About Sense
Sense is a national disability charity that supports people with complex communication needs to be understood, connected and valued. We are here for every person who faces communication barriers in a world that relies on being able to see and hear well to be connected. Our flexible and personalised services empower people to communicate and express themselves – be it through speech or sign, touch or movement, gesture or sound, art or dance. Together, we connect differently and campaign passionately for the right to lead connected and fulfilled lives.

Volunteer today and you can support children and young people with complex communication needs to get involved with activities in the local community and make the most of their free time. Each volunteer in the Sense Manchester Buddying Service is matched with just one buddy, so you can concentrate on building a friendship that is truly special. You could be swimming, bowling, sensory storytelling, or visiting museums and parks. 

Many of our buddies have few opportunities to make friends and access activities outside of home and school, so their buddying sessions give them the chance to develop their independence, boost their confidence, discover new passions, and most importantly, have fun!

Why volunteer? 

• Get involved in loads of exciting activities across Manchester – and support someone else to do the same
• Give just three hours a week to make a huge difference to a young person’s life
• Use your existing skills or learn new ones; we work with young people with a range of needs, including sensory impairments, complex medical conditions, autism, and learning disabilities - you could learn anything from signing skills to sensory play to support your buddy.
• Meet like-minded people and make new friends
• Full training and support provided

What are we looking for?
We welcome volunteers each year from a huge range of backgrounds. We are looking for:

• Volunteers who understand the value of giving a person choice, independence, and dignity
• Willingness to develop skills or learn new ones in order to best support one particular young person
• Reliability and good communication skills
• A sense of fun and adventure!

You may not have supported anyone with complex communication needs before, and are hoping to step outside your comfort zone and do something completely different. You could be a student studying Speech and Language Therapy or Health and Social Care, and are looking for a new opportunity to develop and share your skills. You could be a teaching assistant in a specialist school or a nurse with experience of supporting those with complex medical needs, and are interested in using your specialist knowledge in a different environment. Whatever your skills or background, we will provide you with the support you need to be a fantastic volunteer.

Practical Considerations
Our project is based in Manchester – you will meet with your buddy at their home and take part in activities in and around the local area. We ask volunteers to commit to 3 hours a week, usually during the weekend, for a minimum of 6 months.

An essential part of getting ready to volunteer is attending a training session where you'll learn how to plan your sessions, keep your buddy safe, and communicate effectively with them.

Your travel expenses to and from your sessions will be covered by Sense, and you will have a budget for activities each week.