Communications volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.  

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility 

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way! 

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board! 

Volunteer positions currently available in Bedfordshire

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care. 

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might: 

• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support

• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes 

• Raise concerns

• Keep detailed notes and records 

• Make a real difference to someone’s life 

Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.

This role entails weekly visits to either Townsend Court and Poplar Wards (Luton) on Fridays 1-4 or Fountains Court (Bedford) on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

As a hospital volunteer, you might: 

• hold drop-in sessions

• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities 

• share information

• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre 

Support Session Volunteer

You’ll be supporting people over the age of 18 with disabilities, this may include those with poor mental health, learning difficulties, autism and other disabilities.  Your role will include supporting clients to understand and undertake a task on a one-to-one basis.  The task will vary from client to client as will the needs of the individual. 

As a support session volunteer, you might: 

• help people have their say when it matters most 

• Helping individuals navigate challenges and ensuring their needs are met 

• help people to make complaints and use local services 

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening. 

Safeguarding Commitment Statement 

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice. 

ED&I Statement 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options. 

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

We are seeking an enthusiastic volunteer to assist our Client Service Administrator on Reception in hosting our busy reception area and friendly waiting room. In this role, you will use your excellent interpersonal skills to welcome clients and visiting professionals and other volunteers to the Helen Bamber Foundation, making them feel comfortable, attending to any immediate needs they may have, assisting them with their queries and notifying clinicians and other staff of their arrival.

You will be at the heart of an exciting, team of experts working as a representative of the Helen Bamber Foundation and the first point of contact for our diverse range of clients and visitors.  You will be a self-motivating team player, organised, efficient and have a compassionate mind-set. 

Main tasks and activities

• Greeting clients and ensuring that clients are having their immediate needs met;
• Ensuring the reception is well-presented;
• Answering the phone and responding to a wide range of enquiries;
• Maintaining the shared Outlook calendar and co-ordinating room allocations;
• Ensuring the smooth running of the day-to-day activities;
• General office administration including: ordering of office supplies, entering data, filing and organising office supplies storage etc;
• Reception cover when needed.
• Handling reimbursement of expenses for clients and fellow volunteers

Skills and experience needed

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a high standard of written and spoken English;
• Excellent telephone manner; Empathetic and understanding.
• Computer literate with experience of Microsoft packages;
• High attention to detail and accuracy;
• Punctual, reliable and self-motivated with a positive, ’can-do’ attitude;
• Ability to deal sensitively and in a warm, friendly and appropriate manner with clients who have specific needs;
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise tasks within a time-pressured environment;
• A high level of discretion and confidentiality given the sensitivity of the information and nature of the work;
• Understanding of, and commitment to, the objectives of the Helen Bamber Foundation.

What you will get out of the role:

• A better understanding of asylum seeker and refugee processes in the UK;
• Stronger administrative skills;
• An ability to multi-task between competing priorities;
• Experience of working with a multi-disciplinary team in a Human Rights charity;
• Ability to process large amounts of data and prioritise or categorise it;
• Ability to manage multiple busy calendars at the same time.

Are you passionate about creating transformative learning experiences that empower individuals and communities? 

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a skilled Instructional Designer to join our founding volunteer team. This role is central to designing, structuring and delivering educational programmes that support survivors, young people and marginalised communities to access knowledge, develop skills and achieve personal and collective growth.

Purpose of the role:

The Volunteer Instructional Designer supports our mission by designing engaging, effective and learner-centred educational materials. In this role, you will collaborate with subject matter experts, program staff and other volunteers to transform ideas and content into structured learning experiences that are accessible, inclusive and impactful.

About the Role:

As Instructional Designer, you will work closely with the Membership Director, Book Club Coordinator, and Social & Digital Media Education Lead to develop structured learning pathways, modules, and resources for our membership programmes. Your work will ensure that all learning experiences are engaging, accessible, and aligned with our anti-capitalist, community-driven, and survivor-centred mission. This is a hands-on, impactful role combining strategy, creativity, and operational delivery.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential Technical Competencies:

• Experience in instructional design, curriculum development or educational programme creation in formal or informal learning environments.
• Proven experience designing and delivering community-based education, training or learning programmes.
• Experience using content creation tools (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Workspace, Canva).
• Basic familiarity with e-learning tools, learning management systems or content creation software is a plus.
• Ability to develop structured learning pathways with clear outcomes and assessments.
• Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, accessible and inclusive learning materials.
• Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive design best practices.
• Hands-on experience contributing to open-source projects.
• Implementing security, accessibility or system optimisation practices in real-world projects.

