Friendly Group Volunteers Volunteer Roles

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community
• Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities
• Helping at events
• Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through
• SSAFA’s speaker programme
• Event administration
• Social media marketing

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Happy to help
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just patience, and an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Visitor?

SSAFA Visitors provide support to isolated people living at home or in residential care. Whilst a friendly chat about the old days over a cup of tea is an important aspect of the role you will also be able to recognise any other support needs and explore how to link your client into their local community.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

With the gift of time and a listening ear you can improve someone’s quality of life for far longer than the hour or so you might spend with them. We need you to join your local SSAFA team to help us to help more people!

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need a driving licence and access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or elsewhere.

Some volunteers will visit more people than others. Whilst you will visit a client on a regular basis for a period, you will not be developing the kind of relationship where you would provide personal care, handle money or support someone in an emergency. SSAFA can help clients to arrange other types of support if needed.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting clients and arranging to meet them regularly at their home or care home for uninterrupted conversation.
• Letting the divisional secretary know of any concerns for your or the client’s safety.
• Arranging for a SSAFA caseworker to assess the client for other support as required.
• Chatting, making a cup of tea, playing cards, looking at photo albums, military mementos etc
• Helping your client to think about ways to reduce their isolation and support them to put these into practice.
• Keeping in touch with your branch so they know your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and Data Protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background using your patience, time, and empathy.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression.

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, friendship, and befriending. This training would take approx. 4 hours.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local Induction
• Access to the Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good listening skills, patience, and a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to friendship, finances etc.
• Reliable attitude, contact clients promptly, keep regular appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely (within SSAFA policies)
• Willingness to travel by public transport or car to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer This role requires an enhanced check.

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.

Role Title:

Woodwork Lead - Volunteer

Location:

Basildon Day Opportunities

Day/Time required:

Monday to Friday, 9.15am to 3.30pm (start and finish times can be flexible for parents / carers)

Organisation overview:

Papworth Trust is a leading disability charity. Our vision is a world where disabled people are seen for what they can do, and our mission is for disabled people to have equality, choice and independence.

Service overview:

We offer a rich and diverse programme of recreational, learning and employment opportunities from our centre’s facilities in Basildon and the wider communities of Essex.

Situated close to the town centre, we benefit from excellent links to local transport and neighbouring community projects.

We’re a super friendly and welcoming service with enthusiastic, skilled and experienced staff and volunteers who support individuals to achieve their personal goals and aspirations.

Description of role:

To support customers in one-to-one and group woodworking sessions.
Work alongside our Activities Facilitators to support the delivery of sessions.

Key tasks:

To work at the individual customer’s pace in a group, ensuring they can take part in sessions.
Help the individual customer communicate and interact with the team and their peers.
To help with confidence building by encouraging and empowering customer to engage, be creative and stay safe.
Ensure that the individual is included in various aspects of sessions, and during breaks and lunchtime.

A DBS check will be required as part of this role and will be carried out during the vetting checks of successful applicants.  

Personal qualities required:

Within this role you:

• Will have a supportive nature
• Are outgoing and friendly
• Will be polite and respectful
• Are patient and kind
• Take a calm measured approach to tasks
• Are a good communicator
• Are empathetic and resilient

Benefits of volunteering:

• Become part of a passionate and supportive team.
• Help make a real difference to the lives of disabled and disadvantaged people.
• Gain new experiences and develop skills and confidence.
• Meet new people.
• Spend your time doing something that is worthwhile and rewarding
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses
• Certificated training provided to prepare you for your role
• Day to day support from a designated member of staff
• Have fun!

Training available:

1. Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
2. Child Protection in Health and Social Care
3. Equality and Diversity
4. Data Protection in Health and Social Care
5. Local induction
6. Health & Safety

Hebden Court supports adults with Complex Needs. The service consists of 17 flats and is close to the centre of town and is easily accessible by public transport.

We are looking for volunteers to deliver fun and engaging activity sessions. Your role would be to set up a weekly board games session. As a volunteer you will be warm, friendly and approachable and enjoy playing games such as monopoly, cluedo and others.

As part of your volunteer role you will help us by setting up the games ready to play ensuring no pieces are missing, teaching people the rules for the game, and tidying away at the end of the session. You will also promote the board games being played each week to our service users and encourage people to join in.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.

We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.

Are you passionate about supporting people to improve their language and communication skills? Are you working towards a teaching qualification and looking to gain relevant experience? 

We are looking for new ESOL volunteers to support our qualified tutors in the classroom. Volunteers play a fundamental role in our classes. All of our classes are led by paid teachers, however, they are also often supported by volunteer teaching assistants.

Whether helping to set up the classroom, supporting participants during group work or offering support and advice on local services, the contribution made by volunteers in our classrooms is vital.

Skills/ experience

• CELTA or similar qualification is desirable
• Teaching experience is desirable

In return, volunteers will have the opportunity to:

• Gain experience of English language teaching in a community setting with a friendly team
• Gain support and advice on professional development for those looking to become an ESOL teacher

Most of our classes are held face to face in West London, with some having a blended / online learning approach with Zoom.

