Buddy Volunteer Volunteer Roles
***This is an unpaid voluntary role***
Tech Buddies is a project with a huge positive impact on social connectedness and mental health among our older neighbours. The aim of Tech Buddies is to inspire and then support older people to get digitally connected and confident, to stay safe online and to use the internet regularly until they are happy to do so on their own. Together, the Tech Buddy volunteer and learner explore what technology can offer.
Wednesdays and/or Saturdays you’ll be helping members aged 60+ get savvy using their smart phones, tablets, and laptops. You could be helping with anything from sending emails to installing apps.
Qualities you need for this role
- Tech Buddy volunteers need to be regular users of technology (e.g. computers/tablets/smartphones) with a genuine desire to share your skills and help older people use technology.
- Warm and friendly, a good listener
- Reliable and dependable (good timekeeper)
- Non-judgmental, patient with a good sense of humour!
- A good communicator who knows their boundaries and has good spoken English
When you'll be needed
- Wednesdays 2-4pm (30-60 min sessions) and/or
- 1st Saturday of each month 10:00am – 12:00pm (30-60 min sessions)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Who are Midland Mencap?
Midland Mencap is a charity which works and campaigns for accessible and inclusive services and a better quality of life for everyone with experience of learning disabilities and additional needs.
Purpose of the role.
To connect people wanting to cycle more with volunteer Bike Buddies who want to help them. We have people from many different backgrounds wanting support with their cycling for many reasons.
For example:
· Coming back to cycling after time off
· Disability or ill health
· Finding quiet roads and cycle paths around the neighbourhood
· Building up confidence on busy roads
· Sharing experiences of things like cycling at night or what clothes to wear
· Checking bikes together before a ride
Bike Buddies provide crucial support and motivation to help people to participate in inclusive and adapted outdoor cycling. Volunteers support cyclists to achieve their fitness goals and enjoy cycling in our community.
Our Bike Buddies are great ambassadors for cycling, sharing their expertise of local routes and giving others the confidence to get around by bike.
If you feel confident cycling on the road or in a park with someone else, and are wanting to give back to others, this is the role for you.
What would I be doing?
You’ll need to find out what they want to do and where they want to go. Some people want to explore quiet streets locally or plan a longer journey. You may ride to the park or show them local routes – quiet ways, new cycle lanes and off-road paths are popular.
They may want to try out junctions or crossing busy roads – think about how to ride those safely. You may support a person at one of our pre-arranged Parkride cycle meetings and help them to develop the skills and confidence to cycle safely and independently.
What do I need?
This role will require:
· A roadworthy bike and riding equipment.
· Experience of regular cycling
· Some experience of cycle maintenance
· Complete a cycling competence session with parkride staff
· Friendly, calm, and patient
· A good listener & happy to chat
· Accepting of people who may be different to you
· Willing to learn and act within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap
· Good time management skills, reliability
· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.
When and where do you need me?
Either at organised events or 1-2-1 within your local area.
Ideally you can meet once a week for approx. 2 hours.
We have parkride sessions running throughout the week including evenings and weekends.
What’s in it for me?
As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:
• The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with disabilities and their family carers
• An induction and settling in period
• Any training and development that is needed
• The chance to develop your skills and gain experience
• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team
• Support within your role
• Any out-of-pocket travel expenses
• Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution
• Positive wellbeing from doing something great
• Improve career opportunities by adding your volunteer role to a CV
Sense Virtual Buddying volunteers make a real difference to supporting young people and adults who may be lonely or isolated.
Sense matches volunteers with disabled people to meet for an hour a week on Zoom, over phone, by email, text or letter writing. Our volunteers have spent thousands of hours with their buddies — learning new skills, having fun, and forming fantastic friendships. Sense matches each volunteer with someone who has similar interests, to make sure you have a great time. You and your buddy choose a time that suits you, and you can decide what activities you’d like to do together.