Desirable / Can Be Developed:

• Experience in instructional design, learning design or educational content creation.
• Developing skills in structuring learning objectives, activities and simple assessments.
• Willingness to collaborate with facilitators, subject matter experts and community members.

Qualifications:

• Formal qualifications are not required but desirable.
• Experience in education, instructional design, learning and development or a related field is valued.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Design and develop educational programmes, courses and learning resources for members and volunteers.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts, facilitators and leadership to ensure content is accurate, relevant and impactful.
• Structure learning experiences with clear objectives, assessments and progression pathways.
• Integrate digital platforms, multimedia resources and interactive tools to enhance accessibility and engagement.
• Evaluate learning outcomes and gather participant feedback to continuously improve programmes.
• Ensure all learning programmes comply with safeguarding, accessibility and data protection standards.
• Ensure all integrations follow best practices for security, data privacy and performance, maintaining
• compliance with GDPR and other relevant standards.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer by providing clear resources for onboarding new volunteers, team members and technical contributors.
• Maintain documentation of course materials, learning pathways and instructional guides for internal use.
• Support capacity-building by training facilitators, volunteers and community members in programme delivery.
• Collaborate with leadership, technical teams and stakeholders to define the long-term vision and goals for digital platforms and systems.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, including new features, technologies, tools or workflows that improve platform functionality, user experience and operational efficiency.
• Continuously monitor the open-source platform to ensure optimal performance, uptime and reliability, using monitoring tools, analytics, and performance metrics.
• Identify and diagnose technical issues, bugs, or system errors promptly, assessing root causes and prioritising fixes based on impact and urgency.

What This Role Offers You:

• Leadership experience in designing and delivering learning initiatives that directly impact communities.
• Personal and professional growth through hands-on instructional development and facilitation.
• The opportunity to shape transformative learning systems within a pioneering, values-led CIC.
• The satisfaction of empowering survivors, young people, and community members through education.

What This Role Is Not For:

• Individuals seeking purely administrative or content curation work without engagement.
• Those unwilling to adapt learning resources to diverse audiences and community needs.
• People expecting pre-packaged or rigid course structures—this role requires creativity, collaboration, and active problem-solving.

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to

• A values-led conversation.
• If you are ready to design meaningful learning experiences that empower communities and foster personal transformation, we want to hear from you. 
• Apply now and help build education systems that create lasting social impact.

A Final Word
Design learning turns knowledge into action. Shapes the path from curiosity to competence.

If you know that: Education is the bridge between knowledge and action.A bridge between knowing and doing

Do you want to improve the lives of people with disabilities and vulnerable people?

Humanity & Inclusion UK is looking for an Institutional Funding Volunteer to join our small, dynamic and friendly team in our London office. You will be supporting the work of our Institutional Relations team, and getting involved in tasks such as identifying new funding opportunities, managing our data and information, and developing internal and external communications content. Your work will be essential in helping our team work internally with technical and programmes colleagues across our countries of operation and externally with potential partners and donors to secure and manage institutional funding from the UK, Australian and Irish governments.

By volunteering with us, you will have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of working for a charity and will contribute to our work supporting people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups worldwide, while learning new skills.

The role and the team

The main purpose of this role is to support the work of HI UK’s Institutional Relations team. The volunteer will work with all the members of our small team and have the opportunity to get involved in supporting a variety of tasks. The team’s work includes:

· Identifying new institutional funding opportunities from our donors relevant to HI’s teams.

· Supporting HI teams across our countries of operation to position with potential partners and develop proposals.

· Completing due diligence assessment requests from our potential partners/donors.

· Coordinating the internal review and signing of new funding agreements/contracts.

· Managing grants, including requesting payments, reviewing and submitting reports.

· Supporting HI UK’s annual audit and other compliance requirements

· Managing and keeping internal information management systems updated including our SharePoint filing system for document management and our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database.

· Maintaining our institutional funding pages on HI’s intranet and developing internal guidance / updates / training for HI teams.

· Producing communications products for external audiences demonstrating our track record in institutional funding and project delivery.

