Adult Social Group Volunteers Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wandsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents
Joining our amazing team of volunteers is a fantastic way to give back to the community by providing company and support to an older person in your area.
About the role
We are looking to find a volunteers for our Memory Lane Project to assist us in providing sessions that will be stimulating, engaging and include a variety of activities that could include word and memory games, paired and group discussions, puzzles and board games, seated exercise and physical activities such as parachute and ball games and target practice.
You will have fun and enjoy this sessions on a Friday between 11.00am – 1.00pm
About the service
Gwynneth Morgan Day Centre, where we support older people, adults with dementia, and adults with disabilities between 10am-3pm Monday-Friday. This could include supporting our dementia groups, or providing a hairdressing or nail care service as a treat for our service users.
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- Friendly
- Patient
- Great listening skills
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!
Purpose and Aims of the role:
We are looking for volunteers who can provide a strong foundation to help strengthen their communities by helping Care Experienced children and young people engage in activities to build their skills and confidence and to be included, understood, respected, and valued in their communities.
The Group Work Volunteer role will work alongside our innovative and energetic Edinburgh project team, supporting to raise awareness of Care Experience and supporting activities for young people, providing supportive adults to ensure all children and young people can thrive, bringing communities together.
This role will involve interacting with young people aged 5-17 through supporting and leading on a variety of activities e.g. arts/crafts/sports/general youth work at our fortnightly/monthly sessions as well as at our National events that happen throughout the year. This role will help build community strengths for Care Experienced people and provide social networks to help build resilience and positive outcomes for children and young people.
Who Cares? Scotland is a people organisation. We invest in our people, our relationships and in a positive working culture. It’s important to us that our volunteer team is included, involved and motivated to change society.
We aim to recruit people with excellent qualities from a wide variety of backgrounds who share in our mission. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with care experience.
What will I be doing?
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Supporting staff to undertake activities
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Leading on activities
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Supporting young people’s sense of belonging and connection
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Building community ties, ensuring Care Experienced people are welcomed within communities.
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Helping children and young people to have fun
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Building children and young people’s confidence and self esteem
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Being a positive role model
What skills can I bring to this role?
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A knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Care Experienced people.
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Ability to work well in a team.
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Good communication and listening skills.
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Ability to encourage and motivate others to participate in activities.
What qualities do I need?
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To have a non-judgemental approach to people, have empathy.
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Be enthusiastic, flexible and committed.
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Reliable and approachable.
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Friendly, helpful and understanding.
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A commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner.
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To have a good value base, be open minded and level-headed.
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 Support Volunteers to support our East Kent Peer Support service. You will be based at Ashford and, ideally, you will be able to commit 3 hours per week to volunteering.
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 and role
The East Kent Peer Support Service currently run group sessions for service users in Ashford, Dover and Folkestone.
The role of the Peer Support Volunteer is to provide additional support at our Peer Support group sessions. This could be, for example, by empathising with potential clients about the difficulties that having a mental health problem can create, helping to set up the room, explaining the services that are on offer and how these can be accessed, putting people who are anxious at ease by welcoming them.
Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers.
What you will be doing as a Peer Support Volunteer
Peer Volunteering is an opportunity for people who have themselves used mental health services, to volunteer and support other people currently using mental health services.
As a Peer Volunteer you will have lived experience of mental health and support service users on a wide range of non-complex issues that can be easily and quickly resolved. You will bring added skills and experience to our service and add real value to our team.
You will support the following people and teams:
- Potential clients
- Rethink Peer Support Workers
- Volunteers
- Members of the public
- Visitors and other organisations
The role will include the following:
- Support the Peer Support Workers to run the group sessions e.g. by helping to set up the room and by welcoming people
- Help to create a safe space where people can share as much or as little as they wish to about their experiences
- Foster the principles of co-production
- Work with other volunteers who support the service
- Signpost people to services in the local area that meets their needs
- Describe and explain services that are on offer from Rethink Mental Illness and other local community assets that can provide help and advice relevant to people's needs
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- As a Peer Volunteer you will have lived experience of mental health
- Able to support service users on a wide range of non-complex issues that can be easily and quickly resolved.
