Community services volunteers volunteer roles in chalk farm, greater london
National Helpline Volunteer Role
Join our team of dedicated helpline volunteers and help change the lives of bereaved people.
Volunteers have always been, and remain at the very heart of Cruse, supporting thousands of bereaved people every year and playing an incredible role enriching so many aspects of our organisation. The National Helpline is a key service within Cruse, enabling us to support bereaved people with compassion and empathy.
As a Helpline Bereavement Volunteer, you will join a thriving volunteer community to provide emotional support, information and signposting over the phone to bereaved people. You provide this through a person-centred, empathetic and non-judgemental approach to supporting all our callers, in accordance with Cruse Bereavement Supports policies and procedures. This role is home-based only, so you must have a quiet and private space to work in, access to a computer (Tablets or iPad’s will not be suitable) and a stable Wi-Fi connection.
You must be open to communicating with a diverse range of clients over the phone and understand that some of the content of the calls may be distressing to hear. Although it may be difficult at times, the reward of being able to support someone is one of our volunteers’ main motivations for doing this role.
Want to find out more?
We will be holding an open day on the 22nd May where you can join our Zoom session to find out more about the role, the training involved, meet with other volunteers and hear from members of the helpline team.
Please note that should you wish to become a Helpline Volunteer after attending the open day, we will be holding informal interviews from 2nd June to the 23rd of June during office hours.
https://buytickets.at/crusenationalservices/1659153 - 1.30pm Link
https://buytickets.at/crusenationalservices/1659160 - 6pm Link
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising Events Organiser Volunteer
Would you like to be part of a dedicated and friendly team of volunteers and make a real difference to the lives of cats and kittens in our care? Do you enjoy planning and organising for events? Maybe you have a particular skill that you would like to put to use?
Then this could be the role for you!
Our Fundraising Events Team are at the heart of what we do, raising essential funds for the cats.
Our Fundraising Events Organisers share ideas, tasks and inspiration, planning and delivering local events, with the support of the Fundraising events helpers, such as Open Days (usually 2 per year) at the centre and our annual Christmas Bazaar.
Time Expectation: This role can be varied and time commitment can be flexible.
Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.
We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.
Please note: Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.
Full training and support will be given for all roles. We look forward to hearing from you!
All applicants will need to complete an application form, with two references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the opportunity
This role involves supporting with events in your local area throughout the year.
There is no minimum commitment for the role. Times will vary depending on the requirements of the event. You will be provided with an event brief beforehand to ensure you are happy with the requirements for that activity.
By volunteering you will:
- Be a valued member of the Charity
- Can work with dogs without lifelong commitment or costs associated with dog ownership
- Be able to meet like-minded people
- Gain practical experience in the field of canine care and welfare.
- Have fun by joining a friendly, enthusiastic, and supportive team of volunteers.
‘With out the continued hard work and support from our volunteers, we would not be able to provide our clients with our life changing dogs’
What is involved
- Raising awareness of Canine Partners and what we do by speaking to event attendees
- Promoting fundraising activities at the event (selling raffle tickets etc)
- Handing out leaflets, taking donations
- Set up and pack away on event day
- Passing on any leads to the Community Fundraising team
What we require from you
- Age 18 or over
- Access to your own transport with flexibility to visit various locations
- Polite, confident, and personable manner
- Excellent customer service skills
- Most opportunities require standing for the duration of the session and/or being in a busy environment. Please advise us if you have any concerns about this, and we will do our best to support you.
Support and Training
- Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from an event.
- Dedicated point of contact in the fundraising team
- Pre-event briefings outlining the requirements of the event
- Volunteer clothing and ID badge
- Access to our volunteer portal with many resources for your use.
- Invitation to join our Official Canine Partners Community Facebook Group
We will change the lives of disabled people using expertly trained dogs to improve physical, emotional and social wellbeing.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Asian MS is a national support group that offers tailored and culturally-sensitive services for Asian people with MS, their carers, friends and family. It's aimed at people whose heritage originates from South Asia.
As an Asian MS Community Engagement Volunteer you will the Group's local representative, helping us to find and attend events and reaching out to your local Asian MS community to raise awareness and extend the reach of the Group.
This role is very flexible, but there will be planning time (with your staff contact) and also attending events, meetings with networks and presentations. We would estimate the role taking no longer than 10 hours per month.
You’ll have support from a member of staff as well as a welcome and induction checklist which lists what resources are available to support you in your role.
