Community development team members volunteer roles

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Role Profile

Job Title: Community Engagement Volunteer – Norfolk & Suffolk Victim Care Service

Place of Work: Office & Community based

Hours of Work: Minimum of 8 hours per month

Reporting to: Partnerships & Inclusion Lead

Screening: Enhanced DBS check & Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) – Level 2 (?)

We accept applications from people with a wide range of skills & experiences. Existing knowledge & previous experience are not essential and a full training program will be provided as part of the role. The victims of crime that face our service are of a wide range of people and we are searching for a wide range of volunteers to suite the needs of our service users.

Purpose of the role

To support and work alongside our Partnerships & Inclusion Manager on face-to-face- visits at conferences and events in the community. You will provide direct support to victims of crime in the local community and complete satisfaction surveys for the service, and sign post them on to other local services based on their individual needs..

Activities

· To Support the Partnerships & Inclusion Manager, and other case workers at events. This doesn’t necessarily have to mean you will take a lead at these events but you will be there for face-to-face support for the service users. This could include general chat, making hot drinks, and delivering leaflets, and sign posting to local services.

· You will engage with the public and promote the service to victims of crime, sometimes on occasion where the crime is historic. You will support the Partnerships & Inclusion Manager with running sessions within the community.

· You may come into contact with service users on the tail-end of their journey and will sign post them to any additional services which may help their needs. This could include regular check-ins and follow-ups to see if the service users have used the services available to them.

· Engage with local Universities to spread awareness of the service, common crimes more broadly, and be a part of the overall prevention of crime.

· You will gain a general understanding of the service and the types of crime local to Norfolk & Suffolk. This could include data analysis, crime prevention tactics, and sharing and communicating this information to the general public, service users, and team members as a whole.

· You will be a part of a group that provides initial support to service users and play a front-facing part of the service.

· You will listen to the needs of service users and link them up with relevant support available within the community.

· You will work in partnership with other services and charities to understand what is on offer for Victims of Crime.

· You will support and fill in for practitioners at events which could include for some of our volunteers the opportunity to deliver talks at places such as schools. This includes all other Catch22 policies and legal obligations such as adherence to GDPR.

· You will collect survey responses but also liaise with Partnerships & Inclusion Manager and other team members to respond to the survey if required.

· Ensure that our service users are kept safe and adhere to Catch22’s safeguarding policies and procedures.

Skills & Qualities

· Has an interest and enthusiasm for the Criminal Justice System and a want to care for those that have been a victim of crime.

· Any skills which may be of use to the role such as an ability to analyse and present data.

· Time management skills.

· Excellent communication skills.

· Ability to relate to people from all walks of life.

· Good Administrative & organisational skills.

· Excellent listening skills.

· Ability to collaborate and work independently when needed.

· Understand the confidentiality of individuals.

· Be approachable, friendly and welcoming.

· A non-judgmental and empathetic manner.

· Ability for basic IT systems such as Microsoft Word.

Entry Requirements:

To volunteer for NSVCS, you must be over 18 and of good character. You will have a caring nature and non-judgmental attitude.

The ability to work from our office and willingness to travel to support community engagement across Norfolk and/or Suffolk.

Our Commitment to You:

NSVCS will provide volunteers with suitable training to enable you to fulfill your role in the community.

We also commit to training volunteers more broadly to help them develop their communication skills, admin skills, and grow your understanding of the impact of crime on victims.  We commit to continuing your training through out your volunteering career and encourage our volunteers to learn more about specialist issues, and to keep up-to-date with developments in policy & practice.

A reimbursement of travel in line with our Volunteers Policy.

How to Apply:

Please see role profile on how to apply for this voluntary position. 

The built and natural environment have profound impacts on the health and wellbeing of people and the environment. We believe therefore that our work is more important than ever.

To help support and inform that work we have a Policy Council, which we are looking to broaden the skills and range of perspectives on.