- You will bring added skills and experience to our service and add real value to our team.
- Ability to empathise with others
- Good communication skills
- Reliable and punctual
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.”
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!
People with a learning disability or additional needs are often isolated and excluded from mainstream leisure and social activities. We believe that EVERYONE has the right to have fun and feel safe.
Our organised activity groups give people with additional needs the chance to make friends, enjoy social time together and try out a variety of activities. These fun and friendly groups also help to improve physical health and mental wellbeing.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers for our amazing music, drama and dance groups in Weoley Castle. You will be encouraging our citizens to take part and ensure everyone has a great time.
What would I be doing?
Helping people to take part in various activities, including singing, dancing, creative music sessions and drama.
Encouraging people to feel part of the group and take part in the activities.
Helping to set up equipment and tidy away at the end of the session.
Helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
What do I need?
· An interest in helping people, being approachable and friendly
· Any performance skills or interests would be amazing, but not essential.
· Good communication skills
· Accepting of others who might be different to you
· The ability to work as part of a diverse team
· A willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap
· Honesty, integrity and trustworthy
· Good time management skills, reliability
· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.
Where and when do you need me?
· We produce a weekly timetable with activities each day
· Weoley Castle Community Hub, Bottetourt Rd, Birmingham B29 5TE
What’s in it for me?
As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:
· The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers
· Improved health and wellbeing from doing positive activities
· A volunteering preparation session
· An induction and settling in period and any training and development that is needed
· The chance to develop your skills and gain experience
· The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team
· Any out-of-pocket travel expenses
· Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution
To campaign for and deliver accessible and inclusive community health and wellbeing support services for individuals, families, and carers.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wandsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents
Joining our amazing team of volunteers is a fantastic way to give back to the community by providing company and support to an older person in your area.
About the role
We are looking to find a volunteers for our Memory Lane Project to assist us in providing sessions that will be stimulating, engaging and include a variety of activities that could include word and memory games, paired and group discussions, puzzles and board games, seated exercise and physical activities such as parachute and ball games and target practice.
You will have fun and enjoy this sessions on a Friday between 11.00am – 1.00pm
About the service
Gwynneth Morgan Day Centre, where we support older people, adults with dementia, and adults with disabilities between 10am-3pm Monday-Friday. This could include supporting our dementia groups, or providing a hairdressing or nail care service as a treat for our service users.
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- Friendly
- Patient
- Great listening skills
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 CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in south-west London. We work primarily with people who are newly arrived in the UK, most of whom are living in temporary Home Office accommodation. Arriving as a refugee in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language barriers, accessing services, financial insecurity and ongoing uncertainty are extremely challenging and disempowering. CARAS is here to work collaboratively with community members to support them to build skills, connect meaningfully with their local community, and to build positive futures in the UK.
CARAS offers a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background. For adults this currently includes: ESOL, digital skills and employability sessions; social and recreational activities and casework. All programs are interlinked and work hand-in-hand with one another. For example, community members can practice their spoken English in Coffee Afternoon, and casework issues might be picked up and referred into the team during an ESOL class. We design and develop our programs through consultation and ongoing conversations with our community members. We aim to have a strong volunteer presence across all our programs, fostering connections between asylum seekers and other Londoners!
About CARAS’s Adult Programming and Coffee Afternoon:
CARAS has been providing support to adult refugee women since 2005, promoting skills and confidence development that helps women gain more power in their lives. In the aftermath of COVID, we have been able to expand our adult programmes, responding to the shifting demographics of those seeking asylum in the UK. We now run a range of mixed programmes for all genders, as well as some women-only spaces. Our coffee afternoon is a mixed group.
Our coffee afternoon has been running since May 2022 and is one of our most popular groups. It takes place at TARA Theatre in Earlsfield from 1-2.30PM every Friday. Its primary aim is to reduce isolation amongst those we work with by providing a safe, friendly and welcoming space for people to have fun, learn about themselves and each other, and build connections.
