Helping Volunteer Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people?
We are offering 1 young person aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer for up to 11 months with the French Red Cross in Lille. The programme will run from September 2024 – August 2025.
You will be working on a range of projects, which will give you the chance to explore the different kinds of social action that the French Red Cross undertake in Lille. This is a great opportunity to get involved in these projects and find out what you are interested in. For more details on the role and the projects available, have a look at the role description. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement!
The French Red Cross operates a project called “Mobile support programme for migrants” (DMSE) along the shores of northern France. This programme aims to “go towards” migrants and provide them support directly in the makeshift camps. The project offers three main services: access to care, maintaining and restoring family links and supporting unaccompanied children. The successful volunteer will likely spend 2 days a week in the field supporting migrants, 1 day in the office providing administrative and logistical support and 1 day will be dedicated to their individual Element project, a chance for the volunteer to develop their own project or cultural exchange activity. The remaining day will be treated flexibly and could see the successful volunteer supporting the French Red Cross on their other projects such as helping the FRC in launching first aid training for migrants.
Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role. We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 1 May 2024.
Successful applicants will ideally satisfy any one of the following criteria:
- Low household income (under £26,000).
- Are carers/have experience in the care system.
- Have accessed free school meals.
- Are a refugee.
- Are currently seeking asylum.
- Are disabled or have additional needs.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Ref: V225 | Support Group Volunteer | Maldon
We’re looking for Support Group Volunteers over the age of 18 years old, based at Fullbridge Church, 27 Fullbridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LE.
You’ll be volunteering fortnightly on a Thursday from 10.15am-12.15pm.
As a support group volunteer, you will help with the running of the group. The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.
The volunteer will be
· A people person, with good listening skills
· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people
· Good at putting people at ease
· Reliable and organised
· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke
· IT literate, have good administrative and record keeping skills and be able to follow relevant policies
A DBS check is required for this role.
Interested in this role?
Find out more by downloading the role description for the Support Group Volunteer role.
If you are interested in this role, please complete our application form on our website.
About Us
Stroke Association. Rebuilding lives after stroke.
When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. That’s because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It happens every five minutes in the UK and changes lives instantly. Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt.
We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. And it’s a team effort to get there.
We provide specialist support, fund critical research and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.
We’re working to improve the diversity of our team. Because we know that individuality leads to a richer experience for our people and better support for those affected by stroke.
We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. And we’re particularly looking to increase the number of applications from those with lived experience of stroke and those from under-represented communities.
Every five minutes, stroke destroys lives. Help us rebuild them and join our team.
To help us deliver our strategy and make a real difference, we are looking to recruit talented people to a number of new roles.
If you would like to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives, we want to hear from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
A bit about this role
Unfortunately our feline friends can occasionally stray or get lost, which can be extremely distressing for their owners. Our lost and found volunteers are passionate about reuniting lost cats and bringing families back together. They help cats and their owners by advertising lost cats and providing support, advice and guidance to people searching for their cats.
What can you expect to be doing?
- Responding to enquiries from the public about lost and found cats
- Keeping up to date records of lost and founds cats
- Matching cats that are reported lost with those reported found
- Advertising lost and found cats
- Providing help and information to owners about their lost cats
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping reunite lost cats with their owners. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
We’re looking for someone with
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Record keeping and administration skills
- Good IT skills
- Patience and the ability to deal with sensitive situations
- Willingness to be part of a team
Time expectation
Our lost and found volunteers usually spend between 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
Support, guidance and keeping you safe
At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.
The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.
Thank you for joining us and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Bright Futures UK works with young people who have been forced to take time out from education due to chronic illness. We provide programmes to help stimulate learning in addition to having a social aspect that offers respite to isolation these young people face due to their unfortunate circumstances.
We are urgently looking for a warm and energetic volunteer Politics tutor with academic qualifications (GCSE and above) to provide educational support and a fun, safe space for these young people. Tutoring experience is not essential as full training is given. Our sessions also are all currently online.
We need someone who is able to engage with young people in a positive and friendly way, helping them overcome their experiences and not feel defined by their illness. You would engage with a young person on a one-to-one basis to help catch up on their studies, increase their confidence in their own skills, and have some fun with them in order to help them progress.