You do not need to be an expert in town planning – it is more important that you believe in the importance of the work we do. But, to help strengthen the range of expertise and perspectives on the Policy Council we are particularly interested in people with relevant experience in, or policy knowledge of, one or more of the following areas:

• Healthy place-making
• Planning law and parliamentary processes
• Affordable housing
• Economic development, investment and/or viability
• Heritage
• Energy efficiency, building design and retrofit

Inclusion is a core value of our organisation and we are passionate about promoting diversity and representation in our Association. We positively encourage applications regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identification, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

To find out more about the TCPA and how to express your interest in these roles please see the recruitment pack and visit our website.

Description of the project

Milpa Community aims to be an open place to exchange ideas, to learn, inspire, and to build the community leadership we need for tomorrow’s world. Its mission is to empower young people from the surrounding area with the skills to be able to have a job, gain confidence and grow surrounded by a communitarian way of living.

We believe that by creating more community experiences, we empower people, youth especially, so they can build their own future and have a better life. In that way, we work toward local development and try to reach sustainability in its three dimensions: environmental, social and economic.

Highlights:

• Empower yourself and others working inside a community-based NGO in Buenos Aires.
• Learn and practice about agroecology. Enjoy working on gardening, landscaping, community development, international development & NGO management

What can you learn as a volunteer?

Volunteers will be able to learn about many topics and maximize what they learn before by helping us to maintain the garden and grounds. Volunteers with previous specific knowledge can prepare workshops or develop specific tasks. Volunteers will enhance their knowledge in practice, helping in the tasks of daily maintenance of the garden, in the organization of community space with the armed schedule, lists of participants’ management and administration tasks of space.

Why is this program important for the community?

The members of the community we work with are families that work hard every day to better their financial situation. 

Many of the young people from the surrounding neighborhoods have not been able to finish their basic studies and therefore can only dream of going to university. The Pacheco Community Center gives them the opportunity to learn a practical trade, work in a team and be prepare for labor market integration.

We focus on training. We help young people build new capacities. Not only can they learn about gardening, landscaping and begin an immersion in agroecology philosophy, but also the Pacheco Community Center has a greenhouse for the students to plant fruits and vegetables, which they will be able to sell and generate their own income.

Role of the Volunteer

The volunteers that come from different parts of the world to exchange knowledge and experience and to work alongside the community members create a mutual spirit of solidarity.

• Learn by helping in practical classes with youth to maintain the garden and grounds.
• Help watering during 20 minutes in the mornings outside the greenhouse if the weather is too dry.
• Help teachers to prepare didactic material for theoretical classes (like diagrams, pictures, boards)
• Help social coordinators to manage the organization of community space with the armed schedule, lists of participants’ management and administration tasks of space.
• Help preparing and attending breakfast or afternoon snack (according daily schedule) for youth.
• Help preparing special monthly workshops: Open day to the community when families and friends share and afternoon with talks, games and relaxing time.

Start Dates

Project is ongoing, and you can join on Spring or Summer (in Argentina)

Language Skills

You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level).

Are you passionate about shaping inclusive, values-led workplaces? Do you bring strategic insight into people, culture, and organisational development? We are seeking an Independent Committee Member to join our People Committee and help guide the charity’s work in creating a high-performing, compassionate and inclusive environment.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise to a respected organisation which is making a real difference across Wales. You’ll work alongside senior leaders, influence strategic decisions, and help uphold the charity’s commitment to excellence, safety, and integrity.

NB: This is a voluntary role with expenses covered in line with our policy. The initial term is three years, with the possibility of extension for a further 3 years.

What you will do

· Provide independent scrutiny, insight and support on people, culture and experience matters

· Support the delivery of the people experience strategy

· Shape people and organisational development work

· Uphold governance and champion the charity’s values

· Attend quarterly People Committee meetings (mostly remote)

· Contribute to wider strategic sessions as required.

