Health And Wellbeing Volunteer Roles in London, Greater London

Our Trustees are a team of volunteers who use their diverse skills, experience, and perspectives to set the strategic direction of the charity and make sure it’s doing what it was set up to do in the best possible way. 

For families facing tough times, a holiday is a much-needed break from the day to day, as well as giving space and time to breathe, think differently. A holiday is essential for building wellbeing and hope for the future, especially when the present is challenging.

About you

You'll have the energy, integrity, passion, and skills to work with the Board of Trustees, our CEO and staff team, and our community, to drive forward a successful and dynamic future for our charity and the families we support.

We’re particularly looking to add the following professional skills and experiences to our team.

• Developing digital products, tools and/or services.
• Directly supporting children and/or families on an ongoing professional basis.
• Fundraising in a charity through voluntary donations or commercial income.

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before, but you do need to be willing to do some training to help you understand the role and the responsibilities that come with it.

We actively encourage applications from under-represented, marginalised and racialised groups, and those with lived experience of any of the barriers families face to having time away together. That’s things like mental or physical ill health, disability, domestic abuse, being a young carer or living on a low income.

We will make adjustments to our schedule and processes to ensure new trustees can be included and supported in the role.

More diverse perspectives on our Board help us make better decisions for families.

What we offer you

The biggest thing we have to offer is the chance to put your skills and experience to good use making the lives of families who are having a tough time better.

You’ll join a team who really care about making a difference and approach it with real openness and drive. Right off the bat we’ll connect you with the other Trustees and staff so you can get to know everyone, and we’ll buddy you up with another Trustee, so you’ve got someone to help you navigate it all as you settle in.

Expenses

You won’t get paid for your time, but we’ll make sure you aren’t out of pocket by covering the cost of your travel to meetings, childcare or other care if you need it, and a range of other expenses you might have while doing the role. We’ll book and/or pay for these in advance if you prefer.

How to apply

When you click 'Quick Apply' you'll find a link to upload your CV and answer a couple of screening questions.

We will make adjustments to the recruitment process wherever possible to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged for any reason. 

• Monday 20th May - Applications close at 9am
• w/c 3rd June and w/c 10th June  -  First interviews with a panel of current trustees 
• w/c 17th June - Second interviews with Jackie our Vice Chair of Trustees

After the interviews we’ll contact anyone we’d like to join the Board with an offer subject to references and checks.

If you accept, we’ll take up your references, do a DBS check and confirm your eligibility to act as a Trustee. If that’s all ok, you’re in! We’ll introduce you to the rest of the Trustees and get started with your induction.

Formal appointment happens at the next Board meeting which is on Thursday 5th August.

AgrotheraPA aims to address several challenges, including food insecurity, limited access to holistic wellness resources, and urban stressors prevalent in the City Council 9th District of Philadelphia. By integrating urban agriculture with mental health workshops and community engagement, we strive to foster food sovereignty, promote emotional well-being, and strengthen community resilience in underserved urban neighborhoods.

AgrotheraPA addresses these challenges by establishing community-driven urban agriculture initiatives that provide fresh, organic food, promote mental well-being through engagement with nature, and foster a sense of belonging and connection among residents. By offering workshops, training programs, and access to green spaces, we empower community members to take control of their food security, enhance their emotional wellness, and build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods in the City Council 9th District of Philadelphia.

CONTENT CREATION

• Help us craft visually stunning content for our social media platforms and support with website design. Together, let's elevate our online presence and drive traffic to our accounts. If you're ready to make a creative impact and empower our mission, we'd love to have you on board!
• Volunteer 2-3 hours per week for 6 months.

Researcher (voluntary)

Real are running a study into disability and wellbeing, and we are looking for D/deaf and Disabled people to train as field researchers to support the work.

We plan to interview 1000 Disabled people across London over two years using a tool validated by the World Health Organisation. The tool analyses the impact that different services and interventions have on Disabled people’s wellbeing, and each interview participant will receive a personalized report on what the tool says about them after the interview.

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in research that will have both a great personal impact for the participants and that will provide the evidence base to make services better for everyone.

No experience in interviewing or research is needed to volunteer. Instead, you will receive:

• In-depth training in interview and research skills, GDPR compliance, safeguarding and disability equality.

• A DBS check if you do not have this already.

• A £40 voucher for the retailer of your choice after completing the training and 5 interviews, and more vouchers the more interviews that you do.

