Counselling volunteer roles in united kingdom

Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy meeting new people? Are you sociable with good interpersonal skills? Could you support people living with a challenging terminal illness? 

Our Association Visitor role might be the right role for you. 

We ask for a few hours each week to visit people in their own homes or to keep in touch by phone, email, video, text or WhatsApp

By becoming an Association Visitor and donating your time, energy and skills, you can make a real difference to the lives of people affected by Motor Neurone Disease. 

The MND Association was founded in 1979. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We also fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.

“I am extremely honoured to be a volunteer for the MND Association. The most rewarding thing is knowing that I have helped people to access the services, equipment and support they need.” Jo-Ann, Volunteer

Womankind is recruiting reliable and resilient women, who are able to commit to 1-2 daytime hours each week for six months, to join our Volunteer Befriending Service. Befrienders encourage and support vulnerable women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse, empowering them to make their own decisions and improve their mental health and wellbeing so that they can lead more fulfilling lives. 

Training: 

Befrienders attend an initial online meet & greet session and then receive 4 taught sessions of comprehensive training over Zoom. These sessions will take place over 4 weeks, starting in Autumn 2025 (DATES AND TIMES TBC). Befrienders will be expected to complete homestudy in between sessions. You will be part of a team of trainees and benefit from peer support as well as help and guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator. Our training comes with over 30 years of experience working in women’s mental health, giving volunteers the very best preparation for the role, and a support network of like-minded women. 

The Role: 

Upon the completion of training, each volunteer is matched with one woman who has experienced childhood abuse, trauma, sexual violence and/or domestic abuse, and will be experiencing mental ill health and social isolation. 

As a befriender you would be expected to commit 1-2 hours on a weekly basis for 6 months and attend monthly group and individual supervision. Many of our volunteers decide they would like to be matched with another woman after the completion of their first match and continue volunteering with us for another 6 months. 

You and your befriendee would start by getting to know each other gradually. Once you have built up your relationship, you would support her emotionally, using active listening skills and providing her with a space to express her feelings and feel heard. You would help her to believe that she can achieve her goals and have safer relationships. Part of your role would be demonstrating what a healthy and boundaried relationship looks like. 

You: 

You will be enthusiastic and interested in helping another woman improve her mental health and wellbeing so that she can lead a more fulfilling life. You will be friendly and non-judgemental, have good communication skills and be a reliable and patient listener. 

The befriending role can be challenging and emotionally overwhelming at times. Therefore, we need befrienders who have adequate life experience and feel emotionally robust and resilient enough to take on the role. We welcome volunteers with personal experience of mental health and other relevant issues but will require you to have at least a one-year period of stability and ideally to have received professional help like counselling in your recovery. 

As this is a remote service, we welcome applications from women who are based across the UK. 

Please note, there is very limited availability for women who can only volunteer during the evenings and weekends. 

Because of the nature of this role, it is only open to women applicants and is exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 Equalities Act 2010. 

At Womankind we recognise that while women share many characteristics and experiences as a result of living within a patriarchal society, women belonging to marginalised groups experience discrimination on multiple fronts. It is really important to us that the women who use our services feel represented amongst our volunteers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, especially from groups which are marginalised and underrepresented in our organisation, such as working-class women and Black and Minoritised women. 

 What Past Befrienders Say: 

“I loved the training, that was possibly one of my favourite things about this whole experience...it was really thorough. I loved being in a space with like-minded women – and it was also challenging, which I liked.” 

“In terms of supervision and knowledge, how to prepare the role – it was much more prepared, much more in depth than other places I’ve volunteered.” 

“It’s been a pleasure, I love volunteering with you guys. It’s special being part of this – in a world where are so few spaces where you can have a direct impact on someone’s life, doing this role is really special.” 

Closing Date: 31/08/2025 

Job Type: Volunteer 

Work Location: Remote, must be UK-based 

Our Linked Minds Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow due to a diagnosed mental health problem.

This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.

On successful completion of specialist mental health training, the Befriender is matched with someone suitable, by a Co-ordinator who then acts as a (non-clinical) supervisor for the befriending period, which is limited to a year. (Where applicable, this can count towards continuous professional development).

