Youth Ambassador Bedford

Youth Ambassador Please note this role will be based across Bedford About Waythrough Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services - and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers. Make a real difference in your community Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. Purpose / Summary of the Role Aquarius is a national charity working to reduce harm caused by drugs, alcohol, and gambling. We support children, young people, adults, and families through prevention, early intervention, and recovery-focused services. The Youth Ambassador role offers aged 16 + students the opportunity to represent Aquarius within their school and local community. You will help raise awareness of substance use, mental health, and wellbeing in a way that feels relevant to young people. As a Youth Ambassador, you will use your voice to support positive change. You will help challenge stigma, promote healthy choices, and encourage young people to seek support early. The role supports leadership development, confidence, and real world experience in a respected charity setting. Responsibilities * Act as a positive and visible representative of Aquarius * Help raise awareness of drug, alcohol, and wellbeing issues among young people * Support campaigns focused on prevention, harm reduction, and early support * Encourage open, respectful conversations within your school or college * Share information accurately and responsibly * Signpost peers to appropriate support and trusted adults * Follow Aquarius safeguarding and confidentiality guidance at all times Description of Tasks * Promote Aquarius messages through school events, campaigns, or assemblies * Support awareness days and wellbeing activities * Take part in peer led discussions or youth voice opportunities * Share approved information through school or local channels * Attend training sessions and check‑ins with Aquarius staff * Maintain clear boundaries and understand your role limits Time commitment Minimum 2 hours per month - Flexible around school and study commitments Training and support * Mandatory volunteer induction * Youth Ambassador training * Safeguarding guidance * Named staff contact * Ongoing support and supervision Skills and qualities * Currently studying in sixth form or equivalent * Interest in wellbeing, social issues, or youth voice * Confident or developing confidence in communication * Reliable and organised * Respectful and non‑judgemental * Able to maintain confidentiality * Willingness to learn and develop new skills Benefits to the volunteer * Opportunity to represent a national charity in your community * Development of leadership, communication, and teamwork skills * Experience valued by universities and employers * Increased confidence and responsibility * Training and development opportunities * Contribution to meaningful social change Reimbursement of expenses * Agreed out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed * Public transport * Mileage costs at 0.45p per mile Local Information * Service Name – Aquarius * Service Model / Project – Young People’s Prevention and Early Intervention Services * Responsible Manager / Supervisor – To be confirmed * Location – School or college settings and local community venues * Contact – 0121 622 8181 * Email – volunteering@aquarius.org.uk Additional Information Application procedure * Application form * Informal assessment meeting * Parental consent where required * Induction and training Person Criteria * Approachable and professional * Reliable and organised - Essential * Able to communicate respectfully with peers and adults - Essential * Able to maintain confidentiality - Essential * Able to understand and maintain boundaries - Essential * Interest in youth wellbeing and social issues - Essential * Ability to work with guidance and supervision - Essential * Good level of self‑awareness - Essential * All activities carried out in line with Aquarius policies and procedures - Essential What We Offer * Discounts from various schemes * Training and personal development * A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives * Free induction and role‑specific training * Support from experienced staff and regular supervision * Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence * Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses * Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development Inclusion and accessibility Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk How to apply If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click "Apply via company website" to view the full job description and submit your application. Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications. Closing date 2026-04-14 J-18808-Ljbffr