Domestic abuse volunteer roles

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

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

Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age or family situation. Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows that rates of depression doubled during the COVID pandemic, and one of the major causes of depression is isolation.

What you will be doing

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

The skills you need

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

What's in it for you

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

Volunteer your time by supporting to create positive and inspiring environment for people in crisis to live in and take part in activities and receive support.

At Hestia we have a PIPEs programme, which focuses on expanding our ‘Psychological Informed Physical Environments’ approach across our accommodation-based services. This approach centres the needs and choices of the people who use our services, believing that their contribution creates a conducive environment which supports recovery. Ensuring that our indoor and outdoor spaces at Hestia are PIPE through design, supports people to feel physical and emotional safety, to support them to rebuild their life beyond crisis and allows us to consider the needs of different groups people we work with at Hestia.

What you will be doing

• The setting layout is meaningful for different groups and for the desired interaction
• It is a looked after, organised, tidy, a comfortable and positive space for all to use
• There are spaces to speak in confidence with staff, but all other spaces are shared with everyone who visits the space
• An atmosphere is created that is conducive to health and wellbeing
• To inspect the environment and assess whether it meets a set criteria
• To provide written or verbal feedback on review of the visit
• To take part in review and training sessions, to support continuous development of the PIPE programme
• This role is open to volunteers and people who use our services and would like to volunteer their time. We are also looking for volunteers to also support people who would like to get involved in this role but feel less confident finding the Hestia locations. As part of the role, you may be asked to meet another volunteer at a certain location such as a train station and accompany them to the service

The skills you need

• Good communication skills; written and verbal
• An interest in interior design or designing warm, friendly and welcoming spaces
• Calm and patient approach
• Understanding of confidentiality

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.

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a Service Delivery Volunteer you will provide specialist support services for people affected by crime.

Why volunteer with us?

• Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and/or alongside staff.
• Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.
• Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.
• Beyond your role – attend one of our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

Volunteering with Victim Support in West Yorkshire

As a Volunteer in West Yorkshire you will:

• Be working on all crime types.
• Become trauma informed.
• Learn about the work of criminal justice agencies.
• Progress by specialising in specific crime types (e.g. Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence, Hate Crime, Children and Young People, Homicide and Road Death, and Major Incident.)
• Community Engagement and networking opportunities.
• Be able to attend local volunteer team meetings
• Annual Milestone Awards.

What do we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Service Delivery Volunteer, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or over.
• Be able to volunteer for at least 3 hours per week, for at least 12 months.
• Undertake training over a 10-week period – this includes five virtual training days as well as completing a workbook and online learning modules.
• Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.
• Be able to provide two satisfactory references.
• Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

• All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

• VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
• VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
• We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

Are you passionate about singing and would like to empower others to use their voices in a choir? We are recruiting for a Choir Leader Volunteer at our Dame Gertrude Young House which supports men who have mental health needs. Choirs have shown to reduce stress levels and depression as well as creating a sense of togetherness. Your role will be to lead auditions to identify and pick out suitable choir members, provide necessary guidance and direction on tone, rhythm, pitch, tempo, and harmony as well as scheduling choir rehearsals.

Research suggests that music can stimulate the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. It can help energise our mood and provide an outlet for us to take control of our feelings. Singing is a powerful tool for bringing people together, reducing stress, and having fun.

Volunteering with Hestia will mean that you will play a key role in promoting strategies for positive wellbeing and recovery through music and singing! 

What you will be doing

• Direct choir members in warm-ups prior to practices and performances
• Decide on appropriate musical pieces for the choir to perform depending on the occasion and setting and Choose individual choir members to perform solo pieces.
• Lead auditions to identify and pick out potentially suitable choir members.
• Build a structure, choir harmony, Determining voice types
• Provide necessary guidance and direction during choir rehearsals to help choir members in attaining the correct tone, rhythm, pitch, tempo, and harmony.
• Direct choir members during musical performances
• Schedule choir rehearsals
• Craft appropriate choir formations for rehearsals and performance
• Selects music to meet the needs of the performance while also taking into account the group's aptitude and abilities

The skills you need

• Patient, passionate, creative, and assertive and knowledge and experience of working with individuals that live with mental health issues
• Music Education, or related field is preferred
• Experience of directing choirs
• Can interpret various styles of music
• Bold leadership and listening capabilities
• Strong communicator

What's in it for you

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

Are you musical? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through music?

Music plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that it can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in music-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now.

You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final music pieces!

We are recruiting for a volunteer to support and facilitate a Music Group.

What you will be doing

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

The skills you need

• Experience of Music either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan a music group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature
• Ability to handle individuals with complex needs and work with a person-centred approach

What's in it for you

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

Are you passionate about making a difference and shaping the future for young lives? Are you a professional interested in developing your own mentoring skills? Mentoring can be a rewarding way to ‘give back’ and share your experiences with someone who could really benefit from hearing an informed, consistent and fresh perspective…possibly something they haven’t had before.