As part of your role, you may have to complete some mandatory learning. Please refer to your welcome and induction checklist.
About you
Presentation Skills, confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Apply
Read the role description
All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Richmond Arts Service offers a range of events and festivals throughout the year as part of its diverse programme, including the Richmond Arts and Ideas Festival and the Christmas Shopping Weekend at Orleans House Gallery. Volunteers help support these events through a variety of responsibilities, ensuring their success.
Tasks and Responsibilities
- Providing a warm welcome when engaging with participants, providing information and signposting
- Checking in participants against booking details
- Supporting staff with preparation, setup and packing away of events
- Travelling to a variety of venues across Richmond borough
- Support with advertising events and festivals
- General event support
- Informing attendees of event terms and conditions and room use requirements
- Collecting visitor feedback and evaluation during and after events
- Representing Richmond Arts Service and the gallery
What we hope you will get from the role
- The opportunity to meet people and communities from across West London and beyond
- Experience of supporting delivery of events to a range of audiences
- Potential to support project teams with the planning and delivery of events and festivals
- Development of training and coaching skills through supporting other volunteers
- Development of strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Valuable experience at a contemporary art gallery, crossing the arts, cultural and heritage sectors
Training and Support
We will provide training and an induction which covers all aspects of the role. On-going support and supervision will be provided by staff throughout your time with us. Additionally, there are regular training sessions to supplement and further your initial training, as well as a varied programme of volunteer events and activities to join in, meet people and learn something new!
Desirable qualities and experience
- Enjoyment of engaging with the public
- Experience of or eagerness for supporting events with a range of audiences
- Enthusiasm for contemporary art, culture and/or heritage
- Willingness to learn
- Confident when meeting new people
- Good time keeping
Availability
Events and festivals take place throughout the year, during day times, evenings or weekends. We are flexible to ensure volunteering fits with your schedule.
Location
This role can be based across Richmond borough, although several events may take place at Orleans House Gallery.
Expenses
We will cover travel expenses up to £14 per day.
How to Apply
Please complete our application form through our website.
Our Volunteers Co-ordinator will then contact you for an introductory chat, to learn more about your interest in volunteering and discuss the role further.
Background
Richmond Arts Service is based at Orleans House Gallery on the Riverside in Twickenham, promoting arts and culture through a programme of contemporary art exhibitions, festivals, events and activities for everyone in the community.
We foster creativity and enjoyment of the arts, enable people to reflect on their lives and develop new ways of seeing the world. We bring thought-provoking art to the Borough and cultivate a network of individuals, organisations and programmes that nourishes the arts, local organisations and communities.
Home to the Richmond Borough Art Collection, comprising of over 4,400 artworks, at a site with a rich 300+ year history, Orleans House Gallery works with local, national and international artists and community partners to engage with the community, as we have done since 1972.
Building community through creativity
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
A charity based in Croydon, Surrey, London, UK is looking for volunteer Charity Volunteer Assistants; to volunteer 30 unpaid hours per week. The Charity serves a multi ethnic community especially people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds.
Responsibilities:
- To assist in the delivery of events (ours and those we are invited to), projects and our yearly summer community event.
- To assist in the daily collection and drop off of Greggs after day produce to various soup kitchens
- To assist in promotion of organisations services. eg flyer distribution, school workshops, etc.
- To assist in the delivery of essential services
- To assist in our soup kitchen projects
Person Specification:
- Someone enthusiastic and passionate about charity work and committed to working towards the achievements of the charities objectives.
- Knowledege of Black and ethnic minority tradition/culture is preferable however not essential.
- Experience is desirable.
This is a non-paid one year temporary position however accommodation and maintenance will be provided.
All interested candidates are required to send us a letter of application, a resume, and contact to the email provided. If your application is accepted, you will be invited for a telephone interview. Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered unless we have been unable to find a suitable candidate for this vacancy.
Successful candidates will require a DBS/POLICE check and references prior to commencement.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
EQUAL AQUA is an award-winning NGO providing equal access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in Uganda. Equal Aqua is managed by an international team of volunteers, based mainly in the UK and Uganda. Our mission is to tackle inequalities in access to WASH by providing safe and sustainable WASH facilities and services to those that need it most.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: We are recruiting a new Communications Manager in order to build awareness around WASH inequality, grow EAU's presence and income generation, and ultimately enable us to reach more communities and transform more lives.
