Where to Volunteer in Singapore to Work with Youth: Turning Training into Real Impact

 

Introduction: From Learning to Living the Mission

After completing our two-day “Working with Youth” course at Breakthrough Academy, both of us — James and Yuli — walked away inspired, equipped, and eager to apply what we had learned.

We now understood the importance of empathy, listening, and empowerment in connecting with young people. But one question remained:
Where can we practise these skills and make a real difference in the lives of youth?

Singapore, though small, has a vibrant network of youth-focused organisations — from community-based initiatives to national programmes — all seeking passionate volunteers. Whether your strengths lie in mentoring, coaching, event planning, or simply being a positive presence, there’s a place for you.

In this blog, we’ll share some of the best places to volunteer and practise youth-work skills in Singapore, along with the kind of experiences you can expect.

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1. Youth Corps Singapore — The National Platform for Youth Volunteerism

Website: www.youthcorps.gov.sg

If you’re looking for a structured, well-supported way to start, Youth Corps Singapore (YCS) — under the National Youth Council — is an excellent place.

YCS partners with schools, community organisations, and government agencies to organise projects in areas like youth mentorship, mental wellness, and community inclusion.

Why it’s great for practising youth work skills:

• You’ll meet diverse groups of youth from various backgrounds.

• You can volunteer in mentorship programmes, youth dialogue sessions, or community service projects.

• You’ll gain exposure to planning, facilitation, and teamwork.

Example roles:

• Youth Corps Leaders: Plan and lead community initiatives.

• Mentors: Guide younger participants through structured projects.

• Workshop facilitators: Conduct sessions on topics like resilience, empathy, or leadership.

What we love:
YCS emphasises reflection and personal growth — exactly what our Breakthrough Academy training focused on. Every project ends with a debrief, helping you internalise lessons from the youth you serve.

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2. Singapore Children’s Society — Empowering Youth through Support and Counselling

Website: www.childrensociety.org.sg

Founded in 1952, the Singapore Children’s Society (SCS) runs several youth centres across Singapore — including the Bukit Merah, Toa Payoh, and Jurong Youth Centres. Their mission: to help at-risk youth, support families in need, and provide counselling.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Youth mentors: Spend time with youths aged 12–18 through study support, games, or goal-setting sessions.

• Workshop facilitators: Conduct life-skills workshops on communication, conflict management, and emotional wellness.

• Programme assistants: Support staff in running youth development activities.

Why it’s ideal for applying youth-work training:
The environment is real — you’ll interact with youths facing challenges such as school absenteeism, family conflict, or self-esteem issues. It’s where you can truly practise “connection before correction.”

Tip:
Volunteers usually undergo a short induction or orientation before joining. Having some prior training, like the one we took, gives you a definite edge.

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3. Boys’ Town — Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Families

Website: www.boystown.org.sg

Boys’ Town serves children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds — including those with behavioural issues, neglect, or trauma. Their services span residential care, fostering, street outreach, and adventure-based learning.

Volunteer roles:

• Mentor or buddy: Support youth through friendship, outings, and listening.

• Skill-based volunteer: Teach life or vocational skills — like cooking, computer use, or sports.

• Event helper: Assist in camps or community engagement programmes.

What makes it special:
Boys’ Town provides a real-world environment to apply active listening, empathy, and behavioural management techniques. You’ll work alongside trained social workers and youth officers — an invaluable learning experience.

Commitment level:
Moderate to high — volunteers usually commit for 6–12 months to ensure continuity for the youths.

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4. TOUCH Youth — Reaching Youth Where They Are

Website: www.touch.org.sg](https://www.touch.org.sg/youth)

Part of the TOUCH Community Services network, TOUCH Youth focuses on helping young people overcome social and emotional struggles. Their programmes include:

• School-based talks and workshops

• Cyber wellness education

• Youth mental health support

• Drop-in centres for community engagement

Roles for volunteers:

• Assist in youth outreach events in schools or online.

• Facilitate discussions about digital well-being and mental health.

• Be a peer supporter or event volunteer during community roadshows.

What you’ll learn:
You’ll develop your coaching and facilitation skills while engaging youths in meaningful dialogue. TOUCH’s programmes often involve digital media, so it’s a great fit if you’re comfortable working with technology and social platforms.

