Care volunteer roles

Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people?

We are offering 6 young people aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer with the Portuguese Red Cross in Cucujães, which serves the Municipality of Oliveira de Azeméis. Planned placement dates are: 26th February - 27th May 2026 and 1st June - 7th August 2026.

The Red Cross offers support to the local community in three main areas: Social Assistance and access to Welfare Services, Emergency Response & First Aid and Youth Engagement. Projects include: social assistance and counselling, food bank and food relief, activities for people with disabilities, first aid education, environmental education, activities focused on prevention for at risk youth, intergenerational and community workshops.

The successful volunteer will stay in a shared apartment (with other international volunteers) in a shared bedroom, located in Oliveira de Azeméis and carry out volunteering activities in two different locations (at Local Partner Institution: Centro de Apoio Familiar Pinto Carvalho (Oliveira de Azeméis) and at the Local Branch of the Portuguese Red Cross (Vila de Cucujães).

We would expect volunteers to do no more than 36 hours per week, within a rotating volunteer schedule, which will include two consecutive days per week away from the project. 

It's a fantastic opportunity to get involved in projects and find out what you are interested in. For more details on the role and the projects available, have a look at the role description. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement! These are fully funded placements, with return flights, accommodation and health insurance covered - volunteers receive a small monthly stipend for living expenses.

Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role, as it is Taith funded. Interviews will take place online with shortlisted candidates.

We are keen to hear from individuals especially those who do not normally get the chance to volunteer overseas, who are passionate and motivated about working in the humanitarian sector and international volunteering but who also understand that these types of placements require adaptability and resilience. We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs.

The Witness Service provides practical and emotional support and information to witnesses so that they feel valued, respected and informed and able to give their best evidence in court.

The role is court based and will involve providing support to witnesses, and their supporters, by explaining the court procedures and legal terminology, showing them around the courtroom before trial and sitting in the courtroom with them, when permitted.

What will you do?

- Give witnesses and their supporters emotional support, guidance and information at court (e.g. explain court procedures and legal terms, support them with completing expense forms).

- Show witnesses and others around the courtroom before a trial so they are familiar and at ease in the environment.

- Go into the courtroom with a witness on trial day if permitted.

- Identify additional support to which we can signpost or refer witnesses.

- Work as part of a team with other Witness Service volunteers and staff as well as liaising with court personnel.

What skills do you need?

You don’t need specific qualifications but you’ll need to:

- Be caring, mature, supportive and empathetic towards others.

- Be friendly and approachable with good listening and verbal communication skills.

- Be non-judgemental, impartial and have a confidential approach to supporting others.

- Have respect for the diversity of all people, which includes commitment to the service’s objective of ensuring equal access is offered to all witnesses and and their supporters.

- Be committed, trustworthy, discreet and prepared to adhere to Citizens Advice Witness Service standards to ensure we deliver a high standard of service to our witnesses and victims.

- Have the ability to handle challenging situations and use your initiative, experience and training to solve problems and make appropriate decisions.

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome application from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black, Asian Minority Ethnic (Global Majority) and LGBTQIA+ communities. We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff and volunteers.

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, and to attend regular network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 28/12/2025

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

Are you a passionate people person?Join us as a Fundraising Volunteer! 

We are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to support Dimensions with fundraising as part of our 50th birthday celebrations in 2026.If you’re looking for Fundraising experience or you love to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity to get involved! 
 
Activities will include 

• Launching Small Sparks grants and all associated fundraising as part of our 50th celebrations 

• Encouraging the people we support and their support teams to think what they could do with a Small Sparks grant and make nominations 

• Manage the small fundraising budget, aiming to maximise colleague participation 

• Planning and delivering fundraising activities throughout the year

About you 

We are looking for someone who is: 

• A natural ball of energy and a people person.

• Passionate about supporting people to live better lives, with the communication skills to get colleagues, the people we support and their families to join you in your mission. 

• Friendly and enthusiastic   

• Reliable/dependable and willing to volunteer regularly (ideally 2 –3 days per week, around your availability)  

Two character references will be required for this role.     

What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer:    

Dimensions provide support for autistic people and people with learning disabilities across the UK.   

    Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:    

•  Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)    

• Comprehensive support from professional and friendly Dimensions staff    

• Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed at manager’s discretion     

• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector    

    
Want to apply for this role? 

 If you’d like to be a Dimensions volunteer, please get in touch!

Family Friends carefully recruit, train, and match volunteers with families in Central-West London. Our volunteer befrienders offer practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two volunteer opportunities - Big Buddies and Parent Buddies.

Volunteers will aim to help parents to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties. Volunteers meet with their match weekly for a period of 6 -12 months.

Activities might include:

• Supporting a parent to take their children on days out.
• Helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Providing a listening ear.
• Helping parents to build confidence in themselves.

Essential Criteria:

• You must be able to commit to the Parent Buddy programme for a minimum of 6 months.
• 18+
• Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years

What we provide in return:

• Full induction training and ongoing training
• DBS check
• 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 value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and 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.

In the first instance, please register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us - you can do that by contacting us here for an application form.

Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.

The Role

Our Lotus Community works alongside the City of Edinburgh Council to provide accommodation for 14 young people (aged 16-18), who are unaccompanied asylum-seekers. They come from a variety of different countries.

The community is a step towards independent living, whilst they await a decision about their ‘leave to remain’ in the country. The asylum procedure can be a long, complicated, overwhelming and challenging process. We support the young people in the best way during this stressful time (and after). They are supported by social workers and a guardianship service as well.

What will you do as a volunteer?

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who work well independently, are proactive and can get involved in community activities. You will support the residents of the community and help look after your shared spaces in the flats. Most of the residents have basic living skills, including cooking, cleaning and budgeting. We offer further support where needed.

We can also help them gain confidence and knowledge of the local area. This is to enable them to take further steps towards independence and integration in the local community. This is also with the purpose of them moving on to accommodation that better suits their needs in the future.

Depending on the season, and interests and abilities of the residents, your tasks can include:

• Being a peer mentor and staying in touch with the residents via WhatsApp
• Organise our monthly community meeting
• Organise activities, which can be walks, cycling, board games night, karaoke, tea and cake (whatever your interests) for the residents to come along.
• Reporting issues with the flat, repairs etc.
• Making sure that all rooms always have the equipment needed (cleaning products, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, condoms etc).
• Updating your (online) calendar for the week, so everyone knows when you are volunteering and not.
• Working together with your fellow volunteer(s) to organise activities and arrange rota.

What you get:

Location: You will live in a studio bedroom in the flat alongside the young residents. You will not pay for rent or bills (including internet).

Time: 20 hours per week for minimum 6 months. These are during the evening and weekends, with exception for a few hours spent in meetings and alike.

You can volunteer and work part time at the same time. You will organise your volunteering hours with the other volunteer.

We will provide support and training needed for you to engage with the tasks and young people in a safe manner. Support, supervision and team meetings are every month.

Applications are warmly invited from potential volunteers who wish to join our Board of Trustees.

We do not require previous board experience and very much encourage applicants from across our diverse communities in Surrey. We will provide a wide range of support, training and development opportunities.

Hours: Approximately 3 - 6 hours per month

Supported by: Board and Chair of Trustees and CEO

Location: Meetings in Milford, Godalming with visits across Surrey.

Role: To work as part of the Trustee team in providing a governance framework for the Charity and to be able to make effective decisions and be accountable to the Charity Commission.

Skills:

We are looking for Trustees for our Board who may have skills in any of these areas, though not exclusively:

• Legal Experience

• Income Generation

• The NHS

• Digital Marketing Experience

You would contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in defining the strategic direction of the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating organisational performance against agreed strategic targets.

You would protect the reputation of our charity.

You would attend quarterly Board meetings and, potentially, committee meetings held twice yearly.

Attendance at Board Meetings is in person or remote. Committee meetings are attended remotely.

Role involves:

Scrutinising Board papers and other communications.

Abiding by Age UK Surrey’s policies and procedures and ensure these are effectively implemented.

Participating in activities to promote the Charity to our beneficiaries, funders and the wider public.

