Activities support volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Waltham forest, london

The Deputy Chair of Hidayah provides essential support to the Chair, helps ensure the effective governance of the organisation, and stands ready to act in the Chair’s absence. This role helps maintain the smooth functioning of the Board and the organisation overall.

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

· Support the Chair in providing strategic leadership and overseeing Trustee meetings, stepping in as Chair when needed

· Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of Hidayah’s Strategic Plan, Annual Report, and key governance policies

· Help manage volunteers and support fellow Trustees to ensure shared responsibility, accountability, and active engagement across the Board

· Assist in planning and delivering core governance activities, such as the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Trustee votes

· Act as a signatory on financial matters, supporting the smooth running of Hidayah’s operations.

· Lead or support outreach activities, including identifying and engaging new partners, drafting proposals, and maintaining outreach records

· Help plan and promote events and campaigns, and contribute to the development of inclusive outreach strategies

· Represent Hidayah at external events, building relationships with individuals and organisations aligned with our mission

What do we expect from the Deputy Chair?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Essential:

· A strong commitment to Hidayah’s mission and values, particularly around LGBTQ+ Muslim inclusion

· Reliable, organised, and able to manage tasks independently

· Good written and verbal communication skills

· Basic digital literacy – including use of email, Google Drive, and Microsoft Office tools

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with integrity

· Respectful, inclusive, and collaborative working style

· Willingness to take initiative, contribute ideas, and stay engaged with wider organisational activity

Desirable:

· Experience in community outreach, project support, or partnership building – particularly in a grassroots, voluntary, or equalities-focused setting

· Familiarity with governance, quality assurance, or safeguarding in the charity or community sector

· Experience facilitating or supporting meetings and group discussions

· Ability to resolve conflict or challenges with empathy and professionalism

· Knowledge or lived experience of LGBTQ+ Muslim identities or the intersection of faith, gender, and sexuality

· Awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices

How much commitment is required?

This is a voluntary role with flexible hours, and can be carried out around your existing commitments. The role will take approximately 2 - 4 hours per week (flexible depending on needs and availability). You are also required to attend monthly board meetings. There is also an expectation of willingness to commit to the role for at least 3 months.

Volunteer Admin Support Volunteer Wanted

Unlock YOUR Potential – Empowering Adults Across the UK

Do you believe that every great movement is built on strong foundations?

Do you want to be the steady hand that ensures our programmes run smoothly, our volunteers feel supported, and our mission reaches those who need it most?

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we are creating a movement of dignity, opportunity, and transformation. We are seeking Volunteer Admin Support, dedicated organisers who will keep our charity’s heartbeat steady, ensuring that every workshop, mentoring session, and wellbeing programme flows with clarity and impact.

Your Role

As Admin Support, you will:

• Provide essential administrative assistance to keep programmes and volunteers organised.

• Manage communications, scheduling, and record-keeping with precision and warmth.

• Support the smooth delivery of workshops, mentoring, and wellbeing sessions.

• Be the backbone of our charity—ensuring that vision becomes reality through structure and care.

Why Join Us?

• Impact lives: Behind every success story is someone who kept the wheels turning.

• Grow together: Administration is the art of enabling transformation.

• Belong: Join a warm, empowering community of volunteers across the UK.

• Legacy: Help build a charity that restores hope, resilience, and opportunity.

Step forward. Become Admin Support. Together, we will unlock potential, restore dignity, and create opportunity across the UK.

Apply today and join us in shaping lives, futures, and communities.

Unlock YOUR Potential

• BREAKING BARRIERS
• UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups.

What you’ll be doing:
• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate).

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• 1 reference Criminal record check

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An interest in group or community work. • A sociable personality. • A commitment to working towards a society where people with sight loss are equal participants.

We’re looking for creative and organised people who enjoy visual design and want to use their skills to support meaningful community projects.

As a Creative Design Volunteer, you’ll help create eye-catching digital and print materials that promote our programmes, campaigns and events. From social media graphics to posters and newsletters, your designs will help us communicate clearly and consistently with our audiences.

