Home Start Home Visiting Volunteer Volunteer Roles

At Koala NW, our volunteer support is at the heart of what we do and we know how much our families appreciate the support our volunteers offer.

As a Koala North West volunteer, you will be given the training and support to make a real difference to families in your community. You will also develop transferable skills which can support you in your life, whether that’s at home or at work. You will make friends along the way and join other volunteers for peer support sessions and join in celebrations like National Volunteers week & Christmas events.

Once you have completed your 6 session training programme, you will be matched to a suitable family to offer emotional and practical support. You will be supported by a coordinator and given support and supervision regularly.

Every family we support is unique so the support that we offer is equally unique to that family and depends entirely on the circumstances and what they would like support with. We help parents identify what they are already doing well, and support them to build on this to improve their relationships with their children.

You will be visiting families in their own homes once a week for an hour or two, if you have availability to support more than one family just let us know and you can be matched to additional families. Or you may be offering virtual support. During the pandemic, we had to adjust our home visiting to virtual support, via zoom, telephone /What’s App video calls/ texts. It proved very successful as this was a regular contact for families during lockdown.

Due to the success of virtual support, if families prefer this type of support as an alternative to home visits, that’s okay.

Support in one or more of the following areas could be offered:

• Social isolation/loneliness, support families to get outdoors, walking with them to the park or accompanying to appointments etc
• Poor emotional and/or mental health wellbeing
• Managing children’s behaviours/sleep issues
• School readiness
• Family bereavement
• Disability/complex needs or ill health
• New baby/multiple births
• Difficulty with home management/routine
• Budgeting

All home visits by volunteers are carried out between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. (Flexible around family and work commitments)

What does Koala NW expect from you?

• You have parenting experience
• You have a non-judgemental attitude
• You are flexible and can commit to 2 hours minimum each week for a period of at least 12 months
• You are able to attend a 6 session training course. Training is held locally and runs 1 day a week for 6 consecutive weeks between 9.30am and 2.30pm
• You are willing to attend ongoing training to support you in your volunteering role.

We are proud that 43% of our current staff started as volunteers with Koala North West.

Since we started, we have supported in excess of 12,000 families and trained more than 1,500 volunteers.

Volunteering can change a family's life and 1-2 hours per week can make such a huge difference. Our volunteers are the difference.

We are based in Camden, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth and Westminster.

At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.

With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.

What’s Involved?

As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families at their homes every week with a backpack full of books to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:

• Handpick books based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
• Visit their homes with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions  
• Leave behind a selection of books for the children to borrow for the week

Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

When and Where?

We have volunteer opportunities in: Hammersmith, Parsons Green, Fulham Broadway, Shepherds Bush, East Acton, Latimer Road, Euston, Kings Cross, Marylebone, Edgware Road, Queens Park, Pimlico, Brixton and Tulse Hill.

• Time commitment: One evening a week, or once every 3 weeks as a Stand-In Volunteer
• Hours per week: 2.5
• Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays depending on where you are based from 4:30pm – 7:00pm

Skills/Experience Needed

• Be able to make a regular weekly commitment or once every 3 weeks for a Stand-In Volunteer during school term time
• Be compliant with our safeguarding procedures, complete an Enhanced DBS, Child Barred List check, and provide 2 references
• Enjoy spending time with children and believe in education for all
• Have comfortable fluency in English
• Be non-judgmental and respectful of a variety of lifestyles and children’s learning
• Have excellent communication skills – be able to listen to families and communicate effectively with Project Leaders (including via text/emails/calls with Doorstep Library staff)
• Be reliable – always attending a pre-agreed session and giving plenty of notice in advance of absences
• Be friendly – to build good relationships with families, your volunteer partner and the rest of the team
• Be confident – to lead the session or mentor a new volunteer
• Be patient, persistent and flexible – tailoring your approach to each family’s needs

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references.  Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.  

At Koala NW, our volunteer support is at the heart of what we do and we know how much our families appreciate the support our volunteers offer.

As a Koala North West volunteer, you will be given the training and support to make a real difference to families in your community. You will also develop transferable skills which can support you in your life, whether that’s at home or at work. You will make friends along the way and join other volunteers for peer support sessions and join in celebrations like National Volunteers week & Christmas events.

