Community Support Volunteer Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate.
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• 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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Ref: V224 | Support Group Volunteer | Wolseley
We’re looking for Support Group Volunteers over the age of 18 years old, based at Wolseley Business Park, Wolseley Close, Plymouth, Devon, PL2 3BY.
You’ll be volunteering 3 out of 4 Wednesday mornings per month, from 10am until 1pm
As a support group volunteer, you will help with the running of the group. The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.
The volunteer will be
· A people person, with good listening skills
· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people
· Good at putting people at ease
· Reliable and organised
· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke
· IT literate, have good administrative and record keeping skills and be able to follow relevant policies
A DBS check is required for this role.
Interested in this role?
Find out more by downloading the role description for the Support Group Volunteer role.
If you are interested in this role, please complete click apply.
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.
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!
Are you an enthusiastic team player? Do you enjoy attending events and talking to new people? If so, we’d love to hear from you! You don’t need an Armed Forces background, just a desire to support the serving community.
What is a Serving Community Fundraising Volunteers?
There is a SSAFA presence throughout the serving community, both in the UK and overseas. In many areas SSAFA have Service Committees and Serving Community Teams which offer financial, practical and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Each team is formed of a group of dedicated volunteers who make this possible.
A Fundraising Volunteer is a crucial role in the team, helping the Fundraising Coordinator deliver a range of activities and events to raise awareness of SSAFA and generate funds. You will spend time out and about supporting initiatives such as fayres, street collections, quizzes, raffles and other promotional events.
What difference will you make?
Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups and the number of people contacting us for help rises each year.
In order to keep providing support to those who need it most, SSAFA relies on regular charitable income. This income goes direct to beneficiaries as well as funding essential behind-the-scenes operating costs. Fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community, so everyone knows who we are and how we can help.
What will you be doing?
- Although every SSAFA Committee has different needs, below are the main activities of a Fundraising Volunteer:
- Being part of a team supporting at events for example, helping to run a SSAFA stall at an Armed Forces Day event, or selling raffle tickets at a local fayre.
- Supporting at organised collections for example, joining others to collect donations at a supermarket, shopping centre, or event.
- Distributing promotional materials, posters and flyers across the area.
- Supporting the Fundraising Coordinator and others in the team with planning fundraising activities and new ideas.
What about training and support?
- Online e-learning training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep people and their personal information safe.
- Local induction and support.
- Ongoing support from SSAFA’s volunteering, operations and fundraising teams.
- Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others.
- Give back to the Armed Forces community.
- Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across the serving community and local area.
- 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 are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with good communication skills.
- Good IT skills
- Honesty and reliability
- Ability to be a team player
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
This is a flexible role that would suit someone who would like to volunteer regularly or at one-off events when time permits.
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? No
We work to make SSAFA as safe as possible for everyone. Part of this involves volunteers attending an informal interview, providing two suitable references, and completing relevant training for your 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!
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.
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.
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to play a key role in supporting blind and partially sighted people in your local area? Are you great at communicating, love meeting others and enjoy using your admin and organisational skills? If this sounds like you, you’re the person we’re looking for to support our Solihull Social group meeting. The Solihull Social is a meet up for working age visually impaired people in Solihull and the surrounding area. The aim of the group is to bring together local, like minded visually impaired people who can relate to each other’s local issues around being visually impaired in Solihull, but mainly to have a good time getting to know each other. The group meet once a month in a relaxed informal setting for a drink or bite to eat. We would like your help with: • planning and organising group meetings; • liaising with the venue; • sighted guiding; • helping to ensure that participants feel comfortable and facilitate discussion; • looking after participants welfare within the group and flagging any welfare or safeguarding concerns.
- This role requires an enhanced criminal record check and 2 references.
