Independent living volunteer volunteer roles in easton, bristol city

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.

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

Department: Health and Wellbeing

Role Location: Supporting people in their own homes across the city and county.

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

What is the purpose of this role?

To provide personalised digital/IT support to older people

What impact does this role have?

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

What activities might you be involved in?

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

What are we looking for?

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

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

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

· Excellent interpersonal skills.

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

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

When would you be needed to volunteer?

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

What training will you be given?

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

What can you gain from this opportunity?

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

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

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· Experience to add to your CV

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

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

Additional Information

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

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

We are appealing for a Volunteer to help at our Bedminster Stroke Support Group weekly. 
Every year 950 people in Bristol and South Glos will experience a stroke: people of all ages…and from all backgrounds. Bristol After Stroke is the local charity that helps those people get their lives back on track – though our groups, activities, mentoring, counselling and much more.

Our volunteers do a variety of things each week from helping with the room set up, serving hot drinks and supporting the activities that are planned eg music, poetry or seated exercise sessions like Yoga or Zumba. The most important part of the role of the volunteer though is to talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

Why we need your help:

- Our Volunteers provide help and support to our Group Leaders and group members at our weekly stroke support groups.

- Our groups provide an opportunity for anyone who has been affected by stroke to meet others affected by stroke and make new friends, take part in stimulating and enjoyable activities which will support rehabilitation.

Role Summary:

• Provide support for group activities, exercises, and games.

• Support the Group Leader with the planning of Group Activities.

• Provide general support to Group Leader and Group Members when needed.

• Make and serve refreshments.

• Give added enthusiasm and encouragement to our members in taking part in any physical activities or exercises that may be offered during the session.

• Talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

• Help at the group for its full duration each week including setting up and clearing away of the room.

Skills and Experience:

• Be patient, understanding and have a responsible attitude.

• Know about or be willing to learn about undertaking risk assessments.

• Be comfortable working as part of a team.

• Know about or be willing to learn about stroke and its impact on people.

• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and show this in practice

• Be emotionally resilient

What we can offer you:

• An induction and support and supervision in the role.

• You will be supported in your role by the Group Leader and other appropriate members of staff as needed.

• Bristol After Stroke Newsletters; keeping you up to date on charity news and other volunteer opportunities.

• You will have the opportunity to meet with other Bristol After Stroke volunteers. 

What we ask of you:
 

• To obtain 2 references from people who are not related to you.

• To keep to all the charity’s policies, values and guidelines.

• To complete an induction and any necessary training for the role.

One25 is a Bristol-based charity, specialising in supporting women to break free from street sex-work, addiction and other life-controlling issues and build new, independent lives. We provide night outreach (7 sessions weekly), a Health Hub and casework, giving person-centred support and advocacy to around 240 women each year.

One25’s outreach service is often how women first make contact with us, meeting us on our fully equipped outreach van. Three volunteers, one an experienced team leader, go out on the van at night and meet women’s basic needs by providing nutritious food, first aid, warm clothing, condoms, safety alarms etc. They provide the chance to talk and get advice in a safe space and encourage women to get more in-depth help by visiting our Health Hub or seeing a caseworker.

We are looking for volunteers to join our accelerated pathway to becoming a Van Team Leader. Van Team Leaders are responsible for leading volunteers during shifts, coordinating with One25 staff and external services, and making decisions in crisis situations.

Please note: It is an Occupational Requirement that applications for this role are open to women only, as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010. Enhanced DBS disclosure will be required.

Team Leader tasks will involve (but are not limited to):

• Organising jobs with volunteers prior to shift
• Contacting volunteers prior to shift to make arrangements.
• Leading the briefing and debriefing sessions.
• Explaining procedures to new volunteers and answering any questions they have.
• Supporting and mentoring other volunteers, offering coaching and guidance where appropriate.
• Being responsible for making decisions relating to safety on the van
• Feeding back to the Volunteer Manager.