The Role of a Virtual Buddy
Sense matches each volunteer with someone who has similar interests to ensure you’ll have lots of fun together. Once matched with a buddy, you will get to know each other remotely via video calls, phone calls, texting, emails or through letters.
You’ll arrange weekly sessions and plan fun things to do together – what this looks like will be inspired by your mutual interests. You could be gaming, doing arts and crafts, playing music, seed planting – there are so many possibilities! We will provide you with weekly themed activities to help to support you in planning your interactions with your buddy.
We’ll also keep in touch with you to ensure you have all the support you need.
The programme is open to all volunteers who are 16 and over. You don't need to have previous experience volunteering or caring for disabled people. We welcome people from all backgrounds and with all interests.
What we can Offer You
Before you start your volunteering role, we’ll make sure that you’ve had the training you need to feel confident. This will be delivered online and via video call.
While you’re volunteering with us as a Virtual Buddy, you’ll get:
- A written account of your volunteering and references if required
- Reimbursement of pre-agreed expenses (up to £25)
Volunteering as a Sense Virtual Buddy is a great opportunity to develop new skills and get to know new people whilst making a real difference to a person’s life.
Who we are Looking For
We need positive, empathetic volunteers who are passionate about supporting people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. We are looking for volunteers who are great communicators and who are friendly, enthusiastic, positive and ready to have fun!
We’re also always looking for volunteers who have knowledge or experience of British Sign Language (BSL) and/or other communication methods like Makaton.
About Sense
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.
We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.
We’d love for you to consider joining us as a Sense Virtual Buddy!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
A Wellbeing Buddy is a volunteer who is matched with someone who has been referred to us for support for a period of 12 weeks and volunteers with them in person.
Face-to-face Wellbeing Buddies meet their match each week with an overall aim of helping them to build confidence and improve their quality of life. This might involve going for walks with the person, going on public transport with them, assisting them with food shopping or just offering some company in their normal routine.
The time you give to volunteering can be decided by you, as long as you can commit to at least once a week for 12 weeks with one person.
Please note that at the moment, to become a volunteer with us you will need to have some availability during the working week (9-5 Monday-Friday). Wellbeing Volunteers are not able to do this role during evenings and weekends. This is so that there are staff members available for support.
What do you need to become a Wellbeing Buddy?
You don't necessarily need to have experience in a role like this, but any experience in offering objective support to people would be beneficial. We are mainly looking for kind-hearted, personable, reliable individuals who love to chat and can give a small amount of time each week to help someone who needs it. You will be given training and support from the volunteer coordinator whenever needed.
To volunteer, you must:
- Be over the age of 18
- Be able to travel within your local area, whether by public transport, Beryl bike or driving
- Have access to the internet to use our volunteer database
- Undergo a DBS check (free to you)
- Complete the necessary training
What do you get out of it?
Volunteering with us will give you a chance to develop your skills and experience in empathy and active listening, as well as supporting and safeguarding people. We can offer you a rewarding opportunity to help empower people to live their best possible lives, a way of meeting other volunteers and likeminded people and social events for volunteers. We also offer reimbursement for expenses, access to schemes such as free Beryl Bike minutes and opportunities to attend personalised and tailored training and workshops.
How to join us:
To become a Wellbeing Buddy you will need to complete the application form attached to this opportunity (you can also find this on our website). You will then be invited to a an informal meeting with the volunteer coordinator (in person or online). If successful, you will need to attend a short training session at Beech House in Poole. This opportunity requires you to undergo a DBS check (free of charge to you).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you kind, considerate and have a few hours a month to spare? The KVA Buddy Scheme is a community befriending project in Kingston that matches volunteers with a "buddy" with a learning disability or autism. No previous experience necessary. Great life experience and looks good on a CV too. Get in touch today.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Family Friends carefully recruits, trains, and matches volunteers with families in Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham and Brent. Volunteers offer long-term practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two befriending volunteer opportunities with us - Big Buddies and Family Befriending.
