Health and wellbeing volunteer roles

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

 VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Dudley

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might:

· Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support

· Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes

· Raise concerns

· Keep detailed notes and records

· Make a real difference to someone’s life

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care. 

• As an RPR Support Volunteer you might: 
• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support 
• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes 
• Raise concerns 
• Keep detailed notes and records 
• Make a real difference to someone’s life 

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

Are you passionate about shaping inclusive, values-led workplaces? Do you bring strategic insight into people, culture, and organisational development? We are seeking an Independent Committee Member to join our People Committee and help guide the charity’s work in creating a high-performing, compassionate and inclusive environment.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise to a respected organisation which is making a real difference across Wales. You’ll work alongside senior leaders, influence strategic decisions, and help uphold the charity’s commitment to excellence, safety, and integrity.

NB: This is a voluntary role with expenses covered in line with our policy. The initial term is three years, with the possibility of extension for a further 3 years.

What you will do

· Provide independent scrutiny, insight and support on people, culture and experience matters

· Support the delivery of the people experience strategy

· Shape people and organisational development work

· Uphold governance and champion the charity’s values

· Attend quarterly People Committee meetings (mostly remote)

· Contribute to wider strategic sessions as required.

What you will need to succeed

· Strategic experience in HR, workforce development, or organisational culture

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills

· Ability to offer objective, evidence-based insight and challenge

· Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and continuous improvement

· Willingness to undertake relevant training (First Aid, Safeguarding, DBS)

What you will gain

· Experience in a large, complex, values-driven organisation

· Opportunities to engage with the Board and Executive Leadership Team

· A chance to make a meaningful impact on communities across Wales

St John - Worldwide

St John is an international charity with 900 years of history that in modern times provides first aid, health care and support services in over 40 countries around the world. Together the 44 Priories make up the Order of St John.

St John - in Wales

St John Ambulance Cymru (SJAC) is an independent Priory within the Order of St John. We are a working Order of Chivalry of the British Crown with His Majesty the King as its Sovereign Head, which is accredited to the United Nations.

We are Wales’ leading first aid charity. Our new 2025-2030 Strategy has the mission of “Wales as a Community of Lifesavers”. In order to do this we have 4 strategic objectives:

1. Experience: We want to be the best volunteering offer in Wales. We want our St John people to have the best experience, training, leadership, and equipment.

2. Maximising the potential of our Children and Young People.

3. Increasing our focus on Community Education.

4.  Making St John more inclusive and sustainable.

We work closely with NHS Wales and the Welsh Ambulance Service University Trust (WASUT). We provide on-site first aid and medical services at events across Wales from local events in your community to international sporting and cultural events.  In order to do this we have around 2000 St John People, a mixture of employees and volunteers as well as around 800 Children and Young People.

How to apply

We are committed to being a diverse organisation which is truly representative of the communities we serve. We are an equal opportunities organisation with an inclusive environment, where we aim to ensure all our people can contribute to their fullest potential. Having a team that reflects the diversity of local communities is particularly important to us, so we encourage people with a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply. Whilst our roots are based in a Christian background, we welcome applicants from other faiths and those without faith.

The application form explores your motivation for applying and asks you to provide information on your relevant experience and skills that you could bring to the role.  Please provide as much information as possible. You will also be asked to upload a CV in support of your application.

Potential candidates with questions about this role are welcome to contact our Director of People, Culture and Experience  or the Chair of the People Committee with their questions or to arrange an informal discussion .

The closing date for applications will be Sunday 12th October.  Interviews will take place during w.c 20th October 2025.

Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney is a local and impactful homelessness charity which provides, for up to 52 people (companions) who have been homeless and experienced the trauma this can cause, with a home, meaningful employment and subsequently the ability to make equitable life choices and take action towards living authentic, settled, healthy and fulfilling lives in the wider community. 

We are one of 29 Emmaus Communities across the U.K. which form part of Emmaus UK, which is a federated charity and in turn part of the wider Emmaus International Movement. 

Our current Chair of Trustees is due to come to the end of their term in the middle of next year and we are looking to appoint a Chair (Designate) to takeover and lead the delivery of our ambitious strategic plan. 

