Health safety volunteer volunteer roles

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in health and safety, who could devote their time to volunteer with us as one of our trustees at our Lincolnshire Mid and Lincoln Branch. This role will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee - Health and Safety

• To act as the branch committee member with specific responsibility for informing co-trustees, branch volunteers, and staff on health and safety matters relating to branch activities, and to assist with the implementation of good health and safety practices.
• Liaise with the branch manager regarding the implementation of any new health and safety guidelines the Society, or the branch’s health and safety provider.
• Work with staff managers to ensure that the required staff training on health and safety is carried out.
• Ensure that health & safety risk assessments including manual handling, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations), and fire is carried out and reviewed annually.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside health and safety experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee - Health and Safety

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Our Linked Minds Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow due to a diagnosed mental health problem.

This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.

On successful completion of specialist mental health training, the Befriender is matched with someone suitable, by a Co-ordinator who then acts as a (non-clinical) supervisor for the befriending period, which is limited to a year.

Befriender, client and supervisor make a plan together with a goal to work towards, and the Befriender makes a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea, go out for a walk together, visit a café or undertake a local activity. 

These visits make such a difference for the client, increasing their confidence and helping them explore and work towards getting a job, joining a club, meeting other people or whatever their goal may be.

The aim is that, by the end of the year, clients feel better about themselves, more valued, resilient, empowered, more linked to their community and better equipped for their journeys in recovery.

But volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.

As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.

Mind In Enfield and Barnet combines over 50 years of experience to improve peoples mental health in Enfield, Barnet and beyond. We are led by lived experience and driven by a passion to support and protect people’s mental health in ways that they want.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Volunteer Cafe Worker to assist with the day to day running of our community cafe! This volunteer role will include supporting the team to serve hot and cold drinks drinks and food from the kitchen, as well as some cleaning duties and handling card payments. The café serves as a safe space for individuals with mental health challenges. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Help create a friendly and inclusive community space in the café by greeting customers with a friendly attitude
• Operate the till with card transactions (training will be provided).
• Maintain excellent hygiene and health & safety standards, including clearing and wiping tables, washing up, and ensuring the kitchen and seating areas are clean and tidy.

No experience required. Food hygiene training is required. Full training will be provided. This volunteer opportunity would suit someone with a strong positive attitude who has effective communication skills. We also require the individual to be reliable and punctual with the ability to be a team player. A resilient and non-judgmental attitude, with a willingness to learn is also required to succeed in this role.

We welcome individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges to apply.

Within our organisation, volunteers are highly valued and essential to delivering our services effectively. We encourage applications from everyone, regardless of their background. This includes people who have personal or professional experience with mental health challenges. We focus on providing comprehensive training, guidance, and supervision to ensure volunteers feel confident and capable in their roles. We support our volunteers' success and offer opportunities to network and socialise with trustees, staff, and fellow volunteers. We are committed to recognising the meaningful contribution every volunteer makes to our community.

This is a part-time, volunteer non paid role across 20 hours per week, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 10am - 3pm. Please see attached.

Up to £20 per month of travel expenses will be covered.

Please apply to the volunteering email address attached, with a current CV and covering letter explaining your interest in this role. 

Role Description: 

This role sits within our new Coproduction and Transformation Project

The role of the Co-Production Volunteer is central to the success of the Co-Production and Transformation and Engagement Project. Volunteers bring lived experience, local knowledge, and critical perspectives to support the redesign of mental health services, so they are inclusive, accessible, and rooted in the real needs of those who use them.

This role exists to ensure that service users, carers, and community members have a meaningful voice in shaping decisions that affect care delivery. Volunteers will work alongside professionals, clinical teams, and other stakeholders to challenge assumptions, identify gaps, highlight strengths, and co-create improvements. Whether drawing from personal experiences of mental health challenges, supporting someone through the system, or working in the community, volunteers act as equal partners in transformation. They help build bridges between professionals and service users, promote accountability, and encourage a culture of openness and innovation.

Through structured engagement such as workshops, advisory groups, feedback panels, and co-design activities, the Co-Production Volunteers will contribute to the long-term sustainability and responsiveness of mental health services. Their insights help ensure that care is not only clinically effective but also emotionally safe, culturally sensitive, and aligned with what matters most to the people it serves.

