Kids Company provides practical, emotional and educational support to 12,000 vulnerable inner-city children and young people. The charity, which was formed in 1996, provides services to help children deal with emotional difficulties and distress. The majority of children self-refer or are referred by their friends and 97 per cent describe Kids Company as being effective.

Where is it based?

The charity is based in south London, where it operates through two street-level drop-in centres. It also offers therapeutic and social care provision in 33 schools.

What sort of roles are available?

Kids Company has 181 paid staff and 1,500 volunteers a year. It employs a multi-disciplinary team at street level, which includes youth workers, social workers, therapists, alternative health practitioners, artists, sports coaches, teachers, a GP, health workers, cooks and IT experts. The head office includes a staff of fundraisers, accountants and administrators to support the team on the street and represent children's issues to the wider world.

What skills does it look for?

A vocational attitude to children's wellbeing, combined with a sense of fun, is a must. Staff also need to be energetic, patient and flexible.

What is the package like?

Staff are given 10 weeks' holiday, a competitive pay package and a training allowance. Regular training is provided internally. Every staff member at Kids Company has access to psychotherapeutic support and can also access alternative health therapies to reduce their stress.

Has it been in the news recently?

Kids Company has just received a government grant of £12.7m over three years to expand its work with severely disturbed young people. However, the organisation still needs to raise £4m a year to support 11,500 children aged under 14 who are outside the remit of this new grant.