Befriender, client and supervisor make a plan together with a goal to work towards, and the Befriender makes a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea, go out for a walk together, visit a cafe or undertake a local activity. 

These visits make such a difference for the client, increasing their confidence and helping them explore and work towards getting a job, joining a club, meeting other people or whatever their goal may be.

The aim is that, by the end of the year, clients feel better about themselves, more valued, resilient, empowered, more linked to their community and better equipped for their journeys in recovery.

But volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.

As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.

We are recruiting for a volunteer who would like to play a role in helping others to express themselves through writing. Would you like to support others to use their imagination to portray a message?

Creative writing is a great way to express yourself using your own creativity and imagination through story telling or poetry. It is an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and put it down on paper. Creative writing has been shown to improve emotional and mental well-being. Through creative writing, we can gain insight into our emotions, develop self-expression and communication skills, cultivate empathy and understanding of others, boost our imagination and creativity.

What you will be doing

• Lead and facilitate a weekly Creative Writing Group, encouraging participants to explore their thoughts and feelings through writing exercises, prompts, and storytelling.
• Guide a subsequent Feelings Forum where participants can share and discuss emotions sparked by the writing session or current experiences in a respectful and supportive atmosphere
• Foster an inclusive, non-judgmental environment where all voices are heard and valued
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the organisation’s safeguarding and mental health protocols
• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants

The skills you need

• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to mental health challenges
• Ability to facilitate group discussions and manage diverse emotional responses constructively
• Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach.
• Training or experience in mental health, counselling, social work, or a related field is advantageous but not essential

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 - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Respond is seeking a qualified accountant to join the Board of Trustees as honorary Treasurer.

About the Respond Treasurer role

This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer in a vital governance role at Respond: the Treasurer maintains an overview of the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer also supports good governance, helping set the strategic direction of the charity for the years to come.

The role would suit a qualified accountant with some knowledge of charity accounting and the ability to communicate financial information to the wider board in a clear and accessible way. 

With a passionate Board of Trustees and a committed staff team, you’ll join an organisation focused on making a real difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma.

Please note this is a voluntary role. Any expenses incurred while carrying out the duties of the role will be reimbursed.

About Respond

Respond is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma. Respond offers psychotherapy and advocacy support and provides specialist trauma informed training for services.

Through specialist advocacy and therapeutic support, we support people to navigate complex systems such as criminal justice, social services and housing, and to cope with the impact of trauma, build healthy relationships and move forward with their lives.

If you are a qualified accountant that shared our passion for supporting survivors, we would love to hear from you.

Volunteer Social Media Content Producer

Location: Haggerston and other SCT sites in East London

Time Commitment: Flexible

Reports to: Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications/Digital Marketing and Communications Manager.

About Us

Based in East London, we have supported people affected by homelessness and addiction for sixty years. We provide a residential addictions treatment programme and counselling, a training and development service, supported housing, and a Housing First service.

Our approach is trauma-informed, holistic and compassionate. We enable people to build strong foundations for the future and discover new skills, improve confidence and self-esteem, and improve physical health and mental well-being. All are vital to establishing a lasting recovery from homelessness and addiction and creating a more fulfilling life.

Our nine charity shops and two social enterprises, put us in the heart of communities across East London.

Role Overview

We are seeking a creative and enthusiastic Volunteer Social Media Content Producer to help us craft engaging, mission-driven content for our social media platforms. This is a great opportunity for someone who loves storytelling, creating digital content and wants to use their skills to support a meaningful cause.

Key Responsibilities

As part of the Fundraising, Marketing and Communications team, key responsibilities include:

· Developing original content for platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

· Creating graphics, short videos, reels, stories, and written posts that align with our brand and messaging.

· Collaborating with teams across SCT, including SCT retail, to plan and execute content calendars and campaigns.

· Repurposing existing materials into social media-friendly formats.

· Staying informed about social media trends and suggesting creative ways to increase engagement.

Skills & Experience

· Experience in content creation for social media (personal, academic, or professional).

