Communications volunteer roles in perry barr, west midlands

Overview:

The Vice-Chair will provide governance and strategic support, ensuring strong board engagement and external advocacy. This role focuses on maintaining board effectiveness, stakeholder relationships, and operational oversight while assisting with non-financial fundraising initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Governance & Board Leadership:

• Work closely with the Chair to oversee governance and compliance.

• Ensure trustees are engaged, informed, and fulfilling their roles effectively.

• Chair board meetings in the Chair’s absence and ensure inclusive decision-making.

Fundraising & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Assist in developing and executing fundraising strategies.

• Represent CWV at external meetings, networking events, and with donors.

• Support the development of partnerships with businesses and local organisations.

• Encourage board members to contribute actively to fundraising efforts.

Operational & Team Support:

• Monitor team morale and performance, ensuring an efficient work environment.

• Assist in volunteer recruitment and structuring their roles effectively.

• Support the Operations Manager and Coordinator in streamlining organisational processes.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience in governance, strategic planning, or nonprofit leadership.

• Strong communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

• Background in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, or nonprofit operations preferred.

• Passion for community work and empowering young people.

Main purpose of job: To host our Parent/Carer online community support group as part of Mast Cell Actions community support services.

Key tasks include:

· Host support sessions with professionalism and enthusiasm.

· Moderate Q&A sessions, and facilitate audience interaction to keep participants engaged.

· Manage technical aspects of virtual events, to ensure smooth execution.

· Take the register and send post event emails using our bespoke event platform

· Raise safeguarding concerns using internal processes and procedures. Training will be provided

· Maintain confidentiality and follow charity policies and procedures

· Undertake relevant training

Key Objectives Include:

· The main purpose of this role is to facilitate and host our Parent/Carer Support Sessions alongside another volunteer

· Host support sessions in a manner that captivates and engages the audience, keeping them interested and actively participating throughout the event.

· Reassure and validate participants' experiences whilst encouraging story-sharing.

· Manage the technical aspects of virtual events proficiently.

· Represent Mast Cell Action professionally at all times, demonstrating strong communication skills, reliability, and adaptability in a virtual environment.

Experience/skills required:

· Proven experience as a virtual event host, moderator, or similar role is desirable but not essential as we can train you.

· Must have personal experience of being a parent or carer for a child with MCAS or suspected MCAS

About IHF
The International Humanity Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to educating and empowering underserved children in Kenya, Indonesia, and Thailand. We believe in transparency, equal opportunity, and self-sufficiency.

Role Summary
We’re seeking experienced Fundraising Volunteers (remote) with a proven track record—at least 3 years of successful fundraising or grant writing. Your efforts will directly support our global programs and mission.

Responsibilities

Identify and pursue fundraising/grant opportunities

Craft compelling proposals and campaigns

Engage donors and support long-term funding strategies

 Work with and lead our fundraising team 

 Coordinating our At Home volunteers and Global Leadership Development candidates

Requirements

3+ years fundraising experience

Proven fundraising success

Strong writing and communication skills

Self-motivated, reliable, and results-driven

What You Gain
Strategic involvement in meaningful NGO initiatives

Opportunity to expand your global portfolio and build international credibility

Access to leadership roles and professional growth within a purpose-driven organization

A platform to make measurable, lasting impact in the lives of children and communities
Reports To:

Global Outreach Coordinator

Director of Fundraising Initiatives

IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need.

IAPWA are currently seeking an Events Co-ordinator to join their UK team to help them develop their range of adrenalin pursuits within their Adventures for Animals fundraising initiative. From identifying ways to find animal lovers to take part in our 2025 skydiving challenge to creating new, exciting events for our adventure community to engage with, you will be part of a charity who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of animals in need.

Please note: All expenses are covered, including free places on our Adventures!

About IHF
The International Humanity Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to educating and empowering underserved children in Kenya, Indonesia, and Thailand. We believe in transparency, equal opportunity, and self-sufficiency.

Role Summary
We’re seeking experienced Fundraising Volunteers (remote) with a proven track record—at least 3 years of successful fundraising or grant writing. Your efforts will directly support our global programs and mission.

Responsibilities

Identify and pursue fundraising/grant opportunities

Craft compelling proposals and campaigns

Engage donors and support long-term funding strategies

 Work with and lead our fundraising team 

 Coordinating our At Home volunteers and Global Leadership Development candidates

Requirements

3+ years fundraising experience

Proven fundraising success

Strong writing and communication skills

Self-motivated, reliable, and results-driven

What You Gain
Strategic involvement in meaningful NGO initiatives

Opportunity to expand your global portfolio and build international credibility

Access to leadership roles and professional growth within a purpose-driven organization

A platform to make measurable, lasting impact in the lives of children and communities
Reports To:

Global Outreach Coordinator

Director of Fundraising Initiatives

About the Role

Your mission will be leading efforts in safeguarding Onja’s legal interests as it continues to grow.

