Information for Parents and Carers

Who are Bristol Hub?

Bristol Hub is a local branch of the national charity, Student Hubs. Our team of volunteers and staff work in partnership with the University of Bristol and support students to volunteer in their local community.

Bristol Hub have been active in the community since 2008 (see our history here).

What projects do you run?

We have several youth projects which we run both in the community and directly through schools. These are: * Schools Plus support young people to achieve their academic potential by volunteering as an academic tutor in a local school, or with local families. * Branch Up: Saturday activity days for 7 - 11 year olds who are referred by their schools or family support workers. * Inspire Debate Change informs and inspires the next generation of politically engaged citizens through workshops with young people in Bristol.

Is there anything I should be aware of?

Our projects only take place during the university academic term-time so projects do not run for the entire school term. The timeline for projects typically looks like this:

• Late October - December: Schools Plus, LinkAges.
• December - January: No programme delivery due to holidays and exam period.
• February - mid-March: Schools Plus, LinkAges, Branch Up, Inspire Debate Change.
• Mid-March onwards: Volunteering finishes for the year due to Easter holidays and the following exam period.
• May - June: Branch Up.
• June onwards: No programme delivery due to summer break and graduation.

All of our volunteers working directly with young people or adults at risk are expected to undergo a DBS check. These are processed by ourselves or directly with schools and colleges. Volunteers also receive comprehensive training including: * Project specific skills (for example; being a good tutor/ mentor, communication and teaching methods) * Safeguarding * Managing Behaviour

Who will be my main contact during the project?

Staff will generally be your main contact whenever needed. Our projects are led by students and it is an excellent opportunity for them to lead others, engage with partners in a professional way, and get career-ready experience. Student coordinators will take most of the communication as they will be there in person. In practice this could mean students speaking to you about project logistics, weekly contact and check-ins, making you aware of any volunteer attendance issues or general feedback from students.

Staff meet student coordinators on a weekly basis and support all students coordinators and volunteers with training and issues. The staff team is available to discuss issues either by email, over the phone or in person with you throughout any stage of the project if you need them.

Who do I contact about a Bristol Hub programme?

Get in touch with Sorcha Young, Bristol Hub Manager, at [email protected] or by calling 07511765621. They will support your journey in regards to practicialities and next steps.

How else can Bristol hub support me and my family?

Student Hubs believes that a child, young adult or adult at risk should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, young adults and adults at risk, and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them.

If you have a concern about the welfare of a young person, young adult or adult who is taking part in our activities, our team will be happy to support you. You can contact our local staff team using the details above or our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer Catherine Taplin-Thorpe on 07377996754.

There are a number of ways that we may be able to support: - Additional support through Bristol Hub Programmes - Information about additional services in Bristol - Connecting you to your local safeguarding board - Referring you and your family for early help support - Supporting you with an early help self-referral

What is Early Help?

The Early Help service works with children, young people and families where there are indicators of emerging difficulties or additional needs. These needs can include anything that affects the health, development, wellbeing and safety of children and young people. Support is given to children, young people and their families where they have additional needs that aren't being met by the usual services that are available to everyone, such as health and education. In order to benefit from Early Help, families will need to agree to receiving the support.

More information about our safeguarding policies and procedures can be found via our website.