Advice And Information Volunteer Volunteer Roles

Are you a reliable, empathetic, tech-savvy individual with an eye for detail? Caudwell Children are looking for friendly and professional volunteers to help with our Service Delivery Department.
The Service Delivery Department is responsible for ensuring the beneficiaries of the charity receive high quality services. We offer services to children and support to families, including:

- Advice and signposting to local services (available to individuals anywhere in the UK),

- We accept applications for and (subject to a set of financial criteria) will contribute funding towards some specific therapies, provision of resources such as specialist wheelchairs, car seats, tricycles, sensory stimulating equipment and sports equipment

- We have specialist autism services and accept referrals to assess and diagnose autism in 4 to 11 year olds and provide information, workshops and advice to families with a child with autism

- We have an employment service for autistic young people up to age 25 years to support the transition into the digital skills workforce.

As a volunteer in our Service Delivery department, roles and responsibilities may include:

- Providing practical and emotional support to children and their families across the country

- Processing and completing applications for specialist equipment, therapies and treatment

- Data inputting onto our metro system

- Providing an information and signposting service

- Communication with other organisations via telephone and email

- Meeting and greeting visitors (including visitor sign in)

- Answering telephone/ email enquiries

- Monitoring our online chat service ensuring families receive the support that they need

We’re looking for somebody approachable, dedicated and responsible, with a good level of written and verbal communication, and telephone and computer literacy.

If you’re interested in gaining administration, communication and IT experience, and want to know that you’re helping the families of disabled children across the UK, please apply!

Job Title – Children’s Advocacy Helpline Volunteer

Contract - Volunteer

Hours - Minimum 1 day a week for minimum of 1 year post training period, Helpline opening hours Monday to Friday 10am-6pm

Salary – Out of pocket expenses for travel (up to £10 per day) and Lunch (up to £5 per day)

Location – Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ

About Coram Voice

Coram Voice exists to enable and equip children and young people to hold the system to account, to challenge and support it to do its job properly and to uphold the rights of children and young people to actively participate in shaping their own lives.

About the role

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.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application, please note we do not accept cvs.

Closing Date: 2nd June 2024 23.59pm

Interview Date: Candidates will be interviewed as they apply

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

About Pain Concern

 Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work. All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results 

Purpose of Volunteer Role

This role supports our aim in delivering pain education in our communities and providing access to high quality resources to those who may not have digital access. As an ambassador you will provide tailored information on pain management services available in the local health board area and Signpost to any other support services in the community. Promote the concept of supported self-management as a recommended, effective intervention for chronic pain. Help make a difference to people living with pain by providing a powerful platform to hear the views and experiences for the all too often, voiceless patients. Due to the nature of the role, successful applicants will be required to undertake a PVG check.

What would you be doing 

• Have personal experience of chronic pain (e.g., a diagnosis or experience of supporting a family member or friend).

• Representing Pain Concern in a professional manner

• Build a network with local GP surgeries, NHS health board.

• Attend Pain Management groups (virtually or in person), to highlight long term support options.

• Making conversation with members of the public as appropriate, and answering questions about the charity’s work.

• Signpost to helpline, Pain Concern information leaflets, Airing Pain etc

• Carry out research into community groups, local events and businesses in your area, so that you can contact them to attend fayres, exhibitions etc

• Attend cheque presentations and local events officially thanking donors and hosts for their support

• Adhere to Pain Concern’s policies and procedures at all times, including Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality;

• Attend training and volunteer meetings

• Keep your Volunteer Manager up to date on your activities, including the contacts you’ve made and talks that you’ve arranged. 

Is this role right for me

 We are looking for an individual who possesses some or all of the below experiences, skills and qualities.

• Friendly, positive and outgoing personality

• Tenacity and enthusiasm for sourcing opportunities in your community

• Enthusiasm and interest in chronic pain and the work we do

• Good communication skills, including public speaking

• Strong organisational skills, and an ability to work on own initiative and be proactive

• Access to the Internet and confidence in using it

• A good local knowledge

• Flexibility 

Availability and location

Minimum commitment of 6 months. Minimum 2-3 hours per week. By becoming one of our Community Ambassadors, you will travel in and around your geographical area to meet support groups and attend events and from our office at Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh EH15 3HS 

Benefits to you 

• Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team

• Meet new people

• Build on your employability skills

• Training and a dedicated volunteer line manager looking after you

• A job reference after 6 months of volunteering.