Trustees will:

Be committed to the aims and values of the organisation.

Be willing to provide the level of commitment required for this role.

Think, strategically, about our charity and about its future direction.

Think independently and creatively.

Challenge constructively and courteously.

Have an understanding of the responsibilities of being a Trustee.

Be a team player.

Support the staff team as appropriate.

Comply with the Age UK Brand Partnership Agreement and Charity Commission guidance.

Be responsible for the financial position of the Charity, ensure it is operating efficiently and effectively, and delivers on the outcomes defined in its governing document.

Set the strategic direction and delegate operational responsibility to the CEO.

Ensure the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation and regulations.

Ensure the organisation uses its resources effectively.

Protect and manage the property of the Charity and ensure the proper investment of the Charity’s funds.

Focus Birmingham is a leading local charity that provides expert support, advice, and care for people living with sight loss and complex disabilities. We deliver a range of life-changing services including residential care, supported living, day services, low vision assessments, and community outreach. Our approach is person-centered, empowering individuals to live independently and access opportunities with dignity and inclusion.

As we adapt to a changing digital landscape and explore new ways of engaging communities, supporters, and service users, we are seeking a Digital Marketing Trustee to join our dynamic and committed Board. This new role will support the charity’s ambitions to improve digital engagement, modernise communications, and strengthen our public profile and fundraising capacity.

Why This Role Matters

Effective digital communication is essential for amplifying our voice, reaching diverse audiences, promoting inclusion, and securing sustainable income. As Digital Marketing Trustee, you will offer strategic oversight and guidance to ensure our marketing and digital communications are high-impact, audience-focused, and aligned with our mission.

This is a unique opportunity to use your digital expertise to shape the future of a well-established charity while contributing to a cause with genuine social value.

Role Purpose

As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for the governance and strategic leadership of Focus Birmingham. In your specialist capacity, you will:

• Advise the Board on digital strategy, branding, and communications
• Provide scrutiny and insight into digital marketing and audience engagement
• Ensure the charity’s digital presence is accessible, inclusive, and aligned with its values
• Support innovation across channels to increase visibility, fundraising, and service impact

You will work alongside fellow trustees and the executive leadership team to ensure Focus Birmingham maximises its digital potential while maintaining high standards of compliance, reputation, and effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

General Trustee Duties

As a member of the Board, all trustees are expected to:

• Ensure Focus Birmingham complies with its governing documents, charity law, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain proper oversight of strategic objectives, financial performance, and risk management
• Uphold the charity’s values and ensure ethical governance and decision-making
• Provide constructive support and challenge to the senior leadership team
• Act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries at all times
• Attend quarterly Board meetings and participate in additional committee work or strategic sessions as appropriate

Digital Marketing-Specific Duties

As the Digital Marketing Trustee, your responsibilities will also include:

• Advising on the development and implementation of a digital marketing and communications strategy to raise awareness of the charity’s services, campaigns, and fundraising efforts
• Supporting the charity to grow and diversify its online presence through effective use of website content, social media, email campaigns, video, SEO, and online advertising
• Helping evaluate the effectiveness of digital channels using analytics and audience insights, and suggesting improvements based on performance data
• Offering oversight and guidance on brand development and how the charity presents itself visually and verbally in digital formats
• Promoting good practice in digital storytelling reflects the experiences of our service users in an ethical and empowering way
• Helping ensure digital communications are accessible to people with visual impairments and compliant with relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR, WCAG)
• Advising on digital aspects of donor engagement and online fundraising, including giving platforms, digital campaigns, and crowdfunding
• Championing innovation in communications and supporting a culture of creativity and responsiveness within the organisation

Person Specification

We are seeking a digitally savvy marketing leader who brings strategic insight, creativity, and a passion for social purpose.

