Activities volunteer volunteer roles in oxted, surrey

Purpose

Our Associate Counsellors provide emotional support to adult members of families where there is a child or children with complex medical needs.

Tasks

Families who have been assessed by an experienced therapist from the project will be referred to the Associate Counsellor who will:

• Make contact with families, organising timing and frequency of sessions
• Provide counselling/therapy sessions to a member of each family
• Undertake a minimum caseload of 2 clients
• Attend monthly, mandatory, group supervision (2 hours)
• Undertake The Maypole Project initial training (20 hours)
• Work to The Maypole Project model of support (including flexibility in location of sessions)
• Complete client notes and The Maypole Project paperwork as required
• Liaise with supervisor or the Lead Therapist in case of questions/difficulties
• Follow The Maypole Project policies and guidelines at all times whilst volunteering
• Attend service-wide activities including family activity events and fundraising events

For students: Please check whether your course placement requirements would enable you to provide counselling at external venues (clients home, hospitals, hospices etc). This would occur only after a settling in period and with additional training and support provided by The Maypole Project.

Support

Whilst volunteering you will have support from our Family Support Co-ordinator for day to day issues and our Lead Therapist or another qualified counsellor for monthly clinical supervision.

Location

At our offices in Orpington and Greenwich or, after a settling-in period, in local schools, hospitals, hospices and client’s homes.

Time Commitment

Volunteers days and hours are negotiable but, due to the long-term promise of support to our clients, a most valued aspect of our service, we do ask volunteer applicants to be available to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months from acceptance onto the volunteering programme at The Maypole Project. We would ideally like volunteers to aspire to offering 2 years commitment to the role.

Note

STUDENT PLACEMENTS ONLY: We will review your work with the project throughout your placement to your graduation. If appropriate after either 2 years experience volunteering with us in therapies OR 3 months minimum experience post qualification with The Maypole Project you will be considered for a sessionally paid role with the organization.

Person Specification

Education & qualifications

• Good general education (essential)
• Placement: Final year student studying on a counselling diploma (level 4) or a degree/masters in counselling or counselling/clinical psychology or psychotherapy OR Qualified counsellor, therapist or clinical/counselling psychologist (diploma or first degree or masters) (essential)
• Courses must be accredited by BACP or approved equivalent (essential)
• Associate Counsellor (essential)
• Qualified as outlined above (essential)

Previous experience

• Student placement: 20+ hours of support to adult clients (essential)
• Associate Counsellor: 100+ hours of counselling support to adult clients (essential)
• 20+ hours of face to face counselling experience to adult clients (desirable)

Skills & knowledge

• Good communication and interpersonal skills (essential)
• Person-focused approach (essential)
• Experience of supporting children and families (desirable)

Attributes

• Self-motivated (essential)
• Able to work flexibly (essential)
• Approachable (essential)
• Ability to empathise with families in difficult situations (essential)
• Discreet and able to adhere to confidentiality procedures (essential)
• Commitment to equal opportunities and a non-judgmental attitude (essential)
• Commitment to further training and personal development (essential)

Exemption clause

• 2 years without significant loss (including divorce/diagnosis of chronic illness)

Thanks for your interest in volunteering for The Maypole Project

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.

URBAN YOUTH - VOLUNTEER WITH US!

New Start-Up - New Beginning - Endless Opportunities

Are you a creative visionary with a flair for design? Urban Youth is looking for a talented and enthusiastic Graphic Designer to join our team as a volunteer. In this role, you’ll help shape our brand identity and create a logo that embodies the spirit of Urban Youth, making a lasting impact on the young people we serve across London.

In this role, you will:

• Create Our Logo, by designing a modern, vibrant, and unique logo that captures the essence of Urban Youth, inspiring young people and creating a strong visual identity for our organisation.

• Develop Our Brand Identity, by establishing a cohesive and engaging brand style, including colour palettes, typography, and graphic elements, that reflects our mission and resonates with our audience.

• Collaborate with Our Team, by working closely with our leadership team to understand Urban Youth’s vision and values, translating them into compelling designs.

• Ensure Consistency, by providing design guidelines to ensure consistency across all Urban Youth materials, from social media to print collateral.

