11 Family befriending volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

Hope Nottingham CIO is seeking a prayerful, inspiring and committed Chair of Trustees to lead our Board as we continue growing communities of hope across Nottingham. As a Christian charity, we are motivated by our faith to serve local people with compassion, practical support and encouragement, helping to reduce poverty, overcome loneliness and create places where people can belong and flourish. This is a significant opportunity to help steward a well-known and respected, local charity rooted in Christian values, community transformation and lasting hope.

As Chair, you will provide wise, inclusive and faith-filled leadership to the Board, helping trustees govern well, stay focused on the charity’s purposes and work closely with the Chief Executive Officer in a relationship marked by encouragement, accountability and trust.

We are looking for someone with strong people skills, leadership experience and sound judgement, who has either chaired a board before or is ready to step confidently into the role. You will bring a heart for our mission and the ability to combine strategic thinking with humility, collaboration and a genuine desire to serve. We would particularly welcome someone who can help us live out our Christian ethos in ways that are welcoming, practical and full of hope.

Principal responsibilities

· Provide confident, inclusive and faith-shaped leadership to the Board, enabling trustees to fulfil their duties well and contribute effectively.

· Ensure the charity remains true to its charitable purposes, Charity Governance Code, Christian ethos, vision, values and commitment to public benefit.

· Work closely with trustees and the Chief Executive Officer to shape strategy, monitor progress and support the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the charity.

· Support the Chief Executive Officer through regular communication, encouragement, accountability and constructive challenge, while maintaining clear boundaries between governance and operational management.

· Chair meetings well, ensuring trustees are well informed, discussion is balanced, all voices are heard and decisions are taken in the best interests of the charity.

· Support the development and effectiveness of the Board through recruitment, induction, succession planning and regular review of contributions and effectiveness.

· Act as a credible ambassador for the charity

· This post has an occupational requirement to be a committed Christian, in line with Hope Nottingham’s purpose to advance the Christian faith. It requires an understanding of, and active commitment to, the Christian ethos of the charity.

Essential: Previous Chair and/ or board or experience. You may not have had previous Chair experience but must be an experienced trustee with sound knowledge of governance and an understanding of the charity, faith or community sector.

Time commitment: This is a voluntary role. The Chair will have the time to get to know the organisation, attend in person evening board meetings in Beeston (bi-monthly), prepare for meetings, meet monthly with the Chief Executive (can be online) and be available for ad-hoc discussions and act as ambassador at occasional events as needed.

Association Visitors offer emotional and informative support to those living with and affected by Motor
Neurone Disease (‘MND’) in their local communities by home visits, telephone and email support.

Tasks and activities̶

Offer support for someone living with/affected by MND in an inclusive manner – this may be
face-to-face, over the phone or online depending on personal preferences ̶

Signpost and provide relevant information which enables someone to access appropriate
support available to them - including through the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association ̶

Where possible, attend local development sessions with other volunteers and staff, such as
peer support meetings and other development events̶

Handle data, take notes and produce simple reports using our secure online systems to
communicate general updates with local teams – training is provided ̶

Adhere to the MND Association’s policies and procedures, including GDPR and safeguarding ̶

This role may require expensed travel within an agreed area depending on the local activities.̶

Time commitment is variable and depending on different factors including individual capacity
and the demand for this type of support in a specific local area at a given time

This role is recruited through our Safer Recruitment process, which means that it includes an interview,
two references, and a review process. A DBS or Access NI check is also required due to the nature of
the role, as appropriate.

Successful applicants will complete a structured induction and sign off process, involving completion of
e-learning and a classroom training pathway specific to the role.

Volunteers receive ongoing local support and development from their allocated Community Support
Coordinator (‘CSC’) – previously known as ‘ASC’.

About Us

The Beacon Project is a community-focused programme providing confidential advice, connection, and learning opportunities for residents in the World’s End area. Through weekly coffee mornings, group sessions, and a befriending service that matches individuals with friendly Connectors for regular meet-ups, Beacon helps reduce isolation and build meaningful local relationships. We also offer free, practical support on issues such as benefits and housing, helping people understand their options and access the advice they need. The programme is delivered as a partnership between Family Friends and Nucleus Legal Advice Centre.

About the Role

As a Legal Advice Volunteer, you will be the first point of contact for many of our clients, providing a welcoming and professional service while supporting our advice team. You will play an important role in helping people access the advice and support they need, while gaining valuable experience in legal advice and community engagement.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in legal advice, social justice, policy, or community development who wants to gain practical experience while making a meaningful difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out initial triage to assess advice needs and, where appropriate, signpost clients to relevant services.

• Analyse information from advice cases to identify recurring issues and patterns affecting residents.

• Assist clients in completing income and expenditure forms and budgeting plans.