Main duties and responsibilities

The specific duties will depend on the evolving priorities of the team which vary from day-to-day based on the live funding opportunities, deadlines, support requests etc. They are likely to include:

· Looking for new institutional funding opportunities

· Creating communications content to help HI position with potential partners/donors

· Supporting grant management e.g. uploading reports

· Updating our database and ensuring good document management

· Collating documents for the annual audit

· Developing new content for our intranet and website

You will also have the opportunity to gain experience of the humanitarian and international development sector, for example through:

· Completing HI’s e-learning induction package (including a module on disability inclusion)

· Reading/reviewing proposals and reports

· Researching donor trends and strategies

· Attending cross-organisation meetings on a range of topics including updates from our programmes and technical teams

Person specification

We genuinely value diversity and are looking to build a team of people with a wide of range of personal and professional experience. If you don’t meet all of the criteria listed below but feel you would be a good candidate for this role, please apply. If you would like an informal conversation about this, please do send us an email or call us – we would love to hear from you.

Essential criteria

· Excellent attention to detail.

· Competent in the use of Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams). 

· Strong planning and organisational skills. 

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

· Initiative and the ability to work independently. 

· A positive attitude to working as part of a small team.

· An interest in international charities.

Desirable criteria

· Knowledge about institutional funding and the wider international development and humanitarian sectors.

· Experience of entry level design tools (e.g. Canva), updating websites/intranets, CRM databases and SharePoint.

· Lived experience of disability.

Hours

Hours will be agreed with the volunteer, in accordance with availability. Ideally, you would be available for at least 14 hours per week and able to commit to an initial 4 month period with possibility to extend but this is flexible.

This is a voluntary position but we make contributions to lunch (up to £10/day) and travel costs (up to £15.60/day) on presentation of receipts.

Location

Humanity & Inclusion UK’s office is situated in London SE1. It has an open plan setting.

This volunteer role can be done in the office (when other staff are in) or through a combination of coming into the office and working from home/elsewhere. The contributions to lunch and travel expenses will be provided only for days the volunteer comes into the office.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Jumble Sales Organiser Volunteer

Would you like to raise funds, have fun and join a super team of volunteers who together make our Jumble Sales in Thatcham a great success?  As Jumble Sales Organiser you would be helping to make everything run smoothly for the team.

Time Expectations:  1 Saturday every other month (plus preparations)

This could be a shared role and tasks may include:

· Booking the hall for future Jumbles

· Contacting the Jumble team before events to check availability

· Set up stalls, running a stall and packing away at the end

· Collecting any items/resources needed from the centre the day before

Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.

We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.

Please note:  Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Full training and support will be given for all roles.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 3 May 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 4 May and 15 May 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 27 May 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 3 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 10 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 1 July 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.

Are you passionate about digital storytelling and want to make a real difference for children, young people and families facing cancer? Join us as a Creative Content Volunteer and help share our digital transformation story in a way that inspires and connects.

We are looking for someone age 16+ with lived experience of Young Lives vs Cancer services (or a parent/carer) to help create authentic short, playful videos and posts (think TikTok and YouTube vibes) that showcase the positive changes we’re making through Digital Transformation and how we’re supporting young cancer patients now and in the future.

This flexible, mostly remote role is perfect if you enjoy being creative and want to build your digital skills while supporting Young Lives vs Cancer.

What you will be doing:

• Create short, fun videos and posts about our digital transformation
• Use an authentic, people-first style that feels real and engaging
• Turn technical changes into human stories from your perspective
• (Optional) Present your content at events and grow your network

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their race, class, sex, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. At Young Lives vs Cancer, we don’t just accept difference — we value it, we celebrate it, we nurture it, and we thrive off it. 

We positively welcome your application irrespective of your background. We’re on a journey, and if you join us, you’ll be part of a community that’s committed to making a difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer. 

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

This opportunity will be at both Crook and Durham so volunteers need to be willing to volunteer at both sites.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Play Volunteer - Partners in Learning Programme (Harlesden)

Cities for Children’s Partners in Learning programme is a primary school-based initiative that uses a child-to-child model to support younger children through playful, experiential learning. Older pupils (Big Partners) lead structured play and learning activities for younger pupils (Little Partners), with a strong focus on socio-emotional learning, confidence-building, and positive relationships. The programme takes place in a primary school in Harlesden and includes creative play, science experiments, sensory exploration, and emotional learning activities aligned with the Early Years and KS1 curriculum. 

Commitment: 2 hours per week (once a week) during the school day.

Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed. 

Role Purpose

Play Volunteers support weekly sessions alongside Cities for Children staff, school staff and pupil mentors. The role involves supporting structured play activities, maintaining a safe and inclusive environment, and reinforcing positive behaviour and engagement. 

