Community group volunteer volunteer roles in stratford, greater london

RSBC are looking for volunteers to get involved with our range of online clubs for children and young people with visual impairments. 

Role: Online Activities Volunteer

Commitment: Currently, sessions are run both during the week (mostly in the afternoon) and at weekends (usually on a Saturday). Activity volunteering is a flexible commitment, and you will be able to sign up for the session you like and when you have time. It really is up to you and your availability. 

Location: Remote

Availability: RSBC Events · https://lu.ma/rsbc

Age:  18+ 

Our Mission Statement: 

RSBC believes that every blind young person should have the chance to live life without limits. 

By giving young people the essential skills and confidence to take control of their life, they can unleash their true potential.

Our success depends on our values 

Underpinning all RSBC’s work are values embedded in trust and excellence: 

TRUST: Respect and accountability 

ENERGY: Straight talking and constantly learning 

AMBITION: Confronting reality and driving results 

MOTIVATION: Vision impaired children and young people are our number one priority, and we look for solutions, not problems 

What will I be doing?

Our amazing Activity Volunteers play a key role in supporting blind children and young people to take part in a variety of activities. These range from sports, creative (singing, performing, art), audiobook club and day trips. Our activities are designed for blind young people to meet new friends, gain confidence, learn new skills/sports, and become more independent. The skills you have developed in your career and personal life will be invaluable to our young people. 

Key Tasks and Main Duties 

Online activities: 

• support the session timetable 

• facilitate the communication and social interaction between participants 

• encourage members of the group to participate and share their opinions 

Who are you?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow RSBC’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for RSBC. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of sight problems. 

What’s in it for me?

RSBC offers the opportunity to gain insight and experience into helping others with sight issues. As part of your volunteering, you will have access to Sighted Guide training, a training session designed to help you understand the issues and complexities of sight problems and give you the ability to help others navigate the world.

RSBC also provides paid expenses for your volunteering experience, you can claim up to £10 per day.

RSBC can also provide references and impact reports from your volunteering if required. 

You will be fully supported in your role by our team of expert and compassionate service delivery team.

Develop or utilise your skills – As a volunteer, you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to develop new skills or use those you already have, which can help to build your CV, boost your employability and give you a sense of satisfaction. 

What's in it for the Community? 

Make a difference to people’s lives

Help in your community

Help deliver creative services to help people with sighted issues feel included in the world around them.

Make a direct and tangible difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted children and young people. 

Safeguarding:

Due to the nature of the role, before you can begin volunteering with RSBC there are some required safeguarding checks which will need to be completed.

All RSBC volunteers undergo an Enhanced DBS check (paid for by RSBC) and must provide two references.

All volunteers will also be booked onto safeguarding training.

RSBC risk assesses all its services and activities.

Next Steps: 

If this sounds like you, please fill out an expression of interest, and one of our volunteer team members will get back to you!

Could you be the person who helps a young man rewrite his future?
At Trailblazers, we believe in second chances. Since 1998, we’ve been mentoring young men in prison to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures. Through a programme of 1:1 mentoring and practical support, we support men aged 18–35 during the last 6 months of their sentence and for up to 12 months after release.

In London, our services run at HMP Brixton and HMPYOI Isis, and we’re looking for volunteer mentors who can commit half a day per week to help someone change their life.

What You’ll Do

• Be a positive and empathetic role model whilst supporting someone to fulfil their potential
• Meet regularly to build a supportive, consistent relationship with a mentee for a minimum of 12 months
• Help set goals and celebrate achievements
• Support reintegration into the community, education, and employment
• Attend and participate fully in mentor training and develop an understanding of the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a volunteer mentor
• Engage with ongoing support and supervision sessions to regularly review performance within mentoring relationships
• Perform your role in line with the aims of Trailblazers, following relevant policies and procedures and reporting safeguarding concerns immediately
• Keep mentoring session notes and communicate regularly with Trailblazers staff

Mentoring sessions last around 1 hour per week, with additional time needed for travel and liaison. We ask for a 12-month commitment to ensure consistency for the mentee.