· Proficiency with tools like Canva, Meta, CapCut, or similar.

· Strong visual storytelling and writing skills.

· Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

· Passion for social impact and a good understanding of social media platforms.

What We Offer

· A chance to make a real difference through your creative work.

· Opportunities to build your portfolio and gain experience in nonprofit communications.

· A reference or recommendation upon successful completion of the role.

· Flexible hours and a supportive, collaborative team environment.

Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.

We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference.

Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.

Purpose of the role:

To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.

Our volunteers take calls from parents and carers on a wide range of subjects, whether that might be issues around separation and divorce, isolation, depression, bullying and abuse, dealing with behavioural problems, etc. You can find out more about our services on our website. We are a national service with home-based call takers county wide and a call centre in Old Hatfield Hertfordshire.

Once trained volunteers sign up for a weekly 4-hour shift comprising 3 hours ‘online’ followed by a debrief session with your supervisor which can last around half to one hour.

We recruit volunteers with a range of backgrounds and experiences though we ask that volunteers have experience of parenting or working with children and young people, are good listeners and have a willingness to learn. Being remote it will be very important that you have a PC/laptop, plug in headset with microphone, good Wi-Fi and a private place to work from home. You need to be a UK resident.

Our volunteers often tell us how rewarding their time with us is.

You'll be part of a compassionate community and feel a real sense of pride for what you do. You'll meet new people, gain valuable experience, and develop your skillset. We're passionate about helping people to reach their full potential, so we'll offer you full training suitable for the role, supervision from a named member of staff, including help setting personal development goals, and opportunities to increase skills and input into practice via regular Practice Development Groups.

Our training programme is excellent and will give you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to offer empathic support and guidance to callers whatever their circumstances; all shifts are overseen by a regular shift supervisor who provides ongoing remote support.

We ask our volunteers to make a commitment of 1 year (with time off for holidays), obviously we understand that circumstances sometimes make that an impossibility but can be helpful to know at the outset that is the general expectation.

We have remote call taker training sessions that run over five sessions and is done remotely connecting you via a Microsoft Teams link. Our next training is starting in September 2025.

Module One = Tues 16th Sept

Module Two = Wed 24th Sept

Module Three = Weds 1st Oct

Module Four = Weds 8th Oct

Module Five = Wed 15th Oct

10am to 2pm

You would need to be able to attend all five sessions and be available on four occasions to listen into calls, this can be organised remotely. If you are unable to attend the training however are interested, please do apply as we run training throughout the year.

Supporting Women Through Pregnancy and Pregnancy Loss

Position: Trustee (Voluntary)
Location: Hybrid – meetings held online and in-person- Warwickshire
Time Commitment: 5–10 days per year ( Daytime, some Saturdays and evenings)

Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Closing Date: 30th September 2025

Interviews: October 2025 

About the Role

A national pregnancy and pregnancy loss support charity is seeking compassionate and strategic individuals to join its Board of Trustees. The organisation supports women and families facing unexpected pregnancy or the heartbreak of pregnancy loss, providing care and practical help at a time when it is needed most.

New Trustees will join a dedicated team committed to guiding the charity’s future direction and ensuring that its services remain impactful, ethical, and accessible. Trustees play a vital role in decision-making and oversight, helping the organisation remain strong, sustainable, and rooted in its mission of compassionate support.

Key responsibilities include:

• Contributing to the development of long-term strategy and vision
• Ensuring strong governance, legal compliance, and financial oversight
• Providing guidance and challenge to the senior leadership team
• Advocating for the organisation’s values and those it serves
• Attending quarterly board meetings and supporting sub-committees

About the Ideal Candidate

The charity is looking for individuals who are deeply committed to supporting women in vulnerable circumstances. Prior trustee experience is not necessarily required — what matters most is a caring outlook, sound judgment, and the ability to think strategically.

Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome, especially those who bring professional expertise or lived experience in the following areas:

• Fundraising and donor engagement
• Philanthropy

• HR, governance, or finance
• Digital systems, marketing, or communications
• A service user
• Housing or social care
• Helpline support
• Community outreach and safeguarding

Those with experience supporting vulnerable groups, leading organisations, or advocating for underrepresented voices would be particularly valuable. Above all, Trustees should share the charity’s belief that no one should face pregnancy or loss alone.

