Health and wellbeing volunteer volunteer roles

elop runs a programme of weekly and monthly LGBTQ+ social, support and wellbeing clubs, groups, meet-ups and events; provided by and for LGBTQ+ communities.

Joining our LGBTQ+ volunteer facilitator team you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who value & appreciate the benefit of face-to-face socialising & networking, supporting LGBT people to come together in a welcoming, safe and supportive environment with opportunities to meet new people, form new friendships, gain peer support and much more. 

Each of elop’s dedicated clubs, groups or meet-ups run planned activities that supports shared interaction, positive LGBTQ+ identities and a feeling of being valued.

Volunteering in this role will give you opportunities to contribute & support the planning & promotion of group programmes, help in organising & facilitating sessions, along with supporting & enabling the involvement, voice & inclusion of all members attending, ensuring a welcome, supported, safe and comfortable environment for all.

Our clubs, groups, meet-ups and activities are delivered on various days and times across the week and weekends, plus during the day and evenings, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. 

You may already have some previous experience of activity facilitation, which is fantastic; however it isn’t necessary to come with all the skills & experiences already on board, just a friendly or outgoing personality with good communication abilities, the rest you’ll be supported to develop. 

Respecting diversity, understanding and upholding professional boundaries and confidentiality are of course fundamental to all of our work and you will be required support this. 

What you can expect as part of Team elop is to feel proud of being part of our dynamic team & volunteer community, to develop confidence, have enjoyment and know your contribution really does make a difference.

We know life can be busy, but ask all group volunteers to make a 6 month minimum commitment or around 2-3 hours a week average. 

All our volunteer facilitators must positively identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/ or trans (Schedule 9, Part 1, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010 applies).

We’re looking for a friendly and empathetic Pathway Volunteer. As the first point of contact for individuals accessing our Community Wellbeing Service, you’ll play a vital role in welcoming guests, conducting initial triage appointments to understand their goals and needs, and signposting them to the most appropriate support services.

The role will require you to:

• Greet guests who are visiting the Community Wellbeing service for the first time
• Conduct a ‘pathway’ triage appointment, establishing the members’ goals and note down areas of concern and current issues
• Signpost to local services and partners that come into the space
• If needed, book an appointment for the member with an advisor
• Update Sufra’s case management system, keeping detailed notes of appointments

Skills required

Professional

• No formal qualifications are necessary, however understanding and having knowledge of the landscape of Brent, the welfare benefit system and other voluntary and statutory services will be beneficial.
• You need to be a confident communicator, able to give a warm welcome to all and keep to timely appointment slots.
• Digital literacy is essential.
• You must be confident with IT platforms such as Microsoft Office and preferably have used case management systems before.

Personal - We need volunteers who:

• Are friendly
• Are non-judgemental
• Can actively listen
• Are passionate about supporting local families to access the support they need
• Are empathic
• Preferably be able to speak another language: Arabic, Persian, Spanish
• Are confident communicating to people without a shared first language
• Have IT skills (ability to use Microsoft Office applications, or willing and able to learn)
• Have a good understanding of confidentiality

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 - role is in Cheshire West

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 a RPR support volunteer, you might:

• 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 

Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.

As a hospital volunteer, you might: 

• hold drop-in sessions
• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
• share information
• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

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”.

Please note: Onside is a local charity - this project covers Worcestershire areas only.

We are looking for volunteers who have had a relevantly positive experience or perception of mental health services and be far enough into their mental health journey. They need to be open to sharing their experiences while understanding and upholding their own boundaries. They need to be able to empathise and actively listen. To be able to ask for support and guidance when needed. Your role will be to offer practical, social and emotional support in the form of a mentor role. We are looking for people with good communication, interpersonal skills, friendly and approachable. As well as a willing to learn and basic computer literacy skills as you will need to log your contact with the mentee and any outcomes on our database. 