Why It Matters

The national re-offending rate is up to 55%. For those with a Trailblazers mentor, it drops to just 7%. Your time could be the turning point in someone’s life.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome all backgrounds and skill sets, especially those with experience in:

• The criminal justice system
• Underrepresented communities (including BAME groups)

All we ask if that you are:

• Empathetic, non-judgmental and committed to social change
• Professional but relatable with strong communication skills
• Able to advocate for your mentee and help them to overcome barriers
• Comfortable using basic IT and taking guidance from staff
• Willing to travel and undertake visits for mentoring sessions on a weekly or fortnightly basis
• Committed to supporting one young man for up to a year

 Requirements

• Aged 21+
• British citizen (due to prison security checks)
• Live within 30 miles of the prison at which you want to volunteer
• Good level of fitness (prison visits may involve stairs and fast-paced movement)
• Not barred from working with vulnerable adults or children
• If you have lived experience of the criminal justice system, you must be off licence for at least 12 months and not in crisis
• You cannot volunteer at a prison where you were previously a resident

What We Offer

• Full training and ongoing support
• Out-of-pocket expenses covered
• A chance to make a real difference

Ready to be the change?
Visit our website for more information and to apply. We’d love to hear from you.

Home-Start Suffolk is seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board of Trustees as Vice Chair.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in a well-established and growing charity that
supports families across Suffolk. As Vice Chair, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO and wider Board to
help shape our strategic direction, support strong governance and ensure we continue to meet the needs of
families in our communities.

We are specifically looking for someone with charity governance experience. You will bring a solid
understanding of how effective boards operate and feel confident supporting other trustees, offering
constructive challenge and helping to ensure the charity meets its legal and strategic responsibilities.
This Vice Chair role is part of our wider trustee recruitment and we welcome applicants who bring any of the
following:

• Experience or knowledge of the local charity or voluntary sector
• Understanding of family support or volunteer management
• Strong networks and connections within local businesses
• Previous involvement with Home-Start Suffolk as a volunteer or someone who has received support
• A passion for making a difference in your community

Interested?
We would love to hear from you. more information and a candidate pack can be found on our website.

Closing date: This is an open and rolling recruitment
Interviews: Held as applications are received
 

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a distinctive and values-driven organisation. We are currently seeking a new Trustee who, after three months of service on our Board, would step into the role of Chair, with the current Chair completing their term after this successful appointment.

The Chair of Headway East London plays a crucial role in providing inclusive leadership and clear direction to the Board of Trustees. They will support the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for the charity’s ambitious strategy and governance and ensure the effective working of the Board as a collective. A key part of the role will be to both support and hold to account the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team.

The Chair will act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to the Chief Executive and represent Headway East London externally alongside them. They will be a visible and approachable presence within our community, upholding the importance of relationships with our members – people living with brain injury – and ensuring that this insight informs strategic thinking.

We are looking for someone who brings: 

• A strong track record of board-level leadership and a sound understanding of good governance in the charity sector.
• Experience of transformation and organisational development.
• Excellent communication and chairing skills – able to ask thoughtful, challenging questions and facilitate productive Board discussions.
• Extensive understanding of charity finances and risk oversight.
• The ability to work collaboratively with the Chief Executive to shape and monitor organisational goals, policies and performance.
• A natural, down-to-earth style – personable, non-hierarchical and approachable.
• A commitment to community – with lived or professional experience of brain injury, or a clear understanding of its impact.
• A values-led approach and belief in the power of human relationships to drive strategic outcomes.

The Chair will also help foster relationships with partners, funders and supporters, helping to strengthen Headway East London’s reputation and long-term sustainability.

Headway East London is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we are committed to ensuring that all staff are motivated, skilled and rewarded by their work. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age and other protected status as required by law. We promote and protect human rights; they are the foundation of what we do. We want to be an inclusive place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. We are focused on equality and believe that all the fascinating characteristics that make us different, make us more able to deliver our life-changing work with passion and creativity.

Volunteer for the friendliest club in London!

About the opportunity

Can you spare 2 hours a week on a Thursday evening to work with some of the most friendly, welcoming people you’ll ever meet? If so, then please come and help our volunteers to organise fun activities at our ever-growing club for people with learning disabilities. No previous experience is needed, you just need a caring attitude and sense of fun.

Our club is split into two age groups 14-25 yrs (Juniors Club) and 25 yrs+ (Vets Club). You have a chance to make a real difference to either group by creating new experiences, helping our members to grow in confidence, build friendships and learn new skills. Our specialist club leaders will support and train you and you’ll benefit from working in a very rewarding environment!

What are we looking for?

• You do not need previous experience, just an open mind and a positive attitude towards disability.
• You need to be willing to have fun and commit to The Vets Club or Juniors Club, on at least a fortnightly basis.
• You will need enthusiasm and good communication
• Available regularly (but not necessarily every week) on Thursdays between 7pm and 9pm.

