Community Services Volunteers Volunteer Roles
Healthwatch Wandsworth - ‘Enter and View’ Community Researcher
Healthwatch Wandsworth is looking for volunteers who are interested in community research and being part of the Enter and View team.
The role of Healthwatch is to work with the local community and users of health and social care services to ensure that these services are responsive to local needs and delivered to a high standard. We plan visits to services and talk directly to clients and users about their experiences. This is fed back to the managers of the service and we follow up on any actions that may be taken in response to our findings.
One of the ways that Healthwatch can contribute is through its' legal powers to `Enter and View` premises such as hospitals, day care centres, or residential homes to observe the quality of care and to speak with patients, service users and carers.
We need volunteers who, through their work, volunteering, or personal experience, understand health and care services. We particularly welcome people who have personal experience of using services and reflect Wandsworth's diverse population.
Healthwatch Wandsworth's authorised representatives on the Enter & View team will be provided with clear guidelines about the premises they are going to visit, the purpose of the visit, and the reporting arrangements. Relevant training and support will also be offered.
As an ‘Enter and View’ Community Researcher you will
· Take part in an induction process.
· Attend training/briefing sessions.
· Visit health and care premises such as hospital wards, GP surgeries or day centres on a pre-arranged basis.
· Talk to the service users and staff that you meet on the premises and document their views.
· Observe and record what you notice.
· Undertake work face to face with members of the public, occasionally it may be over the telephone or an online meeting.
Essential Role Criteria
· Aged 18 or over.
· Knowledge of health and social care services, either through work, volunteering, or personal experience.
· Excellent inter-personal skills, tact and diplomacy.
· The ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds.
· Ability to listen to what people are saying and reflect these in notes and reports in a non-judgmental way.
· Ability to travel to various locations in Wandsworth (expenses will be reimbursed).
· Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Benefits
· Travel expenses reimbursed
· Learn more about how health and social care services are run.
· The opportunity to help Healthwatch Wandsworth make a difference to health and social services in the local area.
· Your voice can represent your community to health and social care providers.
· The opportunity to acquire new skills, refine old ones, and increase your experience and confidence in things such as community interviews, analysing information, and writing reports.
· The opportunity to meet new people and enjoy new experiences.
· You will be able to update your CV and use your experience with Healthwatch to seek work in health and social care or other fields of employment.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Ref: V227 | Community Connector | Carmarthenshire, Wales.
We’re looking for multiple Community Connectors over the age of 18 years old, based across various locations across Carmarthenshire.
You’ll be volunteering : Dates and times to be agreed with volunteer.
The volunteers could be:
· Providing a valuable support to our teams based within the region.
· Build relationships with people, and organisations to raise awareness of stroke and the Stroke Association.
· Engaging with your local community to represent the Stroke Association, this could include the delivery of presentations or talks either face to face or digitally.
· Sharing your knowledge and experience of stroke to others.
· Researching and gathering information relating to life after stroke services.
· Supporting the process of volunteer recruitment and training.
· Attending fundraising events, including donation collections.
*Whilst we would be delighted if you could perform all of these tasks, we will be happy to accept enquiries from you if you can provide suitable selective support.
What the role can offer you personally:
· Learning and developing new skills.
· Meeting new people, building a network and engaging with your local community.
· An opportunity to get together (either face to face/digitally) with other volunteers from the East of England.
· Invitations to join national volunteer events to network and share experiences.
Interested in this role?
Find out more by downloading the role description for the Community Connector role.
If you are interested in this role please complete our application form and send it to us.
We want to reduce barriers to inclusion. Help us understand who’s applying for and getting roles with us by completing our Equal Opportunities Form. This helps us continue to identify anything that’s getting in the way for people looking to join us. This information does not form part of your application.
About Us
Stroke Association. Rebuilding lives after stroke.
When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. That’s because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It happens every five minutes in the UK and changes lives instantly. Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt.
We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. And it’s a team effort to get there.
We provide specialist support, fund critical research and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.
We’re working to improve the diversity of our team. Because we know that individuality leads to a richer experience for our people and better support for those affected by stroke.
We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. And we’re particularly looking to increase the number of applications from those with lived experience of stroke and those from under-represented communities.