Responsibilities:

• providing accurate, relevant and timely advice to management and staff on a needs basis in respect of a broad range of issues, with a particular focus on employment law and dispute resolution;
• ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations that apply to the organisation;
• managing and mitigating legal risks by designing and implementing organisational policies and procedures;
• collaborating with third parties, including external counsel and regulators, as needed; and
• designing and delivering legal training to the organisation;

Requirements:

• Twelve month commitment (this ensures sufficient time to make a truly meaningful impact) with potential to renew/extend.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Bachelor of Laws or equivalent 
• Legal industry experience preferred
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Ability to work well within a team and individually.
• Professional legal qualification and/or exposure to employment law/dispute resolution would be a plus

We are seeking a volunteer with experience in WordPress, Divi Builder and WooCommerce. This to help support the information and format of our website, and as well as creating content for Paintings in Hosptials.

Please apply for the role if you match the following criteria: 

• Proficient in WordPress, Divi Builder, WooCommerce and Social Media creation 
• Comfortable working with backend of websites and content creation
• Attention to detail 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

About Paintings in Hospitals:

Paintings in Hospitals supports the health and wellbeing of people who need it the most, through the life-enriching power of art. Every day we witness the significant physical, mental, and emotional impact of our work on the lives of people in need around the UK. 

Established in 1959, our charity is now the UK’s leading arts in health organisation. Six decades of experience and expertise have enabled us to develop a unique art collection of over 3,000 original works, alongside art projects and engagement activities that transform the experiences of patients, service users, and staff.

We know that art reduces length of hospital stays, whilst also improving people’s mental health and physical symptoms. We continually evaluate our work across a range of settings, including hospitals, hospices, care homes, GP surgeries, and community spaces. 

Paintings in Hospitals is recognised by the Department of Health, NHS England, and Arts Council England as a leading provider of arts in health services. We have previously worked with national museums and galleries, such as the V&A, The National Gallery, and The Wallace Collection. 

Over past decades, enormous advances have been made in our understanding of MS. Research has got us to a critical point, and we can see a future where nobody needs to worry about their MS getting worse. Our Stop MS Appeal needs to raise £100 million to find treatments for everyone with MS.

Our Stop MS Champions help us reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal by encouraging raising funds and awareness by delivering presentations, attending events and identifying new audiences to speak to. They inspire people to engage with and influence fundraisers and groups, enthuse people and make sure our community’s voice is heard.

As our Lead Stop MS Champion, you’ll motivate your team of Stop MS Champions to help reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal.

By using your ability to motivate and support, you will oversee and lead a team of 5-10 Stop MS Champion volunteers, encouraging them to engage the people they know to raise funds and awareness, and provide reliable information and guidance.

You’ll also network to engage with and influence fundraisers and community groups, enthusing people by delivering presentations at events and finding new audiences to speak to. In this role, as well as developing your leadership, networking, influencing, communication, organisation and presentation skills, you’ll have a chance to be part of something amazing – you could help us stop MS.

Fundraisers wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in developing and implementing our fundraising strategy.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for fundraisers to contribute to our community-led fundraising strategy, to develop relationships with funders and to write funding applications. 

You would join our fundraising circle, which coordinates our fundraising efforts. It is currently exploring grant opportunities and developing relationships with businesses and other funders. We meet online on Google Meet and volunteers complete agreed tasks remotely. 

If you have experience in writing grants and funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you. 

We are keen fundraisers but we are lacking professional expertise and experience and we would love your help and input. We would welcome one-off advice on the phone or in person, as well as longer term volunteers. 

We would also love to hear from potential volunteers without experience but with transferable skills.

East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project. Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen, so you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.

As a Local Walk Campaigner for MenWalkTalk, you will play a vital role in supporting a local walk leader, helping to increase the impact of MenWalkTalk in your community. This involves promoting the walk, building relationships with local social prescribers, and growing the community network. In some instances, you may also step in as a backup walk leader when needed to ensure continuity (Subject to meeting necessary criteria). This role is ideal for someone passionate about men’s mental health, community building, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the local walk leader by managing non-walk-related tasks.

• Function as a backup walk leader to ensure walks continue seamlessly if the leader is unavailable (Subject to meeting necessary criteria).

• Promote local walks through sharing our social media posts, and distribution of marketing materials (flyers/posters etc.), in local businesses and community boards, to reach a wider audience.