- The group meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month, 6pm – 7.30pm at the Beech House, 727 Warwick Rd, Solihull, B91 3DA
- Effective listening skills
- Good communication skills
- An understanding of issues affecting blind / partially sighted people
- Ability to digest information
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Background to the RJ4All Internships
RJ4All was originally set up by volunteers, and it would not exist without their involvement and continued support. Therefore, RJ4All recognises their significant contribution. The vast majority of our interns are young people most of whom are faced with challenges let those be social, financial, migration or refugee status etc.
The RJ4All internships are not paid, but offered on a volunteering basis. This is because we believe that volunteering is an important way to make a positive contribution to our communities and is of particular benefit to young people who are often forgotten or marginalised. Nevertheless, volunteering with RJ4All does not mean standing outside of tube stations wearing bunny suits to raise funds! It involves high quality project activity, engaging with social project and policy issues, and making a real difference where it matters. It also means doing youth-led work, organising events and running user-led training workshops. All out of pocket expenses are paid (see Volunteer Policy for more detail).
Our principles
We are established upon the FREDA underlying values of restorative justice. These stand for Freedom, Respect, Equality, Dignity and Autonomy. Our interns are expected to subscribe to these values as well as that of power sharing.
RJ4ALL has the Quality Mark of the European Commission’s European Solidarity Corps and has adopted European Solidarity Corps Charter. All principles underlying this Volunteer and Intern Policy are fully aligned with the Mission and Principles of the European Solidarity Corps. Previously, RJ4All was using the EVS principles (European Voluntary Service).
The role
This is a supporting role working under the line management of the Community Centre Manager. It is an office-based position at our RJ4All Community Centre in Rotherhithe working across projects and RJ4All services. The post holder will support the organisation to ensure the effective administration of the RJ4All Centre and the delivery of RJ4All programmes through a combination of excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
Initiative and innovation are attributes that are highly valued at RJ4All. Furthermore, the post holder will be involved in delivering project-related tasks as well as promoting projects, participate and create workshops.
Volunteering hours under this role are between 9:30am-5:30pm and the placements are usually offered on a minimum of a 3-month engagement.
Role description
We want to offer a rounded experience to all our interns and therefore they are engaged in five different areas of work:
-
Community Project Delivery on one or multiple of our community centre projects (incl. Youth Clubs, Food Bank, Community Fridge, Charity Shop, Sports classes for young people/for people with disabilities, Digital Inclusion workshops), art workshops, Mediation, wellbeing support, etc.).
-
Research and policy support on our Restorative Justice postcode project.
-
Administrative work such as managing our organisation email account or project monitoring and evaluation
-
Social media such as leading on our Facebook page
-
Writing a blog for our members and our FRED campaign.
Other tasks may include:
-
Engagement with Service Users,
-
Youth work,
-
Event planning, outreach, and management,
-
Report writing and proofreading,
-
Compiling, formatting, analysing qualitative and quantitative data,
-
Conducting stakeholder mapping
-
Writing for the website, blogs and other newsletters,
Helping with funding applications.
What support will I be given?
Interns will be given a full induction and will be supported through one-to-one meetings and daily support. The candidate will benefit from a range of training initiatives.
What benefits can I expect to gain from the experience?
The position offers a rich and high-quality experience that will enhance future job prospects within the area of community engagement and project delivery within the charity sector as well as social policy and research. We also offer Youth Pass and CPD accreditation where relevant.
What skills or experience do I need?
-
An interest in community engagement and project delivery within the charitable sector and/or social policy and research
-
Excellent written and oral communication skills,
-
Excellent organisational skills
-
Ability to work as a member of a team and on your own initiative,
-
A keen eye for spotting errors,
-
Organised and self-managing,
-
Commitment to the values of dialogue, transparency, non-adversarial methods of conflict resolution and restorative justice,
-
Sympathise with the aims, ethos and organisational culture of RJ4All including its vision, mission and values.
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!
Ref: V225 | Support Group Volunteer | Maldon
We’re looking for Support Group Volunteers over the age of 18 years old, based at Fullbridge Church, 27 Fullbridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LE.