Our Big Buddies support young people, in the boroughs above, aged 10-18 for a few hours weekly or fortnightly over a period of 6 or 12 months. With encouragement and support, volunteers will aim to help young people to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties. Young people have an equal voice in deciding how they wish to spend their time
Activities might include:.
- Helping to strengthen family relationships.
- Providing a listening ear.
- Taking young person to the cinema, museums, libraries - broadening their horizons!
Essential Criteria:
- Level of commitment mentioned above
- 18+
- Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years
What we provide in return:
- Full induction training and ongoing training
- Weekly supervision and support
- The chance to learn new skills
- References provided after 6 months' commitment
- Reimbursement of travel and session expenses
We are an equal opportunities charity and we value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and would like to encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
- Greet patients as they arrive and help them to get settled – make them feel welcome by engaging in conversation
- Help to welcome and integrate new patients by ‘showing them the ropes’
- Refreshment provision to patients throughout the day as required – hot and cold drinks
- Keep the kitchen area clean and tidy throughout the day, including use of the dishwasher (training provided)
- Encourage patient involvement in Therapeutic Activity Groups, social, and recreational activities, and assist the person in participating in these
- Work with patients in a 1 to 1 setting as directed by the Therapy Team
- Conversations with patients and carers
- Share information with ellenor staff relating to patients wellbeing
- Be available for a pre-shift briefing from the Therapy staff – discuss any special needs of patients and the day’s proposed programme
- Act as a ‘buddy’ for new volunteers, familiarising them with the daily routine and local procedures
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Ref: V224 | Support Group Volunteer | Wolseley
We’re looking for Support Group Volunteers over the age of 18 years old, based at Wolseley Business Park, Wolseley Close, Plymouth, Devon, PL2 3BY.
You’ll be volunteering 3 out of 4 Wednesday mornings per month, from 10am until 1pm
As a support group volunteer, you will help with the running of the group. The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.
The volunteer will be
· A people person, with good listening skills
· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people
· Good at putting people at ease
· Reliable and organised
· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke
· IT literate, have good administrative and record keeping skills and be able to follow relevant policies
A DBS check is required for this role.
Interested in this role?
Find out more by downloading the role description for the Support Group Volunteer role.
If you are interested in this role, please complete click apply.
About Us
Stroke Association. Rebuilding lives after stroke.
When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. That’s because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It happens every five minutes in the UK and changes lives instantly. Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt.
We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. And it’s a team effort to get there.
We provide specialist support, fund critical research and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.
We’re working to improve the diversity of our team. Because we know that individuality leads to a richer experience for our people and better support for those affected by stroke.
We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. And we’re particularly looking to increase the number of applications from those with lived experience of stroke and those from under-represented communities.
Every five minutes, stroke destroys lives. Help us rebuild them and join our team.
To help us deliver our strategy and make a real difference, we are looking to recruit talented people to a number of new roles.
If you would like to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives, we want to hear from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Smart Works
Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for success at their job interview. We empower each woman by giving her the clothes and the confidence she needs to succeed. After visiting Smart Works, 69% of clients secure a job within a month, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.
Smart Works Newcastle, operating as a licensee of Smart Works Charity, is led by a Board of passionate and dedicated trustees, who are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the Smart e Works service across Newcastle and the North East.
More information about who we are can be found on our website.
About the opportunity
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Newcastle Board of Trustees.
If appointed the trustee will help determine the strategic direction of Smart Works in Newcastle ensuring the plans also align with the Group Charity strategy. The Trustee will review, challenge and lead Smart Works Newcastle strategy plans to ensure decisions are commercially balanced.
You will appreciate the dynamics of Smart Works Newcastle clients and market and ensure the strategy and plan is pragmatic and also has the right amount of stretch so that the Centre can maximise targets and client experience.
