Walking volunteer volunteer jobs in Bristol

Title: Active Recovery Practitioner
Place of work: The Southmead Project, BS10 6AS and various locations around Bristol and Somerset
Interview date: Tuesday 9th June

The Southmead Project:

The Southmead Project is an equal opportunities employer providing free specialist trauma counselling and support for adult survivors of abuse across Bristol and surrounding areas. Our recruitment is done in line with safer recruitment practices. We welcome people of any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, language, religion and cultural background. We value the differences between people and affirming each person as an individual.

We value our team very highly and pride ourselves on being a supportive employer. We provide the following benefits to encourage every staff member to have a supported, well-rounded and enriched working experience:

● Paid supervision for 1.5 hours per month, with an external clinical supervisor
● Line management for 1 hour per month
● Training budget of £500 per year to spend on relevant training of that person’s choice
● Employer pension contribution of 5%
● Generous annual leave allowance and paid sick leave
● Cycle to work scheme
● Optional private counselling for up to 12 sessions per year with an external counsellor of that person’s choice

We also support employees with reasonable adjustments through the Access to Work scheme.

The Active Recovery Project gives adult survivors of abuse the opportunity to take part in community-based activities. It provides a safe and supportive space for clients to participate in a variety of group activities with others who share or understand their experience and develop peer relationships, resulting in increasing confidence and reduced isolation.

The activities are based on ideas from our members and include water-based activities (such as rowing, canoeing, sailing and kayaking), surfing, trips to community spaces and creative sessions (such as arts and crafts). Activities take place every week. Each activity will last approximately 2.5 hours each. Members can attend the group sessions for up to 18 months.

The current Practitioner has said:

“The decision to leave this role has been so difficult, the team are so lovely, caring and supportive. In the role I have got to go surfing, walk alpacas and make a bowl on a pottery wheel. Sometimes I honestly can’t believe it’s my job. I have learnt so much and got to work with some of the most wonderful and inspiring people. There are countless moments at groups that I will never ever forget - some of my most amazing moments in life have come at work and that doesn’t happen very often!”

Job Purpose:

The Practitioner role requires working as part of a small team and they will help prepare and deliver two Active Recovery sessions per week, in Bristol and Somerset. The Somerset group runs on a Tuesday and the Bristol group runs on a Wednesday. During the sessions, the Practitioner will be responsible for using a trauma-informed approach to support clients who become dysregulated or need emotional support.

Principal Tasks:

1. Together with the rest of the Active Recovery team, to provide initial trauma-informed assessment phone calls and/or meetings with potential members as part of the registration process for Active Recovery. This includes assessing need, risk and suitability for the service using a trauma-informed approach.
2. To support the Active Recovery Lead in creating safety plans and tailoring activity sessions where appropriate. These will be informed through relationships with members and the initial assessment phone calls.
3. Support the Active Recovery Lead in planning trauma-informed sessions for members.
4. Support the setting up, delivering and debriefing about activity sessions with members and volunteers. Ensuring members are clear on each session's ground rules and safeguarding processes, using the Member’s Agreement.
5. Provide trauma-informed face-to-face support to members at sessions who may become overwhelmed or require help dealing with flashbacks and dissociation.
6. To support volunteers with safeguarding queries and ensure safeguarding procedures are followed, including being the Safeguarding Lead at activity sessions if the Active Recovery Lead is not there and escalating any onward safeguarding referrals and queries to the Southmead Project Designated Safeguarding Lead.
7. Support the Active Recovery Lead with management of volunteers for the project.
8. Develop and maintain an Active Recovery community through email, phone calls, texts and in person.
9. Be the key person in ensuring that members have all the information and resources needed to get to the sessions - building a relationship of trust with members, using Spond, email, texts and calls, creating Canvas, figuring out transport logistics.
10. Support the project’s aim to have the members’ voices at the heart of the project.
11. Contribute to the development of outcome processes in line with the Southmead Project and its funders’ requirements.
12. Maintain positive relationships with partnership organisations for the project.
13. The Practitioner will not have budget responsibility but will ensure that their own personal expenses (mileage/parking) is within the budget for the project, keeping accurate records.
14. Record data accurately and in a timely manner on Oasis.
15. Attend monthly one-to-one line management meetings with the Head of Active Recovery.
16. To attend monthly one-to-one clinical supervision with a Supervisor who is approved by the Southmead Project. Supervision is a requirement of this charity as an organisational member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
17. To work within the framework, spirit and ethos of the Southmead Project’s Equal Opportunities Policy, and actively engage in promoting the policy within the charity and in all dealings with clients and other agencies.
18. Follow the Southmead Project policies, procedures and professional code of conduct as outlined in the Staff Handbook.
19. All members of staff, paid and unpaid, are required to undergo the enhanced level of Disclosure and Barring Service check