Every five minutes, stroke destroys lives. Help us rebuild them and join our team.
In 2019, we developed a bold new corporate strategy so that we can rebuild more lives after stroke and make a bigger difference to people’s lives.
To help us deliver our strategy and make a real difference, we are looking to recruit talented people to a number of new roles.
If you would like to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives, we want to hear from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Pain Concern
Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work. All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results
Purpose of Volunteer Role
This role supports our aim in delivering pain education in our communities and providing access to high quality resources to those who may not have digital access. As an ambassador you will provide tailored information on pain management services available in the local health board area and Signpost to any other support services in the community. Promote the concept of supported self-management as a recommended, effective intervention for chronic pain. Help make a difference to people living with pain by providing a powerful platform to hear the views and experiences for the all too often, voiceless patients. Due to the nature of the role, successful applicants will be required to undertake a PVG check.
What would you be doing
• Have personal experience of chronic pain (e.g., a diagnosis or experience of supporting a family member or friend).
• Representing Pain Concern in a professional manner
• Build a network with local GP surgeries, NHS health board.
• Attend Pain Management groups (virtually or in person), to highlight long term support options.
• Making conversation with members of the public as appropriate, and answering questions about the charity’s work.
• Signpost to helpline, Pain Concern information leaflets, Airing Pain etc
• Carry out research into community groups, local events and businesses in your area, so that you can contact them to attend fayres, exhibitions etc
• Attend cheque presentations and local events officially thanking donors and hosts for their support
• Adhere to Pain Concern’s policies and procedures at all times, including Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality;
• Attend training and volunteer meetings
• Keep your Volunteer Manager up to date on your activities, including the contacts you’ve made and talks that you’ve arranged.
Is this role right for me
We are looking for an individual who possesses some or all of the below experiences, skills and qualities.
• Friendly, positive and outgoing personality
• Tenacity and enthusiasm for sourcing opportunities in your community
• Enthusiasm and interest in chronic pain and the work we do
• Good communication skills, including public speaking
• Strong organisational skills, and an ability to work on own initiative and be proactive
• Access to the Internet and confidence in using it
• A good local knowledge
• Flexibility
Availability and location
Minimum commitment of 6 months. Minimum 2-3 hours per week. By becoming one of our Community Ambassadors, you will travel in and around your geographical area to meet support groups and attend events and from our office at Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh EH15 3HS
Benefits to you
• Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team
• Meet new people
• Build on your employability skills
• Training and a dedicated volunteer line manager looking after you
• A job reference after 6 months of volunteering.
• Satisfaction of giving a valuable service to the community
• On-site car parking
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Policy
How do I apply
Download and complete an application form via the volunteering page on our website. For more information about this role please contact us via our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you looking to volunteer in a small and friendly office team? We're looking for someone to help us with our membership admin, including assembling membership packs, preparing resources for mailings, helping us prepare for membership events and lots more - no admin day will be the same and there is always plenty of tea and coffee on tap and biscuits available!
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is one the region’s largest and oldest charities managing over 100 nature reserves and works with many other land managers assisting them to improve wildlife. The Trust works to involve people in nature conservation through events, environmental education and community involvement.
The supporter services team is part of the Fundraising and Engagement Directorate which includes the Membership, Events, Communications and Fundraising team. As part of their work, the Supporter Services team process all new membership and are looking for a volunteer to help pack our mailing of welcome packs and other post. Ideally our volunteer will also help keep both our literature and events storeroom tidy.
What you'll be supporting us with:
- Assembling membership welcome packs for new Yorkshire Wildlife Trust members
- Packing membership packs ready for the Friday mailing
- Putting together other regular mailings to new and existing members
- Filing of confidential information
- Keeping the storeroom tidy and in order.
- Discarding any out-of-date literature.
- Putting away stock after events.
- Informing staff of low supplies.
- Help gather equipment for events.
- Help take in deliveries.
- Helping with other tasks as required.
What's in it for you?