About the Organisation

This well-established charity supports thousands of people each year across the UK. Its services include free counselling, supported housing for women in crisis, practical help such as baby goods, and a national helpline. The organisation also plays a key role in public education around pregnancy and pregnancy loss.

The charity’s ethos is rooted in dignity, compassion, and respect. It holds nationally recognised quality standards and works in collaboration with trusted partners to deliver care that is both professional and heartfelt.

Why Join the Board?

This is a meaningful opportunity to help shape the future of an organisation that walks alongside women and families during some of the most challenging times in their lives. Trustees will bring their expertise, time, and heart to ensure these vital services continue to grow and reach those who need them most.

Relevant backgrounds might include:

Charity Trustee, Support Worker, Counsellor, HR Manager, Volunteer Leader, Programme Manager, Community Engagement Officer, Non-Executive Director, Communications Specialist, Strategic Consultant, or Safeguarding Advisor.

KIPAWA DREAMS INITIATIVES

Kipawa Dreams Initiatives (K-DI) is a women-led Organization. Our mission is to empower youth, especially girls and women, by equipping them with the knowledge and opportunities to foster sustainable communities through extensive education, health, and technology-related initiatives. At K-DI, we prioritize tackling significant challenges in education and health, particularly for marginalized youth. We focus specifically on women and children aged 10 - 25. Our strategy is built on collaborating with local stakeholders, governments, and development partners, which allows us to create community-driven solutions and enhance capacity within our communities.

KIPAWA Dreams addresses the intertwined social and environmental challenges facing youth in rural Tanzania, including poor mental health awareness, cultural stigma, gender inequality, and lack of supportive spaces. Many young people struggle in silence with trauma, anxiety, or abuse, worsened by poverty and harmful norms. Girls are especially vulnerable due to early marriage, menstrual stigma, and limited educational access. Through peer-led clubs, community dialogues, and youth mental health training, KIPAWA Dreams fosters safe and inclusive environments that promote resilience, emotional expression, and support. The organization empowers young people to heal, lead, and drive change within their schools, families, and communities.

KIPAWA Dreams tackles mental health stigma, gender inequality, and youth marginalization through culturally rooted, community-driven solutions. It trains teachers, health workers, and youth leaders in Mental Health issues, builds school-based peer support clubs, and facilitates intergenerational dialogues to break harmful silences. By integrating arts, sports, and storytelling, the startup creates safe spaces for youth expression and healing. Girls are empowered through leadership roles and reproductive health education, while all youth gain tools to navigate trauma and stress. KIPAWA Dreams fosters resilience, inclusion, and early intervention transforming communities from within and ensuring that no young person is left behind.

Join Us in Making Mental Health Matter in Rural Tanzania.

Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Advisor (Volunteer).

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

KDI is seeking a mental health professional to enhance the technical quality of our Mental Health Awareness and Education Campaigns, as well as our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training and youth-led support clubs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and guide MHFA training materials.
• Support the establishment of referral pathways and trauma-informed practices.
• Assist in the development of school-based psychosocial activities.
• Contribute to parent engagement and facilitate community dialogues.

Ideal Candidate:

• A background in mental health, such as psychology, counseling, or social work.
• A passion for community-based and youth-focused interventions.
• Familiarity with delivering mental health services in low-resource or rural settings.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

KIPAWA DREAMS INITIATIVES

Kipawa Dreams Initiatives (K-DI) is a women-led Organization. Our mission is to empower youth, especially girls and women, by equipping them with the knowledge and opportunities to foster sustainable communities through extensive education, health, and technology-related initiatives. At K-DI, we prioritize tackling significant challenges in education and health, particularly for marginalized youth. We focus specifically on women and children aged 10 - 25. Our strategy is built on collaborating with local stakeholders, governments, and development partners, which allows us to create community-driven solutions and enhance capacity within our communities.