The role will support the Centre Manager to develop and track the business plan and objectives and also adapt to ensure they meet the required targets. The trustee will have oversight of the fundraising plans and ensure they develop and grow the approach to maximise opportunities and build on events that work and meet commercial targets.
The trustee will ensure the strategy and plan adapt to change, where needed, and challenge the centre to develop ways of working that bring efficiency and effective approaches.
The time commitment is approx. a half a day every two weeks, but there will be occasions when more time is required during busy periods. The Strategy, Change and Commercial Trustee will be required to sit on relevant task force groups as and when their experience is relevant and attend (and prepare for) Board meetings every quarterly.
Please note, no previous trustee experience is required as a thorough induction and training programme will be provided. The trustee will also receive a board buddy for ongoing support.
Trustees are appointed to serve initially for three years, with the potential to be reappointed up to a further two terms (maximum nine years). This is a voluntary role, however out of pocket expenses can be reimbursed. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and a basic DBS check.
General Duties of a Smart Works Trustee
- Work with the Chair of the Board of Trustees to ensure the centre is well-run and governed effectively.
- Provide support to determine the strategic direction of the Centre.
- Advocate for the Centre, raising its profile and the awareness of the Smart Works service in the geographic area.
- Build strong working relationships with the Chair, fellow trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters.
- Work in a small team and tailor strong interpersonal and communication skills to all levels of seniority.
Personal Specification
The Strategy, Change and Commercial Trustee will likely have a background in strategy, change and cost optimisation and may have worked for organisations, as a consultant or independent contractor who is good at enabling change to drive improvement in efficiency and effectiveness. The Trustee will be great at planning and turning strategy into meaningful objectives the local team can work towards. They will forecast when the plan needs to change so that client and commercial targets are met.
The candidate will ideally bring experience of working with multiple organisations in the public and private sectors to provide insight and challenge. This will also bring best practice that Smart Works can use.
It is essential that all applicants believe in the mission of Smart Works and align with our core values, share a commitment to fairness and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, acting at all times with honesty and integrity.
If you are up for the challenge and are seeking to give something back to the community in the North-East, then Smart Works Newcastle would love to hear from you.
Smart Works particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled candidates, men and women and candidates with lived experience of unemployment, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at Smart Works.
How to Apply
Please visit our website or click "Apply Now" to find out more information - we can't wait to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Smart Works
Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for success at their job interview. We empower each woman by giving her the clothes and the confidence she needs to succeed. After visiting Smart Works, 69% of clients secure a job within a month, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.
Smart Works Newcastle, operating as a licensee of Smart Works Charity, is led by a Board of passionate and dedicated trustees, who are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the Smart e Works service across Newcastle and the North East.
More information about who we are can be found on our website.
About the opportunity
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Newcastle Board of Trustees.
As part of the annual Smart Works Female Unemployment Index, it was established that in 2023 the average age of a Smart Works Newcastle client is 37. Consequently, the Board is seeking a new trustee who will help raise greater awareness about the Smart Works service with young women across Newcastle and the North East.
The Young Women’s Trustee will lead the development of understanding the needs of Smart Works Newcastle’s younger clients aged 16 to 25 years (these being unemployed, NEET or in danger of becoming NEET, and those leave the care system) and become a recognised and valued advocate for this community across Newcastle and the North East.
The successful candidate will develop new and existing connections with referral partners who support young unemployed women, develop a marketing plan and social media content to better reach and communicate with this audience, and build relationships with corporate partners and grant funders who support this community. The candidate will also have the opportunity to connect with policy makers whose focus is on improving the employment outcomes for young women across Newcastle and the North East.
The Young Women’s Trustee will bring experience, insights and enthusiasm, and on occasions may also be required to design and drive specific improvement initiatives.
The time commitment is approx. a half a day every two weeks, but there will be occasions when more time is required during busy periods. The Young Person’s Trustee will be required to sit on relevant task force groups as and when their experience is relevant and attend (and prepare for) Board meetings every quarterly.