• Share photos and success stories (subject to participants permission) for our Marketing Officer (MO) to create engaging content to highlight the benefits of walking and talking for overall wellbeing and encourage participation.

• Encourage participants to promote the walk in their networks.

• Build relationships with local social prescribers, businesses, and community organisations to support and expand the walk's network.

• Function as a liaison between interested organisations, the walk leader, and MWT office team, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration.

• Identify opportunities to increase walk attendance.

• Collaborate with Fundraising Officer (FO) to identify grants and funding opportunities.

• Assist in planning and executing events or initiatives to increase awareness about MenWalkTalk’s mission.

Our volunteers must have:

• Passion for Mental Health: A commitment to improving men’s mental health and supporting your local community.

• People Skills: Ability to engage and build relationships with individuals and organisations.

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills for promoting the walk and consulting with stakeholders.

• Organisational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, including marketing, networking, and planning.

• Flexibility: Willingness to adapt and step in as a backup walk leader when needed.

• Social media: Familiarity with promoting events or initiatives through social media platforms.

Important thoughts on our volunteer roles 

MenWalkTalk has been set up to offer opportunities for men with mental health issues to come together and feel no pressure or stigma about discussing their issues with other men. 

Supporting men with mental health issues is at its core, and it may help you in your volunteering if you too have lived experience of a mental health problem, either personally or from a close relative or friend. It will also help if you have an open, non-judgemental attitude, and that you are able to adopt a positive, patient and supportive approach towards supporting people with mental health problems. 

We would like you understand that whatever role you are able to volunteer for, when representing MenWalkTalk volunteers should always behave in a professional, confidential and non-discriminatory manner at all times, and promote equal opportunities for all. 

What a MenWalkTalk Walk volunteer should not do 

MenWalkTalk is about getting more people walking, benefiting from the physical, social and mental wellbeing benefits that come from walking and talking. 

Within their volunteer roles, MenWalkTalk Campaigners and Walk Leaders should not offer to provide individual or emergency support for people experiencing mental health problems or in crisis. There are lots of people and organisations who can help, and MenWalkTalk Campaigners and Walk Leaders will be provided with information and guidance on signposting anyone to access the necessary support. 

Similarly, unless they are qualified to do so MenWalkTalk Campaigners and Group Leaders won’t provide therapeutic or coaching advice. Again, you will be provided with information on directing anyone to the appropriate support. 

More About MenWalkTalk:

Mission

To provide support to any adult male, whether they may have experienced, or are experiencing, a mental health issue or not. To listen to them, support them, walk with them and signpost them to specialist support where appropriate.We want to raise the awareness of mental health issues that men currently face, promoting a better understanding of this area. 

Vision

“For men to feel able to speak out, feel heard, understood and supported. To promote a positive change in people’s lives through mutual support and advice”

Values

Welcoming; We understand it can be difficult; we are here for you. Approachable; We are available without judgement. Partnership: We understand there is strength in numbers and will support you to further support. Positive; We will try to find the positive in every situation.

Trailblazers’ mission is to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures and the charity has been providing mentoring services to people in prison since 1998. We provide support to men between the ages of 18 - 35 in custody who have 6 months left of their prison sentence, and then 'through the gate' into their community for up to 12 months.

In the West Midlands, services are delivered near Wolverhampton at HMPYOI Brinsford. We are looking for volunteer mentors who can spare half a day per week to support young men to change their life by acting as an inspirational role model and helping with goal setting. Mentoring sessions usually last 1 hour per week; allowing enough time for travel and liaising with Trailblazers staff will take about half a day.

Your support will help a young man to reconnect with his own community, friends and loved ones, go into education, training and employment, and to give a person a sense of hope for the future. As a charity we are reliant on volunteers; with your help we can continue to support people in prison to make and change to their lives, their family and wider society. We welcome all skill sets within Trailblazers as we work with a diverse group of men, all we ask if you have a genuine passion for social change and that you can commit to at least 1 young man for up to 12 months, so they have a consistent person in their life - something that some of our mentees have never had. The national average re-offending rate for a person leaving prison is up to 55%, the rate for those who have a Trailblazers mentor is lowered to 9%. 

We are actively looking for people to join our mentoring community with lived experience of the criminal justice system, underrepresented groups from BAME community, creative arts, business skills, wellbeing - whatever your skills and background we are open to hear from you to support our diverse group of men.Out of pocket expenses are covered as well as training to equip you for your role. More information and the application form can be found on the website. 

Role activities:

• To provide a positive role model for people in prison and in their own community, to be empathic and to have a desire and commitment to support people to fulfil their potential.