• Help gather evidence from client experiences to support service improvement and advocacy.

• Support projects and campaigns focused on digital inclusion, accessibility, and reducing barriers to online services

• Support the delivery of drop-in advice sessions.

• Complete benefit checks and applications.

• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and community partners to achieve shared objectives.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Beacon Project is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during volunteering to ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.

We believe that a diverse team helps us better serve the residents of World's End Estate and strengthens our work within the community.

Expenses

We want volunteering with us to be accessible to everyone. Reasonable travel and food expenses will be reimbursed. Further information on claiming expenses will be provided during the interview stage.

The Beacon Project is a community-focused programme providing confidential advice, connection, and learning opportunities for residents in the World’s End area. Through weekly coffee mornings, group sessions, and a befriending service that matches individuals with friendly Connectors for regular meet-ups, Beacon helps reduce isolation and build meaningful local relationships. We also offer free, practical support on issues such as benefits and housing, helping people understand their options and access the advice they need. The programme is delivered as a partnership between Family Friends and Nucleus Legal Advice Centre.

About the Role 

As our Community Engagement and Support Volunteer, you will be the first friendly face people meet. This role is perfect for someone approachable, confident, community-minded, and who enjoys connecting with others. You will help create a welcoming, inclusive environment where residents feel comfortable accessing support and getting involved in community activities. 

What You Will Be Doing

As a volunteer, you will welcome residents and help them feel comfortable accessing the project and its services. You will spend time speaking with local people to raise awareness of the Beacon Project, encourage participation, and build positive relationships within the community. The role will involve supporting community events, coffee mornings, and other outreach activities. Using active listening skills, you'll build trust with residents, take the time to understand their needs, and help connect them with the right support where appropriate. Volunteers will also be encouraged to share their ideas and creativity, helping us develop new ways to engage residents and make the project as welcoming and accessible as possible. You will assist with promoting the service through community events, coffee mornings, leaflets, and our social media channels. 

What you will gain from the project 

We are a dynamic and innovative project, passionate about providing wraparound support to the residents of World's End. As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by supporting people in your local community and helping them access the advice, connections, and opportunities they need. You'll be part of a friendly and diverse team of staff and volunteers. You will also have the opportunity to be part of a project that values the ideas and contributions of our volunteers. We value the skills and experiences that volunteers bring, and you'll be encouraged to share your insights into how we can develop the project. This is an opportunity to gain valuable experience, build confidence, develop new skills in community engagement and communication, and be part of a project that is making a difference locally. 

This experience will enhance your CV and support future career development in law, community work, advice services, or other people-focused roles. 

What we are looking for 

You will bring a friendly and approachable manner and the ability to figure out how best to support people. That means helping clients to become independent. Some interactions may involve people with complex needs or stress, so patience and empathy are two of the most important qualities that we are looking for. You will have excellent communication skills and the ability to advocate for and promote the project to the local community. We are looking for someone who can be a community ambassador for our project and a friendly face for residents. 

Our volunteers support residents from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. While most residents speak English, many community members speak other languages, including Arabic, Spanish and French. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, and additional language skills are an advantage, but are not essential. 

Expenses

We want volunteering with us to be accessible to everyone. Reasonable travel and food expenses will be reimbursed. Further information on claiming expenses will be provided during the interview stage.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Beacon Project is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during volunteering to ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.

We believe that a diverse team helps us better serve the residents of World's End Estate and strengthens our work within the community.

Family Friends carefully recruits, trains, and matches volunteers with families in Central-West London. Our befriending volunteers offer long-term practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two befriending volunteer opportunities with us-, Big Buddies and Parent Buddies.

Our Big Buddies support young people, aged 10-18, for a few hours each week over a period of up to 12 months. With encouragement and support, volunteers will aim to help young people to discover their strengths and build confidence.

Support may look like:

• Helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Providing a listening ear 
• Taking young person to the cinema, museums, libraries - broadening their horizons!

Essential Criteria:

• Can commit to the Big Buddies programme for a minimum of 6 months
• 18+
• Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years

What we provide in return:

• Full induction training and ongoing training
• Full DBS check
• Support and supervision
• The chance to learn new skills
• References provided after 6 months' commitment
• Reimbursement of travel and session expenses

We are an equal opportunities charity and we value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and would like to encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.

In the first instance, please register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us by contacting us here for an online application form.

Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.

As an Outreach Volunteer, you will help raise awareness of the Beacon Partnership and the support we provide to individuals and the local community. You will play an important role in helping people learn about our services, activities, events and volunteering opportunities. 

This is a friendly, community-focused role that is ideal for someone who enjoys meeting people, communicating with others and getting involved in local activities. 

The Dementia Services supports people to live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love. The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia.

