Access To Benefits Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
All our Benefits Advocates play an integral role within our Information and Advice team and last year helped us to identify over £2.5 million in unclaimed welfare benefits entitlement for older people in the county. This money is life changing for our clients; improving quality of life and wellbeing, and supporting local services
We are looking for volunteers who are patient, sensitive and reliable, to assist older people to complete benefit forms such as Attendance Allowance. Appointments are usually in the older person's own home but can sometimes take place over the telephone. Full training and ongoing support are provided by our friendly and knowledgeable team.
Our volunteers will also raise awareness of and promote Age UK Devon services to clients, and record details of any other queries or concerns so that our Advisors can follow up with clients.
Skills required for this role are:
· Ability to empathise with others.
· Good verbal and written communication skills.
· Understanding of confidentiality.
· Patience, sensitivity, and reliability.
· Ability to respond appropriately to different and sometimes difficult situations.
· Working as a team member, referring to other team members when appropriate.
· Ability to work unsupervised and manage appointments.
· Good computer skills.
· Knowledge of the Benefits System (training will be provided).
Age UK Devon’s aim is to improve the lives of older people in Devon through delivering services and activities, promoting wellbeing and health, increase independence and access to local services as well as supporting families and carers - enabling people to get the most out of life.
Our volunteers donate their time to enable us to provide fantastic added value to our services and activities and bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to our organisation.
Our aim is to help you enjoy your role and to gain personal satisfaction on your volunteer journey with us – can you be the person we need to help us in supporting and making a positive difference to people in later life in the county?
If you would like an informal discussion about this role or have any queries, please contact Sarah Gunn – Advice and Wellbeing Manager (see our website for details)
Or if you would like to apply please visit Age UK Devon for more information on the role and how to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Hours: 4 hours per week, Monday – Saturda
Location: Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space – Whitgift Centre, Croydon (and other locations that may be used in the future)
As part of the Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space we are recruiting for volunteers who understand the benefits and housing process to support clients with form filling in order to apply to the services that meet their needs and requirements.
You’ll need to be able to establish good relationships with people from different backgrounds and have some understanding of mental health and local benefits and legislation procedures.
We’ll support and train you as one of our volunteers, which could be the first step of a new career in mental health.
To apply please send your CV and a short Covering Letter explaining:
- Why would you like to apply for this role?
- How your skills and experience relate to the competencies in the Person Specification of the role description?
- What benefits you can bring to the role?
At Mind in Croydon we value diversity and we're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and to reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.
To apply please send your CV and a short Covering Letter explaining:
• Why would you like to apply for this role?
• How your skills and experience relate to the competencies in the Person Specification of the role description?
• What benefits you can bring to the role?
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
This volunteer role involves being available for a mix of weekly drop-in IT sessions in which you will provide ‘floating support’ as well as pre-arranged one-to-one sessions in order to help clients complete more specific tasks relevant to them.
Digital Inclusion provides a crucial resource, helping people to take positive steps to improve their lives, by overcoming digital exclusion, accessing learning and securing work. In an average session, clients undertake independent learning and tasks, such as; completing searches on the internet, formatting documents and using email, paying bills, filling in forms etc
Increasingly, clients are asking for help with social media platforms, such as; logging into Facebook account, creating a LinkedIn profile or Instagram account to promote their business, or help with blogging.
How does this role make a difference?
All of life’s activities - including job seeking, accessing and managing benefits and housing - take place online. Clients without IT skills are hugely disadvantaged. This role provides clients with support, helping them to overcome initial fears or learning barriers. With increasing confidence, they will be able to access the internet independently.
Who will you be helping?
Users are adults from diverse backgrounds and can range from those who are complete computer beginners, learning the basics of IT, to those needing access to the resource for learning, job search or managing household finances. The service helps clients seeking to address digital skills gaps and improve their confidence in order to access the internet.
What will you be doing?
- Meeting clients and carrying out weekly, one-to-one coaching sessions
- For the remaining time, offering ‘floating support’ to other clients, such as completing searches on the internet, formatting documents and using email
· Helping new clients to complete an IT Initial Basic Skills Assessment
What are we looking for?