Main Tasks

· Attend monthly co-production workshops, steering groups, or feedback sessions

· Share personal and/or collective experiences to inform service transformation

· Provide administrative support- send and respond to emails, input information on our database

· Review materials and provide feedback (e.g., policies, pathways, information leaflets)

· Participate in recruitment panels, focus groups, and pilot testing where appropriate

· Help create accessible, inclusive spaces that welcome diverse voices

· Promote equality, dignity, and psychological safety within meetings

· Support evaluation activities and co-authoring of reports or recommendations

· Uphold HFEH Mind values and behaviours

We are looking for someone who:

· Has lived experience of mental health challenges

· Good communicator

· Passionate about improving NHS West London Mental Health services

· Are a non-judgmental and friendly individual 

· Lived experience of mental health services (personal or as a carer/family member/community member)

· A commitment to improving mental health care and reducing stigma

· Willingness to share personal insights in a respectful and constructive way

· Openness to listen and engage with others from diverse backgrounds

· Ability to attend meetings and participate reliably (online or in person)

· Basic communication and interpersonal skills (speaking, listening, expressing views)

· Comfortable working as part of a group, including with professionals and other volunteers

· Respect for confidentiality and group boundaries

· Ability to reflect, ask questions, and provide feedback on ideas, documents or processes

· Interest in learning about co-production, service transformation or health improvement

· Respect for inclusion, anti-discrimination, and safeguarding practices

· Willingness to learn digital tools (such as Zoom or MS Teams) with support if needed

· An understanding of the local community context and the challenges people may face accessing care

Those from or have an interest in:

• Black and Minority Ethnic Communities
• Civic Responsibility and Communities
• Disability
• Employment, Education and Training
• Health and Social Care
• Homeless and Housing

What's in it for the Coproduction Volunteer? 

Joining our Service User Network is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognized charity, whilst supporting positive changes within the NHS West London Trust. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organization. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector. 

As a Volunteer Health Walk Leader, you will play a key role in supporting our residents to become more active and improve their wellbeing through social walks!

Project Resilience provides easily accessible opportunities for our hostel residents to take part in a variety of social and sporting activities to boost overall health and wellbeing.

You’ll help lead short, safe, and friendly group walk, especially for those who may be inactive, recovering from illness, or looking to improve their physical and mental health.

You will:

·Plan and lead regular health walks in your local area

·Welcome and support all participants, ensuring a positive and inclusive atmosphere

·Carry out basic safety checks and risk assessments for walk routes

·Encourage conversation and connection among walkers

Monitor attendance and report back to the coordinator as required

Skills required:

·First Aid Qualification

·Friendly, approachable, and reliable

·Good communication and people skills

·An interest in walking and promoting healthy lifestyles

·Able to walk at a steady pace for 30–60 minutes

What we offer:

·A full induction to the role and site will be provided

·Access to communal garden area and nearby fields for outdoor activities

·You will be required to undertake mandatory e-learning and a menu of optional training will be made available

·Ongoing supervision and support from your line manager

·Travel expenses reimbursed (if applicable).

·Access to events, networking, and training and development opportunities.

Please note, that you will be required to undergo a DBS check and we will require details of 2 x referees.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are passionate about physical activity and community wellbeing.

Project Resilience provides easily accessible opportunities for our hostel residents to take part in a variety of social and sporting activities to boost overall health and wellbeing.

You will play a key role in promoting healthy lifestyles by delivering fun, inclusive, and accessible physical activity sessions for people of all ages and abilities.

We would welcome qualified instructors from a range of activities such as:

·Boxercise

·Yoga

·Pilates

·Dance

·Football

·Basketball

·Circuit Classes

·Supported Gym workouts

However if you have another sport or activity that you would like to offer our residents, please get in touch!

This role offers a dynamic and rewarding opportunity to inspire and mentor vulnerable residents, contributing to their health and personal growth. Your commitment to excellence in coaching and resident engagement will not only enhance your professional skills but also make a significant impact on the community. 

You will :

·Plan and lead, safe, engaging fitness sessions for small groups of residents

·Adapt exercises to suit varying levels of mobility, ability, and health conditions.

·Monitor participants' safety and wellbeing during sessions.

·Encourage participation and build confidence through motivation and support.

·Log attendance and feedback as required.

·Work in line with safeguarding, health and safety, and risk assessment protocols.