This is a flexible opportunity for anyone who enjoys bringing ideas to life through design and wants to use their creativity for social good.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing digital and print materials such as posters, flyers and social media graphics
• Creating templates and layouts for newsletters, presentations or reports
• Adapting designs to meet accessibility and brand guidelines
• Supporting the visual design of campaigns and community events
• Helping organise and manage design files and templates
• Contributing creative ideas for visual storytelling and community engagement

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

• Creative eye for layout and design
• Confidence using design tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud or similar
• Attention to detail and ability to follow brand guidelines
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• Reliable, organised and able to manage time effectively
• Interest in community, social impact or charity communications

What You’ll Gain

• Experience designing materials for community campaigns and events
• Opportunities to develop and showcase creative skills
• A chance to build a portfolio of design work for a good cause
• The satisfaction of helping a charity communicate its impact

About Us

We are a community-led charity tackling poverty at its root by empowering people and communities to overcome barriers and build sustainable futures.

Our programmes support children, young people, adults and families through education, employability, wellbeing and social inclusion activities that promote confidence, connection and opportunity.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults involved in our work.

Safeguarding training will be provided for all volunteers and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for this role.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to support participation wherever possible.

Volunteer Role: Charity Shop & Arts Space Assistant
Location: NICOLA Arts, Wandsworth Rd, Lambeth, London
Organisation: NICOLA Arts

About Us:

NICOLA Arts is an artist-led charity shop in the heart of Lambeth. We’re more than just a shop — we’re a creative hub where local artists can display, sell, and create their work. Through our in-store exhibitions and collaborative projects, we aim to build a supportive, accessible space for creatives and the wider community.

Role Overview:
We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to help support the day-to-day running of our charity shop and creative space. This is a varied role that combines retail tasks with hands-on support for artists and exhibitions. It's a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in the arts, community work, or gaining experience in a creative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sort, price, and label donated clothes and items
• Assist customers with queries and purchases
• Operate the till and handle payments (training provided)
• Keep the shop tidy, welcoming, and well-organised
• Support artists working in the on-site studio
• Assist with setting up and manage in-store art exhibitions and events
• Post flyers locally for promoting our new shop

What We’re Looking For:

• Friendly, reliable, and proactive individuals
• An interest in the arts, creativity, or community engagement
• Good communication and customer service skills
• Willingness to learn and get stuck in
• Previous retail or creative experience is a bonus, but not required

What You’ll Gain:

• Experience working in a unique arts and retail environment
• Opportunities to connect with local artists and creative projects
• Training in retail and event support
• A chance to make a real difference in the Lambeth community
• References for future roles or education

Time Commitment:
Flexible shifts available – we’re happy to work around your schedule. Whether you can offer a few hours a week or more, your time and support will make a big difference.

How to Apply:
To express your interest, pop into the shop or apply online

Volunteer your time by supporting to create positive and inspiring environment for people in crisis to live in and take part in activities and receive support.

At Hestia we have a PIPEs programme, which focuses on expanding our ‘Psychological Informed Physical Environments’ approach across our accommodation-based services. This approach centres the needs and choices of the people who use our services, believing that their contribution creates a conducive environment which supports recovery. Ensuring that our indoor and outdoor spaces at Hestia are PIPE through design, supports people to feel physical and emotional safety, to support them to rebuild their life beyond crisis and allows us to consider the needs of different groups people we work with at Hestia.

What you will be doing

• The setting layout is meaningful for different groups and for the desired interaction
• It is a looked after, organised, tidy, a comfortable and positive space for all to use
• There are spaces to speak in confidence with staff, but all other spaces are shared with everyone who visits the space
• An atmosphere is created that is conducive to health and wellbeing
• To inspect the environment and assess whether it meets a set criteria
• To provide written or verbal feedback on review of the visit
• To take part in review and training sessions, to support continuous development of the PIPE programme
• This role is open to volunteers and people who use our services and would like to volunteer their time. We are also looking for volunteers to also support people who would like to get involved in this role but feel less confident finding the Hestia locations. As part of the role, you may be asked to meet another volunteer at a certain location such as a train station and accompany them to the service

The skills you need

• Good communication skills; written and verbal
• An interest in interior design or designing warm, friendly and welcoming spaces
• Calm and patient approach
• Understanding of confidentiality

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Volunteer Mentor – Make a Difference in a Young Person’s Life

What if one hour a week could change a young person’s life - and yours too?

