Individual Support Volunteer Volunteer Roles in Manchester

Join Addiction Family Support

Addiction Family Support is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting adults affected or bereaved by a loved one's harmful use of alcohol, drugs, or gambling.

The Role: Family Support Volunteer

As a Family Support Volunteer at Addiction Family Support, you will play a key role in offering emotional and practical support to individuals impacted by a loved one's addiction. Whether through our helpline or support groups, you will provide a compassionate, non-judgmental listening ear, helping individuals navigate challenging circumstances.

This is a flexible role that can be delivered remotely or in person, depending on the service you support. Family Support Volunteers work within a flexible rota system to accommodate their availability and commitments while ensuring ongoing support for those who need it most.

Responsibilities:

• Offer empathetic and non-judgmental emotional support to individuals impacted by a loved one’s addiction.
• Provide relevant information, literature, and resources to help clients or group members cope with their situations.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate support group meetings, encouraging members to share experiences and offer support.
• Respond to inquiries and offer structured emotional support via the helpline or support groups, adhering to guidelines and safeguarding measures.
• Maintain accurate records in line with GDPR and the charity’s policies.
• Participate in ongoing training, mentoring, and support sessions to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Handle any potential safeguarding concerns and signpost clients to additional services when necessary.

Training and Development:

All Family Support Volunteers undergo a comprehensive three half day training programme covering addiction, core counselling skills, the 5-Step Method, bereavement, safeguarding, and self-care. Ongoing supervision, mentoring, and further development opportunities are available to support volunteers in their roles.

Join Our Team of Change-Makers

Are you ready to make a difference? We're on the lookout for vibrant, enthusiastic, proactive and collaborative individuals with the right skills and experience to become part of our incredible charity.

Be Part of Something Special

Our clients' continuous positive feedback speaks volumes about the impact of our work, and we take immense pride in it. Emilia Fox, one of our dedicated Patrons, stands with us in our mission.

Join an Award-Winning Journey

This is your chance to become part of an award-winning charity where every day is an opportunity to contribute to the greater good. If you're seeking a dynamic environment filled with compassionate individuals dedicated to creating positive change, we invite you to apply or reach out with any enquiries.

About Interventions Alliance 

Interventions Alliance is the Justice and Social Care division of Seetec, delivering tailored support to Participants across a range of contracts including CFO Activity Hubs, Accommodation and Personal Wellbeing. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to build a better future, regardless of their past choices or the challenges they face.

We give equal importance to delivering services focused on prevention as those aiding rehabilitation, providing our Participants with the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Ultimately, our aim is to equip individuals with the necessary skills needed to desist from offending and successfully reintegrate into their local communities.

Role Description

Our Resettlement Support Volunteers play a key role by supporting staff to deliver positive impact through projects that address a range of needs of the participants we work with (predominantly men over the age of 18 years). Our Volunteers help minimise a person’s risk of reoffending and support them on their journey of creating healthier relationships by assisting them to access vital services and engage with their local community, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed and create an overall positive lifestyle change. 

Volunteers act as positive role models who inspire, empower and guide participants to achieve actions agreed on the initial action plan. They offer personalised support to help improve participants’ lives, equipping those they are supporting with the skills they need to succeed and to prevent individuals from becoming trapped in a cycle of criminality.

This is a rewarding role, with many positive outcomes for the participants you will be matched with. In return for your volunteering efforts we offer extensive training, paid expenses, and high level of support and supervision from a Volunteer Coordinator. 

We ask for a minimum of 6 months commitment following completion of vetting and training and a minimum of 1 hour volunteering per week during office hours. Our volunteers must understand the need for reliability, that they value punctuality and have good communication skills. Due to the nature of the role, some volunteering may take place during evenings and weekends. The post is subject to enhanced DBS clearance.

To apply please visit our website Volunteering | Interventions Alliance and register with My Impact to complete your application in the relevant region.