- Although advanced technical skills are not required, a good understanding of MS Office (Word and Excel mostly) and a breadth of experience in using the internet are essential in order to coach and help vulnerable clients develop their skills.
- The confidence and willingness to work closely with clients and actively approach them where required.
· You have some experience assisting or coaching others.
· You are patient, a good listener and have the ability to motivate others.
· You are available for a period of at least six months to give you time to develop a rapport and fulfil learning objectives with the clients.
What is the time commitment?
We are looking to have open access sessions for clients twice a week, days will depend on your availability. one-to-one sessions can be arranged to fit with these days.
We are asking for a 6 months commitment to enable you to build trusting relationships with clients and develop in your role. Volunteers find this goes very quickly!
How will you be supported?
· There is ongoing support by the Learning and Employment Manager.
· Free access to a range of e-learning modules on the Centre’s online e-learning platform
· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel, and also lunch if volunteering a full day.
What is the recruitment procedure?
Application form> Informal interview> Ideally two reference checks> DBS check> Trial period
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
What we do
We help everyone use parks and their transformative health and wellbeing benefits. DEFRA estimates that if everyone spent time in parks, the NHS could save £2.1 billion a year, however often the people who could benefit most from using parks, do not.
We work with under-served communities to help them spend time in green space and we support small groups and community organisations to do the same. From supporting people with complex mental health needs to connect with nature and build community, to identifying and removing physical barriers to park access, we work to make sure parks fulfil their potential as free to use, community assets.
The role
As a Trustee with a Human Resources background, you will take the lead at board level, whilst ensuring that the collective responsibility of the Trustees for the management, support and development of our staff is maintained. All Trustees share responsibility for the organisation.
The main responsibilities of a Trustee is to:
- oversee the strategic direction of the charity as it scales to meet demand, and support the CEO in managing this growth;
- use their expertise to help guide the process;
- ensure the organisation works within the law and in line with its governing document and policies;
- keep informed about the activities of the charity in order to maintain effective oversight;
- take a financial overview and ensure that the organisation’s finances are adequate and responsibly managed;
- promote the work and safeguard the reputation of Your Park Bristol and Bath.
Skills and experience needed
You do not need to have prior experience of being a Trustee or experience working with boards. We will provide training to fully induct you into the role and you will be buddied up with one of our longer standing trustees to support you in your first six months.
We are primarily looking for HR professionals who are passionate about the potential of Bristol and Bath’s parks and want to help everyone experience their benefits.
We’re particularly interested in receiving applications from people who are from ethnically diverse backgrounds, Disabled people, unpaid carers, or people from low-income households.
Helping everyone access parks and their transformational wellbeing benefits.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.
Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.
About the role
We are looking for Peer Group Facilitators (Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities) to support our Community Services in Bristol.
You will be based at St Pauls and, ideally will be able to commit one and a half hours per week to volunteering (14:30 to 16:00 on Wednesday's)
This role is dedicated to providing a safe space for people to discuss the impact of racism. You will be allowing the participants to lead the group and discuss change that could come about through different organisations - for example, how can organisations (mental health organisations/charities) change things to better support people.
You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.
About the service
Our service is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The Bristol Services team includes a Service Manager, Recovery Coaches, a Digital Officer, a Group Development Coordinator, a Community Development Worker and a Peer and Volunteer Coordinator.
What you will be doing as a Peer Group Facilitator
- Engaging with group members
- Keeping the group focused
- Welcoming people into the space
- Facilitating the space and allowing participants to lead
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- Being non-judgmental and open minded
- Passionate about tackling racism
- Understanding the importance of confidentiality
- Being able to empathise
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
We welcome applications from everyone, applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning+ (LGBTQ+), people with a disability, or those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. We are proud to have also been awarded Disability Confident employer status. We have an ambition of becoming an anti-racist organisation and we recognise there is more to do in ensuring our recruitment is fair and inclusive, which is why we are recruiting new roles in helping us to achieve this.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why do we need you?