• Inspire Through Design, by using your creativity to communicate our mission visually, enhancing our presence in the community and attracting support for our work.

We're Urban Youth

Urban Youth is an exciting and vibrant new start-up youth work organisation based in London, passionate about empowering London's youth to get involved, discover their path, and shape their destiny. Our vibrant community organisation is dedicated to uplifting young people through engaging, impactful youth work activities that inspire growth, connection, and self-discovery.

JOIN US AT URBAN YOUTH

Get Involved | Discover YOUR Path | Shape YOUR Destiny

Position: Volunteer Grant and Trusts Researcher

Location: Flexible (mostly remote, but option to work onsite at our Rochester office)

Commitment: Flexible, ad hoc (e.g. 5–10 hours per week)

Reports To:  CEO

About Holding On Letting Go (HOLG):

Holding On Letting Go is a charity supporting bereaved children, young people, and their families after the loss of a loved one. We provide specialist bereavement support, training for professionals, and outreach programmes to help children navigate their grief in a safe and understanding environment.

Role Overview:

We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented volunteer to support our fundraising efforts by researching funding opportunities and helping to organise grant applications. This role is ideal for someone with strong research and organisational skills who is eager to make a meaningful impact in a flexible and remote capacity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research and identify grant and trust funding opportunities that align with HOLG’s mission and activities.
• Compile key information about each funding opportunity, including deadlines, eligibility criteria, application questions, and funder priorities, in a structured format.
• Assist in reviewing and prioritising potential funding opportunities based on suitability for HOLG.
• Organise and archive past grant applications, ensuring a structured and accessible digital filing system.
• Support the team by keeping funding research up to date and easy to access for future applications.
• Collaborate with finance/fundraising staff to ensure grant research aligns with fundraising priorities.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and maintain attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using spreadsheets, online databases, and digital filing systems.
• Interest in fundraising and nonprofit grant processes (previous experience a plus but not essential!).
• Passion for HOLG’s mission and supporting bereaved children and families.

Benefits to You:

• Gain hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising and grant research.
• Develop research, organisation, and funding application skills.
• Make a direct impact by supporting a charity that helps bereaved children and their families.
• Flexible, remote volunteering with the opportunity to shape the role to suit.

How to Apply:

If you’re interested in this role, please send your CV and a brief statement of interest with the subject line "Volunteer Grant and Trusts Administrator Application".

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.

About Us:

The Orpheus Centre is a specialist further education college and charity working to support young disabled adults, who are passionate about the arts, to achieve their potential and lead independent lives.

Set up by musician and songwriter Sir Richard Stilgoe, Orpheus offers learning, supported housing and personal care on the same site in Godstone, Surrey.

Volunteer Role:

Evening & Weekend Enrichment Volunteer – Monday-Friday 4pm-8pm Weekends 10am-4pm

Why volunteer:

Through volunteering with us you will gain a greater sense of purpose by supporting our learners to access evening and weekend activities and encouraging them to participate. You can also bring your own skills and knowledge of a particular area like (but not limited to) baking, gardening, exercise – football/basketball and much more.

If you are someone who is reliable, an excellent communicator, have a friendly and enthusiastic personality and committed to helping, as well as being kind and caring, then this could be the role for you.

You will have a mentor who will help and guide you when you first start volunteering at Orpheus.

Training:

Role relevant training, including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Safeguarding will be given prior to start date. There is also the opportunity to attend our Learning Support training.

On-going support will be available throughout your time at Orpheus.

Benefits/What you’ll get:

• Experience of volunteering in an education setting.
• Working within a team as well as independently.
• The opportunity to meet new people and having fun.
• Develop confidence, empathy, listening and communication skills through working with our students.
• Gain experience in the charity sector.
• Opportunities to volunteer at other fundraising or on site events at Orpheus.
• Free on-site parking and expenses claimed back.
• Discounted lunches.
• Volunteer social events, like our Volunteer Tea Party.

Safeguarding:

Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all service users. We are committed to the promotion of equal opportunities.

This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  It is therefore subject to an Enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS).

Equality & Diversity:

• To enforce the zero tolerance policy of all forms of victimisation, discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
• To be tolerant of differences and use respectful language.
• Ensure professional standards and boundaries are clear.
• To treat everyone respectfully.