We’re delivering ‘Developing Futures’ a funded 12-week e-mentoring programme for young people aged between 18-24 years from ethnic minority backgrounds and facing mental health challenges, in the London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow and Haringey.

What you will be doing

• Motivate, guide and support service users towards the achievement of positive goals.
• Support service users with exploring careers, identifying and setting goals, developing contacts, and identifying resources.
• Promote and develop a positive relationship

The skills you need

• Good listening and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries
• To be consistent in attendance

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.

UNIfied is FORWARD’s leadership programme for young women from African, Black and minoritised communities in UK universities.

Our Aim: To empower you as a leader, amplify your voice, and drive change on campus by tackling gender inequality and ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

What you’ll gain:

• Confidence and leadership skills
• Knowledge on gender justice & advocacy
• A supportive network of peers & mentors
• The tools to make a real impact on your campus

Who can apply?

• Young women from Black & minoritised backgrounds
• Studying at a UK university
• Passionate about gender justice and social change

Length: 1-year programme with training, regular meetings, and events as FORWARD ambassadors

Outcome: Lead your own campaign or awareness action at your university to challenge sexual and gender-based violence

Apply now and be part of a movement for change!

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.

The Witness Service provides practical and emotional support and information to witnesses so that they feel valued, respected and informed and able to give their best evidence in court.
The role involves providing support to witnesses, and their supporters, by explaining the court procedures and legal terminology, showing them
around the courtroom before trial and sitting in the courtroom with them, when permitted.
Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (Global Majority) and LGBTQIA+ communities. 
We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff, and volunteers.
Please be aware that courts vary in terms of accessibility and provision and are under the control of HMCTS. We will strive at every opportunity to
support accessibility needs where resources allow.

We welcome candidates with experience in the building/maintenance and HR sectors to join our board of trustees who support the charity as well as bringing decades of experience working in many different sectors.

What will you be doing?

Who is Open Road?

We are a UK healthcare charity, now in our 34th year.  We provide a myriad of services in Essex and Medway; drug and alcohol support, homelessness services, domestic abuse support, criminal justice services, employment support, welfare and community initiatives to promote community safety and combat anti-social behaviour.  We help vulnerable people, young and old, throughout Essex and Medway, and work in the heart of local communities.  We are not a large national faceless charity; we are very much a grassroots organisation.  We fully embrace and utilise our local knowledge and expertise, working with likeminded partners to support as many people as possible to have healthier, happier lives in the heart of their families and communities.

What Is Our Mission?

Our mission is to empower a diverse range of individuals, families and communities to lead healthy and more meaningful lives, free from addiction, offending behaviour and disadvantage, to ensure healthier, happier lifestyles.

How Do Open Road’s Trustees Support The Charity?

The role of the Trustee is to assist in advancing the purpose of the organisation; developing its aims and goals, keeping within its charitable objectives and acting in its best interests. The board members ensure that the charity is run in accordance with its governing document, charity law, and any other laws and regulations which affect its activities.

Our Trustee Board are responsible for developing strategy, providing governance, and directing the charity towards achieving its mission.  We are looking to appoint two new trustees – the first being from the building and maintenance sector – with the experience and knowledge to support the health and safety responsibilities of a growing charity, and the second being a HR professional who will chair our Personnel Sub Committee with special responsibility for oversight of the organisation’s HR function and strategy, ideally you will be a Chartered Member or Fellow of the CIPD with substantial experience at a Senior/Director HR professional level with a thorough understanding of operational HR policy and practice.

An understanding of the role of charity boards and their responsibilities and operation, gained through previous experience would be helpful, and above all else you will be intrinsically values-driven and committed to enabling more individuals we support to live their lives to the full.

What are we looking for?

SKILLS AND ABILITIES – Charity Trustee

• Effective communication and interpersonal style; a collaborative team player.
• Willing to speak out on issues and to accept personal accountability.
• Demonstrates strategic acumen and sees the bigger picture.
• Undisputed personal integrity.
• Personally flexible and agile working approach.
• Deep commitment to the mission and values of Open Road.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT – Charity Trustee

REMUNERATION:

• This role is unremunerated and offered on a voluntary basis.
• Trustees are encouraged to visit services that are local to them.
• Travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed for meetings & visits.

 TIME COMMITMENT:

• The time commitment is at least one day a month.
• There are six board meetings a year and this includes an annual strategy setting day.
• Board meetings are held in person in Central London.
• All trustees are expected to participate on at least one committee and there are four committee meetings a year.
• Committee meetings are held in person/virtually.