In 2023, we have been running creative sessions during Coffee Afternoon, facilitated by freelance creative practitioners in partnership with TARA Theatre. These range from dance to drama, poetry to puppetry. For sessions without a creative practitioner, we sometimes host workshops on important topics such as healthcare rights or have an open and informal space for games and a chat. There is always coffee and a selection of baked goods!
For more information on TARA Theatre, our partner and host, please visit their website.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- To attend CARAS coffee afternoon’s, every Friday between 1-2.30PM in Earlsfield, South-west London. They take place at TARA Theatre, right opposite Earlsfield Station. Location here- https://maps.app.goo.gl/rXwJiKHRj93YFtLG9 (356 Garratt Ln, London SW18 4ES).
- If there is a week this is not possible, to tell CARAS staff as far in advance as you are able.
- To welcome and connect with community members attending, working to ensure everyone at the group feels included.
- To take part if there is a creative activity happening in that session, and help liaise with CARAS staff and the creative practitioner to ensure the activity runs smoothly.
- To encourage and inspire community members to feel confident and reach their full potential.
- To share conversation, and chat informally with our community members.
- To assist community members to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.
- To challenge negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manor.
- To adhere to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
- To have interest in working with refugees and asylum seekers.
- To be non-judgemental, and able and willing to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and differing levels of English.
- To be reliable and punctual.
- To be a current resident in the UK.
- To provide five years’ worth of addresses and be willing to undergo a UK DBS check.
- To attend CARAS General and Safeguarding Training, and any further training as necessary.
- To be 18 years or older.
Through volunteering with us you will:
- Meet new members of your local community
- Learn about different cultures and life experiences from across the world
- Learn about issues relating to refugee and asylum seekers
- Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team
- Develop your skills and competencies
- Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding
To Apply:
Please fill in the volunteer application form and email it to us. Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with the Head of Adult Inclusion and Adult Program Coordinator these meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP!
Details for this role are in the description and not mentioned in the application form but please fill in your details in the Volunteer application form attached and send it back to us
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!
Nova New Opportunities is a grassroots community charity operating in North Kensington – London, since 1983. Serving over 2k+ individuals per year, we help people to realise their potential through education and employment, offering life-affirming opportunities to families and children, and engaging over 2,000 people through social change events such as The School of Humanity and TEDx Ladbroke Grove, aimed to build human connections for a stronger, more cohesive society.
We are currently evolving our brand positioning to amplify our reach and better demonstrate our impact to potential funders and supporters. For this, we need YOU, talented Volunteer Photographer, to create a fresh set of photos that authentically capture the spirit of Nova and the communities we serve.
Unleash Your Creative Spark for Social Change: Calling all photographers passionate about purpose and impact!
Are you:
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An early photographer, eager to translate your passion into real-world experience? Craving to grow your portfolio while working with purpose for social impact.
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An experienced photographer, seeking to leverage your skills and lend your expertise to a cause that sparks your social conscience.
If you answered "yes" to either, then get ready to:
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Dive deep into our brand evolution, to develop a cohesive set of photos that reflect Nova's values and resonate with diverse target audiences.
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Craft compelling images that can be used across print, digital, and social media platforms (from impactful campaign graphics to corporate branding and website revamps).
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Collaborate closely with our brand manager and wider Nova team, ensuring your photos align with our mission and strategy.
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For more information, read the Photography Briefing attached to this job post.
RELEVANT SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
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To have access to a camera or equipment capable of taking high-quality pictures and with varied depth-of-field settings.
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Basic experience with photography skills such as portraits, event photography, group photos, light management.
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Flexible and able to adapt to different social settings and environments.
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Reliable and self-motivated to work autonomously, and as part of a supportive team working remotely.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
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Volunteering remotely: We'll agreed times and dates in which events would take place for you to attend and take photos, however meetings and post-production work can take place remotely, at a time that suits you. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in-person at strategic team meetings and activities.
