Volunteer Roles

Are you interested in supporting children and young people’s education, mental and physical health through the performing arts, theatre and dance?

You could be a trustee for Artemis Studios, a Bracknell-based charity that’s now growing our Board, ready for the next stages of development.

Artemis Studios Performing Arts Schools Limited is a Charity only Registered in March 2022, while our not-for-personal-profit organisation has been providing similar services in Bracknell since at least August 2014 and our roots go back locally to 2007. This, of course, means our charity Board of trustees is still growing, and needs new skills and abilities to achieve that growth.

If you have specific interests or skills in funding, fund-raising, strategic planning or the legal duties of trustees, we’d really like to talk with you; in any case, if you’re interested in helping our organisation’s growth as part of our collective Board, please read on and apply.

We’re interested in you if you’re interested in us!

About Artemis Studios

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience and skills in performing and creative arts, and we’d expect new trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

Interest in young people, mental health support, education would be beneficial, but potential applicants do not need in-depth understanding of, or involvement in, our operational cause.

If you have specific experience, skills or abilities in:

• Funding and fund-raising
• Strategic planning for our charity
• Legal responsibilities in a Charitable Company

we’d really welcome your application. 

If you have interests other than those, don’t be put off: ask us!

Full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee including access to external training. 

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have what our trustees primarily need; you’ll also need to work collectively with other Board members. Support from our paid employees is always available, under the leadership of our CEO, who works closely with the Board to develop and implement our strategic and operational plans.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our Board, in all meanings, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.   

We ask for about six hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

What do you get as a volunteer trustee with our organisation?

• An opportunity to exercise your strategic planning skills, probably in a different environment or context 
• An opportunity to influence and collectively-lead an organisation supporting the arts
• A chance to expand and implement your understanding of our work
• A chance to augment your experience of charities 
• A boost to your career and CV, if needed 
• Satisfaction of helping a charitable organisation, thus giving something back to your community 
• Induction training from us; training, support and assistance from local charity-support agencies

 What do we get?

• Your strategic skills, knowledge, understanding or experience
• Your abilities to influence plans for our charity’s future 
• Enhancement to our overall governance and the Board of trustees; improvement in our charity governance knowledge and operational growth
• Your participation in our collective decision-making, contributing to all areas of our charity work
• Your enthusiasm

 What do our beneficiaries get?

• The ability to continue our support for children, young people and the preforming arts
• A forward-looking and agile organisation, with a well-informed and well-managed Board of trustees  

How to apply

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification can be made available to you upon request.  

You will need to be eligible to be a Charity Trustee and Company Director, which we will explain. Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references, to completion of an online Safeguarding course and an Enhanced DBS check. 

Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees & CEO, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more

Apply to this ad or contact Mike Allen for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams/Zoom/phone) 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

We are working to make the UK version of Project Gutenberg so that education can be more affordable/ accessible. We are also working to offer online courses (in partnership with UK universities and even lessons for teachers, leading to the creation of better job opportunities. We are also doing some work in the environmental sector - with every book brought, £1 will be put to good use and for good deeds.

VISUAL CONTENT CREATION VOLUNTEER

• We are seeking creative individuals to join our team as Volunteer Visual Content Creators. As a Visual Content Creator, you will have the opportunity to produce captivating images and graphics for marketing, social media, and webpage design purposes, helping to enhance the visual appeal of the Eyeniversum platform and attract users.
• Volunteer 4-6 hours per week for 6 months

We are working to make the UK version of Project Gutenberg so that education can be more affordable/ accessible. We are also working to offer online courses (in partnership with UK universities and even lessons for teachers, leading to the creation of better job opportunities. We are also doing some work in the environmental sector - with every book brought, £1 will be put to good use and for good deeds.

ONLINE COURSE TEACHING VOLUNTEER

• We are seeking passionate educators to join our team as Volunteer Online Course Instructors. As an Online Course Instructor, you will have the opportunity to create and teach online courses on topics of your expertise, offering valuable educational content to our users while contributing to the growth of the Eyeniversum platform.
• Volunteer 4-6 hours per week for 6 months

We are working to make the UK version of Project Gutenberg so that education can be more affordable/ accessible. We are also working to offer online courses (in partnership with UK universities and even lessons for teachers, leading to the creation of better job opportunities. We are also doing some work in the environmental sector - with every book brought, £1 will be put to good use and for good deeds.

