Community services volunteers volunteer roles in sunbury on thames, surrey

Do you speak French and are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing.

You will support individuals who struggle to communicate with others and help them to reconnect with their local community. You will support to relight a spark in a hobby, interest or encourage individuals to explore and participate in new social activities.

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals
• To engage in conversation in Russian

The skills you need

• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Willingness to engage in activities in the community
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries
• To be consistent in attendance
• Able to communicate confidently in Russian

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

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. 

At RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch, our Volunteer Events Assistants are vital in helping us raise the funds we need to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome or release hundreds of animals each year! 

This is an excellent volunteering opportunity which would enable you to play a major role in our fundraising activities, really put your flair into the role, and gain a vast amount of personal satisfaction and achievement in return.

Why Volunteer With Us?

As a volunteer events assistant, you will:

• Support a worthwhile cause and help improve animal welfare in your area.

• Be part of a friendly and dedicated team.

• Enjoy a fun and fulfilling role at the heart of the local community.

• Training and development opportunities, including induction and ongoing support.

• Learn excellent new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service, multi-tasking, fundraising, and many more.

• Access to the RSPCA Learning Hub with a wide range of training materials.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Helping out at fundraising events to spread awareness, raise money and educate the public on animal welfare. 

• Assisting with the preparation for fundraising events, including driving donations, drafting leaflets, coordinating with other volunteers and much more.

• Helping us identify potential sources of funding which could be explored so we can continue this important work.

• Using your knowledge of the area to contact local businesses who might be interested in supporting the RSPCA. 

What We’re Looking For:

• Someone who is reliable and committed to helping us. 

• Excellent organisational and communication skills as well as being PC literate. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills which you will utilise when interacting with the public.

• Previous experience of organising events or managing projects on any scale would be desirable but not a requirement.

• Someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment predominately on weekends.

• You will need to be aged 16 or over.

What’s in It for You?

• Meet new people and make new friends.

• Learn new skills to enhance your CV.

• A comprehensive induction and training programme relevant to your role.

• Volunteer in a fun environment at the heart of your local community.

• Know that your time and effort is making a real difference to the welfare of animals.

• We’re happy to reimburse reasonable travel expenses incurred while volunteering. You will need to arrange your own travel to events in the South Buckinghamshire area.

Practical Considerations:

• Health & Safety: You’ll need to complete a simple online Health & Safety course before starting the role.

Disclaimer:

Our voluntary roles are subject to:

• An informal interview and trial period.

• Submission of two referees’ contact details.

• Completion of relevant training and assessments for the role.

Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?

Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.

Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.

Our aims are:

To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:

Offering support, friendship and practical assistance

Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected

Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.

Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.

Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.

Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!

What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

 

 

 

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?

Art plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that crafting, regardless of the medium you use can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in art-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now. You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products!

We are recruiting for a volunteer to support and facilitate an art and craft group.

Hestia has a variety of different services that support people across London and the South East. These services support people that are struggling with their mental health, are victims of Domestic Abuse or Modern Slavery, and more. Join our team of volunteers who play a vital role in what we do! We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.

We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Disclaimer

Hestia is proud to be a Disability Confident employer. Should you require our role pack in an alternative format or wish to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may need for your interview, please contact hestia. As part of the process of volunteering, all applicants will need to complete a DBS and references. If you have any convictions/cautions, this does not mean that you cannot apply for any of our roles, however we do require a DBS for all positions. We ensure that all positive disclosures on DBS records are discussed with our volunteers and fairly assessed. Schedule 9 (1a) of the Equality Act 2010 applies to this position – (Only Female applicants please)

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!

What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

 

 

 

Are you looking for a meaningful, flexible way to support others? Join the Talking Bubble Project and help tackle loneliness through the power of a simple phone call.

Since the pandemic, many befriending services have wound down—but Talking Bubble remains one of the few projects still offering regular, phone-based companionship to those who need it most. Demand for this kind of support remains high, and we’re actively looking for kind, compassionate English-speaking volunteers to help meet this growing need.

What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎︎ It’s a phone-based befriending service that connects volunteers with older adults and vulnerable individuals across the UK who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation. By committing just a little time each week, you can offer someone the warmth of conversation and a regular point of connection.

Why Volunteer With Us?