Please see documents for full job description and person specification.

Position: Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a per-week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Home Based in Scotland
Salary: Starting from £26,384 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 1, Charity
You will start at our entry point salary of £26,384 per annum, increasing to £28,033 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £29,682 after a further 6 months.

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus. 

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information. 

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and talented policy and public affairs professional to join our team. You should have experience of working to develop policy and have the ability to communicate our position to a wide range of audiences across Scotland.

In this exciting role you will work with the MS community to influence change in public policy, continuing to make the case for improvements in the treatment, care and support of people affected by MS.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who understands the political and policy environment in Scotland, who has experience in external facing influencing roles, who is outcome-focused and delivers tangible results. The successful candidate will work closely with the MS community, the Scottish Policy and Communications team as well as key external partners such as MSPs and their teams.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Monday 1st of June

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

Regional Development Officer (RDO) - Midlands 

Location: Midlands (home-based with travel and use of hot desk office in Midlands) 
Salary: £35,100 FTE (£18/hour £21,060) 
Contract: 2-year fixed term (22.5 hours/week) 
Reports to: National Fundraising & Development Manager 

This is not an administrative role. It is comparable to: 

• Regional Development Officer (charity sector)

• Community Development Officer

• Partnerships / Outreach Officer

• Network Growth or Membership Development roles

The role combines business development, community engagement, and programme delivery, with clear responsibility for growing Phab’s national footprint and reputation. 

Why this role matters  

This is a rare opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up. 

You’ll be the person who brings Phab to new communities—connecting disabled and non-disabled people, creating life-changing social opportunities, and building a network of clubs that transform lives. 

We’re looking for someone who thrives on meeting people, spotting opportunities, and making things happen—someone who can walk into a room, inspire others, and leave with new partners, volunteers, and future club leaders excited to get involved. 

If you’re energised by purpose and disability-inclusion, love being out in the community, and want to play a key role in growing a national charity’s reach—this role is for you. 

Role Purpose  

To grow and strengthen the Phab network by: 

• Launching new Phab Clubs in underserved areas in the Midlands 

• Supporting and energising existing clubs

• Building strong regional relationships that drive participation, partnerships, and sustainability

A critical part of this role is identifying and supporting outstanding Club Leaders—the individuals who make clubs thrive. 

What success looks like (2-year targets) 

Year 1: Establish & Build Momentum 

• Launch 3–5 new Phab Clubs in priority areas

• Identify and develop a pipeline of future club leaders and volunteers

• Build relationships with local authorities, schools, disability organisations, and community groups

• Visit and engage with existing clubs in the region to strengthen relationships and identify growth opportunities

• Generate local funding or in-kind support for new and existing clubs

• Represent Phab at key regional events and networks

Year 2: Grow & Sustain 

• Support Year 1 clubs to become fully sustainable and independently run

• Launch an additional 3–5 new clubs or affiliate groups

• Increase membership and engagement across existing clubs

• Develop regional partnerships that provide ongoing referral pathways (e.g. professionals, services, schools)