• Access to a peer support network for trainee researchers, with meetings held quarterly.

You need to be 18 or older and live in London to volunteer with the project, and you will need to be comfortable conducting the interviews. You must also have lived experience of disability and be available for at least half of one weekday per week, as not all interviews can be scheduled in the evenings or weekends.

Who are Midland Mencap?

Midland Mencap is a charity which works and campaigns for accessible and inclusive services and a better quality of life for everyone with experience of learning disabilities and additional needs.

Purpose of the role.

To connect people wanting to cycle more with volunteer Bike Buddies who want to help them. We have people from many different backgrounds wanting support with their cycling for many reasons.  

For example:

· Coming back to cycling after time off

· Disability or ill health

· Finding quiet roads and cycle paths around the neighbourhood

· Building up confidence on busy roads

· Sharing experiences of things like cycling at night or what clothes to wear

· Checking bikes together before a ride

Bike Buddies provide crucial support and motivation to help people to participate in inclusive and adapted outdoor cycling. Volunteers support cyclists to achieve their fitness goals and enjoy cycling in our community.

Our Bike Buddies are great ambassadors for cycling, sharing their expertise of local routes and giving others the confidence to get around by bike.

If you feel confident cycling on the road or in a park with someone else, and are wanting to give back to others, this is the role for you.

What would I be doing?

You’ll need to find out what they want to do and where they want to go. Some people want to explore quiet streets locally or plan a longer journey. You may ride to the park or show them local routes – quiet ways, new cycle lanes and off-road paths are popular.

They may want to try out junctions or crossing busy roads – think about how to ride those safely. You may support a person at one of our pre-arranged Parkride cycle meetings and help them to develop the skills and confidence to cycle safely and independently.

What do I need?

This role will require:

· A roadworthy bike and riding equipment.

· Experience of regular cycling

· Some experience of cycle maintenance

·       A cycling competence session with parkride staff

· Friendly, calm, and patient

· A good listener & happy to chat

· Accepting of people who may be different to you

· Willing to learn and act within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap

· Good time management skills, reliability

· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.

When and where do you need me?

Either at organised events or 1-2-1 within your local area.

Ideally you can meet once or twice a month for approx. 2 hours.

We have parkride sessions running throughout the week including evenings and weekends.

What’s in it for me?

As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:

• The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with disabilities and their family carers

• An induction and settling in period

• Any training and development that is needed

• The chance to develop your skills and gain experience

• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team

• Support within your role

• Any out-of-pocket travel expenses

• Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

• Positive wellbeing from doing something great

• Improve career opportunities by adding your volunteer role to a CV

Zestful Blends addresses the challenges of modern urban living where people often struggle to access convenient, health-oriented food options that support both their well-being and environmental sustainability. Our solution is a comprehensive menu of fruit-based foods that are both nutritious and environmentally friendly. By sourcing local, organic produce and using eco-conscious packaging, we offer a range of products from smoothies to fruit salads that meet the demands of health-aware individuals and contribute to a more sustainable community.

Zestful Blends is an innovative health-focused fruit bar that combines a physical storefront with corporate partnerships and an AI-integrated online delivery system to offer fresh, nutritious, and eco-friendly fruit-based products in Vancouver.

ADMINISTRATION

• As the Administrative Coordinator at Zestful Blends, your organizational skills will be essential in streamlining our day-to-day operations. Your role encompasses managing schedules, handling communications, overseeing administrative tasks, and supporting our team to ensure operational efficiency. You will serve as the backbone of our startup, facilitating a well-organized environment that enables us to focus on delivering high-quality, fruit-based products and services to our community.
• Volunteer 4-6 hours per week remotely for 6 months.

Job title: Grief in Pieces – (Lived Experience) Volunteer  

Responsible to: Grief in Pieces Volunteer and Peer Coordinator 

Hours: Available Monday – Friday  

Location: Remote  

We are seeking a Lived Experience Volunteer to become part of our Grief in Pieces service. By joining Grief in Pieces, you’ll be helping to support others bereaved by suicide. You will play a role in creating positive change by sharing your experience and will make new connections with people with shared experiences.   

About Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest:  

We are a multi-disciplinary provider of specialist mental health services and a part of the Mind Federation.   

We promote both recovery from ill health for people with recurrent and enduring mental health difficulties and early intervention for those at risk of developing mental health issues, or who struggle with common mental health conditions.   