Skills required:

·Recognised Fitness Qualification, Exercise Class Qualification or Sports Qualification, recognised in the UK 

What we will provide:

·Access to communal garden area and nearby fields for outdoor activities

·Access to a small internal gym (bench, weights, exercise equipment)

·You will be required to undertake mandatory e-learning and a menu of optional training will be made available

·Ongoing supervision and support from your line manager

·Travel expenses reimbursed (if applicable).

·Access to events, networking, and training and development opportunities.

Please note, you will be required to undergo a DBS check and we will need details of 2 x referees.

Homeless Health Peer Advocate - Salford

Aim of the role

As a Homeless Health Peer Advocate, you will form part of our team helping those experiencing homelessness to achieve better health outcomes.

Homeless Health Peer Advocacy is a pioneering model of advocacy style support. It aims to work towards an inclusive health system where everyone has access to the healthcare they need; ultimately moving people out of homelessness. We want to make it easy for people to access healthcare and improve their health. We know that Homeless Health Peer Advocacy creates a foundation for moving out of homelessness.

Suggested time commitment

Flexible – this volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday: 9-5

Location

Home and Office (Manchester) and Community (Salford)

Supervised by

Ped Durling (Project Coordinator), Esther Baker (HHPA Peer Coordinator)

Main Tasks

This is a varied role, and you could do some or all the following activities:

• Arranging and committing to regular time each week to support clients to get help with their health needs.
• Acting as an advocate for the client, preparing for and supporting with appointments, results, letters and helping them to speak up for themselves.
• Updating your supervisor about calls to people experiencing homelessness and reporting any information/advice/guidance that has been requested
• Reporting any concerns about safety
• Providing feedback to help improve and develop the service
• Sometimes you may meet a client for a one-off appointment, or you might be working with a client over several weeks or months, depending upon their health needs. 

Skills and Experience

Please note this role is ring-fenced for those with lived experiences or multiple disadvantages.

We are looking for:

• People with lived experience of homelessness or risk of homelessness (all forms e.g., rough sleeping, sofa surfing, hidden homelessness)
• Experience of multiple disadvantage: domestic abuse or sexual violence, experience of the criminal justice system, mental ill health, neurodivergence, substance misuse, barriers to accessing healthcare.
• Friendly with good listening skills

• Able to listen and respond to information provided
• A positive, can-do attitude
• Good timekeeping and reliability

• The ability to communicate clear information

Induction, Learning & Development

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies and Procedures
• Provide training: including Equality & Diversity, Health & Safety, Data Protection, and Safeguarding
• Provide access to our suite of internal training programmes and other appropriate Shelter training
• Provide on the job induction
• Pay out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

What you will gain

• Experience in homeless health advocacy with a leading national charity working with people experiencing homelessness.
• The opportunity to use your lived experience of homelessness to help develop trusting relationships with other people experiencing homelessness.
• Access to progression support and reflective practice
• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a team.
• Equipment, like a phone etc to help you in your role.
• References provided if required to potential employers if you are looking for work.
• Regular catchups with your supervisor and opportunity to reflect on your input and role

Next steps

Please complete an online application for this role. After you have applied, we will hold an informal recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.

If you would like any more information on the role or advice on how to apply, please contact us.

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.

Homeless Health Peer Advocate - Manchester

Aim of the role

As a Homeless Health Peer Advocate, you will form part of our team helping those experiencing homelessness to achieve better health outcomes.

Homeless Health Peer Advocacy is a pioneering model of advocacy style support. It aims to work towards an inclusive health system where everyone has access to the healthcare they need; ultimately moving people out of homelessness. We want to make it easy for people to access healthcare and improve their health. We know that Homeless Health Peer Advocacy creates a foundation for moving out of homelessness.

Suggested time commitment

Flexible – this volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday: 9-5

Location

Home and Office (Manchester) and Community (Manchester)

Supervised by

Ped Durling (Project Coordinator), Lily Ozanne (HHPA Peer Coordinator)

Main Tasks

This is a varied role, and you could do some or all the following activities:

• Arranging and committing to regular time each week to support clients to get help with their health needs.
• Acting as an advocate for the client, preparing for and supporting with appointments, results, letters and helping them to speak up for themselves.
• Updating your supervisor about calls to people experiencing homelessness and reporting any information/advice/guidance that has been requested
• Reporting any concerns about safety
• Providing feedback to help improve and develop the service
• Sometimes you may meet a client for a one-off appointment, or you might be working with a client over several weeks or months, depending upon their health needs. 

