Group support volunteer roles in felixstowe, suffolk
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!
***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***
Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.
Volunteers will be supporting people remotely, in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.
The companion service volunteer can choose to be:
• A companion telephone/video caller
• A companion within the person’s home
• A companion outside the person’s home
• Or a combination of all three.
Examples of the type of support the service offers include:
• Telephone / video calls for an older person/s on a regular basis at a mutually agreed time for a friendly chat.
• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.
• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.
• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups.
• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.
We are looking for the following skills/interests:
• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.
• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly.
• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.
• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.
Please do note, however, that at the moment we are not looking for Volunteer Telephone Companions.
We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
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!
Asian MS is a national support group that offers tailored and culturally-sensitive services for Asian people with MS, their carers, friends and family. It's aimed at people whose heritage originates from South Asia.
As an Asian MS Community Engagement Volunteer you will the Group's local representative, helping us to find and attend events and reaching out to your local Asian MS community to raise awareness and extend the reach of the Group.
This role is very flexible, but there will be planning time (with your staff contact) and also attending events, meetings with networks and presentations. We would estimate the role taking no longer than 10 hours per month.
You’ll have support from a member of staff as well as a welcome and induction checklist which lists what resources are available to support you in your role.
As part of your role, you may have to complete some mandatory learning. Please refer to your welcome and induction checklist.
About you
Presentation Skills, confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Apply
Read the role description
All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.
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!
Will you share your counselling or psychotherapy skills as a child & young person's (CYP) counsellor or therapist to join an online counselling service for young patients with a pain condition (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)? We’re supporting patients, relatives, partners and carers affected by a debilitating condition; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
We're looking for qualified paediatric/child & young person counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists ideally with some experience of working with chronic pain patients, who may want to volunteer their skills supporting our young service users and help develop a psychological support service.
As a Volunteer Child/Young Person's Counsellor/Therapist you’ll be providing remote online counselling/therapy support services to young people aged 5 to 18 who are vulnerable, many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health services. You’ll be providing one-to-one counselling sessions online or by phone. With your recognised counselling qualifications and experience you will be an asset to our small charity and to our young services users. We will also consider therapists who are in need of a placement.
Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, volunteer child counsellors / therapists provide person centred counselling (general talking counselling), integrative, pluralistic including or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ACT and EMDR for young CRPS patients.
We are needing to expand this service to support our young clients as it has rapidly received a high number of referrals. People can be referred both by health or legal professionals as well as having parents/guardians referring them to the service.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your paediatric counselling skills, organisation, communication and team working skills. If you have experience in younger children please do get in touch.
Most importantly you’ll be providing essential services that help make sure no one has to face CRPS alone. Be the hope for CRPS.
What the role involves
This role may vary depending on needs, but is likely to include:
-
Undertake a child client assessments, followed by therapy (via Zoom or phone) to our clients, offering up to 20 one hour (or 45 mins age dependant) sessions for each client plus 4 assessments
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Providing one-to-one therapy sessions to young patients aged 5-18 (we will consider therapists who can only support primary or secondary school age)
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Update our database with the client’s basic information and session attendance
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Maintain succinct, relevant session notes and store these securely
- Attending and participating in meetings
- Project monitoring, creating, reporting and outcomes evaluation procedures
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Attend CPD training to ensure your knowledge stays current
- Participating in regular meetings with the Clinical Lead
- Maintaining client confidentiality, upholding data protection and equal opportunities principle
-
Attend monthly internal group Supervision to ensure safe working practices
We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, including an induction. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.
What you need for this role
Essential
- Be a member of one of the recognised organisations (see below)
- Level 4 Diploma level qualifications as a minimum, Degree or Masters in Paediatric Counselling, Counselling/Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Play Therapy, Dance & Movement Psychotherapy or Art Therapy
- Minimum of 100 hours supervised
- Proof of professional indemnity insurance annually - we may consider paying this as an expense but commitment to the charity is required
- A valid DBS certificate (enhanced version), which is less than three years old and renewed every three years (the charity can provide where necessary)
- Able to keep people’s personal data safe
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Willing and able to provide counselling via Zoom from a private location with a stable WiFi connection
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Able to support a minimum of 2 child or young clients a week, being two hours of your time for counselling sessions plus time for administration. We ideally hope you to offer the charity a commitment of six months.
