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Who are Spectrum?
Spectrum Community Arts Ltd. is a not-for-profit organisation providing performing arts workshops for people with disabilities and additional needs...
Spectrum Community Arts predominantly provides services in three areas;
Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
Bletchley, Buckinghamshire
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Ideally, our volunteers would be based in (or able to travel to) these areas. If you’re not local, you’re still welcome to apply but may need to travel for workshops or events. We also offer work-from-home positions, like fundraising roles, which can be done from anywhere!
What does Volunteering involve?
As a Spectrum Volunteer, you will join us in weekly (term-time) sessions and take part while assisting our participants.
Your main role is to encourage them to engage in the activities and actively support them! Spectrum COULD NOT EXIST without volunteers and many of our participants could not access the performing arts otherwise - you being there as a volunteer makes a HUGE difference to the lives of our participants!
Watch this video to hear Jade, Spectrum's founder tell us all about being a Spectrum Volunteer and how important our volunteers are to Spectrum as an organisation!
Ad hoc Volunteer Roles
We understand that not everyone has the time to commit to regular volunteering, but did you know Spectrum offers flexible volunteer roles? If you can't commit to weekly sessions one of our Ad hoc Volunteer roles may be perfect for you!
Benefits of Volunteering for Spectrum
Volunteering for Spectrum has so many benefits, here are just a few...
Volunteering with Spectrum is an amazing way to meet a whole new circle of amazing like-minded people!
"Spectrum are collectively the nicest group of people I have had the pleasure of knowing - you make friends for life here." - Spectrum Volunteer
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Make New Friends...
As a volunteer, you receive free regular training that teaches you helpful and transferable skills!
"In each session I volunteer at, I feel like I am always learning more and constantly learning skills that I can implement in my own career"
- Spectrum Volunteer
Learn New Skills...
Volunteering can help you discover interests and passions you never know you had!
"After volunteering I decided to apply for a degree in Special Educational Needs and Disability Studies! "
- Spectrum Volunteer
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Find Your Passion...
Volunteering can add to your UCAS application by showing you are dedicated and community-minded. It can let you stand out!
"It’s a great way to demonstrate you’re passionate about a particular cause." - www.ucas.com
Boost Your UCAS...
Getting out of your comfort zone and helping others is a proven way to improve your mental health!
"Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces brings a smile to my own! "
- Spectrum Volunteer
Help your Mental Health...
Are you looking for a way to boost your CV and switch careers? Spectrum can give you new skills!
"It absolutely helped me get my first job in customer service as it showed I had the ability to communicate"
- Spectrum Volunteer
Change Career...
The most important reason is that it feels amazing to make such a massive difference to our participants and the community!
"It can be completely life-changing for the families and to be a small part of that is amazing."
- Spectrum Volunteer
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
A great way to get your body moving, whatever your fitness level which is consistent and fun!
"I find the amazing energy of Jade and the team infectious"
- Spectrum Volunteer
Help your Physical Health...
Learning new skills and trying something new is an amazing way to boost confidence!
"I never would have developed this confidence if it weren't for the warm and nurturing environment of Spectrum"
- Spectrum Volunteer
Boost self-confidence...
What We Expect & What You Receive
By joining Spectrum Community Arts as a volunteer, you're becoming part of the Spectrum family this means we want to make sure your time with us is as enjoyable, educational and successful as possible. This is through training, support, respect and celebration! Training: Access to free training on a large range of topics to support your volunteering journey as well as your understanding of disabilities and additional needs more generally! Support: There is always a Volunteer Coordinator whose job is to provide guidance, support and to be in regular contact with all our Volunteers. They can give you ongoing support & should be your first contact if you have concerns or issues. We can also provide references to support you in your career or personal goals! To be Treated with Respect: At Spectrum you will be valued and respected, whoever you are and whatever your background. We want to hear your ideas questions and comments. You will always be able to change your mind or decline a volunteering activity without feeling pressured. To be Celebrated: Recognition for your volunteering to include an Annual Volunteer’s Event to celebrate your contribution. We also have regular volunteer socials where we can relax and have fun together!
Meet our Volunteer Coordinator
Dixie Brennan
Our Volunteer Coordinator role is all about guiding and supporting volunteers. Dixie is here to ensure you feel confident in your role, answer any questions you might have, and provide any help you need along the way. You'll also hear from her regularly, keeping you updated and making sure you're always connected with the Spectrum team.
Hi Everyone,
My name is Dixie and I look after our wonderful Volunteer team here at Spectrum. We have built a community of incredible people who generously give their time to Spectrum and we look forward to you joining the team.
If you need any support, please do get in touch.
- Dx
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact her!
Volunteering FAQs
How old do I need to be to Volunteer?
You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer with Spectrum.
Do I need any experience working with people with disabilities and additional needs?
No! We provide you with training as part of your on boarding and throughout your volunteering journey with us!
But, I can't dance/sing/act. Is that an issue?
Absolutely not! Our volunteers are there to support the performers, all you need is a positive attitude and a willingness to get involved! We use the performing arts as a tool to develop confidence rather than looking to train the next 'West End Star'!
Do I need qualifications to volunteer?
No! You DON'T need qualifications.
Can I leave if I don’t like my role?
Of course! Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator so that we can assist and try to solve any problems and make your experience better before you decide to leave. However if you do decide to stop volunteering, we hope you complete an Exit Form so we get feedback about your experience, and any suggestions you may have for improving our volunteering programme. We also ask you give us 2 weeks notice to prepare for your exit. If you decide to leave because you cannot commit to weekly sessions anymore please consider moving to our Ad-hoc/Reserve/event group.
Do I get my expenses paid?
No, we don't pay expenses for regular classes.
How much time do I need in order to volunteer?
Our classes are generally 1 hour long. We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before to help set up and stay for around 15 minutes after to help pack down and take part in a team debrief to discuss how the class went, and if there is anything that we can learn as a team together. It will average a minimum of 1.5 hours a week but you are MORE than welcome to volunteer in multiple classes. Our weekly sessions only take place in term time.
I need extra support to volunteer, is that possible?
Absolutely. You can reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at any time and discuss any support requirements or accommodations you might need to thrive in your volunteer journey.
Will volunteering affect my benefits?
Volunteering should not affect your benefit claim providing you still meet all the conditions of your benefit. You should talk directly to your Benefit Office for the most accurate and up to date advice. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/volunteering-and-claiming-benefits
What documents will I need to provide before I can start my role?
To start your journey, fill out our online application form!
Find out even more about the experience of volunteering
and get to know Dixie (our volunteer coordinator)
and Jade (our founder)!
Just watch this video Q and A in which they discuss...
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Spectrum and our mission
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Why do we need volunteers?
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Our different volunteer roles
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What does a volunteer do in a weekly class?
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About previous volunteer experience
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What support does Spectrum offer our volunteers?
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How do we recognise our volunteers?
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The onboarding process
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The benefits of volunteering
