Independent Living Service Volunteer Roles in Home Based

Thank you for your interest in Phoenix Enterprises; we’re passionate in our mission to support people living with mental health issues and learning disabilities in Swindon. We are a small, friendly charity, with big impact.

We are looking to recruit a trustee to join our Board, a voluntary position which offers so much. Whilst the position is unpaid, you will feel the rewards of being part of a charity that is making a real difference. We are committed to our objective of building the employability skills of our service users. In the UK only 48% of people with mental health problems, and 17.6% of people with severe learning difficulties, are in employment, versus the national 75%. Mental health issues and learning disabilities can be financially debilitating and very isolating. In addition, those living with mental health problems often face complex and challenging issues ranging from wellbeing, managing the benefits system and finding accommodation. Good work and the right help make all the difference, and that’s what Phoenix is all about.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction and business continuity of the charity, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the Governing Document and legal and regulatory guidelines. Taking our responsibilities seriously requires a meaningful commitment and the ability to work as part of a small, friendly team.

Trustees bring different skills, experiences and perspectives, all really important and valuable in our work, ensuring a healthy approach and objective discourse. Previous board experience is not a pre-requisite, with a welcoming induction, mentoring and opportunity for training; we work as a team with a supportive approach.

Applications for this trustee role are invited from people who are based in or near to Swindon who would like to join our Board and have the capacity to be involved in our work. Trustees are expected to be able to attend the Board meetings and have the time to make an effective contribution to our work. Typically, there are 4 meetings per year. Occasional additional support will be valued for example at meetings with key stakeholders such as grant assessors and Swindon Borough Council.

We are committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve, particularly those with experience of living with mental health issues or disabilities. We look forward to hearing from people who can bring a new perspective and fresh ideas to inform our thinking.

At Mid Norfolk Mencap we are passionate about supporting people with learning disabilities and their families. Enabling people to live independently, person-centred care is at the heart of what we do.

Our mission is to support and enable the people who use our services to lead fulfilling lives, to be involved in their local wider community, and to have access to the same opportunities as all members of society.

Mid Norfolk Mencap was established since 1977, and every year we provide residential living, social opportunities, and specialised Community Outreach support for more than 100 people with a learning disability in Norfolk. However, with around 16,500 adults in Norfolk with a learning disability, we know we can do so much more.

This is an exciting time for us as we work to grow and strengthen our services. As a trustee you will play a vital role in helping us deliver a stronger and more sustainable organisation for the benefit of our service users, their families, and for the staff who work to deliver those services.

Position: Trustee

Location: Trustee Board meetings and many of our charity’s activities take place in Dereham. In addition, some work may be required remotely using Zoom/ Teams, or in other parts of Norfolk from time to time.

Salary: This position is unpaid but reasonable expenses may be paid.

Responsibilities

This role is suited to candidates who can demonstrate professional or skills-based knowledge of benefit to the charity. We would particularly welcome applications from people with experience in the third sector, PR, fundraising, governance, risk management, management and law, and accountancy.

This job is for you if:

• You have a proven track record of integrity and respect for confidential and proprietary information.
• You are a keen and respectful listener who can empathise and respectfully challenge.
• You have a commitment to the charity, are approachable for our service users, and are enthused for its vision, mission and aims.
• You understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
• You are willing to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee (c. 2 – 3 hours per week depending on your role and any specific responsibilities within the Board).
• You are willing to participate in frank and open discussion and can work effectively as a member of a team.
• You can analyse proposals and their consequences, have a good level of competence with IT.
• You are willing to be available to provide guidance to the senior management team on an ad hoc basis.

Training

You will be given a basic induction to the charity and opportunities to meet with the senior management team. We also strongly encourage trustees to spend time participating in our services delivery, getting to know our staff and volunteers – and most importantly, our beneficiaries. We will customise a training and familiarisation package for the successful candidate based on prior knowledge and experience.

Our Recruitment Process

Excellence is important to us, and we know that being a trustee is a great commitment, so it has to be right for both the organisation and for you. Our recruitment process typically includes:

• Two interviews, providing the opportunity for you to meet with at least two existing trustees.
• An invitation to attend the Mid Norfolk Mencap head office and residential home, meeting some of our service users and staff
• An informal meeting with a member of our senior management team
• Dedicated email/phone support for any queries or concerns

Our recruitment process is designed to facilitate a two-way dialogue. We recognise that you need to be as comfortable with us and our operating model as we are with you. Our commitment throughout, is to be open, transparent and to give you as much information as we possibly can so that you can be sure you are making an informed choice to volunteer as a trustee with us.

