Communications volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Leatherhead, surrey

About Us

Influential Stars is a purpose driven platform connecting creators, supporters, and causes through exclusive experiences and campaigns that raise funds for UK charitable organisations. We are a growing team committed to delivering meaningful impact through professionally managed experiences.

Our Story

Influential Stars was founded by Lisa Connell, who is living with an inoperable brain tumour and has spent many years raising awareness and support for UK causes. The platform was created from a deeply personal belief that influence, connection, and community can be powerful forces for good when brought together in the right way.

Volunteers play a vital role in helping turn that vision into real world impact, enabling experiences that raise funds, create joy for winners, and support charitable organisations across the UK.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced, confident, and creative Volunteer Senior Social Media Manager to take ownership of Influential Stars’ social media presence across multiple platforms.

This is a hands-on role for someone capable of planning, creating, and scheduling purposeful content that raises awareness, builds community engagement, and supports campaigns across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and grow Influential Stars’ social media presence across platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn

• Plan, create, and schedule consistent content aligned with the organisation’s mission and tone of voice

• Develop content that inspires awareness, connection, and positive action

• Share stories, campaigns, and updates in a sensitive and engaging way

• Maintain content calendars and scheduling systems

• Monitor engagement and respond appropriately where required

• Coordinate with internal team members to ensure accurate and timely messaging

• Maintain brand consistency across all channels

• Stay informed about platform trends and opportunities to increase reach

Skills and Experience Required

Essential:

• Proven experience managing social media across multiple platforms

• Strong understanding of engagement and awareness driven content

• Excellent written communication skills and attention to tone

• Confidence working independently and taking ownership of output

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage content schedules

• Proactive, reliable, and professional approach

• Genuine connection to the organisation’s mission and values

Desirable:

• Experience managing accounts for charities, community organisations, or purpose led brands

• Familiarity with social media scheduling tools and analytics

• Experience working remotely within a team

• Based in London or Hertfordshire for occasional in person meetings (not essential)

Working Arrangement

• Fully remote position

• Flexible working hours depending on organisational needs

• Workload may vary as campaigns increase

• Occasional (optional) in person team meetings

Why Volunteer With Us

• Play a key role in shaping how a purpose driven platform communicates with the public

• Help amplify campaigns that support charities and individuals facing difficult circumstances

• Gain valuable senior level experience and portfolio visibility

• Join a mission driven organisation at an exciting stage of growth

• Flexible volunteering that can fit around other commitments

• Opportunity to contribute creatively while making a meaningful difference

Although this is currently a volunteer position, Influential Stars is actively working to grow the platform with the long term aim of creating paid roles. While we are unable to provide a timeframe and future opportunities will depend on the organisation’s growth and incoming work, this role offers the chance to be part of that journey from an early stage.

Are you a qualified Yoga Instructor who would enjoy facilitating weekly sessions to help individuals with their general well-being. This is an opportunity for you to share techniques with others.

Practicing yoga has been shown to increase mindfulness not just in class session, but in other areas of a person's life.

What you will be doing

• Design session plans enabling all group members to increase fitness, suppleness and help them relax
• Teach the group yoga postures and breathing techniques which allow a range of mixed ages and abilities to participate
• Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group activities where possible and encourage the group to help design future sessions
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Skilled and qualified Yoga Instructor
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

The Training Officer ensures volunteers receive engaging, high-quality training to prepare them for events. You’ll organise sessions, secure tutors and spaces, encourage attendance, and gather feedback to improve future training. This role is vital for volunteer development and maintaining Make a Smile’s professional standards.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

What is the purpose of this role?

To support people aged 18+ in the community by leading a series of guided walks around open spaces in Nottingham city (and Nottinghamshire).

Walk Leaders can make a difference by creating safe, enjoyable, and accessible walking opportunities that enhance health, wellbeing, and social connection.

What impact does this role have?

Provides accessible, guided health walks across Nottingham’s parks and open spaces. The walks encourage a healthy lifestyle by combining exercise with opportunities to socialise, helping people stay active, build friendships, and explore their local community.

What activities might you be involved in?