- Lead the development, delivery and evaluation of an external and internal communications strategy to drive the strategy, vision and values of EAU;
- Oversee public communications channels, including social media and websites, working closely with the fundraising and programmes team to improve communication between stakeholders;
- Lead EAU's monthly newelstter to key stakeholders
- Oversee production of EAU’s Annual Report, raising awareness of WASH inequality and generating income for EAU.
- Build and maintain relationships with key partners and important contacts;
ABOUT: ‘Equal Aqua’ is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; it operates equally and in unison with ‘Equal Aqua Uganda’, a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (‘EAU’ refers to both).
Our Vision: To become a leading organisation in Uganda in addressing inequalities in WASH, and interrelated issues of gender and sustainability
Our Mission: We will achieve this by working with partners and local communities to develop the required skills, knowledge and practical interventions
Objectives:
- To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda
- To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples
- To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:
- 32,866 people with improved access to safe water
- 11,044 people with improved sanitation
- 11,755 people with improved WASH knowledge and skills
- 3,877 people with improved menstrual hygiene knowledge
- British High Commission award winner
VALUES: At Equal Aqua we champion bottom-up grassroots development. To make this possible, we have created a proactive and friendly environment, which strives to create practical and lasting solutions to WASH-related issues. Each member of Equal Aqua is passionate about WASH inequalities, and our values are a central basis for inspiration and the culture of the organisation.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
If you want to make a difference to people living with a mental health condition then we’d love to hear from you!
About us
At The Mental Health Community we use our lived experience to build understanding and support for what it’s like to live and work alongside managing a mental health condition.
We know that it can be difficult to get, or keep a job if your energy levels, how you’re feeling and your ability to go to a place of work every day are affected by a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. But we also know that having a sense of purpose and belonging can really help with the symptoms and impact that mental health conditions can have on you.
Our work is focused on helping people with a mental health condition who are in work or looking for work. We do this by supporting businesses to improve how they look after people, because we know that by creating inclusive and safe spaces at work we make it possible for people with mental ill health to stay in the workplace which helps keep them well and benefits the businesses too.
By joining our board you will be:
- Making a lasting impact by helping us make more workplaces safe and inclusive for people with a mental health condition
- Shaping the future of our charity as we expand our services and reach more people who need our support
- Using your skills and experience for good by helping guide the strategic direction of our charity.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for at least 4 new trustees to join our team. Whatever your skillset, we’d love to hear from you and there are some areas where we need particular help:
· Treasurer: oversee our financial health, provide guidance on building long term financial plans to help us grow and ensure appropriate financial management.
· Marketing and Communications: strategic oversight of our marketing and communications, raising awareness of our work and reaching new audiences through digital strategies and media engagement.
· Fundraising: develop our fundraising strategy and income streams, including grant applications, corporate sponsorship and campaigns.
· Governance: guide us in operating transparently and effectively whilst maintaining high standards of governance in compliance with our governing document and charity law.
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental ill health, young people aged 18-30, people of all socio-economic backgrounds, genders and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
About the role
As a board of trustees we meet remotely every 6 weeks, there may be some activity in between meetings so the estimated total time commitment is 4 hours every 6 weeks.
In addition to using your specific skills to develop how we work, all trustees share responsibility for:
· Developing our activities to help us achieve our purpose and positive impact,
· Making sure we are compliant with our governing document and the requirements of the Charity Commission, and
· Being an active member of the board to help us make good decisions
What you can expect from us
We are committed to supporting our Trustees: you can expect an induction to the organisation and trustee role plus any additional conversations and support you need to help you feel confident in your role.
Our meetings are relaxed and informal; there are no expectations of ‘business clothes’, technical jargon or having all the answers.
We welcome and support your preferences for the way we work together, how you like to receive information and how we can make it easier for you to participate actively in our discussions.
One more thing
We know that great trustees come from many backgrounds and with a variety of experiences and that’s great - we really value people who bring different perspectives and add new voices to our team.
But you might not feel you ‘check all the boxes’ as you read this advert or the role description, especially if you’ve been marginalised or excluded. We get it, and we’ve felt like that too. But we hope you’ll apply anyway because we’d love to hear from you and will take care to help you feel welcome and included.
For more information on the role please see the role description.
We welcome and support your preferences for how you like to receive information and how we can make it easier for you to apply.
