Community services volunteers volunteer roles in eastcote, greater london

Role: Welcome volunteer

Team: Tooting Hub – CARAS ESOL (Youth/Adult)

Supervised by: Team Project Coordinator

Location: Tooting Hub site

Activity times: Monday or Wednesday

Time commitment: 2 hour shifts on a rolling basis.

We ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 4 months

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work:

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.

About the Role:

We are currently recruiting a team of volunteers to join our new Welcome team at Tooting Hub. This is a new role. Welcome volunteers will provide a friendly face to existing community members attending our regular projects. They will also be the important ‘face of CARAS and our welcome at the door’ to people attending projects for the first time, to visitors and to people dropping in unannounced to enquire about CARAS’s service. Volunteers will meet and greet, and ensure all visitors are responded to appropriately and introduced to the relevant member of staff, activity, project, or meeting. There will be an administrative element to the role (updating registers and emailing enquiries to CARAS staff, for example).

Who will you be?

We work hard to ensure our services feel welcoming and inclusive. It is important that this new team is representative of our diverse local and internal CARAS community. Whether you are new to volunteering with CARAS or are a regular volunteer looking to vary your role or a community member wanting to develop some leadership skills or volunteering experience, this might be the exact project for you.

Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities: 

· Signing up to a shift/s on the Tooting HUB welcome team rota

· Able to be at Tooting Hub in person to complete agreed shifts

· Welcoming staff, volunteers, existing and potential new community members and visitors

· Ensuring all visitors are responded to appropriately and introduced to the relevant member of staff, activity, project, or meeting

· Ensuring everyone completes the onsite register on arrival to comply with safeguarding, health and safety and fire evacuation policies

· Taking agreed initial intake information for new / drop in visitors wanting to attend a taster activity

· Conducting induction tours of the building and introductions to facilities, key staff, and partners

Requirements (all experience can be from paid or voluntary roles): 

Essential: 

· A calm, friendly, kind, and patient approach

· Happy and confident to meet new people and put them at their ease

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds

· Confidence in using one’s own judgement to follow agreed policy

· Good IT admin skills in using Microsoft office, outlook, Google search, online forms etc

· A commitment to confidentiality and data protection

· Punctual and reliable

· To be able to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays for a minimum of four months

Desirable:

· Lived experience of seeking sanctuary and/ or the UK immigration system.

· Personal experience of working with people seeking asylum.

· Proficiency in one or more of the following community languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu, or Vietnamese.

We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process.

Benefits to Volunteering:

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum.

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team.

· Develop your skills and competencies.

· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.

· Obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering

· All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. *

· You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Department: Health and Wellbeing

Role Location: Supporting people in their own homes across the city and county.

Role Support: You will be supported by the Companion Service Team

What is the purpose of this role?

To provide personalised digital/IT support to older people

What impact does this role have?

Supports older people to gain or improve technical skills and to become digitally included. This inclusivity results in reduced loneliness and isolation and helps older people lead more healthy and independent lives.

What activities might you be involved in?

The purpose of this role is to provide personalised digital/IT support to older people to gain or improve technical skills and to become digitally included. This may include but is not limited to supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

What are we looking for?

· Individuals with an interest in the wellbeing of older people and who are committed to volunteering

· IT literate with good digital skills and who are confident using different Apple and Android devices (including smart phones and tablets, laptops, and smart speakers).

· Individuals who can work with learners with different levels of knowledge and skill and to be able to demonstrate empathy when needed.

· Excellent interpersonal skills.

· Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly.

· Ability to travel to visits either by car or public transport.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

Volunteering will be on an ad hoc basis to meet the needs of the older person that you are supporting in line with your availability.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough departmental induction.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

· The chance to make a difference to an older person’s life

· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· Experience to add to your CV

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

· Reimbursement of travel expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

Additional Information

Please note an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

We are recruiting two new Trustees to join our Board with expertise in fundraising and communications/marketing. We welcome applications from candidates with strong experience in either area, or those with skills spanning both disciplines.

These voluntary roles require committed individuals who can contribute their time, expertise, insights, and passion for helping WeSwim achieve its goals in empowering adults with disabilities to get active, connect with others and build lasting confidence. Successful candidates will have a fantastic opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of disabled people across London.

