Learning volunteer roles in kingston upon thames, surrey

Do you enjoy singing and listening to all genres of music? We have an exciting opportunity to facilitate a singing and music group in our domestic abuse refuges over the summer holidays! You will be supporting our women and children to get involved and have some fun! During the school summer holidays, Hestia runs a six-week Summer Play Scheme providing activities and outings for mothers and their children across our refuges. Funded through generous donations from the public, the Summer Play Scheme provides women and children with a safe and supportive space to reconnect by having fun and sharing happy memories together as family.

What you will be doing

• To develop positive relationships with the children and women, maintain professional boundaries and keep accurate records.
• Facilitate a weekly singing and music group
• Provide opportunities for the group to collaborate on agreed themes/ songs for future groups
• Coordinate and plan group sessions
• Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• To use a range of skills and tools to make sessions interesting and fun for a range of ages.

The skills you need

• Understanding of Domestic abuse and its impact on children and women
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Experience in music in either a professional, educational or personal level

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you! What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

Become a Creative Workshop Leader with Bright Futures UK

Are you passionate about sharing your creative talents and inspiring the next generation? Bright Futures UK is looking for enthusiastic and skilled individuals to lead engaging workshops for young people who have taken time out of education due to illness.

About the Role:
As a Creative Workshop Leader, you will work with us to design a fun and meaningful workshop tailored to your expertise, which you’ll deliver on a Wednesday afternoon. Whether your speciality is henna design, cake or cookie decorating, crochet, glitter art, or another creative discipline, we’d love to hear from you! You’ll have the full support of our team to ensure your workshop runs smoothly and makes a real impact.

What You’ll Need:

• A skill or craft that can be shared with young people.
• Enthusiasm for teaching and inspiring creativity.
• A willingness to collaborate with us in planning the session.

What You’ll Gain:

• The chance to make a difference in the lives of young people facing significant challenges.
• DBS and training provided at no cost.
• Opportunities to develop your teaching and facilitation skills.
• The rewarding experience of sharing your passion with others.

Why You’ll Love Volunteering with Us:
At Bright Futures UK, we believe in supporting young people as they rebuild their confidence and reengage with education. Through your workshop, you’ll help create a positive, nurturing environment where creativity thrives and connections are made.

The Historic Towns and Villages Forum (HTVF) is seeking new trustees to help the Board make the most of a transformative stage in its history. HTVF became a registered charity in 2024, and over the last year has undertaken a review of its mission, vision and strategy, with two new Executive Co-Directors.

About us: The Historic Towns and Villages Forum (HTVF) is an independent charity with a mission to promote the prosperity, sustainability and heritage of historic cities, towns and villages for the benefit of all.

We provide support, training and information to organisations (including local authorities, town and parish councils, civic and amenity societies, and consultancies) as well as individual professionals, students, and members of the public engaged in the planning and management of historic cities, towns and villages. We aim to help them conserve the character and significance of historic places, while realising their full social, environmental and economic potential. We do this through events, research projects, publications, and partnerships.

What we’re looking for: We are seeking a minimum of three individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas to join our Board of Trustees:

• Senior professional leadership in a Local Authority
• Placemaking and urban regeneration expertise
• Marketing and fundraising
• Financial management
• Community and political engagement
• Research programme development and management

For these roles we also value:

• Innovative Thinking: HTVF is entering a new phase of development. A creative and forward-thinking approach to challenges and opportunities is sought from our new intake of trustees.  The ability to facilitate the Forum’s engagement with other organisations and groups would be helpful too.
• Geographical Spread: We aim for a wide geographical representation and welcome applications from across the UK, bearing in mind some meetings will be face-to-face in either London or Oxford.
• Inclusivity: We also aim to reflect the diversity of the communities with which we engage, and welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds who can bring the skills and experience identified above.

In this round of recruitment, we are looking in particular for an Honorary Treasurer. All new trustees will receive a comprehensive induction to the role and the work of the Charity.

Vital Xposure, a disabled-led touring theatre company with national reach, is seeking individuals with a range of skills and interests to help support the company’s growth and ambitions.

Based in London, we create accessible, nationally touring productions and position ourselves at the forefront of research and innovation in disabled performance.

This is an exciting time for the company as we continue to diversify our programme: producing and touring new work, supporting the professional development of artists, and expanding our reach. Alongside these core activities, we work closely with disabled artists and venue partners to deliver our cutting-edge VX Labs programme. VX Labs creates space to experiment with new ideas, celebrate intersectionality from a disability perspective, and interrogate the theatre-making process.