KIPAWA Dreams addresses the intertwined social and environmental challenges facing youth in rural Tanzania, including poor mental health awareness, cultural stigma, gender inequality, and lack of supportive spaces. Many young people struggle in silence with trauma, anxiety, or abuse, worsened by poverty and harmful norms. Girls are especially vulnerable due to early marriage, menstrual stigma, and limited educational access. Through peer-led clubs, community dialogues, and youth mental health training, KIPAWA Dreams fosters safe and inclusive environments that promote resilience, emotional expression, and support. The organization empowers young people to heal, lead, and drive change within their schools, families, and communities.

KIPAWA Dreams tackles mental health stigma, gender inequality, and youth marginalization through culturally rooted, community-driven solutions. It trains teachers, health workers, and youth leaders in Mental Health issues, builds school-based peer support clubs, and facilitates intergenerational dialogues to break harmful silences. By integrating arts, sports, and storytelling, the startup creates safe spaces for youth expression and healing. Girls are empowered through leadership roles and reproductive health education, while all youth gain tools to navigate trauma and stress. KIPAWA Dreams fosters resilience, inclusion, and early intervention transforming communities from within and ensuring that no young person is left behind.

Join Us in Making Mental Health Matter in Rural Tanzania.

Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Advisor (Volunteer).

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

KDI is seeking a mental health professional to enhance the technical quality of our Mental Health Awareness and Education Campaigns, as well as our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training and youth-led support clubs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and guide MHFA training materials.
• Support the establishment of referral pathways and trauma-informed practices.
• Assist in the development of school-based psychosocial activities.
• Contribute to parent engagement and facilitate community dialogues.

Ideal Candidate:

• A background in mental health, such as psychology, counseling, or social work.
• A passion for community-based and youth-focused interventions.
• Familiarity with delivering mental health services in low-resource or rural settings.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

Title: Economics Advisor – Missing People 

Summary 

Missing People is recruiting volunteers with expertise in economics to support the early planning of a project exploring the economic impact of missing episodes and the harms experienced by individuals while missing. This work will inform the development of a robust, evidence-based estimate of the cost of a missing episode and the socio-economic return on investment (ROI) of prevention efforts. 

As an Advisory Volunteer, you will provide expert guidance to help shape the scope and direction of this project. Your insights will help the charity identify key considerations, methodologies, and data needs - an area where we have limited in-house expertise. 

Description

Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK. Missing People is the only UK charity dedicated to reconnecting missing people and their loved ones. Our services include: 

• A free and confidential helpline, available 7 days a week, for missing people and their loved ones, 

• A specialist family support and counselling service, 

• Case publicity to support loved ones with sharing appeals,

• Specialist services for children and young people, and their loved ones, experiencing exploitation,

• Commissioned intensive support services for young people at particular risk, 

• Research, consultancy and training for professionals working around the issue of missing.

Our vision is that every missing person is found safe.

By supporting us to develop a compelling economic case for prevention, you’ll play a vital role in shaping how missing incidents are understood and addressed across the UK. We will use the information to influence nationally: sharing the figures with key decision-makers in government, policing, health and social care. This work will strengthen our case for funding essential services that prevent repeat missing episodes and support the development of more effective early intervention strategies.

We’ve already begun exploring this work but need additional external expertise to guide our planning and approach. As such we are recruiting new volunteer Economics Advisors. Advisors will be asked to:

• Attend and participate in monthly project planning meeting (1-2 hours via video call, scheduled flexibly on weekdays or evenings) for a period of 6 months.

• Review relevant documents and provide ad hoc advice between meetings (no more than 1-2 hours)

• Get further involved in the project with a weekly commitment, if desired – this is entirely optional.

What impact will you have? 

Your input will support Missing People to build a stronger case for prevention and change for missing people and their loved ones.

About the volunteer 

We are looking for volunteers with: 

• A strong understanding of data and working with complex statistics 

• Experience in economic analysis of social issues and public policy, cost-benefit analysis, or social return on investment (SROI) 

• Willingness to support and advise Missing People’s Head of Policy and Head of Research in understanding an area outside of our usual expertise 

• The ability to ask key questions, offer constructive challenge, and act as a critical friend to staff 

• Commitment to attend monthly meetings for a 6-month project period 

Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.