About Us

MAPS Mentoring is an award-winning early-intervention project that supports vulnerable children and young people in the London Borough of Sutton. Our dedicated volunteers provide a safe, supportive space for young people facing challenges such as low self-esteem, difficult family relationships, abuse, bereavement, or self-harm. Through mentoring, we empower mentees to unpack their experiences, build confidence, and find their voice.

About the Role

We’re looking for Volunteer Mentors to join our MAPS Mentoring team. As a mentor, you’ll meet with a young person in Sutton for 1-2 hours weekly for up to a year. Meetings are flexible and can take place in the evenings, weekends, or during the week for our older mentees, or for in-school mentoring.

No prior experience is needed - just a genuine desire to make a difference in a young person’s life.

With a budget provided for food, drinks, activities, and travel, you and your mentee can choose what to do together. Whether it’s casual coffee chats, dog walks, or saving up for more adventurous outings like GoKarting, Thorpe Park trips, or even indoor skydiving, the choice is yours!

What We’re Looking For

Excellent communication and listening skills
Empathy, patience, and the ability to build trust
Sensitivity and understanding of the challenges young people face
A positive attitude and reliability
Commitment to meeting with a mentee weekly for up to a year
Willingness to undergo a DBS check and attend a full day of training
Prior experience working with young people is welcome but not essential

Why Volunteer with MAPS?

Make a lasting impact on a young person’s life
Gain valuable skills in mentoring and communication
Be part of an award-winning, supportive team
All expenses (food, drinks, activities, and travel) are covered

Ready to Get Started?

Are you a passionate people person?Join us as a Fundraising Volunteer! 

We are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to support Dimensions with fundraising as part of our 50th birthday celebrations in 2026.If you’re looking for Fundraising experience or you love to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity to get involved! 
 
Activities will include 

• Launching Small Sparks grants and all associated fundraising as part of our 50th celebrations 

• Encouraging the people we support and their support teams to think what they could do with a Small Sparks grant and make nominations 

• Manage the small fundraising budget, aiming to maximise colleague participation 

• Planning and delivering fundraising activities throughout the year

About you 

We are looking for someone who is: 

• A natural ball of energy and a people person.

• Passionate about supporting people to live better lives, with the communication skills to get colleagues, the people we support and their families to join you in your mission. 

• Friendly and enthusiastic   

• Reliable/dependable and willing to volunteer regularly (ideally 2 –3 days per week, around your availability)  

Two character references will be required for this role.     

What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer:    

Dimensions provide support for autistic people and people with learning disabilities 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!

RSBC Dorton College is an independent specialist college in the London Borough of Bromley. We offer day provision for 16 to 25-year-olds, and many of our students have additional needs.

We’re the only independent specialist further education provider for vision impaired young people in London and the Southeast. We offer a wide range of courses, and a bespoke curriculum supported by a diverse range of trained staff.

Dorton College are looking for volunteers to help assist in the general running of the college, getting hands on with lessons, movement and independance building exercises. 

Role: Learning Support Volunteer

Commitment: Due to the nature of the role, RSBC are looking for a regular commitment. 1 half day per week for example.

Location: RSBC Dorton College of Further Education, Orpington Campus, The Walnuts, Orpington, BR6 0TE 

Availability: We have shifts available between Monday and Friday, the centre is open from 8am – 4pm term time only. 

Age:  18+ 

Our Mission Statement: 

RSBC believes that every blind young person should have the chance to live life without limits. 

By giving young people the essential skills and confidence to take control of their life, they can unleash their true potential.