Why take part?

The Squad helps to reduce social isolation; helps vulnerable people to grow in confidence and play a part in their wider community. 

In this scheme you will no doubt learn new things about yourself and life.  You will develop great skills and be part of a rewarding experience.  The Vets Club and Juniors Club will support you throughout, offering training, advice and supervision.

What does a typical Thursday night session look like?

It can be anything from cooking, visiting a local open mike night, museums, arts and crafts, the most competitive game of Uno you'll ever have, table tennis, basketball, musice, dance, we tried sound-bathing recently, basically anything and everything that we design with our members.

Please note: Applicants must be UK-based and able to travel easily to Wimbledon area. Living in London or near SW London. Travel expenses are not covered to and from Squad but reasonable expenses can be covered (when agreed in advance) for travel or other necessities as part of Squad sessions.

Location: Remote with travel across England/Wales
Contract: Fixed-term project (Length TBC)
Hours: Part-time

Salary: Volunteer
Reporting to: Peer Support Lead

About Long Covid Support

Long Covid Support is a registered charity committed to advocating for and supporting individuals living with Long Covid. Our work includes peer support, awareness campaigns, and partnership building to address the ongoing needs of people with Long Covid across the UK.

Role Overview

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Project Manager to establish two in-person peer support networks for individuals with Long Covid in underserved communities in England and Wales. This is a dynamic and collaborative role, ideal for someone with strong project management skills and a passion for community-based health support.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research and Scoping

• Identify and scope two target areas with high prevalence and need for Long Covid support.
• Collaborate with the Peer Support Lead, local contacts, and established community groups.
• Conduct visits, assess existing support networks, and engage through social media.
• Evaluate suitability of community spaces in partnership with our community space provider.

2. Assessment of Resources and Gaps

• Map existing services, networks, and links to the charity’s current support offerings.
• Identify service gaps and opportunities where peer support groups could add value.

3. Implementation and Support

• Set up two local peer support groups using identified community spaces.
• Recruit and train volunteer facilitators to run group sessions.
• Connect with expert services for supplementary support at group meetings.

4. Evaluation and Reporting

• Use appropriate evaluation tools to measure impact and effectiveness.
• Produce a comprehensive project summary with findings, learnings, and recommendations for future initiatives.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Demonstrated experience managing short to medium-term projects.
• Background in peer support or community health initiatives.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Familiarity with evaluation tools and reporting processes.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Long Covid or experience working in long-term health conditions.
• Existing network or experience working in England/Wales health or community sectors.

Say Aphasia is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled volunteer grant writer to join our small but dedicated team. As a proactive member of our charity, you will help secure funding to support people living with Aphasia—a communication disability that affects over 360,000 people across the UK.

Job description:

As our Grant Writer you will be responsible for identifying appropriate grant opportunities, and managing the grant development and proposal process from research to submitting grant applications with any supporting documents.

As our grant writer, you will:

• Identify appropriate sources of funding where we fit their criteria. 

• Write appropriately tailored grant/funding bids that meet funders’ interests and requirements and to write any additional documents in support of funding bids.

• Help develop a Trusts and Foundations strategy to help create and maintain strong and diverse income that meets Say Aphasia’s funding needs.

• Create a calendar of grant deadlines and track submitted funding proposals.

• Help us develop a case for support.

• The bid writer will receive a percentage from successful funding received from their submitted applications.

If you are an experienced grant writer or you just enjoy researching and persuasive writing then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a someone who has:

• Experience of being a grant writer, project proposal writer, marketing, or nonprofit development.

• Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential.

• Creative and persuasive written and spoken communication skills. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to inspire and engage diverse audiences.

• Self-motivated and highly-organised.

• Ability to work remotely.

• Ability to search online databases and other sources to identify appropriate funds.

• An understanding of how grant funding works, and the variety of requirements from different Trusts and Foundations.

• Ability to organise your own work, track and report back regularly. 

• Ideally have a good network of people, organisations and charities which can help us to support our projects.

• Determination to get the job done.

You would be working closely with the charity’s Service Manager, with regular updates and remote meetings as needed. We have an induction process that will help successful applicants to understand how our charity operates. We would like to offer the volunteer a commission on successful grant applications. 

Join The Kids Network to Support Children in Your Tower Hamlets Community! 

Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or spend your time in a meaningful way? The Kids Network gives you the chance to make a real difference in a child’s life while developing your own skills and building connections. Support a Little Londoner in Tower Hamlets by helping them grow in confidence. Set aside a little time each week to explore the different areas of Tower hamlets, get creative, have fun, and make a lasting impact in your local community!

If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.

Why Choose The Kids Network?

• Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
• Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
• Proven Impact: With 100% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring.

Impact on Mentees

• Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
• Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Connection

• Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
• Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
• Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.

 Join Us Today

Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.

For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website

Main purpose of job: To host our Parent/Carer online community support group as part of Mast Cell Actions community support services.

Key tasks include:

· Host support sessions with professionalism and enthusiasm.

· Moderate Q&A sessions, and facilitate audience interaction to keep participants engaged.

· Manage technical aspects of virtual events, to ensure smooth execution.

· Take the register and send post event emails using our bespoke event platform

· Raise safeguarding concerns using internal processes and procedures. Training will be provided

· Maintain confidentiality and follow charity policies and procedures

· Undertake relevant training

Key Objectives Include:

· The main purpose of this role is to facilitate and host our Parent/Carer Support Sessions alongside another volunteer

· Host support sessions in a manner that captivates and engages the audience, keeping them interested and actively participating throughout the event.

· Reassure and validate participants' experiences whilst encouraging story-sharing.

· Manage the technical aspects of virtual events proficiently.

· Represent Mast Cell Action professionally at all times, demonstrating strong communication skills, reliability, and adaptability in a virtual environment.

Experience/skills required:

· Proven experience as a virtual event host, moderator, or similar role is desirable but not essential as we can train you.

· Must have personal experience of being a parent or carer for a child with MCAS or suspected MCAS

Are you passionate about supporting people to improve their language and communication skills? If you’re knowledgeable in the field of ESOL and able to facilitate engaging, in-person sessions for adult learners, we’d love to hear from you! 

Purpose of role 
We are looking for a highly motivated, experienced and creative tutor with excellent interpersonal, numeracy and digital skills; excellent written English and efficient organisational skills to teach one of our outreach classes in South Kensington, London every Saturday from 16:00-18:00.

Start – 07/06/2025 (negotiable)

End – 02/08/2025 (negotiable)

The course is aimed at learners designed for English speakers of other languages at Entry 3/ Level 1 who want to further develop their English language skills along with their employment skills. Learners can choose to specialise in retail, care or other vocational area. Learners will focus on the fundamentals required in a working environment, bolstering their confidence in writing and reading skills and communication abilities.

Skills/ experience

• CELTA or similar qualification is desirable
• Teaching experience is desirable

The aim is to support adult learners who need to improve their English language skills, working both individually and as part of the Adult Education team to plan and deliver an agreed number of ESOL courses. 

You need to: 

- Be passionate about helping people achieve their potential 

- Be a qualified ESOL practitioner (CELTA, DELTA, DTTLS ESOL or Literacy) 

- Be knowledgeable in your subject field 

- Be able to carry out effective planning, monitoring and evaluation of courses 

- Demonstrate a high level of computer literacy 

- Be able to use your own initiative, and to organise and prioritise your workload 

- Be able to meet deadlines and work under pressure 

- Be able to identify and implement changes in existing systems 

- Be able to maintain excellent working relationships with colleagues and students 

- Demonstrate awareness of and commitment to the safeguarding and promotion of welfare of vulnerable adults, according to the charity’s ethos 

- Be committed to the provision of a quality service and the implementation of quality improvements 

- Demonstrate awareness of and commitment to valuing equal opportunities and diversity 

- Be committed to taking a full and active role in the life of the charity and be committed to its aims and values 

- Have a flexible approach to work and be able to work flexibly throughout the week/over the year by prior agreement 

 - All applicants must have the right to work in the UK 

About Nova 
Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards and those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.   
  
Reaching 2,000+ people each year, we: 
• Develop knowledge, education and confidence  
• Connect diverse groups   
• Provide opportunities  
  
Our work, operates on 2 levels:  

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), adult education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  
• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action  ​ 

London City Mission (LCM) shares the gospel alongside the local church of London, equipping everyday Christians to lovingly bring a message of hope in Christ to those least likely to hear it.

Webber Street is LCM’S Day Centre for people who are homeless - based just around the corner from Waterloo station. We welcome up to 70 guests a day - we seek to give them not only relief from life on the streets, but also help in taking the first step out of homelessness.

We also seek to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of guests, as well as the physical ones, to help restore some of the dignity that life on the streets has taken from them and to share the life-transforming news of Jesus!

