Family volunteering volunteer roles in london

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Multiple locations available across:

• Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)
• Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)
• Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)
• Wales (RAF Valley)
• Wiltshire (Boscombe Down)
• Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required

Gingerbread is the charity for single parents. We challenge discrimination, and campaign against the inequalities single parents face. We are seeking a Treasurer to join our Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate and inclusive organisation making a real difference to single-parent families across England and Wales.

What will you be doing?

Our Board combines their skills and experience to provide stewardship to Gingerbread and its staff.

The role of Treasurer is to enable the board to maintain an overview of Gingerbread’s affairs, ensure its financial viability and ensure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.

Trustees generally meet for full Board meetings a minimum of five times a year. Each of these meetings is two hours long. Trustees would need to allow for preparation time ahead of these meetings. We estimate there would be 2 hours of work a month outside of Board meetings.

What are we looking for?

The Treasurer should have the following qualities: 

· A commitment to Gingerbread’s work and mission

· Financial qualifications and experience 

· Some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes 

· The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences 

· Being prepared to make unpopular recommendations to the board 

· A willingness to be available to staff and trustees for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

Gingerbread wishes to actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented communities and single parents. Previous Trustee experience is not essential. Full training and induction will be provided.

What difference will you make?

There are over 2 million single parents in England and Wales. Although the majority of them are working, they’re twice as likely to live in poverty as couple parents. And too many single parents experience loneliness, worry and the impact of negative stereotypes in the media and wider society.

As Treasurer, you will join us in leading the fight to create a society where all single parents and their children can thrive.

As you’d expect, we’re a family-friendly charity. We offer a supportive team culture and good work-life balance, while delivering impressive results.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, Come and join our team!

The Project

Gurkhas have served the British crown for more than 200 years, with dedication and valour. They are hugely respected worldwide, but less known are their wives who are dedicated and brave, quietly supporting their husbands, raising their children and looking after their families. When Dame Joanna Lumley worked with HM Government to allow retired Gurkha soldiers and their families to settle in the UK, the lives of these women underwent a huge change. They found themselves in a new country, with a new language, customs they didn’t understand and a very confusing environment. A group of volunteers set about teaching these ladies a mixture of English and other basic skills in a nurturing and happy environment, raising their confidence, so that they could shop, visit the doctor, talk to the local council and enjoy their new environment supporting their integration into the community and life in the United Kingdom. 

We are now looking for a new lead to take this very successful project into its second decade. You will be making a real difference to the lives of those that attend our class and beyond.

We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

We are looking for a project lead to plan, support and facilitate the term time run lessons, working collaboratively with the existing team of helpers and external professionals to provide an exciting, enjoyable class providing language, skills and cultural education.  Also to provide a wider understanding of support available to the community and the ability to sign post and or refer to specialist support when appropriate. 

Key responsibilities

• Establish and foster good relationships with the ex-Gurkha Community, overcoming cultural differences and encouraging integration.
• Manage and organise weekly language classes with appropriate guest speakers when possible.
• Support, guide an amazing team of existing volunteers to aid facilitation of the weekly classes.
• Provide a lesson plan (Scheme of works) and supporting documentation on a termly basis.
• Signpost and support beneficiaries to additional sources of support as appropriate.
• Keep and Maintain records of attendance for reporting purposes.
• Raise awareness of SSAFA and the volunteering opportunities that we offer to the Nepali community.

The skills you need

Friendly, approachable, empathic Non-judgemental approach, great written and verbal communication skills, great organisational and administration skills, good IT skills, some teaching or presentation experience.

What's in it for you

An opportunity to use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others. Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team.  Access to a range of training and learning opportunities

An opportunity to gain experience and develop your knowledge and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

Additional information

This role requires an enhanced DBS and completion of mandatory online training including GDPR and Safeguarding.

Disclaimer SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information

Time Commitment

Classes run every Tuesday in term time. Additional time for planning will also be required.

Role title: 

Volunteer Classroom Assistant (Online) – English, Maths, Science  

Where: 

Online (Zoom) / Nova New Opportunities, 2 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL

When: 

Immediately, minimum commitment of 3 months. 

Support 1-2 classes a week (45 minutes per class). 

English classes are currently held on Mondays and Wednesday between 16:30 and 19:15. 

Maths and Science classes are currently held on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 16:15 and 19:45.

About Nova:  

Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards & those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.   