Application Process:

Once your application has been received it will be reviewed, you may then be invited in for an informal interview.

Your references will be checked and you will need to complete the online DBS application before bringing the relevant documents in to be checked.

You will then need to attend all of our training. This can all take 3-4 weeks to be completed before you start volunteering with us.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We are looking to recruit a trustee with Fundraising expertise to join Social Links, a new charity in the homelessness sector. Social Links delivers safe, structured befriending, where volunteers are carefully matched to deliver one-to-one befriending.

The successful applicant will join a Board currently comprising three trustees. In addition to this role, we will shortly be recruiting a trustee with communications specific responsibilities.

Key Objectives:

· Along with the rest of the Board, take responsibility for governance of the organisation.

· Ensure that all of Social Links’ activities further the interests of our beneficiaries and the future sustainability of the charity.

· Support the founders to achieve the aims and strategy of the organisation.

· Ensure that effective, productive relationships exist between the Board, all partners and all stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

· Attend meetings of the Board and, in conjunction with other members, make decisions on matters relating to strategy, policy, financing, functioning and monitoring of the charity.

· Read thoroughly in advance of meetings all papers sent out for discussion and prepare ideas and contributions accordingly.

· Participate in the work of any specialist panels and working groups of the Board and other identified projects/activities, subject to your own availability and nomination by the Board.

· Take an active interest in and familiarise yourself with Social Links’ day-to-day operations.

· Participate in recruitment for the posts of Trustee and Volunteer, including taking part in interview panels.

· Be prepared to use your range of contacts and acquaintances to promote the work of the charity. On occasion this may, subject to agreement, involve representing the charity at public or media events, or leading on an aspect of fundraising.

· Ongoing support of, and liaison with, the founders.

· Participate in arrangements for assessment and appraisal of the performance of the Board, and that of individual trustees and founders.

· If necessary, conduct hearings in accordance with Social Links’ formal procedures, e.g. disciplinary, grievance and appeal hearings.

· Follow Social Links’ Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Policy and Code of Conduct at all times. Further diversity, equality and inclusion through your activities on behalf of the charity.

· Undertake any development activity identified as necessary to support performance in the carrying out of the above responsibilities (any training to be arranged by the charity staff and paid for by Social Links’).

Fundraising Specific Responsibilities:

· Strategy Development: Lead with the creation and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy, aligned with the charity’s goals.

· Fundraising Campaigns: Oversee and contribute to the planning, execution, and evaluation of fundraising campaigns, including events, online appeals, and grant applications.

· Donor Engagement: Identify and cultivate relationships with donors, partners, grant-making bodies and other key stakeholders.

· Governance: Provide oversight on fundraising activities, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including GDPR.

· Financial Oversight: Monitor fundraising performance, including setting and reviewing budgets and targets, and reporting to the board on progress.

· Innovation: Identify and develop new and innovative fundraising initiatives to diversify income streams. Lead with recruiting a fundraising volunteer/s.

· Advocacy: Represent The charity’ at external events and in networks to raise awareness of the charity’s work and attract funding.

If you want to make a difference to people living with a mental health condition then we’d love to hear from you!

About us

At The Mental Health Community we use our lived experience to build understanding and support for what it’s like to live and work alongside managing a mental health condition. 

We know that it can be difficult to get, or keep a job if your energy levels, how you’re feeling and your ability to go to a place of work every day are affected by a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. But we also know that having a sense of purpose and belonging can really help with the symptoms and impact that mental health conditions can have on you.

Our work is focused on helping people with a mental health condition who are in work or looking for work. We do this by supporting businesses to improve how they look after people, because we know that by creating inclusive and safe spaces at work we make it possible for people with mental ill health to stay in the workplace which helps keep them well and benefits the businesses too.

By joining our board you will be: 

• Making a lasting impact by helping us make more workplaces safe and inclusive for people with a mental health condition
• Shaping the future of our charity as we expand our services and reach more people who need our support
• Using your skills and experience for good by helping guide the strategic direction of our charity.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for at least 4 new trustees to join our team. Whatever your skillset, we’d love to hear from you and there are some areas where we need particular help:

· Treasurer: oversee our financial health, provide guidance on building long term financial plans to help us grow and ensure appropriate financial management.

