Information and advice volunteers volunteer roles

About Care4Calais 

Care4Calais is a volunteer-led charity delivering essential aid and support to people seeking asylum living in the UK and Northern France. We provide direct aid and advocate for a fair asylum system, including safe routes to claim asylum.

The UK Direct Aid team delivers essential support through practical services; such as running distributions, delivering English classes and casework-style support through drop-ins. The UK Direct Aid team also provides services to promote wellbeing such as trips and sports activities.

UK Area Lead Volunteer

We are looking for a compassionate, organised, and motivated Volunteer Area Leads to oversee a team of volunteers and the delivery of essential services and activities in their area. You must be committed to anti-racism and social justice, particularly for people seeking safety.

We are looking for Leads in the following areas:

• North London (including Brent, Barnet, Camden and Harrow)
• West London (Ealing/Acton)
• Reading
• Oxford
• Surrey (Redhill/ Reigate)
• Bedfordshire 
• Southampton
• Birmingham
• Nottingham
• South Yorkshire
• West Yorkshire

Responsibilities include:

• Organising activities (distributions, drop-ins, conversation clubs)

• Monitoring WhatsApp groups

• Attending and leading meetings

• Sharing updates and resources with volunteers

• Partnering with local organisations and councils

• Attending training

• Ensuring best practice and reflecting Care4Calais objectives

• Monitoring group funds and purchases

• Recording services and support provided

• Ensuring your group reflects Care4Calais’ values and messaging

What you will get

• Comprehensive training to equip you in your role; including safeguarding training, Induction Training, Activities and Distribution Training and Boundaries and Resilience Training. 

• Support from a wonderful team

• Opportunity to develop skills including casework, team management/leadership, admin, organisational, delegating, networking, funding bids, sourcing donations, and building partnerships in the sector

• Greater understanding of the UK asylum system

There are a range of activities that you can organise, including the following:

• English classes/ conversation clubs 

• Drop-ins - help with requests and signpost to support.

• Distributions - provide essential items like clothing, shoes, and toiletries. 

• Sports - activities like yoga, football etc., are a great way to improve wellbeing, and for people to connect with others.

• Trips - organise trips to places such as the park, cinema to help boost mood and give people time away from the hotel.

• Wellbeing activities - sessions like crafts and cooking are popular. 

• Workshops - help with housing once someone receives Leave to Remain; familiarise people with life in the UK.

• Events - mark specific days or holidays to get people together and celebrate. 

• Media/ Press/ Engagements - as a volunteer you may be asked to share a story for our social media or help someone with lived experience to share.

• Remote working - support with tasks such as contacting Migrant Help, helping individuals register with GPS, researching local support, or general admin. 

Care4Calais strongly encourages people with experience of the asylum system to apply, and recognises the specific value that lived experience brings to an organisation.

About Toynbee Hall and Debt Free Advice

Toynbee Hall is a charity based in East London that has been working for over 135 years to tackle poverty and promote social justice. Through advice, community projects, and policy work, Toynbee Hall helps people gain control over their finances, improve their wellbeing, and influence the systems that affect their lives.

Debt Free Advice is a partnership led by Toynbee Hall, offering free, expert debt advice to Londoners. Supported by the Mayor of London, the service helps people manage debt, understand their rights, and take steps towards financial stability. Volunteers play a key part in this work, helping clients access vital support and make positive changes in their lives.

Location: Across London (travel required)

Commitment: Flexible – ideally 1–2 days per week, including some events

Expenses: Travel and lunch reimbursed

Do you enjoy meeting new people, chatting, and being out in the community? Join us this to help Londoners feel confident about money — and know where to turn for free debt advice.

You’ll be part of a friendly, energetic team that brings important money conversations to life — from busy train stations to local markets and community events. Every chat you have could help someone take the first step toward becoming debt-free.

What You’ll Do

• Help run pop-up stalls and community events across London.
• Start conversations with members of the public — friendly, informal chats that encourage people to talk about money.
• Promote our free debt advice service and hand out information or small takeaways.
• Build positive relationships with local partners and community venues.
• Take photos and capture stories (with consent) to showcase our impact.
• Help with setting up and packing down banners, stands, and materials.

What We’re Looking For

• Confident, friendly communicator – you love talking to people.
• Positive, approachable, and good at listening.
• Reliable and a great team player.
• Comfortable working outdoors or in busy public places.
• Willing to travel around London (expenses covered).
• No experience needed – just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!

What You’ll Gain

• Experience in community engagement, events, and outreach.
• Skills in communication, public engagement, and partnership building.
• A chance to make a real difference during the cost-of-living crisis.
• Full training, guidance, and support from our friendly team.
• Travel and lunch expenses reimbursed.
• Certificate of participation and reference available after your placement.

