Volunteering at This New Ground

Creative Arts Workshop Assistant Volunteer

Role Title: Creative Arts Workshop Assistant
Location: Hammersmith, London
Time Commitment: Tuesday daytime (3 hours)
Reporting To: Lead Facilitator/Workshop Coordinator

Role Overview: We are looking for an enthusiastic and compassionate volunteer to assist in delivering creative arts workshops for people with a learning disability. This role offers a wonderful opportunity to contribute to an inclusive environment where participants can express themselves, develop new skills, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of creative arts. The volunteer will work closely with workshop facilitators and participants, helping to create a supportive and engaging atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist with Workshop Facilitation: Support the lead facilitator in setting up, preparing, and delivering various art activities (painting, drawing, mixed media, etc.).
Support Participants: Offer individual or small group support to participants, assisting with tasks, encouraging creativity, and helping with any specific needs they may have during activities.
Encourage Expression: Foster a positive and non-judgmental atmosphere, encouraging participants to express themselves freely through art.
Provide Emotional Support: Be attentive and patient with participants, offering reassurance and positive reinforcement when needed.
Adapt Activities: Assist in adapting the workshops and art materials to suit the abilities and preferences of each participant.
Assist with Documentation: Help with recording participants’ progress, capturing photos (with consent), or providing feedback to the facilitator on how participants are engaging with the activities.
Maintain a Safe Environment: Ensure the art space is safe, organised, and inclusive for all participants. Follow safeguarding and health and safety guidelines.
Promote Social Interaction: Encourage socialisation and group participation, ensuring a fun, collaborative, and inclusive atmosphere.
Provide Feedback: Share insights on how workshops can be improved to better meet the needs of participants.

Skills and Qualities We Are Looking For:

A genuine interest in working with people with a learning disability and promoting their creative expression.
Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude.
Ability to work as part of a team and take direction from workshop facilitators.
Good communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with participants of all abilities.
Creativity and a passion for the arts (previous experience in art is helpful but not essential).
Flexibility and adaptability in responding to the varied needs of participants.
A sense of fun and enthusiasm for working in a creative, inclusive environment.

What You Will Gain:

Experience working with a diverse group of people, including those with a learning disability.
The opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals in expressing themselves through art.
Personal growth and the development of skills such as communication, teamwork, and creative facilitation.
Training and support in delivering arts-based activities to people with a learning disability.
A rewarding experience of being part of a welcoming, supportive community.

How to Apply: Please send your CV and a brief cover letter detailing your interest in this role and relevant experience (if any) to lucy@thisnewground.com. We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Front of House Volunteer

Pivot Fest - Portsmouth’s Learning Disability Arts Festival
Location: Aspex Portsmouth
Dates: 8-10 May 2026

Role overview

Pivot Fest is looking for friendly, reliable and people-focused volunteers to help welcome audiences and support the smooth running of our learning disability-led arts festival.

Many of the artists, participants and audience members will be learning disabled and/or neurodivergent. Front of House volunteers play a vital role in helping create a calm, respectful and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, safe and supported.

No previous experience is needed. We’ll provide clear guidance and a short training session so you feel confident in the role.

What you’ll do

You may be involved in:

Welcoming visitors as they arrive
Helping people find their way around the venue
Supporting access needs and reasonable adjustments
Answering questions about the programme
Managing queues, seating and crowd flow
Supporting quiet and sensory spaces
Checking tickets or sign-ins
Keeping shared spaces tidy and safe
Offering reassurance or practical support if someone feels unsure or overwhelmed

You’ll always be supported by festival staff and will work as part of a team.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for people who are:

Warm, patient and welcoming
Comfortable engaging with different communication styles and needs
Calm, observant and responsive
Respectful of disability, difference and lived experience
Reliable and happy to follow guidance
Willing to ask questions and seek support when unsure

Experience in customer service, care, education, community work, arts or events is welcome but not essential.

Training, safeguarding & support

Mandatory training: morning of Thursday 7 May (approx. 2 hours)
Training covers inclusive communication, accessibility, safeguarding, health and safety, and your role on the day
A DBS check is required and will be arranged at no cost to you
Briefings provided at the start of each shift