The young people we work with have missed so many experiences in school which we take for granted. The time you can offer to help fill in those missed periods is invaluable to their development. Your sessions will be fully supported by Bright Futures UK staff – from questions or queries, resources or materials or just to bounce an idea off the team, we’re here to help.
Volunteering with Bright Futures UK is something that can easily fit into your working day or a busy schedule with commitment starting from as little as 1 hour per week. We are so grateful for any support you might be able to provide, as are our young people.
We’re looking forward to working with you to help our young people reach their true potential!
Volunteer application form: https://bttr.im/94o0b
Practical Considerations:
We cover all expenses and materials used.
We are asking for one hour online a week.
We are looking for someone who is able to tutor Politics up to GCSE/A Level
DBS will be provided where needed
Safeguarding training provided with certification
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Together Talks Telephone Befriending Service is looking for people who would like to join us in helping to provide support to as many people as possible during challenging times. Telephone Befriending has the potential to be an important aspect of the overall approach to helping the most isolated and lonely individuals in our society. Telephone Befriending can also benefit the volunteer befrienders who are similarly able to reengage with their community and may derive health benefits from regular volunteering. Our aim is to alleviate feelings of anxiety, loneliness and isolation that may be experienced by many people across our communities, by contact from a volunteer befriender. If you’re a friendly person who likes talking to people, then this is the role for you. This service aims to capture volunteers who have their own telephone. Ideally, you will have unlimited minutes on your personal mobile so the calls should not cost you anything.
What does a Volunteer Telephone Befriender do?
To telephone Befriendee’s at their home for around 10 -30 minutes. You will arrange the exact times of your future calls direct with the Befriendee’s. This could range from once a day to once a week, but individual needs will be matched with your availability
To provide a telephone conversation, a listening ear and chat about interests and hobbies, helping to alleviate loneliness and feelings of isolation.
To provide companionship and human interaction at a time when this may be limited.
To provide an update after each call to the Together Talks support Team. This is so we can keep a track of the amount of befriending calls each volunteer is undertaking, the type of support being offered during these calls and if there is anything further required.
It is important to note telephone befriending is not counselling or therapy and other services must be sought if this is required.
Benefits
- Free DBS.
- Discounted food.
- Store discount.
- Work from home.
- Above all you will be making a positive difference in your befriendee’s life.
- As a volunteer telephone befriender, you will learn how to support others, make friends, become more confident, and practice communication skills.
- You will gain new and transferable skills. We offer support for you to increase your own job-readiness and personal development.
- Training opportunities,
- Volunteering experience
- Detailed references will be provided.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Island Lead Volunteer is a key volunteer leadership role within Scouting with responsibility for providing outstanding management and support for the groups within the County. The primary focus for the Island Lead Volunteer is to ensure that Scouting is able to reach every young person in Jersey; open to all regardless of faith, colour or social background, because we believe Scouting has the ability to change lives.
This is achieved by leading the team of Group Lead Volunteers, and other Island appointments as well as working with the Growth and Communities Team (employed staff) to provide enough places to meet the demand for Scouting, and by ensuring that every youth member has access to a high-quality balanced programme that is challenging, relevant and rewarding.
As our Island Lead Volunteer, you'll get the opportunity to lead Jersey through transformation and develop working in teams, and look at extending the reach of scouting to all parts of the county and for all those who want to become involved. You will be able to really develop and hone your leadership skills by managing teams of remote volunteers across the breadth of Jersey.
Leading and managing volunteers provides so much more opportunity and experiences than with employees, and the skills you can gain by doing this really can be a great asset for your professional life as well as in Scouts. The issues and challenges that you find ways to tackle will stretch you as an individual and as a leader, and you’ll find yourself discovering new things that you are capable of achieving, all within a supportive environment.
If you get a kick out of seeing things happen, achieving success and making a positive impact to a wide audience then the Island Lead Volunteer role definitely provides all of that.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
A bit about this role
At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have over 250 branches across the UK, all of which help our feline friends in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve, help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and staff, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.
What can you expect to be doing?
- Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
- Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
- Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
- Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
- Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
- Organising and chairing team meetings
- Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection
A bit more information about this role and the team
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by supporting other volunteers in their roles. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
We’re looking for someone with
- Strong interpersonal, leadership and people management skills
- Experience of promoting a positive team environment
- Confidence and experience of ensuring policies, procedures and processes are met
- Excellent communication skills with individuals and groups at all levels
- Organisational skills and the ability to prioritise and delegate
- Ability to think and plan ahead
- Patience and diplomacy
- Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
- Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+
Time expectation
Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are always available.
