• What does a Volunteer Guide do?
• I have to fit my volunteering around childcare, can I do this?
• How much is there to learn?
• Can I afford to help?
• Is it difficult?
• Will it suit me?
• Why does Lifeskills need more Guides?
• Will I get on with the people?
• Do I have enough time?
• I'm interested - what do I do now?

What does a Volunteer Guide do?
There are 10 lifelike, indoor scenarios in the Lifeskills Centre and each is like a real-life TV or theatrical 'set' complete with sound effects. Each is designed to illustrate particular hazards and Guides take small groups of children around the scenarios, explaining the key safety messages as they go. Many have an exciting, interactive element - much to the surprise and delight of the children.

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I have to fit my volunteering around childcare - can I do this?
Sessions fit neatly into normal school hours. What is more, we need most of our Guides in term time only. So if you are looking for a volunteering opportunity, which fits around your family commitments, then Lifeskills is the perfect solution.

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How much is there to learn?
All training is at your own pace and you don't need to be a genius. Written notes explaining all the scenarios are given to Guides and induction also covers general issues such as health and safety and communication with children. You 'shadow' an experienced Trainer Guide before undertaking your first supervised tour and only 'go solo' when you feel you are ready.

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Can I afford to help?
Expenses are refunded so you will not be 'out of pocket' from helping us. We also provide a free polo shirt and sweatshirt, which identifies you as a member of the Lifeskills team.

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Is it difficult?
No - you will soon become caught up in the enthusiasm of the other Volunteer Guides and the children themselves. The youngsters are usually aged 10-11 years and each Guide takes just 3-4 children at a time. Before long you will find yourself answering their questions without a second thought and helping them get the most out of their visit.

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Will it suit me?
Do you like children? Are you enthusiastic? If so, then you have what it takes to be a Volunteer Guide. If you have a good sense of humour that is helpful as although safety is serious Lifeskills - Learning for Living is also fun. The building is fully accessible to disabled people.

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Why does Lifeskills need more Guides? Lifeskills opened in January 2000 and is a huge success. A growing number of schools and children want to visit. We rely on our Volunteer Guides to show children around so we need extra Guides to show even more children around the Centre.

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Will I get on with the people?
The Guides are a friendly group from a variety of backgrounds, with different interests and of differing ages. The one thing they have in common is they enjoy making a contribution to their community through working with children. They will do all they can to make sure you feel 'one of the team'.

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Do I have enough time?
If you can spare 5 hours per month then yes, you do. This is enough to help with 2 'sessions' showing children around, although you can choose to do more if you wish. A session lasts for about 2 hours including a short briefing with the other Volunteer Guides. Sessions start at10.00am or 1.00pm. They are planned well ahead and you decide which ones suit you best.

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I'm interested - what do I do now?
If you have not already done so, call the Lifeskills Office on
0117 9224511 and say you are interested in joining the team. You will be offered the chance to meet the staff, join a group of children and find out for yourself how enjoyable and rewarding being a Volunteer Guide is.

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