• Satisfaction of giving a valuable service to the community

• On-site car parking

• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Policy

How do I apply

Download and complete an application form via the volunteering page on our website. For more information about this role please contact us via our website.

• To be the first point of contact for the Mind in Somerset in North Somerset in the Citizens Advice offices

• To provide emotional listening support sessions on a short-term basis

• To effectively signpost clients to longer-term support either through Mind in Somerset services or partner providers in the area

• To be able to work within your level of capability and training, identifying opportunities to link in with other support available.

• To maintain records on our computer system of all appointments attended

• Answer the telephone and support general administration including responding to e-mail queries. 

• To respond to email inquiries that may come through our main website offering virtual navigation to appropriate support.

• Providing service users with a signposting and information 

• Basic administrative support as required e.g. photocopying, scanning, and making phone calls.

• Effectively take and distribute messages to relevant project leads 

• To attend the organisation update meeting 

• Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues 

• To adhere to all volunteer policies of the organisation. 

• There may be other duties required of our volunteers from time to time. 

• To support the Community Day facilitator on a Friday afternoon in a creative session designed to reduce isolation and create opportunities for connectivity and conversation amongst Peers.

About the role

Becoming a Bus Driver Volunteer is a wonderful way to have fun and meet new people whilst supporting the Charity in raising vital funds and awareness of the charity within the local communities across the county.

What you will be doing
• Driving our ‘Hearing Hopper’ outreach vehicle through the local communities within East Sussex
• Undertake vehicle and health & safety checks as required
• Act as an Ambassador for East Sussex Hearing whilst out and about
• Support the public to access the vehicle and/or services
• Assist other Volunteers and ESH staff to provide general hearing loss information and advice, including signposting to other services
• Deal with any issues or incidents as they arise – following East Sussex Hearing policy & procedures
• Help to keep the ‘Hearing hopper’ clean, tidy and safe

If you are seeking a hands-on role that lets you support East Sussex Hearing whilst having fun - Joining us as a Bus Driver Volunteer is the perfect opportunity! Let's make a difference together, as we’re ‘Here to Help You Hear.’

It is essential that you have a clean C1 driving licence with a minimum of two years' driving experience. The bus is similar in size to an NHS ambulance. Also, essential is the ability to travel to a rural location in Upper Dicker.

What will you gain from volunteering with us
• A chance to meet new people, make new friends and dedicate yourself to a rewarding role
• The time to develop new skills, take on new challenges and enjoy new experiences
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to East Sussex Hearing and support the deaf and hard of hearing community
• Travel expenses can be claimed
• FREE admission to our BSL Sign Language classes
• FREE admission to our Lipreading classes
• Access to exclusive discounts, cashback & vouchers for charity workers & volunteers

Training & Support
East Sussex Hearing will provide all relevant training at our Eastbourne centre, and locally where possible.

What we are looking for
• You're friendly, welcoming and enjoy being part of events
• You enjoy engaging with people and being part of a team
• You’re flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks
• You’re over the age of 30 due to insurance purposes.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just patience, and an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Visitor?

SSAFA Visitors provide support to isolated people living at home or in residential care. Whilst a friendly chat about the old days over a cup of tea is an important aspect of the role you will also be able to recognise any other support needs and explore how to link your client into their local community.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

With the gift of time and a listening ear you can improve someone’s quality of life for far longer than the hour or so you might spend with them. We need you to join your local SSAFA team to help us to help more people!

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need a driving licence and access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or elsewhere.

Some volunteers will visit more people than others. Whilst you will visit a client on a regular basis for a period, you will not be developing the kind of relationship where you would provide personal care, handle money or support someone in an emergency. SSAFA can help clients to arrange other types of support if needed.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting clients and arranging to meet them regularly at their home or care home for uninterrupted conversation.
• Letting the divisional secretary know of any concerns for your or the client’s safety.
• Arranging for a SSAFA caseworker to assess the client for other support as required.
• Chatting, making a cup of tea, playing cards, looking at photo albums, military mementos etc
• Helping your client to think about ways to reduce their isolation and support them to put these into practice.
• Keeping in touch with your branch so they know your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and Data Protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background using your patience, time, and empathy.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression.

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, friendship, and befriending. This training would take approx. 4 hours.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local Induction
• Access to the Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good listening skills, patience, and a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to friendship, finances etc.
• Reliable attitude, contact clients promptly, keep regular appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely (within SSAFA policies)
• Willingness to travel by public transport or car to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer This role requires an enhanced check.