This pilot project will be for people who have professional experience in the following areas:

• Domestic abuse
• Sexual violence
• Drug and alcohol
• Homelessness
• Social care
• Physical Health
• Mental health

To apply for this programme you must have/be:

• Experience in the above mentioned fields
• Able to commit to 2 nights per month and 1 evening per month during the 7-month training programme
• Able to commit to at least 1 night per month and 1 evening per quarter upon completion of the training programme
• Able to travel to and from St Pauls, Bristol after shift
• Reliable and punctual
• An understanding of the issues women involved in street sex work.
• Non-judgmental and compassionate approach.Empathy and ability to actively listen.
• Ability to be friendly, but professional.
• Ability to maintain boundaries and be firm about rules.
• Ability to take direction and learn from mistakes and progress in your role
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Be comfortable leading a team and providing on site feedback to volunteers

For more information on this role, please see the attached role description.

Applications by: 9am, Monday 7th July 2025

Interviews: Tuesday 15th July, Wednesday 16th July or Thursday 17th July

Induction date: Tuesday 22nd July (5pm until 9pm)

Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire ( HSBSG) are seeking a new Treasurer

Time Commitment: c18 hours a month

Remuneration: Voluntary, although travel and other agreed expenses may be claimed.

Home-Start UK is a national, charitable organisation with 180 local, independent Home-Starts of which HSBSG is one. Across all four nations of the United Kingdom, thousands of home visiting volunteers support over 43,000 families and 78,000 children to transform their lives.

HSBSG offers group work for parents and carers as well as their unique home visiting service, all provided by carefully trained volunteers who are managed by a small team of expert staff. They are particularly proud of their new and already expanding service, Dad Matters, that provides support for new fathers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Becoming a trustee at Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire is a rewarding role and we are now seeking a new Treasurer Trustee to join the board.  You will be joining the competent and friendly board of trustees as they develop and steer a successful local charity with a long track record of supporting families that need a helping hand. In the past four years they have streamlined their governance functions, digitised their office systems including implementing Xero finance software, developed their offer to families and started the journey to diversify the lived experience of their board, staff and volunteers.

Summary

The overall role of the Treasurer is to:

· Maintain an overview of HSBSG’s financial affairs.

· Ensure its financial viability.

· Ensure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.

· Ensure that staff are paid.

General responsibilities:

· To ensure that HSBSG, regarding matters of a financial nature, complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

· To ensure that HSBSG applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects.

· To ensure the effective and efficient financial administration of HSBSG.

· To ensure the financial stability of HSBSG.

· To protect and manage the assets of HSBSG and to ensure the proper investment of its funds.

· To ensure HSBSG complies with the Quality Assurance standards and criteria relating to financial management.

For further details and to apply, please contact Leighann Beck quoting reference MC2595.

Closing date for applications: midnight, Sunday 6th July 2025

Active Humber trustee vacancies

Support us to encourage people across the Humber to benefit from an active lifestyle

Due to the four-year term ending for a number of our trustees, Active Humber are looking to recruit to the following Board vacancies:

• Chair of the Board
• Senior Independent Director
• Welfare and Safety Director
• Non-Executive Trustee

These are crucial roles for our Board, and we are looking for people who share our passion and energy to work with us to create a happier, healthier and stronger community across the Humber.  To achieve our goals, we need a board of trustees who are as diverse as the people we are trying to reach.

Active Humber is a registered charity and is one of 42 nationwide Active Partnerships who are funded by Sport England to improve lives through physical activity and sport. 

Our vision is that the Humber is a place where everyone, everyday is physically active.

Our mission is to get the most physically inactive to be active.

Our role is to help people think differently about physical inactivity.

What is it like to be a Board Member at Active Humber? 
The Board at Active Humber is integral to what we are trying to achieve in the Humber.  If you join us as a trustee you will help to lead Active Humber to achieve their mission and purpose - you might ask questions to challenge us to think differently, make suggestions to move things forward, or act as a sounding board for ideas.