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Some expenses paid: travel expenses to-from an event will be covered with receipt upon mutual agreement of time/date/location, as well as meals and refreshments (T&Cs apply to all expenses claimed). While some events will also provide lunch to the staff, including volunteers.
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Make a tangible difference: The satisfaction of knowing your creative spark ignites positive social change.
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Hands-on experience managing shoots in various types of social settings, from concept to completion. Honing your project management and story-telling skills.
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A platform to showcase your talent and enrich your portfolio with real-world impact.
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Expand your network and boost your resume, showcase your commitment to social impact and stand out from the crowd.
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Whether you're a junior photographer eager for hands-on experience or a seasoned pro, if you’re looking to flex your creative muscles for a good cause, we welcome you to join the Nova family.
Let's make a visual splash together. Ready to unleash your creative force for a cause that matters?
Send your CV and/or portfolio with a short cover letter explaining why you're the perfect fit for Nova. No CV? No worries, a basic summary of previous experiences will suffice – We're an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at Nova. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. We can't wait to meet you and embark on this transformative journey together!
No CV? No worries, we accept a basic summary of previous experiences and only request that you provide some examples of your work as a photographer (taken for either personal or professional use).
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 Volunteer Café Assistants to support our John Hall Wellness Gardens in Leek. You will be based at our new Cafe operation and, ideally, you will be able to commit 4 hours per week to volunteering.
You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role.
About the service
John Hall Gardens is a Community Education Garden & Café green space for the community of Leek, local schools, colleges, and social enterprises. With the aim of enabling the local community to work/learn and socialise with people with mental and physical health support needs. This includes adults of all ages and children and young people.
Assisting the Café Supervisor and your fellow volunteers, you will play an integral part of John Hall Wellness Garden’s future, by helping to deliver a café experience for the general public, Friends of the Garden, and guests. If you think you can make a difference and commit some time on a regular on-going basis, we would love to hear from you! This is a real opportunity to develop your current existing skills, learn new skills and network with other volunteers. We welcome anyone wishing to gain experience or have an interest in going into the hospitality sector.
What you will be doing as a Volunteer Café Assistant
You will have the opportunity to assist with food preparation, presentation, cleaning and serving/selling high quality food and beverages.
Under the guidance of the Café Supervisor, you, together with other volunteers will ensure that the Café is compliant with all relevant health and safety legislation and pursuing an outstanding performance and food hygiene rating.
In addition, there will be further opportunities to support activity groups in the café, special events and input into event and menu planning.
The main tasks volunteer café assistants will support with are:
- Support Café staff, other volunteers and trainees in the smooth day to day running of the Café.
- Carry out basic catering tasks including food preparation, cleaning and serving food to customers.
- Operate the coffee machine (full training will be provided).
- Handle cash or card transactions and operate the till.
- Work with the Café Supervisor to ensure relevant paperwork is completed and checks are carried out ensuring compliance against relevant food safety and health and safety policies and procedures.
- Ensure kitchen area and Café are clean and tidy (including equipment, walls, floors, tables, work surfaces), and waste is discarded safely.
- Provide good customer service, dealing with visitors and customers in a friendly and polite manner.
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- Eagerness to learn and train in all aspects of the café catering operation
- Cheerful nature, good interpersonal skills, can communicate confidently with a range of people of all ages
- Good customer care service skills
Although this is not essential - you may also have:
- Basic food safety knowledge or HACCP. Further training, will be provided including allergens
- Experience in food handling and basic preparation of foods
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.”
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 CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in South West London, and helps them to play their full part in the community. Arriving as an asylum seeker in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives.
We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background, providing them the tools they need to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for adults include currently include: ESOL classes; sports; women’s creative writing; women’s coffee morning, and casework.