We are committed to diversity and equality and are a secular organisation and warmly encourage applications from all faiths, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities.  Above all we are currently looking for applicants who are passionate about helping and developing others and would warmly welcome people with lived experience of homelessness.  We are particularly interested in applicants who have experience in one or more of the following areas of expertise: 

• P.R., fundraising and building effective partnerships. 
• Social housing and benefits. 
• Leading customer facing enterprises. 
• Managing social care, support and mental health services.

Your primary role will be to provide sound governance to our charity and working with the Board of Trustees, C.E.O., committed management team and companion representatives, set its strategic direction and oversee its delivery, whilst ensuring adherence with its charitable objectives, purpose, values and governing documents. 

In return you will get the satisfaction of seeing and helping people develop their ambitions, increase their self-esteem and make a positive contribution to the wider society.  You will also gain valuable experience in charity governance and strategic leadership together with opportunities for personal and professional development 

Full induction training will be provided, together with reasonable travel expenses. 

We are located in the tranquil South Norfolk countryside and any in-person meetings that are required will normally be held at our Ditchingham site. 

The time commitment is approximately 10-12 hours per month, including attendance at meetings. 

Do you want to see more happiness and kindness in the world? We’re looking for dynamic Volunteers to be part of creating exactly that!

About the Role:

Our volunteers bring people together for shared online learning experiences, based on positive psychology, that boost the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Our groups and courses can be run online or in-person in your local area.

- The amazing 6-week Happiness Habits Course is designed to be run by pairs of volunteers.  It features expert videos, science-backed exercises and the chance to form meaningful connections. Our course has been specially designed to gather the insights of the world's leading experts on six fundamental aspects of a happy and meaningful life: Gratitude, Self-Care, Relationships, Resilience, Kindness, and Meaning. It is a very impactful (many say life-changing) experience.

- Alternatively, you can get involved by supporting a Monthly Group, bringing like-minded people together to learn evidence-based tools for creating a happier and more meaningful life. Explore the monthly themes and encourage people to set personal actions towards happiness, that support both themselves and others.

Volunteering with Action for Happiness is a path of action that consistently feels like you are making a difference in the world. You don’t have to be an expert - or be happy all the time. If you are a warm and enthusiastic person that is more than enough to get started.

Why Volunteer with Us?

Do something that matters: spreading happiness and witnessing people transform for the better is a huge source of meaning.

Grow your skills: inspiring others, learning together and reinforcing your own happiness skills all contribute to personal growth.

Build community: meeting like-minded people, building lasting friendships and belonging to a global community contributing to a better future for all.

How do I know it’s right for me?

Try out free VOLUNTEER TRAINING via the Action For Happiness website and decide for yourself.

We've designed it especially to help you answer questions like this as it explains thoroughly what being a volunteer involves and helps you reflect on your readiness.

What is the time commitment?

You'll need to set aside a couple of hours for the training initially and a few more for planning your course or group and connecting with your co-volunteer. Then you'll need a couple of hours per session for facilitating (x6 weekly sessions for a course, or x1 session per month for a group). 

- Apply today! Together, we can inspire change that ripples out through people’s lives, communities and the world.
 

Jak’s World

A Suicide Prevention Charity

Ordsall, Salford, Manchester

Jak’s World is recruiting for Trustees

Are you passionate about mental health and making a real difference in people’s lives? We are seeking committed, compassionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide our mission to prevent suicide and support those affected by it. As a trustee, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the future of our charity, ensuring we remain a beacon of hope for individuals and communities in crisis.

About Jak’s World

Jak’s World is a UK-based mental health charity working to prevent suicide in the community. We honour the legacy of Jakub Halani — a creative, kind, and deeply loved teenager — by ensuring that no young person feels alone, hopeless, or without a future.

Our mission is to prevent suicide by fostering hope, connection, and resilience-ensuring that no one faces their darkest moments alone.

We do this by:

· Promoting mental health awareness through creative community engagement, programmes and events.

· Providing suicide prevention resources and support, including Suicide First Aid Training

· Providing positive experiences and hopeful messaging at schools, festivals, and online.

· Empowering people to talk, share, and connect through art, music, and peer-led initiatives.

Becoming a trustee

As a Trustee of Jak’s World, you will play a vital role in shaping our direction, safeguarding our mission, and supporting our passionate team.

Our Trustees provide governance and strategic leadership, ensure accountability, and help Jak’s World grow its reach, credibility, and impact.