Please note, no previous trustee experience is required as a thorough induction and training programme will be provided. The trustee will also receive a board buddy, a fellow Smart Works Young Women’s Trustee, for ongoing support.
Trustees are appointed to serve initially for three years, with the potential to be reappointed up to a further two terms (maximum nine years). This is a voluntary role, however out of pocket expenses can be reimbursed. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and a basic DBS check.
General Duties of a Smart Works Trustee
- Work with the Chair of the Board of Trustees to ensure the centre is well-run and governed effectively.
- Provide support to determine the strategic direction of the Centre.
- Advocate for the Centre, raising its profile and the awareness of the Smart Works service in the geographic area.
- Build strong working relationships with the Chair, fellow trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters.
- Work in a small team and tailor strong interpersonal and communication skills to all levels of seniority.
Personal Specification
The Young Women’s Trustee will use their skills and experience to amplify the voices of Smart Works Newcastle’s younger clients and successfully network with key employment and skills programme providers, third sector, and 16+ educational organisations that exist across Newcastle and the North East.
Lived experience of unemployment and overcoming barriers at a young age, and / or experience supporting social value or youth unemployment projects is preferred, but not essential.
The successful applicant will demonstrate enthusiasm for developing at board level and will become a real advocate for young women living in socially disadvantaged and minority communities across Newcastle and the North East.
It is essential that all applicants believe in the mission of Smart Works and align with our core values, share a commitment to fairness and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, acting at all times with honesty and integrity.
If you are up for the challenge and are seeking to give something back to the community in the North-East, then Smart Works Newcastle would love to hear from you. Smart Works particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled candidates, men and women and candidates with lived experience of unemployment, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at Smart Works.
How to Apply
Please visit our website or click "Apply Now" to find out more information - we can't wait to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we need your help:
Understanding our local Cornish Communities and hearing from the residents who live here, especially those with lived experiences, is vitally important to ensure that Marie Curie creates, develops and improves services based on what people need and ensure more people have the best experience for in death, dying and bereavement.
We are looking for community engagement volunteers to work alongside our local team in Cornwall to:
Engage with and bring together people in communities (especially those who are poorly served by end of life care), to understand their experiences.
Support Marie Curie in co -designing and developing new and existing services to support people at the end of life or in their bereavement.
Feel confident in sharing their story and listening to others in an open and sensitive way.
Engage with local community groups/services to raise awareness of the range of Marie Curie support services (including our national services)
Help us to promote and support initiatives around awareness days including National Day of Reflection and other awareness weeks in your local area.
Identify and connect with local community groups to understand more about what they offer and how we can work together
What does the role involve?
Below is an idea of some of the activities that may be involved with this role:
Engage with local citizens to listen to and learn from their experiences of end-of-life care and bereavement support and share what you learn with the local Marie Curie team.
Engage with local organisations to understand their support offer, and to represent the perspectives of people living with, or caring for someone, with a terminal illness, or who have been bereaved.
Attend local community events, to speak with the public about their views and promote Marie Curie services, for example Pride.
Distribute and restock posters, leaflets, and literature.
Act as the eyes and ears on the ground and feedback to MC
Support the local team during specific engagement initiatives e.g., completing questionnaires with members of the public and co-facilitating community forums.
Provide a good geographical spread across the relevant local area, spending time in your local community to truly understand the culture and support available.
Available to meet regularly with the Community Engagement Team both online and face to face.
What skills and experience are we looking for?
Passionate about improving care and support for terminally ill people and the people around them.
Commitment and reliability
Inclusive and respectful values with the ability to be active within a variety of communities and populations, including those with different beliefs and experiences to your own.
Able to work as part of the Marie Curie Team, at a local and national level.
Ability to be autonomous within your role, whilst being guided and supported by your Volunteer Manager
Willingness to learn and operate within Marie Curie processes and boundaries.
Patience, empathy, and emotional awareness
Excellent active listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others.