Support, guidance and keeping you safe
At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.
The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.
A bit about this role
If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food– and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.
Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.
What can you expect to be doing?
- Arranging and transporting equipment, litter and cat food
- Transporting cats to and from vets, foster homes and centres
- Transporting equipment to and from events
A bit more information about this role and the team
As part of this role you will be using own car to transport donations and cats. Mileage will be re-imbursed.
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by providing transport assistance to local volunteer groups and teams. You will meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
We’re looking for someone with
- Good organisation and time management skills
- Knowledge of the local community
- A current driver’s licence
- Either access to a vehicle or happy to drive a Cats Protection van (subject to availabilty)
- The ability to carry out some heavy lifting
Time expectation
Our transport volunteers usually spend two to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
Support, guidance and keeping you safe
At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.
The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
To campaign for and deliver accessible and inclusive community health and wellbeing support services for individuals, families, and carers.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
A bit about this role
At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats every year and the majority of these success stories are thanks to the dedication and effort of our passionate volunteers. Our volunteer champion team leaders support local volunteer groups by leading a team of others that provide recruitment, induction and recognition support to wider volunteer groups and teams.
What can you expect to be doing?
- Recruiting the volunteer champions team of volunteers
- Allocating tasks and activities to other members of the volunteer champions team
- Identifying ways to involve volunteers
- Providing support, encouragement, and leadership
- Promoting a culture of volunteering best practice
- Encouraging volunteer feedback
A bit more information about this role and the team
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by supporting the volunteer champion’s team to recruit, induct and recognise volunteers. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
We’re looking for someone with
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to use own initiative
- Willingness to be part of a team
- Good knowledge of IT
- Experience in managing people
- The ability to delegate
- Knowledge and experience of volunteering and volunteer management
Time expectation
Our volunteer champion team leaders usually spend 3 to 4 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
Support, guidance and keeping you safe
At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.
The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Framlingham & Saxmundham
Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.
A bit about this role
Unfortunately thousands of cats each year are abandoned or have strayed and rely on charities like Cats Protection for help. Becoming a TNR volunteer is one way you can make a real difference to cats in your local area. Our TNR volunteers help reduce the number of feral cats by raising awareness of our TNR programmes, setting humane traps to safely capture cats, taking them to local vets to be neutered, and hopefully returning them back to their territory. Local TNR programmes are crucial, as feral and abandoned cats present a huge challenge for communities across the UK.
What can you expect to be doing?
- Trapping cats using humane methods
- Taking cats to local vets to be neutered
- Returning cats to their territory or finding a suitable alternative
The role might also include:
- Regular feeding of feral colonies
- Promoting neutering by building relationships with farmers, land owners and local businesses
- Liaising with vets to promote and arrange neutering
A bit more information about this role and the team
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping reduce the number of unwanted cats and improving the lives of cats in your local area. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
We’re looking for someone with
- Basic knowledge of cats and cat care
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- A well organised and practical approach
- Patience and perseverance
- The ability to deal with sensitive situations
- Good communication skills
- A full, clean driving licence and access to a vehicle
Time expectation
This is a flexible role and the hours will vary depending on the number of cats identified for specific TNR campaigns. Our current TNR volunteers spend about 2 to 3 hours per week in this role which can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
Support, guidance and keeping you safe
At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.
The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our weekly art class provides space and opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to express themselves through creative activities. The group has diverse interests and needs, and we are looking for a volunteer to join the sessions to support people to get the most out of each sessions.
Your role could include setting up activity areas, working 121 with individuals, or in small groups. The class is led by an experienced tutor, and some members of the group also receive support from their support workers.
We are based in a multi-purpose community centre near North Dulwich. You will be part of a small and friendly staff and volunteer team that are all committed to supporting adults with learning disabilities to fully participate in the activities that are important to them.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
ABOUT THE ROLE
The role of the Volunteer Barber is an important one to the charity as part of our confidence-building and resettlement efforts.
The role will suit someone who is a trainee or qualified barber or hairdresser, who can commit to 6 hours per month at our Health and Wellbeing days across South West London.