✔ Make a genuine impact on someone's life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours from the comfort of your home
✔ Receive full training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your sense of purpose and community

What You’ll Need

✅ No experience required—just a kind heart, a listening ear, and a willingness to talk
✅ Volunteers must complete Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check—we cover the cost of both
✅ Must be a UK resident

How to Get Involved

Apply now via the CharityJob website, or contact us directly for more information. Together, we can keep connection alive—one call at a time.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.

Our Wimbledon Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick. 

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).

How to apply 

Express your interest on email via the apply button.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests

Do you enjoy walking, meeting others and having a good chat? If so, we have the perfect volunteering role for you?

Facilitating a weekly walking group, you will contribute to a timetable to support people to reduce isolation, improve their physical activity, self-care and create a community for them to come together to build connections and friendships.

Join our team and inspire others to exercise through a weekly walk. You will create an opportunity for people to support each other, provide that additional boost to exercise and go for a walk even when they may not be feeling the motivation. 

What you will be doing

• Coordinate and facilitate weekly walks in local parks to the service alongside other volunteers
• Meet with the walking group weekly
• Hold conversations with people attending the group, checking in on their wellbeing and providing a listening ear/friendly face
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation

The skills you need

• Inspire and motivate people to attend the walking group
• Ability to identify, manage any possible risks that may arise during the walking group. Training will be provided
• Willing and able to go on a weekly walk lasting approximately 60-90 minutes
• Good communication skills
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Providing a confidential non-judgemental listening ear to Residents and Staff. Supporting those wishing to develop their spiritual journey from a Christian perspective. The role will be based across one of our hostels in Watford, Borehamwood, Bishop's Stortford, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield or High Wycombe, 

Activities include:

• Proactively engaging with Residents and staff to build safe relationships and trust
• Offering a ‘listening ear’ to all and giving emotional support
• Sensitively discerning when to offer prayer and support from a Christian perspective, and when to use faith based language
• Be inclusive and welcoming to people of all religious faiths and none, referring people to other faith communities as appropriate
• Working alongside support staff, volunteers & local agencies
• Maintaining records of support and feeding back concerns about Resident welfare to Staff/Line Manager.
• Attend regular volunteer team meetings
• Being proactive in seeking spiritual and emotional support for your own benefit as this is a challenging role.

Additional activities could include:

• Facilitating group work for example: Retreat Programme, Bible Study, prayer or Mental Health Support.
• Welcoming new Residents by phone or in person
• Leading or helping with Chaplaincy lead events: Easter/Christmas activities, Remembrance Services
• Being an ambassador for YMCA’s mission in local Churches

Skills/Qualities/Experience:

• Be a good and active listener who can support others
• Be of a friendly, welcoming and cheerful disposition
• Self-motivated, reliable and punctual
• Sensitivity and courage to care for people experiencing a range of distressing situations including: grief, trauma, poor mental health, substance misuse, suicidal thoughts.
• A commitment to your own spiritual development
• A good understanding of the Christian faith, as well as some understanding of other faith traditions
• Ability to use both faith and non-faith based language, as appropriate
• Good communication skills in English; in person & over the phone
• A willingness to learn new things and get stuck in
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Respect the Christian ethos of the YMCA and uphold its values
• Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have

Training Support:

• A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided
• A one day ‘Chaplaincy Essentials’ training, plus a menu of additional training will be made available
• Online training: Safeguarding (Adults & Young People), Fire Awareness, Manual Handling
• Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line-manager
• Team meetings and social events
• Mileage and expenses may be payable

You will need 2 x references and a DBS (we will apply for and fund this). 

Do you enjoy walking, meeting others and having a good chat? If so, we have the perfect volunteering role for you?

Facilitating a weekly walking group, you will contribute to a timetable to support people to reduce isolation, improve their physical activity, self-care and create a community for them to come together to build connections and friendships.

Join our team and inspire others to exercise through a weekly walk. You will create an opportunity for people to support each other, provide that additional boost to exercise and go for a walk even when they may not be feeling the motivation. 

What you will be doing

• Coordinate and facilitate weekly walks in local parks to the service alongside other volunteers
• Meet with the walking group weekly
• Hold conversations with people attending the group, checking in on their wellbeing and providing a listening ear/friendly face
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation

The skills you need

• Inspire and motivate people to attend the walking group
• Ability to identify, manage any possible risks that may arise during the walking group. Training will be provided
• Willing and able to go on a weekly walk lasting approximately 60-90 minutes
• Good communication skills
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?

Art plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that crafting, regardless of the medium you use can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in art-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now. You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products!