• Contribute to income generation (grants, partnerships, training opportunities)

• Establish a strong regional identity and presence for Phab

Key Responsibilities  

1. Network Growth & Club Development 

• Identify areas of need and actively develop new Phab Clubs

• Recruit, mentor, and support Club Leaders and volunteer teams

• Set up clubs alongside the club leaders (venue, structure, governance, initial membership)

• Build relationships with professionals (e.g. SEND services, social workers, educators) who can refer members

• Reconnect with former Phab participants and supporters to re-engage them

2. Supporting Existing Clubs  

• Regularly visit and engage with existing clubs

• Identify challenges and opportunities, offering practical support

• Encourage growth in membership, activity quality, and sustainability

• Share best practice and connect clubs to wider opportunities (training, funding, events)

3. Community Engagement & Partnerships 

• Act as a visible, energetic ambassador for Phab

• Attend networking events and build strong regional relationships

• Develop partnerships with community organisations, corporates, and funders

• Promote Phab’s wider offer (Phab ACTS training, Phab Adventures, events)

4. Income & Sustainability 

• Identify and secure local funding opportunities

• Support clubs to access grants and sponsorship

• Contribute to Phab’s broader income generation strategy

5. Internal Collaboration & Delivery 

• Work closely with Marketing, Fundraising & Development, and Charity Support teams

• Use CRM (Beacon) to track engagement, contacts, and progress

• Contribute to planning and delivery of regional and national initiatives

Experience & Background  

We are looking for someone who has done this kind of work before, not just worked “in charity or business”. 

Essential experience: 

• Experience in community development, outreach, or network growth

• Proven track record of starting or growing initiatives, projects, or groups

• Experience building partnerships and engaging external stakeholders

• Experience recruiting, supporting, or managing volunteers or community leaders

• Experience working in or alongside disability, inclusion, or community services

• Knowledge of UK charity landscape and safeguarding/good practice

Desirable: 

• Experience setting up or running community groups, clubs, or programmes

Experience securing local funding or sponsorship

Equal Opportunities, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Phab is committed to creating an inclusive organisation where disabled and non-disabled people can thrive together as equals. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, lived experiences and identities, particularly disabled people and those who are underrepresented within the charity sector.

We believe diversity strengthens our organisation and helps us better support the communities we work alongside. Recruitment decisions are made based on skills, experience, values and potential, and we are committed to ensuring a fair and accessible recruitment process for all applicants. 

Reasonable adjustments will be offered throughout the recruitment process and during employment. If you require any adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know. 

As a Regional Development Officer, you will play an important role in promoting inclusion, accessibility and equality across our network of clubs, projects and partnerships. 

Safeguarding Statement 

Phab is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We expect all staff, volunteers and partners to share this commitment and to uphold a culture of safety, dignity and respect. 

The successful candidate will be required to work in line with Phab’s safeguarding policies and procedures and may be subject to an enhanced DBS check, depending on the nature of the role and responsibilities. 

We are looking for someone who shares our values of inclusion, respect, integrity and participation, and who is committed to helping create safe and welcoming environments for everyone involved in Phab activities.

This role will support the development and delivery of our services and resources for young people born with a cleft lip and/or palate. Working closely with the Engagement & Services team to help us achieve our mission. 

The Youth Engagement Coordinator will sit within the Engagement & Services Team. They will join a friendly and supportive team of seven colleagues who, together, are responsible for the delivery of CLAPA’s adult, family, children and young people and involvement services. The post holder will develop and deliver services for eight- to seventeen-year-olds, which will enable the young cleft community to connect, share experiences and access guidance and emotional support. Shaping what support looks like, creating positive impact and strengthening reach, this new role for CLAPA will make a real difference to the lives of children and young people born with a cleft.

If you think you have the talent, passion and experience to help us ensure we can always meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.