As part of a Volunteer Mentors role, your key responsibilities will be to: 

• Spend time with the participant assisting in agreed activities, for example: 
  - Providing practical and emotional support 
  - Encourage engagement with appointments 
  - Support filling in forms 
  - Helping Participants access resources to enable them to achieve their goals
• Assist with public protection by reporting any issues related to the participant behaviour
• Engage in regular supervision sessions with the volunteer coordinator
• Complete feedback notes after each support session within 48 hours
• Safeguarding to be reported immediately
• Actively promote Interventions Alliance values within the work conducted with Participants
• Lone working – use the lone working system to adhere to safety procedures
• Work in a non-discriminatory manner and promote diversity & equality 
• Maintaining professional boundaries
• Attend team meetings and participate in ongoing training activities
• Encourage Participants compliance with probation appointments and licence conditions

Person Specification

In order to provide a high-quality support service, we are looking for individuals that have the following essential skills and abilities:

• Ability to listen effectively and communicate with others
• Ability to keep commitments and/or appointments
• Ability to use own initiative to identify and access relevant resources
• Share information appropriately within boundaries of confidentiality
• Capacity to understand and work within necessary guidance to ensure both yourself and the participant understand your professional relationship.
• Ability to demonstrate positive behaviour providing a good role model to Participants through pro-social modelling
• Be non-judgmental, open minded and self-aware
• Knowledge of basic IT skills
• Ability to encourage and allow people to make their own choices and decisions

Other essential attributes include:

• Ability to listen effectively and communicate with others
• Ability to keep commitments and/or appointments
• Ability to use own initiative to identify and access relevant resources
• Share information appropriately within boundaries of confidentiality
• Capacity to understand and work within necessary guidance to ensure both yourself and the participant understand your professional relationship.
• Ability to demonstrate positive behaviour providing a good role model to participants through pro-social modelling.
• Be non-judgmental, open minded and self-aware
• Knowledge of basic IT skills
• Ability to encourage and allow people to make their own choices and decisions

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

Home-Start believes that the earliest years make the biggest impact. Our work is with families who have (at least) one child under five and that are facing challenges such as loneliness, postnatal depression, or multiple births. We train volunteers to visit the family once a week, supporting them in a variety of emotional and practical ways. This is for 2 to 3 hours a week, one day per week.

By visiting a family in their own home, our volunteers represent a lifeline to families who are struggling to cope. They offer non-judgemental, confidential support in a way that is tailored to the needs of that individual family. By doing this, our volunteers support them to grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children, and forge links within their local community.

Our approach works because our volunteers have parenting experience or experience with children, and they understand the stresses and strains of life. They are there to listen; not to judge.

To volunteer with Home-Start, we ask that you are a good listener, have an interest in supporting families, and are able to volunteer in the daytime for a minimum of 6 months. You should have experience with children/families, a desire to help and support others and have a 'can-do' attitude.

You might not think it, but your lived experience, your unique background, and the languages you speak, could hugely benefit the families we support. You can work alongside them to help them regain their confidence and resilience. In doing so, you can directly increase the chance of local children growing up happier and healthier.

Full training is provided (25- hour course) and an enhanced DBS check will be required. 

Languages particularly needed: Albanian, Arabic, Syrian Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Bengali, Pashto, British Sign Language.

About Pain Concern

Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work.  

All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results 

Role purpose

We have various fundraising events throughout the year and we are looking for volunteers to help us to support our amazing fundraisers. This would involve joining us at the fundraising events to cheer them on. This role would suit enthusiastic people who would like to motivate fundraisers to complete their event. We will have at least one cheer point along the route, where we will be showing our dedicated fundraisers how much we support them by cheering and clapping as loud as we can. This will also help to increase awareness of Pain Concern and the support the charity provides.

1 in 4 people in the UK live with long term pain, help us to help others by cheering on our fundraisers!

To find upcoming fundraising events local to you, please visit our website.  Travel and lunch expenses can be reimbursed in line with our Expense Policy. We’d love to have you join us as a Cheer Volunteer why not bring your friends and family along too.

