There are a number of ways you can volunteer with Chiva and all of them are guaranteed to be rewarding and a lot of fun.
A strong team of volunteers is essential for the smooth running of our Freedom 2 Be support camp every summer. We very much value the time and contribution of our Camp Leaders and Key Workers each year.
We are now recruiting volunteers for the 2025 summer camp which will take place from Tuesday 29 July – Saturday 2 August 2025 in East Sussex.
Key Workers
Key Workers are members of the wider public with an interest in volunteering. Some will be living with HIV, but this is not a requirement.
Key Workers will be allocated a small group of young people to support during camp. They help:
- Enable young people to attend workshops and support them in some of the outward bounds and leisure activities.
- Provide participants with support and a listening ear, and help young people to overcome any anxieties or difficulties they may be experiencing.
- Support participants in taking their medication and record this at camp with the support of the Healthcare Lead.
- Benefit from the guidance of an allocated supervisor, and work as part of a team
Prior to camp, all selected Key Workers are required to attend training, where you will meet the staff team and other volunteers. This will take place from Friday 20 June to Saturday 21 June in the West Midlands. All costs are covered. You’ll receive training related to Child Protection, children and HIV. After the training weekend we will then confirm which volunteers we will invite to attend camp.
Camp Leaders
Camp Leaders are young people aged 18-25 living with HIV. You will also need to have had a two-summer break from attending camp before coming back as a volunteer.
Camp Leaders help ensure camp runs smoothly. Their roles include logistical tasks, dinner time duties and co-facilitation of evening activities. They are also mentors to the young people at camp, supporting and motivating them, including by sharing their own experiences of living with HIV.
Camp Leaders do not need to have worked with young people before applying. You will need to be available to attend training which will take place from Wednesday 18 – Saturday 21 June in the West Midlands. After which we will confirm which volunteers we will invite to attend camp. Volunteers are supported in their roles throughout the camp.
Other roles
Beyond these roles, we welcome the involvement of adults with lived experience of HIV and/or particular areas of knowledge and expertise, e.g. campaigning or creative arts. Please contact us if you would like to explore opportunities to contribute your time and skills in other ways at [email protected]
