Volunteer Hub
PeaceJam UK Youth Team
Organisation Details
PeaceJam UK
Sub theme: Youth Work and Young People
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: ABOUT PEACEJAM
PeaceJam uses the inspirational experiences of 14 Nobel Peace Prize winners to empower young people to take action and make positive changes in themselves, their communities and the world.
ABOUT THE MENTOR PROGRAMME
An important part of the PeaceJam programme are the near-peer mentors that work with our youth at our events and through our programmes in schools and with youth groups. Mentors are paired up to create the space and energy to ensure that all participants feel welcomed and safe to engage in challenging discussions around nonviolence, peacebuilding, social inclusion and human rights.
At our events, mentors will meet with small groups of students from a diverse range of backgrounds and organisations 3-5 times over 1-2 days, depending on whether it is a one-day or two-day conference. We currently event planning for the 2025-2026 academic year in the UK, including organising an online conference this autumn and the return of our in-person Manchester Slam in March 2026. However, once you have completed all the required mentor training, you can volunteer to mentor at any PeaceJam event held worldwide.
Our 'Be the Change!' programme brings our mentors into schools and youth centres, online or in-person, to work with either a small, select group of youth or potentially a class or year group depending on the needs of the organisation. The programme is aimed at 11-18-year-olds, many of whom have experienced challenging circumstances and mentors will be trained to deliver workshops where young people can discuss their concerns in a safe space, learn to overcome challenges and go on to devise and run a social change project of their own choosing.
This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your leadership skills, connect with change-makers across the UK and take action in your local community.
TRAINING
A minimum of ten hours of training will be provided before undertaking the mentor role. This will include understanding what the role of a mentor is, how to create safe and brave spaces, how to spot potential problems and solve them and group management (including behaviour strategies).
NEED TO KNOW
We are looking for applicants aged 18-26 (although if you are outside this age bracket and are interested in the role, we recommend getting in contact). You do not need to have any previous mentor or youth work experience, all relevant training will be provided. However, we are looking for applicants who enjoy working with youth aged 11-18 and are enthusiastic about supporting social action in the community.
PeaceJam uses the inspirational experiences of 14 Nobel Peace Prize winners to empower young people to take action and make positive changes in themselves, their communities and the world.
ABOUT THE MENTOR PROGRAMME
An important part of the PeaceJam programme are the near-peer mentors that work with our youth at our events and through our programmes in schools and with youth groups. Mentors are paired up to create the space and energy to ensure that all participants feel welcomed and safe to engage in challenging discussions around nonviolence, peacebuilding, social inclusion and human rights.
At our events, mentors will meet with small groups of students from a diverse range of backgrounds and organisations 3-5 times over 1-2 days, depending on whether it is a one-day or two-day conference. We currently event planning for the 2025-2026 academic year in the UK, including organising an online conference this autumn and the return of our in-person Manchester Slam in March 2026. However, once you have completed all the required mentor training, you can volunteer to mentor at any PeaceJam event held worldwide.
Our 'Be the Change!' programme brings our mentors into schools and youth centres, online or in-person, to work with either a small, select group of youth or potentially a class or year group depending on the needs of the organisation. The programme is aimed at 11-18-year-olds, many of whom have experienced challenging circumstances and mentors will be trained to deliver workshops where young people can discuss their concerns in a safe space, learn to overcome challenges and go on to devise and run a social change project of their own choosing.
This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your leadership skills, connect with change-makers across the UK and take action in your local community.
TRAINING
A minimum of ten hours of training will be provided before undertaking the mentor role. This will include understanding what the role of a mentor is, how to create safe and brave spaces, how to spot potential problems and solve them and group management (including behaviour strategies).
NEED TO KNOW
We are looking for applicants aged 18-26 (although if you are outside this age bracket and are interested in the role, we recommend getting in contact). You do not need to have any previous mentor or youth work experience, all relevant training will be provided. However, we are looking for applicants who enjoy working with youth aged 11-18 and are enthusiastic about supporting social action in the community.
Description of role: Are you passionate about social change, youth leadership, and making a real impact? A year on the PeaceJam UK Youth Team is your chance to grow, connect, and contribute to something meaningful.
What Does a Year Look Like?
- Runs alongside the academic year
- Summer break + quiet period during exams (May–June)
- Monthly Zoom meetings at 5pm on the first Sunday of each month
- Certificate of recognition awarded at the end of the year
Opportunities Throughout the Year
- Help shape PeaceJam UK events with your ideas and feedback
- Create and run workshops, mentor peers, and help find speakers
- Submit a social action project for support and mentorship
- Take part in competitions and awards
- Attend training days tailored toward your interests
- Count your involvement towards **volunteer modules like the Duke of Edinburgh Award
Why Join?
Hear it from our current Youth Team members:
“The youth team is a brilliant opportunity to learn new skills, meet incredible people, and make a difference to issues you care about.”
“Do it for the leadership, public-speaking and confidence abilities you will gain, along with the good vibe.”
Who’s It For?
Young people across the UK who want to build leadership skills, support social justice, and be part of a vibrant, supportive community.
What does a year on the Youth Team look like?
A year commitment that runs alongside the academic year, with a break for summer and a quiet period during the exam season in May and June. We run monthly Zoom meetings with Youth Team members from across the UK at 5 pm on the first Sunday evening of every month. During the year, there are loads of opportunities to be involved (see a summary below), and at the end of the year, Youth Team members will receive a certificate of recognition for their achievements.
What opportunities are there as part of the Youth Team?
Help shape PeaceJam UK events by giving your input and feedback throughout the process and then attending and volunteering on the day. This includes, potentially creating and running workshops, mentoring and finding speakers. There will also be the opportunity to submit a social action project for the chance to receive support and mentorship in developing your project. As well as other competitions and awards to get involved in throughout the year. We also run training days based on what our young people wish to have more support and experience in. PeaceJam can also count towards volunteer modules and volunteer placements (such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award) and provides a great experience for anyone looking to work in the charity sector.
When asked “What would you say to another young person interested in joining the Youth Team next year?, our current team responded with:
“The youth team is a brilliant opportunity to learn new skills, meet incredible people, and make a difference to issues you care about.”
“Do it for the leadership, public-speaking and confidence abilities you will gain, along with the properly good vibe.”
What Does a Year Look Like?
- Runs alongside the academic year
- Summer break + quiet period during exams (May–June)
- Monthly Zoom meetings at 5pm on the first Sunday of each month
- Certificate of recognition awarded at the end of the year
Opportunities Throughout the Year
- Help shape PeaceJam UK events with your ideas and feedback
- Create and run workshops, mentor peers, and help find speakers
- Submit a social action project for support and mentorship
- Take part in competitions and awards
- Attend training days tailored toward your interests
- Count your involvement towards **volunteer modules like the Duke of Edinburgh Award
Why Join?
Hear it from our current Youth Team members:
“The youth team is a brilliant opportunity to learn new skills, meet incredible people, and make a difference to issues you care about.”
“Do it for the leadership, public-speaking and confidence abilities you will gain, along with the good vibe.”
Who’s It For?
Young people across the UK who want to build leadership skills, support social justice, and be part of a vibrant, supportive community.
What does a year on the Youth Team look like?
A year commitment that runs alongside the academic year, with a break for summer and a quiet period during the exam season in May and June. We run monthly Zoom meetings with Youth Team members from across the UK at 5 pm on the first Sunday evening of every month. During the year, there are loads of opportunities to be involved (see a summary below), and at the end of the year, Youth Team members will receive a certificate of recognition for their achievements.
What opportunities are there as part of the Youth Team?
Help shape PeaceJam UK events by giving your input and feedback throughout the process and then attending and volunteering on the day. This includes, potentially creating and running workshops, mentoring and finding speakers. There will also be the opportunity to submit a social action project for the chance to receive support and mentorship in developing your project. As well as other competitions and awards to get involved in throughout the year. We also run training days based on what our young people wish to have more support and experience in. PeaceJam can also count towards volunteer modules and volunteer placements (such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award) and provides a great experience for anyone looking to work in the charity sector.
When asked “What would you say to another young person interested in joining the Youth Team next year?, our current team responded with:
“The youth team is a brilliant opportunity to learn new skills, meet incredible people, and make a difference to issues you care about.”
“Do it for the leadership, public-speaking and confidence abilities you will gain, along with the properly good vibe.”
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Event Planning, Leadership, Oral Communication Skills, Project Management, Team Working, Written Communication Skills
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Sunday PM, Sunday Evening
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 2 hours per month.
Location:
Online