 Benefits of volunteering with the Community Mental Health Project

• Be part of a growing charity with ever expanding exciting new projects!
• You are provided with FREE training
• Reimbursed for public transport fair and/ or mileage costs
• Get experience in the field of mental health
• References are available from us on request
• Fulfilment in helping your local community
• Meet new and likeminded people - we hold regular volunteer catch ups to have your say and meet other volunteers

Overview of Onside and Community Mental Health project 

ONSIDE is an independent charity promoting the rights and interests of people facing disadvantage. We believe that everyone is entitled to fair, equal treatment and opportunity. Our skilled staff and volunteers make a real difference to the lives of over 11,000 people a year across Worcestershire and Herefordshire. 

Community Mental Health (CMH) – CMH is part of the transformation of neighbourhood community mental health services in Worcestershire, Onside is working alongside Worcestershire Association of Carers and Springfield MIND to provide a range of support designed to address the social and practical needs of people living with mental ill health. 

We’re currently recruiting Outreach, Events & Fundraising Volunteers to join our amazing and dynamic volunteer team at elop!

elop is an award-winning LGBT Mental Health and Wellbeing Charity with 29 years’ experience of supporting LGBT+ communities across London and Essex borders.

Joining our LGBT+ Volunteer team you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who value & appreciate the benefit of giving back to the community and enjoy the opportunity to work with others to raise much needed funds to support our work at elop.

Supported by staff or lead volunteers, our volunteer teams plan & deliver events, organise & host varied fundraising initiatives such as karaoke nights, drag bingo, and comedy events.  If you’re someone who enjoys talking to people and have a friendly disposition, then you’d be well placed to help us reach new audiences, promote our work, and raise money.

Job Description – HR Manager

Organisation: Children With Voices

Reports to: the executive ops manager

Location: Hackney, London - Hybrid

Contract: Full-time / Part-time – specify as needed

Job Purpose

The HR Manager plays a vital role in supporting the vision and mission of Children With Voices by ensuring that all HR practices are fair, compliant, and aligned with safeguarding, equity, and community wellbeing. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources, from recruitment and staff development to compliance and wellbeing initiatives. The HR Manager will be instrumental in creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where staff, volunteers, and young people can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

1. Oversee Daily HR Operations
   • Manage HR functions to ensure efficiency, compliance, and alignment with organisational goals.
   • Champion safeguarding and equality in every aspect of HR practice.
2. Recruitment & Onboarding
   • Lead fair and inclusive recruitment, ensuring diversity, equal opportunity, and alignment with our safeguarding responsibilities.
   • Deliver onboarding that instils Children With Voices’ values, safeguarding culture, and commitment to community impact.
3. HR Policies & Compliance
   • Develop and implement HR policies and procedures in line with UK employment law, charity governance, and safeguarding legislation.
   • Ensure GDPR compliance and maintain secure, confidential records.
4. Training & Development
   • Coordinate training on safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing.
   • Support ongoing professional and personal development for staff and volunteers.
5. Employee Relations & Wellbeing
   • Provide advice and support on employee concerns, encouraging a culture of respect, accountability, and collaboration.
   • Promote mental health and wellbeing initiatives, aligned with our duty of care.
6. Volunteer Engagement
   • Oversee volunteer recruitment, DBS checks, safeguarding induction, and ongoing engagement.
   • Support volunteers to feel valued and integrated into the charity’s mission.
7. Collaboration with Leadership
   • Work closely with the CEO and department leads to ensure HR strategies support the organisation’s mission and goals.
   • Streamline HR processes to improve efficiency and impact.
8. Conflict Resolution
   • Mediate disputes fairly, maintaining trust and confidentiality.
   • Support managers in handling sensitive matters in line with policy and safeguarding standards.
9. Records & Benefits Management
   • Maintain accurate HR records, ensuring data protection compliance.
   • Administer employee benefits and ensure fair, transparent processes.
10. Health, Safety & Safeguarding

• Ensure workplace compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Embed safeguarding responsibilities across all HR practices, ensuring no child or vulnerable adult falls through the gaps.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in an HR management role, ideally within the charity or community sector.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, HR compliance, and safeguarding requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust at all levels.
• Experience managing recruitment, onboarding, and training processes.
• Ability to mediate and resolve conflicts in a fair, professional, and sensitive manner.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or equivalent HR certification.
• Experience working with volunteers, young people, or community-focused organisations.
• Knowledge of charity governance and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in developing wellbeing or mental health initiatives.