Once you have completed your 6 weeks training programme, you will be matched to a suitable family to offer emotional and practical support. You will be supported by a coordinator and given support and supervision regularly.

Every family we support is unique so the support that we offer is equally unique to that family and depends entirely on the circumstances and what they would like support with. We help parents identify what they are already doing well, and support them to build on this to improve their relationships with their children.

You will be visiting families in their own homes once a week for an hour or two, if you have availability to support more than one family just let us know and you can be matched to additional families. Or you may be offering virtual support. During the pandemic, we had to adjust our home visiting to virtual support, via zoom, telephone /What’s App video calls/ texts. It proved very successful as this was a regular contact for families during lockdown.

Due to the success of virtual support, if families prefer this type of support as an alternative to home visits, that’s okay.

Support in one or more of the following areas could be offered:

• Social isolation/loneliness, support families to get outdoors, walking with them to the park or accompanying to appointments etc
• Poor emotional and/or mental health wellbeing
• Managing children’s behaviours/sleep issues
• School readiness
• Family bereavement
• Disability/complex needs or ill health
• New baby/multiple births
• Difficulty with home management/routine
• Budgeting

All home visits by volunteers are carried out between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. (Flexible around family and work commitments)

What do Koala NW expected from you?

• You have parenting experience
• You have a non-judgemental attitude
• You are flexible and are able to commit to 2 hours minimum each week for a period of at least 12 months
• You are able to attend a 6 week training course. Training is held in Liverpool and runs 1 day a week for 6 consecutive weeks between 9.30am and 2.30pm
• You are willing to attend ongoing training to support you in your volunteering role.

We are proud that 43% of our current staff started as volunteers with Koala North West.

Since we started, we have supported in excess of 12,000 families and trained more than 1,500 volunteers.

Volunteering can change a family's life and 1-2 hours per week can make such a huge difference. Our volunteers are the difference.

Full training will be provided and paid travel expenses.

Job Type: Volunteer

Work Location: In person

At Koala NW, our volunteer support is at the heart of what we do and we know how much our families appreciate the support our volunteers offer.

As a Koala North West volunteer, you will be given the training and support to make a real difference to families in your community. You will also develop transferable skills which can support you in your life, whether that’s at home or at work. You will make friends along the way and join other volunteers for peer support sessions and join in celebrations like National Volunteers week & Christmas events.

Once you have completed your 6 session training programme, you will be matched to a suitable family to offer emotional and practical support. You will be supported by a coordinator and given support and supervision regularly.

Every family we support is unique so the support that we offer is equally unique to that family and depends entirely on the circumstances and what they would like support with. We help parents identify what they are already doing well, and support them to build on this to improve their relationships with their children.

You will be visiting families in their own homes once a week for an hour or two, if you have availability to support more than one family just let us know and you can be matched to additional families. Or you may be offering virtual support. During the pandemic, we had to adjust our home visiting to virtual support, via zoom, telephone /What’s App video calls/ texts. It proved very successful as this was a regular contact for families during lockdown.

Due to the success of virtual support, if families prefer this type of support as an alternative to home visits, that’s okay.

Support in one or more of the following areas could be offered:

• Social isolation/loneliness, support families to get outdoors, walking with them to the park or accompanying to appointments etc
• Poor emotional and/or mental health wellbeing
• Managing children’s behaviours/sleep issues
• School readiness
• Family bereavement
• Disability/complex needs or ill health
• New baby/multiple births
• Difficulty with home management/routine
• Budgeting

All home visits by volunteers are carried out between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. (Flexible around family and work commitments)

What does Koala NW expect from you?

• You have parenting experience
• You have a non-judgemental attitude
• You are flexible and are able to commit to 2 hours minimum each week for a period of at least 12 months
• You are able to attend a 6 session training course. Training is held in Chester and runs 1 day a week for 6 consecutive weeks between 9.30am and 2.30pm
• You are willing to attend ongoing training to support you in your volunteering role.

We are proud that 43% of our current staff started as volunteers with Koala North West.

Since we started, we have supported in excess of 12,000 families and trained more than 1,500 volunteers.