This is a great opportunity to volunteer for a successful wildlife and environmental charity with a friendly team. Our team is very busy and we greatly value the help of our volunteers. Hot drinks and biscuits are always available!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Living Well Services Complementary Therapies Volunteers
We are looking to increase the LWS activities with a wide range of complementary therapies to include Acupuncture, Reiki, Chiropody and Facials (beauty therapy) to add to our list of Reflexology, Osteopathy, Hypnotherapy and Hand/Foot Massage therapies that is delivered by Volunteers at the Living Well Services.
We know from experience that complementary therapies can help calm emotions, relieve anxiety and increase the general sense of health and wellbeing. We would be asking you to offer the therapy once a week or fortnight depending on your availability.
We recognise this is you offering your time and expertise which we would be very grateful of but we also know many of our volunteers enjoy giving their time to patients and carers at this time of need.
If you are interested please get in touch and we can arrange a meeting with the LWS and community Engagement Manager, Jill Short..
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Our network of committed local vegans across the country is growing! The Vegan Society organises various outreach activities to influence change in every level of society. There are a range of activities going on all the time, from general educational stalls at events to meeting with local policy influencers.
What does the Organiser role involve?
Every month, you will be sent a collection of tasks to choose from. We create these from our programme of campaigns. You would be the point of contact for Advocates in your area, sharing these tasks and coordinating activities, such as stalls and lobbying councillors. We will provide you with a campaign toolkit and be in regular contact with you to ensure you have everything you need. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group and WhatsApp chat.
We would expect you to provide any updates from your group and give feedback on each task. It's vital that we measure the impact that we are having, in terms of positive conversations and leaflets handed out. You can also give us ideas you have for future outreach tasks or campaigning. Many Organisers find a huge sense of satisfaction, improvement in self-esteem and enjoy the social side of volunteering in this role.
You will also be responsible for welcoming new Advocates in your area. We will let you know when somebody new applies, and you will help them to get involved with any activities. As the main contact for Advocates, this role does require some awareness of safeguarding and data protection procedures and policy. You'll also be the health and safety contact for your group. There will be full training on your role in this, as well as a handbook and ongoing guidance and support.
As an Organiser, you will ensure any resources or actions undertaken are in line with our branding and messaging guidelines and make sure that Advocates understand this too.
What training and support is available?
There will be a full induction to the role, with a gradual introduction of new tasks and responsibilities. To start with, we will provide an initial training session to cover the basics of community organising, communication skills and event planning. This will be done remotely from wherever you are. Along with this, we will provide a full pack of resources that covers a range of work that we do.
From there, there will be regular conversations and reviews, where we can discuss other training requirements. Staff are always available to Organisers for any questions, via phone or email.
What skills would be useful in doing this role?
- Great organisational skills
- Experience of coordinating people
- Experience of working to specific dates and deadlines
- Good time keeping
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to motivate people around the topic of veganism
- Ability to stick to branding
- Ability to read emails in a timely manner and translate tasks into actions quickly
- Ability to report back on activities
- Excellent knowledge of vegan issues
It would be beneficial for this role to have access to a vehicle, as some actions will involve taking resources to events or visiting MPs’ offices. However, this is not mandatory as the campaign toolkit can be carried in a backpack.
How much time do I need to invest?
You should be able to commit around two days a month to carry out actions, and this is usually spread out across the month. We also expect timely responses to emails. When a new Advocate applies to work with you, we would like them to be contacted within seven days.
Who can I contact to find out more?
Enquiries are welcome! Please contact Katy Malkin (Volunteering Coordinator).
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are recruiting volunteers who enjoy volunteering in their community to help raise the charity’s profile at a local level. Everyone has their own community and we would love to work with people who can share their passion, interest and enthusiasm for Yes to Life with people in their communities who could benefit from our work. The role descritption provides a list of ways you can do this but we are very happy to listen to your suggestions and ideas too. The role is flexible and you can choose how many hours you dedicate to the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
ABOUT THE ROLE
As part of our Community Support team, you will play a key role in ensuring the fulfilment of our users' needs by sharing information about our services, projects, and activities; this takes place in person, through our digital channels and helpline. Additionally, you will be responsible for keeping up to date information about other services and partner organisations. The primary challenge faced by the Latin American community is the language barrier, which hinders their comprehension of the UK system and their entitlements. Taking part in the Community Interpreting service, you will support service users in navigating these obstacles, enabling them to establish a more integrated life in the UK. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to better understand the challenges faced by the Latin American community in London; use their language skills in a positive and impactful way; and develop valuable administrative and customer service skills in a multicultural, fast-paced organisation.
MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
● Connecting service users to our services, projects and activities in person or by answering phone calls and emails
● Supporting users with general enquiries, referring them to relevant services within our organisation as well as signposting and referring to external services
● Registering users on our database and keeping accurate records of services offered
● Monitoring internal calendars and appointments
● Sharing useful, up-to-date information with users as instructed by other team members
● Ensuring internal communications, flyers and handouts are up to date
● Interpreting calls for service users and supporting with non-official translations
● Supporting community members with basic application forms
● Liaising with staff in other departments and with external contacts
PERSON SPECIFICATION
● Good verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish and/or Portuguese
● Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and with a diverse population of service users, staff and partners
● A caring, sensitive and non-judgemental approach
● Ability to cope with stressful and emotionally challenging issues
● Professionalism to handle sensitive and confidential information
● Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to multitask
● Ability to set their own work priorities, take initiatives and work with minimal supervision
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Smart Works
Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses, coaches and empowers unemployed women for success at their job interview. After visiting Smart Works, 69% of clients secure a job within a month.
The Smart Works service is delivered in 11 centres across the UK. Over the past ten years, Smart Works has helped over 35,000 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre. More information about who we are can be found on our website.
About the opportunity
Our wardrobe is at the heart of our dressing service, where we create that magic mirror moment and ensure our clients receive a consistently professional, boutique dressing experience. Our clothing is generously donated from the public, corporate organisations and our retail partners such as Burberry, Hobbs, Whistles, John Lewis, M&S and more
At Smart Works we strive to deliver a ‘best in class’ experience, ensuring every client receives a high-quality outfit and outstanding dressing experience. This is why we are recruiting for a new team of wardrobe volunteers to maintain our wardrobe space for our clients and dressing team.
We also have an exciting calendar of fundraising events including our signature fashion sales and annual Fashion & Fizz events, where our wardrobe volunteers are responsible for curating amazing rails for our supporters to buy from and in turn raise vital funds for our service.
This opportunity would be perfect for anyone who has a passion for clothes and sees fashion as a force for good. Our wardrobe volunteers should have a meticulous eye for detail and a passion for organisation, as they will be involved in all things sorting and quality control.
We will be recruiting three to four wardrobe volunteers in Newcastle, who will be joining a busy and bustling community consisting of 5 staff members and over 40 volunteers.
Key Tasks
- Working as a team to create successful sorting systems.
- Sorting our incoming clothing donations for client wardrobe and sales.
- Rotating our wardrobe items seasonally and as new items come in.
- Maintaining our rails through steaming and sorting.
- Curating/pricing our fashion sale stock with our events calendar in mind.
- Administrative support with stock takes and inventories.
- Support with our fashion sale events.
Skills you should have
- Great attention to detail.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Work well as a part of the wider wardrobe and volunteer team.
- An awareness of fashion brands is desirable but not essential.
- Passionate about our mission and fashion as a force for good, evidenced in your written application.
Benefits of volunteering
- Making an impactful and positive difference to the lives of our clients.
- Gaining work experience in the charity sector.
- Using your knowledge and skills for good.
- Meeting people from a range of backgrounds and making new friends.
- Access monthly UK wide virtual volunteer forums to meet individuals across the charity.
How to apply
To apply, please submit a CV (no more than two pages) and a one-page cover letter via our recruitment portal here and we will be in touch May-June 2024 if your application is of interest.
Your application should be addressed to Smart Works Newcastle and your cover letter should include why you would like to become a Wardrobe Volunteer.
There will be a short webinar on the opportunity held on Wednesday 10th April at 12:30pm. Please register to attend the webinar here. This will be a chance to hear first-hand from the Smart Works Newcastle Centre Manager about this opportunity.
*Please note this is a rolling recruitment advert, which means we will interview as people apply for the position and therefore may close the advert earlier than planned if we have find an appointable candidate. If you are interested in this position, please submit application as soon as possible.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Community Initiatives & Events Volunteer
We’re looking for proactive volunteers who can get stuck into helping the Fundraising Team with developing fundraising activities.