· Marketing and Communications: strategic oversight of our marketing and communications, raising awareness of our work and reaching new audiences through digital strategies and media engagement.

· Fundraising: develop our fundraising strategy and income streams, including grant applications, corporate sponsorship and campaigns.

· Governance: guide us in operating transparently and effectively whilst maintaining high standards of governance in compliance with our governing document and charity law.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental ill health, young people aged 18-30, people of all socio-economic backgrounds, genders and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

About the role

As a board of trustees we meet remotely every 6 weeks, there may be some activity in between meetings so the estimated total time commitment is 4 hours every 6 weeks.

In addition to using your specific skills to develop how we work, all trustees share responsibility for:

· Developing our activities to help us achieve our purpose and positive impact,

· Making sure we are compliant with our governing document and the requirements of the Charity Commission, and

· Being an active member of the board to help us make good decisions

What you can expect from us

We are committed to supporting our Trustees: you can expect an induction to the organisation and trustee role plus any additional conversations and support you need to help you feel confident in your role.

Our meetings are relaxed and informal; there are no expectations of ‘business clothes’, technical jargon or having all the answers.

We welcome and support your preferences for the way we work together, how you like to receive information and how we can make it easier for you to participate actively in our discussions.

One more thing

We know that great trustees come from many backgrounds and with a variety of experiences and that’s great - we really value people who bring different perspectives and add new voices to our team.

But you might not feel you ‘check all the boxes’ as you read this advert or the role description, especially if you’ve been marginalised or excluded. We get it, and we’ve felt like that too. But we hope you’ll apply anyway because we’d love to hear from you and will take care to help you feel welcome and included.

For more information on the role please see the role description.

Help us grow our young charity to get more children learning about germinating, nurturing, cooking and tasting food grown in nature, together with outdoor woodland activities.  This important part of learning is not yet in the national curriculum and school budgets are tight, so we need to fundraise.  Your help with this and the general develpment of the charity will be greatly valued..

We have three other trustees and three executive staff including the two founders. We hold at least quarterly virtual meetings which we'd wish you to attend. 

Most of our work is in West London schools but we also plant large numbers of trees, recenty in a London Park, involving local community volunteers and children from the local schools..

Please get in touch if this of interest.  We'd love to hear from you. .

Do you enjoy singing and listening to all genres of music? We have an exciting opportunity to facilitate a singing and music group in our domestic abuse refuges over the summer holidays! You will be supporting our women and children to get involved and have some fun! During the school summer holidays, Hestia runs a six-week Summer Play Scheme providing activities and outings for mothers and their children across our refuges. Funded through generous donations from the public, the Summer Play Scheme provides women and children with a safe and supportive space to reconnect by having fun and sharing happy memories together as family.

What you will be doing

• To develop positive relationships with the children and women, maintain professional boundaries and keep accurate records.
• Facilitate a weekly singing and music group
• Provide opportunities for the group to collaborate on agreed themes/ songs for future groups
• Coordinate and plan group sessions
• Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• To use a range of skills and tools to make sessions interesting and fun for a range of ages.

The skills you need

• Understanding of Domestic abuse and its impact on children and women
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Experience in music in either a professional, educational or personal level

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

Do you enjoy singing and listening to all genres of music? We have an exciting opportunity to facilitate a singing and music group in our domestic abuse refuges over the summer holidays! You will be supporting our women and children to get involved and have some fun! During the school summer holidays, Hestia runs a six-week Summer Play Scheme providing activities and outings for mothers and their children across our refuges. Funded through generous donations from the public, the Summer Play Scheme provides women and children with a safe and supportive space to reconnect by having fun and sharing happy memories together as family.

What you will be doing

• To develop positive relationships with the children and women, maintain professional boundaries and keep accurate records.
• Facilitate a weekly singing and music group
• Provide opportunities for the group to collaborate on agreed themes/ songs for future groups
• Coordinate and plan group sessions
• Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• To use a range of skills and tools to make sessions interesting and fun for a range of ages.