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.

Do you enjoy networking and meeting new people? Are you passionate about volunteering and supporting the serving community? If so, we would love to hear from you. You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with people, and a good level of IT skills.

What is a Serving Community Team Volunteering Coordinator?

There is a SSAFA presence throughout the serving community, both in the UK and overseas. In many areas, SSAFA have Serving Community Teams which offer financial, practical, and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Each team is formed of a group of trained volunteers who make this possible.

A Volunteering Coordinator is a key role within the Team, supporting with local recruitment, induction, and celebration of volunteers and volunteering. They ensure volunteers are welcomed and supported. This role also has voting rights for the grant giving process.

What difference will you make?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups and the number of people contacting us for help rises each year. To continue providing help when it’s needed most, SSAFA must maintain a diverse and committed network of volunteers who are skilled, supported and valued.

What will you be doing?

Although every SSAFA Serving Community Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Volunteering Coordinator:

• Keeping track and keeping in touch: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date lists of volunteer details, ensuring volunteers complete training, checking in with volunteers about their experience and passing on feedback.
• Monitoring and planning: Working alongside the Chair to monitor volunteer numbers and develop plans to recruit new volunteers as required.
• Creating local links: Taking opportunities to advertise and promote volunteering opportunities locally, including linking with local volunteer centres and community groups. Liaising with the Engagement and Events Coordinator and SSAFA’s Marketing and Communications team for support with branding and publicity materials.
• Welcoming and supporting: Working in partnership with SSAFA Central Office teams to coordinate local volunteer recruitment and induction, supporting new volunteers through these steps. Ensuring every volunteer has access to supervision and support, signposting to support from SSAFA Central Office teams as required.
• Celebrating and saying thank you: Seeking opportunities to celebrate volunteering, engaging in local initiatives and finding ways to say thank you to volunteers for all their efforts.
• Partnership working: building positive relationships and working together with national and regional employees, who are available to offer you support.
• Being a volunteering champion: working with the Regional Operations Support Manager to promote volunteering best practice across the Team and ensure volunteers have the best possible experience with SSAFA.

What about training and support?

• Instructor led training alongside like-minded volunteers will guide you through everything you need to know about volunteering good practice and volunteer management.
• Online, e-learning, training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep people and their personal information safe.
• Local induction and support.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Support from SSAFA volunteering and operations staff.
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others.
• Give back to the Armed Forces community.
• Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across the serving community and local area.
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
• Some experience of coordinating people is desirable but not essential.
• Empathy regarding the needs and challenges of the serving community
• Good IT skills e.g., ability to use email and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
• A belief in the impact of volunteering.

Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.

Minimum Age: 18

Are references required? Yes. Two-character references from people who know you well (not family members).

Is a criminal record check required? No

We work to make SSAFA as safe as possible for everyone. Part of this involves volunteers attending an informal interview, providing two suitable references, and completing relevant training for your role.

Citizens Advice Southampton is looking for a new Treasurer

Our Treasurer is a vital member of our Board of Trustees; this is a voluntary position. Unremunerated but with reasonable expenses covered. 

Skills; we are looking for anyone with relevant financial qualifications or experience who is interested in becoming our Treasurer

Where; Southampton

Time; the Board of Trustees meets once a month apart from August and December when there are no meetings. In addition, the Treasurer will be part of a focussed committee which also meets once a month, such as Finance or Governance and Risk.

About Citizens Advice Southampton; This local and essential Charity provides vital support to the people of Southampton. Integrated into the local Community, Citizens Advice Southampton’s incredible volunteers and paid staff help more than 6500 people with 11000 issues every year, providing advice that is free, independent, impartial and confidential.