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5. Fei Yue Community Services — Building Bridges Across Generations

Website: www.fycs.org

Fei Yue runs multiple Family and Youth Centres that serve as safe spaces for young people needing emotional or practical support. Their programmes range from youth counselling and drop-in activities to school partnerships and leadership workshops.

Volunteer options include:

• Mentorship: Support secondary school students through goal-setting and positive habits.

• Programme assistance: Help with weekly youth activities like art, music, or sports.

• Event volunteering: Join outreach projects during holidays and festivals.

Why it stands out:
Fei Yue integrates youth work into the wider context of family and community — helping you see the bigger ecosystem that supports youth development.

For those interested in moving into professional youth work later, Fei Yue is a great entry point to learn from social workers and counsellors.

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6. REACH Youth Powerhouse — Empowering Youth from the Heartlands

Website: www.reach.org.sg

Located in the western part of Singapore, REACH Youth Powerhouse focuses on empowering at-risk youth through mentorship, sports, and experiential learning.

Volunteer opportunities:

• After-school mentor: Engage youths through study sessions, games, or simply conversations.

• Sports volunteer: Lead activities like basketball or futsal while building teamwork and discipline.

• Camp facilitator: Help run youth adventure camps and team-building programmes.

Why it’s meaningful:
You’ll experience the energy and unpredictability of working with youths from diverse neighbourhoods. It’s hands-on, heart-driven, and deeply rewarding.

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7. Beyond Social Services — Preventing Youth Delinquency

Website: www.beyond.org.sg

Beyond Social Services is well known for its work with youth from low-income families and high-risk backgrounds. Their mission is to help children and youths break free from the poverty cycle through community support and mentoring.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Youth engagement volunteer: Conduct enrichment activities at rental flats or youth hangouts.

• Homework buddy: Tutor and motivate young students.

• Community facilitator: Help youths plan and run neighbourhood projects.

Why it’s perfect for practising your skills:
You’ll apply active listening, boundary-setting, and empathy daily. The organisation’s philosophy — “build relationships before interventions” — echoes everything we learned at Breakthrough Academy.

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8. Mentoring Organizations: Be That Voice of Guidance

If you’re drawn specifically to mentorship rather than group facilitation, consider these:

• Mentor Me Singapore (mentorme.sg) – Connects adult mentors with youths seeking guidance in career or life direction.

• CampusImpact (campusimpact.org.sg) – Provides mentoring and character development programmes in schools.

• Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support (babes.org.sg) – Supports young women in pregnancy crises through mentoring and friendship.

These roles rely heavily on one-to-one communication, giving you space to refine listening, empathy, and goal-setting skills.

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9. Religious and Community-Based Organisations

Many faith-based and grassroots organisations also offer opportunities to serve youth:

• Church youth ministries (e.g., Hope Church, City Harvest, Cornerstone) often run weekly youth groups needing mentors and small-group leaders.

• Mosques and Temples host youth wings or outreach programmes.

• Community Centres (CCs) under People’s Association (PA) frequently recruit volunteers for youth interest groups, leadership camps, and community events.

These are excellent spaces to practise group facilitation, event organisation, and emotional support.

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10. How to Get Started

If you’re new to volunteering, here’s a simple plan to begin:

1. Identify your interest area – Mentorship? Education? Counselling? Sports?

2. Start small – Commit to one day a week or one event per month.

3. Apply online – Most organisations have volunteer sign-up forms.

4. Attend orientation – You’ll learn about safeguarding and confidentiality.

5. Reflect after each session – Keep a journal on what went well, what you learned, and how you can improve.

Remember, consistency matters more than charisma. Youths value presence and sincerity over perfection.

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Conclusion: Turning Compassion into Consistent Action

The greatest lesson from our training at Breakthrough Academy was this — youth work starts from the heart.

Singapore offers countless avenues to apply what we’ve learned: mentoring in Children’s Society, facilitating in Youth Corps, or listening in Boys’ Town. Each setting will test and stretch your empathy, patience, and communication — but it will also fill you with meaning.

When you invest time in youth, you’re investing in the future of society. Whether you choose to serve weekly, monthly, or during special projects, your presence can spark transformation.

As we discovered firsthand, breakthroughs happen one conversation at a time.