Lived Experienced Peer Volunteer
14 hours per week
West Midlands
 
Are you a proactive, collaborative and compassionate individual with proven experience of working positively with adults to engage successfully despite ‘challenging’ behaviour?  Do you have the ability to be a positive role model, demonstrating the virtues of engaging with treatment support services?

If so, St Giles is looking for a Lived Experienced Peer Volunteer to join our team and provide interventions and build meaningful, peer-led relationships with service users to encourage them to engage in drug and alcohol treatment following arrest.

About St Giles Trust
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need.  Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

About this key role
As a Peer Volunteer, you will increase client engagement with drug and alcohol treatment services by providing vital peer-led support and building trust and motivation among a client group that has been historically disengaged/not offered support previously.  You will provide holistic, short-term intervention to bridge the gap between referral and full treatment engagement, capture client experiences and barriers to improve service design and accessibility and develop a strong service user voice to inform future service improvements.

Areas of support from Peer Volunteers may also include initial engagement and motivation such as welcome calls, check-ins, peer-led conversations and motivational chats over coffee.  You may also offer practical support such as appointment reminders, transport assistance and paperwork support, plus help to build positive routines such as activity-based engagement and supporting small lifestyle changes, including meal planning, budgeting, and time management.
 
What we are looking for

• Personal experience of the criminal justice system or lived experience of the issues facing this client group (i.e. experience of substance misuse and recovery)
• Proven experience of working in a high intensity environment, being self-motivating, with an ability to effectively manage your own wellbeing
• Knowledge of the issues facing those arrested for potential criminal offences
• Knowledge of, and commitment to, safeguarding practices and policies
• The ability to use monitoring systems to record all aspects of the work
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, verbal and written

 
Please note:  as an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients and successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Child Workforce with Child Barred list DBS.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

We will be reviewing applications as they are received, and reserve the right to close this advert early if a suitable candidate is appointed. We therefore strongly encourage early applications to avoid any disappointment

Closing date: Monday, 1st December 2025 @ 9am

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

This volunteering role will be for the new Harlow & Sawbridgeworth branch which will cover postcodes SG10, CM17, CM18, CM19, CM20 and CM21.

The branch are looking for indoor fosterers so applicants will need to have a suitable spare room.

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on the Cats Protection website

Inspiring, supportive, and committed - just a few of the words we’d use to describe our volunteers. 

At Rethink Mental Illness, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They play a vital role in supporting our services and making a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can have a positive impact while developing your own skills and experience, we’d love you to join us. 

About the role 

Do you have a passion for photography and videography, and enjoy capturing stories that inspire others? We’re looking for creative and enthusiastic volunteers to help us showcase the work of the Derbyshire Recovery Peer Support Service (DRPSS) by documenting our groups, events, and community activities.

As a Community Visual Media Volunteer, you’ll:

• Capture high-quality photos and videos of groups, events, and activities
• Work alongside staff to plan and attend sessions and events
• Ensure photo/video consent is gained and recorded appropriately
• Upload and organise media on a shared drive for staff to use in reports, social media, and promotional materials

You’ll play a key role in helping us highlight the positive impact of our work and inspiring others to get involved

Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.

About the service 

The Derbyshire Recovery Peer Support Service (DRPSS) helps people improve and maintain their mental health and wellbeing, and reconnect with their local community. We offer one-to-one support, telephone support, and community groups to anyone over 18 in Derbyshire who is experiencing mental ill health.

Your creative skills will help bring our service to life, celebrate people’s stories, and showcase the difference our community makes.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Good knowledge of photography and videography
• Access to equipment and digital editing software
• Good ICT skills
• Understanding of mental health support and safeguarding
• A supportive, non-judgmental approach when working with people from all backgrounds

It’s not essential, but you may also bring:

• Lived experience of mental ill health
• Knowledge of local services and communities
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle
   

Who are we? 

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”     

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.     

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion   

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.   

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation   

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.   

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

About Nova:  

Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards & those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.   

Reaching 2,500+ people each year, we believe in improving people’s lives one person at a time, helping committed and motivated individuals to achieve their potential by:  

• Developing knowledge, education and confidence 

• Connecting diverse groups

• Providing opportunities 

Our work, operates on 2 levels:

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  

• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action 

Role Description: 

This role will be to act as a teaching assistant to tutors delivering ESOL/ English classes for learners 19+. 

You will: 

• Enjoy working in a team 

• Provide tutorial support 

• Position yourself as a resource for learners 

• Work one-on-one or with smaller groups of learners who need additional help 

You need to be: 

• DBS Checked 

• Confident in the use of IT 

• Some experience of supporting learners with English 

• Committed

• Competent 

• Reliable

• Honest 

• Punctual 

• Patient 

• Fair 

• Open minded 

• Learners may come from various cultural backgrounds and face different learning challenges. You will need to be at ease whether supervising an entire class or working one-on-one with students.