What will you be doing? Duties include;  explain, guide and advise the board on the key assumptions and financial implications of the Citizens Advice Southampton budgets, operational and strategic plans  ensure that the organisation has an appropriate reserves policy and a realistic budget that meets the services’ needs  ensure that annual accounts are prepared in compliance with SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) Accounting for Charities and submitted by the deadline to the Charity Commission and/or Registrar of Companies, and make arrangements for them to be audited or independently examined as required

What’s in it for you? Not only will you directly contribute to the success of this essential charity in supporting the local community, for you personally there are many benefits. Such as;  Meet others and build relationships with other trustees, paid staff, volunteers and other community members  Build on your governance and leadership skills  Increase your employability

What are we looking for? Although you will not necessarily need to have prior experience of being a Trustee, we are specifically looking to recruit anyone with relevant experience which will support them in their role as Treasurer. Useful skills for our Treasurer include;  have financial qualifications or experience  some knowledge or experience of charity finances, fundraising, financial consequences and pension schemes  excellent good numeracy skills to understand accounts  be able to explain complex financial information in an accessible way  Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussions  Commitment to the aims, principles and policies of Citizens Advice Southampton  Willingness and ability to learn, and to develop and understand your own attitude  Ability to work effectively as part of a team  Ability to think creatively and to exercise good independent judgement  Ability to understand and accept the responsibility and liability of being a trustee

Citizens Advice Southampton Citizens Advice Southampton are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all who meet the above specification irrespective of sex, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, age, or disability.

Do you enjoy networking and meeting new people? Are you passionate about volunteering and supporting the serving community? If so, we would love to hear from you. You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with people, and a good level of IT skills.

What is a Serving Community Team Volunteering Coordinator?

There is a SSAFA presence throughout the serving community, both in the UK and overseas. In many areas, SSAFA have Serving Community Teams which offer financial, practical, and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Each team is formed of a group of trained volunteers who make this possible.

A Volunteering Coordinator is a key role within the Team, supporting with local recruitment, induction, and celebration of volunteers and volunteering. They ensure volunteers are welcomed and supported. This role also has voting rights for the grant giving process.

What difference will you make?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups and the number of people contacting us for help rises each year. To continue providing help when it’s needed most, SSAFA must maintain a diverse and committed network of volunteers who are skilled, supported and valued.

What will you be doing?

Although every SSAFA Serving Community Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Volunteering Coordinator:

• Keeping track and keeping in touch: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date lists of volunteer details, ensuring volunteers complete training, checking in with volunteers about their experience and passing on feedback.
• Monitoring and planning: Working alongside the Chair to monitor volunteer numbers and develop plans to recruit new volunteers as required.
• Creating local links: Taking opportunities to advertise and promote volunteering opportunities locally, including linking with local volunteer centres and community groups. Liaising with the Engagement and Events Coordinator and SSAFA’s Marketing and Communications team for support with branding and publicity materials.
• Welcoming and supporting: Working in partnership with SSAFA Central Office teams to coordinate local volunteer recruitment and induction, supporting new volunteers through these steps. Ensuring every volunteer has access to supervision and support, signposting to support from SSAFA Central Office teams as required.
• Celebrating and saying thank you: Seeking opportunities to celebrate volunteering, engaging in local initiatives and finding ways to say thank you to volunteers for all their efforts.
• Partnership working: building positive relationships and working together with national and regional employees, who are available to offer you support.
• Being a volunteering champion: working with the Regional Operations Support Manager to promote volunteering best practice across the Team and ensure volunteers have the best possible experience with SSAFA.

What about training and support?

• Instructor led training alongside like-minded volunteers will guide you through everything you need to know about volunteering good practice and volunteer management.
• Online, e-learning, training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep people and their personal information safe.
• Local induction and support.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Support from SSAFA volunteering and operations staff.
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others.
• Give back to the Armed Forces community.
• Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across the serving community and local area.
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
• Some experience of coordinating people is desirable but not essential.
• Empathy regarding the needs and challenges of the serving community
• Good IT skills e.g., ability to use email and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
• A belief in the impact of volunteering.

Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.

Minimum Age: 18

Are references required? Yes. Two-character references from people who know you well (not family members).

Is a criminal record check required? No

We work to make SSAFA as safe as possible for everyone. Part of this involves volunteers attending an informal interview, providing two suitable references, and completing relevant training for your role.

Recruitment Morning Invitation

We are creating a brand-new volunteer role at Westonbirt Arboretum, the Woodland Support Team. You can find details about the role below. If this sounds like it might be of interest, we would like to invite you to spend a morning with us on Saturday 29th June 2024 from 10am-12pm (approx). To attend the recruitment morning please respond to this advertisement in order to sign-up

This session will equip you with everything you need to know about the role, the training programme and volunteering at Westonbirt Arboretum. It is important to attend this session in order for you to make an informed decision on whether you would like to apply to become a Woodland Support volunteer at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.