If you prefer to apply in a different way e.g. through a conversation or submitting a short video please contact us and we can arrange it.
If you need any adjustments during the application process please let us know and we'll do our very best to accommodate them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Jumble Sales Organiser Volunteer
Would you like to raise funds, have fun and join a super team of volunteers who together make our Jumble Sales in Thatcham a great success? As Jumble Sales Organiser you would be helping to make everything run smoothly for the team.
Time Expectations: 1 Saturday every other month (plus preparations)
This could be a shared role and tasks may include:
· Booking the hall for future Jumbles
· Contacting the Jumble team before events to check availability
· Set up stalls, running a stall and packing away at the end
· Collecting any items/resources needed from the centre the day before
Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.
We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.
Please note: Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.
Full training and support will be given for all roles. We look forward to hearing from you!
Applicants will need to complete an application form with two references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Supporting our events has something for everyone! With roles based at our community events and mass participation events there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in a fun, memorable event experience.
Event support volunteers help our events by marshalling, welcoming participants, setting up and stewarding.
Our volunteers help to run and structure the events better, keep participants safe and allow us to continue to raise money for our care services.
Each role requires a different level of commitment, so please get in touch if you think you can help.
"I love helping at events, there is such a sense of camaraderie"
Event Volunteer
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Asian MS is a national support group that offers tailored and culturally-sensitive services for Asian people with MS, their carers, friends and family. It's aimed at people whose heritage originates from South Asia.
As an Asian MS Community Engagement Volunteer you will the Group's local representative, helping us to find and attend events and reaching out to your local Asian MS community to raise awareness and extend the reach of the Group.
This role is very flexible, but there will be planning time (with your staff contact) and also attending events, meetings with networks and presentations. We would estimate the role taking no longer than 10 hours per month.
You’ll have support from a member of staff as well as a welcome and induction checklist which lists what resources are available to support you in your role.
As part of your role, you may have to complete some mandatory learning. Please refer to your welcome and induction checklist.
About you
Presentation Skills, confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Apply
Read the role description
All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraisers wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in developing and implementing our fundraising strategy.
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 fundraisers to contribute to our community-led fundraising strategy, to develop relationships with funders and to write funding applications.
You would join our fundraising circle, which coordinates our fundraising efforts. It is currently exploring grant opportunities and developing relationships with businesses and other funders. We meet online on Google Meet and volunteers complete agreed tasks remotely.
If you have experience in writing grants and funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you.
We are keen fundraisers but we are lacking professional expertise and experience and we would love your help and input. We would welcome one-off advice on the phone or in person, as well as longer term volunteers.
We would also love to hear from potential volunteers without experience but with transferable skills.
East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project. Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen, so you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.
East London Waterworks Park is a charity campaigning to create a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of the issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sport. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to sports clubs, sporting venues and facilities and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a sporting world without barriers.
What you’ll be doing
1. Talks to sports and physical activity providers to support and encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local leisure centres, sporting venues and sports clubs.
2. Delivering talks to raise awareness of existing sporting and physical activity opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
3. Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service.
What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies
In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training, in particular training in public speaking and story telling will be given.
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers
How often will I be needed?
- 4 Hours per Month
Key requirements
- This role requires 1 reference.
Location
Region
- Scotland
Who this opportunity will suit
- This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- You’ll ideally have 1. Lived experience in playing, spectating, or delivering sport or physical activity sessions as a blind or partially sighted person. 2. Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sports and physical activity. 3. Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your sporting story, or a willingness to try with our support. 4. Have effective communication skills. 5. An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people
Volunteer Peer Mentor (Lived Experience of Substance Use)
Make a Difference Through Your Recovery Journey
We are looking for passionate individuals with personal lived experience of substance use recovery to join our team as Volunteer Peer Mentors within the RhEST (Regional Homeless Engagement with Substance Treatment) service.
As a Volunteer Peer Mentor, you will help bring visible recovery to people experiencing homelessness and substance misuse. Your lived experience can inspire hope, build trust, and help others take meaningful steps toward change.
In this role, you will:
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Accompany individuals to appointments and group activities
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Provide one-to-one peer support
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Help shape and improve the services we deliver
This role is open only to those with personal lived experience of substance use and recovery. We believe that your insight and experience are vital to the work we do.
