Appropriate Adult Volunteer Volunteer Roles

JOB DESCRIPTION

Coping with a diagnosis of a terminal or life-limiting illness involves painful feelings, coming to terms with loss and making adjustments in life. 

We are looking for volunteers to offer emotional and/or bereavement support either in a group setting through facilitation of support groups, or on one to one individual basis. You will be helping people to explore their feelings and adapt to their new life after a diagnosis or the death of a loved one. 

This role is supporting patients and families who are over 18 only.

Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

• Provide emotional and/or bereavement support either in the hospice, in a small group setting, over the phone or at the person’s home, according to local resources.
• Actively listen to clients and explore their feelings around the diagnosis/loss with empathy 
• Pass on appropriate information to your line manager.
• Complete appropriate documentation as required in line with our confidentiality (service user) policy.
• Assist staff in the Patient and Family Support team when necessary 
• Adhere to hospice record keeping procedures 
• Assist with other related tasks when necessary

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.

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 Island Lead Volunteer is a key volunteer leadership role within Scouting with responsibility for providing outstanding management and support for the groups within the County. The primary focus for the Island Lead Volunteer is to ensure that Scouting is able to reach every young person in Jersey; open to all regardless of faith, colour or social background, because we believe Scouting has the ability to change lives.

This is achieved by leading the team of Group Lead Volunteers, and other Island appointments as well as working with the Growth and Communities Team (employed staff) to provide enough places to meet the demand for Scouting, and by ensuring that every youth member has access to a high-quality balanced programme that is challenging, relevant and rewarding.

As our Island Lead Volunteer, you'll get the opportunity to lead Jersey through transformation and develop working in teams, and look at extending the reach of scouting to all parts of the county and for all those who want to become involved. You will be able to really develop and hone your leadership skills by managing teams of remote volunteers across the breadth of Jersey.

Leading and managing volunteers provides so much more opportunity and experiences than with employees, and the skills you can gain by doing this really can be a great asset for your professional life as well as in Scouts. The issues and challenges that you find ways to tackle will stretch you as an individual and as a leader, and you’ll find yourself discovering new things that you are capable of achieving, all within a supportive environment.

If you get a kick out of seeing things happen, achieving success and making a positive impact to a wide audience then the Island Lead Volunteer role definitely provides all of that. 

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

Discovery Catering Volunteer Wanted

• Do you have a passion for vegan & vegetarian food? 
• Do you enjoy being part of a team? 
• Do you thrive watching others grow in confidence? 

Then this is the volunteering opportunity you’ve been looking for! 

We are looking for a volunteer to help support us during our monthly pop-up cafes. 

The role is a great opportunity for someone with a love of cooking to share their skills and/or learn more about vegetarian and vegan cooking.

As a volunteer for bemix you are also part of our wider social movement, working to achieve equality for people with learning difficulties and/or autism.

Role and responsibilities

Main aim:   To support the group members prepare and serve vegetarian and vegan meals, including greeting customers and taking payment for meals at our monthly pop-up cafe.

Location: Westgate Hall, Canterbury City Centre. 

Salary: This position is unpaid.

Expenses:   Reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed. Please let us know details about where you will be travelling from and how much this will cost, when you apply. 

Hours: Between 4 to 6 hours per month. 10am – 2pm / 4pm.  Working with the Discovery Catering team one day each month, on a Tuesday.

Start date and Duration: To start as soon as possible, once DBS and References have been received and continue on an ongoing basis subject to regular reviews.

To read more about the role or if you have any questions please go to our website. 

Applications close on Monday 22nd April 2024

We will do our best to let you know the outcome of your application by the end of the day on Monday 29th April 2024.

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 Skipton: 6/08/2024 - 11/08/2024

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 perform gender appropriate care, e.g., male to male care.
• 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.

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.

Volunteer Role Criteria

Essential criteria: 

• Able to support with gender appropriate personal care. For this role, volunteers must identify as male, to provide this care to our holidaymakers. 
• 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: 

• Ideally live near the areas of Skipton, Gloucestershire, or the New Forest.
• Able to use British Sign Language.
• Experience in moving and handling.
• A full driving license and willingness 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.