You’ll be volunteering fortnightly on a Thursday from 10.15am-12.15pm.
As a support group volunteer, you will help with the running of the group. The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.
The volunteer will be
· A people person, with good listening skills
· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people
· Good at putting people at ease
· Reliable and organised
· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke
· IT literate, have good administrative and record keeping skills and be able to follow relevant policies
A DBS check is required for this role.
Interested in this role?
Find out more by downloading the role description for the Support Group Volunteer role.
If you are interested in this role, please complete our application form on our website.
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.
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!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers. What you’ll be doing: • Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups. • Delivering talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people • Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service What you’ll gain from the role: • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • 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 supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience. • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training. • A supportive manager. • Regular updates and catchups. • Expenses. • An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you full of ideas about how the serving community can raise vital funds, and how to highlight SSAFA’s impact? Do you enjoy inspiring and motivating people into action? If so, we’d love to hear from you! You don’t need an Armed Forces background, just a desire to support the serving community.
What is a Serving Community Team Fundraising Coordinator?
There is a SSAFA presence throughout the serving community, both in the UK and overseas. In many areas SSAFA have Serving Community Teams that offer financial, practical, and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Each team is formed of a group of dedicated volunteers who make this possible.
Fundraising Coordinators are essential members of the Serving Community Team. They lead the development and delivery of a local fundraising plan. With the help of Fundraising Volunteers, this could include coordinating events, appeals, local grants or collections.
What difference will you make?
Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups and the number of people contacting us for help rises each year.
In order to keep providing support to those who need it most, we need Fundraising Coordinators who can shout about the impact of SSAFA, and inspire people to donate, support our mission and join our community.
What will you be doing?
Although every SSAFA Serving Community Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Fundraising Coordinator:
- Planning and strategy: Leading the development of a local fundraising plan with support from the wider team, including the Engagement and Events Coordinator.
- Growing a team: Together with the Serving Community Team Volunteering Co-ordinator and SSAFA’s Regional Fundraising Manager, recruiting and supporting a group of fundraising volunteers to help deliver your fundraising ideas.
- Marketing: With help from SSAFA’s Marketing and Communications team creating eye-catching fundraising materials to support the annual fundraising plan.
- Reporting: Tracking and reporting on the success of fundraising activities and providing an annual report to SSAFA Central Office.
What about training and support?
- Online, e-learning, training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep people and their personal information safe.
- Local induction and support
- Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Ongoing support from SSAFA’s volunteering and operations based regionally and at our central office.
- Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others.
- Give back to the Armed Forces community.
- Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across the serving community and local area.
- 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 are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
- Empathy regarding the needs and challenges related to serving community.
- Good IT skills e.g. ability to use Outlook and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
- Be an effective listener, respectful and have a non-judgemental approach.
- 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 of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they 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? No
We work to make SSAFA as safe as possible for everyone. Part of this involves volunteers attending an informal interview, providing two suitable references, and completing relevant training for your 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!
Would you like to support those feeling socially isolated and lonely within the local serving community? Could you spare a few hours a week to organise group activities that bring people together?
If so, we would love to hear from you!
What is a Community Connection Champion?
The aim of the role is to promote connection by developing and facilitating social groups and activities within the local serving community.
Tasks will include planning group activities that are sociable and of interest to the community. It also involves coordinating and delivering sessions. You will receive training and have support from a dedicated project officer as you establish a variety of groups.
What difference will you make?
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 can find themselves feeling lonely or socially isolated, they may struggle to meet and connect with new people due to their confidence, work commitments or because they don’t live in Service Family Accommodation.
Community Connection Champions will play a vital role in tackling these challenges by creating welcoming, engaging group opportunities that bring people together.
What will you be doing?
Although every SSAFA Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Community Connection Champion:
- Creating and Planning: Working with the Project Officer to plan, develop and organise groups and activities that are best suited to their local serving community.