What you would be doing

· Keeping an eye on our website to see which fundraising event(s) you would like to attend

· Working with our Fundraising Team who will be organising the cheer stations

· Adhere to Pain Concern’s policies and procedures

· Representing Pain Concern in a professional manner

· Taking pictures at the event for our communications team to use

 Make a lot of noise and most importantly, have fun by cheering along our fundraisers!

Is this role right for me?

We are looking for an individual who possesses some, or all of the experiences, skills and qualities listed below:

·  Friendly, positive and outgoing personality

· A flexible team player

· Interest in chronic pain

· Ability to travel to local events

· Comfortable with being in loud, busy places

Availability and location 

This is an ad hoc role, which will happen where the fundraising event is taking place.

Benefits to you

· Opportunity to meet new people

· Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team

· Satisfaction of supporting a valuable service in the community

· You will receive support from a dedicated line manager

· We can reimburse your travel and lunch expenses in line with our Expenses Policy

How do I apply?

 For more information, visit our website

Are you a Clinical Supervisor interested in supporting counsellors and therapists?

Burning Nights CRPS Support has a highly skilled counselling and therapy team who provide counselling and psychotherapy to adults and children who have been affected by a debilitating pain condition, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This team is expanding rapidly and we are now looking for a volunteer Clinical Supervisor to join this team ensuring we can continue the provision of our vital emotional support services to this community. We would ideally like to take on a Clinical Supervisor - one supporting the therapists who deal with adults.

All our Counselling and therapy team help to develop our growing mental health support service for patients, families and carers affected by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). As a volunteer with the CRPS Counselling & Therapy Service, your skills and experience as a Clinical Supervisor will be providing support to therapists who offer therapy to vulnerable individuals, many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health support.

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, you will provide Supervisor support for counsellors or psychotherapists who provide counselling support or specialist services, such as general talking (person centred) therapies, integrative therapists, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for CRPS patients, their loved ones and carers. The service currently offers specialist support to anyone over the age of 5 who is affected by CRPS.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Facilitate Clinical Supervision one to one and group sessions on a monthly or fortnightly basis (online)

• Administer this supervision from invitation through to record keeping

• Maintain appropriate clinical records of all work and to report, along with any concerns on individuals or their practice to the Chair of Trustees

• Commitment to ongoing supervision of supervision practice at Burning Nights CRPS Support as well as engaging in separate own personal supervision as/if appropriate

• Work flexibly as part of a small team as necessary to provide maximum coverage for supervision, such as in the event of emergencies

• Abide by all Burning Nights CRPS Support policies and procedures

• Adhere to BACP, BABCP (or other appropriate therapies governing body) Ethical Framework

Key Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Psychotherapy/Counselling qualification with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in a similar field

• Qualification in Clinical Supervision - ideally level 7 or above (could also suit experienced counsellors who require a placement during Clinical Supervision placement, or experienced counsellors wishing to gain experience in supervision)

• Accreditation/registration (or working at the level of or towards this qualification) as a Supervisor with BACP/HCPC/BAPT or equivalent

• Significant proven experience of supervising individual counsellors/psychotherapists from a range of training backgrounds 

• Appropriate and proven clinical experience of working with clients with a range of difficulties including complex medical health issues, loss and bereavement. Ideally experience of working with clients living with or affected by chronic pain or chronic conditions

• Willingness to engage in any Burning Nights CRPS Support training

• Understanding of issues regarding confidentiality and management of risk within a counselling service

• Good administrative skills

• Understanding of the voluntary sector

• Commitment to on-going engagement in personal supervision

• Knowledgeable of and committed to equalities’ provision

Desirable:

• Appropriate and proven clinical experience of working with clients living with or affected by chronic pain or chronic conditions

• Being able to supervise therapists who work in therapy such as CBT, ACT, EMDR etc

• Experience of working within a low-cost / free voluntary sector counselling setting

• Experience of working within the voluntary charity sector

Join the WEA Audit & Risk Committee! Shape the Future of Adult Education 

Are you passionate about adult education and eager to make a difference? The WEA is looking for dedicated individuals to join our Audit & Risk Committee. As a committee member, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring our financial integrity, governance, and risk management, supporting WEA’s mission to bring adult learning within reach. 