We look forward to meeting you!

This volunteer role involves being available for a mix of weekly drop-in IT sessions in which you will provide ‘floating support’ as well as pre-arranged one-to-one sessions in order to help clients complete more specific tasks relevant to them.

Digital Inclusion provides a crucial resource, helping people to take positive steps to improve their lives, by overcoming digital exclusion, accessing learning and securing work. In an average session, clients undertake independent learning and tasks, such as; completing searches on the internet, formatting documents and using email, paying bills, filling in forms etc

Increasingly, clients are asking for help with social media platforms, such as; logging into Facebook account, creating a LinkedIn profile or Instagram account to promote their business, or help with blogging.

How does this role make a difference?

All of life’s activities - including job seeking, accessing and managing benefits and housing - take place online.  Clients without IT skills are hugely disadvantaged.  This role provides clients with support, helping them to overcome initial fears or learning barriers.  With increasing confidence, they will be able to access the internet independently.

Who will you be helping?

Users are adults from diverse backgrounds and can range from those who are complete computer beginners, learning the basics of IT, to those needing access to the resource for learning, job search or managing household finances. The service helps clients seeking to address digital skills gaps and improve their confidence in order to access the internet.

What will you be doing?

• Meeting clients and carrying out weekly, one-to-one coaching sessions
• For the remaining time, offering ‘floating support’ to other clients, such as completing searches on the internet, formatting documents and using email

· Helping new clients to complete an IT Initial Basic Skills Assessment

What are we looking for?

• Although advanced technical skills are not required, a good understanding of MS Office (Word and Excel mostly) and a breadth of experience in using the internet are essential in order to coach and help vulnerable clients develop their skills.

• The confidence and willingness to work closely with clients and actively approach them where required. 

· You have some experience assisting or coaching others.

· You are patient, a good listener and have the ability to motivate others.

· You are available for a period of at least six months to give you time to develop a rapport and fulfil learning objectives with the clients.

What is the time commitment?

We are looking to have open access sessions for clients twice a week, days will depend on your availability.  one-to-one sessions can be arranged to fit with these days.

We are asking for a 6 months commitment to enable you to build trusting relationships with clients and develop in your role.  Volunteers find this goes very quickly! 

How will you be supported?

· There is ongoing support by the Learning and Employment Manager.

· Free access to a range of e-learning modules on the Centre’s online e-learning platform

· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel, and also lunch if volunteering a full day.

What is the recruitment procedure?

Application form> Informal interview> Ideally two reference checks> DBS check> Trial period

We are looking for dedicated, energetic and engaged people for the RE Museum’s first independent Board of Trustees.

We have vacancies for up to six Trustees who will join us at a truly groundbreaking time, as we transition into a Charity Incorporated Organisation.

We are building a Board of Trustees with a diversity of backgrounds, skills and experience; ensuring that we are best place to realise our ambitions, improve our public offer, our care for the heritage of the Corps of Royal Engineers and ultimately the positive impact we have on the lives of our growing audiences. 

Further information is available to download in the Trustee Recruitment Pack. We hope that you are keen to apply for the role and thank you for your interest.

Our Trustees are a team of volunteers who use their diverse skills, experience, and perspectives to set the strategic direction of the charity and make sure it’s doing what it was set up to do in the best possible way. 

For families facing tough times, a holiday is a much-needed break from the day to day, as well as giving space and time to breathe, think differently. A holiday is essential for building wellbeing and hope for the future, especially when the present is challenging.

About you

You'll have the energy, integrity, passion, and skills to work with the Board of Trustees, our CEO and staff team, and our community, to drive forward a successful and dynamic future for our charity and the families we support.

We’re particularly looking to add the following professional skills and experiences to our team.

• Developing digital products, tools and/or services.
• Directly supporting children and/or families on an ongoing professional basis.
• Fundraising in a charity through voluntary donations or commercial income.

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before, but you do need to be willing to do some training to help you understand the role and the responsibilities that come with it.

