Home volunteer volunteer volunteer roles
Creative Support is a national not-for-profit social care and supported housing provider with charitable status. We deliver personalised care and support for younger and older adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, physical disabilities and those at risk of homelessness or social exclusion.
Creative Support is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees with expertise across social care, health, housing, finance, legal and related fields. As our current Chair approaches the end of her term, we are seeking a new Chair with senior social care experience and a strong understanding of commissioning, quality, risk, workforce, regulation and partnership working. The ideal candidate will champion our values and mission and lead with clarity and compassion.
About Creative Support:
We are one of the UK’s largest social care providers, supporting over 6,000 people each year across 70 local authorities and employing around 5,000 staff. With an annual turnover of £197 million, we are also a registered social housing provider with over 1,000 supported housing units and significant housing assets.
Creative Support is an Investor in People Gold employer, a Stonewall Diversity Champion and an inclusive organisation committed to increasing Board representation from BAME, LGBTQ+ and disabled communities, with zero tolerance for discrimination.
Our Mission and Values:
Creative Support promotes independence, inclusion, and wellbeing. We do this by working with the people we support, their families and others to meet individual needs and aspirations in a person-centred way. We provide high quality homes and support, enabling people to say:
- I live my best life in a place I call home
- I feel listened to, respected and valued
- I enjoy choices and rights and have control over my life
- I am supported to feel safe
- I am doing the things that matter to me
- I enjoy relationships with others
- I am connected to my community
- I am supported with my wellbeing
- I feel able to reach my full potential
Our We Care values underpin everything we do at Creative Support. We are: Welcoming, Empowering, Compassionate, Aspirational, Respectful, Effective.
About the Role:
The Chair is responsible for leading the Board, ensuring effective governance, and holding the Chief Executive and Board to account for delivering our mission, vision and strategy. The role involves providing inclusive leadership, ensuring Trustees understand their responsibilities, and working closely with the Executive Team to offer oversight, support and constructive challenge.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with senior-level social care expertise, a commitment to our charitable purpose and person-centred values, and a belief in co-production with the people we support. The Chair must demonstrate vision, sound judgement and an inclusive, respectful leadership style.
The Chair is expected to commit sufficient time to:
- Attend six annual Board meetings, and relevant committee meetings (typically 2–3 hours in duration);
- Prepare thoroughly for meetings, including reading papers in advance;
- Lead the induction, support and supervision of Trustees;
- Undertake appraisal and support of the Chief Executive Officer;
- Act as an ambassador for Creative Support at internal and external events.
- Visit national services and engage with staff, the people who we support, and tenants.
The estimated time commitment for the Chair is approximately 4 days per month/48 days per year, although this may increase in response to organisational needs or during periods of change. Appointments are made for an initial period of 3 years and are subject to an annual appraisal. Terms begin at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting in which the Chair is appointed.
The role of Chair of the Board of Trustees is remunerated in recognition of the significant time, responsibility and contribution required. The current remuneration for the Chair is £12,000 per annum, payable in monthly instalments of £1,000. This payment is taxable and is processed through the organisation’s payroll. Trustees, including the Chair, are appointed as office holders and are therefore neither workers nor employees. Remuneration arrangements are subject to periodic review in line with the organisation’s governance and remuneration policies.
We also pay all reasonable expenses associated with the role, including travel, overnight accommodation, subsistence and child care expenses if needed. Appointment will be made subject to the following satisfactory checks:
- References
- Declarations of Interest
- Fit and Proper Person Check
- Personal Declarations
- Enhanced DBS
- A £1.00 payment for shareholding membership (this can be provided in person when you first attend our Head Office)
We can send you a copy of our most recent Annual Report & Accounts - details on how to request this can be located on this roles listing on our company website or consult the FCA Mutuals Website, type in Creative Support and search under ‘documents’. You will find all previous annual reports and accounts listed and these can be viewed or downloaded at no cost.
