Volunteering fpr Social work

[LightLight]

Hello everyone.

I am hoping to start either an MA or get on the Step Up to Social work programme in 2015. The reason for the delay is because I need experience working with children and families and a maths GCSE (ugh) in order to be accepted on either course.

I was just wondering if anyone has any experiences of volunteering in this area prior to doing an MA in social work, and what you did? I'm feeling a bit daunted as I don't actually have any experience working with children.

Thanks for reading.

[BrianTheMole]

I worked in a hostel for young teenagers as a volunteer. I also did a lot of care work, both in res homes and the community. How about becoming a home start volunteer?

[BrianTheMole]

Does the experience have to be with children? A lot of mine was with adults, I still got on to the MA with that, and could choose direction once on the course. Have you got a degree already?

[LightLight]

Thanks BrianTheMole. Yes I do have a degree. Its drama related which isn't the best choice I made, but I guess there is a lot of transferable skills.

For the step up scheme and some MA's you must have experience working with children and families, and i am interested in working for child protection (eventually). It definitely will be useful to volunteer with adults and teenagers as well as though, and this is something I will be looking into. Thanks for the heads up with Homestart.

Has anyone participated in befriending schemes? This is something that has popped up numerous times on volunteering sites.

Thanks

[Hendricksandcucumber]

Have you thought about Frontline as well? It's a pilot at the moment but you get your SW qualification in a year and then have a year AYSE on a child protection team.