To learn more about Active Humber and what we have achieved and what we are hoping to achieve, please explore our website.

What we’re looking for:

We’re seeking individuals who are enthusiastic about our vision and have the time and skills to contribute to the board. We are particularly looking for expertise in one or more of the following areas;

• Experience of chairing a Board
• Knowledge of Safeguarding and Welfare, in relation to Children and Young People and/or Adults at Risk
• Experience of governance matters, or legal issues
• Experience within environmental sustainability matters
• An understanding of equality and inclusivity

Application Process
Each of the vacancies has its own areas of responsibility, and there are role descriptors for each of the roles that we are advertising. We also have a recruitment pack giving more details about the expectations of being an Active Humber trustee, which is relevant to all the roles. 

This information is available via our vacancies pages.  Please read these documents fully to support you in making a decision about whether to apply.  You should also consider which role suits your skills and experience so reading each of the role descriptions is recommended. 

We would suggest an informal chat with our CEO, David Gent or our Chair, Richard Smith as the first step in your application.  Please email the hr email address and we would be happy to arrange this.

If you then wish to go ahead and apply, please send the following information:

1. A covering letter expressing which role you are applying for.
2. Your covering letter should explain why you are interested in being an Active Humber trustee, and how your skills and experience meet the criteria set out in your preferred role and person specification.
3. A copy of your current CV.

Applications should be submitted by 9th July 2025.

Interviews will be held in person at the Aura Centre on 23rd or 24th July 2025.

If you have any queries about the role or the application process, please do not hesitate to email HR who will be happy to help.

We are appealing for a Volunteer to help at our Lyde Green Stroke Support Group weekly. 

Every year 950 people in Bristol and South Glos will experience a stroke: people of all ages…and from all backgrounds. Bristol After Stroke is the local charity that helps those people get their lives back on track – though our groups, activities, mentoring, counselling and so much more.

Our volunteers do a variety of things each week from helping with the room set up, serving hot drinks and supporting the activities that are planned eg music, poetry or seated exercise sessions like Yoga or Zumba. The most important part of the role of the volunteer though is to talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

Why we need your help:

- Our Volunteers provide help and support to our Group Leaders and group members at our weekly stroke support groups.

- Our groups provide an opportunity for anyone who has been affected by stroke to meet others affected by stroke and make new friends, take part in stimulating and enjoyable activities which will support rehabilitation.

Role Summary:

• Provide support for group activities, exercises, and games.

• Support the Group Leader with the planning of Group Activities.

• Provide general support to Group Leader and Group Members when needed.

• Make and serve refreshments.

• Give added enthusiasm and encouragement to our members in taking part in any physical activities or exercises that may be offered during the session.

• Talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

• Help at the group for its full duration each week including setting up and clearing away of the room.

Skills and Experience:

• Be patient, understanding and have a responsible attitude.

• Know about or be willing to learn about undertaking risk assessments.

• Be comfortable working as part of a team.

• Know about or be willing to learn about stroke and its impact on people.

• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and show this in practice

• Be emotionally resilient

What we can offer you:

• An induction and support and supervision in the role.

• You will be supported in your role by the Group Leader and other appropriate members of staff as needed.

• Bristol After Stroke Newsletters; keeping you up to date on charity news and other volunteer opportunities.

• You will have the opportunity to meet with other Bristol After Stroke volunteers. 

What we ask of you:
 

• To obtain 2 references from people who are not related to you.

• To keep to all the charity’s policies, values and guidelines.

• To complete an induction and any necessary training for the role.

We are appealing for a Volunteer to help at our Avonmouth Stroke Support Group weekly. 
Every year 950 people in Bristol and South Glos will experience a stroke: people of all ages…and from all backgrounds. Bristol After Stroke is the local charity that helps those people get their lives back on track – though our groups, activities, mentoring, counselling and much more.