The skills you need

• Understanding of Domestic abuse and its impact on children and women
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Experience in music in either a professional, educational or personal level

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

The Institute of Conservation (Icon) is a charity championing cultural heritage, and the professional body for conservators. We are looking for two new Co-opted Trustees to bring strength and experience in financial management, legal services, HR, or business development to our Board of Trustees.

Icon's trustees are responsible for shaping our vision, mission, and for approving and monitoring Icon's annual business plan. Icon is now looking for two new Co-opted Trustees to bring strength an experience in financial management, legal services, HR, or business development to the board.

Serving as a Trustee is a vital and rewarding role, offering the opportunity to shape Icon's vision and support its continued success. Trustees also make decisions on all strategic matters, being responsible for the sound financial management of the company.

About the Board

Icon's Board of Trustees is currently comprises fifteen members, ten elected by the membership, and four co-opted by the Board, including the Chair. The Board is now seeking two Co-opted Trustees with skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Financial management, either in a commercial or charitable environment, including familiarity with management accounts, financial risk and project finance
• Legal services
• Human resources and employment law
• Business development and marketing

It is not necessary for applicants to have had previous experience as a Trustee or non-executive director. Induction training and ongoing support will be provided, including the offer of a Board 'buddy' to help new Trustees settle into the role. A broad interest in cultural heritage is important, but direct experience in conservation is not required.

To learn more about Icon's dedicated Board of Trustees, please visit the Board of Trustees section of our website.

The Role

Trustees make decisions on all strategic matters and help ensure the financial stability of Icon. While the role is non-executive, it can require the equivalent of two working days a month. Trustees are expected to attend board meetings four times a year, and an additional strategic planning day annualy.

For further information on the role, Trustee duties, and commitments, please consult the Icon Volunteer Trustee Recruitment Pack.

Who they are

Citizens Advice Richmond is a local charity that has helped the people of Richmond since 1940. They offer generalist advice on any issue and specialist debt advice. Citizens Advice Richmond is a member of the national Citizens Advice service, a network of around 300 local advice centres.

The role: What will you do?

● Complete an induction for your role.

● Maintain an awareness of how the local Citizens Advice is operating.

● Plan the board meetings, including the dates and the agenda, with the Company/Charity Secretary and the Chief Officer.

● Read papers for board meetings and attend six board meetings per year.

● Facilitate the trustee board meetings by leading the meeting, ensuring that agenda items are discussed, enabling all members to contribute their views and take part, and seeking clarification where necessary.

● Ensure that decisions and actions taken at board meetings are carried out.

● Ensure that the board decisions are made within the remit of the Citizens Advice membership agreement, governing documents, and policies.

● Monitor attendance and commitment of all trustees.

● Provide or arrange training or support for trustees if needed.

● With other trustees and the Chief Officer, recruit a trustee board with a diverse range of skills, experience, and knowledge, with an aim to promote trusteeship to underrepresented groups that represent the community.

● Ensure that all trustees receive an induction and the training needed for them to fulfil their role.

● Be proactive in recruiting successors to key positions such as Chair, Treasurer, etc.

● Arrange or provide support and supervision for the Chief Officer, including an annual appraisal.

● Together with the Treasurer, ensure proper management and control of local Citizens Advice finances.

● Together with the Chief Officer, represent the local Citizens Advice in relationships with funders or potential funders, at local events, and in the community.

● Work together with all trustees to ensure that the board can:

♦ Set policy and strategy direction, set targets, and evaluate the performance of Citizens Advice Richmond.

♦ Monitor the financial position of Citizens Advice Richmond, ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives, and ensuring there are clear lines of accountability for day-to-day financial management.

♦ Monitor whether Citizens Advice Richmond complies with its governing document and meets the required standards.

♦ Seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community.

♦ Ensure the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers.

♦ Review their own work and how effectively they operate, including action for improvement.

♦ Work on specific projects to further the strategic objectives of Citizens Advice Richmond.

What’s in it for you?

● Make a positive impact for people in your local area by ensuring the local Citizens Advice is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community.

● Meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff, and other volunteers.

● Build on your governance, leadership, and strategy skills.

● Increase your employability.

And they will reimburse expenses too.

What do you need to have?

You’ll need to:

● Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice.

● Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities as trustees.

● Be non-judgmental and respect views, values, and cultures that are different from your own.

● Have a good basis of leadership skills.

● Be able to facilitate and lead meetings.

● Have good interpersonal skills.

● Have good listening, verbal, and written communication skills.

● Be able to exercise good independent judgment.

● Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the Treasurer.

● Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles, and policies, including confidentiality and data protection.

● Be willing to undertake training in your role.

How much time do you need to give?

You will need up to one day a week for the regular activities, but this will vary. Trustee boards usually meet in the evenings, and you’ll likely need to give 12-15 hours per year to attend these. Sub-committees meet quarterly and a further 4-6 hours per year are required for these.

Valuing inclusion

Their volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, and they particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities

Overall purpose

To support children (the child/ren who have complex medical needs and/or their siblings) in 1:1 sessions through the integration of counselling and play skills

Role responsibilities

Children, who have been assessed by an experienced therapist from the project and with parental consent, will be referred to the Child Therapist who will:

• Make contact with the client’s parent/guardian organising an initial 1:1 meeting with them to talk through the issues their child faces and establish the time, location and frequency of sessions
• Provide support through an integration of counselling and play skills
• Attend monthly group supervision (2 hours)
• Undertake The Maypole Project initial training (20 hours)
• Work to The Maypole Project model of support for children and young people
• Attend a training update session at least once per annum
• Complete client notes and The Maypole Project paperwork as required
• Liaise with their supervisor or the Clinical Supervisor in case of questions/difficulties
• Follow The Maypole Project policies and guidelines at all times whilst volunteering
• Attend service-wide activities including family activity events and fundraising events

For students: Please check whether your course placement requirements would enable you to provide counselling at external venues (clients home, hospitals, hospices etc). This would occur only after a settling in period and with additional training and support provided by The Maypole Project.

Support

Whilst volunteering you will have support from our Family Support Co-ordinator for day to day issues and our Lead Therapist or another qualified counsellor for monthly clinical supervision.

Location

At our offices in Orpington and Greenwich or, after a settling-in period, in local schools, hospitals, hospices and client’s homes.

Time Commitment

Volunteers days and hours are negotiable but, due to the long-term promise of support to our clients, a most valued aspect of our service, we do ask volunteer applicants to be available to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months from acceptance onto the volunteering programme at The Maypole Project. We would ideally like volunteers to aspire to offering 2 years commitment to the role.

Person Specification

Education & qualifications

• Good general education (essential)
• Final year student on counselling or therapies course; including study of child development and child therapies (essential)
• Courses must be accredited by BACP, IATE, BAPT or approved equivalent and require the student to engage in personal therapy across one year (essential)
• Qualified at diploma/degree or masters level in child and young person counselling or play therapy or equivalent (desirable)

Previous experience

• 20+ client hours supporting children and/or young people (essential)
• 20+ face to face client hours supporting children and/or young people (desirable)
• Experience of working with people impacted upon by complex medical needs/loss and bereavement (desirable)
• Working with people from a diversity of backgrounds (desirable)
• Working with diversity of disability in families (desirable)

Skills & knowledge

• Good communication and interpersonal skills with all ages – focusing on children and young people (essential)
• Child and Family centred approach (essential)
• Experience of supporting children and families (desirable)

Attributes

• Self-motivated (essential)
• Able to work flexibly (essential)
• Approachable (essential)
• Discreet, boundaried and able to adhere to confidentiality procedures (essential)
• Commitment to equal opportunities and a non-judgmental attitude (essential)
• Commitment to further training and personal development (essential)

Exemption clause

• 2 years without significant loss (including divorce/diagnosis of chronic illness)

Thanks for your interest in volunteering for The Maypole Project

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.

Ignite Growth and Empower Change: Become Our Volunteer Learning and Development Manager at SUNSHINE!

Are you passionate about creating transformative learning experiences? At SUNSHINE—a vibrant, start-up charity dedicated to fostering connection and combating isolation—we’re looking for a dynamic Learning and Development Manager to design, deliver, and refine training sessions for our core services and volunteer initiatives. If you thrive on empowering others with essential skills like Befriending, Safeguarding, Conflict Resolution, Communication Skills, Confidentiality, and more, this is the role for you.

