Family support volunteer volunteer roles in ilford, greater london
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!
This role provides a telephone listening and support service to bereaved carers’ and family members whose relatives died under the care of The Hospice of St Francis. Last year our Bereavement Support Line volunteers made over 1,000 calls.
We are looking for additional volunteers to support this service. Do you have strong listening skills? Are you reflective, self-aware, adaptive with basic IT skills? We'd love to hear from you.
The role will be ome based and you will receive full training and ongoing support.
The Hospice of St Francis helps local people and their families, in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, to live their precious lives well.





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!
Family Friends carefully recruit, train, and match volunteers with families in Central-West London. Our volunteer befrienders offer practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two volunteer opportunities - Big Buddies and Parent Buddies.
Volunteers will aim to help parents to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties. Volunteers meet with their match weekly for a period of 6 -12 months.
Activities might include:
- Supporting a parent to take their children on days out.
- Helping to strengthen family relationships.
- Providing a listening ear.
- Helping parents to build confidence in themselves.
Essential Criteria:
- You must be able to commit to the Parent Buddy 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
- DBS check
- Weekly supervision and support
- 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 value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and 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 - you can do that by contacting us here for an application form.
Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Hours: Variable – depending on individual circumstances and what people can do
Location: Variable – we are looking to extend our reach of peer support walks throughout Yorkshire
Main Tasks:
We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our
volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.
We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might
vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:
· Support our regular wellbeing/peer support walks
· Welcome participants and help them feel comfortable, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere
· Encourage conversations among participants, offering a listening ear
· Be attentive to the well-being of all participants during the walk
· Offer information on YBTC services
· Attending occasional training sessions or volunteer meetings organised by YBTC
We are looking for people who are:
· Are warm and non-judgemental
· Reliability – are punctual and committed to scheduled walks
· Collaborative mindset to work effectively with staff and volunteers
· Basic physical fitness to complete the walks, awareness of the needs of participants with
different mobility/health conditions
We can offer you the following:
· Full induction and ongoing training
· Ongoing support and supervision in your role
· Opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people
· The satisfaction of making a positive impact on those affected by brain tumours
Background
Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support
Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading
brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child
brain tumour patients, together with their families.
We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new
approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours will improve outcomes for patients.
At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain
tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumours are diagnosed in the region
every week.
Our charity values are: Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.
Our Vision/Mission
To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire through local support and research.
To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and research.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
This role provides a telephone listening and support service to bereaved carers’ and family members whose relatives died under the care of The Hospice of St Francis. Last year our Bereavement Support Line volunteers made over 1,000 calls.
We are looking for additional volunteers to support this service. Do you have strong listening skills? Are you reflective, self-aware, adaptive with basic IT skills? We'd love to hear from you.
The role will be ome based and you will receive full training and ongoing support.
The Hospice of St Francis helps local people and their families, in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, to live their precious lives well.





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!
This role provides a telephone listening and support service to bereaved carers’ and family members whose relatives died under the care of The Hospice of St Francis. Last year our Bereavement Support Line volunteers made over 1,000 calls.
We are looking for additional volunteers to support this service. Do you have strong listening skills? Are you reflective, self-aware, adaptive with basic IT skills? We'd love to hear from you.
The role will be ome based and you will receive full training and ongoing support.
The Hospice of St Francis helps local people and their families, in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, to live their precious lives well.





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!
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 6 -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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our
volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.
We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might
vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:
· Helping with event preparation
· Manning checkpoints
· Walking support
· First-aid support
· Marshals
· Support drivers
· Helping with community stalls
We are looking for people who are:
· Warm and non-judgemental
· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC
· Able to communicate with a range of different groups
· Good team players, able to work with other staff/volunteers
· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements
We can offer you the following:
· Induction and ongoing training
· Ongoing support and supervision in your role
· The opportunity to learn new skills
· YBTC commitment to health and safety
About Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity
Background
Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support
Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading
brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child
brain tumour patients, together with their families.
We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new
approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.
At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain
tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region
every week.
Our charity values are:
Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.
Our Vision/Mission
To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and research.
To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and research.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.
The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode.
Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities
To support early years sessions for families with children aged 0–5, including those with SEND and emerging needs, by promoting engagement and child development through group activities.
Key Responsibilities:
· Welcome and engage families in a warm, friendly manner
· Support the delivery of structured and free-play indoor and outdoor activities
· Encourage participation and interaction between parents/carers and children
· Promote children’s development through praise and positive reinforcement
· Work collaboratively with staff to support inclusive practice
Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities
· Enjoy working with children and families.