What you will need to succeed

· Strategic experience in HR, workforce development, or organisational culture

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills

· Ability to offer objective, evidence-based insight and challenge

· Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and continuous improvement

· Willingness to undertake relevant training (First Aid, Safeguarding, DBS)

What you will gain

· Experience in a large, complex, values-driven organisation

· Opportunities to engage with the Board and Executive Leadership Team

· A chance to make a meaningful impact on communities across Wales

St John - Worldwide

St John is an international charity with 900 years of history that in modern times provides first aid, health care and support services in over 40 countries around the world. Together the 44 Priories make up the Order of St John.

St John - in Wales

St John Ambulance Cymru (SJAC) is an independent Priory within the Order of St John. We are a working Order of Chivalry of the British Crown with His Majesty the King as its Sovereign Head, which is accredited to the United Nations.

We are Wales’ leading first aid charity. Our new 2025-2030 Strategy has the mission of “Wales as a Community of Lifesavers”. In order to do this we have 4 strategic objectives:

1. Experience: We want to be the best volunteering offer in Wales. We want our St John people to have the best experience, training, leadership, and equipment.

2. Maximising the potential of our Children and Young People.

3. Increasing our focus on Community Education.

4.  Making St John more inclusive and sustainable.

We work closely with NHS Wales and the Welsh Ambulance Service University Trust (WASUT). We provide on-site first aid and medical services at events across Wales from local events in your community to international sporting and cultural events.  In order to do this we have around 2000 St John People, a mixture of employees and volunteers as well as around 800 Children and Young People.

How to apply

We are committed to being a diverse organisation which is truly representative of the communities we serve. We are an equal opportunities organisation with an inclusive environment, where we aim to ensure all our people can contribute to their fullest potential. Having a team that reflects the diversity of local communities is particularly important to us, so we encourage people with a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply. Whilst our roots are based in a Christian background, we welcome applicants from other faiths and those without faith.

The application form explores your motivation for applying and asks you to provide information on your relevant experience and skills that you could bring to the role.  Please provide as much information as possible. You will also be asked to upload a CV in support of your application.

Potential candidates with questions about this role are welcome to contact our Director of People, Culture and Experience  or the Chair of the People Committee with their questions or to arrange an informal discussion .

The closing date for applications will be Sunday 12th October.  Interviews will take place during w.c 20th October 2025.

Location: Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire (Hybrid meetings)
Unremunerated, reasonable expenses covered.

PFH has a long and proud tradition of providing superior yet affordable housing options for older people in Hull and East Riding. We are truly a values-based organisation, providing good quality homes and a strong delivery of health and wellbeing services to our residents. We are proud to be small and local, and constantly challenge ourselves to consider what it means to be ‘more than a landlord’ by playing a positive part in our residents’ wellbeing as they move through new stages of their lives. 

We have an opportunity for an experienced non-executive director to join us to ensure we continue to challenge our offering to our residents and keep us pointed in a positive strategic direction. Our Board members will be expected to join a committee commensurate with their skills. We are always aiming to demonstrate governance excellence. We will judge your application on its merits, and we are open to a broad range of skills. Ideally, as we have recently appointed some first-time board members, we are now looking for a senior leader, who has previous non executive experience within a similar setting. If you are looking to contribute to a creative and forward-thinking organisation that supports older people to live without compromise, we offer a collegiate and supportive environment and a great experience that we’re excited to talk to you about. 

Please review the recruitment pack on our website for further information and details of how to apply. 

Applications should be received by 17:00hrs on 19 September 2025.

If you would like to discuss the role please contact Racheal Hoult.

A bit about this role

This role is based in the Mid Kent area covering Maidstone, West Malling, Aylesford, Larkfield, Leybourne, Bearsted, Paddock Wood, West Kingsdown, Wrotham, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham, Lenham etc

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton (CABB) is a leading provider of legal advice and information, supporting thousands of clients every year. We are a busy, client focused and dynamic service with a track record of delivering high quality advice face to face, over the phone and digitally.
 
Our communities continue to face unprecedented challenges with rising costs. The rising cost-of-living continues to directly impact individuals and families, with more people than ever in negative budgets, debt and housing crises.
We are seeking to strengthen our board of trustees, who share our values and are committed to tackling poverty and improving social justice.