In this role, you'll be involved in key responsibilities such as reviewing and updating the corporate risk register and risk management policies, working with internal and external auditors to review financial controls and ensure compliance with statutory requirements, and overseeing the preparation of the Annual Report & Financial Statements to ensure accuracy and transparency. 

We are seeking individuals with a strong passion for WEA's mission and values, excellent judgment, and team-working skills. Experience in ESFA funding, education funding, and/or quality management is highly desirable. Additionally, a commitment to equality, inclusion, and diversity is essential. 

By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the governance and strategic direction of the UK’s leading adult education charity, receive comprehensive induction, training, and ongoing support, and participate in WEA’s vibrant community and events. The expected time commitment is approximately one day per month, with meetings held remotely. 

The Wren Project relies on dedicated volunteers to offer listening support to people living in distress as a result of an autoimmune disease diagnosis. As our volunteer, you would provide remote, one-to-one listening support to individuals living with the complexities of a diagnosis. As a volunteer, you would offer 1:1 listening support to those affected by auto-immune conditions. Here are the key details:

Role Description:

• Listening Support: Volunteers provide empathetic and non-judgmental listening support to people living with autoimmune diseases (referred to as “Our Wrens”). A volunteer's focus is on allowing Wrens to express their feelings without offering advice or solutions.

• Regular Sessions: You’ll participate in fortnightly 50-minute sessions with two separate Wrens via telephone or video call.

• Training and Assessment: After submitting an application, successful applicants undergo a 4-week remote training program focused on listening skills and supporting individuals with autoimmune diseases. A final one-to-one assessment ensures readiness before matching with a Wren.

• Ongoing Support: Volunteers receive ongoing support and the opportunity to continue to develop their listening skills from experienced volunteers, Operations team and clinical supervisors.

Requirements:

• No Prior Knowledge Needed: Volunteers do not need specific knowledge or experience related to autoimmune diseases.

• An empathetic and understanding attitude;

• A quiet and private space to conduct appointments;

• Access to a computer, telephone and a reliable internet connection;

• Confidentiality, professionalism and reliability;

• Monthly Commitment: Regular attendance (twice a month) is required for an  initial 12 month period.

• Skill-Building: Gain lifelong skills in deep listening and develop reflective skills by attending monthly reflective practice sessions

What difference will you make?

Our volunteers provide a space for those in distress with an autoimmune disease to feel heard. Through listening and reflecting with our Wrens, our volunteers can help Wrens to feel supported and less isolated. 

Here is some of the feedback we have received on listening sessions with our volunteers:

'My volunteer has gently and skilfully supported me to reflect and reframe my anxieties and facilitated me to look forwards with more positivity.  It is work in progress but I am able to encounter setbacks with a little less fear and a title more positivity because of my listeners support' 

'Thank you - you’ve made the whole experience feel so safe, validating and welcoming. One of the very few [people] I’ve felt able to really be vulnerable with emotionally and you have helped me begin to process my health issues' 

'I really felt able to build a rapport and trusting relationship with my volunteer. Made a big difference to coping' 

The Wren Project is the only charity in the UK to provide  support for all autoimmune diseases. 

If you’re interested in participating, volunteering, or supporting our work, feel free to get in touch. We’d love to hear from you! 

Marie Curie Companion is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.

Companion Volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support. Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, eg family home, a care home or in the community.

• Provide one-to-one companionship and support. 

For example: offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (e.g. to medical appointments) or taking short trips out. Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. You may be supporting your client’s family or carers before or during bereavement.  This may involve offering emotional support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested (This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companion volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)

• Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone 

• Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required 

• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support

• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required 

• Represent the Marie Curie Companion service positively to those using the service

ABOUT US

Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and  6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left. 

