
What magic could you bring?
- Transform a young carer’s life
- Offer opportunities they may never have access to without you
- Experience the joy of giving something back
Volunteering Opportunities
All our current volunteering roles are activity‑based, giving you the chance to support young carers directly through sessions, trips, and events. You’ll find a range of opportunities below, but if none feel like the right match, please get in touch — we’re always open to shaping a role around your skills and interests. Whether you’re passionate about gaming, beauty, or another specialist hobby, we’d be excited to explore creating a one‑off workshop for young carers together
School Holiday Respite Programmes
During every school holiday, we run full‑day activities and excursions to give young carers a chance to relax, have fun, and enjoy being children. Volunteers play a hands‑on role by supporting our staff throughout the day — helping with activities, supervising groups, and creating a positive, safe environment. You can volunteer as often or as occasionally as you like; every day makes a difference.
Time Commitment: 1–3 days per week during school holidays
Fortnightly Respite Sessions
Across Cheshire, we host regular two‑hour activity sessions for young carers. Volunteers help our staff run activities, engage with the young people, and support the smooth running of each session. These take place in Chester, Ellesmere Port, Winsford, Northwich and Crewe – However, we hope to open more locations in the future.
Time Commitment: 3 hours per session (attend as many or as few as you choose)
After‑School Respite Sessions
These sessions take place in schools at the end of the school day and offer young carers a safe space to unwind, connect with peers, and build friendships. Volunteers support staff by helping run activities and engaging with the group. We’re expanding this offer, so if you’re available between 4pm and 6pm and can support a local school every couple of weeks, we’d love to hear from you.
Time Commitment: 3 hours per session (fortnightly or as available)
Residentials
If you have experience in Guides, Scouts, youth work, or similar residential settings, this role may be perfect for you. Volunteers support staff during overnight trips, helping create memorable, confidence‑building experiences for young carers. These residentials are consistently rated as the most impactful events we deliver.
Time Commitment: 2 days plus an overnight stay (usually weekends)