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently 

Further information: 

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

• Teaching or coaching experience would be desirable but not essential. 

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better  with cats.

Join Our Board as a Volunteer Member!

Healthwatch Barking & Dagenham is seeking passionate individuals to help shape the future of local health and care.

What you’ll do:
✔️ Take part in board meetings
✔️ Guide strategy and governance
✔️ Champion community voices

What we’re looking for:
�� Experience in governance or community health
�� Strong teamwork & problem-solving skills
❤️ Commitment to improving local services

What you’ll gain:
�� Influence change in health & care
�� Training & support
�� Networking opportunities

Job Title: Personal Assistant                                                                         

Reports To: Department Manager 

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Personal Assistant to support daily coordination, scheduling, and communication tasks across departments. This remote volunteer opportunity is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, proactive, and looking to gain experience in nonprofit administration while contributing to a meaningful community-driven programme. 

Position Overview:
The Personal Assistant will be responsible for organising meetings, managing calendars, supporting internal communications, and assisting in day-to-day administrative operations. This role plays a vital part in ensuring smooth coordination between teams, and offers autonomy, flexibility, and mentorship opportunities for someone looking to develop or apply their administrative and organisational skills in the Third Sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative Support & Coordination:

• Manage meeting schedules, appointments, and internal calendars.

• Organise virtual events, staff briefings, and team check-ins.

• Support in planning and executing internal conferences or training sessions.

Data & System Management:

• Maintain and update internal databases and contact lists.

• Implement and uphold procedures and administrative systems.

Staff Liaison & Communication:

• Act as a point of contact between managers and teams.

• Assist in internal communications and task follow-ups.

General Administrative Tasks:

• Contribute to internal meetings with updates and suggestions.

• Provide ad hoc administrative support to leadership and teams as needed.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• No specific degree required, but relevant administrative or office support experience is preferred.

Experience:

• Prior experience as an administrative or personal assistant is an advantage.

• Familiarity with coordinating meetings, managing data, or supporting organisational logistics.

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication.

• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.

• Proactive, professional, and able to work independently or collaboratively.

• Strong team player with attention to detail.

Benefits:

• Gain valuable administrative and coordination experience in the nonprofit sector.

• Receive support and mentorship to build confidence and skills.

• Work flexibly in a fully remote setup with a collaborative team.

• Build your network within a mission-driven cultural organisation.

• Reimbursement of local travel expenses (if in-person support is required for specific events).

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

 

Volunteers Facilitators for elop’s Training & Education Service
elop’s Training and Education Service delivers workshops; training programmes; and consultancy to professionals and organisations working with the LGBT+ community. As a specialist in LGBT+ Mental Health and Wellbeing, we want to raise awareness of the challenges faced by our community and help organisations become more LGBT+ inclusive and affirmative. Our training programmes get people talking, thinking and planning for change that makes a real difference to LGBT+ people’s lives.
All our volunteer facilitators must positively identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/ or trans (Schedule
9, Part 1, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010 applies).
We are looking to better represent the diversity of our community and actively encourage
 applications from people that identify as male, trans/ non-binary and/or from Black Asian and
Minority Ethnic Groups.

Training Facilitator Volunteer Role Description
By joining the Training & Education Team you will have the opportunity to:
• Facilitate and co-facilitate workshops and training programmes to a range of external
organisations, including schools
• Design and deliver learning activities and presentations, both online and in-person
• Support organisations to improve their services for LGBT+ people
• Be given relevant training and supervision to ensure your development
• Be part of a dynamic team that offers a range of learning opportunities
Induction training will be provided alongside line management support.
Training Facilitator Volunteer Person Specification
Applicants should:
• have experience of presenting to groups, either online or in-person
• be a confident communicator
• be able to think on their feet and respond to questions that can feel challenging
• have awareness of key issues that LGBT+ people face
• understand the impact of discrimination and stigma on mental health

Inspiring, supportive, and committed - just a few of the words we’d use to describe our volunteers. 

At Rethink Mental Illness, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They play a vital role in supporting our services and making a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can have a positive impact while developing your own skills and experience, we’d love you to join us. 

About the role 

Do you enjoy listening to people’s stories, encouraging others to share their views, and helping services improve? We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us gather feedback from people across the community, ensuring their voices are heard and acted upon.

As a Feedback & Engagement Volunteer, you’ll:

• Visit groups and engage with members to gather feedback
• Volunteer alongside staff to collect feedback from service users, facilitators, and local services
• Support people to access and complete online feedback forms
• Record and input feedback into databases, keeping clear and accurate records
• Help ensure that feedback is shared effectively so it can be used to improve our services

Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.