· Offering a friendly welcome to all walkers, especially those joining for the first time

· Providing a short briefing before the walk to ensure all participants are prepared

· Making sure the walk is safe and accessible for participants on the day of the walk

· Taking the lead in walks and ensuring they are safe, friendly and enjoyable and well managed

· Addressing and resolving issues that arise during walks, following guidance from your Line Manager, and promptly reporting any incidents or concerns to them.

· Providing information about other Age UK Notts services and other walks offered by the scheme, and basic information about how to keep active

· Ensuring all required paperwork is properly completed

· Attending occasional walk leaders’ meetings, one-to-one meetings and relevant training

What are we looking for?

Ø  A genuine interest in the wellbeing of people and community engagement

Ø  Friendly, welcoming and empowering with good communication skills

Ø  Knowledgeable about the basics of the benefits of walking and physical activity

Ø  Reliable, punctual, honest and well-organised

Ø  Able to volunteer independently but with guidance and support

Ø  Confident at speaking in front of small groups

Ø  Able to take control and be assertive when needed

Ø  Ability to complete basic paperwork punctually and accurately

Ø  Willing to observe and learn from an experienced leader before taking on independent leadership

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The role can be flexible around your availability. Most volunteers lead walks weekly or monthly, with walks lasting 20–60 minutes. These may be starter/easy walks or wellbeing-focused walks. At times, we may request your support to provide cover at short notice if required.

 While we are looking to expand, our current walks  take place on Monday mornings at the Arboretum, Wednesday mornings at Highfields Park/Lakeside and Thursday mornings in Sneinton.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role. This will include a one-day Ramblers Wellbeing Walks, Walk Leader Course, risk assessment guidance and a thorough departmental induction to provide you with further information about your role. 

What can you gain from this opportunity?

· The chance to make a difference to a person’s life

· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one

· A comprehensive training programme including the opportunity for further training (e.g. First Aid)

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· Experience to add to your CV

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

Additional Information

Please note a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.

We are looking for volunteers who have availability to support our walks across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 

We are looking for volunteers who can support a minimum of one walk per week, every week (time and days tbc)

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Position: Mission Funding Executive

Location: UK/Remote
Commitment: Volunteer (10hr/week)

Reports to: Country Director
Role Type: Senior Management Team (SMT) Member

About Us

We are a globally focused non-profit organisation, grounded in Christian values, committed to helping communities grow through education, empowerment, and poverty relief. Our programmes support families, strengthen livelihoods, and build resilience by responding to real community needs.

Through long-term partnerships and sustainable approaches, we create opportunities that encourage self-reliance and deliver lasting impact, helping individuals and families move toward stability, dignity, and a better future.

Why Join Us?

Join Project Yananai and be part of something bigger than a role. As a growing, purpose-driven organisation working across multiple countries, we offer the opportunity to shape meaningful change while developing your career, skills and experience.

Here, your voice matters. Your ideas help shape direction, and your work delivers visible, real-world impact. You’ll collaborate with a diverse, global team, gain exposure to strategic initiatives, and grow through hands-on experience in a dynamic, evolving environment.

We recognise the importance of flexibility. Our approach to working hours supports you to contribute in a way that works alongside your personal and professional commitments, within a collaborative and outcome-focused environment.

If you are motivated by purpose, energised by pace, and want to contribute to something truly meaningful, we’d love to hear from you!

The Role

As Mission Funding Executive, you will lead resource mobilisation for Project Yananai in UK/Global, ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of our programmes. As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will shape strategy, secure diverse funding streams, and build strong donor and partner relationships to power our mission.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement a national fundraising and resource mobilisation strategy aligned with organisational goals.

• Contribute to strategic planning and leadership as part of the Senior Management Team.

Donor & Partner Engagement

• Build and manage relationships with donors, corporates, foundations, and government partners.

• Represent the organisation at meetings, events, and networking opportunities.

• Lead donor stewardship, retention, and engagement activities.

Proposal Development & Reporting

• Oversee high-quality proposals, grant applications, and concept notes.

• Ensure timely, accurate donor reporting (financial and narrative).

• Maintain clear records of funding agreements and requirements.

Innovation & Opportunity Development

• Identify new funding opportunities, including innovative financing models.

• Work with communications and programme teams to develop compelling cases for support.