Skills and Experience

Please note this role is ring-fenced for those with lived experiences or multiple disadvantages.

We are looking for:

• People with lived experience of homelessness or risk of homelessness (all forms e.g., rough sleeping, sofa surfing, hidden homelessness)
• Experience of multiple disadvantage: domestic abuse or sexual violence, experience of the criminal justice system, mental ill health, neurodivergence, substance misuse, barriers to accessing healthcare.
• Friendly with good listening skills

• Able to listen and respond to information provided
• A positive, can-do attitude
• Good timekeeping and reliability

• The ability to communicate clear information

Induction, Learning & Development

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies and Procedures
• Provide training: including Equality & Diversity, Health & Safety, Data Protection, and Safeguarding
• Provide access to our suite of internal training programmes and other appropriate Shelter training
• Provide on the job induction
• Pay out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

What you will gain

• Experience in homeless health advocacy with a leading national charity working with people experiencing homelessness.
• The opportunity to use your lived experience of homelessness to help develop trusting relationships with other people experiencing homelessness.
• Access to progression support and reflective practice
• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a team.
• Equipment, like a phone etc to help you in your role.
• References provided if required to potential employers if you are looking for work.
• Regular catchups with your supervisor and opportunity to reflect on your input and role

Next steps

Please complete an online application for this role. After you have applied, we will hold an informal recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.

If you would like any more information on the role or advice on how to apply, please contact us.

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.

The Macmillan Cancer Support Centre is an inclusive, welcoming environment that promotes wellbeing for patients living with and beyond cancer. It serves as a supportive, non-clinical space for families, loved ones, carers and healthcare professionals involved in cancer care.

We are looking for friendly complementary therapists who are willing to gift their skills and volunteer their time to the centre. Using your professional skills, you will be part of this exciting opportunity from the very beginning.

You will help to create a safe, welcoming space where people affected by cancer can find comfort, connection and trusted support. If you have good communication skills and are passionate about the work you do, we would love to hear from you.

The “Friends of St Helena Hospice” is our well known Collection Pot scheme that runs across the local area. Yearly the donations from the pots bring in over £20,000 for the hospice, which helps local people facing incurable illness and bereavement. We are looking for Volunteer Pot Collectors in local communities to assist in the collection and distribution of St Helena collection pots to local businesses in and around their own local area.

Due to the nature of this role and the requirements to visit licenced premises, we cannot accept applications from anyone aged 18 and under. 

Main duties of the role

• To issue and collect St Helena Collection pots to businesses in the local community in your specific dedicated area.

• Maintain own records relating to those pots and to be always aware which pots are being given out and which are due for collection.

• Build a relationship with businesses that host a pot and liaise with the community team to ensure supply of new pots.

• Look for new pot locations across the area you cover and liaise with the community team to let them know the new locations.

Training & supervision

Full training and support will be provided in addition to an induction and Health and Safety training. You will also have a line manager who you can report to when needed.

Experience and Qualifications Required

• Organised with a methodical approach

• Confident to approach new and existing businesses to establish a relationship

• Excellent communication skills

• Car driver and access to own vehicle (essential)

• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team

Book Aid International is the UK’s leading international book donation and library support charity. Every year we work with our partners to provide over one million brand-new books worldwide.

We are looking for volunteers to support our small, friendly warehouse team in Swindon.

If you’d like to make a hands-on contribution to sharing the power of books worldwide, and you have a few hours a week you can offer on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.

The role includes assisting in preparing book shipments by selecting titles accurately from a provided pick list and using handheld scanners.

You will contribute to the overall safety of the working environment by following health and safety practices, and contribute to a positive team environment.

You must be able to stand for extended periods and perform light lifting duties, including handling and placing individual books.

You must be over 18.

Please visit our website for more information including how to apply. 

Role: Volunteer Facilities Assistant

Location: Our office in Peterborough Kings Chambers, 39-41 Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1JL

Hours: At least one half-day per week (flexible)

We ask for volunteers to commit to at least 6 months and give notice of planned absences so cover can be arranged.