Our success depends on our values 

Underpinning all RSBC’s work are values embedded in trust and excellence: 

TRUST: Respect and accountability 

ENERGY: Straight talking and constantly learning 

AMBITION: Confronting reality and driving results 

MOTIVATION: Vision impaired children and young people are our number one priority, and we look for solutions, not problems 

What will I be doing?

RSBC Dorton College is an independent specialist college in the London Borough of Bromley. We offer day provision for 16 to 25-year-olds, and many of our students have additional needs. 

We’re the only independent specialist further education provider for vision impaired young people in London and the Southeast. We offer a wide range of courses, and a bespoke curriculum supported by a diverse range of trained staff. 

RSBC are looking for volunteers here at get involved at our Dorton College helping our young people to learn, grow and develop with your support.

Dorton college’s specialist approach which blends mainstream and specialist education creates a unique environment for students to grow their independance.

You will be helping young people to navigate their educational environment: preparing resources, assisting with movement and making sure young people are engaging with

Alongside this, you can also have the opportunity to get one on one experience, helping students to take notes and engage with the lesson, and supporting and running small group activities.

Moveover, Dorton college prides itself on helping our students to grow their independence. Volunteers would also have the opportunity to get involved in sessions designed to help grow learners independant skills such as cooking sessions, local community visits and utilising public transport.

This is a fantastic role if you are looking to gain experience in education or health and social care, especially in the SEN sphere.

Due to the nature of the role, we are looking for volunteers who can contribute 1 half day per week, and as explained below, there are safeguarding checks to complete before you can start.

Key Tasks and Main Duties 

Operational support tasks: 

• Assist in preparing learning environments and resources 

• Help supervise break and lunch periods alongside staff 

• Support student movement around campus (training provided) 

• Participate in enrichment or community-based events 

• Assist with light admin or data capture tasks, such as logging attendance or session feedback 

Learner Engagement Opportunities: 

• Act as a reader, note-taker, or scribe in classroom sessions 

• Support small group activities or one-to-one work under staff guidance 

• Help facilitate creative or independence-building sessions (e.g. cooking, tech, mobility) 

Who are you?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in the sector before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow RSBC’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for RSBC. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of sight problems. 

What’s in it for me?

RSBC offers the opportunity to gain insight and experience into helping others with sight issues. As part of your volunteering, you will have access to Sighted Guide training, a training session designed to help you understand the issues and complexities of sight problems and give you the ability to help others navigate the world.

RSBC also provides paid expenses for your volunteering experience, you can claim up to £10 per day.

RSBC can also provide references and impact reports from your volunteering if required. 

You will be fully supported in your role by our team of expert and compassionate service delivery team.

Develop or utilise your skills – As a volunteer, you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to develop new skills or use those you already have, which can help to build your CV, boost your employability and give you a sense of satisfaction. 

What's in it for the Community? 

Make a difference to people’s lives

Help in your community, we are local to Orpington and a significant number of our students and staff are local to the area.

Help deliver creative services to help people with sighted issues feel included in the world around them.

Make a direct and tangible difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted children and young people. 

Safeguarding:  

Due to the nature of the role, before you can begin volunteering with RSBC there are some required safeguarding checks which will need to be completed.

All RSBC volunteers undergo an Enhanced DBS check (paid for by RSBC) and must provide two references.

All volunteers will also be booked onto safeguarding training.

RSBC risk assesses all its services and activities.

Next Steps: 

If this sounds like you, please fill out an expression of interest, and one of our volunteer team members will get back to you!

Chair of the Board of Trustees recruitment

Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham and Havering (RBH)

Age UK RBH is seeking an outstanding leader to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees, guiding our charity through its next phase of growth, resilience, and impact for older people across our three boroughs.

About Us

Age UK RBH is a trusted local charity supporting older people across Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham, and Havering. We deliver vital services that promote independence, wellbeing, and dignity—from advice and information to social activities, home support, and specialist care. With a strong reputation for quality and compassion, we are proud to be a lifeline for older residents and their families.

The Role

As Chair, you will:

· Provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and accountability.

· Champion our mission and values, safeguarding the charity’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and measurable impact.