• We need your help to assist visually impaired people to use their smart phones, tablets and laptops by adjusting accessibility settings, support with apps and how to use speech and voice feedback.
What activities will I be involved in?
• One to one, hour long appointments with service users
• Adjust accessibility settings and teach how to use speech and voice feedback
• Introduce Apps that can help users read documents or listen to audio books.
• Help to troubleshoot technical issues
• Explain the benefits of IT to those who are wary of, or intimidated by modern technology.
What skills and abilities will I need to have?
• A good understanding of using smart phones and tablets.
• Knowledge of Android, Apple or Microsoft operating systems
• Understanding of accessibility settings
• The ability to share your knowledge and skills in a constructive and supportive way
• To be flexible and a problem solver
• Patience and a good sense of humour helps
How much time should I offer?
• This role is flexible but we do look for a regular commitment.
• IT appointments are at our support centres at locations around Warwickshire.
• Rugby, Nuneaton , Coleshill, Atherstone and Bedworth
• Depending on the location sessions are weekly or monthly either 9:30am to 11:30pm or 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Is there an induction and training?
• You will receive an induction when you start
• We will provide any training you need to complete the role
What on-going support/guidance will there be?
• You will be supported by our IT4U team
• Opportunities to meet and network with staff and fellow volunteers during the year
Will I need my own transport?
• Access to your own vehicle would be an advantage.
What are the benefits to me?
• The opportunity of meeting new people and working as part of a dedicated team
• A great opportunity to learn new IT skills
• The satisfaction of knowing that you are making a vital difference to people living with sight loss
Will my expenses be paid?
• We pay volunteers “out-of-pocket” expenses in accordance with our guidelines.
Do I need to submit to a Disclosure and Barring Service check?
• As a volunteer working with vulnerable people you will need to undergo a DBS check in accordance with our policies
Areas :- Nuneaton, Coleshill, Bedworth, Atherstone, Rugby
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.
Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.
About the role
We are looking for a Criminal Justice Volunteer (BME) to support our Bristol Community Service in Bristol. You will be based at St Pauls and, ideally, you will be able to commit one and a half hours per week to volunteering (14:30 to 16:00 on Tuesday's)
This group is a female only Black, Asian and minority ethnic criminal justice group aimed at women who have had experiences of racism in the criminal justice system. You will be facilitating the group and allowing the members to lead the conversation and speak about their experiences. Through facilitating the group, it is your responsibility to keep the conversation focused. You will also help the group to discuss changes that the members may want to see within the criminal justice system, and how this change can be implemented. Within this role, confidentiality is extremely important so you will be expected to share this value with the group.
You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.
About the service
Our service team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The Bristol Services team includes a Service Manager, Recovery Coaches, a Digital Officer, a Group Development Coordinator, a Community Development Worker and a Peer and Volunteer Coordinator.
What you will be doing as a Volunteer Group Facilitator Criminal Justice
· Keeping the group focused
· Remaining non-judgmental
· Comfortable engaging with women, provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
· Due to the nature of the group, you must identify as female to volunteer for this role
· Helping to set up the space and welcome people in
· Understand the importance of confidentiality
What will make you a great fit for this role?
· Passionate about the criminal justice system
· Passionate around tackling racism and inequality
· Experience of working in/facilitating a group
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
We welcome applications from everyone, applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning+ (LGBTQ+), people with a disability, or those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. We are proud to have also been awarded Disability Confident employer status. We have an ambition of becoming an anti-racist organisation and we recognise there is more to do in ensuring our recruitment is fair and inclusive, which is why we are recruiting new roles in helping us
About Smart Works
Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses, coaches and empowers unemployed women for success at their job interview. After visiting Smart Works, 69% of clients secure a job within a month.
The Smart Works service is delivered in 11 centres across the UK. Over the past ten years, Smart Works has helped over 35,000 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre. More information about who we are can be found on our website.