• To attend and participate fully in the initial and ongoing mentor training.

• To attend group support/supervision meetings and review performance within mentoring relationships.

• To complete mentoring session notes relevant to the mentoring service for monitoring purposes.

• To take part in introductory meetings with mentees and set ground rules and boundaries.

• To report safeguarding concerns immediately.

• To follow relevant policies and procedures. 

• To perform your role in line with the aims of the organisation.

• To meet with and actively develop a supportive relationship with mentees.

• Be prepared to travel and undertake visits for mentoring sessions. 

• To make the necessary practical arrangements to meet the mentee on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

• Assist the mentee to celebrate their achievements.

• Support the mentee to meet identified goals.

• Develop an understanding of the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a volunteer mentor.

• Be committed to the project for a minimum of 12 months.

• Regular communication with Trailblazers staff in support of your mentee. 

Skills/behaviours/knowledge required:

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and challenges faced by mentees (Desirable) full training will be given. 

• Awareness of own professional boundaries and the ability to report any concerns within the mentoring relationship that could be pertinent to risk to the mentee, or to others. 

• To be an advocate for a mentee and to actively seek opportunities for mentees for resettlement back into their own community in conjunction with Trailblazers staff. 

• To be non-judgmental, focus on the person rather than the offense. 

• Professional but relatable with strong communication skills. 

• Awareness of adversity and how to overcome barriers to build a supportive network around the mentee. 

• Basic IT skills. 

• Be able to take advice and guidance from Trailblazers staff. 

Criteria: 

• Over 21. 

• We encourage applications from those with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System but you must be off licence for a minimum of 12 months, and not in crisis yourself. 

• You cannot apply to a project if you have been a resident in the same prison yourself. 

• A good level of fitness to able to move around a prison at fast past that does include stairs 

• Due to security checks at the prison you must be a British citizen.     

• Not committed an offense where you are barred from working with vulnerable adults or children. 

• Live within a 30-mile radius from the prison at which you would like to volunteer.

Position Overview:
The Programme Lead oversees the strategic delivery of a multi-project programme focused on enhancing employability and skills development for target populations. This role ensures alignment with organisational and community goals, driving initiatives that reduce skills gaps, improve workforce readiness, and foster partnerships with employers and training providers. Reporting to the Programme Manager, the Programme Lead manages a team of project specialists and coordinators, ensuring seamless execution of programme activities and measurable impact.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Programme Leadership:

   • Lead the end-to-end employability and skills development programme delivery, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

   • Mentor and manage project specialists and coordinators, assigning tasks tied to programme milestones such as training workshops, employer partnerships, and participant assessments.

2. Stakeholder Collaboration:

   • Build and maintain relationships with employers, educational institutions, government agencies, and community organisations to align programme outcomes with labour market needs.

   • Act as the primary point of contact for external partners, ensuring their requirements (e.g., hiring criteria, certification standards) are integrated into programme design.

3. Programme Design & Delivery:

   • Oversee the development of training curricula, mentorship initiatives, and job placement strategies tailored to diverse participant groups (e.g., youth, career changers).

   • Monitor participant progress and employment outcomes, using data to refine programme effectiveness.

4. Risk & Compliance Management:

   • Identify barriers to participant success (e.g., accessibility, resource gaps) and escalate systemic challenges to the Programme Manager with actionable solutions.

1. Reporting & Communication:

   • Track and report on key metrics such as participant engagement, skill acquisition rates, and post-programme employment status.

   • Prepare updates for senior leadership and stakeholders to demonstrate programme impact.

2. Process Improvement:

   • Implement feedback loops with participants and partners to continuously enhance programme quality.

   • Promote best practices in adult education, vocational training, and equity-focused initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Human Resources, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • 3–5 years managing employability, workforce development, or adult education programmes.

  • Proven experience leading teams and collaborating with cross-sector stakeholders.

• Skills:

  • Strong understanding of labour market trends and barriers to employment.

  • Ability to design inclusive, participant-centric programmes.

  • Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, CRM systems) and project management software.

  • Exceptional communication skills for engaging diverse audiences.

• Certifications: Certifications in programme management (e.g., PgMP), career coaching, or adult education are advantageous.
  