We recently moved our Portway Stroke Support Group to a new location at the Avonmouth Community Centre and are appealing for Volunteers.

Our volunteers do a variety of things each week from helping with the room set up, serving hot drinks and supporting the activities that are planned eg music, poetry or seated exercise sessions like Yoga or Zumba. The most important part of the role of the volunteer though is to talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

Why we need your help:

- Our S Volunteers provide help and support to our Group Leaders and group members at our weekly stroke support groups.

- Our groups provide an opportunity for anyone who has been affected by stroke to meet others affected by stroke and make new friends, take part in stimulating and enjoyable activities which will support rehabilitation.

Role Summary:

• Provide support for group activities, exercises, and games.

• Support the Group Leader with the planning of Group Activities.

• Provide general support to Group Leader and Group Members when needed.

• Make and serve refreshments.

• Give added enthusiasm and encouragement to our members in taking part in any physical activities or exercises that may be offered during the session.

• Talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

• Help at the group for its full duration each week including setting up and clearing away of the room.

Skills and Experience:

• Be patient, understanding and have a responsible attitude.

• Know about or be willing to learn about undertaking risk assessments.

• Be comfortable working as part of a team.

• Know about or be willing to learn about stroke and its impact on people.

• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and show this in practice

• Be emotionally resilient

What we can offer you:

• An induction and support and supervision in the role.

• You will be supported in your role by the Group Leader and other appropriate members of staff as needed.

• Bristol After Stroke Newsletters; keeping you up to date on charity news and other volunteer opportunities.

• You will have the opportunity to meet with other Bristol After Stroke volunteers. 

What we ask of you:

• To obtain 2 references from people who are not related to you.

• To keep to all the charity’s policies, values and guidelines.

• To complete an induction and any necessary training for the role.

Womankind is recruiting reliable and resilient women, who are able to commit to 1-2 daytime hours each week for six months, to join our Volunteer Befriending Service. Befrienders encourage and support vulnerable women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse, empowering them to make their own decisions and improve their mental health and wellbeing so that they can lead more fulfilling lives. 

Training: 

Befrienders attend an initial online meet & greet session and then receive 4 taught sessions of comprehensive training over Zoom. These sessions will take place over 4 weeks, starting in Autumn 2025 (DATES AND TIMES TBC). Befrienders will be expected to complete homestudy in between sessions. You will be part of a team of trainees and benefit from peer support as well as help and guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator. Our training comes with over 30 years of experience working in women’s mental health, giving volunteers the very best preparation for the role, and a support network of like-minded women. 

The Role: 

Upon the completion of training, each volunteer is matched with one woman who has experienced childhood abuse, trauma, sexual violence and/or domestic abuse, and will be experiencing mental ill health and social isolation. 

As a befriender you would be expected to commit 1-2 hours on a weekly basis for 6 months and attend monthly group and individual supervision. Many of our volunteers decide they would like to be matched with another woman after the completion of their first match and continue volunteering with us for another 6 months. 

You and your befriendee would start by getting to know each other gradually. Once you have built up your relationship, you would support her emotionally, using active listening skills and providing her with a space to express her feelings and feel heard. You would help her to believe that she can achieve her goals and have safer relationships. Part of your role would be demonstrating what a healthy and boundaried relationship looks like. 

You: 

You will be enthusiastic and interested in helping another woman improve her mental health and wellbeing so that she can lead a more fulfilling life. You will be friendly and non-judgemental, have good communication skills and be a reliable and patient listener. 

The befriending role can be challenging and emotionally overwhelming at times. Therefore, we need befrienders who have adequate life experience and feel emotionally robust and resilient enough to take on the role. We welcome volunteers with personal experience of mental health and other relevant issues but will require you to have at least a one-year period of stability and ideally to have received professional help like counselling in your recovery. 

As this is a remote service, we welcome applications from women who are based across the UK. 

