Communications volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for the disability community across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We are looking for volunteers to help us expand our reach and impact. This role will focus on supporting partnerships with organisations, developing corporate relationships, and helping us explore new opportunities for fundraising and collaboration.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Is enthusiastic about increasing representation and inclusion.
• Enjoys development and may have experience in business development.
• Has experience working with corporate sponsors (helpful, but not essential).
• Is passionate about fundraising or has relevant experience.
• Is a strong communicator (verbal or other forms such as Sign Language, Eye Gaze, etc.).
• Thinks creatively and is willing to bring fresh ideas to the team.
• Can work remotely.

What Do We Expect?

• Willingness to undertake our training programme at a convenient time.
• Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us.
• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed).
• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness.

What Can You Expect?

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers.
• Flexibility – there is no fixed rota, so you can contribute at times that suit you.
• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations.

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

• Make a tangible difference in your community.
• Develop skills in business development, fundraising, and partnership building.
• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers.
• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired.
• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work.

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for the disability community across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We are looking for volunteers to help us expand our reach and impact. This role will focus on supporting partnerships with organisations, developing corporate relationships, and helping us explore new opportunities for fundraising and collaboration.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Is enthusiastic about increasing representation and inclusion.
• Enjoys development and may have experience in business development.
• Has experience working with corporate sponsors (helpful, but not essential).
• Is passionate about fundraising or has relevant experience.
• Is a strong communicator (verbal or other forms such as Sign Language, Eye Gaze, etc.).
• Thinks creatively and is willing to bring fresh ideas to the team.
• Can work remotely.

What Do We Expect?

• Willingness to undertake our training programme at a convenient time.
• Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us.
• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed).
• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness.

What Can You Expect?

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers.
• Flexibility – there is no fixed rota, so you can contribute at times that suit you.
• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations.

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

• Make a tangible difference in your community.
• Develop skills in business development, fundraising, and partnership building.
• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers.
• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired.
• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work.

Role Title: Volunteer Befriender
Location: Various locations in Ealing
Time Commitment: 1–4 hours per week (flexible)
Reports To: Volunteer Coordinator/Service Lead
Duration: Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
Expenses: Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed

Purpose of the Role:
To reduce social isolation and improve emotional wellbeing by offering regular companionship and support to individuals in the community. The role also provides an opportunity for unpaid carers to have a short break or period of respite while their loved one is engaged and supported.

Key Responsibilities:
• Offer friendly conversation and a listening ear through regular visits or phone calls
• Build and maintain a respectful, trusting relationship
• Encourage social confidence and community engagement
• Report any concerns or relevant information to the project lead
• Attend initial training and ongoing support sessions
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold safeguarding procedures

Ideal Qualities and Skills:
• A good listener with strong communication skills
• Kind, patient, and empathetic
• Dependable and consistent
• Respectful of boundaries and confidentiality
• Open-minded and inclusive

What You’ll Gain:
• A rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference
• Experience in a supportive and meaningful volunteer role
• Ongoing training and support
• Development of interpersonal skills
• Being part of a valued community team

Additional Information:
This role requires two references and a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Full training is provided.

As a Meet and Greet Volunteer, you’ll help create a safe, welcoming space for people using our services—offering a friendly chat, a listening ear, and a warm drink when it’s needed most. Your kindness and presence can make a real difference, helping people feel valued, supported, and less alone. If you’re approachable, empathetic, and passionate about supporting others, we’d love to hear from you!

What you will be doing

• Greeting visitors, providing a safe and friendly environment, and “checking in and chatting” with service users.
• Offering beverages to our visitors while maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and service areas.
• Provide emotional support, active listening, and mental health assistance to individuals in distress.
• Ensure the environment is safe, maintain accurate records and adhere to safeguarding, food hygiene and GDPR

The skills you need

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, a non-judgmental attitude, and the ability to listen.
• Able to create a welcoming and inclusive setting that encourages involvement and openness.
• Approachable, respectful, and supportive with the ability to remain calm in interactions while demonstrating an empathetic and person-centred 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.

