Vacancy type: Volunteer

Trustee

Monday 1st January 2024

As a charity we support a diverse community of children, young people, and families in and around Surrey. We know that diverse teams not only better reflect the communities we serve, but they also perform better. We are committed to achieving greater diversity at every level of our organisation, including the Board, and we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

For 30 years now Eikon has been committed to ensuring that children and young people have someone to turn to when life gets tough. Our work changes lives, and our staff and volunteers are dedicated to helping children and young people to be safe, and to feel heard, empowered, and to thrive. 

We have grown significantly over recent years and are now working to support thousands of children, young people, and families across Surrey. Part of this growth is due to the incredible support of our highly skilled and dedicated Board of Trustees.

Eikon is seeking two new trustees to join our board. Our trustees bring a range of skills and experience and use their expertise to oversee the strategic direction, governance, core policies, financial oversight, legal compliance, and general performance of the charity to meet its charitable purposes.

Trustees also empower the senior leadership team who take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the charity. Trustees do not need to have senior management experience but do need to be inquisitive. We meet, at a minimum, five times per year.

We would love to discuss this opportunity to serve as a Trustee. We are not looking for previous Trustee experience and would welcome first time Trustees. We encourage applications, though not exclusively, from Black and Asian backgrounds. Training will be provided and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Please get in touch if you have some of the below interests:

  • A passion and commitment to Eikon’s beliefs and values and equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Experience, at any level, in charity and/or business processes and procedures or the development and implementation of strategies (business, commercial and/or charity/volunteer). 
  • Skills in representing a charity or voluntary organisation and engaging with external stakeholders, and/or building external relationships. 
  • Awareness of business, commercial and/or charity management accounts and reporting. 
  • A practical understanding of the importance of safeguarding for young people and for employees/volunteers/carers who work with them.

Volunteer Mentor

Thursday 2nd February 2023

Mentoring is a simple but effective way for an individual to provide support to a young person who may be going through a challenging time or struggling to make important decisions. Eikon Mentors offer support on a weekly basis to form positive 1:1 relationships with young people aged 11-18, who are experiencing difficulties in their lives and want to make a change. The mentoring programme equips young people to improve their resilience and prevents low level emotional mental health challenges from escalating.

We are currently looking for volunteers to join our mentoring programme and support young people in the following schools in Surrey during term time:

  • Fullbrook School – Runnymede
  • Kings College- Guildford
  • Farnham Heath End School – Farnham
  • Weydon School- Farnham
  • Woolmer Hill School- Haslemere

Role:

  • Developing positive one-to-one relationships with young people who may be experiencing difficulties in their lives and/or want to make a change in their lives.
  • Listening to and supporting young people, showing empathy and understanding, whilst remaining non-judgmental and caring.
  • Engaging with young people to motivate, inspire, encourage potential and set goals.
    Respecting the confidentiality of young people whilst establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries.
  • Keeping accurate records of mentoring sessions using Eikon’s database system.
  • Reporting any safeguarding or welfare concerns that arise.
  • To work within Eikon’s internal policies, safeguarding and data protection regulations.
  • Offering at least 2 hours per week time commitment, in school, term time only.

What skills do I need?:

  • An understanding of current issues relating to young people.
  • Able to communicate and listen to young people who may be facing challenging times with low level mental health presentations effectively.
  • Being passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.
  • Empathy and Patience.
  • Reliable, Punctual and Committed.
  • IT Literacy

What’s in it for you?:

Volunteer mentors will receive a thorough induction training before commencing their role in school and will have the opportunity of ongoing training and development throughout their time volunteering with Eikon.

You will also receive regular one to one supervision and support with the Mentoring Manager and participate in team meetings. Out of pocket expenses will be agreed in advance.

Other benefits of volunteering include:

  • Feeling like you’re making a difference
  • Get experience of working with young people
  • Experience for your CV
  • Supporting your local community
  • Meeting new people
  • Increasing self-confidence
  • Improving your own health and wellbeing
  • a chance to support a children’s charity in Surrey