Health And Wellbeing Volunteer Volunteer Roles

Recruitment Morning Invitation

We are creating a brand-new volunteer role at Westonbirt Arboretum, the Woodland Support Team. You can find details about the role below. If this sounds like it might be of interest, we would like to invite you to spend a morning with us on Saturday 29th June 2024 from 10am-12pm (approx). To attend the recruitment morning please respond to this advertisement in order to sign-up

This session will equip you with everything you need to know about the role, the training programme and volunteering at Westonbirt Arboretum. It is important to attend this session in order for you to make an informed decision on whether you would like to apply to become a Woodland Support volunteer at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.

After the recruitment morning, if you would like to apply to become a Woodland Support volunteer at Westonbirt Arboretum there will be a 2 day informative training programme, details are available in the recruitment morning sign-up form. The 2 day formal training sessions are mandatory. It is important to understand at this stage whether you are able to commit to these dates before going further.

Volunteer Role Description - Woodland Support Volunteers

Westonbirt’s historic Victorian landscape and internationally important tree and shrub collection is managed by Forestry England and attracts thousands of visitors each year – the Woodland Support volunteer team will be a key element of our Visitor Services (VS) team in helping everyone to get the very best from their time with us. This busy, varied and active role supports visitors whilst they are out and about in the arboretum and will help them to enjoy a memorable day out.

When/Where
This role will be a highly proactive roving role to provide support and information to visitors, primarily in Silkwood, but with possible extension to the Old Arboretum in the future. This role will be carried out in pairs at all times. Shifts will be split and there will be the ability to take breaks during the shift:

• 10.00 am -1.00 pm - morning shift
• 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm – afternoon shift

What’s involved?

· Walking all main routes and known busy areas in Silkwood, to be a visible assistance to visitors with daily site, trail information etc…

· Proactively engaging visitors with a warm hello and welcome to enhance their visitor experience.

· Proactively advising seasonal tree, flora and fauna highlights, directions, and answering general queries.

· Communicating confidently with VS Team via on site radio, and face-to-face with colleagues and visitors.

· Support the VS team as appropriate, by observing visitors wellbeing and behaviour and adherence to site rules, in particular with regard to dog policy.

· Reporting any incidents, including but not limited to: dog incidents/issues; first aid; lost persons; infrastructure/woodland damage.

· Staying calm and focused if dealing with visitors who require support, whilst waiting for support from VS.

· Ensure visitor feedback, both positive and negative, is recorded and escalated appropriately.

· Covering large areas of Silk Wood on foot (or mobility scooter) in all weathers

· Litter picking.

We’d like you to be

• A proactive, people-person with a warm welcoming style who can communicate with all kinds of visitors in an inclusive manner.
• Enjoy working outdoors (in all weathers) and be reliable, positive, patient.
• Keen to share your enthusiasm (we are not looking for experts) for the arboretum with others.

We will

· Provide role training, including – site knowledge, engaging with the public, procedures and systems, site rules and Dog Policy, Health & Safety, dealing with incidents, FoWA membership, radio use and protocol.

· Provide volunteer uniform and name badge.

· Provide ongoing support onsite from FE staff, including daily briefing.

· Ensure you are always with another volunteer.

· Pay a contribution to the cost of volunteering travel.

Develop your fitness, practical skills, and improve your mental health while participating in conservation of habitats and green space. Gain valuable work experience, where you can choose to work towards an AQA certificate.

Grow Wild volunteers have been called the ‘next generation of naturalists’ in the Richmond area. We go weekly into the local green spaces at Ham Avenues / The Copse, and maintain the green spaces so that humans and wildlife can share them. 

We particularly welcome young people and those who experience barriers in accessing green spaces and volunteering opportunities. The two-hour-long sessions are accessible, and are an energising, communal way of connecting with others and nature. 

We provide support, induction, and are happy to make the activities more accessible for you. Let us know what you need to make the most of this opportunity.

People with a learning disability or additional needs are often isolated and excluded from mainstream leisure and social activities. We believe that EVERYONE has the right to have fun and feel safe.

Our organised activity groups give people with additional needs the chance to make friends, enjoy social time together and try out a variety of activities.  These fun and friendly groups also help to improve physical health and mental wellbeing.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers for our amazing music, drama and dance groups in Weoley Castle. You will be encouraging our citizens to take part and ensure everyone has a great time.