We currently support around 5,000 people a year through a variety of services focusing on psychological, social, economic and workplace wellbeing, and support minoritised communities.   

 Our values are:  

Connected: Creating a compassionate and supportive community.     

Fair:  We strive for equity- no-one's needs should go unmet.  

Brave: We walk with people, offering help by doing what works - proven or new  

Working with Mind CHWF means you’ll be part of a dedicated, passionate, and professional workforce who cares about the work they do and make a real difference to the lives of the people in the City of London, Hackney, and Waltham Forest.  

We are committed to actively becoming anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind CHWF. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation that recognises different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services.   

We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.   

Those with lived experience of Mental Health are encouraged to apply.  

Value-based Recruitment:   

We know that for various reasons, not everybody who can successfully perform in a role, performs their best under traditional interview/selection procedures. We are therefore seeking ways to breakdown further barriers in our recruitment & selection process.   

Shorted-listed candidates will be provided with some questions to help them prepare for the interview.   

How to apply:   

For more information on the vacancy and how to apply, click the ‘Apply’ button - Please note that we are unable to consider incomplete applications.   

The closing date is by 3rd May 2024, however, please do not delay applying as this advert may close before the stated deadline if we find a suitable applicant for the role.  

We are a disability confident employer. All applicants with a disability, who meet the minimum essential short-listing criteria are guaranteed an interview. If this applies to you, please let us know in your application.  

Your privacy and the security of your data is our top priority. Please take a moment to read through our applicant’s privacy notice.  

Off the Record is a well-established and respected support agency for children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. Founded in 1994, OTR supports young people aged 11-25 in Croydon, Sutton and Merton.

What will you be doing?

We are currently looking for new Trustees with a fund-raising ability, legal expertise, financial expertise and with experience of working within the mental health field. 

Treasurer: 

Key Skills: financial acumen, analytical skills, communication, attention to detail, integrity and trustworthiness, strategic thinking, team collaborations, problem-solving, adaptability and time management.

Fundraising and Bid Writing: 

Key Skills: communication, research, strategic thinking, creativity, relationship building, Results-oriented, financial acumen 

Clinical: 

Key Skills: clinical, safeguarding knowledge, leadership, communication, collaboration, advocacy, problem-solving, cultural competence, empathy, continuous learning. 

Legal:

Key skills: legal expertise, analytical thinking, contract review, compliance management, risk management, communication, ethical decision-making, problem-solving, attention to detail.

Note: this role is not suitable for a short-term work placement or apprenticeship

What are we looking for?

Person specification:

• Finance, clinical, legal and fundraising expertise with a minimum of three years of experience in the relevant field.
• Interest in mental health issues affecting children and young people and the communities where we operate.
• Commitment to the charity’s objectives, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
• Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objectives and aims.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for mental health advocacy and community well-being.

We invite applications from young individuals, and we strongly encourage representation from minority groups to enhance diversity on our Trustee Board.

We are actively working to broaden the Board's composition to better reflect the Croydon, Merton, and Sutton communities.

Your unique perspectives are crucial to our commitment to inclusivity and community representation.

What difference will you make?

Your role as a Trustee is a key element for our strategic plans to come to fruition. Your skills and expertise will help Off the Record to continue providing its invaluable mental health services to the children and young people in our community and expand our services to reach those who need our support. 

What is in it for the volunteer? 

You will join a friendly and dynamic organisation, where the mental health of young people from our local area is at the heart of our mission. We are a well-established local organisation with a powerful reputation in this area. Your involvement as a Trustee will allow you to highlight your skills and experience for the benefit of vulnerable young adults and children. We will organise for you to attend a training workshop in Governance at the beginning of your time with us. 

Time commitment: 

The Board meets five times a year, collaborating with the Directors to oversee the strategic direction of the organisation as well as taking care of the Charity’s financial, legal and employment responsibilities. These in-person meetings are held in Croydon on Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:30. Additionally, trustees are encouraged to participate in two Charity days annually, held on Saturdays, where all staff get together (10:00 to 16:00 in April and October). 

Some ad-hoc communications via email/telephone/Teams as required i.e., working on specific projects related to the trustees’ area of expertise. We estimate that this could be 3 – 6 hours a month.

Before you apply

Please provide a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience along with your CV.