· Interest in child development
· Warm, approachable, and good at communicating with people of all ages.
· Reliable, punctual, and able to work well in a team.
· Respectful, inclusive, and sensitive to the needs of diverse families.
· Able to follow guidance and instructions from session leads
Training / Support
· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.
· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses
· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.
· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings
· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities.
Additional Information
· Undergo enhanced DBS check
· X2 References required
· Undertake additional training as and when required
· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Join our team of befrienders! You will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in your community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing. You will support people to relight a spark to continue a hobby, interest or encourage them to explore and participate in new social activities.
You will support individuals to rebuild their lives beyond crisis.
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.
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
- 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
The skills you need
- Good listening and communication skills
- 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
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.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.




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!
We're looking for 2-3 detail-oriented and strategic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Specialist Volunteers to help optimise our online presence and ensure our campaigns and content reach the communities that need them most and increase the charity’s search engine results rankings. The SEO Specialist Volunteers will play a key role in enhancing the visibility and searchability of Burning Nights CRPS Support’s website and digital content.
The SEO Specialist Volunteers will be volunteering within the Communications & Marketing Team to implement SEO best practices, conduct keyword research, improve site structure, and analyse web performance – all to ensure our content reaches a broader audience and amplifies the voice of our charity’s supporters online.
Key Tasks and Objectives
- Competitor and Keyword Research: Conduct keyword research to inform website content and campaign strategies.
- On-page optimisation: Optimise existing content for improved search engine ranking (meta tags, meta descriptions, headers, alt text, etc.)
- Monitor and analyse SEO performance using tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEMrush.
- Technical SEO Implementation: Identify technical SEO issues and collaborate with content teams to resolve them.
- Backlink and Off-Page SEO: Assist in developing backlink strategies and improving domain authority.
- Support the content team in creating SEO-optimised articles and pages.
- Provide monthly reports on SEO performance and suggest improvements.
- Stay up to date with SEO trends, Google algorithm updates, and emerging best practices.
Key Skills or Qualifications
- Excellent understanding of SEO principles and search engine algorithms.
- Proven experience in conducting SEO audits, strategy development, and implementation.
- Experience using SEO tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ahrefs, or SEMrush or similar platforms.
- Previous experience in digital marketing, content strategy, or technical SEO.
- Ability to perform keyword research and competitor analysis.
- Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and content management systems (ideally Django framework).
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent written communication and reporting skills.
- Evidence of organisational skills, with good attention to detail.
- The ability to work independently, turning recommendations into action without needing constant oversight.
- A passion for using your skills to support patients and families impacted by a debilitating pain condition and help save lives.
- Passion for creating inclusive and accessible digital spaces.
- Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
- Enthusiastic about supporting a small charity.
- Willing to learn, adapt, and collaborate with a supportive team.
Desirable Experience
- Experience of Google Ads for nonprofits.
- Experience of using Django framework websites.
- Familiarity with accessibility best practices and inclusive web design.
- Experience working with or volunteering for nonprofit / charitable organisations.
- Demonstrable IT skills, particularly Google Drive and Microsoft.
- Good research and information management skills.
- An understanding of the charity sector and/or fundraising.
Key Benefits
- Volunteer as part of a forward-thinking, supportive team.
- Unique opportunity to directly contribute to strategic SEO recommendations, and the implementation of those changes to increase the charity’s visibility.
- At Burning Nights CRPS Support you’ll use your SEO skills for a mission with a real, measurable impact. This is more than just a volunteer role, it’s an opportunity to change and save lives.
- Make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families impacted by a severe pain condition.
- Building your network and forming connections with like-minded people and organisations.
- Enhance your CV and gain skills that are transferable to a variety of career paths.
- Receive training and ongoing support from our team.
- Experience the personal satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from helping others.
Training and Support
- Full induction to our organisation, as well as check-ins, ongoing training, supervision and support from the Communications & Marketing Lead Volunteer, Volunteer Co-ordinators, Trustees and the Volunteer Team.
- This a remote volunteering opportunity with regular online team check-ins and collaborative sessions with a supportive, creative, and inclusive team environment.
- Relevant and ongoing training for your volunteer role.
- Regular updates on charity activities.
- Support, advice and guidance from Charity team.
- After 3 months volunteering, all volunteers are eligible for additional training courses (reasonable cost).