About SUNSHINE

At SUNSHINE, we believe that knowledge and connection go hand in hand. Our mission is to spark joy and build a community where everyone feels they belong. As we lay the groundwork for our official charity registration and launch, we’re committed to equipping our volunteer teams with the confidence and skills they need to drive lasting change. Your expertise in learning and development will be central to nurturing an informed, compassionate, and effective volunteer community.

Your Role as Learning and Development Manager

As our Volunteer Learning and Development Manager, you’ll take charge of creating engaging, practical, and inspirational training programmes that address the unique needs of our services. You will:

• Design & Deliver Training Sessions: Craft interactive, customised training modules on critical areas such as Befriending, Safeguarding, Conflict Resolution, Communication Skills, and Confidentiality. Develop other learning sessions as needed to support our core services.

• Assess Learning Needs: Conduct assessments to identify the evolving training needs of our volunteers and staff, ensuring our programmes are always relevant and impactful.

• Develop Learning Resources: Create comprehensive guides, online resources, e-learning modules, and instructional materials that are accessible, clear, and engaging.

• Facilitate Workshops & Team-Building Activities: Organise dynamic workshops, seminars, and team-building events, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning culture.

• Monitor & Evaluate Impact: Implement feedback mechanisms and evaluation tools to measure the success of training programmes, fine-tuning content to maximize impact.

• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work closely with other team leaders to ensure training initiatives align with SUNSHINE’s overall mission and operational goals, helping to lay a strong foundation for our launch.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is driven by innovation in learning and a commitment to social impact. The ideal candidate will have:

• A background in learning and development, training, or educational design, ideally within non-profit or start-up environments.

• Proven experience creating engaging training strategies and materials tailored to diverse audiences.

• Exceptional communication and facilitation skills with the ability to inspire enthusiasm and convey complex concepts in a simple, memorable way.

• A strategic mindset to assess and dynamically adjust training to meet the particular needs of volunteer roles such as Befriending and Safeguarding.

• A passion for community empowerment and a deep commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can grow and make a difference.

Why Join SUNSHINE as Our Learning and Development Manager?

By taking on this role, you’re not just delivering training—you’re crafting the backbone of a transformative charity. With your guidance, our volunteers will be empowered to excel and work confidently in their roles, making an immediate impact on community connection and care.

• Be a Catalyst for Transformation: Directly influence the skills and capabilities of our volunteers, ensuring they’re well-equipped to meet the challenges of social isolation.

• Shape Future Leaders: Contribute to building a learning framework that not only addresses today’s needs but also evolves with the demands of tomorrow.

• Grow with a Purpose-Driven Team: Enhance your professional skills while working in a collaborative, innovative environment dedicated to making a lasting difference.

• Make a Tangible Impact: Experience the deep satisfaction of watching your training sessions translate into improved lives, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all involved.

Ready to Help Transform Lives Through Learning?

If you’re excited to channel your expertise into creating impactful training sessions that empower individuals and galvanise change, join us as our Volunteer Learning and Development Manager. Let’s work together to equip our volunteers with the skills they need to shine and build a future where every connection matters.

Welcome to SUNSHINE—where learning lights the path to a more connected and compassionate community!

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

Opportunity to Lead a Passionate Team of Volunteers at Cats Protection in Mid Sussex!

Are you a natural leader with a passion for both people and cats? Cats Protection in Mid Sussex is looking for a dynamic and motivated Branch Team Leader to join their incredible team of volunteers! This diverse and rewarding role will see you supporting your volunteers, guiding them in their roles, and ensuring they feel confident, valued, and part of a close-knit, dedicated team.

If you’re someone who thrives in a leadership position, loves working with people, and is ready to make a real difference in the lives of both cats and volunteers, we want to hear from you. We're seeking a compassionate, people-focused individual who has the time and energy to make sure everything runs smoothly, while fostering a positive and welcoming environment for all involved.

Above all, you’ll need to have a love for cats and an understanding of their welfare – because when you’re working with Cats Protection, every paw matters!

Are you ready to find out more about this exciting challenge and help make the world a better place for cats in need? Enquire now!

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better  with cats.