We offer clients from the Dementia Services (befriending and wellbeing) a short performance or creative activity delivered by a volunteer visual artist, musician, dancer, actor, performer, and other creative artforms. You may choose to share a creative hobby or an art form you practice professionally.

What does the role involve? 

·Share your creative talent or hobby with older people living with dementia by delivering a short performance to an older person at home or providing an opportunity for them to participate in a creative activity.

·Visit a minimum of 4 times per year for up to 1.5 hours each time, including 20/30 minutes for the performance/activity.

·Provide opportunities for connection with older people during your visit through conversation and engagement.

• Liaise with service coordinators to link with clients who have asked to receive these visits/calls.
• Provide feedback after every performance, including positive impact, improvements to the delivery of visits or concerns regarding the client. 

What will you get out of it?

·An opportunity to create meaningful experiences for all

·Be part of something rewarding and fulfilling

·Training in dementia awareness, safeguarding and more

·Supervision and support

·Reimbursement of expenses

·Opportunities to meet other volunteers

What are the benefits for people living with dementia?

 Many of the clients we support in this service are housebound or do not have the confidence or opportunity to attend events. Some clients may be artists, performers and creatives in their own right who do not get an opportunity to engage with or experience this aspect of their lives anymore.

Giving people who are living with memory loss an opportunity to be part of creative activities is a stimulating, fun way of putting them in touch with memories, other people and the wider community.

Bringing your artform into peoples’ homes can have a huge impact on reducing isolation, encouraging connection and bring a sprinkle of joy to those living with dementia.

We are looking for people who have:

• An interest in sharing or performing their creative, artistic skill whether you are a hobbyist or a professional: 
• Singing

·Playing a musical instrument

·Visual art activity

·Poetry/acting

·Dancing

·Culture-specific art/music/dance/poetry

These are just a handful of examples, but we will consider applications from a variety of artists/musicians/ performers and are open to suggestions.

What other attributes do you need?

• Good verbal and written skills in English 

• Enjoy conversation.
• A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history
• Consistency and reliability 
• An ability to empathise and understand the needs and experiences of an individual with dementia and memory loss.
• Understanding of confidentiality
• Patience and sensitivity
• Confidence to deal with emergencies
• Requirement to undertake induction training and follow guidelines and policies of Age UK Camden

Volunteering Hours 

Performances/activities:Usually approx. 20 -30 minutes but 1-1.5hrs are assigned to the visit

 Minimum of 4 - 6 visits a year (you can opt to do more). 

Visits will be a time agreed between you and the older person you are matched with.

Please note, early morning and late evenings are generally not suitable times for visits. 

Training and induction are provided for the role and includes: 

• Online Dementia Awareness course 
• Age UK Camden organisational induction 
• Induction to Dementia Befriending and Dementia Wellbeing Services and relationships, how to deliver a performer visit
• Safeguarding Adults online course
• Data Awareness online course

We will give you:

• Ongoing support including regular supervision by the coordinator of the service.
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses 
• Access to Volunteer Forum events

 If you are interested, we will ask you to: 

• Complete an application form

• Meet with Dementia Services staff member
• Provide details of two Referees
• Complete an Enhanced DBS check (we arrange this with you)
• Induction and training (as laid out above)

We understand that completing the various steps takes time, and we support and keep in touch with you through the process. 

As this role brings our volunteers into regular contact with vulnerable older people, we make sure that all volunteers understand their role and have completed our recruitment procedures to both our and their satisfaction. 

Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

What experience do I need?

• You do not need any previous experience with disabled children or young people
• We ask that you are friendly, caring, reliable and able to make a commitment to visit a young person regularly.

What will I be doing?

You will volunteer within WECIL’s befriending service for disabled children/young people and their families. This involves:

• Spending time regularly with a disabled child or young person in their home or their local community.
• You will not be asked to administer medication or deliver personal care in this role.

Who am I responsible for?

• You are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the child or young person you are linked with.
• All links are risk-assessed and carefully monitored by your Co-ordinator.

Who am I responsible to?

The parent/carer.

• You must ensure that the parent / carer’s reasonable instructions and guidance regarding the welfare of their child are adhered to and that clear communication is maintained.
• Feedback must be given to the parent/carer following a visit.

Your co-ordinator and Time2Share@WECIL.

• You must respond promptly to any contact from your co-ordinator.
• You are required to report monthly on any time spent with the child you are linked with, any activities undertaken, and to take part in the annual review.

How often will I be needed?

• We typically ask for volunteers to commit to 2-4 hours a week
• The days / times are agreed between the volunteer and the family.
• We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months to ensure the child and their family are able to benefit fully from the relationship.

What about expenses?

• Volunteer travel expenses can be reimbursed on receipt of a claim form. You won’t be left out of pocket.