Role Description:

Morning Volunteer (Mondays to Thursdays 8:00-12:30)

This role involves serving our guests breakfast at our morning sessions when we usually have around 60-80 guests each session. Our volunteers come from many walks of life, backgrounds and church traditions, we want to make the best use of your gifts to connect with all of our guests and provide relevant support to them.

No. of volunteers required:  3 each morning

Afternoon Volunteer (Mondays to Thursdays 13:00-16:00)

You can also join us in helping at our weekly afternoon sessions when we have a smaller number of guests. Perhaps you have a gift of listening and coming alongside others; maybe you have artistic gifts where you can come up with new ideas for art and crafts activities and taking the lead in making these happen; maybe you have the skills to help the men with their CVs; maybe you like to show hospitality in welcoming our guests or have a heart serve drinks and refreshments; you can also join or be the lead of our weekly Bible Group.

Our weekly afternoon schedule are as follows:

Mondays- Arts group

Wednesdays- Bible group

Thursdays- Drop in (fortnightly)

No. of volunteers required:  2 each afternoon

Women only space (Fridays 9:00-12:30)

This is a designated safe space for women guests which operates once per week at our centre.  You can join our team if you would like to support our women guests.

Note: This is for female volunteers only

Centre Team

This role involves supporting the centre practically by working in our clothes store, assisting in the kitchen, and doing other practical jobs around the building such as maintenance. It's a hands-on type of role but a vital part of the ongoing ministry of Webber Street.

General Tasks

The role of volunteers at Webber Street Day Centre is to welcome and care for our guests from homeless communities. You will help to ensure smooth operation of the Day Centre by preparing the space and leaving, to help with respective activities based on its weekly programme. Specific duties will include some of the following:

Morning sessions:

o Meeting and welcoming the people who come to Webber Street Day Centre

o Assisting our staff and other volunteers in preparing the room for our guests and leaving it clean and tidy at the end of the session

o Socialising and chatting with those who attend

o Having gospel conversations with our guests

o Praying with guests at their request

o Signposting guests to where they can get help and advice

Afternoon sessions:

o Similar to the tasks in morning session, while volunteer may lead or help with art and craft activities, lead or help with bible group, welcoming guests and help with refreshments.

About You

We are looking for Christians have a compassionate heart to care for those on the margins of society and want to put their faith into action by serving.

We want to make the best use of your gifts and experience, as well as finding a time that fits with your schedule, so we’ll work with you to define how we can serve best. We have volunteers commit to come weekly, fortnightly or monthly etc.

You should be comfortable sharing your faith with guests at natural opportunities.

Job description

Are you passionate about education and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential? If you’re knowledgeable in the field of Digital Skills and able to facilitate engaging, in-person sessions for adult learners, we’d love to hear from you! 

Purpose of role

We are looking for a highly motivated, experienced and creative tutor with excellent interpersonal, numeracy and digital skills; excellent written English and efficient organisational skills. 

The aim is to support adult learners who need to improve their Digital skills, working both individually and as part of the Adult Education team to plan and deliver an agreed number of Digital skills courses.

Day/time – Monday  & Friday – 10:30am – 12:30

Start – 20/06/25

End - 28/07/25

Course description:

This class is specifically aimed at learners (ESOL Entry 2 +) who want to develop their basic digital skills. We work a lot on essential computer functions such as turning devices on and off, using the mouse and navigating applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Lessons are based on a wide range of different topics, but will have a particular focus on practising their digital literacy skills.

You need to:

- Be passionate about helping people achieve their potential

- Be a qualified/experienced Digital Skills practitioner

- Be knowledgeable in your subject field

- Be able to carry out effective planning, monitoring and evaluation of courses

- Demonstrate a high level of computer literacy

- Be able to use your own initiative, and to organise and prioritise your workload

- Be able to meet deadlines and work under pressure

- Be able to identify and implement changes in existing systems

- Be able to maintain excellent working relationships with colleagues and students

- Demonstrate awareness of and commitment to the safeguarding and promotion of welfare of vulnerable adults, according to the charity’s ethos

- Be committed to the provision of a quality service and the implementation of quality improvements

- Demonstrate awareness of and commitment to valuing equal opportunities and diversity

- Be committed to taking a full and active role in the life of the charity and be committed to its aims and values

- Have a flexible approach to work and be able to work flexibly throughout the week/over the year by prior agreement

 - All applicants must have the right to work in the UK

About Nova 
Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards and those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.   
  