We are especially keen to hear from prospective trustees with experience in the following areas;

· Finance and accounting

· Business development and fundraising

· Digital and social media marketing

· Events management

This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of people across Salford.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to shaping Jak’s World’s long-term vision, values, and strategy.
• Ensure good governance, financial oversight, and legal compliance.
• Offer your insight and experience to guide operational and creative decisions.
• Act as an ambassador, helping us build partnerships and extend our reach.
• Champion inclusive, youth-informed mental health support in all areas of our work.
• Offer tangible efforts and contributions in the skills and areas depending on your experience in the operations of the Charity, including but not limited to  -
  • Accounting
  • Digital and Social outreach (websites, articles, blog, social media, videos)
  • Fundraising efforts, including Grant and competition applications
  • Regulatory compliance advice
  • Scale-up strategies
  • Event organisation and planning

Why join us

By joining Jak’s World as a Trustee, you’ll help lead a charity that is small, agile, heartfelt, and determined to change the conversation on difficult subjects like Suicide Prevention.

You will:

• Use your voice to support bold, compassionate action.
• Help co-create projects that reduce stigma and prevent suicide.
• Work with a caring, values-led team rooted in lived experience and community.
• Play a crucial part in growing a sustainable, youth-driven, community-driven charity.

We are looking for

We welcome applications from individuals with any of the following:

· Lived experience of mental health struggles or supporting someone through them.

· Lived experience or survivors of bereavement by suicide.

· Professional experience in youth services, education, social work, or healthcare.

· Creative and digital backgrounds — design, social media, campaigns, content creation.

· Financial or legal expertise to support our governance and growth.

· Fundraising and community engagement experience.

We welcome applications from people who are looking to become a trustee for the first time and from people with more experience. What matters is your passion and commitment to helping us grow and develop as an organisation and to improving the mental wellbeing of young people and families.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the people we serve.

We actively welcome applications from:

• People from all ethnic communities
• LGBTQIA+ individuals
• Disabled people and neurodivergent individuals
• Young adults (aged 18–30)
• People with lived experience of mental ill-health or suicide

We value fresh ideas, different voices, and a willingness to learn together.

How to apply

If you would like an informal discussion, please contact us with your contact details, and I will call you back.

Please send:

A CV and A short written, audio, or video statement (max 2 pages or 5 minutes)

[Your name] – Trustee Application

In your statement, please tell us:

· Why you’re interested in becoming a Trustee at Jak’s World

· What experiences or perspectives you bring

· Any support you’d need to thrive in the role

Are you looking for a meaningful, flexible way to support others? Join the Talking Bubble Project and help tackle loneliness through the power of a simple phone call.

Since the pandemic, many befriending services have wound down—but Talking Bubble remains one of the few projects still offering regular, phone-based companionship to those who need it most. Demand for this kind of support remains high, and we’re actively looking for kind, compassionate English-speaking volunteers to help meet this growing need.

What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎︎ It’s a phone-based befriending service that connects volunteers with older adults and vulnerable individuals across the UK who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation. By committing just a little time each week, you can offer someone the warmth of conversation and a regular point of connection.

Why Volunteer With Us?

✔ Make a genuine impact on someone's life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours from the comfort of your home
✔ Receive full training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your sense of purpose and community

What You’ll Need

✅ No experience required—just a kind heart, a listening ear, and a willingness to talk
✅ Volunteers must complete Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check—we cover the cost of both
✅ Must be a UK resident

How to Get Involved

Apply now via the CharityJob website, or contact us directly for more information. Together, we can keep connection alive—one call at a time.

Role Overview

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Volunteers to join our new monthly drop in group in that take place on Hainault Forest Community Association, monthly on Thursdays. 11 an-1 pm starting on Thursday 9th Oct 2025. This role is ideal for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while gaining valuable experience.

The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life and regain their independence and confidence.

Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing.

Volunteers will support the running of the group with communicating, and will have the opportunity to utilise their communication skills and IT knowledge to take a register of attendance.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and support to individuals, particularly those living with asphasia.
• Assist in organising activities that promote social interaction and engagement.
• Communicate effectively with participants, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
• Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
• Collaborate with other volunteers to enhance the group.

Qualifications

• An understanding or knowledge in aphasia is desirable but not essential (training will be given)
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Proficiency in IT, including familiarity with common software applications.
• A compassionate and patient attitude towards individuals in need of support.

This volunteer position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of others while developing personal skills and experiences.