Financial Planning & Compliance

• Collaborate on budgeting and monitor grant expenditure.

• Ensure compliance with organisational policies, donor requirements, and local regulations.

Capacity Building & Collaboration

• Strengthen internal fundraising capability through training and mentoring.

• Promote collaboration, transparency, and accountability across teams.

Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate risks related to funding, donor dependency, and reputation.

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience in fundraising, business development, or resource mobilisation within non-profit, NGO, or mission-driven environments.

• Demonstrated success securing funding from diverse sources (institutional, corporate, foundation, government).

• Strong experience in proposal development, grant management, and donor reporting.

• Experience contributing to senior leadership or management teams.

• Relevant degree in fundraising, development, business, social sciences, or related field.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, financial planning, and project management ability.

• Knowledge of the South African funding landscape and regulatory environment.

• Collaborative, proactive, and results-driven approach.

• Strong alignment with Project Yananai’s mission and values.

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in sustaining and scaling impactful programmes

• Work with a passionate, mission-driven global team

• Gain leadership experience and opportunities for growth

Empower communities. Transform lives. Make a positive and sustainable difference!

Project Yananai is a UK registered charity (1209060) and an equal opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.

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

Support teens through art, fashion, films, manga or whatever they’re into. You’ll build trust, boost confidence and offer a calm, supportive space during a big stage of their lives. This role will take place once a week or every two weeks!

We are seeking a diverse, proactive team of volunteers to support a 6-week summer programme (July 20 – Aug 28) across three refuge houses. Our mission is to rebuild parent-child bonds and bring joy back into childhood for families recovering from domestic abuse. You will be volunteering alongside the Children Family workers throughout the summer and will be invited to join an end of summer party.

What you will be doing

• Provide mentoring for teens with interests such as art, fashion, films, anime, manga and creativity.
• Offer a safe adult presence who listens, supports, and helps build confidence.
• Lead informal creative sessions based on the young person’s interests.

The skills you need

• Ability to easily connect with teens and build trusting relationships
• You’re happy to tailor sessions to each young person.
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Good communication skills
• Experience in childcare desired
• Ability to speak either Farsi, Bengali, Punjabi, Bangladeshi, or Turkish, Nepalese is desired

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

The role: Our scholars are eager to meet graduates and professionals who can support them in achieving their ambitions. Mentors are mainly responsible for providing support and career advice to pupils. Mentors must also be committed to supporting us at our events, which take place in the evenings and on Saturdays throughout the term. These events include our scholar enrichment days, our parent and pupil information sessions and our volunteer social events which are held in London. 

Availability: Mentors must be available for approximately 2-3 hours a month to meet with their mentee and discuss via phone, email or in person. There is a minimum commitment of one year (three terms).

In addition to this, you will need to support a minimum of 2 events throughout the year. Enrichment and skill-building events for our scholars usually take place in the evenings and at weekends, with events ranging from 2-8 hours in length.

Location: Mentoring sessions and events can take place online or in person.

Responsibilities: 

• Working collaboratively with parents to give students guidance and advice on how to achieve their aspirations

• Informing pupils of opportunities to them so that they can achieve their aspirations

• Meeting with pupils for one to one mentoring sessions

• Supporting pupils with university, sixth form or job applications

• Monitoring and reporting on each pupils progress

• Giving feedback to parents and programme coordinators

• Working collaboratively with other tutors and mentors

• Supporting at events including:

  • Collaborate effectively with other volunteers within the events team

  • Assist with setting up and clearing up at events

  • Support workshop facilitators with managing groups of young people or parents

  • Assist with the coordination of lunch or refreshments for attendees

  • Assist the event coordinator with ensuring the health and safety of attendees and overall risk management at events

  • Give feedback to the event coordinators and programme managers at the end of each event.

Person specification:

• Be passionate and committed to tackling educational inequality

• Enjoy working with children and young people

• Be educated to a minimum of degree level or equivalent

• Possess strong communication skills both written and verbal

• Be punctual and organised

• Be able to remain calm under pressure

• Have excellent time management skills

This position is open to anyone with a keen interest in Friends of the Earth and our local campaigns in the borough of Camden. We are looking for people interested in environmental and sustainability issues and environmental justice in the Camden community who enjoy assisting in the organisation of events.

