ASPbelong is a project spanning universities, game developers, artists and young people, exploring how shared immersive experiences can strengthen real-world sense of belonging and mental health. We’re publicly funded by Horizon Europe and UKRI.
We’re looking for an exceptional collaborator to help grow awareness of Lina – our classroom experience in which young people aged 11-14 work together to solve the mystery of a missing classmate – and more broadly of our format Augmented Social Play (ASP). Played on tablets or smartphones without internet access, ASP combines immersive storytelling, collaborative gameplay and evidence-based psychology, making bold but safe use of ubiquitous tech to strengthen real-world connection.
Lina has been in soft launch via a multi-nation scientific study into its impact on young people and classroom climate. It’s been warmly received in dozens of schools, and now we’re gearing up for public launch. So this is about amplifying – getting our message to the right people, especially educators, journalists and thought-leaders. We’re non-profit and non-commercial; we’re motivated by innovation and belief in our work; our success metric is uptake, not income. But this is also about raising visibility in order to secure a future for this work.
This is not a routine social media role. You'll help shape an entire communications strategy, build new partnerships, approach mainstream and specialist press, influencers, and public figures, create or commission short-form content, plan and support event attendance, and more.
We’re looking for someone with initiative, courage and sound judgement, who is genuinely excited by the work we’re doing. Passion for education, social impact, cross-disciplinary creative work or innovative tech could all be relevant. An understanding of how ideas reach people in 2026 is essential.
You’ll work closely with Adam Barnard, the project’s non-academic lead, while interacting with members of a diverse consortium spanning Brighton, Birmingham, London, Dublin, Austria, Czechia, Portugal and beyond. Being based in Brighton (as Adam is) or SE England is a bonus but not essential – this role is primarily remote – however you must be either a British national, or legally able to work in the UK.
We’d start in September / early Autumn, initially on a 6 week trial, then extending to roughly a year’s initial engagement. Hours flexible – we’ve envisioned this as a part-time freelance role, perhaps 2-3 days per week on average, but this is negotiable. Pay dependent on experience but in line with comparable roles.
Before you apply, look closely at our website. Then email us with:
-A short introduction – who you are, and why this interests you (max 250 words)
-A relevant example of something you've made happen, or helped spread (max 250 words)
-You can attach, or link to, a CV and/or portfolio, but this is not essential.
Deadline: Monday 27 July, 12pm
Next steps and interviews (online): tbc / flexible
Non Charity Employer
21 - 50
Boosting sense of belonging in young people through shared immersive experiences
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Location: Home based within commuting distance of either Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast
Salary: £32,750 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Interview date will be scheduled as and when applications are received. Please apply promptly as the vacancy will close once we have appointed a successful candidate.
This is a full time fixed-term position for one year (with possible extension subject to funding).
Who we are looking for
Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer – Devolved Nations to help us build on this momentum.
The role of the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer - Devolved Nations is vital to achieving our UK-wide advocacy mission: to reduce health inequalities in type 1 diabetes, to widen access to type 1 diabetes treatments and technologies and to ensure that people with type 1 get access to emerging new treatments and future cures in the devolved nations.
You will lead on projects with key stakeholders and high-level Parliamentarians, such as our access to treatments and early detection work, as well as people with type 1 diabetes, policy makers and researchers. You will help to deliver Breakthrough T1D’s influencing plans, improving access to and choice of type 1 diabetes treatments and technology in the devolved nations.
Experience required
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Experience of working successfully with politicians, their offices, Government departments, and other public affairs stakeholders to influence policy and to influence public/stakeholder discourse across the devolved nations
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Experience of leading public affairs delivery in at least one (preferably all) of the devolved nations
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Experience in analysing Government policy in-depth and creating policy briefings
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Experience of drafting briefings, reports and policy submissions
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Experience of communicating across a range of parliamentary and professional stakeholders at all levels
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Demonstrable knowledge, interest and experience of working in a public affairs and policy-based environment
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Experience of organising stakeholder events
About Breakthrough T1D
Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia.
You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1.
Employee benefits
As an employer we offer:
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Hybrid working arrangements
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Flexible working and will consider compressed hours
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Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service
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Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment
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Season ticket and cycle loan
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Pension scheme
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Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates
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Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development
Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Improving lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent, and, ultimately, cure T1D and its complications
