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Volunteer Handbook
CONTENTS Hints & tips for delivery What is Flourish? ..................................................... 3 Thank you ................................................................... 1 Your volunteer journey ........................................ 11 Volunteer resources i Toothbrush challenge ............................... 17 Why we do it ............................................................ 5 Meet the team ........................................................ 2 Inspiration corner .................................................... 7 Flourish themes ....................................................... 8 Flourish values ......................................................... 9 K.C.F values .............................................................. 10 PVG documentation ............................................. 12 Team Expectations ................................................. 13 ii Certificate full participation ................... 18 iii Certificate partial participation ........... 19 iv Project report .................................................. 20 v Student register ............................................. 21 vi Young Person Incident report ............. 22 vii Disclosure form .............................................. 23 viii Student evaluation forms ....................... 24 ix C.O.A .................................................................... 25 ii Henri’s Axis ....................................................... 27 iii ASK ......................................................................... 28 iv Circle of Trust .................................................. 29 Sources ...................................................................... 37 Volunteer information portal ............................ 33-36 Collecting your resources .................................... 15
Firstly... thank you. At Flourish, we have the privilege of stepping into schools every week and meeting young people right where they're at. We get to encourage them, champion them, remind them of their value, and help them grow in confidence, resilience and self- belief. We also have the privilege of supporting teachers and school staff, bringing encouragement into environments that can often feel stretched and challenging. We genuinely believe that when a young person understands their worth, begins to believe in themselves and has people cheering them on, it can change the direction of their life. Dreams are reignited, confidence grows, healthier choices are made, and suddenly their future starts to look different. That's why what we do matters. The exciting thing is that you don't have to have all the answers. You don't need to be the funniest, the loudest or the most experienced person in the room. Sometimes the greatest impact comes from simply showing up consistently, listening well, offering encouragement and helping a young person feel seen. Our Christian faith is the reason we care so deeply about every young person we meet. It shapes how we love, serve and value people, and inspires everything we do. While our role in schools is to support and encourage every young person with professionalism and respect, we hope that the kindness, compassion and hope we bring speaks for itself. Flourish is about more than transforming young people's lives; it's also about seeing our volunteers flourish too. We love watching people discover gifts they didn't know they had, grow in confidence and become part of something that is making a lasting difference across our city. Thank you again for saying yes. We really believe the time you give will make a lasting difference, and we're so excited to have you on the journey with us.Leanne :)Welcome to the Flourish Team!1 Flourish Lead Leanne Seal
MEET THE TEAMLeanne Leanne is the smiling powerhouse behind Flourish here in Kings Foundation. Leanne is the main point of contact between the schools & Proton and leads the team in-house.CONTACT: Leanne.Seal@kingschurchaberdeen.comSue Want to know anything volunteer related .... come to Sue. Sue looks after all volunteer needs including plans, materials, training & support as well as aiding & organising all school programmes.CONTACT: Sue.Eccleshall@kingschurchaberdeen.comRama Rama is the administrative queen of Flourish! If you have a question relating to your weekly materials, which forms you need or how the information portal works - Rama is the answer! Rama is also our admin point of contact with all schools.CONTACT: Ramata.Mair@kingschurchaberdeen.com 2
At The Flourish Project, we are on a mission to ignite potential and transform lives by equipping, encouraging, resourcing, and inspiring individuals, families, and community groups to unlock their full potential—creating lasting impact across the UK and beyond. Flourish began with Hannah Williams, a passionate youth worker who saw a growing need among young people and decided to take action. In 2016, she wrote and piloted an 8-week project in her local primary and secondary schools, working directly with students to help them build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Moving from school to school, she saw firsthand the difference the project was making in young lives.WHAT IS FLOURISH? 3
4 THE VISION... But Hannah had a bigger vision—to see thousands of young people impacted and empowered for the better. To achieve this, she developed a team around her, and in 2020, trained the first school to become a Flourish Hub—a space where trained facilitators deliver the program directly to young people. From that first hub, the project has grown exponentially. Today, we have over 90 active Flourish Hubs, with schools, churches and youth organisations across the country equipping young people with the tools they need to flourish. The Flourish Project was officially launched in 2016 under the umbrella of the Proton Foundation, an organisation founded by Ian and Judith Green in 2006, with a mission to see communities transformed. Their vision provided the foundation and support for Flourish to expand its reach and impact.