What would I be doing?

Helping people to take part in various activities, including singing, dancing, creative music sessions and drama.

Encouraging people to feel part of the group and take part in the activities.

Helping to set up equipment and tidy away at the end of the session.

Helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

What do I need?

· An interest in helping people, being approachable and friendly

· Any performance skills or interests would be amazing, but not essential.

· Good communication skills

· Accepting of others who might be different to you

· The ability to work as part of a diverse team

· A willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap

· Honesty, integrity and trustworthy

· Good time management skills, reliability

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

Where and when do you need me?

· We produce a weekly timetable with activities each day

· Weoley Castle Community Hub, Bottetourt Rd, Birmingham B29 5TE

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 learning disabilities and their family carers

· Improved health and wellbeing from doing positive activities

· A volunteering preparation session

· An induction and settling in period and 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

· Any out-of-pocket travel expenses

· Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

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

After18 runs a weekly group for asylum seeking and refugee young women (including victims of trafficking) on a Friday evening at our Leicester city-centre hub. We aim to increase confidence and reduce isolation by encouraging young women to participate in a range of creative and wellbeing activities chosen and led by them. We also offer homework support for students taking Health and Social Care at college and access to opportunities to help them progress in this field.

We are looking for a volunteer to support this group and interact with the young people as they participate in the activities they have chosen each week. This could include cooking and baking or arts and crafts activities, as well as trips to venues in and around Leicester. This would be a great opportunity for someone who has previously worked or volunteered with young people and is passionate about supporting their wellbeing.

The volunteer must be available on a Friday evening (5-7pm) in Leicester city centre.

The volunteer may be involved in:

- Supporting the activity lead to set up the materials needed for the session

- Helping to demonstrate how to do the activities and encouraging the young women

- Talking to the young women and answering questions they may have about Leicester

- Going on trips or visits in and around Leicester with the group

Volunteer specifications:

- Previous work or volunteering with young people, preferably with young women or girls

- Spoken and written fluency in English

- Compassion and sensitivity to asylum-seeking young people

- Ability to work within After18’s policies and procedures

- Able to commit for at least six months

- Commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children and young people they come into contact with

After18 is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young people we work with. All staff and volunteers are required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check before joining us.

Are you a qualified Yoga Instructor who would enjoy facilitating weekly sessions to help individuals with their general well-being. This is an opportunity for you to share techniques with others.

Practicing yoga has been shown to increase mindfulness not just in class session, but in other areas of a person's life.

What you will be doing

• Design session plans enabling all group members to increase fitness, suppleness and help them relax
• Teach the group yoga postures and breathing techniques which allow a range of mixed ages and abilities to participate
• Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group activities where possible and encourage the group to help design future sessions
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Skilled and qualified Yoga Instructor
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in South West London, and helps them to play their full part in the community. 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 offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background, providing them the tools they need to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for adults include currently include: ESOL classes; sports; women’s creative writing; women’s coffee morning, and casework. 

About the CARAS Adult Team: 

In the post-pandemic environment, CARAS is responding to the role of digital literacies in our programme delivery to learners of asylum-seeking and refugee background. In contrast to the UK essential Digital skills framework, we have built in language inclusion to create a participatory learning course for Essential Digital Literacies for learners who are new to reading and writing in English. The individuals joining CARAS are highly diverse, with different countries of origin, linguistic and educational backgrounds. We have observed over the last year that many CARAS community members have limited digital skills, particularly in regard to using computers. Community members have highlighted that computers are important for many individuals to achieve their educational and employment goals, whilst increasing confidence and independence. We have co-designed a digital skills program in partnership with CARAS community members to improve computer literacy and skills, focusing on basic computer literacy.

About the Role: 

We are seeking two volunteers based in London to teach our lively computer classes in Tooting every Monday 9:00-11:00. Volunteers will lead the sessions with guidance from the CARAS ESOL Teacher and will work closely with our community members to build their skills and confidence using computers. The Digital Literacies course at CARAS is built around Pre-entry to Entry 2 levels in English. Volunteers will be supporting individuals with tasks such as: getting to know how to use a computer, using the internet, setting up an email address, and using Microsoft office. We intend to fold employability sessions, including CV writing and job searching, into these sessions. 

Volunteer Tasks and responsibilities: 

· Lead on the delivery of sessions with support from CARAS’s Essential Digital Skills Teacher. 