- Communication and Teamwork: Keeping in touch with the local Community Volunteer Coordinator and attending s meetings.
- Networking and Engagement: Reaching out with those who are interested in attending activities, providing support and encouragement for them to attend, including those who face barriers to attending.
- Facilitating group sessions: Delivering group activities in line with agreed plans, signposting attendees to external support as required and in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
- Recording and reporting on activities: Sharing activity plans with the SSAFA Project Team, tracking attendance, and encouraging attendees to complete the relevant paperwork to support Project reporting and development.
What about training and support?
- Volunteers will need to complete E-learning courses covering topics including GDPR and safeguarding plus a 1.5hr webinar which focuses on understanding the impact of loneliness and social isolation, what helps to reduce those feelings and the skills needed to develop and facilitate groups.
- Support from a dedicated Project Officer who will work with you to plan and develop the groups and activities.
- Support from your local Community Volunteer Coordinator and SSAFA’s Regional and Central Volunteer Operations colleagues.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
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, helping them to build local connections.
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
- Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews, such as planning sessions, organising activities and group facilitation.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with great communication skills.
- Excellent understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
- Non-judgemental approach and alignment with SSAFA’s values
- Some experience of delivering groups sessions or team leadership is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
This role would suit someone who would like to make a regular weekly commitment of a couple of hours.
As this is a new initiative, we are keen to understand what works to support the local serving community. We expect groups to run in the evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.
A typical group might run once weekly for a 6-week period. Face to face sessions are likely to run in community venues such as community centres but we also want to explore how virtual groups can be used to support those who can’t access face to face sessions.
Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.
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 those feeling socially isolated and lonely within the local serving community? Could you spare a few hours a week to organise group activities that bring people together?
If so, we would love to hear from you!
What is a Community Connection Champion?
The aim of the role is to promote connection by developing and facilitating social groups and activities within the local serving community.
Tasks will include planning group activities that are sociable and of interest to the community. It also involves coordinating and delivering sessions. You will receive training and have support from a dedicated project officer as you establish a variety of groups.
What difference will you make?
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 can find themselves feeling lonely or socially isolated, they may struggle to meet and connect with new people due to their confidence, work commitments or because they don’t live in Service Family Accommodation.
Community Connection Champions will play a vital role in tackling these challenges by creating welcoming, engaging group opportunities that bring people together.
What will you be doing?
Although every SSAFA Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Community Connection Champion:
- Creating and Planning: Working with the Project Officer to plan, develop and organise groups and activities that are best suited to their local serving community.
- Communication and Teamwork: Keeping in touch with the local Community Volunteer Coordinator and attending s meetings.
- Networking and Engagement: Reaching out with those who are interested in attending activities, providing support and encouragement for them to attend, including those who face barriers to attending.
- Facilitating group sessions: Delivering group activities in line with agreed plans, signposting attendees to external support as required and in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
- Recording and reporting on activities: Sharing activity plans with the SSAFA Project Team, tracking attendance, and encouraging attendees to complete the relevant paperwork to support Project reporting and development.
What about training and support?
- Volunteers will need to complete E-learning courses covering topics including GDPR and safeguarding plus a 1.5hr webinar which focuses on understanding the impact of loneliness and social isolation, what helps to reduce those feelings and the skills needed to develop and facilitate groups.
- Support from a dedicated Project Officer who will work with you to plan and develop the groups and activities.
- Support from your local Community Volunteer Coordinator and SSAFA’s Regional and Central Volunteer Operations colleagues.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
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, helping them to build local connections.
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
- Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews, such as planning sessions, organising activities and group facilitation.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with great communication skills.
- Excellent understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
- Non-judgemental approach and alignment with SSAFA’s values
- Some experience of delivering groups sessions or team leadership is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
This role would suit someone who would like to make a regular weekly commitment of a couple of hours.
As this is a new initiative, we are keen to understand what works to support the local serving community. We expect groups to run in the evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.