If you are interested please send your CV and cover letter via Charity Jobs and our volunteer coordinator will get back to you. Please let us know your relevant experience, availability and why you would like to support Nova.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community
• Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities
• Helping at events
• Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through
• SSAFA’s speaker programme
• Event administration
• Social media marketing

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Happy to help
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community
• Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities
• Helping at events
• Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through
• SSAFA’s speaker programme
• Event administration
• Social media marketing

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Happy to help
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community
• Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities
• Helping at events
• Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through
• SSAFA’s speaker programme
• Event administration
• Social media marketing

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Happy to help
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community
• Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities
• Helping at events
• Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through
• SSAFA’s speaker programme
• Event administration
• Social media marketing

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Happy to help
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

We are looking for volunteers to deliver fun and engaging activity sessions. Our service users love to play board games and your role would be to set up a weekly board games session. As a volunteer you will be warm, friendly and approachable and enjoy playing games such as monopoly, cluedo and others.

As part of your volunteer role you will help us by setting up the games ready to play ensuring no pieces are missing, teaching people the rules for the game, and tidying away at the end of the session. You will also promote the board games being played each week to our service users and encourage people to join in.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.

Bosworth House is a supported living service for adults with mental health needs, we currently have eight tenants with thirteen flats. Bosworth House is centrally located in Hinckley and has good transport links.

We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Could you use your communication skills and to support a group for people looking to make changes to their alcohol or drug use?  The Pier Road Project is jointly delivered by Humankind, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and St. Giles, to support people in Bexley to reduce or stop their drug or alcohol use.

 We help people with:

· one to one support and group programmes

· support to improve mental and physical health

· methadone or buprenorphine prescribing and community alcohol detox

· needle exchange

· recovery community

· advice on benefits, housing and finances

· friends and family support

Details of the role:

This role involves assisting the team to support people in group settings, by co-facilitating a group alongside a staff member, either remotely or in person.  A number of groups are delivered in a hybrid way, with some people joining online via video call, and we would love some help to ensure these people feel engaged.

There is flexibility around the groups the volunteer could support; these include:

Harm Reduction Group – Monday 11.45 – 13:00
Motivation to Change – Tuesdays 13.15 – 14.30
Relapse Prevention – Fridays at 13.45 – 15:00

There is also the opportunity for the volunteer to experience and get involved with other parts of the service, depending on own goals.

Activities may include:

• Co-facilitating a group session for people seeking to make changes to their substance use
• Helping to make sure people can access and engage with the group via Zoom / Microsoft Teams, if a hybrid group
• Generally listening and being empathetic to others, and speaking positively about treatment / recovery
• Signposting to other activity / support the service and partners offer

· Liaising with staff and service users to gain feedback about the service which helps inform decisions and support

· Adhering to policies related to areas such as safeguarding, information governance and health and safety

Timings: Pier Road Project is open Monday – Friday 9.30 – 4.30, there is flexibility in the timings of this role as there are a number of groups a volunteer could support.

Location: Pier Road Project is a short walk from Erith train station, in the borough of Bexley

Training: Volunteers have access to Humankind’s training platform, Learningkind, and will be asked to complete some training modules within their first 3 months, most of these are e-learning modules.

We would love you to bring to this role:

• Clear verbal/written communication skills
• A confident and friendly approach
• Moderate confidence at using Zoom and IT – we can help you build on skills
• An understanding of the importance of guidelines and procedures relating to key areas such as safeguarding and information governance
• Be respectful and non-judgemental
• Willing to attend and complete relevant training
• To participate in regular supervision sessions with your supervisor

What Volunteers can expect from Humankind:

· Regular supervision and support

· Induction and access to training

· To learn and practice new skills within a team-work setting

· To feel part of a team and the wider Humankind organisation

· Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed with proof of journey

Our workplace values are:

· Honest: we are open and realistic, building trusted relationships in which we challenge, collaborate and change.

· Committed: we are passionate about being the best that we can be, and we do this by keeping people at the heart of everything that we do.

· Inventive: we are ambitious, drawing together skills and resources to innovate and adapt in determined pursuit of our mission.

English Conversation Club Volunteer 

Role Summary:  

We are looking for volunteers to facilitate our new English Conversation Club working in partnership with SAVTE (Sheffield Association for the Voluntary Teaching of English). The Conversation Club will support clients to enhance their English language skills and to understand how to respond to real life situations. Clients who are learning English as a second language will access the Conversation Club to learn and practice words and phrases that will benefit them in their daily lives. Each week you will prepare a relevant topic to discuss with clients. The topics will range from typical daily conversations to more specific housing related interactions.

Our expert partners SAVTE run various Conversation Clubs across the city. SAVTE will provide ongoing training for the role with access to a conversation group volunteers network and insightful events to meet with other peers. Shelter will facilitate the Conversation Club and manage the volunteer roles. This is a great opportunity to work alongside two forward-thinking Charities who are looking at innovative ways to improve people’s lives.