Duties:

The events assistants will provide support in our events as part of a team, including tasks like:

• Assisting with the execution of various charity events and campaigns

• Helping with the preparation of events and campaigns

• Attending meetings with the group and events such as FoE marches 

• Setting up event spaces, including decorations and signage

• Addressing any issues that arise during the event and providing immediate solutions

• Collecting event data and feedback from attendees

• Assisting with post-event reporting

Desired attributes: 

• Good organisation skills and a collaborative mindset

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with diverse stakeholders

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

• Passion for the charity's mission and commitment to its values

We are organising a screening of the animated film "Savages" at Clarence Hall in Camden and would like to invite you to the screening and help with the preparation as well as organisation on the day. There is also the Together march in Central London on 28th March. 

Look forward to your application. Anyone who cares about the environment and want to be part of a nice group please apply!

Please send us a message stating clearly why you are interested in volunteering in our group.

Our Mission

Brain tumours do not discriminate, and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly. We understand that taking on a fundraising challenge isn’t as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. Combine the physical challenge with an ambitious fundraising target, taking part for a charity close to your heart and finding time to train, the challenge can feel overwhelming. This is where our Motivational Caller volunteers play a vital role. By offering encouragement, reassurance and a listening ear, they empower fundraisers to reach their goals!

How can you help?

To ensure our fundraisers receive the best possible support, we like to give each of them a call ahead of their challenge event to wish them good luck and offer encouragement. With hundreds of fundraisers taking part, we rely on the support of our volunteers to help make these calls possible.

This is what your volunteer role will look like:

• The Events team will provide clear, step-by-step instructions to help you log into our telephone system from the comfort of your own home. This usually takes around 10 minutes and you’re very welcome to do this alongside a member of staff via a Teams call if you’d prefer extra support.

• You’ll receive a password-protected spreadsheet containing a list of fundraisers allocated to you. Calls can be made at a time that suits you, during the week or two leading up to each challenge event.

• We will provide you with all the information you need including a script to follow and frequently asked questions so that you feel confident to make calls to our fundraisers.

• After each call, you’ll simply update the spreadsheet with any key notes or feedback.

What impact will you have?

By calling our fundraisers, you’ll create a personal connection with members of our community and help them feel recognised, valued and supported for the incredible efforts they’re making. By helping fundraisers reach the start line feeling supported and inspired, you’ll play a vital role in maximising the funds raised for The Brain Tumour Charity, directly contributing to life-changing support services and vital research for the future.

We are looking for:

As part of our volunteer team you will be enthusiastic, friendly and willing to chat to our fundraisers about the event they are taking part in. We need you to have:

• Great verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• A friendly telephone manner
• General interest in The Charity and/or our fundraising events
• Access to the internet, preferable through a secure Wi-Fi source
• Basic IT skills, including using the Microsoft Authenticator App and Excel.
• Access to a laptop or computer (preferred)

What can you gain from volunteering?

• You’ll have the opportunity to develop your communication and listening skills through one-to-one conversations with our fundraisers.

• You’ll develop an understanding of how the Events team at The Charity operates.

• You’ll help the Events team raise more than £3.9 million a year, helping fund life-changing support and pioneering research.

Time commitment

We’ll need your help in the week or two leading up to each of our Challenge events throughout the year. The role is very ad-hoc and flexible, so you’ll be free to make the phone calls at a time to suit you within those weeks. Our busiest times of year are Spring and Autumn!

All phone calls will need to be carried out between 10am – 4pm on weekdays only. This is a remote role.

Practical considerations

You will receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific training for the role, as well as ongoing direction from one of the team, who will be your key contact. Volunteers must be over 18. The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals belonging to minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities. We encourage volunteers to claim for any reasonable expenses that are incurred in the course of their volunteering with The Charity. Find out more in our Volunteer Expenses Policy. If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close the role early, so we’d encourage you to apply at your earliest opportunity.

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.