Remote Family Support Volunteer – Live Chat

We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference. Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.

Organisational values:

Mission: We build better family lives together.

Vision: Families should have access to active support and understanding. 

Values: Trustworthy, Compassionate and Collaborative

Purpose of the role: To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.

Live chat: is a free confidential service that is accessed via our website. Service users are offered emotional support, information and advice and guidance on a broad range of family issues.

Supervised by: The Shift Supervisor

 Activities: The volunteer will be fully supervised, supported and trained to provide the following activities:

·Provide emotional support to family members via our live chat service

·Use the Family Lives support model and tools to provide an empathic responses

·Ensure that all service users receive a high quality experience

·Sign post users to other agencies for information and additional support

·Complete conversation data records

·Alert the shift supervisor to any difficult situations

General: Volunteers should be willing to:

·Attend the relevant volunteer training

·Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the other policies and procedures of the organisation

·Participate in regular support, supervision meetings and learning sessions as agreed

For home based volunteers only:

·Volunteers will need a Laptop/PC, plug in headset with microphone, fast broadband and a private place to work from home

·Volunteers need to be IT/PC literate and confident troubleshooting should they have technical difficulties

 Time: We would be looking for volunteers to commit to one four-hour shift per week, plus attending training and supervision.

Location: working remotely from home

 You need to be a UK resident.

Supervision and Support:

·Supervision during shifts

·Debrief after every shift

·1 to 1 supervision every 6 months

·Staff available outside of shift within office hours

·Annual review

The Benefits of Volunteering:

·Satisfaction in making a real and lasting difference to families who are struggling

·An opportunity to develop experience for CV and references. Family Lives is committed to helping volunteers develop their own learning and development, gaining new skills, knowledge or work experience

·Being part of a team of Family Lives volunteers and staff

·Personal development

·Opportunities to meet and interact with a wide range of people

·Out of pocket expenses reimbursed to a maximum of £10 per session if working from a centre

·Flexible hours

Volunteer Person Specification. We are looking for individuals who:

·Have experience of parenting/being in a parenting role or demonstrable experience of working with parents or children e.g. in their work, previous volunteering or a previous role

·Have an ability to respond empathically to emotional content

·Good written and verbal communication

·Have good keyboard skills and IT skills, with a minimum of 45 wpm

·Can demonstrate a willingness to question their own attitudes e.g. toward different forms of parenting

·Have a fluent, descriptive and expressive use of English

·Can remain open minded and non-judgemental

·Willing to commit to work within Family Lives’ policies, in particular our Confidentiality Policy and Risk of Harm Procedures

·Willing to commit to attending regular supervision and support sessions

·Willing to work as part of a team

·Willing to commit to a mutually agreed period or ideally a 12 months commitment to the organisation.

Typing Task Prior to Application for Live Chat

Prior to you submitting your application for a Live Chat Volunteer, we will require you to do a speed test, we ask for a minimum speed of 45 words per minute. 

Please take a screen shot and send it across with your application

You can have up to 3 attempts and decide which result you would like to forward as part of your application

Typing task

Go to the website typingtest

You are required to take the one minute typing test recording all of the results (speed, number of errors and adjusted speed).

We have remote voluntary call taker training groups the dates are below are you would need to be able to attend all 5 Modules from the training group.

Our next training groups are:

Tues 16th Sept = Please note different day

Wed 24th Sept

Weds 1st Oct

Weds 8th Oct

Wed 15th Oct 

 10am - 2pm 

Please note that all roles offered are subject to a satisfactory DBS being obtained, you will receive details of documentation required prior to your training and this must all be in no later than the second session of your training.

About It’s Time:

It’s Time is a charity created by and for young adults who have experienced the death of a parent. Founded by people who know this grief first-hand, the charity ensures no one aged 18–35 has to navigate such loss alone. Through peer-led support, events, free group therapy, and tailored resources, It’s Time offers connection and understanding during an often isolating time. The charity also partners with universities, workplaces, and families to promote better bereavement support - recognising that grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and the help offered to young adults shouldn’t either.