Please note, there is very limited availability for women who can only volunteer during the evenings and weekends. 

Because of the nature of this role, it is only open to women applicants and is exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 Equalities Act 2010. 

At Womankind we recognise that while women share many characteristics and experiences as a result of living within a patriarchal society, women belonging to marginalised groups experience discrimination on multiple fronts. It is really important to us that the women who use our services feel represented amongst our volunteers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, especially from groups which are marginalised and underrepresented in our organisation, such as working-class women and Black and Minoritised women. 

 What Past Befrienders Say: 

“I loved the training, that was possibly one of my favourite things about this whole experience...it was really thorough. I loved being in a space with like-minded women – and it was also challenging, which I liked.” 

“In terms of supervision and knowledge, how to prepare the role – it was much more prepared, much more in depth than other places I’ve volunteered.” 

“It’s been a pleasure, I love volunteering with you guys. It’s special being part of this – in a world where are so few spaces where you can have a direct impact on someone’s life, doing this role is really special.” 

Closing Date: 31/08/2025 

Job Type: Volunteer 

Work Location: Remote, must be UK-based 

Join us in making a difference to the lives of soldiers and their families - become an AFF Trustee!

We are currently seeking dedicated volunteer Trustees to join our Board and help steer AFF towards achieving its objectives.

AFF is independent of the Army and offers confidential advice to serving personnel and their families either online, by email or by phone. We may respond to enquiries with direct advice or by signposting to help identify the right route for further advice or support. We also provide useful information for Army families through our extensive website and magazine, Army&You. 

At a strategic level we work with senior command and our Chief Executive works with the most senior Army commanders, the Ministry of Defence, and the UK and devolved nations legislative and executive bodies. AFF is often pivotal in achieving improvements for serving soldiers and their families such as changes to Government and military policy and changes to how things are provided for families.

Key Responsibilities: 

AFF Trustees provide oversight, governance, and support to ensure AFF remains effective in its work and responsive to the needs of the Army community.  They help shape the strategic direction of the Army Families Federation, by providing Board-level guidance to the team supporting soldiers and their families, wherever they are in the world, so they are able to live well throughout their Army life. 

Who We Are Looking For: 

We are looking for individuals who are committed to the welfare of Army families and who bring professional experience in the following areas: 

• Commercial/ fundraising: experience of commercial income generation, fundraising and development strategies.

• ​Legal: Expertise in legal matters, including governance, compliance, and contract law. 

Additionally, applications are welcome from individuals with a connection to the Service community, particularly those from Foreign and Commonwealth backgrounds. We believe that diversity strengthens our ability to represent the full breadth of the Army family.

Essential Skills & Attributes: 

• A passion for understanding the needs of Army families and supporting them as they live their lives today 
• Strong professional experience and expertise in your field. 
• Commitment to good governance and the values of transparency and accountability. 
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach. 
• Ability to offer strategic insight and challenge where necessary. 
• Serving personnel are very welcome to apply, particularly if currently overseas.

Interested? Find out more: 

Our process in appointing Trustees begins with you reading through our Trustee Recruitment Pack. You can find this by hitting 'apply now' and downloading a copy. Or you can visit the jobs page of our AFF website. This will give you more specific information about AFF and the role our Trustees fulfil.

If you feel that you would like to apply to be an AFF Trustee, then you can make contact with us by sending your CV along with a covering letter, outlining your skills and motivations in being an AFF Trustee. If you have any questions, please reach out through the Charity Job application process to our HR Lead, Rachel BIshop. We will need to hear from you by 30 June 2025. 

We will get in contact with you to arrange initial conversations with a member of the team or an existing Trustee. We will be interviewing prospective candidates in July and August in Central London, and appointments will be made from late August. 

RSBC are looking for volunteers to get involved with our range of online clubs for children and young people with visual impairments. 