· Support and challenge the Chief Executive and senior team, acting as a critical friend and strategic partner.

· Represent Age UK RBH externally, building partnerships with funders, local authorities, and community organisations.

· Ensure the charity remains financially sustainable and operationally strong, delivering excellence for older people.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a visionary leader with:

· Experience of chairing boards or holding senior governance roles.

· Strong understanding of charity governance, financial stewardship, and risk management.

· Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire confidence across diverse stakeholders.

· Commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity.

· Passion for improving the lives of older people and strengthening communities.

What We Offer

· The opportunity to shape the future of a respected local charity.

· A collaborative, committed Board and senior team.

· The chance to make a tangible difference to thousands of older people across East London.

Time Commitment

This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The Chair is expected to commit around 2–3 days per month, including Board meetings, sub-committees, and external representation. There are six Board of Trustees Meetings usually on a Friday afternoon and additional training days as required.

How to Apply

If you believe you can bring strategic vision, governance expertise, and a deep commitment to older people, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a short supporting statement (no longer than 2 pages) outlining your interest and suitability to 

Closing date: 31st January 2026

Interviews: week beginning 9th February

For more information please email:

Alima Qureshi, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Andreea Albu, Chief Executive

Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering

Who are LRMN? 

We offer refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants a specialist and holistic service. We  advocate for people’s rights, campaign for wider change, meet their basic needs and help them improve their wellbeing. 

Why do we need you? 

Triage volunteers are an essential part of our team, making sure that clients are able to access the right service. You will deal with initial client enquiries (in person, over the phone or by email), assess what support clients need and help the access the right service for them.  This might be with us, a partner or another external service. 

Our triage team is integral to the smooth running of LRMN. Without them our advisors wouldn’t be able to provide life changing support to the people who access our services. 

Our triage team are the first people that clients will talk to so it is essential that we offer a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space and give them the right information about the services we offer. Given the demand that we face, volunteers help us do that. 

What activities will you be involved in? 

As part of our triage team, you will volunteer alongside staff and fellow volunteers to: 

• Welcome clients to our office/Migrant Hub and speak to them about their needs

• Help clients and referrers understand the services we offer and how to access them

• Respond to new referrals and upload them onto our case management system

• Contact clients to book in appointments and follow up referrals 

• Take on other administrative tasks as identified from time to time 

As you become more experienced, you may be involved in giving basic advice, providing  support letters and other duties. 

Our triage volunteers are based at our Migrant Hub drop-in service (in Woolwich on Tuesdays)

You will be supervised by the Business and Operations Manager and/or Migrant Hub Coordinator but will liaise with staff across the organisation as appropriate. 

What can you gain from this opportunity? 

By volunteering with LRMN, you will: 

• Make a difference to the lives of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees living in south-east London 

• Be part of a diverse, knowledgeable and proactive team in an organisation that has been running for over 25 years 

• Gain experience of admin work in a business environment 

• Gain an understanding of the issues affecting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants

• Have regular support and supervision from the Business and Operations Officer

• Be provided out of pocket expenses to the value of £6 for lunch per day (4+ hours) &  up to £15 travel expenses (when volunteering in the office for 4+ hours) 

Is there induction and training? 

Yes, we provide a comprehensive induction to all new volunteers. This covers roles and  responsibilities, safeguarding, record keeping and use of our client management system  (Advice Pro).

You will be provided with the training needed to perform the role and will have the opportunity to join training with the whole LRMN team.

Who are LRMN looking for? 

We’re looking for someone who is: 

• Passionate about supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers 

• Friendly and approachable and can manage professional boundaries 

• Excellent communicatiuon skills

• Proactive and able to use own initiative 

• Organised and methodical 

• Respectful of client confidentiality 

• Experienced in working with multicultural communities 

• Able to use their digital skills to make referrals and manage online systems 

LRMN is committed to equality and diversity. We pride ourselves on having a diverse team  with a range of experiences. We encourage people with lived experience of the asylum and/or immigration system to apply. If you need additional support to apply or volunteer, please contact us. 