If you are passionate about disabled-led work and are interested in supporting our strategic vision and future development, we would love to hear from you.

Visit our website to find out more about Vital Xposure and to download the Information Pack.

Applications open on 23 April 2025.

Deadline for expressions of interest: Thursday 15 May 2025 at 12.00 midday

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Time2Share@WECIL’s Befriending Service links volunteers 1:1 with a Disabled child / young person. Links are based on shared interests and activities which the volunteer and young person can enjoy doing together either in the child/family home or out in the community.

What experience do I need?

You do not need any previous experience with disabled children or young people, but we ask that volunteers are friendly, caring, reliable and able to make a commitment to visit a young person regularly.

What will I be doing?

You will volunteer within Time2Share@WECIL’s befriending service for disabled children/young people (aged 5-18 yrs) and their families. This involves spending time regularly with a disabled child or young person in their home or supporting the young person to take part in social and leisure activities in their local community. You will not be asked to administer medication or deliver personal care in this role.

Who am I responsible for?

You are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the child or young person you are linked with. All links are risk-assessed and carefully monitored by your co-ordinator.

Who am I responsible to?

The parent / carer. You must ensure that the parent / carer’s reasonable instructions and guidance regarding the welfare of their child are adhered to and that clear communication is maintained. Feedback must be given to the parent/carer following a visit.

How often will I be needed?

Time2Share@WECIL typically ask for volunteers to commit to 2-4 hours a week and the days / times are agreed between the volunteer and the family. We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months to ensure the child and their family are able to benefit fully from the relationship.

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you! What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you! What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our South Kensington store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

As part of our new strategy,  we are looking to invite people with some or all of the following strategic NHS/Commissioning skills on to our Board of Trustees.

• Significant & strategic understanding of integrated care boards (ICBs),

• Understanding of the NHS funding landscape e.g. commissioning and/or NHS Trusts , personal health budgets

• Strategic incentives within the NHS e.g. Joint Strategic Needs Assessments and Health and Wellbeing Strategies

• The evidence and data that is important to the NHS when taking decisions on care pathways choice

You will offer your expertise and guidance in a period of learning, testing and growth for us.

You will bring your knowledge of best practice at both localised and national levels to help the newly formed Business Development team (focused on Music Services and Delivery) achieve targets.

Trustees on the relevant Committees (in this case the role would also sit on the Music Services Committee – MSC) hold the delegated authority responsibility on behalf of the board.Complete Trustee duties and role expectations are detailed in our Trustee recruitment pack.

Join 198 CAL as a Trustee – Help Shape Our Future

198 Contemporary Arts and Learning (198 CAL) is seeking passionate and experienced Trustees with fundraising and finance expertise to help us navigate today’s challenging funding landscape and build a stable, sustainable future.

This is an exciting time to join our team, following the acquisition and expansion of our new building. We are looking for committed individuals who share our vision and can contribute their skills to strengthen our organisation and make a real difference in people’s lives.

What’s Involved?

• Attend quarterly online Board meetings and one in-person strategy workshop per year.
• Participate in sub-committees and contribute remotely.
• This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses covered.

If you have the skills and dedication to support 198 CAL’s mission, we’d love to hear from you!

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

We’re looking for a new fundraising volunteer and/or director! Are you passionate about securing funds for grassroot organisations?

This opportunity involves overseeing Fuel Poverty Action’s fundraising plans and strategy, reaching out to donors and promoting our vital campaigns through grant bids to help end fuel poverty in the UK. 

This role would require an average of 16-20 hrs per month and can be done remotely. We are also open to you joining FPA’s board of directors, subject to capacity and experience. 

This offers a chance to directly contribute to tackling fuel poverty and ensuring access to affordable energy for all whilst strategizing and learning alongside great activists. If you're eager to contribute, we’d love to hear from you!

Tasks:

• Organise and manage our fundraising planning and pipeline

• Reach out to potential donors and help build relationships

• Lead on grant applications

• Work closely with the team to develop new fundraising strategies

• Contribute ideas and experience to FPA campaigns

Closing date for applications:  April 20th 2025

Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.

Tasks and Responsibilities

If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.

Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.

As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week. 

Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.

Selection Criteria

A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:

• Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend

• Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing

• Be open-minded

• Be supportive

• Be reliable

• Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times

• Be accepting and non-judgemental

• Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout

• Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback

Requirements

• You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering. 
• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
• All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.

It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health. 

Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:

• Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.

• Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?

Benefits to Volunteers

The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.

Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.

Application Process

You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.

You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you. 

We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send. 

Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way. 

This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.

We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents. 

Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision. 

If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.