Reaching 2,500+ people each year, we believe in improving people’s lives one person at a time, helping committed and motivated individuals to achieve their potential by:  

• Developing knowledge, education and confidence 

• Connecting diverse groups

• Providing opportunities 

Our work, operates on 2 levels:

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  

• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action 

Purpose of role: 

Support the Nova Family Programme tutors in facilitating online home school sessions.

Role Description: 

This role will be to act as a teaching assistant to tutors delivering online English, maths and science classes (for young people at Key Stage 2 and 3). With the disruption of Covid-19, many families have been thrown into the unknown world of home schooling – made even more challenging when your own education isn’t up to scratch or English is your second language. We are delivering a free programme of online home school support to those who have been most negatively impacted by being out of school. Now that Schools have reopened, we will be continuing these sessions to ensure that learners do not fall behind as Schools focus on catching up on lost learning. The aim is to support children who may be falling behind with their studies and mitigating as far as possible the widening attainment gap. 

You will: 

• Enjoy working in a team 

• Provide tutorial support 

• Position yourself as a resource for learners 

• Work one-on-one or with breakout groups of learners who need additional help 

• Facilitate the zoom classroom as required 

You need to be: 

• DBS Checked 

• Confident in the use of IT 

• Some experience of supporting learners with Maths/ English 

• Experience of working with young people 

• Committed

• Competent 

• Reliable

• Honest 

• Punctual 

• Patient 

• Fair 

• Open minded 

• Learners may come from various cultural backgrounds and face different learning challenges. You will need to be at ease whether supervising an entire class or working one-on-one with students.

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently 

Further information: 

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

• Teaching or coaching experience would be desirable but not essential. 

Main point of contact/supervisor: 

Matthew Barnett 

IMPORTANT: An enhanced DBS check is required for this role, and so we are unfortunately only able to accept applications from UK-based applicants or British nationals living abroad.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind
• Access to Sense discounts and advice, including cashback and discounts on hight street brands, as well as 10% off at Sense charity shops.

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Trailblazers’ mission is to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures and the charity has been providing mentoring services to people in prison since 1998. We provide support to men between the ages of 18 - 35 in custody who have 6 months left of their prison sentence, and then 'through the gate' into their community for up to 12 months.

In London, services are delivered at HMP Brixton and HMPYOI Isis. We are looking for volunteer mentors who can spare half a day per week to support young men to change their life by acting as an inspirational role model and helping with goal setting. Mentoring sessions usually last 1 hour per week; allowing enough time for travel and liaising with Trailblazers staff will take about half a day.

Your support will help a young man to reconnect with his own community, friends and loved ones, go into education, training and employment, and to give a person a sense of hope for the future. As a charity we are reliant on volunteers; with your help we can continue to support people in prison to make and change to their lives, their family and wider society. We welcome all skill sets within Trailblazers as we work with a diverse group of men, all we ask if you have a genuine passion for social change and that you can commit to at least 1 young man for up to 12 months, so they have a consistent person in their life - something that some of our mentees have never had. The national average re-offending rate for a person leaving prison is up to 55%, the rate for those who have a Trailblazers mentor is lowered to 9%. 

We are actively looking for people to join our mentoring community with lived experience of the criminal justice system, underrepresented groups from BAME community, creative arts, business skills, wellbeing - whatever your skills and background we are open to hear from you to support our diverse group of men.Out of pocket expenses are covered as well as training to equip you for your role. More information and the application form can be found on the website. 

Role activities:

• To provide a positive role model for people in prison and in their own community, to be empathic and to have a desire and commitment to support people to fulfil their potential.

• To attend and participate fully in the initial and ongoing mentor training.

• To attend group support/supervision meetings and review performance within mentoring relationships.

• To complete mentoring session notes relevant to the mentoring service for monitoring purposes.

• To take part in introductory meetings with mentees and set ground rules and boundaries.

• To report safeguarding concerns immediately.

• To follow relevant policies and procedures. 

• To perform your role in line with the aims of the organisation.

• To meet with and actively develop a supportive relationship with mentees.

• Be prepared to travel and undertake visits for mentoring sessions. 

• To make the necessary practical arrangements to meet the mentee on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

• Assist the mentee to celebrate their achievements.

• Support the mentee to meet identified goals.

• Develop an understanding of the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a volunteer mentor.

• Be committed to the project for a minimum of 12 months.

• Regular communication with Trailblazers staff in support of your mentee. 

Skills/behaviours/knowledge required:

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and challenges faced by mentees (Desirable) full training will be given. 

• Awareness of own professional boundaries and the ability to report any concerns within the mentoring relationship that could be pertinent to risk to the mentee, or to others. 