About the opportunity
Our wardrobe is at the heart of our dressing service, where we create that magic mirror moment and ensure our clients receive a consistently professional, boutique dressing experience. Our clothing is generously donated from the public, corporate organisations and our retail partners such as Burberry, Hobbs, Whistles, John Lewis, M&S and more
At Smart Works we strive to deliver a ‘best in class’ experience, ensuring every client receives a high-quality outfit and outstanding dressing experience. This is why we are recruiting for a new team of wardrobe volunteers to maintain our wardrobe space for our clients and dressing team.
We also have an exciting calendar of fundraising events including our signature fashion sales and annual Fashion & Fizz events, where our wardrobe volunteers are responsible for curating amazing rails for our supporters to buy from and in turn raise vital funds for our service.
This opportunity would be perfect for anyone who has a passion for clothes and sees fashion as a force for good. Our wardrobe volunteers should have a meticulous eye for detail and a passion for organisation, as they will be involved in all things sorting and quality control.
We will be recruiting three to four wardrobe volunteers in Newcastle, who will be joining a busy and bustling community consisting of 5 staff members and over 40 volunteers.
Key Tasks
- Working as a team to create successful sorting systems.
- Sorting our incoming clothing donations for client wardrobe and sales.
- Rotating our wardrobe items seasonally and as new items come in.
- Maintaining our rails through steaming and sorting.
- Curating/pricing our fashion sale stock with our events calendar in mind.
- Administrative support with stock takes and inventories.
- Support with our fashion sale events.
Skills you should have
- Great attention to detail.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Work well as a part of the wider wardrobe and volunteer team.
- An awareness of fashion brands is desirable but not essential.
- Passionate about our mission and fashion as a force for good, evidenced in your written application.
Benefits of volunteering
- Making an impactful and positive difference to the lives of our clients.
- Gaining work experience in the charity sector.
- Using your knowledge and skills for good.
- Meeting people from a range of backgrounds and making new friends.
- Access monthly UK wide virtual volunteer forums to meet individuals across the charity.
How to apply
To apply, please submit a CV (no more than two pages) and a one-page cover letter via our recruitment portal here and we will be in touch May-June 2024 if your application is of interest.
Your application should be addressed to Smart Works Newcastle and your cover letter should include why you would like to become a Wardrobe Volunteer.
There will be a short webinar on the opportunity held on Wednesday 10th April at 12:30pm. Please register to attend the webinar here. This will be a chance to hear first-hand from the Smart Works Newcastle Centre Manager about this opportunity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for a team player, who is able to support our board to grow the charity over the next few years. Our aim is to break down barriers which prevent people accessing the arts – as well as enriching our community with our workshops, community events and gallery space. We are a passionate and dedicated team in need of support embedding new procedures, strategies and development plans to help the charity grow. We welcome hand-on trustees who wish to come and help at workshops and events, but this is not expected or a requirement of the role.
If you have a background in any of the following it would be very useful for our board: charity experience, marketing and communications, human resources, inclusion and diversity and/or finance. Previous trustee experience is not necessary and we are actively seeking applications from all ages and backgrounds. Having a board with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences will enable SCIP to improve decision making to be more inclusive whilst having better understandings of potential barriers people have experience accessing arts. SCIP are focused on working with people who share our vision and values.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role: Referral volunteer (laptops)
Team: Casework
Supervised by: Adult caseworker
Location: Tooting office on a Thursday afternoon (2-5pm) for period of training/induction. Remote or in person once induction is complete.
Time commitment: 3 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months
About CARAS :
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.
Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.
We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work:
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do
About the Role:
CARAS offers advocacy casework integrated into all of its projects, ensuring that people who attend our groups can access support to address issues in a friendly and timely manner. A key part of the casework service is to help connect people to resources and activities that they need.
A key areas of need is digital access, either by smart phone or laptop.
People living in asylum accommodation receive £9/week making saving for items impossible.
Whilst many activities have returned to face-to-face delivery many have stayed online, not having a laptop impedes people’s ability to join English classes and social activities. People attending college face difficulties in completing college work without access to computers in the evenings, access to a laptop means people are able to take greater control over their independent learning. Smart phones make a huge difference in people’s ability to have contact with family and community across the world.