We are recruiting for a volunteer to support and facilitate an art and craft group.

We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.

We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

A fantastic opportunity to volunteer helping asylum seekers to find the access to legal help they deserve.

This is what current volunteers from the Legal Access Department say about their experience with C4C:

"Volunteering with Care4Calais looks different everyday but the impact is felt constantly. The people we support show undying resilience and it is a privilege to assist in their asylum journey. Care4Calais offer lots of support for volunteers and we are very well looked after and mentored"

Rosie (New Referrals Team)

‘’This experience has deepened my understanding of UK asylum policies and the immigration system while allowing me to develop valuable skills.’’ 

Leila (Asylum Team)

About us

Care4Calais is a volunteer-based charity providing essential aid and support for refugees in France and the UK.

In northern France we operate year-round from Calais, providing warm clothing, bedding, food and assistance to refugees who live in appalling and dangerous conditions. 

Across the UK we collect and distribute clothes, shoes, mobile phones and other essential items, as well as offering social support and interaction, including language lessons, sport and music workshops. We also help with vital access to legal, medical and educational services.

Our Legal Access Department is an access to justice project that exists to arrange critical legal representation for people seeking asylum and, more than this, to support people through the hostility and difficulty of claiming asylum. The department, made up mostly of volunteers, works tirelessly to ensure that people feel informed, empowered, and far less isolated and alone.

About the Role

As a volunteer in our Legal Access Department, you would be the first point of contact for asylum seekers requesting assistance. Your role would involve referring clients to the appropriate internal teams for support or signposting them to external services when we are unable to assist directly.

Our Legal Access Department includes the following teams:

• Age Dispute Team: Supports minors who have been incorrectly assessed as over 18 to challenge those decisions.

• Public Law Team: Assists clients in challenging inadequate accommodation that does not meet their specific needs.

• Asylum Team: Helps clients access legal representation for their asylum claims and supports them in preparing for asylum interviews.

• Notice of Intent Support: Assists clients whose asylum claims have been deemed inadmissible due to their travel route, helping them to find representation and challenge inadmissibility decisions.

You would communicate with clients via our internal messaging system and be responsible for referring cases to the appropriate team or signposting when needed.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to make a meaningful impact. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

A key part of the role involves maintaining accurate and complete referral information and delivering a high-quality service to each of our vulnerable clients.

Time Commitment
We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week. We're flexible in how this time is scheduled. Your shifts and tasks will be coordinated with the New Referral Team Lead to match team needs and your availability.

Training and Support
Successful applicants will receive a full induction and training to equip them for the role.

We are looking for individuals who are genuinely passionate about human rights and refugee protection. If this is you, please get in touch.

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively and sensitively with clients, referring to different Legal Access Teams and signposting where appropriate

• Keep relevant referral records up to date to allow for teams' quick and effective retrieval.

• Attend and contribute meaningfully to team meetings.

• Ensure that any safeguarding concerns are identified and responded to appropriately.

• Commit weekly to the minimum hours required

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Ability to work sensitively and effectively with a diverse range of clients, demonstrating cultural competence, respect and compassion.

• Resilience in the face of challenging and emotionally demanding situations, with a positive and solution-oriented mindset.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.

• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative.

• Strong working knowledge of Google Workspace.

Preferable Criteria:

• Proficiency in one or more of the languages spoken within asylum seeking communities, such as but not limited to Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Kurdish Sorani, Tigrinya, Amharic is a strong asset. 

• Having experience of the asylum system in the UK is a strong asset.

• Experience working with vulnerable communities

Lived Experience Inclusion:

We are an anti-racist organisation and a proud member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network (EBE), which aims to create a charitable sector led by individuals with lived experience of the asylum system.

As part of our membership, we are dedicated to creating inclusive employment practices that recognise and accommodate the unique circumstances and strengths of people with lived experience. We actively move away from a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring our recruitment processes are fair, supportive, and accessible.

We warmly encourage applicants with lived experience to make use of the guidance and resources available on the EBE website (ebeemployment)

In addition, applicants with lived experience are welcome to connect with the EBE support team for tailored assistance with completing the application form and, where available, one-to-one interview preparation. 

Importantly, we recognise the significant cultural, linguistic, and experiential insights that individuals with lived experience of the UK asylum system bring to this role. As such, all applicants from this background who meet the essential criteria will be automatically shortlisted and invited to interview.