We actively encourage applications from under-represented, marginalised and racialised groups, and those with lived experience of any of the barriers families face to having time away together. That’s things like mental or physical ill health, disability, domestic abuse, being a young carer or living on a low income.

We will make adjustments to our schedule and processes to ensure new trustees can be included and supported in the role.

More diverse perspectives on our Board help us make better decisions for families.

What we offer you

The biggest thing we have to offer is the chance to put your skills and experience to good use making the lives of families who are having a tough time better.

You’ll join a team who really care about making a difference and approach it with real openness and drive. Right off the bat we’ll connect you with the other Trustees and staff so you can get to know everyone, and we’ll buddy you up with another Trustee, so you’ve got someone to help you navigate it all as you settle in.

Expenses

You won’t get paid for your time, but we’ll make sure you aren’t out of pocket by covering the cost of your travel to meetings, childcare or other care if you need it, and a range of other expenses you might have while doing the role. We’ll book and/or pay for these in advance if you prefer.

How to apply

When you click 'Quick Apply' you'll find a link to upload your CV and answer a couple of screening questions.

We will make adjustments to the recruitment process wherever possible to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged for any reason. 

• Monday 20th May - Applications close at 9am
• w/c 3rd June and w/c 10th June  -  First interviews with a panel of current trustees 
• w/c 17th June - Second interviews with Jackie our Vice Chair of Trustees

After the interviews we’ll contact anyone we’d like to join the Board with an offer subject to references and checks.

If you accept, we’ll take up your references, do a DBS check and confirm your eligibility to act as a Trustee. If that’s all ok, you’re in! We’ll introduce you to the rest of the Trustees and get started with your induction.

Formal appointment happens at the next Board meeting which is on Thursday 5th August.

Seeking Passionate Trustees to Drive Financial Equity

Are you ready to make a tangible impact in your community? Talking Money invites passionate individuals to join as Trustees, driving forward their mission to empower those facing financial hardship. As a Trustee, you’ll wield independent control and legal responsibility, shaping the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring alignment with their core purpose.

About Talking Money:

Talking Money is a Bristol-based charity dedicated to empowering individuals facing financial hardship. With a focus on inclusivity and equity, they provide essential support and guidance to those in need, regardless of background or circumstance. Their mission is to alleviate financial stress and promote long-term stability by offering tailored advice, practical assistance, and advocacy services.

Driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to financial education and support, Talking Money delivers a range of programmes and initiatives designed to address diverse needs within the community.

The role:
We are looking for people who care about supporting local people in financial hardship and reducing inequality, who are willing to bring energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking and perspective on the board. Whether you bring expertise in housing, disability, mental health, or fundraising, your unique perspective would be invaluable to the Talking Money board.

We particularly welcome applications from people with direct or indirect (for example though a family member or friend) lived experience of the kinds of issues our clients face (e.g., poverty, financial hardship, over-indebtedness, homelessness).

Personal skills and qualities:

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Creative thinking and strategic acumen to drive organisational growth.
• Effective communication skills and a collaborative spirit.
• A strong alignment with our vision and mission.

Responsibilities:

As a trustee, you’ll play a pivotal role in:

• Overseeing organisational strategy and financial plans.
• Providing support and challenge to our executive team.
• Ensuring compliance with governing documents and legal obligations.
• Promoting and protecting the interests of Talking Money.

Time commitment and expenses:

• This is a voluntary position with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
• Minimum commitment of 17 hours per year, including board meetings and team events.
• Opportunities for professional development and training sessions

Terms of appointment:

• Initial 5-year term, with the possibility of renewal. Potential for progression to Chair of the Board.

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others.

What you’ll be doing

• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand.

• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss.

• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people.

• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals.

What you’ll gain from the role

• An opportunity to give something back.

• A chance to build a strong community.

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make. 

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:

• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers.

• A rewarding experience.

• A great Induction and training.

• A supportive manager.

• Regular updates and catchups.

• Expenses.

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

Befriending Volunteer

You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wamdsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents.