Volunteer Befrienders needed now in Cardiff and the Vale

Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale are reaching out to find new volunteers to help our older clients stay in contact with the outside world. Many older people remain alone at home for long periods of time, with only the TV for company. You can get out into your community and help an older person combat loneliness and isolation.

No experience is necessary. If you could spare just an hour a week to support an older person and bring some cheer into their lives, we would love to hear from you.

You just need to have good communication skills, be a good listener and enjoy having a chat.

Opportunities across Cardiff and the Vale, South Wales

Volunteer today to support older people in Cardiff and the Vale. Volunteers need to be aged 18 + and make a minimum commitment of 6 months..

Job Overview:

As a Roma Helpline Volunteer, you will be at the heart of a new and exciting pilot project aimed at offering confidential, culturally competent, and multilingual support to Roma and Romanian-speaking communities across Greater Manchester and the UK.

You will respond to helpline calls during scheduled shifts, log information securely, and provide advice or referrals related to housing, benefits, health, employment, and legal matters. Your presence will make a real difference in ensuring accessible, respectful, and responsive support for one of the UK’s most marginalised communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Helpline Support:
  Respond to calls via a secure VOIP system during scheduled helpline shifts (2nd and 4th Thursday, 5–7 PM).
  Listen actively and empathetically and provide culturally competent support and signposting.
  Log all call data securely using Europia’s GDPR-compliant CRM system.
• Referral and Follow-up:
  Identify the caller's main issue and provide information or refer them to the appropriate service.
  Where necessary, flag safeguarding or urgent cases to the on-call safeguarding officer.
• Language and Accessibility:
  Offer assistance in Romanian or another Roma community language.
  Help promote trust and understanding with callers through culturally sensitive communication.
• Collaboration and Supervision:
  Attend mandatory training sessions on safeguarding, cultural competency, and data protection.
  Participate in case review meetings and supervision sessions (monthly or bi-monthly).
  Work closely with other volunteers, staff, and translators/interpreters when required.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Fluent in English, and proficient in Romanian or a Roma community language
• Compassionate and empathetic with strong active listening skills.
• Comfortable speaking over the phone and dealing with potentially sensitive topics.
• Basic IT skills to manage digital forms and online logging tools.
• Respect for confidentiality and ability to adhere to safeguarding procedures.
• Previous experience supporting the Roma community is an advantage but not required.

Time Commitment:

• Minimum commitment of 2 hours every 2nd and 4th Thursday, between 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
• Volunteers will work on a rotating rota, ensuring equal participation and preventing burnout.
• Flexibility to attend occasional training and supervision sessions outside helpline hours.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to support and empower Roma and Romanian-speaking communities.
• Develop skills in advice, signposting, and crisis response.
• Receive training in safeguarding, data protection, and cultural competency.
• Gain experience using CRM/case management tools and remote VOIP helpline systems.
• Join a supportive, mission-driven team committed to community wellbeing.
• A reference can be provided upon successful completion of the role.

The Brompton Fountain is a children's charity working with those impacted by heart and lung conditions in Royal Brompton and Harefield hospital. Our charity provides a wide range of vital resources, services, parent/carer amenities, and accommodation. We also fund medical equipment, facilities improvements and projects outside of the NHS remit. We are currently looking for a voluntary In-Patient Services Officer to help our organisation support the children and their families on the wards of our hospitals by distributing/providing resources/services to improve the quality of their stay in our hospitals.

Of Note: This role entails interacting and seeing children who can be very sick. This is understandably very sad and can be distressing to witness. Please make sure you are able to cope with this before applying.

We would like the volunteer to help with:

• Distribution of resources to patients and families on the ward e.g care packages and food vouchers.

• Being a point of contact for families in hospital to talk to.

• Supporting in-hospital socials.

• The tea and coffee service we deliver on the wards.

• Communicating with families who may share personal stories related to the charity. Feeling comfortable and confident to speak to people about our charity and what we do.

You will be supporting our Community Lead and Children and Families Service Lead who will provide an overview of our existing processes and be there to help you every step of the way. The Brompton Fountain has a strong team of staff and volunteers who you will be working collaboratively with as a team to support the families we are in contact with.

Your input will greatly affect the patients and their families lives whilst they are staying with us. With your help we will be able to provide them with the resources they need whilst staying with us and create a strong support system for them here in the hospitals.