About the role:

This position will give you the opportunity to witness and learn first-hand about the work that goes on behind the scenes to support the delivery of our services and will provide you with the opportunity to be a part of a dynamic organisation with strong guiding values and a determination to make a difference.

The Volunteer Facilities Assistant will support the IT and Facilities Coordinator to ensure the smooth running of the Peterborough office and to support the delivery of high-quality services.

Building Maintenance

• Help deal with all minor repairs and maintenance requirements at our office in Peterborough.
• Ensure that the building security is maintained and that the relevant maintenance checks are performed
• Ensure the building is organised and tidy

Health and Safety  

• Ensure that Health & Safety requirements are met
• Ensure Fire Safety requirements are met, including carrying out regular checks to fire alarm, emergency lights and fire extinguishers

General Admin

• Order and distribute stationery and other supplies

Ensure post and other deliveries are opened and distributed to relevant staff members

Commitment

• Attendance at our induction training and completion of relevant mandatory online training
• Agree to complete an Enhanced DBS check
• Have a good line of clear communication 
• Adherence to CPSL Mind’s Code of Conduct and policies and procedures

The recruitment process involves:

• Completion of application form, providing references
• Informal meeting with Peer and Volunteer Manager
• Attending induction with Peer and Volunteer Manager along with completion of relevant online mandatory training
• Additional training will be offered when it becomes available.

NB: All volunteer opportunities are subject to satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service clearance.  Please contact our Peer and Volunteer Manager if you need more information about this or wish to discuss any spent or unspent convictions.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened 

One25 is a Bristol charity which reaches out to women who street sex work. We meet women who have been deeply traumatised from childhood abuse and violence. This leads to life situations where they are stigmatised, marginalised, locked out of society and face life-controlling issues. We work non-judgementally and with unconditional love to build a relationship with each woman.

Our Outreach Service
The outreach van meets women on the streets at night, 7 nights a week.  This outreach service is often how women first make contact with us, meeting us on our fully equipped outreach van.

A team of three (a Team Leader, van driver and van volunteer) go out on the van at night and meet women’s basic needs by providing food, first aid, warm clothing, condoms, safety alarms etc. They provide the chance to talk and get advice in a safe space and encourage women to get more in-depth help by visiting our Health Hub or seeing a caseworker.

We are looking for 6 van volunteers to join our team. These volunteers will need to be able to drive an automatic van (Fiat eDucato) and be willing to drive the van as a backup driver, in the event of a cancellation by a van driver.

Van shifts run from 8.45pm-12.30am Monday to Thursday, and 8.45pm-2am Friday & Saturday nights, all year round.

Availability and commitments needed:

• Available to commit at one weekday evening and one Friday/Saturday per month, for at least a year.
• To successfully complete a driving assessment during interview stage
• To complete a Volunteer Induction, Safeguarding training and Supporting Street Sex Workers training (date tbc – online in evening)
• Able to travel to and from St Pauls, Bristol after shift
• Attend probation review after 10 shifts and if requested external support (which we would fund).

Person specification and attributes needed:

• Reliable and punctual
• Understanding of the issues women involved in street sex work.
• Non-judgmental and compassionate approach.
• Empathy and ability to actively listen.
• Ability to be friendly, but professional.
• Ability to maintain boundaries and be firm about rules.
• Ability to take direction from a volunteer Team Leader.
• Willingness to learn from mistakes and progress in your role
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Must hold a valid driving license (able to drive automatic).
• Driven a van or similar sized vehicle before (desirable, not essential)
• Fluency in English

Tasks will involve:

• Preparing sandwiches ahead of shifts, as agreed with Team Leader.
• Working as part of the team to prepare and stock the van for going out and engaging with the pre-shift briefing.
• Inviting women on to the van for provisions and a chance to talk.
• Listening, supporting and signposting women around addiction and health, and supporting women to disclose ‘ugly mugs’ (assaults and abuse).
• Assessing the women’s safety and providing them with appropriate help and support
• Taking clear and legible notes of the interactions on the van.
• Supporting in cleaning and unloading the van at the end of the shift and engaging with the shift debriefing.
• Driving the van when needed

In return you will:

• Join a passionate and enthusiastic volunteer team.
• Receive an induction to One25 and support from experienced staff
• Have access to regular training sessions.
• Be part of a friendly, fun and dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
• Have the opportunity to have an impact on women’s lives
• A reference provided after 3 months.