Location: Dependent on campaign/initiative; mainly around Kent
Days: Ad-hoc to be agreed with Line Manager; events could include Christmas Lights Campaign, Christmas Tree Recycling Campaign, Hospitality Heroes
Time: Ad-hoc to be agreed with Line Manager and dependent on campaign/iniative
Role
As a Pot Collector and Leaflet Distribution Volunteer, you will play a vital role in maintaining ellenor's donation collection pots in the local area.
Key tasks may include:
- Introducing appropriate venues for different campaigns to Fundraising Team
- Identifying venues to Fundraising Team
- Flyer distribution to your local community (see Donation Pot and Leaflet Distribution Volunteer for full information)
- Christmas tree labelling at partner tree seller venues
- Identify collection pot locations (see Donation Pot and Leaflet Distribution Volunteer for full information)
Some key traits you will need as an Community Initiatives & Events Volunteer:
- Good communicator and relationship management skills
- Knowledge of ellenor's services and initiatives
- Vibrant and cheery character
- Passion for ellenor
What you will receive in return:
- Training will be provided, including health and safety
- Updates to ensure that volunteers are informed of ellenor services and initiatives
- Opportunity to meet new people and build friendships
- Being part of a fantastic volunteer group
- Raising money and the profile for an important local cause
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.
Volunteers will be supporting people remotely, in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.
The companion service volunteer can choose to be:
• A companion telephone/video caller
• A companion within the person’s home
• A companion outside the person’s home
• Or a combination of all three.
Examples of the type of support the service offers include:
• Telephone / video calls for an older person/s on a regular basis at a mutually agreed time for a friendly chat.
• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.
• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.
• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups.
• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.
We are looking for the following skills/interests:
• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.
• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly.
• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.
• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.
Please do note, however, that at the moment we are not looking for Volunteer Telephone Companions.
We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***
Please contact the volunteering team for further information
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Community Volunteer - Lancashire
Role summary
Do you want to join our movement and defend the right to a safe home? We’re looking for volunteers who can join us at events in the community to help us raise money and raise awareness! This is a highly flexible role. We’ll let you know about upcoming events, and you choose which you’d like to attend or do. The housing emergency hurts everyone. The fight to end it starts here!
- Suggested involvement: Whatever works for you! You choose the events you volunteer at.
- Availability: This is a flexible opportunity, with events taking place at different times and on different days over the year. You choose the ones that suit you.
- Location: Your local area
- Supervised by: Regional Community Fundraiser
Main tasks
This is a flexible and diverse role. Here are some of the activities you might get involved in:
- Support some of our community fundraising activity such as holding collection tins in public spaces or bag packing in supermarkets.
- Volunteer at a range of events including community fairs, gigs, Pride marches, sporting events and street stalls.
- Help us grow our movement for change by supporting petitions and raising awareness of our calls to action through social media.
This role is based within the Community Fundraising team. If you are looking to volunteer in our shops or services, please return to our homepage to find an appropriate opportunity.
Why volunteer with Shelter?
A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now. Together with individuals, in communities and across society, we will lead the way for a safe home for all. But we need your help to do it. Becoming a Community Volunteer will give you the opportunity to take practical action and to meet other people who are passionate about tackling the housing emergency.
Skills and Experiences Required
- Passionate about joining the fight for home
Benefits of volunteering with us
- Join our fight against bad housing and homelessness and become a force for change!
- Contribute your time flexibly as and when it suits you
- Meet other volunteers locally
- Experience volunteering at a range of different events
- Entry to events you choose to volunteer at!
- Build your confidence and develop transferable skills
Learning & Development
To enable you to take part in this opportunity we will:
- Put you in contact with your local Community Fundraiser who will support you in the role
- Provide you with relevant policies
- Provide relevant induction, training and information
- Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to support people from within the serving community? You just need a friendly demeanour, and an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and age groups. If so, please get in touch.
What is a Community Volunteer?
Community Volunteers provide practical help to serving people and their families. Whilst a friendly chat is an important aspect of the role you will also be providing some hands-on support like a lift to a medical appointment or help with shopping.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people find themselves facing illness, bereavement or unexpected financial problems. Day-to-day activities can become difficult without a little help. That’s where you come in. Could you spare a few hours a week to lend a helping hand to a family in your serving community?