We are looking for local individuals who want to share their specialist skills to challenge the impact of poverty, inequality and discrimination and to making a positive difference to the clients we help. 

Having recently undertaken a skills assessment survey of our board, we are now in a position to recruit board members and prioritise the areas needed to enhance our collective board.
Our recent survey identified 2 key areas of strength:

• Core Governance Strength in fundamental governance areas, including Strategic Planning, Risk Management, and understanding the Legal Duties of Trustees. This provides a solid foundation from which to lead the charity. 
• Core Financial Strength: we have a strong finance sub-committee that work closely with the operational team, ensuring our accounting, financial processes and budget are in line with our charitable objectives and remain in a sustainable and stable position. 
   

The key skills gaps identified in our survey, and ones which we are keen to prioritise when recruiting new trustees are:

• Lived experience of advice services and/or social welfare issues
• Service design and impact
• Digital strategy

What does a trustee do:
Attend board and committee meetings (quarterly), ensuring that you are prepared for the meetings (reading papers etc) and taking an active part in discussions to; 

• Set policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate the performance of CABB.
• Use experience, knowledge and expertise to dissect the information provided by the organisation to satisfy that board is reaching sound decisions, which benefit our communities.
• Monitor the financial position of the CABB ensuring that it operates within its means and charitable objectives.
• Seek the views of all sections of the community, review and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community.
• Ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers is effective and sustainable.
• Review its own work and how effectively it operates including action for improvement.
• Work on specific projects with other trustees or staff within CABB to further our strategic objectives.
• Safeguard the reputation of CABB and ensuring the compliance of governing documents and processes (articles of association, charity law, company law etc).
   

In a stable position both financially and operationally, we are now in a period of growth and development, ensuring our ambitious business plan is not only met, but aligned to the emerging needs of our clients. 

To apply, please submit a CV and Cover Letter.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers in the Crawley, Reigate and district area
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers in the Horsham and district area
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Summary

We're seeking Trustees with expertise in grant making, the charity sector, finance or marketing to guide funding decisions and grow local philanthropy and benefit communities and charities across Essex.

Application Deadline

10/3/2025

Job Description

Become a Trustee and Make a Difference in Essex Next year marks 30 years of Essex Community Foundation (ECF) backing the charities at the heart of Essex, Southend & Thurrock. Each year we award grants to 500+ local organisations, supported by 200+ donors and fundholders. Why join our Board? Use your skills to shape funding that changes lives. Gain insight into the charity sector and work with people passionate about stronger communities. We’re recruiting voluntary Trustees with expertise in: • Grant making • Charity/voluntary sector • Finance • Marketing & Communications First-time or experienced Trustees welcome. We provide a full induction, ongoing training and mentoring. Commitment: Board meets 4× a year (in person/virtual). Roles are unpaid; expenses covered. We are passionate about our board reflecting the diverse communities we serve. Ready to help us grow our impact? Get in touch to learn more and apply.

Location

Essex

Working from

Hybrid

Remuneration

Voluntary role but expenses paid.

How to apply

Please submit your application via our website by 5pm on Friday 3 October 2025. Interested candidates can download our trustee Recruitment Information Pack via our website. Your Application must include your CV, and a short personal statement responding to three questions found in the pack. If you would like to have a chat with one of our current trustees, then please just email our recruitment team and we will arrange for a telephone call. 

Background Information

Villa 21 is a large unstable housing settlement South of Buenos Aires. It mostly lacks paved roads and sewerage; many houses are made of perishable materials and have no running water or drainage. The neighborhood faces serious health problems, as it is located on the creek that divides the capital city of the province, and is highly contaminated, causing respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases that primarily affect children. The soup kitchen is visited by approximately 50 people from the neighborhood for lunch every day. The space is also available to support teenagers when there are volunteer teachers willing to help them.

