Learning volunteer volunteer roles
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!
The role in a nutshell:
Lead volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of our retail division. Our charity shops raise vital funds, which aid and support a wide range of services which Age UK delivers. If you have some free time available and have a passion for retail management, we can help you find a new sense of purpose in your life.
What will you be doing?
As this is such a key role, the task list for this role is understandably lengthy.
Key activities include but are not limited to the following:
•To assist in the security of the shop and its stock, and bank takings when required. Opening the shop or securing the shop at close of business when required.
•Ensure cash handling processes and procedures are adhered to and exchanges and refunds actioned promptly.
•Ensure Health & Safety regulations are understood and complied with; Alcumus (incident reporting and health & safety check recording system) understood and completed.
•Ensure compliance with all organisational policies and procedures.
•Always deliver great customer service.
•Support other volunteers, ensuring gift aid is captured on both donations and sales.
•Provide training and support on the till to other volunteers as required.
•General retail duties - again not limited to but including- accepting donations (stock or cash), promote gift aid, operate till, take phone calls and deal with enquiries, keeping the shop clean and tidy, pricing, displaying and sale of donated goods and merchandise. Deal with refunds and customer complaints.
•Live Age UK’s values; follow our code of conduct and our Diversity; Equity and Inclusion policy.
How would you be supported in this role?
When you become part of our team, you will receive a mixture of e-learning and ‘on the job practical training,’ to get you started. As you progress in the role, you will receive refresher training and ongoing support. We will also reimburse ‘role-related expenses’ and provide further opportunity to shape the volunteering that you do. To be a Lead Volunteer we do have a specific training plan we would need you to complete.
Why do we need volunteers in this role?
Lead volunteers have an important part to play in the ongoing success of our retail division, as they help us raise funds though our shops, to reach and support more older people. Occasionally we find ourselves in a position where no paid staff are available to open the shop which disappoints customers and donors alike; and decreases the funds we can raise to support people in later life. Lead volunteers give an additional layer of flexibility to help us keep our doors open.
Additional information:
We offer a wide variety of flexible shifts for volunteers, to fit around your personal circumstances. However for this role there will be times when we do make a specific ask of you.
What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. For this role, previous experience of working in retail would be a real advantage; and you would need to show commitment and regular attendance to ensure you are fully up to speed with our policy and procedures; and what’s going on in the shop. If you are looking for a career in retail and looking to gain some crucial experience this could be the ideal role for you-equally if you are retired but keen to keep your hand in; we could really benefit from your experience! Therefore, if you are a team player and open to learning whilst following Age UKs policies, you will be an excellent addition to our ever-growing team of amazing volunteers. Our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do our absolute best to find a role that works for you.
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!
Why we want you
Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.
Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.
What you will be doing
· Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
· Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
· Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
· Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
· Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress
The skills you need
· Friendly and approachable
· Great written and verbal communication skills
· Non-judgemental
· Reliable
· Basic IT skills
What's in it for you
· Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
· Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
· Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
· Access a range of training and learning opportunities
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.

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!
Why we want you
Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.
Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.
What you will be doing
- Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
- Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
- Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
- Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
- Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress
The skills you need
- Friendly and approachable
- Great written and verbal communication skills
- Non-judgemental
- Reliable
- Basic IT skills
What's in it for you
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
- Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
- Access a range of training and learning opportunities
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.

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!
Why we want you
Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.
Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.
What you will be doing
- Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
- Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
- Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
- Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
- Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress
The skills you need
- Friendly and approachable
- Great written and verbal communication skills
- Non-judgemental
- Reliable
- Basic IT skills
What's in it for you
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
- Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
- Access a range of training and learning opportunities
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.