Criteria

We are looking for a volunteer who has:

• Is an empathetic and compassionate person who is willing to have discussions with families around topics like health issues, additional needs, and bereavement.

• Confident and proactive.

• Flexible and adaptive.

• Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these.

• Is willing to have an enhanced DBS check.

• Is willing to partake in safeguarding training.

• Is willing to partake in onboarding training to understand our charity and the mission in more detail.

• Must be over 18.

Location

Mostly on-site at Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney St, London SW3 6NP. If willing and able, off-site support at community and fundraising events would be appreciated. 

Time

Due to our mission, we would greatly appreciate at least 6 weeks of your time, preferably more; working 3-7 hours one day a week. We are an understanding and flexible organisation, and would be happy to discuss options with you. 

Location: Fully flexible / Remote – open to applicants anywhere in the UK
Time Commitment: Approx. 2 – 4 hours per month

About Us
Unseen Expeditions UK is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) supporting mission-led charities and expedition projects across the UK and internationally. Our flagship initiative, The Unseen Mile, is a 4.5-year journey covering 25,000 miles across 37 countries. Through this and future projects, we aim to inspire, raise awareness for important causes, and share unique storytelling and learning experiences from the field.

We are currently recruiting our initial trustee board to help launch and register the charity.

Role Overview
We are seeking a General Trustee to join our board, support strategic decision-making, and help ensure effective governance. This is a key role in shaping the charity’s early operations, supporting registration, and contributing to the delivery of our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend quarterly trustee meetings (in person or virtually) and participate in board decision-making

• Support governance, strategy, and operational planning for the CIO

• Contribute ideas, experience, and skills to help the charity grow

• Assist with compliance, reporting, and adherence to charity law and CIO regulations

• Support trustee recruitment, induction, and development as needed

Person Specification & Requirements

• Interest in charity governance, mental health, and expedition-led projects

• Willingness to work collaboratively with a small, remote trustee team

• Commitment to the mission and values of Unseen Expeditions and its partnered charities

• Comfortable working remotely and communicating online with a UK-wide board

• UK-based (required for legal trustee responsibilities)

• Approx. 2 - 4 hours per month commitment (more during start-up if possible)

• Basic tools for communication (email, phone, video calls)

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to help shape and govern a new, high-profile charity from launch

• Hands-on experience in charity leadership and governance

• Contribution to awareness-raising and adventure-led impact projects

• Recognition for your role in mission-driven initiatives, including The Unseen Mile and future projects

• Flexible, fully remote role within a passionate, purpose-driven team

Pets As Therapy is a national charity with a simple but powerful mission: to share the joy of pets with people who need it most. We support more than 4,500 volunteer teams across the UK. Together, they bring comfort, connection and companionship to tens of thousands of people every year.

We are looking for three new trustees to help guide our strategy, strengthen our governance and ensure that we remain true to our purpose of spreading joy, comfort and companionship through the magic of pets.

What will you be doing?

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that PAT achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that PAT has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable the charity to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Time commitment

• Attend all full Board meetings. The Board meets formally at least four times a year for between a half day and a day, depending on business. Two meetings are in-person and are held in central London. Two are virtual.
• Preparation for meetings – read papers, understand numbers, assimilate arguments.
• All trustees are asked to serve on one or more Board sub committees and working groups. This adds 3-4 shorter meetings a year.
• Trustees may be asked to chair sub committees on a rotating basis.
• At least two visits per year accompanying a PAT volunteer in a different sector and or attending/supporting an event with PAT volunteers.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with the following skills and experience: 

Animal Care and Behaviour - The wellbeing of the companion animals is of upmost importance to us. Someone with experience in veterinary care will help us develop best practice in our own operation and set an example to the sector. 

Education - Our volunteers visit over 1,600 schools. Someone with education experience will help us to ensure we deliver the best possible service to children and young people. 

Volunteer Management - A key part of our current strategy is improving our volunteer engagement and our volunteer experience. Therefore we’d welcome applications from people with a background in volunteer management and volunteer led organisations.

What difference will you make?

You will bring your own skills and perspectives to help us shape PAT’s next phase of growth. In return, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of a truly unique charity, one that harnesses the bond between people and their pets to transform lives every day.