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

A Little Bit of Sunshine UK (ALBOS UK) is seeking to recruit Policy and Campaigns volunteers to support the charity at an important point in its development, its second year of operation, supporting young people to be at the heart of decision making in support services. 

We expect everyone who is part of our organisation to be committed to our values and share our ambition to become a more diverse and inclusive charity. Our vision, mission and values can be found on our website.

What we do

We work closely with young people and communities to shape a future where every young person can access mental health support, feel connected, and live without stigma.

Our policy and influencing work aims to create lasting change by addressing systemic barriers to youth mental health care. We advocate for policies that prioritise mental health, ensure adequate funding, and promote accessibility. 

About the role

As a Policy and Campaigns Volunteer, you will play a key role in supporting our efforts to influence policy, raise awareness, and advocate for improved mental health services for young people. You will work closely with our Policy and Campaigns team to help shape and deliver impactful campaigns and contribute to policy development aimed at creating lasting change.

We are looking for dynamic volunteers who will help us to advocate for change, and work collaboratively with other Policy Volunteers and across the wider charity, to plan, create, and roll out policy and campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in research, analysis and drafting of policy papers, briefing notes, and reports related to mental health issues affecting young people.

• Support the development and creation of campaigns that raise awareness and push for reforms in mental health services

• Monitor relevant policy developments, governmental reports, and key discussions within the mental health sector.

• Help with the development of training materials or toolkits for volunteers and supporters to increase awareness and engagement around mental health policy.

• Attend and contribute to team meetings and brainstorming sessions for campaign strategies and policy priorities.

• Contribute to the drafting of letters, petitions, and policy submissions aimed at influencing decision makers.

• Engage with young people to ensure their voices are heard and included in policy recommendations and campaign efforts.

If you would like to expand your skills in policy work and campaigning and can commit to volunteering 4–6 hours per week, then we would love to hear from you. 

If you would like to have an informal conversation with a member of our team please get in touch with us [email address in Role Description].

Closing date:  14/10/2024 at 10am

Informal interviews will be held as and when suitable applicants apply, but all applications before the closure of the advert will be reviewed. 

Please note that you must be 16 or over and be willing to undergo the DBS process to be appointed to this volunteer role.

Role: Volunteer – reasonable expenses paid
Location: Remote with occasional travel
Contract Type: Average 4 hours per week – 3 years initial term

About the Role

PatientsVoices is a group of volunteers who support, advise and influence our client by providing the patient perspective on its work. They can offer you a range of contribution and development opportunities, and the knowledge that you are making a positive difference to the lives of patients, and the healthcare staff who look after them. 

There are a wide range of activities to suit different skills and levels of commitment if you are appointed as a member. You might be a permanent member on formal committees, or help our client produce information for patients, or be part of visits to hospitals to assess anaesthetic departments and the care they provide to patients.

About You

Would you like to help improve the quality of care patients receive at the time of surgery and anaesthesia? Do you have either personal experience or a parent/carer’s experience of supporting family members or dependants through surgery? Could you give your views to help doctors and other health care professionals understand patient perspectives?

If this is you, please read the information below and consider applying to join PatientsVoices. Please note that this is a volunteer unpaid role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed or covered in advance. They welcome individuals from all backgrounds, communities and sections of society across the UK.

What our client can offer you

• A comprehensive induction, and training as required
• A buddy to help you get settled in the role and understand how the College works
• Regular check-ins to see how you are doing and what we can do to support you
• The opportunity to gain confidence and add valuable experience to your CV
• The opportunity to gain understanding of how the healthcare system works in the UK
• The chance to work with doctors and make a difference to patients’ experience of the NHS
• The opportunity to meet new people and socialise
• A flexible approach to engaging with them, with opportunities tailored to your life circumstances

About our Client

They are the professional body responsible for the anaesthetic specialty throughout the UK. They ensure the quality of patient care by maintaining standards in anaesthesia, intensive care and pain medicine.

How to Apply

On clicking apply you will be redirected to our clients careers page where you will be able to read more information about this role and it also includes instructions on how to apply.