After the recruitment morning, if you would like to apply to become a Woodland Support volunteer at Westonbirt Arboretum there will be a 2 day informative training programme, details are available in the recruitment morning sign-up form. The 2 day formal training sessions are mandatory. It is important to understand at this stage whether you are able to commit to these dates before going further.

Volunteer Role Description - Woodland Support Volunteers

Westonbirt’s historic Victorian landscape and internationally important tree and shrub collection is managed by Forestry England and attracts thousands of visitors each year – the Woodland Support volunteer team will be a key element of our Visitor Services (VS) team in helping everyone to get the very best from their time with us. This busy, varied and active role supports visitors whilst they are out and about in the arboretum and will help them to enjoy a memorable day out.

When/Where
This role will be a highly proactive roving role to provide support and information to visitors, primarily in Silkwood, but with possible extension to the Old Arboretum in the future. This role will be carried out in pairs at all times. Shifts will be split and there will be the ability to take breaks during the shift:

• 10.00 am -1.00 pm - morning shift
• 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm – afternoon shift

What’s involved?

· Walking all main routes and known busy areas in Silkwood, to be a visible assistance to visitors with daily site, trail information etc…

· Proactively engaging visitors with a warm hello and welcome to enhance their visitor experience.

· Proactively advising seasonal tree, flora and fauna highlights, directions, and answering general queries.

· Communicating confidently with VS Team via on site radio, and face-to-face with colleagues and visitors.

· Support the VS team as appropriate, by observing visitors wellbeing and behaviour and adherence to site rules, in particular with regard to dog policy.

· Reporting any incidents, including but not limited to: dog incidents/issues; first aid; lost persons; infrastructure/woodland damage.

· Staying calm and focused if dealing with visitors who require support, whilst waiting for support from VS.

· Ensure visitor feedback, both positive and negative, is recorded and escalated appropriately.

· Covering large areas of Silk Wood on foot (or mobility scooter) in all weathers

· Litter picking.

We’d like you to be

• A proactive, people-person with a warm welcoming style who can communicate with all kinds of visitors in an inclusive manner.
• Enjoy working outdoors (in all weathers) and be reliable, positive, patient.
• Keen to share your enthusiasm (we are not looking for experts) for the arboretum with others.

We will

· Provide role training, including – site knowledge, engaging with the public, procedures and systems, site rules and Dog Policy, Health & Safety, dealing with incidents, FoWA membership, radio use and protocol.

· Provide volunteer uniform and name badge.

· Provide ongoing support onsite from FE staff, including daily briefing.

· Ensure you are always with another volunteer.

· Pay a contribution to the cost of volunteering travel.

Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation into STEM? If so, we'd love for you to volunteer with us at the UK's BIGGEST STEM event for young people! We're looking for volunteers for 1, 2 or 3 days to get involved at The Big Bang Fair 2024. So wheather you're an apprentice, student, graduate, career starter, a professional with years of experience or retired, this could be the opportunity you're looking for!

What's in it for you?

• A fun and rewarding opportunity to make a difference in young people's lives
• A chance to build your personal development and network

The Fair takes place from 19 to 21 June at the NEC in Birmingham. A day runs from 8am to 4pm and lunch will be provided. 

No experience necessary and full training will be given.

We want young people to see themselves represented in the volunteers who work with us, so we actively encourage volunteers from groups who are currently underrepresented in the engineering and technology professions.

A bit about this role

Unfortunately our feline friends can occasionally stray or get lost, which can be extremely distressing for their owners. Our lost and found volunteers are passionate about reuniting lost cats and bringing families back together. They help cats and their owners by advertising lost cats and providing support, advice and guidance to people searching for their cats. 

What can you expect to be doing?

• Responding to enquiries from the public about lost and found cats
• Keeping up to date records of lost and founds cats
• Matching cats that are reported lost with those reported found
• Advertising lost and found cats
• Providing help and information to owners about their lost cats

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping reunite lost cats with their owners. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Record keeping and administration skills
• Good IT skills
• Patience and the ability to deal with sensitive situations
• Willingness to be part of a team 

Time expectation 

Our lost and found volunteers usually spend between 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Thank you for joining us and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This advert is listed in Welsh first followed by English.

Pam mae angen eich help arnom 

Mae ymdopi â phrofedigaeth yn cynnwys emosiynau poenus, derbyn colled a gwneud addasiadau mewn bywyd. Mae llawer o bobl yn ei chael hi'n gysur mawr cael rhywun i siarad â nhw am sut maen nhw'n teimlo yn ystod y cyfnod anodd hwn. 

Rydym yn edrych am wirfoddolwyr i ddarparu cymorth emosiynol dros y ffôn i oedolion sydd mewn profedigaeth oherwydd salwch terfynol. Bydd y rôl hon yn cefnogi unigolion sydd wedi cysylltu â ni drwy’n Llinell Gymorth ffôn genedlaethol. Byddwch yn eu helpu i archwilio’u teimladau ac addasu i fywyd ar ôl profedigaeth. Darperir hyfforddiant, cymorth a goruchwyliaeth.  

Beth rydym angen i chi ei wneud 

Bydd eich rôl yn cynnwys rhai o’r tasgau canlynol:  

• Darparu cymorth emosiynol byrdymor dros y ffôn i gleientiaid rydych wedi paru â nhw am hyd at 12 sesiwn o 45 munud (fel arfer 1 neu 2 ar unrhyw adeg benodol) 

• Gwrando’n astud ar gleientiaid ac archwilio’u teimladau am golled ag empathi a sensitifrwydd  
• Cyfeirio’r cleient at ffynonellau gwybodaeth a chymorth priodol yn ôl yr angen  
• Cwblhau dogfennau angenrheidiol fel sy’n ofynnol gan y gwasanaeth (e.e. Cytundeb Gweithio Cyfrinachol) a throsglwyddo gwybodaeth briodol am y gwasanaeth i’ch rheolwr goruchwylio. 
• Cymryd rhan mewn goruchwyliaeth un-i-un a/neu grŵp gyda chyswllt penodedig yn rheolaidd (a ragwelir unwaith y mis, dros y ffôn neu Skype) 
• Ymgymryd â hyfforddiant cychwynnol a pharhaus yn unol â’r rôl; peth wyneb yn wyneb, peth ar-lein   

Pa sgiliau neu brofiad sydd eu hangen arnoch? 

• Y gallu i ddarparu cymorth emosiynol heb feirniadaeth ac o fewn ffiniau 
• Y gallu i ddelio â phobl mewn profedigaeth yn sensitif a chael ymwybyddiaeth o’u hanghenion unigol 
• Amynedd, empathi a sefydlogrwydd emosiynol 
• Ymroddiad a dibynadwyedd – y gallu i gadw apwyntiadau a gwirfoddoli am hyd paru â chleient 
• Dealltwriaeth o bwysigrwydd diogelu a chaw cyfrinachedd cleientiaid  
• Parodrwydd i ddysgu ac ymgymryd â hyfforddiant gofynnol a chymryd rhan mewn goruchwyliaeth cymorth 
• Sgiliau TG sylfaenol a’r gallu, neu’r parodrwydd i ddysgu, i ddefnyddio technoleg Skype 
• Siarad cymraeg yn ddymunol 

Gofynion gweithio  

• Man tawel a chyfrinachol i weithio, heb aflonyddwch neu ymyrraeth  
• Mynediad at ffôn clyfar, gliniadur neu gyfrifiadur bwrdd gwaith  
• Ar gael ar yr un pryd bob wythnos am hyd at 12 sesiwn 
• Bodlonrwydd a’r gallu i deithio o fewn y DU unwaith neu ddwywaith y flwyddyn ar gyfer hyfforddiant a chymorth – bydd gofyn i chi aros dros nos/dros y penwythnos ar gyfer hyfforddiant (bydd treuliau’n cael eu had-dalu) 

Beth allwn ni ei gynnig i chi:  

• Cyfle gwych i adeiladu ar eich sgiliau mewn amgylchedd elusen 
• Cyflwyniad, hyfforddiant a goruchwyliaeth yn eich rôl 
• Treuliau parod rhesymol y cytunwyd arnynt

Yr hyn rydym yn ei ofyn gennych chi:  

• Darparu dau eirda gan bobl nad ydynt yn aelodau o’ch teulu a dogfennau perthnasol eraill sy'n ymwneud â'r rôl 
• Cadw at holl bolisïau a gweithdrefnau’r elusen  
• Cwblhau cyflwyniad ac unrhyw hyfforddiant sy’n gysylltiedig â'r rôl

Mae Marie Curie wedi ymrwymo i ddiogelu a hyrwyddo lles cleifion a’u teuluoedd ac yn disgwyl i’n holl staff a gwirfoddolwyr rannu’r ymrwymiad hwn.  Bydd Marie Curie’n trin pob gwirfoddolwr yn deg ac â pharch.  Ni fyddwn yn gwahaniaethu ar sail anabledd, ethnigrwydd, statws priodasol, beichiogrwydd neu famolaeth, rhyw (h.y. rhywedd), cyfeiriadedd rhywiol, crefydd neu ffydd, neu ailbennu rhywedd.  Ni fyddwn yn gwahaniaethu ar sail oedran, oni bai fod cyfrifoldebau rôl yn gofyn i ni wneud hynny er mwyn diogelu ein gwirfoddolwyr a/neu ddefnyddwyr gwasanaeth.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why we need your help 

Coping with bereavement involves painful emotions, coming to terms with loss and making adjustments in life. Many people find it a great comfort to have someone to talk to about how they are feeling during this difficult time.  

We are looking for volunteers to provide emotional support over the phone to adults who have been bereaved by a terminal illness. This role will be supporting individuals who have made contact with us through our national telephone Support Line. You will be helping them to explore their feelings and adapt to life post-bereavement. Training, support and supervision will be provided.  

What we need you to do 

Your role will include the following tasks:

• Provide short-term emotional support over the phone to matched clients for up to 6, 45-minute, sessions (normally 1 or 2 at any given time) 
• Actively listen to clients and explore their feelings around their loss with empathy and sensitivity
• Direct clients to relevant sources of information and support as needed
• Complete necessary documentation as required by the service (e.g. Confidential Working Agreement) and pass on appropriate service information to your supervising manager 
• Participate in one-to-one and or group supervision with an assigned contact on a regular basis (around once a month, by phone or skype) 
• Undertake both initial and ongoing training in line with the role, some of which will be face-to-face, some independent study. This includes attending a two-day (likely weekend) training programme.

What skills or experience do you need? 

• Ability to provide emotional support without judgement and within boundaries 
• Ability to deal sensitively with bereaved people and have an awareness of their individual needs 
• Patience, empathy and emotional stability 
• Commitment and reliability – able to keep to appointments and volunteer for the duration of a client match 
• An understanding of the importance of safeguarding and maintaining client confidentiality
• Willingness to learn and undertake required training and participate in support supervision 
• Basic IT skills and the ability, or willingness to learn, to use the calling system.
• Welsh speaking is desirable

Working requirements 

• A quiet and confidential space for working, away from distraction or interruption
• Access to a smartphone, laptop or desktop computer
• Available at the same time every week for up to 6 sessions
• Willingness and ability to travel within the UK once or twice a year for training and support – training will require a weekend, (overnight stay depending on location). Expenses will be reimbursed.

What we can offer you: 

• An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment and to be involved in delivering a brand-new national service 
• An induction, initial and ongoing training, (including on grief and bereavement), support and supervision in your role 
• Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, for both training and service delivery e.g. train tickets and call costs

What we ask of you: 

• To keep to all the charity’s policies and guidelines  
• To complete an induction and any training related to the role

Marie Curie is committed to being a diverse and inclusive charity. We aim to demonstrate support for all of our staff and volunteers, valuing each individual’s contribution regardless of age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, civil partnership status, disability, nationality, race, religion or belief.  We are committed to providing equal opportunities to our staff and volunteers and to taking steps to ensure our staff and volunteers are protected from discrimination.

About Us
Mae pob diwrnod o’ch bywyd yn bwysig – o’r cyntaf i’r olaf. Pan fyddwch yn gwirfoddoli i Marie Curie, byddwch yn deall hynny’n well nag erioed. Rydym yn dîm angerddol, ymroddedig ac amrywiol o dros 4,400 o staff a 6,500 o wirfoddolwyr sydd yma i bobl sy’n byw gydag unrhyw salwch terfynol, a’u teuluoedd. Rydym yn cynnig gofal, arweiniad a chymorth arbenigol i’w helpu i gael y budd mwyaf o’r amser sydd ar ôl ganddynt. 

ABOUT US

Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and  6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left. 

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

We are looking for self-motivated and compassionate individuals to help deliver our Helpline service and make a difference to the lives of anyone affected by cancer.

The Helpline offers those with cancer a chance to share their feelings and experiences with someone who has empathy for what they are going through. Helpline Volunteers create a safe and welcoming environment, listen, and provide emotional support and signposting individuals onto further information.

No special qualifications are needed for this role, but access to a telephone in a comfortable quiet setting is essential.