Over 1 in 5 children aged 8 to 16 have experienced mental health problems in the past year, including anxiety and depression. *The percentage of psychiatric admissions for patients under 18 years old that were admitted outwith NHS specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) wards was 43.3%. ***Surveys indicate that children with mental health difficulties are less likely to feel safe, enjoy learning or attend school regularly, with 11% missing more than 15 days in a term compared to 1.5% of peers without difficulties **A quarter (25.7%) of all deaths among 5-24-year-olds were probable suicides. **Cases of Exclusions 2024-25 : 10,647 Cases of Exclusions 2023-24 : 5,327 ****Educational impact: Excluded young people are more likely to have decreased wellbeing due to shame and fear, loss of relationships, diminished school connectedness and sense of belonging. ****WHY WE DO IT....... 5
The rate of exclusion for pupils with an ASN was 28.9 per 1,000 pupils in 2024/25, almost five times the rate for pupils without an ASN (5.8 exclusions per 1,000 pupils).*In Scotland, 13,191 pupils were in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) last year, which is an increase from 11,684 in the previous year.**HAD BEEN EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL FOR A FEW DAYSHAD BEEN INVOLVED IN CHILDREN’S HEARINGSHAD BEEN SUBJECT TO A COMPULSARY SUPRVISION ORDERHAD BEEN PERMANENTLY EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL***HAD BEEN TRUANT FROM SCHOOL18%19%33%45%30%****All sources can be found on page 37 SELF-ESTEEM MENTAL WELLBEING HAPPINESS 6
It's helped me to know that I’m not a shadow behind everyone else, that I’m equal to everyone else; I’m not like 50/50, but I’m 100%, and it’s boosted my energy, and I know that I’m good enough and I’m not behind anymore.my self-confidence has changed. I sit taller, I speak more confidently now.Yes, I’ve started thinking about new ideas for what I want to do when I’m older. The Flourish Project encouraged us to believe that we can do anything if we keep a positive mindset. That really motivated me to explore different options, and I’ve started researching volcanology — I want to study volcanoes!I feel more like myself now. I used to be really nervous all the time, but now I feel fine just being me.INSPIRATION CORNER 7
Session one - Introduction To understand the expectations of the course & build relationships witin the group Session two - Beliefs To explore beliefs & how they are formed and to discover how our beliefs can affect us Session three - Mindset To discover how we can process information affects the way we behave & to understand the power of our thoughts Session four - Social Media To explore the effect of social media on mental health & how to set boundaries & be a critical viewer Session five - Self-esteem Learn how to develop healthy self-talk & identify 5 good things about themselves Session six - Aspirations To discover that having dreams/aspirations help us to grow & to understand that a healthy mindset, belief system and poitive self-esteem can help towards acheving our aspirations Session seven - Goals To understand what a goal is & to have 3 written goals for this/next year Session eight - Evaluation To review individual learning outcomes & review if the course has had a positive outcomeFLOURISH THEMES 8
Passion mixed with need for community restoration. Compassion moves into action, bringing hope to the hopeless. PASSIONATE We are always looking to grow and improve, operating in grace, patience and humility TEACHABLE We are committed to excellence in all that we do EXCELLENCE We are committed to being honest, open and accountable walking in integrity INTEGRITY Permission for you to be you. We recognise that we all have been created with unique gifts, talents and character traits that have been given for a purpose AUTHENTIC FLOURISH VALUES 9
We are only a part of the solutionWE WORK IN PARTNERSHIPWE SEE POTENTIALWe empower people to unlock the potential within themWE ARE PEOPLE CENTRICWe serve people with dignity and respectWE MEASURE PROGRESSWe aim to make an impact that is measurable and sustainableWE STAY PASSIONATEWe love what we do and we do it with loveKINGS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION VALUES 10