Desirable
- Personal or professional Knowledge or experience of chronic pain or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Previous experience as a chronic pain or CRPS paediatric counsellor or psychologist
- Committed to our values
- Willing to develop skills and experience
- Enjoy working as part of a team
- Effective administration skills, planning and organisation skills
- Approachable, presentable, enthusiastic
We welcome trained paediatric counsellors, child therapists and counselling/clinical psychologists who are willing to give their time to support our valuable work.
Once we’ve assessed your application, you may be invited for interview. If you are successful, we will arrange for you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.
Recognised Organisations
- British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP)
- Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
- General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
- British Society for Clinical Hypnotherapists (BSCH)
- National Council for Hypnotherapists (NCH)
- United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
- The National Hypnotherapy Society (HS)
- National Counselling Society (NCS)
- Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP)
- National Register of Hypnotherapists & Psychotherapists (NRHP)
Making a difference
What impact will the opportunity have?
You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period as the service is rapidly expanding and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in not only developing a counselling service for younger clients but also ensure we provide counselling services and mental health support to our young child CRPS patients who are in need of our support and inclusion on a regular basis. With your help we will expand our support and mental health services to ensure our service users receive mental health support that they may not have been offered.
What's in it for you as the volunteer?
You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people affected by this rare, painful and debilitating chronic pain condition and to provide them with psychological support whether they are patients, their partner, relatives, friends or carers. As this service is continually developing, you would have a key role in developing a young person counselling programme and to complement our support services that we offer. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference in a child's life which is already isolated and painful, who may not have received any psychological support.
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!
Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that have been bereaved.
This role could be for you, if you:
- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
- Are a good listener
- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect
Requirements of a Befriender include:
- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults
Benefits of this role may include:
- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
- An opportunity to engage with your community
Support and training provided:
- Omega Chatterbox induction program
- Safeguarding training
- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app
Location of the role:
- Home-based
When are you needed:
- Provided on enquiry
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.
Omega is a registered charity dedicated to reducing social isolation and loneliness.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.
We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling.We’d love to hear from students with an interest in mental health, psychology, content development, and gaming.
If you are interested, your application should include a copy of your CV and a cover letter (of no more than two sides of A4) detailing what you would bring to the Ygam Student Ambassador team and how your experiences (life and/or work) demonstrate our values of integrity, empathy, innovation, and empowerment.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
Why we need you?
The Halifax Charity Gala is organised by a committee of local volunteers in their spare time. The work required to plan and execute the gala is quite large & growing, with Committee members working all year round to support the 40 or so local good causes we represent. This all requires keeping the public (our customers) updated with relevant information, as well as openly engaging with our member organisations & suppliers.
What will you be doing?
Helping to organise Calderdale’s longest-running annual not-for-profit family event! On a more practical level, you’ll be sharing confirmed information (such as the arena acts, the Procession floats, where tickets are on sale) proactively on our social media channels, as well as republishing the posts into relevant groups. You may also post “call outs” for local performance groups, specialist vehicle owners, independent traders, etc to apply to be part of our next event. Furthermore, you’ll respond to any comments/replies/messages received, forwarding the query to the appropriate team internally if required.
As the Social Media Officer, over Gala weekend you will be asked to share photographs captured by our volunteer photographers, repost content shared by members of the public, and schedule “coming next” posts for our timetable of events.
What skills do you need?
You will need to be able to communicate well in written English. You’ll need access to a suitable device which can access Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & X, and you’ll need your own accounts on those (so we can grant you permission to act as our channels).
How much time do you need to commit?
Scheduling proactive posts can be done at any time to suit you; over winter months, this may only amount to an hour per month, but as the event gets closer, could take 2-3 hours per week. Responding to comments/etc varies, though in winter is likely less than an hour per month, but in May & June can be 2-3 hours per week; this can be done flexibly to suit you, if notifications are responded to within a reasonable time.
Regular meetings over the year. These are held on weekday evenings usually once a month; we have an additional one in May as well as two charity meetings a year. You should aim to be able to attend every meeting, however there is provision in our constitution to attend our meetings virtually (via a web browser or mobile app).