Reaching 2,000+ people each year, we: 
• Develop knowledge, education and confidence  
• Connect diverse groups   
• Provide opportunities  
  
Our work, operates on 2 levels:  

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), adult education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  
• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action  ​

We are delighted to have secured funding to deliver a 24-month befriending programme. This exciting opportunity will support the delivery of our ambitious five-year strategy by:

- Promoting Independence - ensuring more older people can stay independent for longer

- Providing Connection - enabling friendship and social connection for older People

The befriending service will be provided through 2 different strands which aim to support older people in different ways based on the needs identified via an assessment. Clients will enter the strand that is most appropriate to their needs.

- Strand A: We will offer a local face-to-face service of up to 1 hour for 26 weeks. Strand A provision would be appropriate for older people who have experienced a recent life event, such as a hospital admission, bereavement or home move and who need time limited support and guidance to connect with suitable services and activities.

- Strands B: We will offer ongoing support either face-to- face of up to 1 hour or by telephone between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Strand B provision is for older people leaving Strand A that require long term support or for those who are identified as needing ongoing face-to-face or local telephone befriending support on entry to the programme. As a befriender you will be asked to select your type of volunteering preference.

Purpose of Role 

• Provide companionship, emotional support, and a listening ear to people who may be lonely or isolated. 

• Provide monthly reports to the Volunteer Manager on your client. 

Key tasks 

• Make a regular weekly visit or phone call to a client who has been matched to you, at a time suitable to the older person.

• Provide conversation and company. 

• Spend time chatting with the client, talking with them about their current and past life experiences. 

• Report any emerging issues or concerns that the older person has agreed to be shared with us such as safeguarding issues or a change in personal circumstance or health. 

• Make the client aware of any other services across AUKEL they may benefit from. 

• Maintain records of client contact and send this to the Volunteer Manager on a monthly basis. 

• Regularly meet with your befriending peers and supervisor, to share experiences, get support and reflect. 

Skills and attributes 

• Understanding loneliness and social isolation. 

• Good communication skills with a friendly approachable manner. 

• Keen on building a strong befriending relationship. 

• A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history. 

• Consistency and reliability.

• Understanding of Confidentiality. 

• Understanding of and empathy with the needs of older people. 

• Patience and Sensitivity. 

• Confidence to deal with emergencies. 

• Record keeping.

• Basic IT skills. 

Support Provided 

• You will be inducted in cohorts with other volunteers. 

• Training for the role is provided including Safeguarding, Making Every Contact Count, Sexual Harassment and Building a positive volunteering experience and other more. 

• Ongoing support including regular supervision by the Volunteer Manager. 

• Goup supervision with other befrienders. Groups supervision is a safe place where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes, process emotion and learn from each other. 

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses.

• Access to an AGE UK Discount portal provided by Aon.  

• Monthly volunteer newsletter 

We hold an annual Volunteer Award event where we celebrate and recognise the contribution of our Volunteers! 

Benefits 

• Making a Difference: Volunteering allows you to have a tangible impact on someone's life, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Helping older people can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose. 

• Emotional Rewards 

• Intergenerational Connections 

• Learning and Skill Development 

• Enhancing Career Prospects 

• Building Empathy and Compassion 

• Giving Back to the Community 

• Social and celebration events 

Commitment 

• We expect a minimum of 6 months commitment but would ideally prefer more of a longer-term commitment.

• Weekly commitment is between 30 minutes to 1 hour for client plus one/two hours monthly for reporting. 

East London Waterworks Park is looking for volunteers to lead social media and content creation for communications and campaigning for our community-owned park.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for social media and content creator leads to participate in our community-led working group who are promoting public awareness and support of the project. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects across communications, content creation, social media, PR, newsletters, film, podcasts or any other channels of interest, and facilitate the direction of the working group.

The Comms Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

You will be at the forefront of our digital strategy to create a huge new biodiverse park and natural swimming ponds. We’re looking for creative and strategic thinkers who can craft compelling narratives and visually stunning content. You should have a deep understanding of social media platforms and analytics tools to measure and optimize our campaigns. Your ability to build and engage with online communities is crucial, as is your skill in managing media relations. We value individuals who are passionate about our mission and can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the role. You will be comfortable with community-led processes. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your strategic content creation will be instrumental in fostering a strong connection between our community, the park, and its biodiversity. Your input will help us craft compelling narratives that inspire, educate, and engage our service users, stakeholders, funders, and the general public, ultimately driving support for the park's mission and ensuring its long-term sustainability.