Volunteering can change a family's life and 1-2 hours per week can make such a huge difference. Our volunteers are the difference.

Full training will be provided and paid travel expenses.

Job Type: Volunteer

Work Location: In person

Home-Start Camden & Islington (HSC&I) offers free, confidential support and practical help to parents of children under five in the London Boroughs of Camden and Islington who are struggling.

We are looking for volunteers with parenting or child caring experience to support families for 2-3 hours per week, for a minimum of one year upon completing the preparation course.

We provide a preparation course for all volunteers before they start to visit families, which covers all the essential training and information you will require.

The main task of a volunteer is to visit families in their own homes on a regular basis, to offer a combination of the following: Friendship / Practical Help / A listening ear / To accompany to appointments, or help access local amenities / The opportunity to share ideas of skills, leading to increased parental confidence / Links to community resources and support systems

Home-Start Portsmouth is looking for a new Chairperson to lead our Board of Trustees and contribute to the development and success of the charity.

Home-Start Portsmouth supports families with young children through their most challenging times. Our vision is a world where no parent feels alone in the critical task of raising children.

The charity is part of the Home-Start UK federation of more than 80 Home-Starts.

Through our expert staff team and local community of more than 100 trained volunteers, we offer practical and emotional support to parents and families by spending time in their homes, running parenting programmes and offering stay and play groups, and school-readiness programmes in the community.

In 2022-23, we supported 1,394 families through projects and community groups, and 788 children. Our volunteers delivered almost 17,000 hours of support to families.

It's an exciting time to join the charity as, this year, we are on target to triple income, have doubled the staff team and are offering services to many more families in the city.

The role

We are looking for a strong and passionate Chair to lead and enable the Board of Trustees at Home-Start Portsmouth (made up of eight Trustees and CEO).

You will support us in developing and delivering a focused and robust rolling three-year business plan, to deliver on all governance requirements, and to be a highly visible member of the community.

Find out more

Please see the information document for a full role and person specification.

Home-Start Portsmouth supports a diverse range of families across the city, and we are keen to diversify our Board to reflect the families we support. We actively seek and encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals, and men, as we are underrepresented in these areas.

If you have the experience we are looking for, and want to get involved in something meaningful locally, we'd love to hear from you.

For a conversation about the role or to express your interest, please contact Home-Start Portsmouth Trustee Iain Cooper before 29 February 2024.

Home-Start in Suffolk is seeking up to four individuals to join our Board of Trustees to offer strategic support and guidance to Home-Start in Suffolk. You will join a strong, committed Trustee Board and help strengthen further the breadth of experience.

We are specifically interested in individuals with some of the following experiences:

• We want to ensure the voice of our clients is informing our governance and welcome applications from those with experience of our work this may be as a previously supported family or volunteer.
• We would like candidates with experience and strong expertise in marketing, networking, or expertise in volunteer management.
• We work across the county and are keen to have a geographic representation on our board. Currently, we have less representation from West Suffolk, Babergh and Waveney so would encourage applications from people living or working in these areas.
• We are also keen to bring further diversity and perspective to our Board. This might include experiences of life on a low income, your challenges in parenting or childhood or receiving support, migration or being in a minoritised racial community, being LGBT+ or in a family with this experience or living with a disability. Your diverse experience can help us as a Board better understand the wider range of families we aim to support.

If you are interested but don’t meet any of the above suggestions, please still get in touch as we will consider a variety of roles and experiences.

Previous experience of being a trustee is welcome but not necessary - we can provide a supportive environment for those wishing to gain their first trustee role.

If this sounds like your type of role, we would love to hear from you!

We hope you will consider making an application. If you have questions about the role and would find it helpful to have an informal conversation, please contact Home-Start in Suffolk and we will be happy to arrange a call. To make an application, please provide:

Your CV – which should include a summary of your relevant experiences.

Supporting Statement – Please prepare a statement (no more than 1 A4 page) that sets out why you are interested in this appointment and highlights the experiences and qualities you believe will help your success in this role.

Please also inform us of any dates when you are not available for interview.