About Pain Concern

Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work.  

All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results 

Role Purpose

Pain Concern is looking for volunteers to help moderate the charity’s online community on the Health Unlocked platform. Our forum provides peer support and a learning environment for people living with chronic pain and those who care for them. Forum moderators follow Health Unlocked guidance, creating a great culture and setting the tone for the forum.

As a volunteer moderator you will help to ensure that our online community is maintained as a safe, supportive and fun environment. You will gather information on what issues are important to forum users. You will help to monitor and moderate user-generated content. By joining us you will join a fast-growing and respected service.

Previous experience or training is not necessary. We are looking for a willingness to learn and a commitment to help. Knowledge of chronic pain while useful, is not essential. Due to the nature of the role, successful applicants will be required to undertake a PVG check and complete a 1hr Safeguarding online course.

What you would be doing

· Welcoming new members to the community

· Overseeing posts to the forum

· Ensure that posts conform to the community guidelines

· Signpost members to helpful resources

· Share cases with your supervisor and team members

· Help to gather information and feedback for statistics and report purpose

Is this role right for me?

We are looking for an individual who possesses some, or all of the experiences, skills and qualities listed below:

• Access to a computer, or other device, and internet (if volunteering from your own location)

• An empathetic and non-judgemental manner

• Excellent written communication skills

• Knowledge of chronic pain

• Ability to commit to at least 6 months of volunteering 

Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.

Remote Family Support Volunteer – Live Chat

We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference. Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.

Organisational values:

Mission: We build better family lives together.

Vision: Families should have access to active support and understanding. 

Values: Trustworthy, Compassionate and Collaborative

Purpose of the role: To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.

Live chat: is a free confidential service that is accessed via our website. Service users are offered emotional support, information and advice and guidance on a broad range of family issues.

Supervised by: The Shift Supervisor

 Activities: The volunteer will be fully supervised, supported and trained to provide the following activities:

·Provide emotional support to family members via our live chat service

·Use the Family Lives support model and tools to provide an empathic responses

·Ensure that all service users receive a high quality experience

·Sign post users to other agencies for information and additional support

·Complete conversation data records

·Alert the shift supervisor to any difficult situations

 

General: Volunteers should be willing to:

·Attend the relevant volunteer training

·Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the other policies and procedures of the organisation

·Participate in regular support, supervision meetings and learning sessions as agreed

For home based volunteers only:

·Volunteers will need a Laptop/PC, plug in headset with microphone, fast broadband and a private place to work from home

·Volunteers need to be IT/PC literate and confident troubleshooting should they have technical difficulties

 Time: We would be looking for volunteers to commit to one four-hour shift per week, plus attending training and supervision.

Location: working remotely from home

 You need to be a UK resident

Supervision and Support:

·Supervision during shifts

·Debrief after every shift

·1 to 1 supervision every 6 months

·Staff available outside of shift within office hours

·Annual review

 

The Benefits of Volunteering:

·Satisfaction in making a real and lasting difference to families who are struggling

·An opportunity to develop experience for CV and references. Family Lives is committed to helping volunteers develop their own learning and development, gaining new skills, knowledge or work experience

·Being part of a team of Family Lives volunteers and staff

·Personal development

·Opportunities to meet and interact with a wide range of people

·Out of pocket expenses reimbursed to a maximum of £10 per session if working from a centre

·Flexible hours

 

Volunteer Person Specification. We are looking for individuals who:

·Have experience of parenting/being in a parenting role or demonstrable experience of working with parents or children e.g. in their work, previous volunteering or a previous role

·Have an ability to respond empathically to emotional content

·Good written and verbal communication

·Have good keyboard skills and IT skills, with a minimum of 50 wpm

·Can demonstrate a willingness to question their own attitudes e.g. toward different forms of parenting

·Have a fluent, descriptive and expressive use of English

·Can remain open minded and non-judgemental

·Willing to commit to work within Family Lives’ policies, in particular our Confidentiality Policy and Risk of Harm Procedures

·Willing to commit to attending regular supervision and support sessions

·Willing to work as part of a team

·Willing to commit to a mutually agreed period or ideally a 12 months commitment to the organisation.