To meet this need we have built a partnership with a grant giving organisation, Acts435, to support people to get personal laptops.
We are able to refer 5 people at a time for grants to buy new laptops/phones. Once the grant money is received we purchase the devices for community members to collect.
We are looking for a volunteer to do these referrals each month and support people to purchase and receive their laptops and phones. This is an extremely rewarding role, interacting with lots of the CARAS community members and making a very tangible positive impact on people’s lives.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- contacting community members who are on our waiting lists by phone to explain the scheme to them
- complete grant applications with community members
- monitoring the grant platform to see when grants have been made
- purchasing laptops online and liaising with community members to arrange collection
- completing monitoring forms with community members once grants are recieved and uploading to grant platform
- recording all referrals and work done on our case management system (lamplight)
Person specification:
Essential
· Confidence in using IT (online forms, online shopping, google maps, email, DocuSign)
· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;
· A commitment to confidentiality and data protection
· Thorough with good attention to detail
· Reliable
· A high level of spoken and written English
· Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;
· Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way
· A calm, friendly, kind and patient approach
· Enjoyment in speaking to new people
· A commitment to working in an empowering way
· Able to maintain boundaries
· Able to work autonomously
· Currently resident in the UK
Desirable
· Experience working with refugees and asylum seekers
· Fluent in one or more of: Pashtu, Farsi, Tigrinya, Somali, Arabic or Dari, Russian, Ukrainian, Albanian, Amharic, Kurdish Sorani, Spanish, French
· Experience of working with interpreters
Benefits to Volunteering:
Through volunteering with us you will:
· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
· Develop your skills and competencies;
· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
All volunteers must complete a DBS check and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.
To Apply:
To Apply To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form, using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.
Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with the Adult caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Adult Casework Volunteer - Role description
Role: Adult Casework Volunteer
Team: Casework
Supervised by: Adult caseworker
Location: Tooting office on a Thursday afternoon (2-5.30pm)
Time commitment: 3.5 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months
About CARAS :
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.
Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.
We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do
About CARAS casework:
CARAS works with adults and young people of a refugee and asylum seeker background to find solutions to their problems. There are two separate sub-teams within the Casework team; young people and adults. We support adults to navigate the asylum system, understand their options, access benefits, connect with services and realise their goals. We are a non-specialist casework and advocacy service, so we work in close partnership with other local organisations to whom we refer people with more complex issues.
Using the empowerment model, our casework service embodies CARAS’ values of ‘with not for’, always striving to ensure people are armed with the information and resources they need to make decisions and take action for themselves.
About the Role:
We are currently recruiting for 2 volunteers to join our Adult Casework team.
The purpose of the Adult Casework volunteer role is to support adults with a refugee or asylum seeking background to understand their rights, access information and services, and ultimately, take control of their own lives. You will work with individuals to address problems they may face relating to, among other issues, asylum support, accessing healthcare and education, access to legal advice and finding activities and opportunities.
You will start from an understanding that individuals are always best placed to solve their own problems, and often need nothing more than to talk out a problem and find the solution themselves. When helpful, you will provide information to clarify and support to take action.
The Adult Casework team hold a support session at our office in Tooting on Thursday afternoons from 2-5.30pm. Volunteer caseworkers have 1:1 appointments, either in person or by phone, with CARAS members. These can be related to a range of topics. Currently our biggest areas of work are around housing for people seeking asylum, access to college, nursery/school places for children, referrals to mental health providers, searches and signposting to activities, finding solicitors and supporting people to apply for bus passes and ID cards. Volunteers also support with administrative tasks such as updating our databases, collating resources and creating information guides.
Adult Casework Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities:
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Working in an empowering way with individuals and promoting their independence through goal-setting.
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Supporting people to develop their knowledge of rights and entitlements.
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Assisting with filling out forms
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Signposting and referring onto other services and organisations.