The volunteer will be mindful of how much a new appearance can increase the self-esteem of someone who is experiencing homelessness or is being resettled by SPEAR. They will enjoy developing positive relationships with new people and will be willing to work outside of their own comfort zone providing haircuts at no charge to SPEAR clients.
LOCATION/S: Our Health and Wellbeing days are held across Richmond, Kingston, Wandsworth, Merton and Sutton Boroughs. We hold approximately one Health and Well-being day per month in one of the above locations.
The volunteer must have an enhanced DBS background check (SPEAR will apply for this on your behalf.)
For more information about this volunteering opportunity, please see the role description.
SPEAR welcomes and encourages applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Why we need your help
• To enable us to provide a rehabilitation and enablement service to patients in their own homes.
• To promote independence and support to help someone to achieve their goal
• Increase patients’ self-confidence and ability to self-manage their difficulties or symptoms.
What activities will you be involved in as part of this volunteer role?
You will be providing rehabilitation for patients in their own home. This may include;
· Helping with exercises that may make things easier for them at home (for example standing from a chair)
· Supporting people to manage their breathlessness
· Helping a patient to put some techniques into practice that may help with day to day activities.
· Helping someone to mobilise
Other activities include;
· Attending a joint visit with the therapist to be introduced to the patient and the exercises they will be doing.
· Dealing sensitively and politely with patients that you visit at home.
· Respect that you are in someone’s home and acting appropriately.
· Arranging further visits as agreed with the patient and the therapist within agreed hours.
· Promoting rehabilitation in all of your interactions with both patients and their families.
· Contacting the Living Well at Home team prior to and directly after a visit to ensure your safety at all times.
· Complete the visit report and submit it to the Living Well at Home team on the same day as the visit.
You will not be involved in the following;
· Toileting or personal care.
What you can gain from volunteering in this role
• Know you are helping dying people in your local community have access to care and support, whenever and wherever they need it.
• Experience of rehabilitation and really helping to make a difference to someone’s quality of life
• Opportunity to meet and work with interesting and diverse people
• Join an enthusiastic team, meet new people and get more involved in your local community
• Use and develop your skills, enhancing your CV if that is important to you
• Know you are helping dying people in your local community have access to care and support, whenever and wherever they need it.
Training and support provided
• An Introduction to Supporting People at End of Life training, date to be confirmed.
• Staff and volunteer induction training (covering all mandatory training)
• Living Well at Home Project training. Up to 1 day, at the Sydenham site or by zoom, depending on your availability. (Training is flexible at present and we will try and fit in with your availability)
• Ongoing informal training specific to the patient that you are visiting
• Monthly supervision sessions with the Living Well at Home team.
• Contact with the Living Well at Home team for support or questions regarding the patient/family at any time during working hours.
• Reasonable travel expenses will be paid
• Support from the Volunteering team including a regular e-newsletter
• Volunteer handbook and volunteer workbook
• Regular updates and training through MyImpact
We are looking for someone who is
· Approachable and friendly and able to get on well with people of many different backgrounds
· Caring and committed to help improve the quality of life for our patients
· Able to work in a professional manner with patients who have a terminal illness
· Capable of completing entries in patient files and updating other written documents as instructed
· Enthusiastic about learning and keen to develop new skills
· Reliable and can be flexible in the offer of time
• Able to follow our policies and procedures to keep you, our staff, our patients and our customers safe
• Able to represent St Christopher’s and our values positively.
Anything else you need to know
• There is a short settling in period to see if the role is right for you
• This role will require pre-volunteering checks, which will include a DBS Check. Having a criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from volunteering with us. Every situation is assessed on an individual basis.
• At St Christopher’s we believe that no volunteer should be out of pocket because of their volunteering. The reimbursement of reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering will help ensure volunteering is accessible.
Commitment to volunteering
Signing up to be a volunteer with St Christopher’s Hospice is a big commitment and requires lots of training and support from the organisation. With this in mind, ideally you would be able to volunteer with us for a minimum of a year. We would also ask that you to inform your manager if you are unable to attend your shift with as much notice as possible.
Equality and diversity
St Christopher’s recognises the qualities and strengths that a diverse group of volunteers bring to the organisation and we therefore particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups within the local communities and from a range of different cultures and backgrounds.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.