You enquire or sign up via website, sign up sheet or QR codeWe have an informal meet & give you an opportunity to ask questionsIf you decide ‘YES’, we add you to training & send training linksYou will be trained, and if a suitable fit, added to our team & PVG application process details givenOnce your PVG has been completed, we will assign you to a project within 12 monthsYou will be provided with full access to our volunteer portal and invited to volunteer days YOUR VOLUNTEER JOURNEY Below is a brief outline of your volunteer journey from application to becoming an active volunteer. 11
Original ID document(s) e.g. Passport or driving licenceProof of address x 3 e.g. Utility Bill, Council Tax Statement, Bank StatementProof of your right to work in the UK (If non UK citizen)Paper copies of all completed application formsPVG DOCUMENTATION Now you are a part of the Flourish family, we require you to get an Aberdeen City Council PVG (ACC). Below is a list of all documentation required and where you go to present them and get them assessed and approved. Before attending the address below, please wait for an email from Rama outlining times to attend - thank you!Please take your documentation to: Between: 12
The team will confirm your availability for the next school year. Please provide with dates you are not available so we can find the best term/school to assign you to. Once dates have been confirmed, the team will contact you with school details including: Name of school Group size Main point of contact Your delivery partner Timings and schedule Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have a question or you need support - you are now a part of our team! The team are here to support you every step of the way. If you see an email/WhatsApp from us, please respond as quickly as you can because then we can work with eachother. We want to be able to accommodate all your requirements. TEAM EXPECTATIONS Below is a breakdown of the project delivery expectations of each volunteer once you have been assigned to a school, and the processes involved. 13
Missing a form? Want to add further materials? Need help with your laptop? No problem - let us know Materials will be prepped by the team and available to pick up from the staff offices. Details on pick up and drop off materials and laptops can be found on p.X Each week please remember to do a register which can found in the front pocket of your laptop bag. This is held within a folder with other important documents such as incident and disclosure forms. Go in and enjoy your time in the school. Remember you have been selected because we know the children will relate to you and you will bring something unique. Dont forget the staff - flash them a smile and get to know them. They will be your biggest cheerleader in the school. At all times we need to remember we are representing Flourish and the Kings Community Foundation - lets show them who we are as a community. 14
When arriving at the office, you will find your laptop bag in the cupboard next to the door leading to the stairs. Your laptop will be marked according to the school you will be attending.All your resources are held in a seperate bag. Please use this opportunity to review your bags and if there are materials you know you do not use, please place in the box on top of the cupboard.Your weekly resources will be placed in the unit according to each weeks. We will mark each bag with your school, so please take according to your project. If returning, please place in the appropriate week so we can check all materials back in.15 COLLECTING YOUR RESOURCES At the top of the Active Vols 2026-27 WhatsApp chat you will find a form which we require you to confirm when you will be collecting your materials. You will have choice to select a date to pick up, whether you will pick up weekly/all 8 weeks and when materials have been returned. Please remember to fill out the form in the WhatsApp group to inform us when bags will be collected and when they are returned. On top of the cupboard is an additional box with extra basic resources in such as pens, registers, whiteboards etc.... If you require more, please feel free to take some from the box or WhatsApp the Active Vols group and we will esure they are in the box.