Welcome to Team BSO (British Scouting Overseas), where we're embarking on an exhilarating journey to empower the next generation through our Skills for Life strategy. Our mission is to shape brighter futures and equip young individuals in Scouting with invaluable life skills.

At the heart of the BSO lies the pivotal role of the Area Lead Volunteer (previously called Area Commissioner). As the guiding force, you'll spearhead the BSO Leadership Team, inspiring and mobilising volunteers to provide exceptional experiences and life-enriching skills to our youth. Your mandate includes ensuring a well-organised and adequately staffed Area team capable of delivering outstanding programmes.

Your pivotal responsibility involves implementing the Area’s 2018-25 Strategy. You will be rallying Area, District and Group Lead Volunteers and their teams to align with its objectives. This entails motivating and supporting volunteers to achieve the Growth, Youth Shaped, Community Impact, and Inclusivity targets outlined in our strategy.

As the leader of the BSO Team, you will bolster Scouting throughout the Area by nurturing volunteer development, enriching section programmes, and providing operational support. Additionally, you'll maintain a vibrant volunteer cohort in the Explorer and Network sections, establishing a well-regarded 14-24 provision within our multiple international communities.

Leading a team of dedicated volunteers passionate about delivering exceptional Scouting experiences to every young person is at the core of this role.

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 Gloucestershire: 19/08/2024 - 24/08/2024

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 support with gender appropriate personal care, e.g., male to male care. 
• 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. 

Minimum 6 months / 17.5 hours (various days & minimum 1 day per week)

Ref PER-233

Are you a proactive, collaborative and compassionate individual with an understanding of providing support, advocacy, advice and guidance and the ability to communicate this knowledge in a variety of ways? Looking for a highly rewarding volunteer opportunity?

If so, St Giles Trust has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Volunteer to join us as a Peer Advisor and to provide vital support, guidance and advice to our clients.

About St Giles Trust
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need. Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

About this key role
Our successful candidate will initially meet clients and develop an action plan, ensuring you complete action plan paperwork, while also discussing other support needs and signposting, if required, to other agencies. We will also rely on you to provide mentoring for the client in a positive manner and to support placements to help clients reach their individual specific goals.

Working alongside all other agencies to build professional relationships and to look at additional support from other agencies is an essential part of this volunteer role, as are ensuring you follow all health and safety policies and procedures and liaising with – and keeping fully informed – the St Giles Peer Advisor Coordinator.

What we are looking for

• Be willing to undergo training for the role of Peer Advisor, including a Level 3 certificate in Advice and Guidance, policies and procedures induction, and additional specialist sessions appropriate to placement.
• The ability to write reports and action plans (training given).
• Able to work on own initiative and to fellow instructions when required.
• Have a sound understanding of the issues faced for the clients.
• The ability to calculate risk and implement safety procedures when engaging with clients.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, both verbal and written.

In return, you can expect a generous flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, and much more.

Please note St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

As an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients and successful applicants will be conducting an Enhanced Adult & Children with Child Barred list DBS.

To apply, please visit our website via the ‘Apply’ button. 

Closing date: 11pm on 02 May 2024.

We are an equity and inclusion-confident employer. We welcome all applications and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi-heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

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! 

Do you have some time to spare during the week? We are looking for a volunteer Baby Bank Assistant who will work as part of our friendly baby bank team to provide local families with the essential items they need for their babies, such as clothing, nappies, baby food and toiletries.

Principal Responsibilities:

To receive donations, sort through items, register and store them safely.

To contribute to a non-judgmental, safe space and support the family’s emotional well-being where needed.

To listen to the needs of families and help them find items they require

To introduce families to new opportunities and activities through signposting to our other services or other local services.