Interview dates: Interview dates will be mutually agreed and held via Teams/Zoom

The application

A standardised scoring system is used to ensure fair shortlisting of candidates for interviews.

If written format is not your preferred method of communication, we can offer the opportunity to apply via voice note or video recording instead. Simply contact us to discuss this option.

Please let us know if we can help you in overcoming any barriers to support you in making an application.

At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.

With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.

What’s Involved?

As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families via Zoom every week with eBooks to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:

• Handpick eBooks from our online portals based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
• Join families via Zoom with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions  
• Make notes after the session to keep track of how the child/ren are progressing

Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

When and Where?

You can be based anywhere in the UK to become a Doorstep Library online volunteer.

• Time commitment: One evening a week, or once every 3 weeks as a Stand-In Volunteer
• Hours per week: 2
• Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Skills/Experience Needed

• Be able to make a regular weekly commitment or once every 3 weeks for a Stand-In Volunteer during school term time
• Be compliant with our safeguarding procedures, complete an Enhanced DBS, Child Barred List check, and provide 2 references
• Enjoy spending time with children and believe in education for all
• Have comfortable fluency in English
• Be non-judgmental and respectful of a variety of lifestyles and children’s learning
• Have excellent communication skills – be able to listen to families and communicate effectively with Project Leaders (including via text/emails/calls with Doorstep Library staff)
• Be confident using technology – for connecting with families via Zoom and completing records
• Be organised – be able to multi-task in a multi-faceted role comprising of much more than solely reading to children
• Be reliable – always attending a pre-agreed session and giving plenty of notice in advance of absences
• Be friendly – to build good relationships with families, your volunteer partner and the rest of the team
• Be confident – to lead the session or mentor a new volunteer
• Be patient, persistent and flexible – tailoring your approach to each family’s needs

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references.  Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.  

Due to Trustee retirement, Braintree Area Foodbank is looking for a new volunteer Finance Trustee. You will be part of Braintree Area Foodbank's board of Trustees, which provides governance and leadership over a Charity that provided over 12,000 meals last year. Braintree Area Foodbank has grown significantly in recent years, with new, exciting projects on the horizon. The Charity is looking for a candidate from a financial background, with experience of planning, preparing and monitoring budgets with expertise in the preparation of annual accounts. Support is available from a volunteer Treasurer along with additional support and guidance from the Board. If you are looking for a new volunteering role in a fast moving environment that directly supports those in poverty and makes a real difference then this could be the role for you.

Brief outline of Braintree Area Foodbank: 

Braintree Area Foodbank started in 2012. We are a part of the Trussell Trust network of food banks and distribute food and other essentials to people in crisis food poverty. We operate over a wide area around Braintree, with distribution centres in Braintree itself, Great Notley, Sible Hedingham, Halstead and Witham, supported by home deliveries where required. We work with a wide range of frontline referral agencies, voluntary and statutory, which are issued with vouchers to enable them to refer clients to the foodbank, having assessed their needs. Clients then visit one of our centres where they are met with light refreshments and a listening ear. Additionally, in order to try to mitigate the underlying cause of the crisis, our centres have information on a wide range of organisations to which clients may be signposted by one our volunteers.

Key duties and responsibilities: 

• Review timesheets, run payroll including the maintenance of this system. Set up payments for travel and remuneration. This includes managing the Inland Revenue system and the pension scheme.
• Monitor and manage our online finance management system, including updating our internal cash flow report.
• Provide supporting financial information for grant applications. Including monitoring and maintaining records for related expenditure for grants received for inclusion in donor reports.
• Review Charity savings including the investigation for new or renewable investments, with the completion of paperwork as necessary.
• Prepare and present the annual budget for the Board of Trustees agreement.
• Complete the SOFA, balance sheet and notes for inclusion in the TAR. This will include liasing with Trustees to support a Trustee commentary to sufficiently explain financial data.
• Obtaining the acceptance of the TAR from Trustees and organise and attend meetings with the Independent Examiner.

A full job description and person specification can be found attached to this advert. 

Wellbeing Volunteer

Herriot Hospice@The Lambert & Local Community, North Yorkshire

Wellbeing volunteers are vital within the Wellbeing Network, in supporting people living with terminal illness, their families, and carers.

