Why volunteer at GFS?

Because our girls need you. Our girls need positive role models from all backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences.

Because of you, they will have the chance to explore new ideas and activities, be inspired, build their aspirations, grow in confidence and make new friends along the way.

Our girls really value our volunteers.

I have not only gained valuable experience working with children that will be beneficial for me in my future endeavours but you don’t realise just how refreshing a couple of hours away from the stresses of university life is in a busy week. The girls manage to put a smile on my face no matter what. It feels just as beneficial for me as it is for them!

Volunteers have told us one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering with GFS is getting to know the girls at the group, their dreams, their goals and interests and seeing them grow in confidence over time.

Volunteers tell us that their time at the group is their highlight of the week and the sessions are so much fun. Volunteers at our groups have a truly valuable chance to support our girls to be themselves.

I have gained so much confidence working with younger people and I feel like I understand them more now. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to connect with them, but the girls are amazing and I have learnt so much.

What is the time commitment for a group volunteer role?

We ask volunteers to give around at least a year of their time to volunteering. The group runs once a week during term time and works out to be around two hours per week.

Why do we ask for a weekly commitment for a year?

Because change doesn’t happen overnight. Girls need consistent support to build their confidence over time.

I believe all the sessions went in a good way and the girls became more independent and able to speak publicly and express themselves better.

They will build friendships with you and be excited to tell you their news every week, they will ask you questions about your life, interests and hobbies, they will learn new things from you and they will look forward to seeing you, knowing you will be there for them.

What skills could I develop in this role?

Teamwork. Leadership. Planning and running activities. Working with Children. You can find out more about what you’d be doing here.

I started volunteering as I want to work with children in the future and I thought that GFS would be good experience, but it has become much more than experience. It is something I have looked forward to every week.

Want to hear some more volunteer testimony?

The girls are the highlight of GFS for me; to be able to create such a lovely safe space for them is so fulfilling; chatting with them, watching them grow in confidence, laughing, learning and making new friends.

I also felt like I was able to grow my own confidence and feel accepted as an individual.

I know that GFS would have been such a positive experience for me when I was younger and having the opportunity to provide this for other young girls is incredible rewarding.

It helped me to feel like I was part of the community and gave me the opportunity to further my knowledge in various areas. It meant a lot to me to see the girls each week, while also learning strategies to better attend to their needs.

Thank you also for the opportunities for training throughout the year, its so supportive to volunteers and makes us feel more valued and able to manage any difficult situations in the group.

cropped map of England Wales with blue pins where GFS groups are

Find your nearest group

Use our volunteering opportunity finder to get info on when and where your nearest group meets.

volunteer leading a session, standing at table surrounded by girls

What will I be doing at the group?

Find out more about what goes into running a GFS group, and the volunteer roles that make the magic happen!

five volunteers smiling and posing at a GFS session

The volunteer experience

Find out what it’s like volunteering at a GFS group and the support and training we offer.

Run a one off session

If you have a specialism and you’d like to volunteer to deliver it at a group one week, we’d love to hear from you.