Typing Task Prior to Application for Live Chat

Prior to you submitting your application for a Live Chat Volunteer, we will require you to do a speed test, we ask for a minimum speed of 50 words per minute. 

Please take a screen shot and send it across with your application

You can have up to 3 attempts and decide which result you would like to forward as part of your application

Typing task

Go to the website typingtest

You are required to take the one minute typing test recording all of the results (speed, number of errors and adjusted speed).

We have remote voluntary call taker training groups the dates are below are you would need to be able to attend all 5 Modules from the training group.

Our next training groups are:

September training dates:

Module 1 – Monday 23rd September

Module 2 – Wednesday 25th September

Module 3 – Monday 30th September

Module 4 – Wednesday 2nd October

Module 5 – Monday 7th October

10am to 2pm

September Saturday training dates:

 Module 1 – Saturday 28th September

Module 2 – Saturday 12th October

Module 3 – Saturday 19th October

Module 4 – Saturday 26th October

Module 5 – Saturday 2nd November

10am to 2pm

Please note that all roles offered are subject to a satisfactory DBS being obtained, you will receive details of documentation required prior to your training and this must all be in no later than the second session of your training.

We're looking for a new Chief Volunteer for International, to provide strategic volunteer leadership for both UK Scouting’s international relationships with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, National Scout Organisations worldwide and Scouting’s international partner organisations; and the UK’s approach to delivering the international component of our Scout programme for young people.

Operationally, you'll play a senior leadership role in the forming and management of our UK contingents to World and European events ensuring that learning from previous events and agreed methods 
for ensuring effective governance and delivery of these contingents is fully implemented.

You'll provide leadership for the various teams and functions that operate the international services and support for UK Headquarters within UK Scouting and internationally including our International Rep Pool, International Support Team and international endorsements process.

It is our ambition to create the best possible team to lead UK Scouts, and we believe that we will do that by inviting and involving volunteers from different walks of life with different experiences, different skills and perspectives. So at this time we are really keen to provide opportunities for people to develop their skills, interests and experience in Scouting in a supportive and enjoyable way.

You do not need years of experience in Scouts or in life, we are looking to identify volunteers with potential and enthusiasm for what we are here to achieve together for young people who we can help develop along the way.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Marie Curie Companion Service is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.

Companion volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support.  These sessions can take place both in person and over the phone.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING.

Your role will include some of, but not be restricted to, the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, e.g. family home, a care home or in the community.
• Provide one-to-one companionship and support. For example: 
• Offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. 
• Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (e.g. to medical appointments) or taking short trips out. 
• Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. 
• Allowing carers to have a short break. 
• You may be supporting your client’s family or carers before or 

during bereavement.  This may involve offering emotional 

support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out 

information as requested 

(This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companion 

volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)

• Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone 
• Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required 
• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support
• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required 
• Represent the Marie Curie Helper service positively to those using the service

THE SKILLS/EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED.

• Commitment and reliability - able to keep appointments and volunteer for about 3 hours a week 
• Patience, empathy and emotional stability 
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality 
• Respect for an individual’s privacy, dignity and independence
• Willing to be flexible to the needs of the individual
• Ability to operate within the boundaries of the role 
• A friendly and sensitive approach with strong skills around building rapport and empathy
• Excellent listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others 
• Respect for individuals, regardless of their disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment

WHAT YOU CAN GAIN FROM THIS OPPORTUNITY.

• An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment
• An induction, training, support and supervision in your role
• Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses

WHAT WE ASK OF YOU.

• To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role
• To keep to all the charity’s policies and guidelines 
• To complete an induction and any training related to the role
• Complete mandatory training and role related renewals, as requested

Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect.  We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment.  We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users.

ABOUT US

Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and  6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left. 

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.