Volunteer role: Fundraising Lead Volunteer

Commitment level: Flexible 2-4 hours a week

Location: Office based Stamford & attending events

Purpose of the Voluntary role:

Evergreen purpose is to promote healthy ageing and positive attitudes towards older people; seeking relevant ways to honour old age and if needed, to serve through Advocacy, Friendship and practical support and our vision is for Stamford, the Deepings, Bourne and the surrounding villages to be seen as a great place to grow old. Our work is supported and funded by our ‘Friends of Evergreen’ – local individuals and businesses whose support enables us to deliver our volunteer led services which so many rely on locally. The Friends of Evergreen Lead Volunteer is a key role that supports, promotes and grows our Friends of Evergreen.

The Fundraiser is a part-time volunteer role, based in Stamford, responsible for generating income to support Evergreen Care Trust’s services for older adults. Day-to-day tasks include cultivating relationships with donors and supporters, and identifying new fundraising opportunities with local businesses and community groups. The role involves preparing grant applications and funding proposals, maintaining accurate donor records, and monitoring income against targets. The individual will also analyse fundraising performance, report on outcomes, and contribute ideas to improve future initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Ability to effectively convey the charity's mission and engage with donors, both verbally and in writing.

Creating and maintaining relationships with supporters, sponsors, and partners.

Ability to connect with donors and understand their motivations for giving.

Ability to work collaboratively with other team members and departments within the charity.

Understanding of the relevant aspects of the Fundraising Code and data protection regulations

Key relationships:

 Working effectively with other volunteers, trustees, other staff including the Marketing & Events Lead and Volunteer Services Manager and Friends of Evergreen admin support.

Developing strong relationships with current and new Friends of Evergreen

Skills, Qualifications and experience required:

Excellent Communication skills

Able to build relationships with current and new Friends of Evergreen

Able to represent Evergreen at events and meeting new supporters

Charity fundraising experience would be a bonus as would experience in a relevant role such as business development, sales, or events.

Familiarity with fundraising methods would also be a bonus, such as grant writing, corporate partnerships, and individual giving.

Training and support required:

Evergreen Induction Training (half day Saturday)
Mandatory Online Safeguarding training
Introduction training sessions to Friends of Evergreen role
Invitation to attend relevant training courses as and when they are arranged
On going support from Volunteer Services Manager

Availability of parking at work location:

There is parking at Evergreen’s office

A Basic DBS is required for this role.
 

Work directly with children / young people: Yes 

Age range of children / young people: 11-18 

Disclosure Check:  Enhanced

Term of opportunity: This opportunity involves participation in two Mosaic programmes during 2026-2027 academic year 

Location: Leeds and Bradford, see below for school partners and post-codes 

Commitment:

• This role involves attending a mandatory in-person training session at the King’s Trust Leeds office, along with up to 3 hours of online training.
• Each programme runs for eight weeks, with approximately one hour per week spent delivering sessions in schools, plus additional time for planning and preparation.
• Education Mentors are expected to support two programmes per academic year, and attend at least six out of eight Mosaic sessions during each programme. 

The King’s Trust Mosaic programme is a group mentoring scheme for learners aged 11-18. Mosaic is delivered on-site with school partners and aims to raise learner aspirations, build self-belief, and develop employability skills for young people. 

As a volunteer Education Mentor, you'll join a dynamic team to deliver the Mosaic scheme in a local school. Mosaic is structured as 8 mentoring sessions delivered over 8 weeks that will aim to build group rapport and cover essential topics like communication, goal setting and problem solving. These sessions will be delivered with a consistent group of young people, ensuring you can build meaningful connections and see their progress over time. Most Mosaic projects conclude with a ‘World of Work’ visit with a local employer, giving young participants first-hand experience of what it’s really like in a contemporary UK workplace.

We are seeking volunteers in the Leeds area who have a passion and drive to make a difference to the lives of young people.

For success in this role, you will need to be an excellent communicator and confident facilitator of group activities, with a willingness to try out new things in a collaborative environment. An educational background is not required, but a genuine interest in engaging with and developing the skills of young people is essential.

Session content and full support is provided to all volunteers via a King’s Trust Youth Development Lead, who can expertly assist with guidance and materials that will help you to make a significant impact on the lives of young people. Full training will be provided to help set you up for success.

In return for your valuable time, you'll become part of a dedicated community of volunteers. You'll experience the satisfaction of directly impacting the success of young people, many of whom face significant barriers and challenges.

Key Considerations:

• This role involves attending a mandatory in-person training session at the King’s Trust Leeds office, along with up to 3 hours of online training.
• Each Mosaic programme runs for eight weeks, with approximately one hour per week spent delivering sessions in schools, plus additional time for planning and preparation.
• Education Mentors are expected to support two programmes per academic year, and attend at least six out of eight Mosaic sessions during each programme.
• We are recruiting volunteers throughout the summer to lead the delivery of Mosaic projects in schools across Leeds and Bradford from September.
• Exact programme locations, dates and times will be confirmed, but all delivery will take place on school sites and during usual working hours. The flexibility and adaptability of our volunteers to attend these sessions is key to the project’s success.

Confirmed programme information for Leeds:

We will be delivering the Mosaic scheme in the following schools and locations this year. Exact programme dates and times will be confirmed through the summer.

• Hanson Academy, Bradford - BD2 1JP
• Outwood Academy Freeston, Wakefield - WF6 1HZ
• Dixons Unity, Leeds - LS12 3DS
• Leeds Co-op Academy, Leeds - LS9 7HD
• Allerton Grange, Leeds - LS17 6SF

Thank you for considering this exciting opportunity to join The King’s Trust during our 50th Anniversary year. We look forward to hearing from you.

Are you passionate about health and wellbeing? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others through movement and mindfulness? We’re looking for a Yoga and Fitness Instructor Volunteer to support our service users at Medway Recovery House. This role is a fantastic opportunity to share your skills and promote physical and mental wellbeing in a supportive environment.

What you will be doing

• Leading weekly yoga or fitness sessions tailored to the needs of our residents
• Encouraging participation and creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere
• Supporting individuals in building confidence and improving their physical health

The skills you need

• Experienced and qualified in yoga and fitness
• A friendly, patient, and encouraging approach
• Good communication skills

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.

As a Community Outreach Volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in helping people in Havering know where to turn when they need urgent mental health support. You’ll be out and about in the community spreading the word about the Waltham Forest Beacon — chatting to local people, connecting with community centres, faith groups and local organisations, and sharing information through leaflets and posters. This is a great role for someone confident, friendly and passionate about making support more visible and accessible in the community.

What you will be doing

• Promoting the Havering Crisis Café within the local community
• Visiting community centres, libraries, GP surgeries, faith settings and other local spaces
• Handing out leaflets and displaying posters
• Helping build positive relationships with local organisations and community groups
• Feeding back any insights, questions or community needs to the team

The skills you need

• Friendly, approachable and confident talking to new people
• An interest in mental health, wellbeing and community support
• Good communication skills and a respectful, non judgemental 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 - 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.

Love Music? Make a Difference.

Could your passion for music help someone find their voice?

Music has the power to lift moods, reduce stress, build confidence, and support mental wellbeing. As a volunteer, you'll help create a welcoming space where people can express their emotions, relax, and experience the joy of making music together.

If you'd like to inspire others through the power of music, we'd love to hear from you.

What you will be doing

• To prepare music sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their musical skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of Music either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan a music group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature
• Ability to handle individuals with complex needs and work with a person-centred 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

Have you been Bereaved by Suicide for 2 years or longer? Do you have a desire to help other people who have also been Bereaved by Suicide? Are you comfortable listening to the experiences of others? You could be just the person we are looking for.