Time2Share@WECIL is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our first priority is to ensure the safety of the children we support. Time2Share@WECIL reserves the right to end a link without notice or giving reason

Your role is to support the Youth Programmes Coordinator at the Baytree Centre in delivering our GEMS programme, which provides after-school clubs and activities for young people and their families. You will help ensure the smooth running of sessions, engage positively with participants, and contribute to building a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment.

Main responsibilities:

- Work closely with the programme coordinator to plan, support, and sometimes lead after-school clubs.

- Accurately input and maintain data and records on Baytree’s internal database.

- Assist in designing promotional materials such as posters, leaflets, and timetables.

- Conduct focus groups and surveys to gather feedback from the girls and young people using the service. - Run errands and source resources needed for activities.

- Engage positively and respectfully with the young people and families accessing the centre.

- Support the Youth Team with any additional tasks necessary to ensure smooth service delivery.

- Follow all Baytree Centre policies and procedures.

- Complete volunteer questionnaires and evaluations as requested.

- Work directly with clients across Baytree services (e.g. youth clubs, workshops, reception, and befriending activities).

Skills and qualities required:

- Good interpersonal skills, able to work well within a diverse team.

- Computer literate, with proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Excel.

- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

- Good time management and organisational skills.

- Reliable, punctual, and committed.

- Interest in working with children, young people, community development, or social care.

- Flexibility and willingness to assist with a variety of tasks as needed.

- Experience working with young people or volunteering is desirable.

- Knowledge of a second language (e.g. Spanish, Portuguese, French, Arabic) is a plus.

Commitment:

- 2 to 4 days per week, Monday to Thursday.

- Hours: 10:30 am – 6:00 pm.

- Duration: 4 to 6 months, with flexibility to extend if desired.

Benefits:

- We reimburse up to £7 for travel and £5 for lunch expenses for each full day of internship.

- Gain practical experience working in youth services and the charity sector.

- Develop skills in group facilitation, data management, and community engagement.

- Contribute to positive outcomes for young people and families.

- Opportunity to attend volunteer social events and network.

- Valuable insight into alternative educational and community support settings.

This role is open to female applicants only (Equality Act 2010: Schedule 9: Occupational Requirements). Applicants must be 18 years or older.

Your role is to support the Life Skills and Employability Programme Lead at the Baytree Centre in enhancing and delivering the Life Skills Project. This includes Her Space (Spark) for girls in school year 10 and above, Future Me (Jr Spark) for girls in years 8–9, and Step into Secondary (Sparklers) for girls in year 7. This involves co-facilitating weekly workshops that embed essential life skills and promote Baytree’s five Character Development traits: Resilience, Self Control, Fairness, Purpose, and Good Judgement. You will contribute to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where girls can explore important topics, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive.

Main responsibilities:

- Contribute to the development and maintenance of a library of reusable, age-appropriate session plans.

- Engage with girls to incorporate their interests and ideas into session content.

- Assist in the delivery of group sessions, workshops, and activities.

- Research and source materials and resources to enhance session quality.

- Build supportive and respectful relationships with girls, young women, and families who access the centre.

- Ensure sessions are inclusive and representative of the diverse community served by Baytree. - Adhere to Baytree Centre’s policies and procedures, including safeguarding and health and safety.

- Complete volunteer questionnaires and evaluations as required.

- Attend development trainings sessions whenever Mentoring Programme is paused (i.e. beginning of the term and half term weeks).

- Work directly with clients across Baytree services (e.g. youth clubs, workshops, reception, and befriending activities).

Skills and qualities required:

- Good interpersonal skills, able to work well within a diverse team.

- Computer literate – Microsoft Outlook and Excel.

- Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

- Strong time management and organisational skills.

- Reliable, punctual, and committed.

- Interest in working with children, young people, community development or social care. - Flexibility and willingness to support a variety of tasks as needed.

- Experience working with children or young people (desirable).

- Experience with volunteering and/or workshop planning (desirable).

- Some knowledge of a second language (e.g. Spanish, Portuguese, French, Arabic) is an advantage.

Commitment:

- 2 to 4 days per week (Monday–Thursday).

- Hours: 10:30 am – 6:30 pm.

- Duration: From 3 to 6 months, with the option to extend if desired.

Benefits:

- We reimburse up to £7 for travel and £5 for lunch expenses for each full day of internship.

- Gain valuable experience in youth facilitation, life skills development, and programme planning.

- Develop transferable skills in leadership, teamwork, and inclusive education.

- Personal fulfilment from empowering girls and supporting meaningful community impact.

- Professional development and insight into the charity and education sectors.

This role is open to female applicants only (Equality Act 2010: Schedule 9: Occupational Requirements). Applicants must be 18 years or older.