What’s in it for you:
Opportunity to be involved with a national leader in end-of-life care.
Comprehensive training and induction
A supportive and empowering team environment
1:1 Wellbeing Support Sessions
Resilience Based Group Supervision
Access to other volunteering opportunities within Marie Curie
Continuous personal development
Buddying and shadow, sessions where required.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
JOB DESCRIPTION
Are you an excellent listener? Could you visit care homes to help people talk about their end of life wishes and personal goals?
Our Talk About service operates in East Dorset in partnership with the NHS and helps people to have the time and safe space to consider their end of life wishes and share them with those closest to them. Thinking about death is always a challenging ask but with this project we want to change the conversation and help people Talk About it to ensure more people have their version of a ‘good death’ where they want it to be, and with their wishes being met.
We are looking for empathetic and self-motivated individuals to join our team of Companion Volunteers to support the Talk About project.
The main element of this role will be supporting residents in care homes across East Dorset. You will spend your time discussing and recording their wishes and will need to be confident using IT to do this.
There will also be opportunities to support community events, network with local organisations and community groups and co-facilitate training, among other activities.
What we are looking for:
- A friendly and sensitive approach
- Patience, empathy, and emotional awareness
- Excellent listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others
- Access to IT equipment, and confident using IT to type and upload notes
- Commitment and reliability
- Inclusive and respectful values
- An understanding of confidentiality
- Willingness to operate within the boundaries of the role
- Proficient in using Email and Microsoft Word and keep to local record keeping procedures
What’s in it for you:
- Flexible volunteering – As and when needed
- Opportunity to be involved with a national leader in end-of-life care
- Comprehensive training and induction
- A supportive and empowering team environment
- Resilience Based Group Supervision
- 1:1 Wellbeing Support Sessions
- Access to other volunteering opportunities within Marie Curie
- Continuous personal development
- Buddying and shadow, sessions where required
This role is flexible as and when needed on an ad hoc basis and you must live in (or close to) Dorset, you will also need to have access to transport.
About Marie Curie:
Everyone knows our daffodil, but it’s our warmth, creativity and care that touch lives. Here, we take the time to really get to know the people we care for and those who love them. And we do whatever it takes to give them the final days and hours they deserve.
Everyone will be affected by dying, death and bereavement and deserves the best possible experience, reflecting what’s most important to them. Marie Curie will lead in end-of-life experience to make this happen.
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we need your help:
Understanding our local Devon Communities and hearing from the residents who live here, especially those with lived experiences, is vitally important to ensure that Marie Curie creates, develops and improves services based on what people need and ensure more people have the best experience for in death, dying and bereavement.
We are looking for community engagement volunteers to work alongside our local team in Devon to:
Engage with and bring together people in communities (especially those who are poorly served by end of life care), to understand their experiences.
Support Marie Curie in co -designing and developing new and existing services to support people at the end of life or in their bereavement.
Feel confident in sharing their story and listening to others in an open and sensitive way.
Engage with local community groups/services to raise awareness of the range of Marie Curie support services (including our national services)
Help us to promote and support initiatives around awareness days including National Day of Reflection and other awareness weeks in your local area.
Identify and connect with local community groups to understand more about what they offer and how we can work together
What does the role involve?
Below is an idea of some of the activities that may be involved with this role:
Engage with local citizens to listen to and learn from their experiences of end-of-life care and bereavement support and share what you learn with the local Marie Curie team.
Engage with local organisations to understand their support offer, and to represent the perspectives of people living with, or caring for someone, with a terminal illness, or who have been bereaved.
Attend local community events, to speak with the public about their views and promote Marie Curie services, for example Pride.
Distribute and restock posters, leaflets, and literature.
Act as the eyes and ears on the ground and feedback to MC
Support the local team during specific engagement initiatives e.g., completing questionnaires with members of the public and co-facilitating community forums.
Provide a good geographical spread across the relevant local area, spending time in your local community to truly understand the culture and support available.