· Assist with the logistical set up of the sessions, supporting CARAS staff where needed. 

· Work collaboratively as a team and assisting to shape the project. 

· Create class registers and records as required. 

· To attend and contribute to volunteer pre- and de-briefs at each session. 

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering. 

· Support people to develop their knowledge and skills and encourage and inspire participants to reach their full potential. 

· To assist participants to both, recognise and celebrate their achievements. 

· To challenge negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manor. 

· Advocate for the rights of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants with not for them. 

· Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant. 

Requirements: 

· To be non-judgemental, and able and willing to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

· To be female identifying. 

· Have a good understanding of how to use a computer. 

· To be reliable and punctual. 

· Excellent presentation and communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English. 

· Commitment to support people seeking asylum to take control of their asylum journey. 

· Ability to volunteer every Friday for a minimum of three months. 

· Current resident in the UK. 

· Ability to work in Tooting SW17. 

· To provide five years’ worth of addresses and be willing to undergo a DBS check. 

· To attend CARAS General and Safeguarding Training sessions. 

· To be 18 years or older. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

· Meet new members of your local community 

· Learn about different cultures 

· Learn about issues relating to refugee and asylum seekers 

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team 

· Develop your skills and competencies 

· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding 

To Apply: 

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

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS staff team. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in south-west London. We work primarily with people who are newly arrived in the UK, most of whom are living in temporary Home Office accommodation. Arriving as a refugee in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language barriers, accessing services, financial insecurity and ongoing uncertainty are extremely challenging and disempowering. CARAS is here to work collaboratively with community members to support them to build skills, connect meaningfully with their local community, and to build positive futures in the UK. 

CARAS offers a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background. For adults this currently includes: ESOL, digital skills and employability sessions; social and recreational activities and casework. All programs are interlinked and work hand-in-hand with one another. For example, community members can practice their spoken English in Coffee Afternoon, and casework issues might be picked up and referred into the team during an ESOL class. We design and develop our programs through consultation and ongoing conversations with our community members. We aim to have a strong volunteer presence across all our programs, fostering connections between asylum seekers and other Londoners! 

About CARAS’s Adult Programming and Coffee Afternoon:

CARAS has been providing support to adult refugee women since 2005, promoting skills and confidence development that helps women gain more power in their lives. In the aftermath of COVID, we have been able to expand our adult programmes, responding to the shifting demographics of those seeking asylum in the UK. We now run a range of mixed programmes for all genders, as well as some women-only spaces. Our coffee afternoon is a mixed group. 

Our coffee afternoon has been running since May 2022 and is one of our most popular groups. It takes place at TARA Theatre in Earlsfield from 1-2.30PM every Friday. Its primary aim is to reduce isolation amongst those we work with by providing a safe, friendly and welcoming space for people to have fun, learn about themselves and each other, and build connections.

In 2023, we have been running creative sessions during Coffee Afternoon, facilitated by freelance creative practitioners in partnership with TARA Theatre. These range from dance to drama, poetry to puppetry. For sessions without a creative practitioner, we sometimes host workshops on important topics such as healthcare rights or have an open and informal space for games and a chat. There is always coffee and a selection of baked goods! 

For more information on TARA Theatre, our partner and host, please visit their website.

Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• To attend CARAS coffee afternoon’s, every Friday between 1-2.30PM in Earlsfield, South-west London. They take place at TARA Theatre, right opposite Earlsfield Station. Location here- https://maps.app.goo.gl/rXwJiKHRj93YFtLG9 (356 Garratt Ln, London SW18 4ES). 
• If there is a week this is not possible, to tell CARAS staff as far in advance as you are able. 
• To welcome and connect with community members attending, working to ensure everyone at the group feels included. 

• To take part if there is a creative activity happening in that session, and help liaise with CARAS staff and the creative practitioner to ensure the activity runs smoothly. 
• To encourage and inspire community members to feel confident and reach their full potential. 
• To share conversation, and chat informally with our community members.
• To assist community members to both recognise and celebrate their achievements. 
• To challenge negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manor. 
• To adhere to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant. 