Our Values at Children With Voices

• Safeguarding First: Every decision is made with the protection and safety of children and vulnerable people in mind.
• Equity & Inclusion: We champion fairness and diversity, ensuring no child or family is left behind.
• Collaboration: We believe in the power of working together with partners, communities, and families.
• Empowerment: We support children, families, staff, and volunteers to thrive and reach their full potential.
• Community Impact: We exist to rebuild stronger, safer communities for future generations.

Salary & Benefits - £1,520 per month

Days 1–2 days in the office, with flexibility to choose from Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. The remaining hours can be worked remotely.

Working pattern: 20 hours per week

Organisation Overview

Clean Break provides Theatre and writing based opportunities, including workshops from our studios in Kentish Town NW5 for women who have lived experience through the Criminal Justice System or women at risk of offending with drug/alcohol and/or mental health needs. We work in a safe, women-only environment, creating opportunities for women to develop personal, social, artistic and professional skills.

Directions

Buses: 46, 88, 134, 214, 393
Tube: Kentish Town (Northern Line) – Kentish Town station is closed for 1 year.
Overground: Kentish Town West

Role Title

Catering Volunteer (Women Only)

Responsible to

Members Support Manager and Volunteer Manager

Purpose/Summary of role

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to be a part of the Catering Team.  To assist with the preparation and service of nutritious food to our Members, maintaining Health & Safety and kitchen hygiene standards

Description of tasks

Food Preparation – catering for daily lunches and internal and events, tasks include prepping, cooking, dishing up and serving, washing up and clearing up kitchen.  Ingredients will be cooked, from fresh, frozen, or tinned stock to create healthy meat and vegetarian/vegan dishes.   To assist with periodic intensive cleaning of the catering space.

Time Commitment

3 months with end of season review to continue.

Flexible one day a week either on:

Mondays 10-2.30pm

or

Wednesdays 10-2.30pm

Skills and Qualifications

This role would suit someone who enjoys cooking and working as part of a team
A basic level of cooking knowledge and ability to follow instruction is essential.

Some experience or a desire to work with vulnerable women who have been through the Criminal Justice System or at risk of offending.
Desirable that candidate is locally based
Friendly, efficient, reliable, able to take initiative

Disabled Access

Yes – Wheelchair accessible

Training and Induction

Yes – induction, ongoing support and training will be provided.

 Food and Hygiene Level 2 qualification must be undertaken or updated within 1 month of taking on role, provided by Clean Break.

Food Standards Agency:  Safer Food Better Business for Caterers:

· Food Allergen

·  Open Checks and Closing Checks

·  Temperature control and readings,

· Food labelling

· Food handling and Transport

· Cross-contamination of foods

· Occupational Health

· Cleaning

· Supervision

Expenses

Yes – Travel and lunch

Recruitment Method

CV, informal discussion, reference, trial period, Basic DBS

 The post is open to women only

(exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1)

We encourage people with lived experience to apply

Are you looking for a fulfilling opportunity to volunteer in East or West Kent local or nearby to where you live, directly supporting those who may be lonely or struggling to cope with daily tasks while living with Cancer and other long term health conditions? The Crossroads Macmillan Volunteer Service can offer flexible, rewarding volunteering avenues for you to explore; get in touch today and make an immediate, positive impact on someone's life - a little bit of time can truly make a huge difference.

HOURS: Minimum 1 - 2 hours / week, Flexible

LOCATION: Opportunities across East & West Kent & Medway, flexible / based on volunteer’s home location.