Our Be-a-Friend service is one of our longest running services, matching people over 65, who live alone and have limited social contact, with a friendly local volunteer with similar hobbies and interests. The volunteer and their new friend set up a suitable time for them to meet each week for a chat and a cup of tea, which could be during the day, in the evening on the way home from work or even on the weekends . If you would prefer to volunteer from home, you can also be matched with an older person for telephone befriending. For many of our matched pairs, this is the beginning of a firm friendship. 

Befriending Plus

Befriending Plus is an extended version of the Be-a-Friend programme, for individulas needing help with life admin and small tasks as well as companionship. For Befriending Plus pairs, time spent together can include helping to use a phone or tablet, helping the client to organise their file, going out for a coffee or popping to the post office together. This support can help older people to stay independent at home for longer, as well as increasing their confidence to do these tasks when the volunteer is not there.

SLDAS OCN Accredited Volunteer Training Programme

SLDAS is a local organisation working in South Liverpool. We support women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse. We are a small team and are busier than ever and we need volunteers to help us reach all the women who we support. Have you got some time to give us?

All volunteers complete our Open College Network training programme that is accredited with Open Awards. Our aim is to provide trainee volunteers with the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to enable them to work with women who are currently experiencing domestic abuse or have experienced it in the past.

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others. 

What you’ll be doing 

• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand. 

• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss. 

• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people. 

• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals. 

What you’ll gain from the role:

• An opportunity to give something back. 

• A chance to build a strong community. 

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people 

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. 

In return for donating your time we will provide: 

• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers. 

• A rewarding experience. 

• A great Induction and training. 

• A supportive manager. 

• Regular updates and catchups. 

• Expenses. 

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. 

In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent. 

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others. 

What you’ll be doing 

• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand. 

• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss. 

• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people. 

• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals. 

What you’ll gain from the role:

• An opportunity to give something back. 

• A chance to build a strong community. 

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people 

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. 

In return for donating your time we will provide: 

• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers. 

• A rewarding experience. 

• A great Induction and training. 

• A supportive manager. 

• Regular updates and catchups. 

• Expenses. 

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. 

In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent. 

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others.

What you’ll be doing

• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand.

• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss.

• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people.

• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals.

What you’ll gain from the role

• An opportunity to give something back.

• A chance to build a strong community.

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make. 

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:

• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers.

• A rewarding experience.

• A great Induction and training.

• A supportive manager.

• Regular updates and catchups.

• Expenses.

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.

Mynshull’s Educational Foundation is committed to improving the life-chances of young people from Manchester and Salford, so they can grow up to fulfil their potential. Through the provision of small grants, we aim to reduce the barriers that young people face to education, skills and training.

We provide funding for young people aged 25 or under to help them obtain equipment, uniforms or experiences that support them in starting or continuing their education or training.  Some examples include grants towards the cost of school trips and residentials, text books, stationery, apprenticeship equipment such as tools, and musical instruments.

We are currently recruiting for trustees to join our board.  The right candidate will understand the challenges faced by young people in Manchester and Salford; this may be through their own lived experiences or through professional experience, for example in education or health and social care.  The successful candidate will be passionate about improving outcomes for young people.  Previous experience of being a trustee is not essential to this role.

A full role description and person specification can be found in the attached Recruitment Pack. 

As a trustee you would be expected to attend a minimum of 4 board meetings (2 hours each) per year, as well as commit approximately 1 to 2 hours per month to reviewing applications for funding (this can be done remotely, online). 

Mynshull’s Educational Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive environment, where all trustees feel valued and empowered to contribute.  We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.  We particularly welcome applications from people who have experience of using charity services or delivering services in Manchester.

For an informal discussion of the role, the foundation’s activities and what is involved in being a trustee, please get in contact.

This role is subject to pre appointment checks including a Standard DBS Check.

Gaddum (charity number 507162) provides administrative support and data processing for Mynshull’s Educational Foundation (Charity number 532334) which is an independent charity.  

If you have any questions about your personal information and data, how it is used or stored, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others. 

What you’ll be doing 

• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand. 

• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss. 

• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people. 

• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals. 

What you’ll gain from the role:

• An opportunity to give something back. 

• A chance to build a strong community. 

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people 

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. 

In return for donating your time we will provide: 

• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers. 

• A rewarding experience. 

• A great Induction and training. 

• A supportive manager. 

• Regular updates and catchups. 

• Expenses. 

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. 

In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.