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Pets as Therapy with their Trustee recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance. To apply please submit your CV/LinkedIn Profile, along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join PAT, the skills and experience you will bring to the Board and what you would hope to get out of the role. If you’d like to have an informal conversation before applying, we’d be happy to speak with you. 

Why we need your help

We provide free games and activity sessions with tailored support for children with additional needs and disabilities. We support over 100 children, known as our ‘athletes’, with a wide range of additional needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, non-visible disabilities, and global development delay. At KEEN London, we strive to use fun and games to improve young people's wellbeing, and personal, social and emotional development as well as broadening experiences to increase skills and confidence.

Purpose of the role

Our Volunteer Coaches are the backbone of a KEEN London session! You’ll provide one-to-one support to an athlete, helping them to access all the activities on offer, achieve their personal development goals, and of course have tons of fun! You can expect to get involved with a wide range of playground games, ball games, nature walks, and creative activities. From time to time, we also run trips for our athletes, and previous trips have included trampoline parks, high ropes courses, pedalo boating and slime-making classes.

Tasks and activities

● You’ll support our athletes to engage with the session, and have fun while they’re doing it.

● You’ll help our Service Coordinators develop goals for our athletes, track their progress, and give them lots of encouragement along the way.

● You’ll work with your Service Coordinators and fellow Coaches to come up with new games, develop resources, and plan activities.

● We want our athletes to enjoy being active, making friends, and trying new things - and we want you to join in the activities with them!

● Our athletes love working with energetic and enthusiastic people, and we’ll ensure that all your hard work will be rewarded with a great time.

Please note: To ensure that you are equipped and ready to take on this role, there is a thorough application process which includes but is not limited to: an information session, an in-person onboarding training evening, an enhanced DBS check, reference checks and a safeguarding quiz. All elements of the onboarding process have to be completed satisfactorily before you can start volunteering in this role. 

Why Volunteer with KEEN London?

KEEN London would not be what it is without the volunteers who support our work, and we want to ensure that all our volunteers gain just as much from their volunteering journey as they put into the charity. Here’s what you’ll get in return for supporting us:

● Regular volunteer social events, and opportunities to meet other coaches

● We will provide you with ongoing feedback and support to enable you to reach your full potential at KEEN, you will receive an induction and handbook prior to starting your role and you will receive access to a virtual training portal with additional resources.

● We will give you opportunities to access other roles to help you broaden your skills, such as becoming a Captain or Session Leader.

● Long-term volunteers receive t-shirts, badges, and advance sign-ups to our popular events

● We have a budget set aside to cover volunteer expenses (see Volunteer Agreement below)

● We will provide job/character references to volunteers after a reasonable period of volunteering with us.

Volunteer Agreement

All KEEN London volunteers are asked to observe the Volunteer Agreement. This agreement is binding in honour only, is not intended to be a legally binding contract between us and may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. Neither of us intends any employment relationship to be created either now or at any time in the future.

As a volunteer with KEEN London, you can expect:

● To be a part of a unique and evolving charity that is providing a valuable service to children and young people with additional needs.

● To be introduced to how the organisation works and your role within it.

● A supportive and reciprocal environment that ensures a positive experience for you as a volunteer.

● To be invited to volunteer at special events and fundraising activities.

● Reimbursement of any reasonable travel expenses.

● To be treated fairly and equally with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, age, (dis)ability, religion or sexual orientation.

● A safe and healthy environment for you to volunteer in.

● Any problems or complaints to be investigated quickly and resolved fairly.

● Recognition for your efforts and successes – celebrating achievements and rewarding loyalty and dedication.

● To receive, if required, a reference after a reasonable time of volunteering.

● Access to free Charity Worker Discounts.

Our expectations of volunteers:

● To maintain and uphold the reputation and good name of the charity.

● To treat other volunteers, staff and service users fairly and with dignity, and to respect everyone equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, age, (dis)ability, religion or sexual orientation.

● To ensure appropriate levels of confidentiality and data protection are upheld.

● To uphold our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. This includes ensuring that when out of sight of other adults a ratio of 2 adults to 1 athlete is in place, and that you report any concerns you have about the safety and wellbeing of athletes to the Coordinator as soon as possible.

● To adhere to all health and safety instructions.

● To be punctual and reliable when attending sessions, and inform the coordinator via phone call as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.

● To attend at least 2 sessions per month for at least 6 months.

● To bring energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn to all sessions.

Role Description Internal Ref Number: COACH4