Join us to:
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Support others in their journey
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Build your skills and confidence
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Be part of a compassionate and dedicated team
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Find out more by contacting us at or emailing
Service Area
RhEST – Regional Homeless Engagement with Substance Treatment
Town
London
Status
Part-time
Contract Type
Volunteer
About RhEST
The RhEST service recruits, trains, and develops Peer Mentors and Volunteers to support and engage individuals who sleep rough in London. Our work removes barriers to accessing treatment, helping clients navigate substance misuse services from scripting to inpatient care.
Our Peer Mentoring Program is a key part of RhEST. Built on compassion, empathy, and empowerment, it enables individuals with lived experience to help others on their journey toward recovery and reintegration into society.
Purpose of the Role
As a Peer Mentor Volunteer, you will:
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Support the running and delivery of services.
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Facilitate group sessions and activities.
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Provide support and encouragement to people accessing community services.
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Use your lived experience to help design and co-produce services and support new initiatives.
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Offer one-to-one peer mentoring to service users referred to the program, where appropriate.
What We Offer
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Comprehensive six-day training and ongoing support for Peer Mentors.
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Regular supervision every 4-6 weeks.
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Opportunities to develop new skills in communication, group facilitation, and leadership.
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The chance to contribute to meaningful change in the lives of others and your community.
We use our expertise to support people in their personal recovery and to improve their lives.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Who they are
Citizens Advice Richmond is a local charity that has helped the people of Richmond since 1940. They offer generalist advice on any issue and specialist debt advice. Citizens Advice Richmond is a member of the national Citizens Advice service, a network of around 300 local advice centres.
The role: What will you do?
● Complete an induction for your role.
● Maintain an awareness of how the local Citizens Advice is operating.
● Plan the board meetings, including the dates and the agenda, with the Company/Charity Secretary and the Chief Officer.
● Read papers for board meetings and attend six board meetings per year.
● Facilitate the trustee board meetings by leading the meeting, ensuring that agenda items are discussed, enabling all members to contribute their views and take part, and seeking clarification where necessary.
● Ensure that decisions and actions taken at board meetings are carried out.
● Ensure that the board decisions are made within the remit of the Citizens Advice membership agreement, governing documents, and policies.
● Monitor attendance and commitment of all trustees.
● Provide or arrange training or support for trustees if needed.
● With other trustees and the Chief Officer, recruit a trustee board with a diverse range of skills, experience, and knowledge, with an aim to promote trusteeship to underrepresented groups that represent the community.
● Ensure that all trustees receive an induction and the training needed for them to fulfil their role.
● Be proactive in recruiting successors to key positions such as Chair, Treasurer, etc.
● Arrange or provide support and supervision for the Chief Officer, including an annual appraisal.
● Together with the Treasurer, ensure proper management and control of local Citizens Advice finances.
● Together with the Chief Officer, represent the local Citizens Advice in relationships with funders or potential funders, at local events, and in the community.
● Work together with all trustees to ensure that the board can:
♦ Set policy and strategy direction, set targets, and evaluate the performance of Citizens Advice Richmond.
♦ Monitor the financial position of Citizens Advice Richmond, ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives, and ensuring there are clear lines of accountability for day-to-day financial management.
♦ Monitor whether Citizens Advice Richmond complies with its governing document and meets the required standards.
♦ Seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community.
♦ Ensure the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers.
♦ Review their own work and how effectively they operate, including action for improvement.
♦ Work on specific projects to further the strategic objectives of Citizens Advice Richmond.
What’s in it for you?
● Make a positive impact for people in your local area by ensuring the local Citizens Advice is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community.
● Meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff, and other volunteers.
● Build on your governance, leadership, and strategy skills.
● Increase your employability.
And they will reimburse expenses too.
What do you need to have?
You’ll need to:
● Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice.
● Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities as trustees.
● Be non-judgmental and respect views, values, and cultures that are different from your own.
● Have a good basis of leadership skills.
● Be able to facilitate and lead meetings.
● Have good interpersonal skills.
● Have good listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
● Be able to exercise good independent judgment.
● Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the Treasurer.
● Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles, and policies, including confidentiality and data protection.
● Be willing to undertake training in your role.
How much time do you need to give?
You will need up to one day a week for the regular activities, but this will vary. Trustee boards usually meet in the evenings, and you’ll likely need to give 12-15 hours per year to attend these. Sub-committees meet quarterly and a further 4-6 hours per year are required for these.
Valuing inclusion
Their volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, and they particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities