DIVERSE UK FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION 2023

About Diverse UK 

Diverse is an independent charity organisation run for and by people that identify as Autistic or Neurodiverse in the Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire areas.

We run activities for people to attend that are organised by people who identify as Autistic or Neurodiverse.

One of the most valuable ways that we recruit new supporters is through our in-house Festivals/Events Calm Space Team, who inform the public about the social activities that we work on.

Festival Volunteers are there to help set up the Sensory Calm Space and assist the Manager to support an amazing project and represent Diverse UK at festivals and events whilst increasing the awareness of neurodiversity at these places. Each volunteer must have a good knowledge of Autism and how it can affect someone’s ability to socialise, (this can be from personal experience), especially in a festival environment. Volunteers must be able to talk confidently and positively to members of the public when they come into the space and also about what it is that we do generally as a charity.

(England and Wales, Charity No.1170255)

Title:   Calm Space Volunteer

Reports to: Calm Space Manager

Hours: Approximately 6-18 hours - spread out over a weekend depending on availability and whether it is a camping or non-camping festival. (If it is a camping festival then it is usually 2 x 8 hrs or equivalent split from the time you arrive, to when the festival ends. Usually over Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday).

Working Relationships:

You will be working with the Diverse Project Manager, Trustee or Sensory Calm Space Manager and talking with members of the public.

Remuneration/Benefits: Free festival (crew) ticket, meals on shift and access to crew camping areas and facilities.

Please Note: Some of the festivals in the list below are not yet confirmed, it is just good to know who would be interested if they were to go ahead.

What do volunteers do: (dependent on what shift you are on)?

• Arrive on time for your working shift/day.
• Assist management with the set-up and takedown of equipment and updating inventory spreadsheet when asked to. (The job might involve some heavy lifting, putting up drapes and making the space a little piece of sensory heaven).
• Assist with ensuring the Calm Space is kept Covid safe, for example, cleaning surfaces with sanitiser.
• Help to cover volunteers and staff breaks or collect food/drinks for those on shift.
• Raise awareness of Diverse UK and what we do with festival-goers when asked.
• Ensure that registered Accessibility Customers, (people with a disability wristband) are permitted into the space.
• Count stock of Diverse t-shirts, mugs etc if asked to and make a note of them.
• Camp with your own camping gear, if you wish to assist with a camping festival. (This is only Glastonbury Festival, Secret Garden Party, Truck, Camp Bestival & Boardmasters).
• Help the Sensory Space Manager to secure the Tent and all contents, safely at the end of the night.
• Occasionally Photograph aspects of the festival in relation to accessibility for documentation.

 

If you are interested in volunteering at Glastonbury you would need to attend at least one shift at Loves Saves the Day 27th/28th of May to do some training, (unless you have already worked with us at a festival). In addition, you will be required to attend the Diverse Volunteer Training if you do not have any recent Autism Awareness. 

 NB: As Glastonbury Festival is such a popular event we get many applications and spaces are very limited. Therefore, please be aware that you may not be accepted the first time around.

Please feel free to select multiple festivals... the more the merrier! Frequently people become friends and regulars who move across shows over the summer, which is great! 

If you know you cannot do the full dates on a show but you would like to attend then don't worry as we can try our best to arrange your shift pattern around your availability.

If this is the case, then let us know by ticking the show in the question above, then writing a note to us in the section below so we know when you are free.

Please bear in mind that for camping festivals you will usually be expected to complete 3 x 6-8-hour shifts or equivalent in return for your ticket and meals whilst working.

 

NB: Please be aware that the information you have shared is subject the Data Protection Laws and will only be used in relation to volunteering at festivals and will not be passed on to any third parties without your consent.