Join our incredible team of Volunteers
Could you spare a few hours a week to help children and young people thrive? Dreadnought is looking for volunteers to join our Aspires project in Penzance, and we would love to hear from you.
Dreadnought has been supporting children and young people across Cornwall since 1976. Our Aspires project runs evening group sessions in the Penzance area, bringing together young people in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. We are looking for enthusiastic people to join us as group volunteers, helping to run activities and simply being a positive, encouraging presence for the young people who attend.
No qualifications or prior experience are needed. If you have a passion for making a difference and a few hours to spare each week, there is a place for you here.
Why we need volunteers
Our Aspires groups rely on volunteers to make sessions happen. The more volunteers we have, the more young people we can support across Cornwall. Young people benefit enormously from spending time with positive adult role models outside of a school or home setting, and your involvement makes a real, tangible difference to their confidence and wellbeing.
What you will gain
- Have fun — enjoy meaningful moments while making a positive impact.
- Personal growth — build your own confidence, learn new skills, and develop as an individual.
- Training and support — all volunteers receive comprehensive induction, autism awareness and basic safeguarding training, for free.
- New friendships — meet like-minded people and form lasting connections.
- Make a difference — be a role model and help young people thrive.
- Career development — show future employers your commitment and gain valuable experience.
- Official recognition — your voluntary hours are formally recognised with a certificate each year.
- Pass on your skills — share your talents and see them make a difference in young lives.
What to expect
- Buddy system — you will be paired with an experienced volunteer until you feel confident in your role.
- Induction training — all volunteers complete induction, Autism Awareness and basic safeguarding training before starting.
- Enhanced DBS check — carried out before you begin, at no cost to you.
- Ongoing support — we provide regular check-ins and supervision throughout your time with us.
Our volunteers are the heart of our charity. We are committed to creating a welcoming, comfortable environment where you can truly make a difference.
How to get involved
To register your interest or find out more, please visit our website, email us, or give us a call. We would love to hear from you.
- Website: www.dreadnoughtcornwall.co.uk/get-involved
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 01209 218764
- Address: Dreadnought, Carn Brea Lane, Pool, Redruth, TR15 3DS
Dreadnought is a registered charity (No. 270486). All volunteers undergo an enhanced DBS check prior to working with children and young people.
Supporting Cornwall’s Young People Since 1976
Dreadnought is a longstanding, respected independent charity dedicated to empowering children and young people to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Established in 1976, we have spent nearly five decades building a reputation for excellence in youth support across the county. While our permanent home is a welcoming converted chapel in Pool, Redruth, our reach extends throughout Cornwall via our dedicated outreach programs, groups, and school-based sessions.
Our Philosophy: Looking Behind Behaviour
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to the "Person-Centred" approach. We believe in providing a safe, empathic, and non-judgmental space where young people feel heard and accepted unconditionally. Our team is trained to "look behind behaviour" to understand the underlying emotions and challenges a child may be facing. By focusing on emotional intelligence and resilience, we help young people develop the tools they need to navigate life's hurdles with confidence.
What We Do
While our Aspires project is a vital part of our work, Dreadnought offers a wide range of tailored support services for children and young people aged 7 to 19 (and up to 25 for those with SEND):
- One-to-One Support — Tailored emotional and therapeutic sessions to help young people tackle specific challenges such as anxiety, anger management, or low self-esteem.
- Issue-Based Groups — Peer support groups held in schools and community settings, focusing on shared experiences like friendship difficulties, bullying, or family dynamics.
- Creative Engagement — We use creative arts, sports, and play to help young people explore their feelings.