Requirements:

• To have interest in working with refugees and asylum seekers. 
• To be non-judgemental, and able and willing to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and differing levels of English. 
• To be reliable and punctual. 
• To be a current resident in the UK. 
• To provide five years’ worth of addresses and be willing to undergo a UK DBS check.
• To attend CARAS General and Safeguarding Training, and any further training as necessary. 
• To be 18 years or older. 

Through volunteering with us you will:

• Meet new members of your local community 
• Learn about different cultures and life experiences from across the world 
• Learn about issues relating to refugee and asylum seekers 
• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team 
• Develop your skills and competencies 
• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding 

To Apply:

Please fill in the volunteer application form and email it to us. Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with the Head of Adult Inclusion and Adult Program Coordinator these meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 

Details for this role are in the description and not mentioned in the application form but please fill in your details in the Volunteer application form attached and send it back to us 

Role Description:

This role sits within our new mental health Prevention Hub - which is a drop-in service providing a safe and welcoming space for people who are feeling distressed, seeking support and advice for their mental health, there and then. This service is a 9 month pilot project and will initially operate 11am-7pm Monday-Friday, however there may be a need to cover weekends/late nights, depending on the need of our clients.

Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face or via telephone on a one-to-one or group basis to individuals experiencing mental health distress. This will consist of 1:1 support; de-escalating and providing interventions, signposting for specialised or longer-term support, and delivering collaborative self-management plans with clients to improve mental wellbeing. The aim of this service is to de-escalate, and provide holistic wellbeing plans.

We are looking for someone who

• Has lived experience of mental health challenges
• Are a non-judgemental and friendly individual
• To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
• To feel comfortable engaging with people with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk
• Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding mental health
• Are willing to tap into their lived experiences and use their stories to inspire hope in others when appropriate
• Are comfortable with co-producing and co-facilitating peer led workshops
• To assist the Prevention Hub Coordinator with admin and planning
• Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities

Time commitment and expenses:

• Flexible hours between 11am-7pm Monday-Friday. We are looking for someone to commit to a minimum of at least 1 /2 days a week.
• We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.

Many people struggle to enjoy cycling, and some families often find the cost of adapted bikes mean that they cannot share fun times together.

Parkride is a fun and flexible inclusive cycling project using a range of adapted and standard bikes that provides anyone, regardless of age, ability or need, with the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors through cycling.

We require a volunteer van driver to help us deliver our custom-made bikes and trikes to locations such as parks and community centers around the West Midlands.

We’ve got the van; we just need you!

What would I be doing?

· You will be a vital link between us and the families we support, helping us to get the team and bikes to where they’re needed for arranged sessions.

· You’ll be the friendly face of Parkride, interacting with the families and ensuring the bikes are kept safe and secure whilst the team are out riding.

· Working with staff to load/unload the van before and after sessions.

What do I need?

· Minimum age 25

· Experience of driving a large van with a suitable driving licence

· A full and clean driving licence (held for a minimum of 5 years)

· Some lifting will be required and so a basic level of fitness is needed.

· Being approachable and friendly with good communication skills

· Accepting of others who might be different to you and the ability to work as part of a diverse team

· A willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap

· Honesty, integrity and trustworthy

· Good time management skills, reliability

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

When and where do you need me?

· The van is based at our head office in Woodgate Valley – B32 3BZ.

· We have several parkride sessions running throughout the week including evenings and weekends. Sessions vary from 2-4 hours (plus travel).

· We run sessions throughout the Midlands, including Birmingham (all areas), Dudley, Sandwell, Coventry, and Sutton Coldfield. You can choose which sessions you wish to attend.

· All sessions are weather dependent; however, we only cancel sessions in extreme weather. We would advise having a warm waterproof coat and suitable shoes.

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 learning disabilities and their family carers

· Improved physical and mental wellbeing from keeping active

· 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

· Agreed out-of-pocket travel expenses

· Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

MHA is the largest charity care provider for older people in the UK. Our mission is to inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life. At Lawnfield House Care Home we provide residential dementia care for 41 residents

As a Volunteer Gardener, you’ll help us make the most of the outdoor space at our home for the enjoyment of our residents. You’ll help with small gardening tasks that may vary each week and depending on the season. You’ll also have opportunities to support residents to access the garden and enjoy light gardening tasks such as potting plants.

