Volunteering opportunities in Preston

 

The Motivate Volunteer Programme

The Motivate Volunteer Programme has been created to recognise that volunteers are the backbone of sport and physical activity in Preston, and play a vital and valuable role in the provision of services. 

The programme is for people aged 16 years and over with any ability or experience. The opportunities available will help support volunteers in gaining experience in high quality environments such as:

  • sports clubs
  • schools
  • leisure centres
  • events

 

How can I join?

First you need to complete the Motivate volunteer application form and select the volunteer area of your choice. Full descriptions of volunteer opportunities can be found below. Applicants will be short listed and successful candidates will be invited to attend an interview. If you are successful at interview, you will be required to complete an induction. We are committed to safeguarding and protecting young people and vulnerable adults. Therefore all successful volunteers will be required to obtain a DBS Certificate with two references before they can volunteer.

Please note you must reside within the Preston City Council boundary to be eligible for this programme. To find this out enter your postcode into the GOV.UK local authority finder.

 

Why volunteer?

Volunteers play a vital role in community sport all across Preston and without the time, energy and commitment of these people many clubs, team sport sessions and coaching sessions would not be able to run.  In short, volunteers make sport happen.


The importance of volunteering

In recognition of the importance of volunteering, we work with a variety of partner organisations and programmes which are designed to upskill and support volunteers with real life experiences that will:

  • Develop new skills (i.e. enhance personal development)
  • Improve CV (e.g. through recognition of your commitment to helping the community, making a difference and gaining work experience)
  • Opportunity to gain additional qualifications (e.g. coaching badges)
  • Training and development opportunities
  • Make links and partnerships with different organisations in Preston
  • Make new friends
  • Have lots of fun
  • Sports coaching and event experience

Before you think you may not have time to help out and volunteer, think again. You may only need to come along for one or two hours every week, pretty much whatever suits best. And volunteering is a rewarding and satisfying way to put something back into your community.

Become a Climbing Volunteer

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West View Leisure Centre is always looking for volunteers eager to help get people excited about climbing. 


Knowledge skills and abilities

We are looking for someone with the following:

  • passion and enthusiasm for volunteering in a climbing environment
  • good organisational skills
  • good interpersonal and communication skills
  • ability to lead and motive others
  • climbing experience
  • Climbing Wall Award (CWA) or Single Pitch Award (essential)


Roles and responsibilities

  • Volunteers are needed throughout the whole week to help with:
  • Most importantly volunteers should be ready to help create a fun, safe environment for climbers of all ages. 
  • floor walking
  • customer enquiries
  • climbing courses
  • clubs, groups and events
  • session delivery
  • fitting of shoes and harnesses
  • belaying on the roped wall
  • monitoring the bouldering wall

Become a cycling volunteer

The Preston Community Team are working to develop community based cycling opportunities in Preston to support more people to cycle more often.

We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help deliver cycling programmes and events which aim to engage local communities and help others to develop their cycling.

Volunteers will help to deliver a range of programmes such as group cycle rides, learn to ride sessions, and women only cycle groups.


Knowledge skills and abilities

We are looking for individuals with the following:

  • Passion and enthusiasm for cycling and supporting others access and enjoy its benefits
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • An awareness of the health benefits of physical activity and the barriers affecting participation in cycling
  • Understanding of Health and Safety Procedures and Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults.


When am I needed?

Cycling sessions are delivered on various days of the week including evening and weekends. You will work with the Cycling Development Officer to identify which sessions you are able to assist on.

 

Roles and Responsibilities

The volunteer will assist and support the Cycling Development Officer. Depending on your qualifications and experience you will be able to lead and deliver on a session gaining valuable experience working within community settings with adults and children.

Become a Swimming Volunteer

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Fulwood Leisure Centre and West View Leisure Centre run a 50 week swimming programme, teaching children to swim seven days a week and are looking for volunteers to assist with the programme.

Lessons are run from 9.00am until 7.00pm, with morning lessons being school swimming.  The volunteer role would require you to be working towards or achieved ASA/UKCC level 1 in teaching aquatics or level 2 where possible.


Knowledge skills and abilities

We are looking for someone with the following:

  • Someone who is fully committed to the volunteering programme
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
  • Passion and enthusiasm for volunteering within a swimming environment
  • Commitment to equal opportunities
  • Understanding of issues of Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

 

Roles and responsibilities

  • Volunteers are needed throughout the whole week to help and assist with the programme:
  • We are mostly looking for volunteers who are enthusiastic, happy to help and support the team and create a fun, safe, learning environment for swimmers.
  • Support the swimming instructor on poolside
  • Assist with administration during and after lessons
  • Encourage and support during the swimming lesson

Become a Streetwise Sports Club Volunteer

Streetwise Sports Club is a multi sports and activity club for young people aged 8 - 14 years. It runs every Thursday (excluding Easter and Christmas holidays) from 4.00pm to 6.00pm at West View Leisure Centre and attracts over 80 young children every week.  We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers who can work with a wide range of different children and sports.


Knowledge skills and abilities

We are looking for someone with the following:

  • passion and enthusiasm for volunteering with a wide range of different children and young people within a number of different sports
  • excellent organisational skills
  • excellent interpersonal and communications skills
  • You should also have the ability to offer differentiation in sessions to ensue all can take part regardless of ability, understanding of safeguarding of children and ability to remain calm and in control in difficult situations.


When am I needed?

  • Volunteers are needed every Thursday from 3.45pm to 6.00pm to help run the club.  You will work with the sports club team who will designate you a team member and group to work with.


Roles and Responsiibilities

  • This volunteer role will be to assist and support the coach on duty during the session.  Depending on your qualifications and ability you will be able to lead and deliver a session gaining valuable experience along the way of dealing with children.