DESCRIPTION: 

Available volunteer opportunities include;

Regular visits to a person or couple navigating cancer to offer company and a friendly, listening ear at a difficult time.

Providing transport to a person or couple navigating cancer from their home to healthcare appointments including but not limited to Chemotherapy / Radiology sessions and GP appointments.

Light gardening support.

Subject to the volunteers wishes, some volunteer placements can include support with light housework, shopping support, accompanying a client on a walk or short external trips, and enjoying shared hobbies that bring both the client and volunteer a great sense of wellbeing.

PLEASE NOTE: All volunteer roles listed above involve visiting a client at their home in some capacity. We currently do not have any volunteer roles that involve working from your home / online.

SKILLS REQUIRED: Good communication, empathy, and the ability to be non-judgmental.

Full Training provided by Crossroads Care Kent.

WHAT WE OFFER: An enormous sense of wellbeing and purpose and an increased understanding of those living with cancer and comparable conditions; just giving an hour or more a week’s companionship and practical help can make a huge difference to an unpaid carer and who they care for.

Travel expenses from volunteers’ home to clients home reimbursed.

Other Travel expenses reimbursed where applicable.

Other volunteering expenses, such as costs of shopping, also reimbursed.

Volunteer References also available where applicable.

Additional CPD accredited Training opportunities available including but not limited to First Aid, Cancer awareness, Dementia awareness, Mental Health.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Mansfield and Sutton in Ashfield in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Department: Health and Wellbeing

Role Location: Supporting people in their own homes in Mansfield and Sutton in Ashfield

Role Support: You will be supported by the Companion Service Team

What is the purpose of this role?

To provide personalised digital/IT support to older people

What impact does this role have?

Supports older people to gain or improve technical skills and to become digitally included. This inclusivity results in reduced loneliness and isolation and helps older people lead more healthy and independent lives.

What activities might you be involved in?

The purpose of this role is to provide personalised digital/IT support to older people to gain or improve technical skills and to become digitally included. This may include but is not limited to supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

What are we looking for?

· Individuals with an interest in the wellbeing of older people and who are committed to volunteering

· IT literate with good digital skills and who are confident using different Apple and Android devices (including smart phones and tablets, laptops, and smart speakers).

· Individuals who can work with learners with different levels of knowledge and skill and to be able to demonstrate empathy when needed.

· Excellent interpersonal skills.

· Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly.

· Ability to travel to visits either by car or public transport.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

Volunteering will be on an ad hoc basis to meet the needs of the older person that you are supporting in line with your availability.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough departmental induction.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

· The chance to make a difference to an older person’s life

· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· Experience to add to your CV

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

· Reimbursement of travel expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

Additional Information

Please note an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Mansfield and Sutton in Ashfield in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Volunteer Opportunities with Unique Support Hub: Asylum Support Team – Croydon & Crystal Palace Areas

Are you passionate about social justice, community engagement, and making a lasting difference in the lives of migrants and those seeking sanctuary?
We are seeking dedicated, compassionate, and experienced volunteers to join our Asylum Support Team in Croydon and Crystal Palace.

As part of this vital team, you will contribute directly to enhancing the wellbeing and experience of asylum seekers living in the community and those in Home Office accommodations. Your support will play a critical role in helping individuals navigate the complexities of the asylum process and build connections within their new communities.

Volunteer Roles Available

We are looking for individuals to take on a variety of essential roles, including:

• Community Activities Coordinator
  Organise and facilitate inclusive, engaging activities both within the reception centres and in the wider community to foster wellbeing, integration, and resilience.
• Advice & Advocacy Support Volunteer
  Provide one-to-one guidance on asylum procedures, support clients in understanding their rights and entitlements, and escalate cases where needed in collaboration with Migrant Help and AASC providers.
• Wraparound Services & Signposting Volunteer
  Assist asylum seekers in accessing crucial wraparound services including housing support, digital inclusion, mental health, education, and employment advice. 
  Provide effective referrals to legal aid solicitors and community organisations.