About the service 

The Derbyshire Recovery Peer Support Service (DRPSS) helps people improve and maintain their mental health and wellbeing, and reconnect with their local community. We offer one-to-one support, telephone support, and community groups to anyone over 18 in Derbyshire who is experiencing mental ill health.

By gathering feedback, you’ll help us ensure that our services are shaped by the people who use them.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Understanding of mental health support and safeguarding
• Good ICT and clerical skills, including databases and email
• A clear and confident phone manner
• A supportive, patient, and non-judgmental approach
• Knowledge or experience of gathering and recording data

It’s not essential, but you may also bring:

• Lived experience of mental ill health
• Knowledge of local services and communities
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle

Who are we? 

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”     

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.     

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion   

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.   

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation   

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.   

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

Chair of North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service

Our Charity

North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse and their children living in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Spelthorne and Epsom and Ewell. We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information, regardless of sex, race, ability, gender, religion or income level.

Historically the service was provided as part of Citizens Advice Elmbridge (West). We have operated as an independent charity since April 2024 (charity number 1203855) and this is an exciting time to help shape the strategy and direction of the organisation.

The board currently comprises of nine Trustees.The current Chair is looking to step down by Christmas 2025 but will remain as a Trustee to provide continuity and support.

The Role

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the chair include the following. 

·Providing leadership to the organisation and the board, ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit. 

·Chairing and facilitating board meetings. 

·Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented. 

·Representing the organisation at functions and meetings. Acting as a spokesperson as appropriate. 

·Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making. 

 

With the chief executive

·Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required.

·Setting agendas for board meetings and other general meetings. 

·Developing the board of trustees. This includes induction, training, appraisal and succession planning. 

·Addressing conflict within the board and the organisation.

·Liaising with the chief executive to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and providing support where required. 

·Developing relationships with our partner organisations. 

·Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels and conducting exit interviews when required. 

Inspiring, supportive, and committed - just a few of the words we’d use to describe our volunteers. 

At Rethink Mental Illness, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They play a vital role in supporting our services and making a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can have a positive impact while developing your own skills and experience, we’d love you to join us. 

About the role

We are looking for Volunteer Befrienders to support our Brent Mental Health service in the London Borough of Brent. 

As a Volunteer Befriender, you will be required to travel across Brent to meet with service users and carry out your role. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 2 hours per week to volunteering. 

You will be supported by Befriending Volunteer Coordinators who will provide regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.

About the service

Our Brent Mental Health service provides support to people aged 18 and above, who live in the Borough of Brent, and who have a mental illness and are known to the local NHS trust Central and North West London (CNWL).

The Befriending Service aims to;

• Reduce social isolation of service users
• Increase the confidence of service users in accessing community resources independently
• Provide meaningful activities and peer support for service users 
• Help service users to live happier, healthier, independent lives
• Provide volunteering opportunities for people with mental health issues
• Reduce stigma and raise mental health awareness

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Befriender:

• Meeting with service users in locations and times which meet their needs (including evenings and weekends)
• Provide befriending support to a maximum of 2 service users at any one time
• Provide emotional support based on your own lived experience
• Support service users to access and build social and community networks and activities
• Act as a community connector to local services

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• You will have good communication skills
• You will be flexible to meet the needs of the service users

How to apply 

To apply, simply click the “apply now” button on the advert on our website and complete a short interest form. 

If you would like to express an interest in this opportunity, please complete an application as soon as possible, as the advert may close early if we receive a high level of interest.

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion  

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. 

Role Description: 

This role sits within our new Men’s Minds project, based in Hounslow. The aim of the service is to improve men’s mental health outcomes by developing a mental health network supported and directed by the voices of its members.

This will be achieved through three service strands: 1) Peer support network, 2) Psychoeducation workshops, addressing common needs of men’s mental health 3) Outreach support to raise awareness of men’s mental health and promote this service. 

The role of the Administrator Volunteer is to support the coordinator with: 

• Meet with Men’s Minds coordinator each week to discuss administrative tasks (online or in person). 

• Respond to general enquiries about the service 

• Respond to weekly emailed invitations for our Service Users and collate the results on a spreadsheet 

• With coordinator oversight, complete onboarding processes and upload to our data management software ‘Views,’ upload data related to 

• With coordinator oversight, collate and present relevant data

We are looking for someone who: 

• To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity 

• Are a non-judgmental and friendly individual who can communicate across different mediums(email, phone etc) 

• To feel comfortable engaging with people with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk 

• Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding mental health 

• Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities

• We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role

What's in it for the volunteer? 

Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector. 

To apply, please send your CV and expression of interest addressing the below answers: 

Please tell us why you would like to volunteer at Men’s Minds at HFEH Mind? (minimum 50 words) 

Please share any relevant skills or experience you have for the role. This may include education, work or voluntary experience (minimum 100 words)