As we will soon be opening the doors of our new Herriot Hospice@the Lambert in Thirsk, we are looking to expand the number of Wellbeing volunteers to reach more people. The roles are varied and bespoke, to support the needs of individuals providing reliable social and emotional support to people wherever they need it. 

Volunteer roles are designed to support both the patient or client, and their carer to live as well as they can with a terminal diagnosis.

To apply, please click on 'How to apply' .

Role Description   

Through volunteering your time at Saint Michael’s and Herriot Hospice Homecare you are supporting those in our community at a time when they need it most.  Volunteers are integral to our work; and we would love to welcome you to our team.

Wellbeing volunteer roles are delivered as below, however if you have a particular skill that you feel would support us, please get in touch.

• The Community Hub at The Lambert – our newest addition to our volunteer roles, providing support to patients, their families and anyone else that comes in, signposting to our services and offering a listening ear. This role will also work closely with the Food and Nutrition team in the hub.
• Sitting - simply staying with the patient, providing respite and empowering their carer to get out for a walk, appointments, or meeting friends.
• Befriending - simply being there, listening, supporting with isolation, accompanying the individual with their support networks in the community, going for a walk.
• Driving – to offer a short drive to medical appointments and to social groups , to pick up prescriptions for the inpatient unit .
• Groups – The Wellbeing Network has a range of social groups to offer the opportunity for people to come together to provide each other with social and emotional support.  Volunteers are to welcome individuals, offer refreshments and a listening ear and support the wider team with collecting feedback about the support received.
• IPU – Volunteers to visit patients on the inpatient unit and offer some companionship, reading to patients, sitting with them to provide reassurance, or helping with activities.
• Armed Forces - The service also provides befriending support to veterans who have served in the Armed Forces.

Volunteering should be a mutually beneficial role, and we believe that consistency is important, so we hope volunteers will be able to support for 2-4 hours per week in whichever role you want to support in – we welcome applicants who want to combine different roles!

1. Key Tasks

• Offering companionship and social support either in person or on the telephone.
• Accompanying the person on a walk or other social activity, for example visit a café.
• Support the person with an activity like shopping, carry out some gardening or a light household task.
• Driving someone to an appointment, for example a medical appointment.
• Sitting with a person with a terminal diagnosis to allow their family member or carer to leave the house for a short period or time, for example to allow them to go shopping, attend a medical appointment, have a break or another essential appointment.
• We will ask for feedback about the service and this will be in the form of questionnaires for the client, carer and volunteer this will enable us to plan any further developments to the service.

NB:  volunteers may use their own vehicles where appropriate – after notifying their insurance provider and providing a copy of their driving licence

Tasks are not to include (more detail will be given during the training programme):

• Assisting the person whilst they are using the toilet, dressing, showering (this is considered personal care)
• Giving the person their medication or assisting with their oxygen
• Nursing tasks

It is essential that volunteers adhere to the role description, undertake appropriate tasks only and are clear about the boundaries of this role. If volunteers are unsure about any task they have been asked to carry out, they should contact their line manager for advice. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of both clients and volunteers.

Overarching responsibilities

• To embed the values of the organisation into your working practices, evidencing this regularly and ensuring this remains a priority.
• To live out our values, which drive all that we do, in the context of your everyday work following our behaviour framework.
• To work in accordance and fully comply with our organisational policies and procedures.
• To carry out all duties in accordance with the law, regulations, organisational frameworks, recognised professional guidelines and the have a commitment to FREDIE, integration and collective decision making.

Throughout your time with us we will conduct ongoing employment checks and performance reviews relevant to your role, for example professional registration checks, DBS, appraisals and regular contact meetings.

1. Person Specification

Is this the right role for you?

You will be:

• Sensitive and empathetic
• Friendly and approachable
• Confident in your ability to undertake a role that may be emotionally challenging at times.
• Happy working as part of a team, but also happy to work independently
• Confident in following the boundaries of the role
• Strict adherence to confidentiality.
• Confident in escalating any concerns.