What We Offer Our Volunteers

• A volunteer allowance per visit
• Paid training sessions to equip you with the necessary skills
• DBS checks fully funded
• Continuous support and professional development
• The opportunity to work within a passionate team making meaningful impact in people’s lives

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with:

• Lived or professional experience in migration, advocacy, or community work
• Strong organisational and interpersonal skills
• A deep sense of empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to social equity
• Availability for regular visits and engagements in Croydon and/or Crystal Palace

How to Apply

Please apply by submitting your CV and a brief personal statement by EMAIL  outlining your motivation and any relevant experience. Indicate clearly which role(s) you are most interested in.

Application Deadline: Rolling recruitment until positions are filled. Early application is encouraged.

Inspiring, supportive, and committed - just a few of the words we’d use to describe our volunteers. 

At Rethink Mental Illness, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They play a vital role in supporting our services and making a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can have a positive impact while developing your own skills and experience, we’d love you to join us. 

About the role

Do you enjoy gardening, being outdoors, and working with others to create a friendly and welcoming space? We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us nurture and develop the gardens at The Croft in Derbyshire.

As a Volunteer Gardener, you’ll:

• Care for and maintain the gardens at the Croft
• Support the development of the gardens as a wellbeing space for the community
• Volunteer alongside staff and group members to grow and enhance the space
• Share your ideas for the garden’s development and future activities
• Help promote the gardens and showcase the work we do

Tools, full training, and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.

About the service

The Derbyshire Recovery Peer Support Service (DRPSS) helps people improve and maintain their mental health and wellbeing, and reconnect with their local community. We offer one-to-one support, telephone support, and community groups to anyone over 18 in Derbyshire who is experiencing mental ill health.

The gardens at the Croft are a key part of this, providing a safe and welcoming space where people can come together, connect, and enjoy the benefits of nature.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Good gardening knowledge and enthusiasm for creating a wellbeing space
• Understanding of mental health support
• Awareness of safeguarding and risk management
• Organisational skills and the ability to work well in a team
• A non-judgmental, supportive approach when working with others

It’s not essential, but you may also bring:

• Lived experience of mental ill health
• Knowledge of local services

Who are we? 

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”     

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.     

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion   

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.   

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation   

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.   

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. 

Inspiring, supportive, and committed - just a few of the words we’d use to describe our volunteers. 

At Rethink Mental Illness, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They play a vital role in supporting our services and making a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can have a positive impact while developing your own skills and experience, we’d love you to join us. 

About the role

We are looking for Volunteer Befrienders to support our Brent Mental Health service in the London Borough of Brent. 

As a Volunteer Befriender, you will be required to travel across Brent to meet with service users and carry out your role. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 2 hours per week to volunteering. 

You will be supported by Befriending Volunteer Coordinators who will provide regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.

About the service

Our Brent Mental Health service provides support to people aged 18 and above, who live in the Borough of Brent, and who have a mental illness and are known to the local NHS trust Central and North West London (CNWL).

The Befriending Service aims to;

• Reduce social isolation of service users
• Increase the confidence of service users in accessing community resources independently
• Provide meaningful activities and peer support for service users 
• Help service users to live happier, healthier, independent lives
• Provide volunteering opportunities for people with mental health issues
• Reduce stigma and raise mental health awareness

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Befriender:

• Meeting with service users in locations and times which meet their needs (including evenings and weekends)
• Provide befriending support to a maximum of 2 service users at any one time
• Provide emotional support based on your own lived experience
• Support service users to access and build social and community networks and activities
• Act as a community connector to local services

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• You will have good communication skills
• You will be flexible to meet the needs of the service users

How to apply 

To apply, simply click the “apply now” button on the advert on our website and complete a short interest form. 

If you would like to express an interest in this opportunity, please complete an application as soon as possible, as the advert may close early if we receive a high level of interest.

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion  

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. 

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:                                                           

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.