Please note that Creative Support is a Community Benefit Society with charitable status registered with the FCA, not a company or registered charity so you will not be able to access information about Creative Support via Companies House or the Charity Commission.
Recruitment Timeline:
Closing Date for Applications: 13 May 2026
Meet and Greet and Stakeholder interview panel: 17 June 2026
Final panel interviews: 30 June 2026
Offer and recruitment checks: July - August 2026
Co-opt at Board meeting: 10 September 2026
Formal vote at Annual General Meeting: 24 September 2026
Please keep these dates available upon application
Creative Support is a not for profit provider of person centered care and support



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
External Trustee
Liverpool Guild of Students
Location: Liverpool
Commitment: Voluntary
Term: Four years (renewable)
Closing date: Midday on Tuesday 7th April 2026
Atkinson HR and Marble Mayne are pleased to be supporting Liverpool Guild of Students in their search for an External Trustee to join their Board.
Liverpool Guild of Students is an independent, student-led charity dedicated to enhancing the student experience at the University of Liverpool. With 32,000 members, they are committed to creating a home for every student, ensuring each one gets the most out of university life and leaves equipped to change the world.
As they continue to strengthen their governance and long-term impact, they are seeking a committed and strategic individual to join their Board of Trustees and help guide their mission of creating an exceptional university experience for every student.
About the Role
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of students in Liverpool. As an External Trustee, you will play a key role in setting and monitoring the Guild's strategy, providing financial oversight, managing risk, and ensuring the organisation remains fit for purpose. The Board meets four times per year, with trustees also invited to sit on sub-committees covering Resources & Audit, People, Culture & EDI, and Governance & Appointments.
The Guild is keen to hear from individuals who can think strategically, critically evaluate complex issues, and contribute meaningfully to Board discussions. They are particularly interested in candidates who bring networks within Liverpool, knowledge of the Higher Education sector or Students' Unions, experience of complex multi-service organisations, or expertise in EDI best practice. First-time trustees are warmly welcomed, and the Guild is committed to building an inclusive Board with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and complete the application form, where you will be asked to answer three questions:
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Tell us why you’d like to join the Guild as a Trustee and how do your personal values align with the Guild’s?
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What knowledge, abilities, and experience can you contribute to our Board’s collective skills?
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How would you add value to the Board and our work to support students?
Each answer should be a maximum of 400 words.
Key Dates
Closing Date: Midday on Tuesday 7th April 2026
Interviews: Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th April 2026
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Help our charity to create new Allotment sites!
Green Allotments is a small, national, charity on a mission to create new allotment sites in England.
We are currently looking for lovely volunteers for various roles which are all home-based:
Volunteer Desk-based Researchers (Our most popular volunteering role!)
Archaeologist (desk-based, minimum of 3 years work experience)
Occasional professional/specialist micro-volunteers
Landscape Architect (minimum of 3 years work experience)
Social Media Supporters
Welsh Language Translators / Gwirfoddoli Cyfieithwyr Cymraeg
There are no set hours when volunteering for us and you can turn down anything that you are offered. Obviously, we will treat you with dignity and respect.
We do not anticipate that you will incur expenses in this role. We expect our volunteers to already have an internet connection and be willing to use that as part of their volunteer role with Green Allotments CIO.
(At present we are unable to accept applications from under 18s, although we hope to be able to do so in the future as our charity grows)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
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 our website
Time expectation
Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.
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.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
RSPCA Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch
We are looking for volunteers to join our Trustee board with expertise in any of these areas:
- Charity finance/ Treasurer
- Marketing/ Social Media
- Fundraising/Retail
- Project management
You will gain new skills and experience as a Branch Trustee whilst enabling us to help animals in our area.
Overview
We are looking for enthusiastic people to take the role as a Charity Trustee, who could devote some time to volunteer for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch and support us in boosting our local animal welfare work. Alongside using your expertise, this role will enable you to enhance how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow Trustees, in the running of the Branch and the implementation of a development plan. At a minimum, you would normally be expected to attend a monthly online committee meeting and to spend further time driving forward our activities.
The Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield RSPCA Branch
We are the local branch of the national RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area.
The Branch is in an enviable financial position and employs an experienced member of staff as Branch Manager. Once additional Trustees are in place, we expect to move towards CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) status.
Our main current activities are:
- Providing financial assistance to local people unable to afford unexpected vets’ bills. In the past year, we have allocated £40,000 to this area.
- Collecting petfood donations, which we collate and then pass to our local foodbanks.
- Re-homing cats in the Alton part of our area, organised in co-operation with the neighbouring RSPCA Branch.
- Some fundraising activities, including organising fun Dog Shows.
- We are looking to recruit at least three new trustees to work on significantly developing the Branch over the next few years. Initiatives we are considering are:
- Establishing a comprehensive fostering and re-homing network, across the entire Branch area.
- Major income generation initiatives, including opening our own shops.
- Developing our own animal centre resources, possibly in co-operation with private sector providers in the Branch area.
Core Branch Trustee responsibilities
- Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
- Work in conjunction with fellow Trustees and Branch Officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interests of the Branch and the RSPCA.
- Assist the Branch, as appropriate, to work with and assist national RSPCA staff, including but not limited to Inspectors.
- Actively participate in Branch committee meetings and to attend the Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM).
- Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new Trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
- In conjunction with fellow Trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions.
What we are looking for in a volunteer
We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and encourages people from any background to apply. You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee
- Ongoing support provided by our Branch Manager and assistance from relevant national RSPCA staff.
- The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that will enhance local animal welfare.
- The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
- A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.
Practical considerations
- To become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and have become a member of our Branch.
- Trustees are elected annually.
- You must not be disqualified from being a Trustee. Please read the Charity Commission’s guidance on who can be a Trustee of a charity.
- You will need to sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act, clarifying that you are not disqualified from being a Trustee.
- References will be required.
How to find out more about being a Trustee
For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.
We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve
If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!
Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.
We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield branch
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
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 our website
Time expectation
Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.
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.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
The branch are looking for indoor fosterers so any applicants would 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
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that
have been bereaved.
THIS ROLE COULD BE FOR YOU IF:
- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
- Are a good listener
- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect
REQUIREMENTS OF A BEFRIENDER INCLUDE:
- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults
BENEFITS OF THE ROLE MAY INCLUDE:
- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
- An opportunity to engage with your community
SUPPORT AND TRAINING PROVIDED:
- Omega Chatterbox induction program
- Safeguarding training
- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app
LOCATION OF THE ROLE:
- Home-based
WHEN ARE YOU NEEDED:
- Provided on enquiry
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.
Omega is a registered charity dedicated to reducing social isolation and loneliness.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
The branch are looking for indoor fosterers so applicants would 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
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking for a few brilliant people to join us as Trustees at Harrogate Skills 4 Living — and if you care about inclusion, safeguarding, and good governance, you might be exactly who we need.
HS4L supports adults with learning disabilities and autism through a mix of learning programmes, a community café, a chocolate‑making social enterprise, a Day Service ,two residential care homes, and supported living flats. It’s a vibrant, hands‑on organisation with a big heart and a growing footprint.
As we plan for long‑term financial sustainability, we’re keen to bring in trustees with experience in areas like finance, HR, safeguarding, social care, digital, or social enterprise. Most of all, we’re looking for people who believe in safe, high‑quality support and want to help shape our future.
If that sounds like you — or someone you know — I’d love to chat.
Julia Moor CEO
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Your expertise and experience could be vital to delivering our ground-breaking climate action and sustainability E-Save app. We're looking for UK-based people for a range of communications, marketing and multi-media roles.
What will you be doing?
You will join a team helping to launch and promote the E‑Save climate‑action app and improving its content and user experience.
By supporting creative campaigns, you will also help the team raise the profile of Eco Centre, and support local outreach initiatives, volunteer recruitment and communications, and stakeholder engagement.
Your work will help people discover and use the app to take practical climate action at home.
What are we looking for?
We are building a team with a range of skills and experience who can provide hands on help on regular basis and be responsive to changing needs.
We’re looking for volunteers with skills in writing, design, graphics video, social media, campaigning, web content, or marketing. Whether you’re experienced or building your portfolio, we welcome creative, proactive team players who can bring ideas, collaborate well, and help us communicate climate action in engaging and accessible ways.
What difference will you make?
Your support will help the E‑Save app be effective and inspire real climate action in everyday life. By helping shape and promote the app and organisation, you’ll make sustainable living more accessible.
You will be at the forefront of bringing climate action into people’s homes across the UK, making sustainable living appealing – and driving real environmental impact.
We interview on a rolling basis—apply early! Include a brief outline of your motivation and skills, and portfolio links if relevant.
UK based applicants only.
Empowering people to live and work sustainably. We inform, inspire and enable people to take practical action on climate change and the environment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for a befriending volunteer to visit a chatty and independent gentleman in Milton Keynes. On the days where he is not working in a nearby shop, he would like a kind and considerate person to chat to over a coffee at home or to join him for the occasional walk or meal out.
We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
- Sitting and having a chat
- Checking in on their well- being
- Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
- Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
- Enjoying a walk
- A craft activity at home
As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:
- Friendly and approachable
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Reliable and patient
- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.
As a Mencap visitor you will:
- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
- Meet new people
- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued
About Mencap
Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that
have been bereaved.
THIS ROLE COULD BE FOR YOU IF:
- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
- Are a good listener
- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect
REQUIREMENTS OF A BEFRIENDER INCLUDE:
- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults
BENEFITS OF THE ROLE MAY INCLUDE:
- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
- An opportunity to engage with your community
SUPPORT AND TRAINING PROVIDED:
- Omega Chatterbox induction program
- Safeguarding training
- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app
LOCATION OF THE ROLE:
- Home-based
WHEN ARE YOU NEEDED:
- Provided on enquiry
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.
Omega is a registered charity dedicated to reducing social isolation and loneliness.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.
Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.
Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?
- Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
- Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
- Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!
Key responsibilities
Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:
- Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
- Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
- Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
- Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
- Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator
Skills required
No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:
- A non-judgemental approach
- Good listening and communication skills
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Respect confidentiality
- Be able to work on own initiative
- Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for volunteers to spend some time with our clients in and around Central London or to speak to them over the phone. Our current needs are in Tulse Hill and Stepney Green, and we are looking for someone to call, then potentially meet with a client in Bromley.Locations often change as new referrals come in, so if you are interested in befriending someone and making a positive difference to their emotional well being, please contact us, we may have a client in your area!
Meetings are regular, usually weekly or fortnightly, for at least 6 months although most of our volunteers stay involved for much longer than this, only because they enjoy what they do! Phone calls are usually up to one hour and are made once a week from any quiet space in your home or office.
Befriending is a simple way to make a positive difference to someone who feels lonely or is socially isolated. Your gift of time and companionship will give them, and you, something to look forward to. As one of our volunteers once said,“this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”
Meetings are held in the local community, having a friendly chat in a coffee shop, visiting places of interest together, or in our client’s home.Our clients are older Scots, (60 plus ) who simply want to do the activities that most of us take for granted.
We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters.
This could be the ideal opportunity for you to gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting, or for anyonewho simply enjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter.
Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must be living in the London area.
Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!
Skills & characteristics required for befriending are:
- English speaking, clear communication for coversation
- Good listening skills
- Friendly, warm and non-judgemental
- Honest, reliable and committed
- Empathy
- Understanding of the need to maintain confidentiality (covered in training)
An enhanced DBS check will be processed for successful applicants and two references are required.
To improve the lives of Scots and the children of Scots in London
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