VIDEO CREATOR AND EDITOR

•  As a Video Creator, you will play a crucial role in crafting engaging marketing (especially Instagram and Youtube viral videos possibly) and informative videos for marketing and educational purposes, helping to promote Eyeniversum's mission and attract users to our platform.
• Volunteer 4-6 hours per week for 6 months.

Are you passionate about helping animals in our community? Would you like to do something meaningful with your free time? The RSPCA Cat Rehoming Hub needs people like you so that we can help the cats and kittens in our care

In conjunction with the RSPCA Cat Hub Rehoming Coordinator and liaising with our social media team, we would like you to work with a range of social media platforms to raise awareness and funds through special appeals relating to the cats and kittens in our care.

We would like you to take the lead on designing and creating the content for those appeals ready for our social media team to post.

Fundraising is how we generate income which is then used to support the veterinary care and welfare of cats and kittens placed with us whilst they are waiting for their new forever homes. So, this is a crucial role to help us achieve our goals.

We are looking for someone who loves cats and who has experience of working with platforms such as Crowdfunder, Just Giving, Easy Fundraising, Donr and promoting the One Lottery.

We want someone who is creative, a good communicator and team player to become part of our community and work towards a common goal of caring for and rehoming cats and kittens in our care.

The RSPCA Cat Rehoming Hub is a unique project funded by the four local RSPCA Branches of North Tees, South Tees, Northallerton and Darlington and District areas. The cat hub was formed in April 2018 and has rehomed over 1520 cats and kittens since that date. All cats and kittens received into the care of the cat hub are placed in foster homes until they are lucky enough to find their forever homes.

To monitor the financial administration of the organisation and report to the Board of Directors at regular intervals on its state of financial health, in  line with best practice, and in compliance with the governing document  and legal requirements.

Healthwatch Wandsworth - ‘Enter and View’ Community Researcher

Healthwatch Wandsworth is looking for volunteers who are interested in community research and being part of the Enter and View team.

The role of Healthwatch is to work with the local community and users of health and social care services to ensure that these services are responsive to local needs and delivered to a high standard. We plan visits to services and talk directly to clients and users about their experiences. This is fed back to the managers of the service and we follow up on any actions that may be taken in response to our findings.

One of the ways that Healthwatch can contribute is through its' legal powers to `Enter and View` premises such as hospitals, day care centres, or residential homes to observe the quality of care and to speak with patients, service users and carers.

We need volunteers who, through their work, volunteering, or personal experience, understand health and care services. We particularly welcome people who have personal experience of using services and reflect Wandsworth's diverse population.

Healthwatch Wandsworth's authorised representatives on the Enter & View team will be provided with clear guidelines about the premises they are going to visit, the purpose of the visit, and the reporting arrangements. Relevant training and support will also be offered.

As an ‘Enter and View’ Community Researcher you will

· Take part in an induction process.

· Attend training/briefing sessions.

· Visit health and care premises such as hospital wards, GP surgeries or day centres on a pre-arranged basis.

· Talk to the service users and staff that you meet on the premises and document their views.

· Observe and record what you notice.

· Undertake work face to face with members of the public, occasionally it may be over the telephone or an online meeting.

Essential Role Criteria

· Aged 18 or over.

· Knowledge of health and social care services, either through work, volunteering, or personal experience.

· Excellent inter-personal skills, tact and diplomacy.

· The ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds.

· Ability to listen to what people are saying and reflect these in notes and reports in a non-judgmental way.

· Ability to travel to various locations in Wandsworth (expenses will be reimbursed).

· Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Benefits

· Travel expenses reimbursed

· Learn more about how health and social care services are run.

· The opportunity to help Healthwatch Wandsworth make a difference to health and social services in the local area.

· Your voice can represent your community to health and social care providers.

· The opportunity to acquire new skills, refine old ones, and increase your experience and confidence in things such as community interviews, analysing information, and writing reports.