We will:

• Provide a key contact who will be contactable at any time during the working hours of (Mon-Fri 9:00-16.00). The key contact will offer responsive supervision if an issue arises during a visit or telephone call.
• Facilitate a monthly group supervision session with a member of the team; this provides an opportunity to for more structured supervision and to reflect with other volunteer visitors, and share your experiences.
• Provide regular one to one review/supervision– giving you the opportunity to reflect on the volunteering experience and receive feedback.
• Ensure you have all the training you need to feel confident in your role. 
• Ensure any patient or client you interact with has an up to date risk assessment
• Communicate regularly and effectively with you to ensure you are empowered in your role.
• Provide an up to date suite of policies to support you in delivering your role.

Getting started and training:

• Interested candidates will be invited to a short interview, which is an opportunity for you and us to get to know each other and understand more about the role, and what an impact volunteering can have.
• We offer a thorough and comprehensive training programme, with elements of face-to face and online training, providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to undertake these roles, with yearly updates.
• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken before commencing volunteering.
• Attendance at group supervision on a monthly basis.

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

Across the UK, many cats are cared for by volunteer fosterers who provide a stable, safe and loving environment in their homes or in purpose-built pens in their gardens. They provide vital hands-on care and accommodation to stray or abandoned cats or cats whose owners could sadly no longer keep them, and are part of a dedicated team of volunteers committed to finding new homes for cats in need. Our fosterers carry out this role with support from their local branch or centre.

Most of our fosterers care for one or two cats at a time and enjoy providing lots of TLC to those cats, who have been pre-loved or have had a difficult start in life. Some of our fosterers look after new mums and kittens and provide round-the-clock care to newborns to give them the best start in life.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Meeting the needs of the cats and kittens in your care
• Cleaning and looking after the cats’ environment and equipment
• Feeding, grooming and administering medication
• Spending time enriching the cats’ experience in care including; play, exercise and stroking
• Maintaining high standards of animal welfare

A bit more information about this role and the team

must have access to a car to enable visits to the centre or the nominated veterinary clinic.

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 in need by caring for them before they find new, loving homes. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A dedicated suitable spare room in your house or space in your garden for a purpose-built pen – you can read more about this here
• Basic knowledge of cats, cat care and understanding their needs
• An appreciation of cat welfare and hygiene standards
• Good interpersonal skills
• Patience, commitment and empathy
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend one and a half hours per day on average (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care. In order to help you feel confident in your fosterer role we ask that prior to looking after your first foster cat you complete some online cat welfare learning modules.

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.

Why am I needed?

Community is at the heart of everything that we do at Tenovus Cancer Care to help those affected by cancer. Our aim is simple – to deliver a vision where fewer people get cancer and those that do receive equal access to excellent treatment. However, we can’t do this without your help. Our shops in local communities are crucial to us raising vital funds. So, we’d like you to volunteer your time and commitment to help us make a difference. We need you to help create exciting collections to display and sell in our windows and in our shops to help turn unsaleable donated clothes into cash.

What will I be doing?

Creating a product/collection of products from upcycling donated stock items which are not saleable in their current condition

Promoting awareness of the charity and the services that we provide.

What skills do I need?

Creativity

A strong interest in fashion

It’d be great if you have some knowledge of fashion trends

A really keen eye for detail

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

Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team and customers.

How much time do I need to commit? 

We appreciate any time you’d like to give, any up-cycling can be completed at home but you will build a relationship with your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop where you will collect materials and your up-cycled items will be sold.

What support will I be given?

Before starting with Tenovus Cancer Care, we ask that you visit the Shop Management team in the shop so we can both see how the role may suit you.

Following that the Shop Manager and team will be on hand to advise and help you select products you can use.

Becoming a volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care can be a rewarding experience and is certainly invaluable to the charity and its goals.

What benefits can I expect?

Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy

The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a vital difference to the work of Tenovus Cancer Care, and in particular the people who access our unique services

The opportunity to be creative and bring new ideas to the shop whilst developing your creative and design skills

The opportunity to develop new and existing skills

Access to all internal vacancies

Access to training

The enjoyment of meeting new people and being part of our Retail Team

The chance to gain experience of helping Wales’s leading cancer charity.

Where will I be based?

You’ll be based at home but visit and maintain contact with your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop.

How do I apply?