   

  The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

  QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

Sustainability Research Volunteer
People & Planet is looking for volunteers to assist with compiling its 2025/26 People & Planet
University League; the only higher education ranking that classifies based on ethics and climate
justice criteria.
Universities impart skills and knowledge, form life-long beliefs and behaviours, act as centres of
communities, employ, house and feed large numbers of people and promote the creation and
sharing of knowledge. We believe this makes them uniquely placed to lead on environmental and
ethical issues. For this reason the People & Planet University League has been running since 2007
and has been published by high-profile media partners such as The Guardian (2021, 2022. 2023,
2024) and whose data is used in the Sunday Time Good University Guide.
Volunteers will research publicly available university documents and assess universities against
our marking criteria, which cover a wide range of climate and social justice issues including
decarbonisation, fossil fuel divestment, ethical banking, workers’ rights and environmental
management among others. This work will help to incentivise the university sector towards taking
immediate and appropriate action on the climate crisis and upholding the rights and wellbeing of all
people internationally.

The role will develop and improve the following areas:
●​ Qualitative research skills
●​ Attention to detail
●​ Use of data collection software
●​ Time management and keeping to deadlines
●​ Working independently and remotely
●​ Communication skills
●​ Knowledge of environmental management processes and sustainability reporting.

Training is provided for the role. We believe the skills and experience gained could be valuable for
a number of career paths, including working in NGOs, corporate sustainability, estates
management, higher education policy making, research and campaigning among many others.
People & Planet would like to support volunteers in their future careers, so will give all volunteers
an official reference letter on successful completion of their placement and will act as a referee for
future positions for which you may apply. From last year’s cohort, 100% said they would
recommend this position to someone who wanted to add experience to their CV.

Feedback from previous volunteers
‘I think as someone looking for relevant experience to bolster a CV, this is a helpful and
not-too-time-consuming position. It had exactly the kind of flexibility that I required at this point in time.’
‘It's a really great opportunity to hone one's research skills, learn more about what our universities can do to
improve their impact on the planet, and make a small but real difference.’

Person Specification -the following are essential:

• Access to a computer or laptop and internet connection.
• Familiarity with desk-based research.
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently to agreed standards.
• Reliability and commitment to completing work to deadlines.Sustainability Research Volunteer
• Able to communicate needs with staff at People & Planet and if needed, ask for appropriate
• support to complete tasks in time.
• Ability to search policy documents for specific information in English.
• Ability to assess information against standardised frameworks.
• Ability to work remotely and independently

The following are desirable:

●​ Awareness of current issues in sustainability and ethics.
●​ Experience of research and data collection.
●​ An interest in higher education policy.
You will need to commit to
●​ Two 25 hour weeks of remote work in July and August.
●​ 5 hours work per day for the two week period. Volunteers can manage their own time
flexibly and will receive support from People & Planet, but must meet task deadlines on a
weekly basis and attend a short daily meeting.
●​ One half day of remote training and induction the week prior to your 2 week engagement.
●​ Attending a brief meeting in the morning or afternoon each day and one individual check-in
meeting in week 1.

Summer timetable
June 30th-July 11th Ethical Investment and Banking, Ethical Careers and Recruitment,
Education for Sustainable Development. Training and induction w/c 23rd June
July 21st-1st August Sustainable Food, Staff & HR, Environmental Policy and Strategy
Training and induction w/c 14th July
August 11th-August 22nd Managing Carbon, Workers’ Rights, Staff and Student
Engagement, Environmental Management and Auditing. Training and induction w/c August
4th

Application

Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until positions are filled, so please apply early to
avoid disappointment. The deadline for applications is Friday June the 6th 2025
Candidates will need to attend a non-competitive group recruitment session and complete an
online self-access task before being invited to volunteer with us.
Please let us know if you have specific access needs and what we can do to make the interview,
training and volunteer experience more accessible to you, including organising a one-on-one
interview. We welcome people with hearing loss, deaf and or disabled people to apply for thisSustainability Research Volunteer volunteer opportunity -unfortunately we don't use BSL so would need to make alternative support provisions for the training, unless a BSL interpreter can join you. If you have specific needs where
we might support you by making this volunteering opportunity more accessible, please let us know via email
People & Planet welcome applications from BAME folks and people of colour, from disabled people, from LGBTQI*people, from people who speak English as a second language, from people who identify as non-binary gender, from women, from people of different ages, from people with caring responsibilities and from people with irregular migration status, people seeking asylum in the UK or with a migrant background, folks with a working class background, and everyone else.

Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.

Tasks and Responsibilities

If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.

Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.

As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week. 

Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.

Selection Criteria

A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:

• Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend

• Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing

• Be open-minded

• Be supportive

• Be reliable

• Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times

• Be accepting and non-judgemental

• Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout

• Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback

Requirements

• You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering. 
• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
• All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.

It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health. 

Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:

• Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.

• Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?

Benefits to Volunteers

The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.

Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.

Application Process

You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.

You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you. 

We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send. 

Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way. 

This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.

We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents. 

Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision. 

If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.