About the CARAS Adult Team:
In the post-pandemic environment, CARAS is responding to the role of digital literacies in our programme delivery to learners of asylum-seeking and refugee background. In contrast to the UK essential Digital skills framework, we have built in language inclusion to create a participatory learning course for Essential Digital Literacies for learners who are new to reading and writing in English. The individuals joining CARAS are highly diverse, with different countries of origin, linguistic and educational backgrounds. We have observed over the last year that many CARAS community members have limited digital skills, particularly in regard to using computers. Community members have highlighted that computers are important for many individuals to achieve their educational and employment goals, whilst increasing confidence and independence. We have co-designed a digital skills program in partnership with CARAS community members to improve computer literacy and skills, focusing on basic computer literacy.
About the Role:
We are seeking two volunteers based in London to teach our lively computer classes in Tooting every Monday 9:00-11:00. Volunteers will lead the sessions with guidance from the CARAS ESOL Teacher and will work closely with our community members to build their skills and confidence using computers. The Digital Literacies course at CARAS is built around Pre-entry to Entry 2 levels in English. Volunteers will be supporting individuals with tasks such as: getting to know how to use a computer, using the internet, setting up an email address, and using Microsoft office. We intend to fold employability sessions, including CV writing and job searching, into these sessions.
Volunteer Tasks and responsibilities:
· Lead on the delivery of sessions with support from CARAS’s Essential Digital Skills Teacher.
· Assist with the logistical set up of the sessions, supporting CARAS staff where needed.
· Work collaboratively as a team and assisting to shape the project.
· Create class registers and records as required.
· To attend and contribute to volunteer pre- and de-briefs at each session.
· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering.
· Support people to develop their knowledge and skills and encourage and inspire participants to reach their full potential.
· To assist participants to both, recognise and celebrate their achievements.
· To challenge negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manor.
· Advocate for the rights of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants with not for them.
· Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
· To be non-judgemental, and able and willing to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
· To be female identifying.
· Have a good understanding of how to use a computer.
· To be reliable and punctual.
· Excellent presentation and communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English.
· Commitment to support people seeking asylum to take control of their asylum journey.
· Ability to volunteer every Friday for a minimum of three months.
· Current resident in the UK.
· Ability to work in Tooting SW17.
· To provide five years’ worth of addresses and be willing to undergo a DBS check.
· To attend CARAS General and Safeguarding Training sessions.
· To be 18 years or older.
Through volunteering with us you will:
· Meet new members of your local community
· Learn about different cultures
· Learn about issues relating to refugee and asylum seekers
· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team
· Develop your skills and competencies
· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding
To Apply:
To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.
Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS staff team. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a committed and detail-oriented Volunteer Archivist to join our team. As a Volunteer Archivist, you will play a crucial role in preserving, organising and maintaining our archives, encompassing both digital and physical assets.
Our archive and library are permanently housed at our London Office. This role would suit someone working towards an archive or record management qualification, with an interest in social and cultural archives and history.
Main Duties
- To assist in maintaining a comprehensive archive and library encompassing both digital and physical assets representing the rich history CPAG.
- Collaborating closely with the Office Manager and CEO, your role will involve developing an efficient and user-friendly framework for the ongoing management and preservation of the archive.
- Listing, describing and boxing records.
- To develop a basic ‘collections policy’ outlining future collecting and simple archiving procedures for organisational maintenance.
- To use your knowledge of archiving processes to support staff with cataloguing archive contents.
- To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.
- This includes applying archival principles and standards, enhancing the archives research and historical value.
Commitment
The role requires a minimum commitment of at least 3 months, 7-10 hours per week during our working hours (Monday-Friday, 9.00am to 4.30pm).
To apply, please complete the attached application form, detailing how you meet the person specification listed in the attached role pack and return to the email address listed within.
Application deadline: 10am Wednesday 19th June 2024.
Interview dates to be confirmed.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Purpose
An Oxfordshire Youth Hospital Navigator Volunteer will provide support to Oxfordshire Youth staff and young people within our Hospital Navigator scheme. The post holder will passionately believe in the potential of all young people to achieve their goals.
An Oxfordshire Youth, Hospital Navigators Volunteer will be an advocate for young people.