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Gathering information from experts and disseminating information to people in an accessible manner.
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Engaging in collaborative internet and phone research on services, organisations and grants.
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Flagging safeguarding concerns and other issues where further support is required.
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Keeping accurate casenotes
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Supporting to maintain our signposting database
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Researching and collating resources
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Working collaboratively as a team and assisting to shape the Adult Casework project.
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Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
Essential
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Experience of doing 1:1 advice work/casework.
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Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English.
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Confidence in using IT (Microsft office, outlook, zoom, Google search, online forms)
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To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;
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A commitment to confidentiality and data protection
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Thorough with good attention to detail
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Reliable
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A high level of spoken and written English
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Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way
-
A calm, friendly, kind and patient approach
-
Enjoyment in speaking to new people
-
A commitment to working in an empowering way
-
Able to maintain boundaries
-
Able to work autonomously
-
Currently resident in the UK
Desirable
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Working knowledge or experience of relevant law and policy around asylum support, the asylum process, rights and entitlements for people seeking asylum
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Experience of working with interpreters
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Direct experience of the UK immigration system.
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Past experience of working with people seeking asylum
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Proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu or Vietnamese.
We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process
Benefits to Volunteering:
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Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
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Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
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Develop your skills and competencies;
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Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
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Obtain a reference from us relating to your volunteering
All volunteers must complete a basic DBS check for volunteers working with adults and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.
To Apply:
To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form, using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.
Applicants will have an informal meeting with the Adult caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP.
Successful applicants will undergo training and induction with our team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Hours: 4 hours per week, Monday – Saturday
Location: Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space – Whitgift Centre, Croydon (and other locations that may be used in the future)
As part of the Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space we are recruiting for volunteers who understand how connecting people to local services improves their mental health and wellbeing. You’ll be welcoming people into the space and helping to support people with mental health problems by signposting them to local organisations that meet their mental health and wellbeing needs.
You’ll need to be able to establish good relationships with people from different backgrounds and have some understanding of mental health and what resources there are locally.
We’ll support and train you as one of our volunteers, which could be the first step of a new career in mental health.
To apply please send your CV and a short Covering Letter explaining:
- Why would you like to apply for this role?
- How your skills and experience relate to the competencies in the Person Specification of the role description?
- What benefits you can bring to the role?
At Mind in Croydon we value diversity and we're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and to reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.
To apply please send your CV and a short Covering Letter explaining:
• Why would you like to apply for this role?
• How your skills and experience relate to the competencies in the Person Specification of the role description?
• What benefits you can bring to the role?
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join us at Legasee in our mission to highlight the remarkable history of the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC). We're seeking a passionate and skilled Volunteer Social Media Manager to help us promote our Heritage Lottery project, shedding light on this often-overlooked chapter of British military history.
Our purpose at Legasee is to record history in the words of the people who made it, in order to educate and raise awareness about the bravery, service and sacrifice our military personnel have made over the past century.
What will you do?
In this role, you'll collaborate closely with our project team to identify and prioritise compelling content related to the WRAC project. You will have the opportunity to craft (or contribute to crafting) a detailed social media content plan to showcase the project and help to establish and manage new channels such as TikTok and Instagram to broaden our audience. Your responsibilities could also include creating and disseminating content that resonates with a range of audiences, as well as monitoring and analysing the effectiveness of our social media efforts to provide insights and recommendations for enhancement.
What are we looking for?
Ideal candidates will have a strong desire to contribute to a successful social media campaign and demonstrate excellent communication skills with a keen attention to detail. Experience in crafting engaging content for various social media platforms is preferred, along with a familiarity with content publishing tools. An interest in, knowledge of, or enthusiasm to learn about British history would be an advantage.
What's in it for you?
On joining the team, you'll benefit from a comprehensive programme of induction, training, and ongoing support. You'll gain valuable experience by working on a multi-agency project involving museums, military institutions, veterans, schools, and the charity sector — a valuable addition to any CV. Additionally, you'll become an integral part of the Legasee team, dedicated to amplifying the voices of courageous women from the WRAC project, ensuring their stories are honoured for generations to come.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the role
Becoming a Bus Driver Volunteer is a wonderful way to have fun and meet new people whilst supporting the Charity in raising vital funds and awareness of the charity within the local communities across the county.
