Medway Youth Service has a variety of voluntary organisations that you can join to in order to gain expereince in certain fields and also to represent young people within your community.
Air Cadets gives young people the opportunities to develop personal qualities that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
They also provide a range of activities from flying and gliding, to shooting, adventure training, camping, sports and music. There is something for everyone.
Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association give opportunities for young people to make friends and develop their skills. Activities include camping, swimming, bowling, rock climbing, rifle shooting, canoeing and much more. There are two companies in Medway – one in Gillingham and one in Strood.
There are different age groups: Anchors for ages 4 to 7, Juniors for ages 7 to 11, Company for ages 11 to 14, Seniors for ages 15 to 19.
Find out more
Website: North West Kent Boys Brigade
The Medway Division of girl guiding covers Chatham, Rochester, Walderslade and Lordswood.
They run different groups for different ages:
- Rainbows for ages 5 to 7
- Brownies for ages 7 to 10
- Guides for ages 10 to 14
- Senior section for ages 14 to 25
Girl guiding gives girls space where they can be themselves, build friendships, gain valuable life skills and make a positive difference in their communities.
Find out more
Website: Girl guides in Kent
Sea Cadets helps to give young people access to incredible opportunities and skills that will help them to make the most out of today’s world.
You can make lifelong memories and lifelong friends in a safe environment.
They emphasise teamwork, respect, loyalty, self-confidence, commitment, self-confidence, honesty and how to be the best version of ourselves.
They offer a range of different activities from sailing, windsurfing and powerboating to rock climbing, camping and music.
Find out more
Website: Sea cadets
Phone: 01634 851 589
Email: mtsc@hotmail.co.uk
Region: Medway
The police cadets allows young people aged between 13 and 17 to get involved with activities support community policing and learn about responsible citizenship. They will also develop life skills and enhance opportunities for further education, training and employment.
There are also opportunities for young people aged 18 and older to join as Cadet leaders.
Find out more
Email: cadets@kent.pnn.police.uk
Website: Be a cadet
Scouts run different groups for different ages:
- Beavers for ages 6 to 8
- Cubs for ages 8 to 10
- Scouts for ages 10 to 14
- Explorers for ages 14 to 18
There is also a Scout Network for ages 18 to 25 where you will have the opportunity to take part in a range of activities that will help your CV.
There are Scouts groups in Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Walderslade, Lordswood, Borstal, Frindsbury, Wainscott, Hoo, Cliffe, Allhallows, Cuxton and Halling. Scouts is a great way to make friends and help others.
Find out more
Website: Medway Scouts
British Youth Council empower young people aged 25 and under to influence and inform decisions that directly affect their lives.
They encourage people to get involved in their community and democracy locally, nationally and internationally as well as to make a difference as volunteers, campaigners, decision-makers and leaders.
Find out more
Website: British Youth Council
Phone: 0207 250 8374
Email: info@byc.org.uk
Social media: @bycLIVE Twitter, British Youth Council Facebook
Address: Registered Office: CAN Mezzanine, 49-51 East Road, London, N1 6AH
Medway Youth Council is a forum for young people run by young people.
Just because you’re under the voting age, does not mean you cannot have a say.
They welcome all young people aged 11 to 18 to join in and represent other young people.
The whole Youth Council meets once a month and gives young people the opportunity to discuss issues relevant to them, as well as engage with decision makers and continue to improve the lives of young people within their community.
Find out more
Website: Medway Youth Council
Phone: 01634 338 748
Social media: Medway Youth Council Instagram, Medway Youth Council Facebook, Medway Youth Council Twitter
Address: Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, ME4 4TR
Region: Medway
National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) support vulnerable children and young people with independent advocacy and legal representation across England and Wales.
They listen to what children and young people want, they care about what they say and they empower them to get their voice heard.
NYAS provide a helpline where they offer advice and information, and can allocate independent advocates.
They can provide advocacy for children in care, care leavers, children and young people who are in-patients in mental health settings and children with disabilities.
Find out more
Website: National Youth Advocacy Service
Phone: 0808 808 1001
Email: help@nyas.net
Social media: @NYASServices Twitter
Region: national
YLF provide the children’s rights and advocacy service for all young people entitled to receive support from Kent and Medway Specialist Children’s Services. They help to offer independent support to children and young people who are struggling to express how they feel or who feel unhappy about decisions made by professionals or family that has an impact on their lives.
Find out more
Website: YLF Advocates
Social Media: YLF Advocates Facebook, YLF Advocates Twitter
Do-It is a database of volunteering opportunities, some which you can do from home and some which need travel.
There are many based in Medway. Volunteering provides excellent experience that can be added to your CV.
Find out more
Website: Do-It
Region: national
Medway Valley Countryside Partnership offer work placement opportunities for school, college, undergraduate or graduate students.
Medway Valley Countryside Partnership help to sustain and enhance Kent’s landscape and its wildlife, as well as developing and promoting life-long outdoor learning.
Find out more
Website: Medway Valley
Phone: 03000 414 842
Email: medwayvalley@kent.gov.uk
Region: Medway
Street Angels are a small charity that offer hot and cold food and drinks, and essential items such as toiletries, clothing, bedding, tents and associated items to homeless people, to help them survive.
Find out more
Website: Street Angels
Phone: 07827 298 882
Email: neil@thestreet-angels.org
Region: Medway
St John Ambulance run programmes for young people across England. They can help you to learn first aid, build your confidence, and gain other important life skills.
Badgers is a group for 7 to 10 year olds and is all about having fun, finding adventure and learning first aid.
As a Cadet (ages 10 to 17) you’ll get to meet new people, learn new skills and build your confidence.
There is also a group called NHS Cadets which helps to inspire 14 to 18 year olds from marginalised backgrounds to pursue a career in healthcare.
Find out more
Website: St John Ambulance
Phone: 01732 874 446
Email: admin@kent.sja.org.uk
Social media: @stjohnambulance Twitter, St John Ambulance Instagram
Region: national
Volunteer Centre Medway is a go to if you're considering volunteering. They can signpost you to organisations who fit your skills and personality and need your help the most.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, gain new skills and make a difference.
Find out more
Website: Volunteer Centre Medway
Phone: 01634 380 030
Email: info@medwayvc.org.uk
Region: Medway