Main tasks and responsibilities: 

Main tasks include but not limited to:

• Lawn mowing
• Tidying flower beds
• Weeding
• Planting
• Pruning
• Raking leaves

You must:

• Comply with health and safety legislation and be familiar with and to adhere MHA’s Health and Safety Policies. This includes being aware of manual handling hazards and following manual handling and other risk assessments.
• Liaise with the person who supports you before undertaking tasks that haven’t been agreed in advance.
• Inform your named contact if there are any changes in your circumstances that affect your ability to continue with volunteering.

Benefits for you:

• Help improve the quality of life for older people
• Support your community
• Keep socially active
• Be part of a friendly team
• Promote your physical and mental wellbeing

Skills and qualities needed:

• Some gardening knowledge and skills, although this can be basic
• Have a passion for gardening
• Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
• Good communication and people skills
• Enthusiasm
• Reliable and punctual
• Clear sense of personal boundaries and ability to maintain confidentiality
• A willingness to engage with training and development

Training, support, and requirements:

• You need to be aged 18 or over
• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two character references are required
• We will provide you with a full induction for the role
• Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training relevant to the role
• Ongoing support from a named contact

Times and Commitment:

• Days and times are flexible between Monday-Friday- 8am-6pm. Minimum of two hours a week.
• We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis for a minimum of six months

Location: Coverdale Road, Willesden, London, NW2 4DJ

*Please note- we can only accept applications from UK residents*

Cecil Gardens is a large service containing ninety-nine apartments, close to the city centre of Hull and easily accessible by public transport. The service supports adults with a wide variety of needs including Over 18s, Mental Health needs, Older People, Learning Disabilities and Autism. Our service users live in self-contained apartments and have access to several communal spaces, including a restaurant, a hairdressers and a spa.

We are currently looking for volunteer befrienders at our Cecil Garden service in Hull, if you have a couple of hours to spare and can commit to volunteering on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.

Are you a warm and chatty person, who’s also a good listener? We are looking for befrienders who can help someone gain confidence and engage with the local community. Maybe going for walks, trips to a local café, or, supporting somebody to attend their appointments.

Our volunteer befrienders will also encourage people to connect to our internal community here at our service, which includes a wide variety of activity sessions held in several communal spaces on site. As part of our Wellbeing service we are hoping to build a community amongst our Service Users and you will visit service users in their flats and encourage people to join in our activities and take part in events held here.

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

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

Do you enjoy singing and listening to all genres of music? We have an exciting volunteering role for someone who would like to give back to the community by facilitating a music and singing group!

Research suggests that music can stimulate the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. It can help energise our mood and provide an outlet for us to take control of our feelings. Singing is a powerful tool for bringing people together, reducing stress, and having fun.

Volunteering with Hestia will mean that you will play a key role in promoting strategies for positive wellbeing through music and singing! 

What you will be doing:

• Facilitate a weekly singing group
• Provide opportunities for the group to collaborate on agreed themes/ songs for future sessions
• Coordinate and plan group sessions
• Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the sessions
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need:

• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you:

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

What is the role

Do you live or work in Hackney?

Are you looking to impact a young person’s life and make a difference in the community?

Join us today at The Kids Network and become a mentor!

What is the role

• The Kids Network is looking for committed, fun and passionate volunteers who live in or near to Hackney to make a difference to the children of London.
• Our structured mentoring programme supports 8-11 year olds with their social and emotional development before they transition into secondary school.
• As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-to-one sessions of 1-3 hours. You will help to build confidence, resilience and support your mentee to manage feelings through a series of fun and positive experiences and activities.
• The weekly sessions can be during the weekday after school or at the weekends.
• You will also get to meet fellow adults in your community through our peer network.
• All volunteers will benefit from our two-day training where you'll gain skills and knowledge to support you as a mentor. (Many mentors share that the skills developed support their progression in the workplace, especially those seeking to gain experience working with children and young people)

What impact will this have?

• Help build resilience and confidence in a child in your local community.
• Learn from fellow mentors with our amazing peer network.
• Help a child as they transition from primary to secondary school.

Expenses

• Our mentoring pairs will have a budget of £30 per month. We are also able to cover travel expenses.

Training​

• Our induction training will provide you with all the skills and knowledge to support your mentee, including safeguarding, health and safety, child-led mentoring and understanding your role.
• We offer additional training throughout the year to in anti-oppression, trauma-informed practice and lots more to help enhance your mentoring journey and your personal and professional development.

A DBS check is required but is organised and paid for by The Kids Network.