• To be an advocate for a mentee and to actively seek opportunities for mentees for resettlement back into their own community in conjunction with Trailblazers staff. 

• To be non-judgmental, focus on the person rather than the offense. 

• Professional but relatable with strong communication skills. 

• Awareness of adversity and how to overcome barriers to build a supportive network around the mentee. 

• Basic IT skills. 

• Be able to take advice and guidance from Trailblazers staff. 

Criteria: 

• Over 21. 

• We encourage applications from those with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System but you must be off licence for a minimum of 12 months, and not in crisis yourself. 

• You cannot apply to a project if you have been a resident in the same prison yourself. 

• A good level of fitness to able to move around a prison at fast past that does include stairs 

• Due to security checks at the prison you must be a British citizen.     

• Not committed an offense where you are barred from working with vulnerable adults or children. 

• Live within a 30-mile radius from the prison at which you would like to volunteer.

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking to recruit 2 new trustees.  We are looking to diversify the experience and expertise of our Board, and we believe that there are people out there who have knowledge, skills and passion in different areas that will help SWWB. Areas for organisational development include:

· Embedding lived experience expertise into the design, delivery and evaluation of our work

· Developing our campaigning and strategic work

· Building up our social media and comms presence

· Stepping up our fundraising game

If you think you can help with any of these things (or something else), and you are interested in being a trustee, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind
• Access to Sense discounts and advice, including cashback and discounts on hight street brands, as well as 10% off at Sense charity shops.

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

The People and Culture (P&C) Committee is responsible to the Board of Trustees for oversight of the People and Culture Strategy and its effective implementation, including the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion agenda. The scope of the P&C Committee includes HQ volunteers as well as the staff workforce.  It sets and reviews the salary of executive management; oversees the annual cost of living review, is focused on developing the right working culture for the organisation and scrutinises and approves HR policies.

The role of an Independent Member is to provide the People and Culture Committee with advice, guidance and scrutiny to assist the Committee in making key decisions.

Main Responsibilities

Along with other members of the Committee:

• Review the People & Culture Strategy which supports the organisational strategy and recommend it to the Board
• Act as advisor to ensure Equity, Diversity and Inclusion considerations for staff and HQ volunteers underpin the objectives within the People & Culture strategy
• Conduct high level monitoring and oversight of the achievement of objectives within the People & Culture strategy
• Oversee the HR function to assure that we are legally compliant, effective and responsive to the needs of the organisation and its people
• Ensure that the culture of the organisation is appropriate to achieve its objectives and support its values 
• Monitor HR key performance indicators to assure the Committee and the Board that the Scouts is a good employer
• Ensure that robust and suitable HR policies and procedures are in place, that ensure fairness, equality and best practice in the management of staff, including an effective Reward Policy to underpin the successful recruitment and retention of staff
• Recommend to the Board the annual staff pay award
• Ensure the effective recruitment of ELT members via the Chair of the Committee
• Approve remuneration for ELT (with the exception of the Chief Executive whose remuneration is determined by the Board)
• Ensure an effective performance management policy and appraisal process is in place for ELT
• Assure itself that staff/volunteer relationships are effective
• Oversee the wellbeing of our people, working in collaboration with the HQ Health, Safety and Welfare Committee.

The person

A commitment to the vision and values of Scouting and the ability to challenge the Association’s policies and practices positively are essential.

Candidates should:

• Have a strong track record of achievement, especially in the area of Reward and Recognition
• Have experience of contributing to, supporting and or/leading HR policy formulation and culture setting across a large organisation or movement
• Have experience of designing and managing pay, benefits and non-financial incentives to motivate people
• Have a breadth of vision and a grasp of governance issues alongside an eye for detail
• Have unquestioned integrity, effective communications skills and experience of high-level discussion
• Have an understanding and commitment to The Scout Association’s evolving strategic plan and vision
• Be able to digest and act upon large amounts of written material, and have the ability to consider and constructively challenge the performance, strategy and objectives of The Scout Association
• Have experience of the Scout Movement and, ideally, the role of HQ volunteers
• Have experience of working at, or volunteering with, a charitable organisation
  
  

Time Commitment

For this role, the appointed candidate should expect to spend the equivalent of a day per quarter on The Scout Association’s work after the induction phase. This is based on preparation for and attendance at the scheduled People and Culture Committee meetings (three in each year, generally two meetings online and one face to face in London)

Appointment term

Appointments are typically for an initial three-year term, with the possibility of a further term of three years subject to a satisfactory appraisal.