We have self-help support groups across the UK, where you can meet with other people who have been bereaved by suicide and we want to enrol some new volunteers to join our Alnwick Support group. The group meet once a month and last for around 2 hours. They provide an opportunity to listen, to share, to ask questions and to connect with others.

Each local SoBS group is run by a team of 3, all of whom have been bereaved by suicide themselves. Between them, they facilitate the session, get the conversation started, make sure everyone has the opportunity to talk if they want to, and generally look out for people and each other. The team also work together to manage the administration, fundraising and communication for the group, sometimes with the help of additional support volunteers.

There is no set structure to a session – people are free to talk and listen as they wish. The topics discussed vary from month to month but often includes people sharing their story, how they are feeling, what has happened since their last group visit. 

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

AD – USE PDF COPY

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

Role Profile

Located at

Shop Based

Department

Mind Retail 

Hours

Flexible – we value any time that you can give us, this can be a few hours, half days or full days. It’s important that within the time you give us, that you can meet all of the responsibilities of the role, outlined in the role profile.

We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

About the role

Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops. Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do.

Key tasks

Our Lead Volunteers are responsible for all of the following tasks:

· Opening, closing and managing the shop in the shop management team’s absence, which could include but not limited to:

o Setting up the till and cashing up at the end of the day

o Conducting a shop floor walk

o Conducting health & safety compliance checks, such as inputting information into our H&S system

o Checking shop emails and cascading key messages to the team

o Securing the shop

o Making sure housekeeping and cleaning is completed

· Works with the shop management team to meet sales targets and supports with ensuring that the volunteer team understand and are working to meet and exceed the agreed targets.

· Supports with ensuring the optimum price point for all stock items and promotional merchandise for seasoned and windowed themes, following the principles outlined in Mind Retail’s Pricing Guide

· Follows all company policies, shop standards and operating procedures and supports with the communication of these to other shop volunteers.

· Supports with the preparation and completion of shop administration inclusive of cash handling and banking functions to the highest standard, accurately and on time, always adhering to Company Policies and Procedures.

· Performs management till functions such as refunds.

· Provides direction and support to shop volunteers, following instructions from the shop management team.

· Supports with ensuring all Security, Health and Safety policies and procedures are adhered to in order to provide a safe and secure shop environment for our customers and colleagues.

· May support the shop management team with the recruitment of shop volunteers, planning volunteer cover and training.

Like our other volunteers, Lead Volunteers also support with the below key tasks:

· Supports with the presentation and maintenance of the highest standards of shop merchandising and visual layout.

· Supports with ensuring maximum stock availability through effective stock control and shop replenishment, adhering to Mind Retail’s merchandising guidelines.

· Actively promotes Gift Aid to maximise contributions from donations.

· Supports with the rotation, quality and replenishment of stock in order to maximise sales.

· Answering the shop telephone and taking messages from customers and our internal teams

· Ensures excellent shop standards at the end of the trading day and following closedown procedures

What you’ll gain from being a Lead Volunteer

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management and retail management experience

· Key holder experience

· Opportunity to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

About you

· Commitment to our values & behaviours

· Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets

· Flexible and adaptable approach

· Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative

· Able to build good working relationships

· Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures

· Willingness to learn

· Good customer service skills

· Good communication skills

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Providing a confidential non-judgemental listening ear to Residents and Staff. Supporting those wishing to develop their spiritual journey from a Christian perspective. The role will be based across one of our hostels in Watford, Borehamwood, Bishop's Stortford, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield or High Wycombe, 

Activities include:

• Proactively engaging with Residents and staff to build safe relationships and trust
• Offering a ‘listening ear’ to all and giving emotional support
• Sensitively discerning when to offer prayer and support from a Christian perspective, and when to use faith based language
• Be inclusive and welcoming to people of all religious faiths and none, referring people to other faith communities as appropriate
• Working alongside support staff, volunteers & local agencies
• Maintaining records of support and feeding back concerns about Resident welfare to Staff/Line Manager.
• Attend regular volunteer team meetings
• Being proactive in seeking spiritual and emotional support for your own benefit as this is a challenging role.