We are looking for trained Clinical Supervisors who have been practising for over 3 years to lead supervision sessions with our volunteer Mentors. We hold these bi-weekly in groups of 3-4 over lunchtime or evenings online.

What will you be doing?

All Been There Mentors who work with our Mentees have monthly group supervision. Usually there are four volunteers in a group. Supervision can take place in person or on zoom.

Commit to supervising a minimum of two groups per month (approx 5 hours in total).

Key Responsibilities:

• To safeguard the wellbeing of the Mentors and ensure that their needs are being addressed.
• To ensure the quality of Mentor support work with Mentees
• To ensure that Mentors are supported and developed, are participating in continued training and are not left to carry difficulties and problems alone.
• To provide regular opportunities for Mentors working with clients to reflect upon both the content and process of their work.
• To develop personal awareness, skills and knowledge relevant to the Mentor’s role within Been There
• To provide a source of general communication, updates and concerns.
• To enable the Mentor to receive information and another’s perspective concerning their work.
• To identify development needs and opportunities.

Insurance costs are covered and the role is fully remote so will not incur any expenses.

What are we looking for?

We’d love to hear from you if you’re passionate about improving the mental health of our Mentees and your qualifications and experience fit the criteria below.

Qualifications and experience:

Essential:

• Qualified Psychologist or therapist
• Qualification in supervision at level 6
• Current or recent experience (within 2 years) as a supervisor 
• Have your own experience of being supervised

Desirable:

• Have experience of supporting clients who have been through body image, eating distress or Body Dysmorphia

BeenThere is committed to equal opportunities and anti-discrimination practices and we positively encourage applications from all sections of the community. We are particularly interested in attracting applications from applicants from diverse groups.

What difference will you make?

The impact you can have is huge, as we are such a small charity we rely on the good will of volunteers to support our work. Our Mentors are unicorns! Rare and very special and we want to look after them as much as we can. 

Having a confidential setting where they feel safe, supported and heard is integral. This gives the Mentor an opportunity to be open and honest about their own wellbeing and anything that is going on with their Mentees. 

The Survivors Trust is keen to find someone with a finance background to join our active and highly motivated Trustee Board.We really welcome the insight and drive that survivors can bring to our work and are keen to promote diversity on the Board.

The Survivors Trust is a national membership organisation for specialist voluntary sector rape and sexual abuse support services in the UK and Ireland.  We have 120+ member agencies who are all independent charities providing a range of counselling, support and advocacy services for women, men, children and young people, partners and family members who have been affected by sexual violence of any kind at any time in their lives.

The impact of sexual violence of any form, whether experienced as an adult or as a child, can be devastating and can last a lifetime. Survivors may experience a wide range of physical and mental health problems as a result of being sexually violated, affecting every aspect of their health, lives, relationships, education and work.  We aim to raise awareness of the support survivors need and the work of our Member Agencies in providing this crucial help.

TST is in the unique position of having member agencies that are working with all victims and survivors of sexual violence and sexual abuse.  We are well aware of the issues facing organisations that are delivering trauma informed services and can support them and policy makers and commissioners to understand how services need to be developed and provided.  TST is an independent inspection body for our UKAS accredited service standards for specialist sexual violence organisations.

We provide an accredited Diploma for Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) and CPD accredited workshops.  We have also established a quality mark for educational establishments and corporate organisations, our Trauma Informed Educator and Trauma Informed Employer Quality Marks (TIE).

The right candidate will need to make a pesonal commitment to our work and to support our vision and values with compassion and empathy.  They will need to be willing to work with the other Trustees, the Chief Executive and staff team, acting as an ambassador for TST and helping to support our collaboration with partners and secure funds to deliver our objectives.

Zestful Blends addresses the challenges of modern urban living where people often struggle to access convenient, health-oriented food options that support both their well-being and environmental sustainability. Our solution is a comprehensive menu of fruit-based foods that are both nutritious and environmentally friendly. By sourcing local, organic produce and using eco-conscious packaging, we offer a range of products from smoothies to fruit salads that meet the demands of health-aware individuals and contribute to a more sustainable community.

Zestful Blends is an innovative health-focused fruit bar that combines a physical storefront with corporate partnerships and an AI-integrated online delivery system to offer fresh, nutritious, and eco-friendly fruit-based products in Vancouver.