WeSwim is a small charity in start-up mode which achieved charitable status from the Charity Commission in 2024 and currently has three Trustees on its Board.

Key Responsibilities

We are particularly seeking trustees who can lead in these priority areas:

Fundraising Leadership

• Identify, lead and drive fundraising initiatives to secure sustainable financial resources for WeSwim

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies, particularly focusing on corporate sponsorship

• Build relationships with potential funders and sponsors

Communications & Marketing Leadership

• Design and deliver a communications plan to help WeSwim achieve its objectives

• Enhance connections with swimmers, volunteers, sponsors and the wider community

• Develop marketing strategies to raise WeSwim's profile and reach

All trustees will also be involved in these core governance responsibilities (no prior experience necessary):

• Governance: Ensure WeSwim complies with its governing documents, charity law, and other relevant legislation or regulations

• Financial Oversight: Monitor the financial health of WeSwim, including approval of budgets and financial statements

• Advocacy: Act as an ambassador for WeSwim, promoting its work and raising its profile within the community and beyond, especially within the disability community

• Risk Management: Identify and manage risks to ensure WeSwim's sustainability and success

• Collaboration: Work closely with fellow trustees, the CEO, staff, and volunteers to ensure effective team dynamics and operational efficiency

Experience & Skills

Essential requirements for all applicants:

• Personal experience of disability: either have a disability yourself, or have a close family/friend connection who is disabled

• Commitment to WeSwim's mission and values

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or both of these areas:

Fundraising Skills:

• Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies across multiple channels

• Corporate partnership development and sponsorship negotiation experience

• Individual donor cultivation and stewardship experience

• Experience with fundraising events and community engagement activities

• Relationship-building and networking abilities with corporate, foundation, and individual prospects

• Ability to identify new funding opportunities and diversify income streams

Communications & Marketing Skills:

• Experience developing and implementing communications strategies

• Content creation and storytelling skills, particularly for charity/impact narratives

• Digital marketing expertise including social media management and online engagement

• Brand development and messaging experience

• Media relations and PR experience (traditional and digital media)

• Understanding of accessible communications for diverse audiences

The following additional skills are helpful but not essential:

• Leadership experience in governance roles, ideally within a charity or non-profit organization

• Financial acumen and understanding of budget oversight

• Strategic thinking and ability to contribute to long-term planning

• Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively as part of a team

Interested candidates can submit their application in either written or video format:

• Written application: CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role and clearly indicating which area(s) of expertise you would focus on
• Video application: Brief video (max 5 minutes) introducing yourself and explaining your relevant experience and interest in the role, plus CV

Get in touch before you apply: Before applying, we'd love to talk to you about the role and answer any questions. Please contact our Chair, Jane for an informal discussion about the roles and how your skills could contribute to WeSwim's mission.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with the current board of trustees. Successful candidates will be expected to undertake a DBS check.

Diversity and Inclusion: We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive board that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, and abilities. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those from underrepresented groups in charity governance. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our decision-making and help us better serve our community.

Join us in making a difference to increase opportunities for disabled people to swim in London.

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About the CARAS ESOL Team:

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to adults at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling people to attend college and access other services in the future.

About the Role:

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face adult ESOL classes in Tooting. Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session every Wednesday during these times: 

• Mondays ESOL 9:30 to 13:30

• Tuesday 9:30 to 11:30

• Tuesday One-to-one employability and language learning support 15:00 to 17:00 

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older; 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• An interest in education and English language teaching; 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• The ability to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months; 

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• *Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; 

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role. 

 *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.

In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment by welcoming new members to the group and encouraging participation.
• Supporting group conversations – Instigating dialogue based on eye health related days/events or more interest-based topics.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring group rules are followed and that content is appropriate by alerting managers when inappropriate content is posted or when there is a safeguarding issue.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community by by engaging with the people with sight loss, local and national organisations.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers through regular moderator meetings

Time commitment
• This volunteering role requires a commitment of around 5 hours a week, there is the option to volunteer for a greater number of hours but this isn't essential.