Key responsibilities:

• To take part in formulating and regularly reviewing the strategic aims of the
• organisation.
• Working with other trustees to ensure that the policy and practices of the organisation
• are in keeping with its aims.
• Working with other trustees to ensure that the organisation functions within the legal and financial requirements of a charitable organisation and strives to achieve best practice.

What difference will you make?

A trustee at Open Road will have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities across Essex and Medway. By joining the Board, a trustee contributes to the strategic direction and governance of a grassroots charity that delivers vital services — from addiction recovery and homelessness support to domestic abuse intervention and community safety.

Specifically, a trustee will:

• Strengthen Governance and Strategy: By bringing sector-specific expertise (in HR or building/maintenance), trustees will help shape policies and decisions that ensure Open Road remains safe, compliant, and forward-thinking.
• Enhance Operational Excellence: Trustees provide oversight and guidance that directly influence the quality and sustainability of services, ensuring the charity continues to meet the complex needs of its clients.
• Champion the Mission: Trustees act as ambassadors for Open Road’s values, helping to build partnerships, raise awareness, and advocate for those the charity supports.
• Support Leadership and Staff: Through committee work and strategic planning, trustees offer critical support to the executive team, helping to foster a positive, values-driven culture within the organisation.

Ultimately, the impact of a trustee is measured not just in governance, but in the healthier, safer, and more hopeful lives of the people Open Road serves.

Before you apply

If this role sounds ideal, do please contact us for more information, and apply via Reach.

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.

We wish to appoint a new Trustee with professional experience in any aspect of social care, to join our Board.

This is a great opportunity for someone keen to use their professional experience in supporting vulnerable groups to help drive forward the work of a locally focused endowed foundation. Our purpose is to provide funding to relieve the burden of financial, physical and emotional hardship in our local community of Hampton, Hampton Hill, Hampton Wick, Teddington, Twickenham and Whitton.

We wish to appoint a new trustee who will have the enthusiasm, time and commitment to contribute to the work of the charity as it delivers an ambitious three-year strategy.  You will be involved in making decisions on a wide range of issues, influencing the development of our work and bringing about change. We are specifically seeking a trustee with professional experience in any aspect of social care for vulnerable groups relevant to our grant making. This could, for example, be in the areas of cost-of-living support, health, social work or children’s services.

Do you want to make a real difference during challenging times? Can you bring a fresh perspective on how we can innovate and adapt our services? Are you willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in?

If this sounds like you, then we'd love to hear from you.

Who we are

The Bridge Foundation is an award-winning charity based in Bristol. We transform the lives of children, young people, families and adults struggling with mental health difficulties.

What we do

• Free in-depth, school-based psychotherapy for children and families in areas of deprivation and diversity
• Specialised psychotherapy delivered to vulnerable children via services commissioned through Adoption Support Fund and Social Services spot purchases
• Not-for-profit psychotherapy service for children, families and adults who self-refer - fees are determined by family income and over 50% are subsidised
• Supervision and reflective practice sessions for professionals in schools and healthcare

YMCA is a global movement that empowers communities and young people to build a just, sustainable, equitable and inclusive world. One YMCA represents the movement in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, and is growing rapidly to help meet the increasing needs in our society. If you would like to make a difference to the children, young people and families who need it most, this could be the moment to bring your experience and drive to our ambitious Christian charity.

One YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in body, mind and spirit. Inspired by, and faithful to, our Christian values, we create supportive and energising communities that are open to all, where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.

We support vulnerable individuals and families to develop the skills and confidence they need to progress towards independence, through a wide range of services including supported accommodation for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, Children’s and Family Centre services, early years education, youthwork, health and wellbeing, and specialist therapeutic support.

We are on an exciting and ambitious growth trajectory. In the last five years, we have trebled our income to £40m, and we’re now poised to step this up another gear. At the start of a new five-year strategy, we aim to grow beyond a £50m turnover, grow our staff team to above 800, and expand to support more than 200,000 people each year.

We are looking to recruit new trustees to support Board succession and bring additional skill sets and diverse perspectives. We’re welcoming, inclusive, and try to enjoy ourselves even while doing serious business. We have a good balance of skills and backgrounds on the Board, but we recognise the need to further increase the diversity of the Board and acknowledge that we don’t yet proportionally represent the ethnic diversity of the regions we serve.

Whilst we are interested in anyone with experience in the areas of work we deliver, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from those with experience in social housing, finance and/or audit and risk, and safeguarding.

YMCA has a rich Christian heritage stretching back more than 180 years and our Christian ethos remains at the core of everything we do. We ask that all Trustees should be comfortable with prayer and reflection as part of our meetings, working within a Christian ethos, and upholding our Values of Respect, Compassion and Growth.

One YMCA is working with Macaulay Search on this appointment process. For further details, including contact details and how to apply, please download our Appointment Details Pack (see link below).