Oxfordshire Youth Hospital Navigators Volunteers do not have fixed hours, but commit to flexible hours to suit their availability and staff needs. Shifts are available 7 days per week.
Join our dynamic team YPSA Team to coordinate the ground-breaking Intervention programme - Hospital Navigator. With an increase in the number of young people presenting at emergency departments due to serious violence, mental health issues, and substance abuse, we are addressing an urgent need for signposting young people to support services following discharge from A&E.
The Hospital Navigators will establish trust with young people who arrive at the JR hospital due to pre-existing concerns such as substance addiction, mental health issues, personal care, and violence itself. When in the hospital, there is an opportunity for the young person to reflect and be open to intervention. A volunteer in a dedicated Navigator role would request permission to refer the young person to a third-party agency that can provide the necessary specialist support. This moment may assist in redirecting the young person back into the community via a different pathway. The volunteer would connect them with a local support agency/charity that would assist them in reintegrating into the community, building resilience, and providing mentoring to prevent repeat occurrences that could lead to their hospitalisation.
The Navigator Coordinator will supervise Hospital Navigator volunteers. Once the navigator has gained the young person's trust and agreement, they will prepare an assessment and referral form that includes the type of difficulties, services available for referral, and the type of communication the client prefers.
Main volunteering duties
● Work within a busy A&E and the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) within JR hospital setting
● Liaise with the triage nurse team once people are medically cleared, to screen and offer signposting to appropriate services outside of the hospital
● Liaise with the A&E rapid response team to identify patients readmitted multiple times, and offer information to try to help reduce further re-admission
● Require administrative skills and be able to use IT, including finding out information from the internet on where and how to access services.
● Work within a team of people including doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists.
● Some important skills include good communication with people, and the ability to listen and build trust in a relatively short time frame.
This role profile is subject to amendment following discussion with the post holder and daily tasks will be determined by the needs of the young people and staff.
What you will gain
You will gain valuable experience and receive high-quality training to ensure you feel confident and motivated to support different aspects of Youth work. You will learn about teamwork, building and maintaining groups and recognising group dynamics.
Available training includes Safeguarding Levels 1 and 2 and GDPR. In addition, it will be possible to have further discussions about available opportunities for a Diploma in Youth Work Practice. Please note that some of this training is mandatory and you will only be able to volunteer if you complete this training.
All volunteers must undergo a DBS check.
Equipment will be provided.
Support for You
● Training and development opportunities in safeguarding level 2, self-harm and trauma-informed training, Mental Capacity Act, GDPR, Motivational interviewing and suicide prevention.
● Networking and social opportunities to meet sector partners and staff members.
● Ongoing day-to-day support and guidance from your team.
● Regular one-to-ones with a member of OY staff appointed to support you during your time with us.
Skills Required
We welcome volunteers over 18 years old and from all backgrounds and levels of the community. No previous experience is required, just an enthusiasm for getting involved.
However, we are looking for volunteers to demonstrate the following key skills and abilities:
● Good administration skills
● good communication and interpersonal skills
● impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidentiality
● an ability to ensure decisions are taken and followed up
● good time-keeping
● using your discretion and sensitivity for others
● a commitment to the organisation and the role
Applications will be reviewed as and when they are received.
To apply, please send a copy of your CV accompanied by an application form to or recruitment team, alternatively, visit our website for more information.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview to meet the team and find out more about the programme.
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!
Our volunteers champion the rights of young people in care and on the edges of care, support them to access advocacy and make their voices heard. Training is provided. Whether you are currently studying, recently graduated, working part-time, retired or between jobs, volunteering with Coram Voice is a great opportunity to make a difference at the same time as gaining experience of working for a national children’s rights charity.
Our Helpline Supervisors will support you to develop valuable advocacy skills and knowledge of children’s rights and we offer specialist training in safeguarding, equality and diversity and advocacy. This training and other resources will help you to prepare for the role. You will be joining a team that provides quality support to young people in a friendly and supportive environment.