- Out-of-pocket expenses, approved in advance will be reimbursed.
To drive change for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) & ensure people whose lives have been touched by this condition are not alone.





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!
Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.
The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode.
Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities
To represent Family Centre Services within local communities and help strengthen the link between families and the centre by promoting services and support available.
Key Responsibilities:
· Promote Hertfordshire Family Centres by attending toddler and parent groups and local activities.
· Distribute leaflets, posters, and other promotional materials in community venues (e.g. libraries, health centres, nurseries, shops).
· Talk to parents, carers, and professionals about the Family Centre offer, signposting them to services and activities.
· Share updates on Family Centre activities through word of mouth, local networks, and community noticeboards.
· Provide feedback to Family Centre staff about local needs, events, and opportunities for engagement.
· Represent the Family Centre in a positive and professional way at all times.
Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities
· Friendly, approachable, and confident in talking to new people.
· Good communication skills.
· Reliable and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
· Enthusiasm for supporting children, families, and the local community.
· Respectful of diversity and inclusive of all families.
· Knowledge of the local area and networks
Training / Support
· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.
· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses
· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.
· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings
· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities.
Additional Information
· Undergo enhanced DBS check
· X2 References required
· Undertake additional training as and when required
· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Home-Start Suffolk is seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board of Trustees as Vice Chair.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in a well-established and growing charity that
supports families across Suffolk. As Vice Chair, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO and wider Board to
help shape our strategic direction, support strong governance and ensure we continue to meet the needs of
families in our communities.
We are specifically looking for someone with charity governance experience. You will bring a solid
understanding of how effective boards operate and feel confident supporting other trustees, offering
constructive challenge and helping to ensure the charity meets its legal and strategic responsibilities.
This Vice Chair role is part of our wider trustee recruitment and we welcome applicants who bring any of the
following:
- Experience or knowledge of the local charity or voluntary sector
- Understanding of family support or volunteer management
- Strong networks and connections within local businesses
- Previous involvement with Home-Start Suffolk as a volunteer or someone who has received support
- A passion for making a difference in your community
Interested?
We would love to hear from you. more information and a candidate pack can be found on our website.
Closing date: This is an open and rolling recruitment
Interviews: Held as applications are received
To empower parents with the skills, knowledge and emotional resilience to raise their children to flourish
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Young Carers Volunteer: Role Description
We are recruiting passionate and motivated volunteers looking for an opportunity to make a significant impact on the wellbeing of Young Carers’ in Wandsworth.
Please note that this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Outline of service
Our new Young Carers’ Connect project is designed to support the wellbeing of Young Carers’ in Wandsworth. The aim of the service is to reduce isolation, promote wellbeing, connect young people and provide opportunities for fun and respite.
Wandsworth Carers’ Centre supports individuals who are looking after someone who has an illness or disability. By volunteering with us you can help look after the health and wellbeing of Carers and provide them with the opportunity to take a break from their responsibilities and have time out for themselves.
Outline of Role
As a Young Carers’ volunteer, you will have the opportunity to support in a wide range of exciting and dynamic activities such as peer support groups, workshops, events, activities and trips.
Main Responsibilities
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Building rapport with Young Carers and helping them to feel safe and comfortable
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Co-facilitating workshops and groups
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Supporting with the facilitation of trips, events and activities
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Supporting with setting up and tidying up
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Supporting with keeping a record of attendance
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Actively participating in activities, games, events and trips
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Recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns by reporting to them to the responsible member of staff
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Upholding confidentiality
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Maintaining good communication with responsible staff member.
Other Duties: May be agreed with the responsible staff member as per the requirements of the group.
Skills and Experience
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Ability to communicate with Young Carers and their families in a helpful and caring manner
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Reliable and punctual
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Ability to work effectively in partnership with Centre staff
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Empathetic and understanding
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An understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality
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Awareness of issues affecting Young Carers
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Commitment to the implementation of our Equality and Inclusion policy and all the Centre’s polices
Code of conduct
As a volunteer, and therefore a representative of the Carers’ Centre, you will be expected to comply with this code of conduct.
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Treat all Carers and the people they care for politely and with respect
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Ensure that your appearance is clean, neat and tidy at all times
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Conversations of a personal nature to you should not be had around Carers or the people they Care for
Benefits To Volunteer
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Obtain experience of working with a diverse group of young people
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Reasonable out of pocket travel expenses will be covered
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Provide support to Carers and the people they Care for in Wandsworth
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References available upon request (after 6 months)
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Regular support and supervision
Additional Information:
DBS required: Yes – Enhanced.