How often will I be needed?

• 5 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires an enhanced criminal record check and 2 references.

Location

Region

• Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, North West, South East, West Midlands, North East, South West, Greater London

Home based

• This role is home based

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• An understanding and interest in maximising the benefits of social media platforms. A willingness to learn about local services and activities to inform the community as appropriate. Interested in helping people get the information they need. Good communication skills.

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Helping with event preparation

· Manning checkpoints

· Walking support

· First-aid support

· Marshals

· Support drivers

· Helping with community stalls

We are looking for people who are:

· Warm and non-judgemental

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Good team players, able to work with other staff/volunteers

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

We can offer you the following:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

About Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are:

Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and research.

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse providers of mental health, community and social care in the UK.

Our football for wellbeing hub provides a safe, inclusive and wellbeing space in the community to improve mental and physical health in collaboration with QPR FC, Everyone Active and FootyAddicts Company.

As Football Session Helper Volunteer you will help the facilitator/s with pre-session tasks and delivery of exciting football sessions while adhering to the FA code of conduct.  We are currently seeking applications from women only to support our newly launched women’s football sessions and potentially coach/manage our Football Club’s (West London NHS Peer FC) women team if an FA qualified coach or willing to get the qualification. 

In return we will offer you:

• A full induction including support to access the FA free training
• On-going support, guidance and supervision from a member of staff
• The opportunity to develop your personal, professional and football coaching skills
• The opportunity to get involved in other areas of The Trust’s work, including NHS careers
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses
• The opportunity to contribute to our mission

Application deadline: Wednesday 20th August 2025

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

• CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
• The reading group is in Tooting and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education.
• Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.
• The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.
• The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.
• Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.
• Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates. 

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

We are currently recruiting for a Fundraisers for our newly formed not for profit which provides fully qualified mental assistance dogs for those in need across Northamptonshire.

Ideally this would be a great role for someone who looking to gain some experience having been out of the business for a while and looking for someone to grow with us or someone is newly qualified in this area

You will have the platform to take control and create your own success story.

Essential to the role

ü  Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

ü  Satisfactory references

ü  Has working knowledge of word, Outlook

Desirable

ü  Educated to GCSE level with English and Maths

Role and Responsibilities

· Have experience of fundraising would be ideal.

· Must have strong verbal and written communications skills.

· You will be measured against agreed key performance indicators.

· You should be able to work with all other areas of the organisation from volunteers fundraising, to corporate functions.

· Strong time management skills and manage own administration with a keen eye for attention to detail.

· Be honest, reliable and knowledgeable about our services and how we support the local community.

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

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! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

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

• 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 and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• 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

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

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

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

The Brompton Fountain is a children's charity working with those impacted by heart and lung conditions in Royal Brompton and Harefield hospital. Our charity provides a wide range of vital resources, services, parent/carer amenities, and accommodation. We also fund medical equipment, facilities improvements and projects outside of the NHS remit. We are currently looking for a voluntary In-Patient Services Officer to help our organisation support the children and their families on the wards of our hospitals by distributing/providing resources/services to improve the quality of their stay in our hospitals.

Of Note: This role entails interacting and seeing children who can be very sick. This is understandably very sad and can be distressing to witness. Please make sure you are able to cope with this before applying.

We would like the volunteer to help with:

• Distribution of resources to patients and families on the ward e.g care packages and food vouchers.

• Being a point of contact for families in hospital to talk to.

• Supporting in-hospital socials.

• The tea and coffee service we deliver on the wards.

• Communicating with families who may share personal stories related to the charity. Feeling comfortable and confident to speak to people about our charity and what we do.

You will be supporting our Community Lead and Children and Families Service Lead who will provide an overview of our existing processes and be there to help you every step of the way. The Brompton Fountain has a strong team of staff and volunteers who you will be working collaboratively with as a team to support the families we are in contact with.

Your input will greatly affect the patients and their families lives whilst they are staying with us. With your help we will be able to provide them with the resources they need whilst staying with us and create a strong support system for them here in the hospitals.

Criteria

We are looking for a volunteer who has:

• Is an empathetic and compassionate person who is willing to have discussions with families around topics like health issues, additional needs, and bereavement.