Role: Online Activities Volunteer

Commitment: Currently, sessions are run both during the week (mostly in the afternoon) and at weekends (usually on a Saturday). Activity volunteering is a flexible commitment, and you will be able to sign up for the session you like and when you have time. It really is up to you and your availability. 

Location: Remote

Availability: RSBC Events · https://lu.ma/rsbc

Age:  18+ 

Our Mission Statement: 

RSBC believes that every blind young person should have the chance to live life without limits. 

By giving young people the essential skills and confidence to take control of their life, they can unleash their true potential.

Our success depends on our values 

Underpinning all RSBC’s work are values embedded in trust and excellence: 

TRUST: Respect and accountability 

ENERGY: Straight talking and constantly learning 

AMBITION: Confronting reality and driving results 

MOTIVATION: Vision impaired children and young people are our number one priority, and we look for solutions, not problems 

What will I be doing?

Our amazing Activity Volunteers play a key role in supporting blind children and young people to take part in a variety of activities. These range from sports, creative (singing, performing, art), audiobook club and day trips. Our activities are designed for blind young people to meet new friends, gain confidence, learn new skills/sports, and become more independent. The skills you have developed in your career and personal life will be invaluable to our young people. 

Key Tasks and Main Duties 

Online activities: 

• support the session timetable 

• facilitate the communication and social interaction between participants 

• encourage members of the group to participate and share their opinions 

Who are you?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow RSBC’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for RSBC. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of sight problems. 

What’s in it for me?

RSBC offers the opportunity to gain insight and experience into helping others with sight issues. As part of your volunteering, you will have access to Sighted Guide training, a training session designed to help you understand the issues and complexities of sight problems and give you the ability to help others navigate the world.

RSBC also provides paid expenses for your volunteering experience, you can claim up to £10 per day.

RSBC can also provide references and impact reports from your volunteering if required. 

You will be fully supported in your role by our team of expert and compassionate service delivery team.

Develop or utilise your skills – As a volunteer, you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to develop new skills or use those you already have, which can help to build your CV, boost your employability and give you a sense of satisfaction. 

What's in it for the Community? 

Make a difference to people’s lives

Help in your community

Help deliver creative services to help people with sighted issues feel included in the world around them.

Make a direct and tangible difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted children and young people. 

Safeguarding:

Due to the nature of the role, before you can begin volunteering with RSBC there are some required safeguarding checks which will need to be completed.

All RSBC volunteers undergo an Enhanced DBS check (paid for by RSBC) and must provide two references.

All volunteers will also be booked onto safeguarding training.

RSBC risk assesses all its services and activities.

Next Steps: 

If this sounds like you, please fill out an expression of interest, and one of our volunteer team members will get back to you!

Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire (HSBSG) are seeking a new Chair of the Board

Time Commitment: c12 hrs a month

Remuneration: Voluntary, although travel and other agreed expenses may be claimed.

Home-Start UK is a national, charitable organisation with 180 local, independent Home-Starts of which HSBSG is one. Across all four nations of the United Kingdom, thousands of home visiting volunteers support over 43,000 families and 78,000 children to transform their lives.

We are now seeking a new Chair for Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The role involves leading the board of trustees as they develop and steer a successful local charity which has a long track record of supporting families and are always seeking to reach more families and to improve their support to them

HSBSG offers group work for parents and carers as well as their unique home visiting service, all provided by carefully trained volunteers who are managed by a small team of expert staff. They are particularly proud of their new and already expanding service, Dad Matters, that provides support for new fathers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Summary:

The role of the Chair of Trustees is to enable the creation and implementation of the charity’s culture, direction and strategy by leading the board and focusing it on strategic matters, oversight of the charity’s activities and maintaining high standards of governance.

Whether you have already been a chair, with experience of voluntary sector governance, or whether you have been on a board and are wanting to become a chair, you will benefit from the range of skills and experience that exists within the strong, friendly team of trustees.

General responsibilities include:

· Lead the board of trustees of Home-Start Bristol & South Gloucestershire (HSBSG), to ensure that it fulfils its governance responsibilities.