As much time as possible over the weekend of the second Saturday in June, although this is not a requirement as we do have some Committee members that cannot help with setup or take down.
What support will you be given?
You can always speak to anyone else on the committee or the one of the other officers. We work as a supportive team and help each other when workloads are high, or life gets in the way.
What are the benefits?
Satisfaction of knowing you are making a valuable contribution to a successful, high-profile event supporting local good causes and providing the people of Halifax a great family day out.
Enjoyment of meeting new people within your community and being a part of our team.
Knowledge that you will have made a positive impact and improved the experience of the public and our member organisations.
The opportunity to develop various skills.
Brunch & evening meal on setup day and lunch on Gala Day.
How to sign up?
Join as a Committee member and speak to one of the elected officers (Chairperson, Treasurer, Charity Liaison Officer, Committee Administration Officer or Honorary Secretary) to say that you are willing to be appointed as the Social Media Officer
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!
Use your financial skills to shape the future of student representation and social impact across the UK.
We’re seeking up to three Finance Committee Members to join the National Union of Students (NUS UK & NUS Charity) and play a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial health of one of the UK’s most influential student-led organisations.
As a Finance Committee Member, you’ll be part of a dedicated oversight group responsible for scrutinising management accounts, budgets, and risk management processes. Your expertise will help ensure robust financial controls, guide long-term planning, and support sound governance—directly contributing to the sustainability of NUS’s vital advocacy and support for over 7 million students nationwide.
This voluntary role is ideal for finance, audit, or accounting professionals who want to make a meaningful difference beyond their day job. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or looking for your first governance opportunity, you’ll receive a full induction and ongoing support in a collaborative, values-driven environment.
You’ll attend 4–6 remote meetings per year, with all reasonable expenses covered. In return, you’ll gain or deepen your board-level experience, contribute to the financial strategy of a major national body, and help sustain the student movement’s legacy of social justice and positive change.
If you’re passionate about good governance and want to use your skills for a cause that matters, we’d love to hear from you. Apply by 12 June 2025 to join NUS in championing the student voice and driving real impact across the UK.
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!
Asian MS is a national support group that offers tailored and culturally-sensitive services for Asian people with MS, their carers, friends and family. It's aimed at people whose heritage originates from South Asia.
As an Asian MS Community Engagement Volunteer you will the Group's local representative, helping us to find and attend events and reaching out to your local Asian MS community to raise awareness and extend the reach of the Group.
This role is very flexible, but there will be planning time (with your staff contact) and also attending events, meetings with networks and presentations. We would estimate the role taking no longer than 10 hours per month.
You’ll have support from a member of staff as well as a welcome and induction checklist which lists what resources are available to support you in your role.
As part of your role, you may have to complete some mandatory learning. Please refer to your welcome and induction checklist.
About you
Presentation Skills, confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Apply
Read the role description
All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.
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!
Across the UK, our Regional and Community Development teams work alongside our local groups to play an active role in increasing awareness of and engagement with the MS Society locally.
As our Regional Cultural Connector Volunteer, you’ll help to identify and plan our involvement and support of regional or local activities and events aimed at minority, hidden and culturally specific groups, to provide information for people living with MS as well as help us to engage with those communities to understand their priorities and needs.
We want to show that we’re here to support everyone and to do that we need to reach and connect with people within their own communities. You’ll help us do that with a welcoming and friendly attitude and ability to reach and promote us within your region.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.
About you
Confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Apply
Read the role description
All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.
Bgen, the Botanic Gardens Education Network, is seeking a new Treasurer Trustee to join its Board. This unpaid voluntary role offers a unique opportunity to support a small, but passionate charity at a pivotal moment in its growth.
Bgen is a specialist support network for professional plant and natural world educators. We help our members to connect people and plants in innovative and engaging ways, through online events, face to face training and networking events and our Annual Conference.
We are looking for a Treasurer who will bring enthusiasm, commitment, fresh perspectives and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. The successful candidate will combine professional financial knowledge and experience with a deep commitment to supporting our mission in this vital non-executive role.