· The opportunity to meet new people and enjoy new experiences.

· You will be able to update your CV and use your experience with Healthwatch to seek work in health and social care or other fields of employment.

Are you familiar with the hospitality landscape in South-East London? Do you have experience of running or working in a start-up?

Plateful Café are seeking a dedicated entrepreneur to sit on their advisory  board of Trustees at this exciting time to help steer the charity development towards the next stage of establishing a sustainable café. Plateful Café opened to the public in September 2023 offering breakfast,lunch and hot drinks on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday(9-3) as well as catering for events, pop ups and selling artisan products and artwork by local refugees.We are based at Parkside Community Centre in SE10 8FY and we  have tendered for the venue for the next 4 years.

 By joining the charity at this exciting stage you will have the opportunity to work with a diverse team building on securing the charity long-term future.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead on a new operations subcommittee to build a sustainable café diversifying our income Action planning, piloting and market research
• Customer development,research and  building rapport
• Developing networks in the hospitality sector to provide opportunities for  Café clients to seek experience and positions after the training programme
• Plan opportunities to diversify and capacity build Plateful Café’s income strategy by identifying new venues for pop-ups,promoting catering and identify new stockists to sell our products
• Overseeing activity on the online shop and selling points e.g. markets, local shops, events
• Overseeing the new supper club

Essential Skills

• Experience of management role in hospitality industry
• Strong track record of relationships building and networking with businesses
• Experience working to KPI’s
• Successful leadership and operations in a professional capacity
• Shared commitment for creating empowering, proactive solutions to local challenges
• People centred approach with strong communication and team working skills

Desirable Skills

• Lived experience of being a refugee
• Project coordination experience
• Network building in South-East London
  

Do you enjoy reading books and sharing stories?  

We are looking for a friendly volunteer to spend time and read newspapers or books to a gentleman we support with cerebral palsy and learning disabilities.  *N* loves being read to and the company this brings.  He will really enjoy having a cup of tea with a new friend.      
  
If you would like to make a difference and make a great friend along the way, we would love to hear from you!     

 
Activities will include:  

• Reading Books and Newspapers to a gentleman we support.  *N* communicates without words but loves listening to others.

• Enjoying a cup of tea together 

• Being there for company and friendship  

 
Activities will NOT include: Personal care, medication or financial assistance.  

We are looking for someone who is:  

• Friendly, caring and enthusiastic.  

• Comfortable reading out loud and spending time with people with learning disabilities and autism.  

• Reliable/dependable and willing to commit to volunteer regularly (exact times/days can be discussed)    

  A DBS check and two-character references will be required for this role.     

What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer:    

Dimensions provides support for around 3,500 people with learning disabilities and autism across the UK.      

Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:        

• Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)    

• Comprehensive support from professional and friendly Dimensions staff    

• Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed at manager’s discretion     

• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector    

Want to apply for this role?    

If you’d like to be a Dimensions volunteer, please get in touch!     

Do you enjoy meeting new people and have free time on Monday evenings?    
 
We are looking for a friendly volunteer to accompany a gentleman we support to attend his Monday evening social club and escort him home at 10.00pm.  The club is fortnightly, and the venue is a 5-minute walk away from his home in Kidderminster.

If you would like to make a difference and make a great friend along the way, we would love to hear from you!    

Activities will include:  

• Sharing your time on Monday evenings (fortnightly) and joining a gentleman we support to attend his evening social club.  This includes help with purchasing a drink and retain a receipt.

• Escorting him home at 10.00pm.  The gentleman is a wheelchair user although self-propels most of the time 

• Being there for company, friendship and fun  

Activities will NOT include Personal care, or medication support.     

We are looking for volunteers who are:    

• Friendly and enthusiastic 

• Comfortable with pushing a wheelchair when needed 

• Comfortable chatting with people with learning disabilities and autism.  

• Reliable and willing to commit to volunteer once a fortnight (on Monday evenings)  

A DBS check and two-character references will be required for this role.     

What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer:    

Dimensions provides support for around 3,500 people with learning disabilities and autism across the UK.    

Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:    

• Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)    

• Comprehensive support from professional and friendly Dimensions staff    

• Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed at manager’s discretion     

• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector    

Want to apply for this role?    
 
If you’d like to be a Dimensions volunteer, please get in touch!   

Cancer Support Scotland exists to improve the wellbeing of those affected by cancer, whether they are a person with cancer, a carer or loved one. Our wellbeing services range from professional one-to-one and digital counselling to stress management and self help tools.  In the last year we’ve offered over 6,500 appointments and demand for our services is continuing to rise.  We are seeking a new chair to lead us through the next phase of our strategy and to help us continue to ensure people live well with cancer.  We’re looking for someone who shares our passion for our purpose, has experience in ensuring effective governance and excellent financial acumen and is experienced in leadership.  We meet 4 times a year and have a dedicated group of Trustees who lead 4 sub groups Finance and Risk, Services, Marketing and Fundraising and People.

We’re also keen to invite applications for trustees with digital skills, who have an interest in the services we provide or those with people experience

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Disclaimer

We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please visit your local store for a paper application form or contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on our website.

Location:

Unit 4, Culver Street East, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1LF, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 

How you can make a difference!

Sense Holidays gives children, young people, adults with complex disabilities and their families the opportunity to have fun, meet new people and try new activities. Sense Holidays take place across the UK at a range of venues and vary. Each year we need skilled volunteers to help us deliver this exciting programme. 

The Volunteer Role involves:

• Staying in touch with Sense and your Holiday Leader before and during the Sense Holiday, raising any issues or concerns that may need addressing by the wider team.
• Attending the equivalent of one full day mandatory training which will be delivered virtually. You will also be asked to complete online e-Learning prior to the holiday.
• You will provide hands on support for the people on the holiday to meet their everyday needs. This may involve but is not limited to; supporting them to participate in group activities, making activities accessible to their particular needs, supporting the building of friendships and social communication.
• You may also be required to support holidaymakers with personal care including support with eating and drinking, washing, bathing and toileting. 
• Carry out tasks of daily living, such as cleaning the venue and cooking to maintain a clean and safe living environment.
• For those qualified and willing, you may be asked to complete Driving for Sense and drive an accessible vehicle on the holiday this could be a car, van or minibus depending on the holiday.

Current Holidays dates for Blackpool: 13/07/2024 - 18/07/2024

Volunteer Role Criteria

Essential criteria: 

• Aged 18 or over.
• Have experience supporting those with additional needs. Please note, we can offer a small number of places to those who are less experienced.
• A skilled communicator.
• Have a positive, can-do attitude.
• Can demonstrate reliability.
• Can demonstrate resilience.

Desirable: 

• Able to use British Sign Language.
• Experience in moving and handling.
• A full driving license and willing to drive on a holiday.
• Experience cooking for large groups.

Why Volunteer for Sense?

Sense is a national disability charity supporting everyone who is deafblind or has complex disabilities. We believe everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.

Volunteering on a Sense Holiday requires resilience but offers an incredibly rewarding experience.

Benefits

• All food, drink, accommodation, and activities on the holiday are paid for by Sense Holidays.
• You will receive comprehensive training for your role.
• The chance to practice and use your existing skills to communicate with others. 
• An opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairments. 
• Up to £60 of your travel expense paid. 
• Full support from our team, including induction and training for this role, and regular ongoing support. 

Ready to make a difference?

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all volunteers to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of places are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Can you spare 3 hours or more a week to help us provide a confidential helpline for people with mild to moderate mental health problems, drug or alcohol problems? You will be part of a dynamic team of volunteers.

We answer calls predominantly from people in Surrey from 9 am to 7pm Monday to Friday:

• Providing listening and emotional support that is confidential.
• We are non judgemental and signpost to other agencies.
• Refer callers into treatment services.

No qualifications are needed as full training will be provided, but you will need a friendly and calm telephone manner with the ability to communicate effectively. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds.

Our next training course is taking place online on 20th April and 27th April 2024.

Shift times are 9am to 12 noon, 12 to 3pm, 3 to 6pm and 6 to 7pmfts start at 9am). We require a minimum of one shift per fortnight. The Helpline is operated from your own home, at no cost to you.