Remuneration and expenses

In common with other registered charities, there is no remuneration directly associated with the role, although the Association will reimburse fully for all reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in performing duties in accordance with the Association’s Expenses Policy.

Why we want you

Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. Each group has a committee, who work together to plan the groups activities or fundraising - all in line with Parkinson's UK guidelines.

What you will be doing

• Keep up to date about the news and developments of Parkinson's UK more widely, sharing these with the group
• contributing ideas for fundraising, activities and speakers
• sharing experiences with the committee and connecting with the local community
• helping to prepare for and clear up after group meetings
• assisting at fundraising events and any activities arranged by the branch
• taking notes / minutes at meetings and events

The skills you need

• be a good communicator, as you will be working with a wide range of different people
• Honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group
• be collaborative and team focused, as you will take part in regular meetings and discussions
• be motivated and reliable, and able to show patience and empathy when dealing with sensitive situations

What's in it for you

• Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, making new friends and building connections
• You'll be part of a pioneering organisation, committed to finding a cure and improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson's - in your local area and beyond
• Gain valuable organisational, administrative and people skills

Disclaimer

It's important that people affected by Parkinson’s can trust us with their personal information. In this role you could be handling personal or sensitive data, so by undertaking this role you'll need to complete our Advanced Data Protection training. Your Parkinson’s UK staff contact can help you do this.

Join us as Dog A.I.D.'s new Honorary Secretary and you would be joining the Board at an exciting time as we have launched the charity’s Strategic Plan with a new CEO supported by a small but strong team, which we will be building further this year. As Honorary Secretary you would be using your skills and experience to support the leadership and strategic direction of our charity as we look to achieve ambitious strategic growth targets over the coming years, becoming a larger, more robust charity with increased profile and reach.

Dog A.I.D. empowers physically disabled people by coaching them to train their own pet dog to become an accredited Assistance Dog. By focusing on the existing pet/owner bond, outcomes for our clients include:

 · increased independence and self-confidence

· improved mental well-being

· reduction in social isolation

· reduced reliance on family members and/or carers.

· increased opportunities, with many of our clients being able to return to work or education, supported by their accredited Assistance Dog.

We are looking for an active and well-organised Secretary who can provide support for our governance functions. You will be required to attend and minute online quarterly Board meetings and other ad-hoc meetings and strategic discussions.

Who are we?

Switchboard LGBTQIA+ exists to provide members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as their friends, family and those supporting them, with a listening service that they can contact via phone, instant message and email between the hours of 10am to 10pm every day.

We are happy to talk to service users about any topic they wish. Topics we often talk to service users about include: sexual health, safer sex, relationships, coming-out, gender identity, transitioning, mental health, experiences of hate crimes, support for meeting other LGBTQIA+ people and making friends, and much more.

However, we want to also be upfront and transparent about the fact that not all of our conversations are positive or constructive. Our volunteers can also be exposed to abuse from the public, manipulative callers, sexual fantasies and safeguarding concerns.

Training for POC volunteers

At Switchboard we are working to ensure that our volunteer membership reflects everyone within the LGBTQIA+ community. We want service users to be able to speak with volunteers who can empathise with their experiences and volunteers to connect with folks from a wide range of different backgrounds, cultures and identities.

To help enable us to do this even more, we have created brand new dedicated training groups for different identities within the LGBTQIA+ community. 

This group training group is specifically set up for people of colour. By joining this group, you'll undertake our Core Acceptance Training programme which equips you with the skills needed to support those contacting us via phone and instant message. Our hope is that this safe space enables you to freely ask questions, put our listening toolkit into practice and discuss approaches to different scenarios in an engaging, enjoyable way.

Who are we looking for?

To ensure we can provide a high quality service to those who contact us, we are looking for volunteers who:

• Simply put, like communicating and chatting with other people (you’re most likely a people-person who feels energised by this type of communication)

• Feel comfortable taking calls and speaking over the phone to people you do not already know

• Are familiar with different instant messaging platforms (such as WhatsApp and other chat tools) and the types of communication they might receive

• Are able to read between the lines to decipher messages

• Are good listeners who let others lead conversations and instead create the space they need

• Are able to ask broad, open questions to keep conversations flowing

• Understand the importance of using the right tone when communicating in writing, and are able to flex their writing style to suit different people

• Have a strong attention to detail, with a particular focus on spelling and grammar

• Are able to evaluate sources of information and identify those that can be trusted, from those that cannot

• Know when to challenge and when to step back

• Have essential digital literacy skills (such as using email tools such as gmail and outlook, search the web for information and copy and paste website URLs)

• Understand and support our mission

• Have an awareness of the challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community

• Are empathetic in nature

• Agree to uphold our values of being non-directive and non-judgemental

Barefoot and Free are looking for a creative experienced Fundraising volunteer who has fresh ideas with the expertise and passion to make them a reality and a 'can do' outlook.