As our new Treasurer trustee, you will play an active role within the Bgen Board and provide leadership on its financial health, ensuring robust processes, accurate records and sound-decision making with transparency and accountability.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic Board and support our work to empower plant and environmental education and engagement professionals across the UK.
Availability and commitment
As a Board member you will need to be able to attend up to six board meetings per year (held online) and the Annual General Meeting, organised in January – February each year. You will also spend around 2 -3 days per quarter in between meetings, to prepare the quarterly accounts, provide advice and coordinate payments, with support from the Bgen Coordinator and Bgen Bookkeeper. Days may vary throughout the year, depending on activity.
On the 7th or 9th October, we are hosting a Bgen Board Strategy Away Day at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and your attendance would be extremely helpful.
This position would be for a period of three years minimum (term can be renewed after this time).
Please read the full role description and how to apply (attached).
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:
· Asking people you know who might be willing to have a collection box in their business
· Approaching local businesses to display the boxes and collect loose change from their customers
· Building and maintaining relationships with your box holders to inspire loyalty and encourage people to continue giving year after year
· Collecting the boxes in your area as and when required and taking to your YBTC contact
We are looking for people who are:
· Have a warm, friendly and confident outlook
· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC
· Able to communicate with a range of different groups
· Are creative and imaginative – spotting opportunities to boost your distribution
· Are well organised and enjoy meeting new people
· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements
We can offer you:
· Induction and ongoing training
· Ongoing support and supervision in your role
· The opportunity to learn new skills
· YBTC commitment to health and safety
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.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
The HMSA is a small and dynamic charity that helps those living with hypermobility syndromes (and carers and families) to be independent and live well. We also provide education for professionals in social care, health, teaching and local authority employees. We have big plans to expand our offer to our members and professionals, as well as raise the profile of the charity and hypermobility syndromes. We are seeking to appoint up to 2 new trustees. Recognising that most people with these conditions present and are supported in primary care, we are particularly keen to recruit someone with a background in Primary Care to help us develop our plans. We are also interested to hear from anyone with experience of strengthening social media channels and comms, especially within a small charity setting.
The Trustee role involves:
- Preparing for and attending quarterly board meetings – 2 hours in the evening or a half day on a Saturday (half online/half in person if possible). The in person meetings are likely to be in central London.
- Providing support/guidance to the other Trustees, the CEO as well as staff/volunteer team. This may include small group working in between Board meetings.
- You may also be asked to participate in sub-committees as required.
- Developing and supporting our Clinical Advisory Group and/or Comms work
- Promoting the HMSA to primary care and other health and social care professionals or other relevant external audiences.
In addition, there may-be other events such as volunteer/staff/member meetings or conferences that would be useful to have Trustee support
Please submit your CV and a cover letter (max 2 pages). Please include the following in your cover letter:
-Why you are interested in the trustee role at the Hypermobility Syndromes Association
-Outline the relevant experience and skills that you bring to the role as Trustee
Support those living with hypermobility syndromes (and carers/families) to be independent and live well.
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 amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.
In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate.
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
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!
The Community Support/Reach Out volunteer will be volunteering remotely, providing online support and guidance to visitors of The Forward Trust Website communicating in real time using web chat.
The Reach Out Service sits within our Recovery Support Department and is aimed at offering friendly and confidential listening support and assistance. The role involves utilising your communication skills to establish rapport with individuals seeking drug and alcohol help and or to talk about their mental health or other varied life challenges. You will be supporting people who are seeking help for drugs and alcohol help for themselves or from family members concerned for their loved one.
Training is provided to all volunteers to support them with their volunteering role and enable them to further their skills and experience with our client group.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Time Commitment: We recommend that volunteers can commit to an average of 3 hours online per week for a minimum period of six months.
Service Delivery
- Be available for the duration of the shift to answer web-chat/calls as they happen.
- Engage with individuals in a friendly and empathetic manner.
- Gain an understanding of the individual needs and sign post to appropriate organisations for further support or explore specialist services as required.
- Link individuals into Forward Trusts community drug and alcohol services when required and link individuals into drug and alcohol help in other geographical areas where Forward Trust does not have a service.