A typical group might run once weekly for a 6-week period. Face to face sessions are likely to run in community venues such as community centres but we also want to explore how virtual groups can be used to support those who can’t access face to face sessions.
Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.
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 Volunteer
Role description
Our volunteers are vital in helping us make life fully inclusive for the 12 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. RNID hugely value the contribution of our volunteers and we achieved the Investing in Volunteers quality mark in 2023.
What you’ll be doing
Community volunteers help us share information. They act as ambassadors for RNID, providing information to deaf people and people with hearing loss and tinnitus and providing information on RNID services and activities. They do this by:
-
attending events, such as community open days, health information days
-
giving presentations to groups (these might be in-person or held remotely on-line
You don’t have to do all types of activities; you can pick the activities you find most interesting and match your skills and experience. Community volunteers help us on an ad hoc, flexible basis, there is no fixed time commitment.
Full induction and training is provided and you’ll be assigned a supervisor to provide you with on-going support and to introduce you to our community of volunteers.
Requirements
You need to be 16 or over for this role. You may need to be able to travel by car or public transport to different places. We’ll reimburse your expenses in line with RNID’s 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!
Do you enjoy networking and meeting new people? Are you passionate about volunteering and supporting the serving community? If so, we would love to hear from you. You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with people, and a good level of IT skills.
What is a Serving Community Team Volunteering Coordinator?
There is a SSAFA presence throughout the serving community, both in the UK and overseas. In many areas, SSAFA have Serving Community Teams which offer financial, practical, and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Each team is formed of a group of trained volunteers who make this possible.
A Volunteering Coordinator is a key role within the Team, supporting with local recruitment, induction, and celebration of volunteers and volunteering. They ensure volunteers are welcomed and supported. This role also has voting rights for the grant giving process.
What difference will you make?
Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups and the number of people contacting us for help rises each year. To continue providing help when it’s needed most, SSAFA must maintain a diverse and committed network of volunteers who are skilled, supported and valued.
What will you be doing?
Although every SSAFA Serving Community Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Volunteering Coordinator:
- Keeping track and keeping in touch: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date lists of volunteer details, ensuring volunteers complete training, checking in with volunteers about their experience and passing on feedback.
- Monitoring and planning: Working alongside the Chair to monitor volunteer numbers and develop plans to recruit new volunteers as required.
- Creating local links: Taking opportunities to advertise and promote volunteering opportunities locally, including linking with local volunteer centres and community groups. Liaising with the Engagement and Events Coordinator and SSAFA’s Marketing and Communications team for support with branding and publicity materials.
- Welcoming and supporting: Working in partnership with SSAFA Central Office teams to coordinate local volunteer recruitment and induction, supporting new volunteers through these steps. Ensuring every volunteer has access to supervision and support, signposting to support from SSAFA Central Office teams as required.
- Celebrating and saying thank you: Seeking opportunities to celebrate volunteering, engaging in local initiatives and finding ways to say thank you to volunteers for all their efforts.
- Partnership working: building positive relationships and working together with national and regional employees, who are available to offer you support.
- Being a volunteering champion: working with the Regional Operations Support Manager to promote volunteering best practice across the Team and ensure volunteers have the best possible experience with SSAFA.
What about training and support?
- Instructor led training alongside like-minded volunteers will guide you through everything you need to know about volunteering good practice and volunteer management.
- Online, e-learning, training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep people and their personal information safe.
- Local induction and support.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Support from SSAFA volunteering and operations staff.
- Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others.
- Give back to the Armed Forces community.
- Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across the serving community and local area.
- 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 are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
- Some experience of coordinating people is desirable but not essential.
- Empathy regarding the needs and challenges of the serving community
- Good IT skills e.g., ability to use email and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
- Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
- A belief in the impact of volunteering.
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? No
We work to make SSAFA as safe as possible for everyone. Part of this involves volunteers attending an informal interview, providing two suitable references, and completing relevant training for your role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.