The support from social organizations is fundamental in this very poor neighborhood, mainly because its precarious situation affects families that need to face a lack of infrastructures and serious problems of public sanitation. Indeed, many families live in houses where they have problems with light and where they don't have running water nor a drainage system, in an area which has huge weaknesses in terms of sewer systems and road pavements. Moreover, it is located near a river which is highly contaminated by the chemicals released by nearby factories, and this generates respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases that mainly affect the children. Although faced with this situation, people don't receive any help from the government to improve their standards of living that are now miserable and harmful to their health. There are some housing construction projects in the works but they are slow-coming and displacing the inhabitants that are the most affected by the contamination of the river. In addition to this precariousness, today, ambulances refuse to come into the area.

Why is this project important for the community?

The soup kitchen cooks for the kindergarten and the people from the town. Thus, this organization is based on working with families and children from first to seventh grade, supporting them in their growing and development process, with a team of professionals and social workers. This Community Center was founded in 1994 and began as a soup kitchen until it expanded into a kindergarten with the help of the mothers from the area.

The main goal of the Community Center is to offer the children's families a place of education and integral support. Moreover, the kitchen and center help to compensate these families’ economic situation. It is a place of exchange between teachers, social workers, parents and volunteers from the area and from Voluntario Global that work together for the safe upbringing of the children. It is also a place where the unemployed women from the area are able to have training sessions that take place periodically with professionals.

Role of the Volunteer

From 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, the kitchen prepares breakfast and lunch for the kids in the kindergarten and it also prepares food for the community members. The volunteer will be able to help in many tasks such as assist the women in the kitchen by washing and cutting vegetables, preparing the dessert for the children and help in the cleaning process after everything is served.

What do you learn as a volunteer?

When helping at the Soup Kitchen, you learn to appreciate the value of the small things, how to truly connect with people and the power that these relationships can have on your life and the lives of others, on the communities and the future. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what language you speak, what kind of house you live in or what kind of job you have. In the end, we are all human and we get so mixed up in focussing on other unimportant aspects that we forget that deep down we’re all the same. You will realise that even the smallest thing you do, can make someone else's day.

How does your work impact on the community?

Your help is invaluable for the workers and for the community members because this center is an integral part of their everyday life. Furthermore, the ladies and workers would not be able to participate in this cultural exchange if there aren’t any volunteers willing to help. The women also love helping the volunteers learn a bit of Spanish because they are like family to them. Here, the volunteer can learn so much about the Argentinian culture and see how many traditional dishes are prepared. It’s a place where you can completely feel the support of a community and you never leave the kitchen without a smile on your face.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers in the Mid-Sussex area
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Applicants will be asked to complete an application form and provide details for two references

St Leonards Youth & Community Centre are looking for someone with accounting experience to join the Board as a Trustee to advise on financial matters, ensure we meet our financial obligations, and help us build a sound financial strategy.

What will you be doing?

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the charity and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. The Treasurer leads the financial affairs of the charity and ensures that they are conducted within required legal and accounting best practice. It is also the responsibility of the Treasurer to work in partnership with the Chairperson and other trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.

Key tasks:

• ensure the board fulfils its financial responsibilities
• ensure that the Charity has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance and reporting
• inform the trustee board members of the finances of the Charity by written report, at least on a quarterly basis ensuring that the board have a clear picture of the financial health of the food bank
• ensure that financial reports: are comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings; are provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales); have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners, as our income is over £25K

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate
• to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
• To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored and progress is evaluated
• to provide financial statements
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of, and commitment to, the work of St Leonards Youth & Community Centre
• a willingness to engage with the local community, including our beneficiaries and volunteers
• previous experience or an ability in: financial accounting and reporting procedures; communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background; keeping all financial records up to date
• confidence to actively participate in discussions concerning the needs of the charity, always acting in its best interests
• experience of working effectively with others
• sound, independent judgement and the ability to think creatively

What difference will you make?

By leading on the financial matters of the charity’s operation, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or coming into contact with St Leonards Youth & Community Centre.