Essential Criteria

• Substantial experience in digital marketing, digital communications, or online engagement, ideally in a senior or strategic role
• Strong understanding of digital marketing tools and platforms, including social media, CMS, email marketing, SEO, PPC, Google Analytics, and CRM systems
• Strategic thinker with a clear grasp of audience targeting, digital content planning, and user experience (UX)
• Demonstrated ability to use data and analytics to inform decisions and drive results in engagement or conversion
• Familiarity with digital storytelling, campaigns, and brand development across multi-channel environments
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to convey complex digital concepts clearly to a non-technical audience (e.g., board and senior staff)
• Commitment to inclusive and ethical digital communication practices, particularly for people with disabilities or accessibility needs
• An understanding of and commitment to charity governance, transparency, and good stewardship

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with or advising not-for-profits, charities, or social enterprises
• Knowledge of digital fundraising platforms or experience delivering online fundraising or donor engagement campaigns
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1) and tools that improve online inclusion
• Experience leading or advising on digital transformation in a small or medium-sized organisation
• Lived or professional experience related to disability, accessibility, or sight loss

What We Offer

• A meaningful, strategic volunteer opportunity with a respected, impact-driven charity
• The chance to shape digital strategy and innovation at Board level
• A supportive and collaborative Trustee team, with induction and ongoing development
• Opportunities to meet and engage with service users, frontline staff, and supporters
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses
• The satisfaction of contributing to a mission that improves lives across Birmingham and beyond

Do you want to see more happiness and kindness in the world? We’re looking for dynamic Volunteers to be part of creating exactly that!

About the Role:

Our volunteers bring people together for shared online learning experiences, based on positive psychology, that boost the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Our groups and courses can be run online or in-person in your local area.

- The amazing 6-week Happiness Habits Course is designed to be run by pairs of volunteers.  It features expert videos, science-backed exercises and the chance to form meaningful connections. Our course has been specially designed to gather the insights of the world's leading experts on six fundamental aspects of a happy and meaningful life: Gratitude, Self-Care, Relationships, Resilience, Kindness, and Meaning. It is a very impactful (many say life-changing) experience.

- Alternatively, you can get involved by supporting a Monthly Group, bringing like-minded people together to learn evidence-based tools for creating a happier and more meaningful life. Explore the monthly themes and encourage people to set personal actions towards happiness, that support both themselves and others.

Volunteering with Action for Happiness is a path of action that consistently feels like you are making a difference in the world. You don’t have to be an expert - or be happy all the time. If you are a warm and enthusiastic person that is more than enough to get started.

Why Volunteer with Us?

Do something that matters: spreading happiness and witnessing people transform for the better is a huge source of meaning.

Grow your skills: inspiring others, learning together and reinforcing your own happiness skills all contribute to personal growth.

Build community: meeting like-minded people, building lasting friendships and belonging to a global community contributing to a better future for all.

How do I know it’s right for me?

Try out free VOLUNTEER TRAINING via the Action For Happiness website and decide for yourself.

We've designed it especially to help you answer questions like this as it explains thoroughly what being a volunteer involves and helps you reflect on your readiness.

What is the time commitment?

You'll need to set aside a couple of hours for the training initially and a few more for planning your course or group and connecting with your co-volunteer. Then you'll need a couple of hours per session for facilitating (x6 weekly sessions for a course, or x1 session per month for a group). 

- Apply today! Together, we can inspire change that ripples out through people’s lives, communities and the world.
 

Purpose of role 

You will play a crucial role in supporting our Senior Hospital Services Partnerships & Outreach Executive with the administration and delivery of our Sunshine in Hospitals programme. From carrying out general administrative duties, liaising with medical professionals across our core hospitals, to supporting with the delivery of our diverse hospital programme, you will help create a positive and uplifting environment for young patients and their families currently undergoing medical treatment.  

Key Responsibilities: 

· General administrative duties, including sending out of promotional materials to hospitals, monitoring and responding to email enquiries from the hospital services inbox, and taking telephones calls.

• Supporting with the planning and delivery of activities at our Hospital Activity Days, such as arts and crafts, games, and storytelling sessions, tailored to the interests and abilities of the children. 

• Collaborate with hospital staff to ensure activities are safe and appropriate for the medical setting. 

• Assist in setting up and cleaning up activity areas before and after sessions. 

• Support with the delivery of our special projects (i.e. sensory bags, teddybear day, world book day, liquid to tablets initiative). Including and not limited to researching and sourcing products, dealing with suppliers and associated administrative duties.

• Support with the distribution and collection of feedback from medical teams and families taking part in any of our programmes.

What skills do I need to have? 

• Friendly, you'll be an ambassador of Rays of Sunshine whilst volunteering with us 

• Experience of working with children and young people (not essential but preferred) 

• Be comfortable interacting with others (especially children and young people) to create a relaxed and positive experience for them and their families 

• Creative and organised, with knowledge of using Microsoft programmes (such as powerpoint and excel)

• Ability to solve problems and manage unexpected situations/last minute requests with a calm and professional manner 

• Caring and empathic

• Ability to work collaboratively with hospital staff and other volunteers. 

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows. Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter. We are recruiting Community First Aiders in our three Networks; Hull, East Riding and South Humber. To help prospective volunteers learn more, St John Ambulance will invite you to attend a Recruitment Event. A date & location in your area for this will be confirmed via email.

Face to Face 2 Day intensive training course plus online learning modules

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

About the Role 

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. We aim to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We have several different services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails and more. 

As Buttons & Bubbles continues to grow, we are looking for people who can grow our Linkedin network and also general leads into development and business opportunities

Who Are We Looking For? 

• Someone who is passionate about our mission of inclusion, representation, and belonging. 

• Knowledge of lead generation 

• Knowledge of strategic planning and growth 

• Knowledge of Linkedin 

• Comfortable making initial contact with other professionals and organizations 

• UK based 

What Do We Expect? 

• Must be willing to undertake our training programme, which will be completed virtually at a time that suits you. 

• Have a DBS check (preferably be on the update service) or be willing to complete one with us. 

• Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it, please discuss it with us, we’re happy to make small changes where appropriate.) 

• Have a positive attitude toward disability and illness. We’re always happy to answer questions about this. 

What Can You Expect? 

• A kind, caring, and nurturing company that values its people, staff, and volunteers. Our aim is to keep your wellbeing at the centre of our work. 

• A community group that does not currently operate a rota system of any kind. Therefore, you don’t have to commit your time regularly only when it suits you. 

• A positive and proactive approach to disability and illness. Any and all accommodations you require will be made. If you’d like to discuss something privately, please email us to arrange a confidential chat. 

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C 

• Make a difference in your community. 

• Have a positive impact on people’s lives. 

• Develop your current skills and gain new ones. 

• Demonstrate your commitment and reliability to future employers. 

• Show your ability to balance and manage your time effectively. 

• Build your confidence. 

• Explore new areas of interest by taking on additional tasks if you wish. 

Our outreach service provides enhanced support for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses who may need additional support and preparation ahead of trial day so they can give their best evidence in court.

What will you do?

Support a diverse range of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses and be their key supporter before, during and after the trial to help them prepare and cope with their experience of giving evidence.

Work collaboratively with witnesses to identify their needs and deliver a tailored package of preparation and support.

Meet with witnesses via video call and phone.

Show witnesses around the court before the trial so they are familiar and at ease in the environment.

Attend court on the day the witness gives evidence, accompanying them when giving evidence where permitted.

Make contact with the witness post trial to talk about their experience of giving evidence and facilitate referrals to other agencies.
 

What skills will you need?

You don’t need specific qualifications but you’ll need to:

- Be friendly, caring, supportive and empathetic towards others.
- Be non-judgemental and impartial.
- Have good communication skills; both written and verbal, as well as being a good listener.
- Be able to work effectively as part of a diverse team
- Be reliable, committed and flexible, with an ability to plan and organise your own time and tasks.
- The ability to handle challenging situations and use your initiative, experience and training to solve problems and make appropriate decisions.
- The ability to travel within your local area (in some areas this may require a vehicle).
- Have access to good internet connection and a laptop/ computer with a camera to use in a private space. This enables you to facilitate video calls with witnesses, and undertake training and communication tasks.

You’ll also need an Enhanced level DBS disclosure (a criminal record check), which we will arrange. Having a criminal record is not in itself a barrier to volunteering with us.

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome application from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black, Asian Minority Ethnic (Global Majority) and LGBTQIA+ communities. We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff and volunteers.