Key Responsibilities

• Support weekly sessions in a primary school setting

• Work with small groups of younger children during play-based activities

• Support older pupils as they lead activities

• Encourage cooperation, turn-taking, and positive interaction 

• Assist with creative and exploratory learning activities

• Help set up and tidy materials

• Follow safeguarding procedures and report concerns appropriately

• Work collaboratively with programme and school staff

Requirements

• Previous experience working in a school or educational setting (essential)

• Enhanced DBS check in place before starting (essential)

• Confidence working with children in structured group environments

• Understanding of appropriate boundaries, behaviour support, and child safety

• Ability to remain calm, patient, and supportive in busy classroom settings

• Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team

• Commitment to safeguarding guidelines

Cities for Children offers a supportive, well-structured volunteering experience with clear session plans and guidance from programme staff. Volunteers gain hands-on experience of a child-to-child learning model while making a meaningful contribution to children’s confidence, wellbeing, and early learning. 

Application deadline: 19 February 2026

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might:

· Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support

· Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes

· Raise concerns

· Keep detailed notes and records

· Make a real difference to someone’s life

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

CHARITY SHOP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – CUSTOMER SERVICE - HASTINGS

We currently need volunteers for Tuesday and Saturday afternoons, Wednesdays & Friday mornings and all day Sundays.

Please get in touch if you would like to become part of our amazing Volunteer Team!

PURPOSE

To assist the Shop Manger in the running of an Age UK East Sussex Charity Shop with a focus on serving customers, driving sales and store presentation

ROLE OF THE VOLUNTEER

· Greet and thank customers in a polite and friendly manner

· Assist customers in choosing items and actively promote sales

· Replenish and display stock in the shop throughout the day

· Receive donations and complete Gift Aid paperwork

· Handle cash and operate the till following correct procedure

· Take credit card payments using the Streamline system

· Assist in keeping the shop clean and tidy following the cleaning rota

· Undertake other tasks as required by the Shop Manager

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES NEEDED

· Great communication and interpersonal skills

· A pleasant and friendly manner

· Basic numeracy skills

· An eye for detail

· Enjoy working as part of a team

· Trustworthy and reliable

AS A VOLUNTEER WE WOULD ASK YOU TO

· Support the Mission and Vision of Age UK East Sussex by helping us to ensure that our county is a place where people in later life flourish

· Be available to volunteer for at least one regular shift each week. This could be a morning, afternoon or whole day. Depending on the store we open Monday – Sunday.

· Adhere to Age UK East Sussex confidentiality and equal opportunities policies maintaining discretion and confidentiality at all times

· Be reliable and conscientious

· Attend all training and information days, group meetings and supervision

· Exercise patience and understanding when dealing with customers

AS A VOLUNTEER WE WILL OFFER YOU

· An induction and ongoing training with support sessions if required

· Reimbursement of out of pocket travelling expenses

· Full recognition of the time, energy and skills volunteers freely give - for

example long service and merit awards

· The opportunity to be part of a friendly team

· Respect for volunteer’s limitations, both in time and emotional involvement

· The opportunity to meet other volunteers and attend occasional social events

· The opportunity to be involved in the planning and development of Age UK East

Sussex

· Appropriate insurance cover - to protect you whilst you are acting on behalf of

Age UK East Sussex

· The opportunity to enhance your skills in a retail environment.

We place great value on our volunteers - who bring so much to the organisation. Their time, energy and commitment are recognised and greatly appreciated.

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.  

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility 

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way! 

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board! 

Volunteer positions currently available in Coventry and Warwickshire 

Hospital Visitor Volunteer 

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.

As a hospital volunteer, you might: 

• hold drop-in sessions

• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities 

• share information

• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre 

Please note: You must be able to attend one of the following locations on a weekly basis, in order to volunteer as a Hospital Visitor; Caludon Centre or Hawkesbury Lodge (Coventry), Aspen Unit or St Michaals Hospital (Warwickshire) 

Support Session Volunteer

You’ll be supporting people over the age of 18 with disabilities, this may include those with poor mental health, learning difficulties, autism and other disabilities.  Your role will include supporting clients to understand and undertake a task on a one-to-one basis.  The task will vary from client to client as will the needs of the individual. 

As a support session volunteer, you might: 

• help people have their say when it matters most

• Helping individuals navigate challenges and ensuring their needs are met 

• help people to make complaints and use local services 

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening. 

Safeguarding Commitment Statement 

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice. 

ED&I Statement 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options. 

To find out more click “Apply Now”.