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER (CMO)

• Zestful Blends is on the lookout for a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) to lead our marketing efforts, blending digital prowess with local market intuition to elevate our brand presence. As CMO, you will architect and execute comprehensive marketing strategies that drive brand awareness, engage our target audience, and boost sales across both digital and physical landscapes. Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping our narrative, fostering partnerships, and leading our marketing team towards innovative campaigns that resonate with our core values and product offerings. You'll analyze market trends, oversee digital campaigns, and spearhead local marketing initiatives to ensure Zestful Blends becomes a household name in the health-conscious community.
• Volunteer 7-9 hours per week remotely for 6 months

About CARAS:

CARAS is a leading refugee charity in Southwest London, providing firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives. Arriving as an asylum seeker in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives.

We provide person-centred educational, social and casework support to over 600 young people and adults across South London each year, recognising the moment of arrival as one of opportunity. Our work provides individuals with essential support to build language and employability skills, develop social networks and friendships, and access essential services such as legal and mental health services. Our work has multi-generational impact, providing forced migrants with early interventions to support language and skill acquisition, tackling the root causes of socio-economic marginalisation by supporting social inclusion and future labour market access.

Volunteering with CARAS – our Community of Welcome:

CARAS has a proud history of volunteers helping us deliver our charitable aims. Volunteers are an essential part of the CARAS community, bringing skills, insights, experience, different languages, and enthusiasm to the roles. Community members tell us the welcome by volunteers is so important in an often hostile world. It helps them feel safe and wanted. Community is at the heart of all we do, and we could not deliver the projects we do without the enormous contribution that volunteers bring.

About CARAS Adult Programme:

Alongside educational and casework support, CARAS has a thriving social program of weekly activities, from women’s yoga, to creative coffee afternoons, sports sessions and workshops, designed and built in collaboration with our community, volunteers and local partners. Most people we work with in the adult team are waiting for a decision on their asylum claim, are accommodated in cramped and inadequate hotels contracted by the Home Office for up to – and sometimes more than – 2 years whilst they wait for a decision on their asylum claim. During this time, they are eligible for only £8.86 per week and are prohibited from working. This is an incredibly stressful and disempowering period for those seeking asylum. Against this backdrop, our social activities exist as spaces of welcome, for people to come and make meaningful connections, build confidence and importantly – have fun!

About the Trips and Holiday Activities Project:

Alongside our weekly timetable of term time activities, we run trips across London during the school holidays. These are always chosen and planned together with our community members, and so far have included trips to famous parks, museums, galleries, and the theatre. We know from our community members how important these trips are; they are a chance to explore parts of the city that would otherwise be inaccessible, and to feel more at home in the city. As one community member told us, ‘to discover new places…this makes us feel included’. They are an opportunity to learn something new with others, to meet new people, relax and have fun.

About the Role:

To support us with these trips and holiday activities, we are looking for friendly, welcoming, enthusiastic and proactive volunteers. You will support us practically to ensure the trips run smoothly and on time, but also will be an essential part of our community of welcome – to chat and get to know our community members, and make sure everyone feels included and is having a good time.

We intend to hold 2 trips in the Easter holidays, and up to 5 trips in the summer holidays. These will all be in locations across London, most likely during daytime hours. We will also run a combination of adult-only and child-friendly trips across the year – this is what our community have told us they want! We usually have a group of 10-20 community members and will always have at least one CARAS staff member present too.

Ideally, we are looking for volunteers who are flexible during school holidays and can attend at least 3 trips throughout the year, though we may consider those who might only be able to volunteer on a one-off basis.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

To attend CARAS trips as and when you are available to do so.

To support with the logistics of travelling to and from the trip location.

To keep an eye on the general health and wellbeing of our Community Members and report any concerns to the CARAS staff member present.

To encourage positive connections between people and the places we are visiting, opening up conversations to learn about each other.

On family-friendly trips, to assist where needed with the supervision of children present (alongside parents)

Requirements – Essential:

To be 18 years or older;

To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

To be reliable and punctual;

To be welcoming, friendly part of the group, and to make sure our community members have the best and most fruitful time possible at the locations we visit.

Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

Current resident of the UK;

Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

Able to complete compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding via 2 self-paced induction training webinars prior to the start of role;

Requirements – Desirable:

Knowledge of community languages, such as Farsi, Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Somali and Spanish.