VOLUNTEER RESOURCES 16
I AM AMAZINGI AM BRAVEI AM UNIQUEI AM ENOUGHI AM TALENTEDI AM AWESOMEI AM CONFIDENTI AM FOCUSEDTOOTHBRUSH CHALLENGE SAMPLES OF KEY DOCUMENTSFull documents will be available in the volunteer Information Portal, however this is a brief overview of key documents you (may) require. Plus some helpful sources of information to help your delivery. Below are some examples from training that may be helpful when organising your sessions. 17
SAMPLE: CERTIFICATE - Full Participation 18
SAMPLE: CERTIFICATE - Partial Participation 19
SAMPLE: PROJECT REPORT This is the end of project evaluation form with exmaples as to the final results 20
SAMPLE: STUDENT REGISTER 21
SAMPLE: YOUNG PERSON INCIDENT FORM 22
SAMPLE: DISCLOSURE FORM 23
SAMPLE: STUDENT EVALUATION FORMS 24
CARDS OF AWSOMENESS Each young person has their own lanyard and wallet to put the cards into. The idea is that each week the young person wries something postiveor encouraging about someone else in theor ssson so that by the last week, each young peson will have 8 positive things spoken about them that they can keep and look at on days when they are feeling low or insecure. Your smile is awesome! You are an amazing friend You are inspiring 25
HINTS & TIPS FOR DELIVERY 26
Adrenaline Noradrenaline Cortisol Acetylcholine DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) flight (run-away) – my body is ready to look after me…by running away from the danger or the issue. Fight (aggression) my body is ready to look after me…by fighting the danger or the issue.Which elicits a negative response… This is released and will leave you feeling low and negative towards the situation.Freeze (no/low response) individuals will phase out.Produced in the adrenal glands and created a positive emotional state.HENRI’S AXIS 27
ASK PHYSIOLOGY Represents bodily functions such as: Mattress Poverty Eating – When you are hungry all you can think about is food – you are not interested in learning and developing/breakfast clubs Toilet – Please do go to the toilet if you need it. Sleep – How many are sleep deprived? What about mattress poverty – This affects our ability to think and react in a logical way Drink – we are about 60% water… when I’m dehydrated, I'm not thinking straight!SELF ESTEEM Can this fluctuate? How does it feel? – High or low? What can affect you in feeling confident in yourself?ASK SAFETY What constitutes you feeling safe? Physical safety – in the event of a fire follow me and exit the building in a calm manner. Watch for slips trips and falls. Psychological safety – the people we are with – do we trust them…please keep things that people share confidential to this room. Safeguarding – please mention Belonging – When do I feel like I belong? Show kindness to each other. Allow others to speak and respect their opinion. Give a card of awesomeness. Build each other up. SELF ACTUALISATON Me being the best I can be! ASK 28
CIRCLE OF TRUST The Circle of Trust model has been created to develop trust within our groups. Every person is influenced by the hormones they produce. It is possible for facilitators to create opportunities to stimulate the release of these hormones through use of praise, reward, recognition and encouraging words and behaviours. 29
Oxytocin is a long lasting hormone. This is one of the selfless hormones and comes from: Human connection Social interaction Being generous Feeling safe Flourish Tool: Cards of Awesomeness Serotonin is a selfless hormone building in intensity. People feel the effects when they: Feel approval Have pride in what they have done Bond to others in a group Build their confidence in that group. Speaking words of kindness Flourish Tool: Reward young people with words of affirmation Endorphins are termed 'selfish' hormones. They bring an instant 'feel good' feeling and are released following: Exercise Physical Work Laughter Dopamine is a selfish addictive hormone (which is not negative in itself). This can lead to habitual behaviours which can become additive and gives pleasure. This hormone is released when they: Work hard Achieve targets Achieve goals Make progressThis hormone is released: When friendships are developed and we share or experience love These hormones bring endurance and can mask pain too. Encourage fun/laughter with your young people it is one of the building blocks for trust. Flourish Tool: Give young people achievable tasks, and measure progress and create an environment that brings this hormone release. 30
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VOLUNTEER INFORMATION PORTAL 32
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SOURCES* Children’s Health Scotland, 2025, Publication date: September 2025 ** Public Health Scotland, 2025, Publication Date: September 2025 *** Public Health Scotland, Publication date 28 April 2026 (latest release)th **** Education Information Lab, Publication date: 1 September 2025st Page X * Public Health Scotland, 2025, Publication Date: September 2025 ** The Scottish Government, 2025, *** Taken from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) Prison Survey 2024, 18 Series Strategy and Improvement,th Published April 2025, Office of the Chief Executive Publication Date: September 2025 Page X 37
Ran by: Throughout Aberdeen(shire) Thank you for joining the KCF Flourish Team