What you will be doing
• Driving our ‘Hearing Hopper’ outreach vehicle through the local communities within East Sussex
• Undertake vehicle and health & safety checks as required
• Act as an Ambassador for East Sussex Hearing whilst out and about
• Support the public to access the vehicle and/or services
• Assist other Volunteers and ESH staff to provide general hearing loss information and advice, including signposting to other services
• Deal with any issues or incidents as they arise – following East Sussex Hearing policy & procedures
• Help to keep the ‘Hearing hopper’ clean, tidy and safe
If you are seeking a hands-on role that lets you support East Sussex Hearing whilst having fun - Joining us as a Bus Driver Volunteer is the perfect opportunity! Let's make a difference together, as we’re ‘Here to Help You Hear.’
It is essential that you have a clean C1 driving licence with a minimum of two years' driving experience. The bus is similar in size to an NHS ambulance. Also, essential is the ability to travel to a rural location in Upper Dicker.
What will you gain from volunteering with us
• A chance to meet new people, make new friends and dedicate yourself to a rewarding role
• The time to develop new skills, take on new challenges and enjoy new experiences
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to East Sussex Hearing and support the deaf and hard of hearing community
• Travel expenses can be claimed
• FREE admission to our BSL Sign Language classes
• FREE admission to our Lipreading classes
• Access to exclusive discounts, cashback & vouchers for charity workers & volunteers
Training & Support
East Sussex Hearing will provide all relevant training at our Eastbourne centre, and locally where possible.
What we are looking for
• You're friendly, welcoming and enjoy being part of events
• You enjoy engaging with people and being part of a team
• You’re flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks
• You’re over the age of 30 due to insurance purposes.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About East Sussex
Hearing Join us in making a meaningful impact! East Sussex Hearing, an independent countywide charity based in Eastbourne, has dedicated over two decades to serving the deaf and hard of hearing community across East Sussex. Our mission is to empower individuals with advice and practical support, enabling them to lead vibrant, active lives and be integral members of their community.
We actively participate in various community events to bolster and enrich the services we offer, while also fostering collaborative working relationships throughout the county, for the benefit of the hard of hearing and deaf population. We are now on the lookout for a passionate Hearing Aid Maintenance (HAM) Volunteer - Uckfield, to join our cause on a voluntary basis.
About the role
Volunteering as a HAM Volunteer offers an enjoyable opportunity to socialise and make new connections, all whilst contributing to the charity's vital services within the Uckfield community. You'll be involved in offering warm and helpful hearing aid maintenance services, along with sharing information and advice on hearing loss.
What you will be doing
• Meet and greet members of the public who visit HAM sessions
• Keep written records of help given
• Check and clean hearing aids
• Replace hearing aid tubing
• Check hearing aid batteries and issue replacement batteries
• Provide basic guidance on use and care of hearing aids
• Provide general hearing loss information and advice, including signposting to other services
If you are seeking a hands-on role that lets you support East Sussex Hearing whilst having fun - Joining us as a HAM Volunteer is the perfect opportunity! Let's make a difference together, as we're Here to Help You Hear.’
What will you gain from volunteering with us
• A chance to meet new people, make new friends and dedicate yourself to a rewarding role
• The time to develop new skills, take on new challenges and enjoy new experiences
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to East Sussex Hearing and support the deaf and hard of hearing community
• Travel expenses can be claimed
• FREE admission to our BSL Sign Language classes
• FREE admission to our Lipreading classes
• Access to exclusive discounts, cashback & vouchers for charity workers & volunteers.
Training & Support
East Sussex Hearing will provide all relevant training at their Eastbourne centre, and locally where possible.
What we are looking for:
• You're friendly, enjoy engaging with people and being part of a team
• You’re flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks.
To apply for this role, you need to be over the age of 16.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.