Additional activities could include:

• Facilitating group work for example: Retreat Programme, Bible Study, prayer or Mental Health Support.
• Welcoming new Residents by phone or in person
• Leading or helping with Chaplaincy lead events: Easter/Christmas activities, Remembrance Services
• Being an ambassador for YMCA’s mission in local Churches

Skills/Qualities/Experience:

• Be a good and active listener who can support others
• Be of a friendly, welcoming and cheerful disposition
• Self-motivated, reliable and punctual
• Sensitivity and courage to care for people experiencing a range of distressing situations including: grief, trauma, poor mental health, substance misuse, suicidal thoughts.
• A commitment to your own spiritual development
• A good understanding of the Christian faith, as well as some understanding of other faith traditions
• Ability to use both faith and non-faith based language, as appropriate
• Good communication skills in English; in person & over the phone
• A willingness to learn new things and get stuck in
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Respect the Christian ethos of the YMCA and uphold its values
• Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have

Training Support:

• A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided
• A one day ‘Chaplaincy Essentials’ training, plus a menu of additional training will be made available
• Online training: Safeguarding (Adults & Young People), Fire Awareness, Manual Handling
• Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line-manager
• Team meetings and social events
• Mileage and expenses may be payable

You will need 2 x references and a DBS (we will apply for and fund this). 

We’re looking for a warm, British Sign Language Volunteer to provide in house support to Deaf women living in our refuge. This role is all about connection, inclusion and helping women feel fully involved in day to day life within the service.

As a BSL Volunteer, you’ll support communication between service users and staff, help women engage in activities, and be a friendly, reassuring presence in the house.

What you will be doing

• Providing British Sign Language support to Deaf service users within the refuge
• Supporting women to take part in activities
• Helping women communicate their needs to staff
• Offering support with appointments, as and when needed

The skills you need

• Fluent or confident British Sign Language users
• Friendly, patient, and inclusive, with a genuine interest in supporting women
• Able to communicate professionally and sensitively within a refuge setting

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

Could you spare just 1 hour a week to make a real difference in Sandwell?

Age UK Sandwell is looking for a friendly Activity Group Volunteer to help run a weekly social group for older people at Hamstead Library, Great Barr.

• Tuesdays, 2–3pm
• Help people stay active, connected and supported
• Training and support provided

Bring your listening ear, positive attitude and a caring approach then we’ll help with the rest.

For more detailed information, please see below:

About the Service

The Wellbeing Team at Age UK Sandwell supports people aged 50+ to improve their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing through social, physical and community activities. The service helps reduce loneliness and isolation by encouraging community connections, offering one-to-one support, befriending and signposting, and working with volunteers and local partners to help older people stay active, independent and connected.

About the Role

The volunteer for this social group will be responsible for facilitating weekly activity groups for older people. Specific tasks may include:

• To keep a record of attendance
• To facilitate the session on a weekly basis
• To prepare any resources and equipment required to deliver the group
• To report any concerns to your line manager
• To attend team meetings/supervision when required
• To help promote the group and encourage attendance from older people in the community

You will be supported by a staff member in the initial weeks to prepare you to run the group.

Personal qualities and skills most suited to this role

· Good listening and communication skills

· Patient, caring and non-judgemental approach

· Relevant skills, knowledge or interest in the activity

· Commitment to supporting the wellbeing of older people

· Reliable, flexible and positive attitude

Training

· Core training (including Safeguarding, GDPR, Health & Safety, and Equality & Diversity) will be provided digitally or in print as part of your volunteer registration pack.

· Role-specific training will be agreed with your line manager and delivered through a mix of digital and face-to-face sessions.

· You will also complete the Age UK Sandwell induction programme and any additional training relevant to your role.