Community connector support volunteer roles

Inspiring, supportive, and committed - just a few of the words we’d use to describe our volunteers. 

At Rethink Mental Illness, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They play a vital role in supporting our services and making a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can have a positive impact while developing your own skills and experience, we’d love you to join us. 

About the role

We are looking for Volunteer Befrienders to support our Brent Mental Health service in the London Borough of Brent. 

As a Volunteer Befriender, you will be required to travel across Brent to meet with service users and carry out your role. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 2 hours per week to volunteering. 

You will be supported by Befriending Volunteer Coordinators who will provide regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.

About the service

Our Brent Mental Health service provides support to people aged 18 and above, who live in the Borough of Brent, and who have a mental illness and are known to the local NHS trust Central and North West London (CNWL).

The Befriending Service aims to;

• Reduce social isolation of service users
• Increase the confidence of service users in accessing community resources independently
• Provide meaningful activities and peer support for service users 
• Help service users to live happier, healthier, independent lives
• Provide volunteering opportunities for people with mental health issues
• Reduce stigma and raise mental health awareness

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Befriender:

• Meeting with service users in locations and times which meet their needs (including evenings and weekends)
• Provide befriending support to a maximum of 2 service users at any one time
• Provide emotional support based on your own lived experience
• Support service users to access and build social and community networks and activities
• Act as a community connector to local services

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• You will have good communication skills
• You will be flexible to meet the needs of the service users

How to apply 

To apply, simply click the “apply now” button on the advert on our website and complete a short interest form. 

If you would like to express an interest in this opportunity, please complete an application as soon as possible, as the advert may close early if we receive a high level of interest.

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion  

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. 

Who we are

We break down barriers to employment across the UK, supporting capable people excluded by age, background, experience gaps, or non-linear careers. Through Personalised Job Search Support and our innovative Practice Hub, we help them succeed.

What will you be doing?

Are you a natural connector with deep corporate networks and a track record of building influential relationships? 

We are seeking an experienced outreach leader to help us expand partnerships and open new opportunities that change lives.

What are we looking for?

Skills, Experience & Qualities We Value

• Extensive networks within the corporate sector and beyond, with the ability to open doors and create opportunities.
• Proven experience in outreach, stakeholder engagement, or partnership development with an established corporate network.
• Relationship-building expertise, with a track record of forging long-term, mutually beneficial connections.
• Strategic mindset, able to identify and nurture opportunities that align with our mission.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, comfortable engaging with senior leaders and decision-makers.
• Collaborative spirit, working in partnership with our team to expand reach and impact.
• Commitment and integrity, with the passion to use your experience for social good and lasting change.

Please provide a brief cover letter explaining why you would like to volunteer with us. Feel free to include ways this opportunity will help your own career goals. Interviews will be an informal online chat with our Director. 

Must have Right to Work in the UK.

What difference will you make?

By dedicating meaningful time each week, you can use your expertise and connections to forge powerful collaborations, strengthen our networks, and help break barriers to employment across the UK.

Digital Trustee at WellChild

Purpose of the Role:

The Digital Trustee will advise on the use of AI and digital technologies to build internal capability and efficiency, improve service design, enhance data-driven decision-making, and expand our fundraising and communications impact. They will play a vital role in shaping WellChild’s digital and AI roadmap.

The ideal candidate will bring a blend of strategic insight, ethical awareness, and hands-on digital experience, along with a strong network of digital professionals. They will be a trusted advisor to the Board and a supportive, critical friend to the Senior Management Team (SMT), helping WellChild navigate the evolving digital landscape.

Attributes:
Digital and AI Expertise

• Experience with digital transformation, AI/ML applications, and emerging tech trends.
• Familiarity with ethical AI, data privacy, and responsible innovation.
• Competency in systems such as CRM platforms, digital service design, marketing automation, and analytics.

Strategic Leadership

• Ability to distil complex technical topics into accessible insights.
• Experience advising or serving on boards, with an understanding of digital governance and risk.

Values and Collaboration

• Commitment to WellChild’s mission and inclusive practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative mindset, and willingness to act as a connector to your networks.

General Trustee Responsibilities:

As a Trustee, you will also:

• Ensure the charity complies with its governing documents and relevant legislation
• Contribute to strategic planning and performance evaluation
• Safeguard the charity’s assets and reputation
• Provide oversight on digital risk, cybersecurity, and ethical AI use in service delivery and operations
• Support fundraising and act as an ambassador for WellChild
• Attend four Board meetings per year (a mix of hybrid and face-to-face), relevant subcommittee meetings, one strategy away day, and key events such as the WellChild Awards

Diversity and Inclusion:

WellChild is committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the families and communities we support. 

We activelyencourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, younger candidates, and those with lived experience of disability or digital exclusion.

We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our decision-making and help us better serve children and young people with complex medical needs. If you are passionate about digital innovation and social impact, even if you haven’t served on a board before, we would love to hear from you.

What We Offer You:

• The opportunity to shape a national charity’s digital future.
• A purposeful board experience with a collaborative, forward-thinking team.
• Exposure to social impact initiatives at the intersection of technology and care.
• Support and onboarding for those new to trustee roles.

Want to know more?

On our website, you will find a range of information that will help you learn more about WellChild and the incredible work that the WellChild Team does alongside:

• Profiles of our highly skilled and experienced trustees and SMT
• Role specific Trustee pack
• Contact details for more information and an informal discussion.
• WellChild Strategy Thriving at Home: Our Strategy 2024 - 2027
• Annual Report and Accounts – year ended 31 March 2025

Equal Opportunities:

WellChild actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. We match charity needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charity and families that we work with.

Safer Recruitment:

Safer Recruitment WellChild is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees, trustees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process. The successful candidate will be required to complete regular safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check relevant to the requirements of the role. This role will involve an enhanced disclosure.

Conflict of interest:

All our trustees are required to be free of actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

We are looking for an experienced person to join WellChild as a Digital Trustee. They will be a trusted advisor to the Board and a supportive, critical friend to the Senior Management Team (SMT), helping WellChild navigate the evolving digital landscape.

Purpose of the role:

The Digital Trustee will advise on the use of AI and digital technologies to build internal capability and efficiency, improve service design, enhance data-driven decision-making, and expand our fundraising and communications impact. They will play a vital role in shaping WellChild’s digital and AI roadmap. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of strategic insight, ethical awareness, and hands-on digital experience, along with a strong network of digital professionals. They will be a trusted advisor to the Board and a supportive, critical friend to the Senior Management Team (SMT), helping WellChild navigate the evolving digital landscape.