Through volunteering with us you will gain:

An opportunity to connect with and learn from a vibrant and diverse community of people who are new to the city;

A chance to share your knowledge of the city and places of interest with our community;

A deeper understanding of the experiences, challenges, and strengths of those seeking asylum here;

A deeper understanding of language-inclusive practices in multi-lingual groups;

Develop your skills and competencies;

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London, helping them to play their full part in the community. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for adults currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), a creative writing workshop, drama group, yoga and gardening project.

About the CARAS ESOL Team:

COVID has posed unprecedented challenges to refugees and people seeking asylum in London. Many of those we meet have arrived alone in the UK and have been living in contingency accommodation for many months. Our ESOL team offer English language classes to adults at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling people to attend college and access other services in the future.

About the Role:

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our online Zoom classes on Tuesday mornings:

Entry 1 class: 10 to 11.30am

Entry 2 class: 11.30am to 1pm (plus a 15-minute debrief)

You are welcome to apply to volunteer in one or both classes. Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

As a volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistant your role is flexible and varied. It will involve supporting the Adult ESOL Teacher in the delivery of online Zoom classes, as well as providing learners with one-to-one or small-group support.

Volunteer  tasks and responsibilities:

Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;

Helping learners build confidence in digital literacy;

Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;

Helping create “learner portraits” to understand their strengths and areas of interest;

Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;

Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;

Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;

Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management, online communications and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements: 

Essential:

To be 18 years or older;

An interest in education and English language teaching;

To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

To be reliable and punctual;

Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

The ability to volunteer on Tuesday mornings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months;

Currently resident in the UK;

Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to start of role

Desirable:

Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

Meet new members of your local community;

Learn about different cultures;

Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

Develop your skills and competencies;

Be able to access relevant training, including ESOL safeguarding training;

Gain experience in teaching and interpreting.

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college. 

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face youth Digital ESOL classes in Tooting on Mondays and Wednesdays. 

Study programme in English, Maths, Digital skills and Cooking: Monday 10am to 3pm 

Study programme in English, Maths and Digital skills: Wednesday 10am to 6pm 

You can apply to volunteer in one or more sessions. Each session lasts 2 hours. 

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer  tasks and responsibilities: 

Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes; 

Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy; 

Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

Helping create “learner portraits” to understand their strengths and areas of interest; 

Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English. 

Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them; 

Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant. 

Requirements: 

Essential: 

To be 18 years or older; 

Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

An interest in education and English language teaching; 

To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds; 

To be reliable and punctual; 

Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months; 

Implementing safety measures to keep classes COVID secure; 

Currently resident in the UK; 

Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; 

Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

Desirable: 

Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

Gain experience of English language teaching; 

Meet new members of your local community; 

Learn about different cultures; 

Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

Develop your skills and competencies; 

Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London, helping them to play their full part in the community. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. 

To Apply: 

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form, using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.

DASH is currently seeking to recruit a number of passionate individuals into the role of charity trustee!

DASH is a small local registered charity, launched in 2006, in response to a shared concern for the unmet needs of autistic adults living in Swindon. The purpose and determination was to help improve the quality of life of people affected by autism.

Our experienced staff offer information and advice concerning a variety of topics, including benefits, employment, health and wellbeing and finance. We are able to signpost to other appropriate services if necessary.

A post diagnosis ‘journey’ offers 1:1 and small group sessions, where through discussion, individuals are enabled to better understand their ‘own version’ of autism and how it affects them in their everyday life.

Our mission is to be an accessible charity at the heart of our community, supporting, encouraging and inspiring autistic adults.

As a trustee, you will take part in shaping and directing the charity. You will help to ensure that the work we do strategically and operationally meets the needs of those we support.

The role is voluntary, although we will pay all reasonable expenses.

We welcome applications from all individuals as we seek to broaden the diversity and skills of our trustees. Appointments will be made on merit alone.

We are particularly keen to recruit members of the community who have one or more of the following:

· Knowledge and/or experience of autism

· Expertise in Marketing or PR

· Expertise in Finance

· Experience in Health or Social Care

You will need to be able to commit to attending Board Meetings; currently these are held every two months, usually on a weekday evening between 6.00pm and 8.00pm, via Zoom. Typically, this requires a commitment of five to six hours per month.

If you are passionate about supporting individuals and organisations to provide vital services, then being a trustee can be extremely rewarding.

To find out more about joining the Board and to help you decide whether you feel you are able to commit to this role, please contact Co Chair of Trustees David Ahern.