· Ensure that the trustees deploy HSBSG’s resources so as to comply with all legal requirements and in furtherance of its objects.

· Lead the board’s continuous development, ensuring planning, training, development, and evaluation is undertaken.

· Chair and facilitate meetings of HSBSG’s board, ensuring the smooth running of the board and the understanding and participation of all trustees.

· Set the agenda of board meetings with the Chief Executive; check and sign the minutes.

· Play a key role in managing the relationship between the trustees and advisers, the staff and the volunteers.

· Provide regular supervision for the Chief Executive, providing ongoing support, discussing and agreeing work priorities, preparing and agreeing supervision notes with her/him.

· Carry out an annual appraisal of the work undertaken by the Chief Executive.

· Ensure that HSBSG’s three-year Strategic Plan is reviewed annually, and ensure high-quality data is available to monitor its progress at board meetings.

· Drive trustee recruitment and succession planning and support the induction of new trustees.

For further details and to apply, please contact Sandy Hinks quoting reference MC2540.

Closing date for applications: midnight, Sunday 6th July 2025

Jabalie

Jabalie is a UK charity working internationally with survivors and individuals that are at high risk of gender-based violence.

“Gender-based violence” (GBV) is violence or abuse that is directed against a person or community because of their gender identity or expression, or the violence or abuse affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately. Gender-based violence affects people of all genders, including women and girls, men and boys, transgender individuals, and non-binary people. However, women and girls are disproportionately affected.

Some key statistics include: • One in three women and girls globally will experience some form of violence in their lifetime. • One in four men globally have experienced sexual or physical violence by an intimate partner. • One in four LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced violence or abuse by an intimate partner.

Many victims feel unable to leave their relationship and for those that do, many return to their abuser for a variety of reasons - for example, because they are financially dependent on them, or remain emotionally controlled by them. It takes an average of 7 times for a victim to leave an abusive relationship permanently.

Jabalie is a UK charity that aims to educate and empower survivors and individuals at high-risk of gender-based violence to promote their safety, autonomy and economic independence. We are developing an education and empowerment programme to help build survivors' knowledge, skills and confidence so they can build their lives outside the shelter and become financially independent.

The programme will have 5 areas: (1) Understanding GBV; (2) Skills Development; (3) Legal Rights; (4) Women's Health; and (5) Mental Health. We will also have a training of trainers programme, advocacy against GBV, and are building a community of survivors and GBV activists. I've attached our Strategic Plan 2024-27 with further details.

Our pilot programme will be created in the UK and Kenya using a model that can be upscaled internationally.

We provide an education and empowerment programme, training, advocacy and a community platform.

We are partnering with local community organisations to deliver the programme to communities.

Marketing Strategist

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Jabalie is a UK charity that aims to educate and empower survivors and individuals at high-risk of gender-based violence to promote their safety, autonomy and economic independence.

We are a small charity that is entirely volunteer-led. We are therefore seeking a proactive volunteer to assist our Marketing and Communications Trustee in building the marketing, communications and branding strategy for Jabalie.

This role includes:

• Creating a social media strategy and content calendar to raise our brand awareness;
• Pitching ideas for social media posts related to raising awareness of gender-based violence and the other areas of our work (skills development, legal rights, women's health and mental health);
• Creating and overseeing marketing campaigns to boost engagement and reach donors for fundraising;
• Conducting market research to identify trends, opportunities, and competitor activities;
• Ensuring brand consistency across all social media channels;
• Analysing marketing data to track performance and optimise future strategies; and
• Delegating tasks to other Marketing Team volunteers, including graphic designs and content writers.

As a small organisation, we are looking for a volunteer that has a few hours per week to commit to this role. The time commitment will likely reduce once we have made progress with our strategy. The period of volunteering is flexible, but we will prioritise applicants that would like to commit to 6 months or more.

We look forward to receiving your applications!

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.