• As a trustee of Cuth’s JCR, you provide strategic oversight and guidance to ensure the charity continues to support student welfare, community, and opportunities effectively across Durham.
• Trustees play a key role in offering continuity and stability to a volunteer-led organisation, advising on financial, legal, and operational decisions as the student leadership changes each year.
• The role involves supporting JCR officers through expertise and oversight, helping shape how the charity operates while contributing to long-term development and governance.
• Trustees work closely with the board and subcommittees to scrutinise decisions, provide professional insight, and ensure the organisation meets its legal and financial responsibilities.

Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA

Voluntary and unpaid but reasonable expenses will be paid.

Remote with some travel required.

Time commitment: Approx. 4 days per month for 3 years.

Close Date: Friday, 10th of April 2026

Would you like to help improve the quality-of-care patients receive at the time of surgery and anaesthesia?

We are the professional body responsible for the specialty of anaesthesia, perioperative care, intensive care and pain medicine across the UK, and we are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA, the group of volunteers who support, advise and influence the College by providing patients’ views on its activities.

As Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA, you will lead a diverse group of volunteers and champion meaningful patient involvement across a wide range of workstreams. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the quality-of-care patients receive in the NHS and other healthcare settings.

As Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA you will:

• Champion the work of the group and raise the profile of the patient voice across the College.
• Encourage participation and engagement within the group.
• Work with College staff and Committee Chairs to deliver impactful patient engagement where most needed.
• Be an ambassador with external partners and stakeholder organisations.
• Chair the meetings of PatientsVoices@RCoA three times a year and the away day once a year.
• Be co-opted to College Council and report to Council on behalf of PatientsVoices@RCoA.
• Attend and report to the Clinical Quality and Research Board on behalf of PatientsVoices@RCoA.
• Represent PatientsVoices@RCoA at the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges’ Patient Liaison Group.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience of leading a group and working with a diverse range of people and views.
• Experience of chairing committees and meetings and leading discussions so that every voice is heard.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to build positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Passion about strengthening the patient voice in the work of the College.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• The ability to use basic IT systems (e.g. email, Word, Teams etc.).
• The ability to commit an average of four days per month to the role.
• Flexibility and responsiveness to a varied workload and schedule.

To maintain independence and avoid conflicts of interest:

• You cannot join PatientsVoices@RCoA if you hold an anaesthetic qualification.
• You cannot currently be working, practising or managing services in healthcare (including policy making).

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for some College activities.

At RCoA equality, diversity and inclusion is a core part of our culture, so it is important to us that this is reflected in everything that we do. We welcome all individuals irrespective of age, race, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital or civil partnership status, or parental and caring responsibilities to ensure we actively embrace an inclusive and representative culture that encourages, supports and celebrates our differences.

Please note we will ask for contact details and a CV initially when you apply. You will then be sent an email with an application form.

Do you use technology on a regular basis for work, study, or daily life? If so, it is likely that you have the needed skills for this role! Help people to stay connected, improve their financial health, employability, and learn how to access much needed services and resources online! You will make a positive difference to bridging the digital divide, empowering others to gain knowledge and confidence in using technology!

What you will be doing

• Supporting service users to gain digital skills and knowledge on a computer, tablet and smart phone via one to one or in small group sessions
• Supporting service users to use digital apps, emails, search the internet, online shopping and set up online accounts
• Supporting service users to learn the skills to keep in touch with family and friends, such a video call and messaging
• Support individuals to agree and aspire on the steps/ goals they would like to achieve in the sessions
• Lead on the logistics and organisation of the sessions alongside the staff team
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Confident using digital skills
• Willingness and interest in facilitating one to one and group session on basic digital skills
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’

This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Streatham on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

We also run Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon classes open to all existing CARAS youth community members, 4:30pm to 6pm. These classes tend to be larger and have a large range of language levels. 

Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:

• Monday 10 am to 3pm

• Tuesday 2pm to 6pm 

• Wednesday 11am to 6pm

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;

• Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.

• Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older;

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel and food expenses can be reimbursed);

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;

• To be reliable and punctual. We ask volunteers to commit to at least one class every week for a minimum of 4 months. If you are unable to attend a class due to a planned holiday, you must inform the program lead in advance. 

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;

• The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum seeker or refugee status

• *Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check (DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

*DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering 
   

To Apply: 

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 
 

 All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.