Responsible to: Ms. Eleanor Sandler-Clarke
Supervised by: Ms. Eleanor Sandler-Clarke
Hours: Availability after school and/or during school holidays. For peer support groups or regular activities: A minimum commitment of one session a month.
Expenses: Reasonable expenses (e.g. travel and parking) incurred through carrying out volunteering activities will be reimbursed, upon the production of receipts.
Supervision: Regular sessions with the appropriate staff member to be arranged mutually.
Please note that successful applicants will be asked to provide two references and will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Join our team of befrienders! You will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in your community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing. You will support people to relight a spark to continue a hobby, interest or encourage them to explore and participate in new social activities.
You will support individuals to rebuild their lives beyond crisis.
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
The skills you need
- Good listening and communication skills
- 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
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.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.




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!
We are delighted to have secured funding to deliver a 24-month befriending programme. This exciting opportunity will support the delivery of our ambitious five-year strategy by:
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Promoting Independence - ensuring more older people can stay independent for longer
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Providing Connection - enabling friendship and social connection for olderPeople
The befriending service will be provided through 2 different strands which aim to support older people in different ways based on the needs identified via an assessment.
Clients will enter the strand that is most appropriate to their needs.
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Strand A: We will offer a local face-to-face service of up to 1 hour for 26 weeks. Strand A provision would be appropriate for older people who have experienced a recent life event, such as a hospital admission, bereavement or home move and who need time limited support and guidance to connect with suitable services and activities.
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Strands B: We will offer ongoing support either face-to- face of up to 1hour or by telephone between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Strand B provision is for older people leaving Strand A that require long term support or for those who are identified as needing ongoing face-to-face or local telephone befriending support on entry to theprogramme.
Purpose of Role
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Arrange and carry out assessment for new service users within the befriending service using the Guided Conversation approach, in order to gather appropriate information about the older person, their needs, and what a befriender will be expected (and not expected) to do.
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Ensure that the person wants a befriender, has given consent, confidentiality has been discussed, and the person is able and willing to join the service.
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Ensure that volunteers and service users are well-matched and that the service runs safely, effectively, and in line with organisational standards.
Key Tasks
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Carry out a needs assessment for new service users referred to the befriending service. It could be a telephone-based discussion or review of a referral form or a home visit.
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Gather key information such as visit preferences, activity interests, potential risks, and any unmet needs.
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Complete assessment forms and input information into the online database
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Refer service users to other services where appropriate
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Match service users with suitable volunteer befrienders
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Introduce befriender and service user, and carry out a 6-week review with both parties
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Maintain accurate records and liaise with staff throughout the process
Skills and attributes Required
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Good communication skills with a friendly approachable manner.
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Confident using IT
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Empathy and understanding of older people.
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Understanding loneliness and social isolation.
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Consistency and reliability.
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Understanding of Confidentiality.
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Understanding of and empathy with the needs of older people.
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Patience and Sensitivity.
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Confidence to deal with emergencies.
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Record keeping.
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Ideal for students studying Health & Social Care, though open to all.
Support Provided
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You will be inducted in cohorts with other volunteers.
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Training for the role is provided including Safeguarding, Making Every Contact Count, Sexual Harassment and Building a positive volunteering experience and other more.
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Ongoing support including regular supervision by the Volunteer Manager.
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Goup supervision with other volunteers. Groups supervision is a safe place where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes, process emotion and learn from each other.
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Reimbursement of agreed expenses.
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Access to an AGE UK Discount portal provided by Aon.
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Monthly volunteer newsletter.
- We hold an annual Volunteer Award event where we celebrate and recognise the contribution of our Volunteers!
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Access to in-house training opportunities
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You will receive supervision and support throughout your course placement from your named supervisor
Benefits
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Make a Real Difference: Have a direct impact on the lives of Making a Difference: Volunteering allows you to have a tangible impact on someone's life, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Helping older people can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose.
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Emotional Rewards
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Intergenerational Connections
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Learning and Skill Development
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Enhancing Career Prospects
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Building Empathy and Compassion
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Giving Back to the Community
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Social and celebration events
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Placement Support: Ideal for Health & Social Care students—gain placement hours with supervision and guidance from a named supervisor
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Insight into Care Needs.
Commitment
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We expect a minimum of 6 months commitment but would ideally prefer more of a longer-term commitment.
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Weekly commitment 2 to 3 hours.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.