Volunteers must be passionate about helping others to make positive and meaningful changes in their lives. This role is perfect for individuals who have a passion for upskilling others, enjoy facilitating learning in an interactive and enriching environment, and can organise resources that offer purposeful conversation topics for clients.

Suggested Involvement: 2 hrs per week (30 mins preps, 1hr 30 mins session) 

Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9-5. 

Location: Shelter Hub

Supervised by: Volunteer Coordinator 

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support, and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We're here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own. 

The Conversation Club is a new offer Shelter is delivering in partnership with SATVE. Shelter is aware that people with English as a second language have greater barriers to accessing help, support and acting on their rights. The Conversation Club aims to empower individuals to break down barriers they are facing and tackle discrimination within the housing system. The opportunity will also offer clients the chance to expand their understanding of the English Language and help them integrate into their communities, increase their employment prospects, and have other beneficial factors such as parents supporting children with their homework. This is a fantastic opportunity to offer individuals support to make transformative steps in their lives and join an exciting new initiative.

Main Tasks 

• Initiate and facilitate a weekly Conversation Group with suitable topical discussions, ensuring participants involvement. 

• Willing and able to work with participants from diverse cultures and background  

• Manage or facilitate conversations in a group and provide positive guidance and encouragement.

• Refer any safeguarding issues or concerns to Shelter and SAVTE.

• Collect participants feedback and own comments and suggestions to improve sessions. 

• Working with other volunteers to deliver sessions and ideas and resources and best practice. 

Skills and Abilities required:  

• Enthusiasm to support people to learn and empower them to improve their lives. 

• Ability to facilitate discussion and involve the whole group in the conversations. 

• An organised individual who will prepare the conversation topics on a weekly basis. 

• Patience in communicating with individuals who speak English as a second language. 

• Be friendly, welcoming, respectful, and have a positive attitude.

• Capacity to clearly relay information to others and communicate topics effectively.

• Willing to work with other people sharing ideas to enable the groups continued learning.

• Willingness to work with SAVTE to increase your knowledge and learn from other established conversation group volunteers. 

Learning & Development 

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will: 

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook 

• Provide a local induction into your role 

• Provide access to eLearning including Equality & Diversity, Health & Safety, Data Protection, Environmental Awareness and Safeguarding 

• Provide access to our other training appropriate to your role 

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter 

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness 

• Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV 

• Be part of a great team 

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills 

Would you like to support those feeling socially isolated and lonely within the local serving community? Could you spare a few hours a week to organise group activities that bring people together?

If so, we would love to hear from you!

What is a Community Connection Champion?

The aim of the role is to promote connection by developing and facilitating social groups and activities within the local serving community.

Tasks will include planning group activities that are sociable and of interest to the community. It also involves coordinating and delivering sessions. You will receive training and have support from a dedicated project officer as you establish a variety of groups.

What difference will you make?

Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people can find themselves feeling lonely or socially isolated, they may struggle to meet and connect with new people due to their confidence, work commitments or because they don’t live in Service Family Accommodation.

Community Connection Champions will play a vital role in tackling these challenges by creating welcoming, engaging group opportunities that bring people together.

What will you be doing?

Although every SSAFA Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Community Connection Champion:

• Creating and Planning: Working with the Project Officer to plan, develop and organise groups and activities that are best suited to their local serving community.
• Communication and Teamwork: Keeping in touch with the local Community Volunteer Coordinator and attending s meetings.
• Networking and Engagement: Reaching out with those who are interested in attending activities, providing support and encouragement for them to attend, including those who face barriers to attending.
• Facilitating group sessions: Delivering group activities in line with agreed plans, signposting attendees to external support as required and in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Recording and reporting on activities: Sharing activity plans with the SSAFA Project Team, tracking attendance, and encouraging attendees to complete the relevant paperwork to support Project reporting and development.

What about training and support?

• Volunteers will need to complete E-learning courses covering topics including GDPR and safeguarding plus a 1.5hr webinar which focuses on understanding the impact of loneliness and social isolation, what helps to reduce those feelings and the skills needed to develop and facilitate groups.
• Support from a dedicated Project Officer who will work with you to plan and develop the groups and activities.
• Support from your local Community Volunteer Coordinator and SSAFA’s Regional and Central Volunteer Operations colleagues.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Give back to the serving community
• Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience, helping them to build local connections.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
• Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews, such as planning sessions, organising activities and group facilitation.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with great communication skills.
• Excellent understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
• Non-judgemental approach and alignment with SSAFA’s values
• Some experience of delivering groups sessions or team leadership is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.

This role would suit someone who would like to make a regular weekly commitment of a couple of hours.

As this is a new initiative, we are keen to understand what works to support the local serving community. We expect groups to run in the evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.

A typical group might run once weekly for a 6-week period. Face to face sessions are likely to run in community venues such as community centres but we also want to explore how virtual groups can be used to support those who can’t access face to face sessions.

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.