Youth Ambassador
Please note this role will be based across Bedford
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.
Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
Purpose / Summary of the Role
Aquarius is a national charity working to reduce harm caused by drugs, alcohol, and gambling. We support children, young people, adults, and families through
prevention, early intervention, and recovery-focused services.
The Youth Ambassador role offers aged 16 + students the opportunity to represent Aquarius within their school and local community. You will help raise awareness of substance use, mental health, and wellbeing in a way that feels relevant to young people.
As a Youth Ambassador, you will use your voice to support positive change. You will help challenge stigma, promote healthy choices, and encourage young people to seek support early. The role supports leadership development, confidence, and real world experience in a respected charity setting.
Responsibilities
· Act as a positive and visible representative of Aquarius
· Help raise awareness of drug, alcohol, and wellbeing issues among young
people
· Support campaigns focused on prevention, harm reduction, and early support
· Encourage open, respectful conversations within your school or college
· Share information accurately and responsibly
· Signpost peers to appropriate support and trusted adults
· Follow Aquarius safeguarding and confidentiality guidance at all times
Description of Tasks
· Promote Aquarius messages through school events, campaigns, or
assemblies
· Support awareness days and wellbeing activities
· Take part in peer led discussions or youth voice opportunities
· Share approved information through school or local channels
· Attend training sessions and check ins with Aquarius staff
· Maintain clear boundaries and understand your role limits
Time commitment
Minimum 2 hours per month
Flexible around school and study commitments
Training and support
· Mandatory volunteer induction
· Youth Ambassador training
· Safeguarding guidance
· Named staff contact
· Ongoing support and supervision
Skills and qualities
· Currently studying in sixth form or equivalent
· Interest in wellbeing, social issues, or youth voice
· Confident or developing confidence in communication
· Reliable and organised
· Respectful and non-judgemental
· Able to maintain confidentiality
· Willingness to learn and develop new skills
Benefits to the volunteer
· Opportunity to represent a national charity in your community
· Development of leadership, communication, and teamwork skills
· Experience valued by universities and employers
· Increased confidence and responsibility
· Training and development opportunities
· Contribution to meaningful social change
Reimbursement of expenses
Agreed out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed
· Public transport
· Mileage costs at 0.45p per mile
Local Information
Service Name
Aquarius
Service Model / Project
Young People’s Prevention and Early Intervention Services
Responsible Manager / Supervisor
To be confirmed
Location
School or college settings and local community venues
Contact
0121 622 8181
volunteering@aquarius.org.uk
Additional Information
Application procedure
· Application form
· Informal assessment meeting
· Parental consent where required
· Induction and training
Person Criteria
Approachable and professional
Essential
Reliable and organised
Essential
Able to communicate respectfully with peers and adults
Essential
Able to maintain confidentiality
Essential
Able to understand and maintain boundaries
Essential
Interest in youth wellbeing and social issues
Essential
Ability to work with guidance and supervision
Essential
Good level of self-awareness
Essential
All activities carried out in line with Aquarius policies and procedures
Essential
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:
Discounts from various schemes
Training and personal development
A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives
Free induction and role-specific training
Support from experienced staff and regular supervision
Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence
Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses
Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development
Inclusion and accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.
We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.
If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk
How to apply
If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click ‘Apply via company website’ to view the full job description and submit your application.
Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications.
Closing date:
2026-03-31