Volunteering with dd8 music
At DD8 Music we have a vast array of activities to get involved in!
Throughout the year there will be many volunteering opportunities available - from assisting with our groups, music tuition, art projects and our live events including our yearly music festival - Bonfest!
Volunteers are vital to our work and community, and we hope that you find your time with us as rewarding for you as it is for us. Each volunteer will be supported and supervised by a designated member of staff within the organisation. This will usually be our Volunteer Coordinator, alongside staff coordinating the activities you will be supporting.
Our Volunteer Coordinator will provide guidance, support, and supervision to you to ensure that the volunteering experience is a positive and rewarding one, that your feedback is taken on board, and you are involved in decisions which affect you.
Our aim is that volunteering at DD8 Music should be fun, rewarding and an opportunity to gain new skills and experience.
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at Daire@DD8Music.com for further information on becoming a volunteer for DD8 Music.
Copies of our volunteer handbook can be accessed below!
Claire Snee
Guitar Group
Claire has been part of the DD8 family for over a year now - supporting our guitar group.
Here’s what Claire had to say about her time with us:
"I love volunteering for DD8! I have been welcomed in the studio for over a year now by all staff and kids & really feel that big safe family vibe! Not only am I getting the opportunity to teach and get involved with groups, I am also gaining career-building skills while having fun! My favourite part about volunteering is getting to know the young people and see their confidence & progress grow week by week!"
Thank you, Claire, for all that you bring to DD8!
Johanna Drake Watson
Make Up Artist
Johanna Drake Watson is a talented makeup artist who generously volunteers her time at DD8 Music. From creating looks for our music videos to teaching young people the art and techniques of makeup, she shares her expertise with enthusiasm and creativity. Her guidance not only helps our participants develop practical skills but also boosts their confidence and self-expression. Johanna is an invaluable member of our team, and her passion and dedication make a real difference in everything we do.
Gayle Blackie
Camera Club & Bonfest
Gayle has been an integral part of DD8 for several years. She took over from Craig Cantwell as Photography Lead at Bonfest and now manages a fantastic team of photographers each year during the festival. But her impact doesn’t stop there!
All year round, Gayle runs our Camera Club - developing and delivering fun, creative, and engaging photography activities for young people. Her passion, dedication, and fun presence make a real difference to our charity and the young people involved.
We are so thankful for everything Gayle brings to DD8.
Here’s what Gayle had to say about volunteering with DD8:
“What I love the most about volunteering for DD8 Music and Bonfest is how NICE everyone is! Every single person I've spoken to and worked with in the charity has been kind-hearted and full of positive energy. This is a reflection of how much people love their role within DD8.
The young people that come to the clubs are an absolute joy to interact with. They are free to be silly and creative, and have fun learning... all while being in a really safe space.”
Thank you, Gayle - we’re lucky to have you!
Jo Watters
Youth Group & Bonfest
Jo has already become a favourite with our young people, bringing a mix of humour and creativity. It’s clear Jo’s a natural fit for our team, and we’re so lucky to have them on board.
Even though they’ve only been with us a short time, Jo’s made a big impact.
Here’s what Jo had to say about their experience so far
“My name is Jo, and I volunteer at the Friday Youth Group and at Bonfest. The main things that I do at youth group are helping set up and helping supervise the young people who come. At Bonfest I helped out doing face paints and other things at the youth tent but also got a chance to work the bar in the evening which was also a lot of fun.
I love volunteering, it’s great getting to work with DD8 Music and the kids at youth group and the staff are awesome and so lovely. It’s a really fun and rewarding way to get involved in community!
big up DD8 Music!”
Dáire Henry - Volunteer Coordinator
Working Days Wednesday & Friday
"Hi there! My name is Dáire and I'm the Volunteer Coordinator at DD8 Music. I'd like to take the opportunity to extend a huge thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers who do essential work in keeping DD8 Music going.
Our volunteers provide an essential service to DD8 Music throughout the year, helping to oversee and run our various groups, and assisting in the provision of our valuable community services. Without our dedicated team of year-round volunteers, DD8 Music could never hope to provide the calibre of service that we do, and for that we are extremely thankful."
Volunteers can expect:
• To have clear information about what is and is not expected of them
• To receive adequate support and training
• To be insured and to volunteer in a safe environment
• To be treated with respect and in a non-discriminatory manner
• To receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses, including
travel and meals
• To have opportunities for personal development, including trainings
• To be recognised and appreciated
• To be able to say ‘no’ to anything which they consider to be unrealistic or unreasonable and know what to do when something goes wrong
What do we expect from you?
• To be reliable, punctual, open, and honest
• To represent DD8 in a positive light
• To uphold the organisation’s values and comply with
organisational policies
• To make the most of opportunities given, e.g., for training
• To contribute positively to the aims of the organisation and
avoid bringing the organisation into disrepute
• To carry out tasks within agreed guidelines, to the best of
your abilities
• To always adhere to DD8 Music’s policies relevant to your
position at all times.
(Relevant policies will be provided to you during induction)