Available to meet regularly with the Community Engagement Team both online and face to face.
What skills and experience are we looking for?
Passionate about improving care and support for terminally ill people and the people around them.
Commitment and reliability
Inclusive and respectful values with the ability to be active within a variety of communities and populations, including those with different beliefs and experiences to your own.
Able to work as part of the Marie Curie Team, at a local and national level.
Ability to be autonomous within your role, whilst being guided and supported by your Volunteer Manager
Willingness to learn and operate within Marie Curie processes and boundaries.
Patience, empathy, and emotional awareness
Excellent active listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others.
What’s in it for you:
Opportunity to be involved with a national leader in end-of-life care.
Comprehensive training and induction
A supportive and empowering team environment
1:1 Wellbeing Support Sessions
Resilience Based Group Supervision
Access to other volunteering opportunities within Marie Curie
Continuous personal development
Buddying and shadow, sessions where required.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Marie Curie Helper is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families.
To enable us to reach more people who would benefit from our support we need help to;
- Raise awareness and knowledge of the Helper service
- Ensure that people who are referred to the Helper service are appropriately assessed
- Increase our number of trained Helper volunteers and ensure they are well supported in their role.
- Demonstrate Marie Curie values; always compassionate, making things happen, leading in our field, people at our heart
- Support volunteers in training, offering 1:1 support and facilitating peer support groups
- Organise social events and engagement activities for volunteers
- Provide cover for Helper volunteers, offering companionship and emotional support, practical support and short breaks for carers
With support from their Volunteer Coordinator a Lead Volunteer will play an important part in supporting the Helper service to reach more people within their own local community.
Your role will mainly be based in your local community and may include some of, but is not restricted to, the following typical tasks:
- Assess terminally ill people and/or their carers either in their own home, nursing or residential care to identify their needs and determine if the Marie Curie Helper service would be appropriate for them.
- Provide cover for Helper volunteers, offering companionship and emotional support, practical support and short breaks for carers. You may be supporting your client’s family or carers before or during bereavement. This may involve offering emotional support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested
- Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (eg to chemotherapy appointments or day therapy at the hospice)
- Follow all mandatory procedures that form part of the Helper service.
- Provide cover as a lone worker Buddy to support Helper volunteers, as needed
- Keeping up to date with Helper service guidance and best practice
- Liaising with existing and potential referrers to the Helper service
- Liaising with clients and their families via telephone
- Promoting the Helper volunteer role including (with training/approval) media activity
- Helping with the recruitment of new volunteers, including interviews and selection
- Keeping accurate records
- Liaising regularly with the Volunteer Coordinator and other team members
- Reporting concerns and celebrating compliments and successes
- Assisting with evaluations and development of the Helper service
- Help 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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you looking for a rewarding way to give back to your community and make a lasting impact on the lives of young girls? Look no further! Girlguiding Whitwood Division is on the lookout for dedicated individuals to join us as volunteer Rainbow Leaders.
With a waiting list of eager girls hoping to join Rainbows, we're in need of enthusiastic volunteers to help us provide these girls with the opportunity to develop friendships, learn new skills, and grow in confidence.
As a Rainbow Leader, you'll have the chance to play a vital role in shaping the future of our community. You'll receive all the necessary training and support to succeed in your role, and we'll pair you up with a buddy for training so you'll feel confident and ready to lead your own unit.
But the benefits of volunteering as a Rainbow Leader extend far beyond the personal. By becoming a part of our friendly division, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young girls, helping them to become confident, resilient, and empowered individuals.
Volunteering as a Rainbow Leader is also a fantastic opportunity to enhance your own skills and experiences, whether you're looking to develop leadership abilities, build friendships, or enhance your CV with valuable volunteer experience.
If you're ready to take on this exciting opportunity and make a positive impact in your community, we want to hear from you! Join us in creating a brighter future for our girls by becoming a Rainbow Leader today.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.