• Confident and proactive.

• Flexible and adaptive.

• Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these.

• Is willing to have an enhanced DBS check.

• Is willing to partake in safeguarding training.

• Is willing to partake in onboarding training to understand our charity and the mission in more detail.

• Must be over 18.

Location

Mostly on-site at Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney St, London SW3 6NP. If willing and able, off-site support at community and fundraising events would be appreciated. 

Time

Due to our mission, we would greatly appreciate at least 6 weeks of your time, preferably more; working 3-7 hours one day a week. We are an understanding and flexible organisation, and would be happy to discuss options with you. 

Hours: Variable – depending on individual circumstances and what people can do

Location: Variable – we are looking to extend our reach of peer support walks throughout Yorkshire

Main Tasks:

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Support our regular wellbeing/peer support walks

· Welcome participants and help them feel comfortable, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere

· Encourage conversations among participants, offering a listening ear

· Be attentive to the well-being of all participants during the walk

· Offer information on YBTC services

· Attending occasional training sessions or volunteer meetings organised by YBTC

We are looking for people who are:

· Are warm and non-judgemental

· Reliability – are punctual and committed to scheduled walks

· Collaborative mindset to work effectively with staff and volunteers

· Basic physical fitness to complete the walks, awareness of the needs of participants with

different mobility/health conditions

We can offer you the following:

· Full induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· Opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people

· The satisfaction of making a positive impact on those affected by brain tumours

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumours are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are: Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire through local support and research.

SANE is a UK-wide mental health charity working to improve the quality of life of anyone affected by mental illness. It aims to raise awareness and understanding of all mental health conditions; fight to improve frontline mental health services for individuals and carers; provide support, information and guidance through its helpline, email and text support and Online Forum; and promote and host research into causes, treatments and therapies.

About the role:

We are now looking for people interested in providing compassionate support to those affected by mental health problems, particularly people with severe mental illness, and carers, families and friends. As a volunteer, you will provide support on-site, in our Islington offices, by telephone. You will also form a close team with our other skilled volunteers and shift leads.

Volunteering can help improve mental well-being, increase physical activity, enhance social bonds and bring meaning to people's lives. It is an excellent way of putting a structure on your free time and keeping your brain active. When you volunteer, you feel useful to and valued by your community.

SANEline Volunteers provide support to callers with a wide range of mental health problems via our confidential crisis line, which is open from 4-10pm, 365 days a year.

Working on SANEline requires empathy and resilience, and we take pride in providing a nurturing environment and unwavering support to our team.

About you:

- You are empathetic, highly compassionate and genuinely interested in supporting people from all walks of life

- You are a good listener and a warm and confident communicator

- You have a few hours to spare each week and want to use that time to make a difference to help vulnerable people

- You can commit to one 4-hour shift per week, including one weekend shift per month

- You are looking for a way to continue using skills built up over your working life or a route to learn and explore new avenues previously blocked by the demands of your career or job.

- You can work collaboratively with our team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service on SANEline

- No previous helpline or mental health experience is required, just a sincere desire to help others

Altogether, we are looking for warm, compassionate, understanding and committed people who are good communicators to join our services team as a volunteer.
You don't need to be a mental health expert: empathy and commitment matter more than academic qualifications or experience, and we’re keen to hear from people of all ages and walks of life.

We particularly encourage applications from retirees, empty nesters, or people changing careers and wanting to develop new skills. 

This summer, we will run two drop-in sessions for you to find out more about SANE and ask any questions you may have about volunteering with us. 

What can you expect?

To work within SANE's framework, including regular check-ins and debriefs to support you and help refine your newly acquired skills.

To receive the full SANEline training and further online training opportunities within specific areas.

To become part of an established and diverse team.

To gain exposure to a wide range of mental health problems.

To gain valuable practical experience in providing emotional support to vulnerable people.

A culture where team members support and learn from each other.

A warm, supportive and encouraging environment.

To apply: Please click on "Apply via Website" and fill in the form to register your interest. We will then get in touch and let you know about the following steps. 

Fundraising events helper

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· help set up and/or man stalls at events

· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections

· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances

· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.