To champion a co-production approach with families, other volunteers and staff

To ensure you have an understanding (appropriate to your role) of, and comply with WFRC’s procedures for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Time commitment required:

6 or more hours weekly (flexible)

Attend bi-monthly supervisions for one hour

Attend occasional training and team meetings

Skills and Attributes:

Friendly, empathetic and non-judgmental attitude

An understanding of working with vulnerable families

Effective communication skills, confident speaking to a diverse range of people and an active listener

Able to work in a confidential environment

A strong team player

Organised and proactive

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Salary: £0.00 per year

Job Type: Volunteer

Salary: £0.00 per year

Role Description:

Nova Roots is a new out of hours community space for women 18+ leaving forensic mental health services, open 3 days a week; every Weds, Sat & Sun. We offer a safe, warm, non-judgemental social environment for women to build meaningful connections and have access to free activities and resources.

As a peer volunteer, your role will be to support individuals using a peer approach by co-facilitating peer-led workshops, offering emotional and social support. By doing this, it provides an opportunity for service users to develop and manage meaningful and purposeful choices in an independent and empowered way.

Please be aware that if you are invited to interview you will be asked to complete a self-declaration form covering your criminal record or any information that would make you unsuitable to work with the vulnerable parties associated with this role, i.e. vulnerable adults and/or children and young people.

It is not necessary to disclose anything at this time. Please do not include any such information when applying at this stage.

The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account.

Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.

We are looking for someone who

• Has lived experience of being in prison / mental health wards / rehab and recovery communities
• Are a non-judgemental and friendly individual
• To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
• To feel comfortable engaging with women with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk
• Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding forensic leavers and their experiences
• Are willing to tap into their lived experiences and use their stories to inspire hope in others when appropriate
• Are comfortable with co-producing and co-facilitating peer led workshops
• To assist the Forensic Project Coordinator in the daily running of the Forensic Women’s hub
• Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities within the Forensic Women’s Hub

Time commitment and expenses:

• Flexible hours (shifts to be confirmed). Evening and Weekend availability is required. We are looking for someone to commit to a minimum of at least 1 day a week: Wed, Sat or Sun.
• We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

What's in it for the volunteer?

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

Purpose of the Role

 This volunteer role is a key part of the HFEH Mind team delivering a range of services across Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow. We support clients with mental health with both clinical and non-clinical interventions.

The volunteer will coordinate a network of volunteers who, alongside the local team, delivering a range of services.

The volunteer will onboard, induct, and provide ongoing support for the volunteers and provide oversight of the relationship volunteers have with the service users we work with.

Main Responsibilities

To work closely with the HFEH Mind team and service managers and support the services with volunteer recruitment, supervision and retention.

Tasks

• Work with the service managers and central support team to support the journey and retention of volunteers.
• Provide volunteers with 1:1s or group support on a monthly basis.
• Support Director of Adult Services to administer reflective practice sessions.
• Work with the service managers and central support to log and administer volunteer availability, and resolve any volunteering related issues or complaints.
• Encourage people to volunteer through a variety of local marketing and promotion approaches, including social media and engage with our Head of Well at Work to develop a marketing and communications strategy for volunteers.
• Develop, coordinate and engage a network of around 30 active volunteers for the service.
• Induct new volunteers.
• Work effectively to ensure local volunteers feel valued and are contributing to the objectives of HFEH Mind.
• Support the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of our services.
• Gather volunteer feedback and take appropriate steps for service improvement.

Why Volunteer at Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, and Hounslow (HFEH) Mind?

Volunteering at HFEH Mind is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the work of a leading national mental health charity. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will be treated as a core member of the team from day one and be surrounded by supportive and knowledgeable colleagues.

What’s in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering opportunities have been a route into paid employment within our organisation for many of our previous volunteers. However, the skills and experiences you will gain are likely to support applications for paid employment within the sector more broadly, as well as further training and education opportunities (e.g., Business courses, social work, mental health qualifications).

We are keen to foster the individual strengths and interests of volunteers. With the support of the HFEH Mind Team, we will work with you to ensure that your volunteering experience is meaningful and valuable, whilst balancing the requirements of delivering the service.  

Post is subject to a DBS check.