The charity was founded in 2021 and we now run local peer support groups throughout England, have a year long waiting list for our group therapy and supports around 500 people in the online community.  We recognise that as we grow our needs and those of our community are changing and are looking for someone skilled in charity growth to steer us into the next phase of our development.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary role with no financial remuneration. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Location: Remote, with one in-person strategy day per year (usually on a Saturday in London).

Time Commitment:

• 4 board meetings annually (Tuesday evenings via Zoom)

• 1 annual in-person strategy day (usually a Saturday in London)

• Participation in any relevant sub-groups

• Ad hoc involvement in events, meetings, or training as needed

Reporting to: Chair and the Board of Trustees

Role Overview

The Vice Chair supports the Chair and Trustee Board in ensuring the effective governance and strategic direction of the charity. This includes providing inclusive leadership, promoting accountability, and upholding the mission and values of the organisation.

The Vice Chair will work closely with the Chair and the senior staff team to help the Board function effectively, and may represent the charity externally when needed.

Principal Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Working with the Chair and Trustee Board to:

• Ensure the charity delivers maximum impact for its beneficiaries

• Uphold the Board’s responsibilities in effective governance

• Support the development and delivery of strategic direction

• Monitor major risks and opportunities, ensuring systems are in place to manage them

• Safeguard the financial health and accountability of the charity

Governance

Working with the Chair and Trustee Board to:

• Ensure governance arrangements are fit for purpose and effective

• Support trustee development and capability building

• Encourage positive change and help resolve conflicts

• Ensure a diverse and skilled Trustee Board

• Operate within agreed charity policies

External Relations

Working with the Chair and Trustee Board to:

• Represent the charity at external functions, meetings, and events

• Act as an ambassador for the cause

• Support the management of external relationships and stakeholder engagement

Efficiency and Effectiveness

Working with the Chair and Trustee Board to:

• Ensure meetings are well-structured, objective, and lead to effective decision-making

• Maintain strong engagement and collective ownership among Trustees

• Foster constructive relationships within the Board

• Support the senior staff in preparing meaningful agendas and ensuring implementation of decisions

Relationship with Senior Staff

Working with the Chair and Trustee Board to:

• Build and maintain an open, constructive relationship with senior staff

• Support accountability of senior staff for strategic objectives

• Provide guidance and act as a sounding board while respecting staff autonomy

• Offer support on organisational matters as appropriate

• Contribute to the annual appraisal of senior staff if requested

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Strong commitment to the charity’s mission and strategy

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Tact, diplomacy, and the ability to engage and listen

• Collaborative and team-oriented approach

• Ability to dedicate time to the role, including occasional out-of-hours events

Experience

• Experience in strategic leadership roles

• Track record of achievement in professional or voluntary contexts

• Experience in business/community growth

• Experience representing an organisation externally

• Familiarity with chairing or co-chairing meetings is desirable

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of the Civil Society sector and key current issues

• Leadership and motivational skills

• Understanding of charity finance and governance

Term of Appointment
The Vice Chair will serve a three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for one additional term.

We are recruiting for a volunteer who would like to play a role in helping others to express themselves through writing. Would you like to support others to use their imagination to portray a message?

Creative writing is a great way to express yourself using your own creativity and imagination through story telling or poetry. It is an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and put it down on paper. Creative writing has been shown to improve emotional and mental well-being. Through creative writing, we can gain insight into our emotions, develop self-expression and communication skills, cultivate empathy and understanding of others, boost our imagination and creativity.

About the service..

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

• Lead and facilitate a weekly Creative Writing Group, encouraging participants to explore their thoughts and feelings through writing exercises, prompts, and storytelling.
• Guide a subsequent Feelings Forum where participants can share and discuss emotions sparked by the writing session or current experiences in a respectful and supportive atmosphere
• Foster an inclusive, non-judgmental environment where all voices are heard and valued
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the organisation’s safeguarding and mental health protocols
• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants

The skills you need

• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to mental health challenges
• Ability to facilitate group discussions and manage diverse emotional responses constructively
• Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach.
• Training or experience in mental health, counselling, social work, or a related field is advantageous but not essential

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 - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.