What commitment do you need to make? 

We ask volunteers to commit to volunteering one day a week during office hours (Mon-Fri)  for at least six months. 

Organisation: YourGateway2Success (Charity no. 1199249)

Location: Croydon and surrounding areas

Hours: Flexible, voluntary position

About Us
At YourGateway2Success, we empower young people aged 16–25 to thrive through mentoring, skills training, advice, and community activities. We believe every young person deserves the chance to arrive with a dream and leave with a future.

Job description

We are looking for Youth Mentor Volunteer to empower and uplift young people, specifically those aged 16-25, who reside in the Croydon and the surrounding areas, by providing the support and opportunities they need to thrive. We are committed to creating a brighter future where every young person has the tools and confidence to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Mentor and guide young people through one-to-one or group sessions
• Support delivery of workshops, skills programmes, and community activities
• Act as a positive role model, promoting confidence and personal growth
• Assist with events, outreach, and recreational projects
• Provide encouragement to help young people achieve their goals

What We’re Looking For

• Good communication and listening skills
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in supporting young people
• Willingness to work as part of a team
• Commitment to our mission and values
• Previous youth work or mentoring experience is helpful but not essential full training provided

What We Offer

• Training and ongoing support
• Valuable experience in youth and community work
• Opportunities to develop leadership and mentoring skills
• The chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people

Additional Information

This role is unpaid.

Send your CV and a short statement on why you’d like to volunteer as a Youth Mentor.

Do you speak Farsi and are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing.

You will support individuals who struggle to communicate with others and help them to reconnect with their local community. You will support to relight a spark in a hobby, interest or encourage individuals to explore and participate in new social activities.

Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age or family situation. Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows that rates of depression doubled during the COVID pandemic, and one of the major causes of depression is isolation.

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals
• To engage in conversation in Farsi

The skills you need

• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Willingness to engage in activities in the community
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries
• To be consistent in attendance
• Able to communicate confidently in Farsi and english

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Role Description:

This role sits within our Men’s Minds project, based in Feltham, Hounslow. The aim of the service is to improve men’s mental health outcomes by developing a mental health network supported and directed by the voices of its members.

This will be achieved through three service strands:

1. Peer support network,
2. Psychoeducation workshops, addressing common needs of men’s mental health
3. Outreach support to raise awareness of men’s mental health and promote this service.

The role of the Peer Volunteer will be to support the Project Coordinator with delivering and developing various workshops and events. You will take the lead in developing peer-led support.

Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face in a group basis to individuals.

We are looking for someone who

• Someone who identifies as male
• Has lived experience of mental health challenges
• Are a non-judgmental and friendly individual
• To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
• To feel comfortable engaging with people with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk
• Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding mental health
• Are willing to tap into their lived experiences and use their stories to inspire hope in others when appropriate
• Are comfortable with co-producing and co-facilitating peer led workshops
• To assist the Project Coordinator with admin and planning
• Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities

Time commitment and expenses:

• Flexible hours between Monday-Thurs. We are looking for someone to commit to a minimum of at least 1 or 2 activities a week.

• We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.

Please tell us why you would like to volunteer at Men’s Minds at HFEH Mind? (minimum 50 words)

Please share any relevant skills or experience you have for the role. This may include education, work or voluntary experience (minimum 100 words)

Volunteer Role:

• This volunteer role is suitable for students planning to study counselling and psychotherapy. Or candidates with a psychology background looking to gain in-person skills leading to clinical training.
• This is to develop your conversational skills to be able to support people undergoing various states of mental health needs.
• Initially volunteers will greet participants, taking part in group activities and socialising with participants at the end of sessions. Over time they will be expected to hold 1:1 conversations with service users before and after groups and independently run enrichment activities or psychoeducation workshops.
• For all these activities they will be expected to make notes from the sessions and report to the Co-ordinator.
• This will also involve supporting evaluation and feedback processes.
• You will be given training in Safeguarding and monitoring to flag where participants need greater support.
• We would be keen to work with you to develop your own interests and use your existing skills to support the project.