- Report any Safeguarding concerns to shift supervisor and follow safeguarding procedures as appropriate.
- Respond to offline messages at the beginning of each shift.
- Debrief with and ask for support and guidance from Reach Out Coordinator regarding any concerns arising from web chat conversations.
- Provide handover to supervisor and/or next volunteers covering the shift prior to logging off
- To book shifts in a timely fashion and inform the Reach Out Coordinator of any need to cancel a shift at the earliest opportunity.
- Engage with support and supervision offered by placement supervisor.
CHECKS REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE
- 2 References (this may be from a keyworker, volunteer supervisor, tutor or sponsor if you are not able to provide a work reference)
- Enhanced DBS Check
Perks and Benefits
TRAINING & INDUCTION
Induction training will be provided to the volunteer and will include the following E-Learning (Data Protection/GDPR/PECR, Safeguarding – Knowledge and Health & Safety – Knowledge).
A full induction to your team including placement specific policies and procedures. Additional volunteer training will be discussed and offered according to the need of the volunteer in placement.
Skills You'll Need
Below is a list of the qualities that we are looking for from volunteers:
- If in recovery, to be 12 months abstinence from all mood altering substances.
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- Ability to use computers and IT equipment.
- To have good verbal and written communication skills.
- To have a clear understanding and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
- To have a clear understanding of how to set and maintain boundaries.
- To have the ability to reflect and receive feedback.
- To be reliable, flexible and committed.
- To treat individuals with respect and dignity.
- To have the ability to follow instructions.
- To be committed to own learning and development.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you believe in a future where no animal suffers for science?
Do you have spare time you can volunteer to make a difference to the lives of animals and humans?
If so, we would love you to consider being one of our new trustees.
At Replacing Animal Research, we’ve been working for over half a century to replace the use of animals in research. We have significantly contributed to the development, and uptake, of non-animal methods by:
- Empowering scientists with our educational opportunities.
- Funding exciting research aimed at replacing animals and improving human healthcare.
- Collaborating with policymakers to ensure more rigorous policy on the use of animals in science.
Our mission is to ensure scientists use non-animal approaches in biomedical research and testing. It’s a better future for animals and humans. For us to achieve this, we need to ensure that Replacing Animal Research is a resilient organisation with sufficient skills, support, and income to continue its work in the long term. Our trustees are critical to the future of the organisation.
We are currently seeking more trustees to strengthen our board by providing strategic and governance support. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with an interest or experience in scientific and medical research and testing and the development of non-animal methods. We’d also be interested in hearing from anyone passionate about eliminating animal use in research. We encourage applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race. We are looking for trustees who can demonstrate:
A commitment to our purpose and aims and the strategic vision to support the Replacing Animal Research's future development.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to support the charity. (Please see below for more details on the time commitment).
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
- Sound, independent judgement and the ability to challenge constructively.
- The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and make decisions for the good of the charity.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A full induction is provided for new trustees as well as ongoing CPD opportunities and support. The role of trustee requires an annual time commitment of around 8 working days which works out around 5 hours per month. This includes:
- Preparation for and attendance at 6 general board meetings, which are held remotely.
- Preparation for and attendance at sub-committee meetings as appropriate.
- Between meetings, trustees may be asked to contribute to discussions via email or ad hoc telephone conferences on specific issues.
- Trustees may be asked to sit on or contribute to other project groups or activities from time to time.
- Attendance at 1 or 2 in-person board away days.
For more detailed information on being a trustee for Replacing Animal Research please take a look at our Trustee Role Description.
To apply for this opportunity please do so via Charity Job and submit your CV and a supporting cover letter. Please detail why you are interested in the role and how you can fulfil the role requirements and be an ambassador for Replacing Animal Research. Please ensure you read our Trustee Role Description and refer to this in your application.
Thank you for your interest in working with Replacing Animal Research and we look forward to hearing from you.
Benefits
The role of trustee is voluntary but travel and subsistence expenses are covered as required.
Notes
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview in the week of 23/06/2025 and successful candidates will be invited to attend the next Replacing Animal Research board meeting as an observer on 17/07/2025. Full details will be given to candidates nearer the time.
We’re a charity working tirelessly to build a world where no animal suffers for science.
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