Our volunteer team is integral to our service and we could not provide the service we do without them, particularly in terms of the support we offer to homeless children.
We believe this role will be of particular interest to anyone looking to develop a career involving giving advice, advocacy, children’s and human rights, legal work, social work or youth work; or for professionals in those fields who want to use their experience to support the work of a children’s charity.
Please see our candidate information document for more information about our organisation and the training provided.
We ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us in relation to this position. We have chosen to recruit directly as this helps us to minimise our recruitment costs, ensuring that funds are not diverted from the children and young people we help.
We are a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children and get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them.
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 CARAS:
CARAS is a leading refugee charity in Southwest London, providing firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives. Arriving as an asylum seeker in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives.
We provide person-centred educational, social and casework support to over 600 young people and adults across South London each year, recognising the moment of arrival as one of opportunity. Our work provides individuals with essential support to build language and employability skills, develop social networks and friendships, and access essential services such as legal and mental health services. Our work has multi-generational impact, providing forced migrants with early interventions to support language and skill acquisition, tackling the root causes of socio-economic marginalisation by supporting social inclusion and future labour market access.
Volunteering with CARAS – our Community of Welcome:
CARAS has a proud history of volunteers helping us deliver our charitable aims. Volunteers are an essential part of the CARAS community, bringing skills, insights, experience, different languages, and enthusiasm to the roles. Community members tell us the welcome by volunteers is so important in an often hostile world. It helps them feel safe and wanted. Community is at the heart of all we do, and we could not deliver the projects we do without the enormous contribution that volunteers bring.
About CARAS Adult Programme:
Alongside educational and casework support, CARAS has a thriving social program of weekly activities, from women’s yoga, to creative coffee afternoons, sports sessions and workshops, designed and built in collaboration with our community, volunteers and local partners. Most people we work with in the adult team are waiting for a decision on their asylum claim, are accommodated in cramped and inadequate hotels contracted by the Home Office for up to – and sometimes more than – 2 years whilst they wait for a decision on their asylum claim. During this time, they are eligible for only £8.86 per week and are prohibited from working. This is an incredibly stressful and disempowering period for those seeking asylum. Against this backdrop, our social activities exist as spaces of welcome, for people to come and make meaningful connections, build confidence and importantly – have fun!
About the Trips and Holiday Activities Project:
Alongside our weekly timetable of term time activities, we run trips across London during the school holidays. These are always chosen and planned together with our community members, and so far have included trips to famous parks, museums, galleries, and the theatre. We know from our community members how important these trips are; they are a chance to explore parts of the city that would otherwise be inaccessible, and to feel more at home in the city. As one community member told us, ‘to discover new places…this makes us feel included’. They are an opportunity to learn something new with others, to meet new people, relax and have fun.
About the Role:
To support us with these trips and holiday activities, we are looking for friendly, welcoming, enthusiastic and proactive volunteers. You will support us practically to ensure the trips run smoothly and on time, but also will be an essential part of our community of welcome – to chat and get to know our community members, and make sure everyone feels included and is having a good time.
We intend to hold 2 trips in the Easter holidays, and up to 5 trips in the summer holidays. These will all be in locations across London, most likely during daytime hours. We will also run a combination of adult-only and child-friendly trips across the year – this is what our community have told us they want! We usually have a group of 10-20 community members and will always have at least one CARAS staff member present too.
Ideally, we are looking for volunteers who are flexible during school holidays and can attend at least 3 trips throughout the year, though we may consider those who might only be able to volunteer on a one-off basis.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
To attend CARAS trips as and when you are available to do so.
To support with the logistics of travelling to and from the trip location.
To keep an eye on the general health and wellbeing of our Community Members and report any concerns to the CARAS staff member present.
To encourage positive connections between people and the places we are visiting, opening up conversations to learn about each other.
On family-friendly trips, to assist where needed with the supervision of children present (alongside parents)
Requirements – Essential:
To be 18 years or older;
To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;
To be reliable and punctual;
To be welcoming, friendly part of the group, and to make sure our community members have the best and most fruitful time possible at the locations we visit.
Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;
Current resident of the UK;
Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;
Able to complete compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding via 2 self-paced induction training webinars prior to the start of role;
Requirements – Desirable:
Knowledge of community languages, such as Farsi, Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Somali and Spanish.
Through volunteering with us you will gain:
An opportunity to connect with and learn from a vibrant and diverse community of people who are new to the city;
A chance to share your knowledge of the city and places of interest with our community;
A deeper understanding of the experiences, challenges, and strengths of those seeking asylum here;
A deeper understanding of language-inclusive practices in multi-lingual groups;
Develop your skills and competencies;
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 currently on the hunt from some volunteers to help support our weekly Speak Out Central drop-ins.
Speak Out Central is a weekly drop-in for people with learning disabilities in the centre of Brighton, helping to prevent loneliness and social isolation. People get together over a cuppa at main office at the Brighthelm Centre between 2pm and 5pm every Tuesday. We aim to support people to be more involved in their local community and make connections with others at the drop-in and the wider community in the city.
The role involves:
- To help facilitate weekly drop-in meetings with other volunteers and staff
- Work with people with Learning disabilities to become more independent and try new things away from the drop-in
- Support people with learning disabilities to develop supportive relationships and friendships
- Support people with learning disabilities to feel more confident accessing mainstream services.
- Attend induction training and ongoing training as required.
- To work independently as needed and adhere to the Speak Out Codes of Practice for Volunteers and Advocates at all times
- Support people in the decisions they make but not make them for them.
- To challenge discrimination and help people to have their rights upheld.
- To identify at risk clients and follow Speak Out’s safeguarding process if needed
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
How you can make a difference!
Sense Holidays gives children, young people, adults with complex disabilities and their families the opportunity to have fun, meet new people and try new activities. Sense Holidays take place across the UK at a range of venues and vary. Each year we need skilled volunteers to help us deliver this exciting programme.
The Volunteer Role involves:
- Staying in touch with Sense and your Holiday Leader before and during the Sense Holiday, raising any issues or concerns that may need addressing by the wider team.
- Attending the equivalent of one full day mandatory training which will be delivered virtually. You will also be asked to complete online e-Learning prior to the holiday.
- You will provide hands on support for the people on the holiday to meet their everyday needs. This may involve but is not limited to; supporting them to participate in group activities, making activities accessible to their particular needs, supporting the building of friendships and social communication.
- You may also be required to support holidaymakers with personal care including support with eating and drinking, washing, bathing and toileting.
- Carry out tasks of daily living, such as cleaning the venue and cooking to maintain a clean and safe living environment.
- For those qualified and willing, you may be asked to complete Driving for Sense and drive an accessible vehicle on the holiday this could be a car, van or minibus depending on the holiday.
Current Holidays dates for Blackpool: 13/07/2024 - 18/07/2024
Volunteer Role Criteria
Essential criteria:
- Aged 18 or over.
- Have experience supporting those with additional needs. Please note, we can offer a small number of places to those who are less experienced.
- A skilled communicator.
- Have a positive, can-do attitude.
- Can demonstrate reliability.
- Can demonstrate resilience.
Desirable:
- Able to use British Sign Language.
- Experience in moving and handling.
- A full driving license and willing to drive on a holiday.
- Experience cooking for large groups.
Why Volunteer for Sense?
Sense is a national disability charity supporting everyone who is deafblind or has complex disabilities. We believe everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.
Volunteering on a Sense Holiday requires resilience but offers an incredibly rewarding experience.
Benefits
- All food, drink, accommodation, and activities on the holiday are paid for by Sense Holidays.
- You will receive comprehensive training for your role.
- The chance to practice and use your existing skills to communicate with others.
- An opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairments.
- Up to £60 of your travel expense paid.
- Full support from our team, including induction and training for this role, and regular ongoing support.
Ready to make a difference?
Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all volunteers to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of places are subject to an enhanced DBS check.