If you’re over eighteen years old and would like to apply please contact the Shop Manager in your local shop directly or alternatively please contact our Volunteer Development Team on our website.

Inclusivity:

Whether you’re a volunteer, supporter, or staff member, we want everyone to feel welcome at Tenovus Cancer Care. We are committed to greater diversity across our people to make sure we have a breadth of experience, skills and perspective that reflects the communities we serve.

Midland Mencap is a charity which works and campaigns for accessible and inclusive services and a better quality of life for everyone with experience of learning disabilities and additional needs

Purpose of the role

With your friendly attitude and knowledge of the local area, you could be the support a Midland Mencap citizen needs to access and enjoy their local community and make a big difference to their lives.

Some of our citizens may be dealing with a variety of difficulties including depression, isolation, physical and mental health problems, Your role will be to help them to enjoy their local community in the way that they want; this may include activities such as going shopping, attending an event, visiting a park or a local facility – and having fun.

What would I be doing?

·Visit a Midland Mencap citizen

·Accompany them to agreed community locations and activities

·Provide a befriending support role to ensure the citizen enjoys a positive experience

·    To record and maintain basic records as required

·To ensure the activities undertaken complies with safeguarding, equal opportunities, health & safety and other policies and the guidelines provided by Midland Mencap.

What do I need?

· Being approachable and friendly

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge of, and able to travel to local places

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

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

· Good time management skills, reliability

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

When and where do you need me?

· A minimum of 2 visits per month

· Days and times are flexible and agreed in advance, but there may be some specific activities the citizen wishes to attend

· In the local community

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

· An induction and settling in period

· Any training and development that is needed

· The chance to develop your skills and gain experience

· The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team

· Support within your role

· Any out-of-pocket travel expenses

· Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

· Positive wellbeing from doing something great

· Improve career opportunities by adding your volunteer role to a CV and ask us for a reference

Why am I needed?

Community is at the heart of everything that we do at Tenovus Cancer Care to help those affected by cancer. Our aim is simple – to deliver a vision where fewer people get cancer and those that do receive equal access to excellent treatment. However, we can’t do this without your help. Our shops in local communities are crucial to us raising vital funds. So, we’d like you to volunteer your time and commitment to help us make a difference. We need you to help create exciting collections to display and sell in our windows and in our shops to help turn unsaleable donated clothes into cash.

What will I be doing?

Creating a product/collection of products from upcycling donated stock items which are not saleable in their current condition

Promoting awareness of the charity and the services that we provide.

What skills do I need?

Creativity

A strong interest in fashion

It’d be great if you have some knowledge of fashion trends

A really keen eye for detail

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

Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team and customers.

How much time do I need to commit? 

We appreciate any time you’d like to give, any up-cycling can be completed at home but you will build a relationship with your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop where you will collect materials and your up-cycled items will be sold.

What support will I be given?

Before starting with Tenovus Cancer Care, we ask that you visit the Shop Management team in the shop so we can both see how the role may suit you.

Following that the Shop Manager and team will be on hand to advise and help you select products you can use.

Becoming a volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care can be a rewarding experience and is certainly invaluable to the charity and its goals.

What benefits can I expect?

Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy

The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a vital difference to the work of Tenovus Cancer Care, and in particular the people who access our unique services

The opportunity to be creative and bring new ideas to the shop whilst developing your creative and design skills

The opportunity to develop new and existing skills

Access to all internal vacancies

Access to training

The enjoyment of meeting new people and being part of our Retail Team

The chance to gain experience of helping Wales’s leading cancer charity.

Where will I be based?

You’ll be based at home but visit and maintain contact with your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop.

How do I apply?

If you’re over eighteen years old and would like to apply please contact the Shop Manager in your local shop directly or alternatively please contact our Volunteer Development Team on our website.

Inclusivity:

Whether you’re a volunteer, supporter, or staff member, we want everyone to feel welcome at Tenovus Cancer Care. We are committed to greater diversity across our people to make sure we have a breadth of experience, skills and perspective that reflects the communities we serve.

We are working to ensure that Tenovus Cancer Care is a fair and equitable place to volunteer. We strive to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sexual orientation, religion, or belief, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership.