Make a difference.
Build a career.
Join VISTA's volunteer programme supporting young people and adults with SEND. Complete just 12 hours and unlock our fast-track employment pathway.
12
Hours to complete
18–24
Target age group
Free
DBS check funded
Fast Track
To employment
Six Ways To Contribute
Sports Session Support
Assist coaches delivering football and multi-sport to people with SEND. Build coaching and communication skills.
Empower Respite Support
Help young adults 18–25 enjoy social activities, build confidence, and develop independence.
Creative Activities & Arts
Support drama, photography and multimedia sessions through Vista Creative Arts Academy.
Community Outreach Events
Join Turn Up & Play pop-up hubs — helping set up, run activities and engage the community.
Mentoring & 1-to-1
Under supervision, provide informal mentoring and genuine 1-to-1 support for young people.
Programme Administration
Support scheduling, records and comms — learning how a professional organisation runs.
12 Hours That Change Everything
Complete 12 volunteering hours at a pace that works for you — flexible scheduling across sessions, events and training days.
Apply & Induction
Application, DBS check (funded by VISTA), and induction covering safeguarding and SEND awareness.
Start Volunteering
Join sessions alongside experienced VISTA staff. Always supervised, supported, and guided throughout.
6-Hour Review
Informal check-in to celebrate progress, identify strengths, and plan the second half of your journey.
12 Hours — Fast Track Opens
Receive your VISTA Volunteer Certificate and personal reference. Employment pathway unlocked.
Employment Pathway
Job coaching, CV support, interview prep, and real job opportunities with VISTA and partners.
More Than Just Experience
Volunteer Certificate
Official VISTA certificate recognised by employers across health, care, sport and education.
Personal Reference
Written reference from your supervisor — one of the most valuable things when applying for work.
SEND Training
SEND awareness and safeguarding induction — skills in high demand across multiple sectors.
Fast Track Employment
Direct access to job coaching, CV building, interview prep and real employment opportunities.
DBS Check (Free)
VISTA arranges and funds your Enhanced DBS — unlocking employment across health, care and education.
Real Responsibility
Treated as a genuine team member from day one. Real work, real relationships, real impact.
The Fast Track Into Work You'll Love
CV & Application Support
We'll help you build a CV reflecting your VISTA experience, SEND knowledge, safeguarding training and the practical skills employers want to see.
Interview Coaching
Preparation sessions to present yourself confidently — including how to talk about your volunteer experience and transferable skills.
Internal Job Opportunities
Volunteers who complete the pathway are considered first for paid roles within VISTA — coaching support, community outreach, and Empower facilitation.
Partner Network Introductions
VISTA's relationships with local authorities, schools, and healthcare providers create a genuine employment network — with direct introductions on your behalf.
Roles Volunteers Have Gone On To
Sports Coach / Assistant
Youth & community sport
Support Worker
SEND / social care
Learning Support Assistant
Schools & education
Community Outreach Worker
Local authority & third sector
You Don't Need Experience — Just Heart
Aged 18–24 and based in or around South London
Genuinely interested in supporting young people and adults with SEND
Reliable, committed, and able to complete 12 hours flexibly
Looking to build real skills in sport, care, or community work
Willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS (arranged & funded by VISTA)
No formal qualifications required — attitude and empathy valued above all
01
Express Interest
Fill in our short form or contact VISTA Community Outreach directly. Takes under 5 minutes.
02
Informal Chat
A relaxed, no-pressure conversation with our team — no formal interview, just a genuine conversation.
03
DBS & Induction
VISTA arranges your free Enhanced DBS check, followed by a safeguarding and SEND induction.
04
Start Volunteering
Join your first session — supported and welcomed as part of the VISTA team from day one.
Your 12 hours start now.
Get in touch with VISTA Community Outreach today.