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The essential part of the role is visiting beneficiaries, so you will be expected to travel to meet people at home or elsewhere.
Some volunteers will visit more people than others. Whilst you may visit a beneficiary, or family, on a regular basis support is always time-limited.
What would you be doing?
- Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at their home or in a suitable place depending on their needs
- Providing practical help like lifts to appointments, going to the shops, washing-up, running errands etc.
- Providing time limited, relief care for children (additional training is required for those undertaking this type of support).
- Helping people to think about how to access other support if needed and signposting as required
- Reporting any safeguarding concerns in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
- Keeping in touch with your Community Volunteer Coordinator, attending supervision and keeping a record of your visits.
- Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support beneficiaries
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
- Adhering to SSAFA’s policies and procedures at all times, including SSAFA’s: safeguarding; equality, diversity and inclusion; health & safety; data protection; confidentiality
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Give back to the serving community
- Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What about training and support?
- One day training course for Community Volunteers. The option to pursue this course further and gain an accredited qualification in community volunteering. Additional training is required for those wishing to undertake the Relief Care Service for Children.
- Support from a local Community Volunteer Coordinator
- Support from SSAFA’s Welfare Team and Volunteer Experience Team based at our Central Office
- Online training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date with how to keep clients, their families and personal information safe
- Refresher training to keep your knowledge and skills up to date
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with good listening skills, patience and empathy
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Understanding of the need to remain within the boundaries of the role with regards to friendship, finances etc.
- Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA’s policies
- Good IT skills e.g. ability to use Outlook – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
- Ability to travel to meet beneficiaries
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.
Minimum Age: 18
Are references required? Yes. Two-character references from people who know you well (not family members).
Is a criminal record check required? Yes* (the cost of this will be covered by SSAFA)
*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands or other information should not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, if required and where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Role Purpose
The café is an informal group, providing an opportunity for people to practice their speaking and listening skills in a relaxed and friendly environment. Fluency and literacy grow with confidence, so the primary goal is to get everyone talking. As people get to know one another their comfort in speaking grows. The group is aimed at people whose first language is not English, and who are aged 18 plus.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Whiteinch Centre is a community organization that works with a diverse range of individuals in the West of Glasgow. We offer a range of educational and recreational groups for people of all ages and, create an inclusive environment that strengthens positive relationships with the local community, bringing new perspectives and encouraging people from all walks of life to use our services.
- Supporting the weekly provision of Tuesday evening classes.
- Encouraging conversation between participants using a range of methods
- Monitoring group size, recording numbers attending.
- Correcting participants spoken English, but in a way that encourages them to continue to practice.
- Focusing on practical language support such as getting out to the shops or using public transport (this list is not exhaustive)
- Helping individuals to learn and practice English letter formation and direction of writing Talk with individuals to find out where they want/need to use English.
- Support teaching staff to set tasks between sessions to build independence.
- Ensure a welcoming, friendly, and supportive environment for attendees.
- Keep volunteer and Learning coordinator updated on any issues or concerns which may arise.
Performance Standards
There are no formal qualifications for this post however, the performance standards required for the post are-
- Able to encourage and motivate group members.
- Committed to and willing to take ownership of a project.
- Able to support all kinds of people – particularly older individuals.
- Caring, sympathetic, sensitive, and non-judgmental
- Able to communicate effectively.
- Ability to develop and maintain constructive relationships, which value individuals’ strengths and knowledge
- Excellent listening skills
- Comfortable working with others
- Able to maintain professional boundaries and maintain confidentiality.
- Reliable
Volunteering Conditions
Your work will take place in the Whiteinch Centre however, some duties may require work in the local and surrounding communities. Any work undertaken in the community must be permitted by your named person prior to taking place.
Volunteers are required to have a current appropriate DBS check in place.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we want you
As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.
What you will be doing
- Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community
- Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities
- Helping at events
- Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through
- SSAFA’s speaker programme
- Event administration
- Social media marketing
The skills you need
- Friendly and approachable
- Happy to help
- Basic IT skills would be an advantage
What's in it for you
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
- Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.