What will you be doing?

A wonderful opportunity for a vibrant creative individual to come up with new fundraising ideas and put them into practice to support our vulnerable families and children….

We would love to speak to anyone who is passionate about fundraising, from cake sales to fun runs. 

If you feel you are someone who can organise events and motivate others, steer current and new supporters to sign up and help them organise their fundraising events or organise our own fundraising charity events then we would love to speak to you..... we need your help. 

This is not a bid writing role, it's an event organising role motivating others to fundraise and organising our own fundraisers on limited funds to bring in funds to support our families. 

What are we looking for?

We’d love to find someone passionate and who can face a challenge, someone who loves to prove that 'it can be done' trustworthy and god with deadlines, whos self motivated and wants to support the families we serve.

What difference will you make?

We are a small grassroots charity fighting hard to support our families, as we grow, we need to bring in more funding, we really need your support, supporting a grassroots charity can be challenging due to low funds to buy into bigger fundraising opportunities, the question is are you up for that challenge?

Your support will help us to grow and support more families, our families are extremely important to us, we support amazing children and young people fighting big issues due to neurodiversity or trauma resulting in mental health issues, many of our children are unable to access school or their own communities, our trauma children are often recovering from some of the following:  grief, PTSD, bullying, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, we work hard as a team to fund staycations so our families can breathe and take a break so they can recuperate to face the challenges they so unfairly face. You will have the chance to make a huge difference to the lives of the vulnerable families we support at Barefoot and Free.

We can’t wait to see what you can do! Please get in touch.

.

We are seeking a Trustee with experience and understanding around women’s rehabilitation and recovery needs, as we expand our work to support women in recovery.

About Hope and Vision Communities

Hope and Vision Communities provides supported, move-on accommodation in the Reading area for individuals who have successfully completed residential rehabilitation.

The charity was founded in 2020 by Tony Attwood, a former offender who broke free from the cycle of addiction, and the very judge who sentenced him, Peter Ross. Together, they recognized the urgent need for stable housing and a supportive community for men leaving addiction treatment. Having witnessed firsthand how many relapse at this critical stage, Tony developed a plan - one shaped by his own experiences and those of the men around him and who remain an integral part of the charity today.

What will you be doing?

As part of our three-year strategy, we are expanding our work to support women in recovery. We recognise that women’s support and accommodation requirements are different to those of men.

We are developing a response that reflects their unique experiences. We are in the early stages of planning this next phase of our journey and are seeking a Trustee to help bring this exciting vision to life.

We are seeking someone who can bring experience of women’s rehabilitation and recovery, or insight from the women’s sector more broadly. We value wisdom gained through both professional roles and lived experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to help us expand our work to provide vital support to women in recovery.

What are we looking for?

· Experience and understanding around women’s rehabilitation and recovery needs (e.g., addiction support, criminal justice system, mental health, trauma-informed care). This may have been acquired via professional roles or lived experience.

· Understanding of the unique challenges faced by women in recovery, particularly regarding domestic abuse, sexual violence, family relationships, motherhood / maternity and societal stigma.

· Understanding of the impact of trauma upon women, and a commitment to developing services that are trauma responsive.

· Passionate about championing the voices and needs of women in recovery, both within Hope and Vision and beyond.

· Commitment to co-production. A working understanding of how to embed it throughout all stages of service design and delivery.

· Commitment to Hope and Vision Communities’ mission and a passion for supporting people in recovery.

· Ability to provide strategic guidance and contribute to high-level decision-making.

· Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage constructively with other trustees and staff.

· Experience working in or with charities, particularly in governance or advisory roles.

Time Commitment

· Monthly Board Meetings (general catchup): 1-hour virtual meeting via Teams

· Quarterly Board Meetings (formal): 3-hour in-person meeting (remote attendance can be accommodated if needed)

· Annual Strategy Day: In-person meeting to discuss long-term planning and goals

· Occasional email or ad-hoc discussions to provide advice and insight as needed

For further details, please request a copy of the candidate pack.