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!
What are Serving Community Teams?
Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. SSAFA has developed Serving Community Teams for volunteers to support serving personnel and their families in the UK and overseas.
A Serving Community Team is run by a small team of volunteers on or near a British Armed Forces base which provides emotional, practical and financial support to the serving community. Our Chair is the key part of the team, coordinating the activities of volunteers to ensure financial stability and a safe and effective volunteer service. You will network locally to build relationships with the serving community, other stakeholders and welfare organisations. You will collaborate with the other SCT volunteers to support them in their roles as well as working with employees in the Serving Community Support Team to ensure the functions of the SCT run well, are documented appropriately, and reported on annually.
Why we want you
Serving Community Teams (SCTs) offer financial, practical and emotional support to serving personnel and their families at military bases both in the UK and overseas. Each SCT consists of a group of dedicated volunteers, working together to raise SSAFA’s profile, ensuring those who need support receive it. If you would like to lead and develop a SCT, we’d love to hear from you. Our SCT Chair is the key player, coordinating the activities of the volunteer team to deliver beneficiary support and ensure a safe, effective and financially stability SCT. You will network locally to build relationships with the serving community, other stakeholders and welfare organisations. You will support your SCT volunteers in their roles as well as working with employees in SSAFA’s Serving Community Support Team to ensure the functions of the SCT are run well, documented and reported on annually.
What you will be doing
- Leading the volunteer team, ensuring SSAFA’s values, policies and procedures are followed.
- Being an ambassador for SSAFA, building positive relationships with the chain of command, local SSAFA branches and services, welfare services and other key stakeholders.
- Working closely with your volunteers to establish an annual plan of activities to include fundraising, awareness raising and support.
- Having oversight of all the functions of the SCT, ensuring beneficiaries receive effective support, and volunteers have an opportunity to regularly meet regularly.
- Reporting on the activities the SCT undertakes and their impact, ensuring annual reports are submitted.
- Promoting the work of SSAFA and the SCT, highlighting case studies and good news stories to employees in the SSAFA PR team and Serving Community Support Team.
- Being available to consider any grant applications when received.
- Working closely with employees in the Serving Community Support Team, building on volunteer recruitment and and sharing best practice.
The skills you need
- Friendly and approachable with effective IT and communication skills.
- Empathy and understanding of the challenges that the serving community can face.
- Experience of successfully leading a team.
- Understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality.
- Skilled at reporting on activities, achievements and impact and an understanding of the importance of volunteers and employees working together.
- Non-judgemental approach when working with beneficiaries.
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
What's in it for you
- Support people in your local serving community using your skills, knowledge and life experience.
- Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and at job interviews.
- Receive support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
Requirements
Volunteers need to be a minimum of 18 years old.
Time commitment
This role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week. SSAFA’s Serving Community Support Team are always available should you wish to discuss this further.
Support
Full training is provided for this role, with some e-learning modules online. You will be supported by SSAFA’s Serving Community Team Manager and Serving Community Support Team.
SSAFA Values
For SSAFA, our values of commitment, compassion, integrity and understanding underpin everything we do, and we ask that all volunteers are equally committed to them.
After making an application
Once you’ve applied, you’ll receive updates to the email address you provided in your application. Sometimes the emails we send go into junk folders, so do keep an eye out in the days following your application.
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.

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
At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups and teams, all of which help our cats in different ways. Our treasurer volunteers maintain the finances of local groups and teams, ensuring they hold the funds needed to continue their vital work. Cats Protection relies solely on donations from generous members of the public, and our treasurer volunteers help make sure these funds are spent in the most effective way.
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You’ll be:
- Preparing budgets
- Keeping accurate financial records
- Reporting financial records via ‘Cashlog’ (Cats Protection supplied software)
- Paying invoices and volunteer expenses
- Being part of a team which ensures there are sufficient funds to meet expenditure
- Updating and advising others on income received, expenditure and available funds
- Managing and monitoring donations made to the group
- Following financial procedures e.g. Gift Aid returns and VAT claims
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!
Finance Volunteer
We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.
About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Finance Volunteer for our Peterborough and District Group. As a Finance Volunteer, you would be joining a coordinating team of volunteers to plan and deliver services and activities to support people locally.
You will maintain and approve income and expenditure records and explain financial information clearly to other group members. You would ensure our financial requirements and policies are followed, and that money is spent in a cost effective manner.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience with a large charity, develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be comfortable with figures, preferably with an accounting or business background.
Apply
Read through the role description carefully
Please apply online
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Finance Volunteer
We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.
About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Finance Volunteer for our Orkney Group. As a Finance Volunteer, you would be joining a coordinating team of volunteers to plan and deliver services and activities to support people locally.
You will maintain and approve income and expenditure records and explain financial information clearly to other group members. You would ensure our financial requirements and policies are followed, and that money is spent in a cost effective manner.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience with a large charity, develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be comfortable with figures, preferably with an accounting or business background.
Apply
Read through the role description carefully
Please apply online
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
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!
Finance Volunteer
We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.
About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Finance Volunteer for our Barnsley and district Group. As a Finance Volunteer, you would be joining a coordinating team of volunteers to plan and deliver services and activities to support people locally.
You will maintain and approve income and expenditure records and explain financial information clearly to other group members. You would ensure our financial requirements and policies are followed, and that money is spent in a cost effective manner.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience with a large charity, develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be comfortable with figures, preferably with an accounting or business background.
Apply
Read through the role description carefully
Please apply online
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
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!
Could you coordinate the training for the local SSAFA volunteers in your area? You don’t need a military background, just some basic I.T and admin skills, the ability to get on with a wide range of people and good written and spoken English. Get in touch with us to find out more.
What is a Training Coordinator?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Each one has a Training Coordinator to make sure that all volunteers get all the training they need for their role and that training events are organised and run for the branch. This is a key role involving administration and coordinating people.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups. To offer the best possible service to our clients SSAFA volunteers need training appropriate to their role. It’s important that we keep records of all the training completed by volunteers and provide local training to meet their needs, whilst also being interesting, fun and varied. We’d love to hear from you if think you could help with this important role.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
As part of your local branch you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular commitment to the branch but days and times could vary to suit you.
What would you be doing?
- Coordinating induction and training for new volunteers
- Completing the admin needed for new volunteer to attend local and national training
- Running interesting and relevant annual branch training days (minimum of one per year)
- Maintaining an accurate list of all volunteers and the dates when training was completed
- Working with the Regional Trainer, branch volunteers and the Learning and Development team to identify local training needs and arrange for the required courses to be delivered
- Supporting and encouraging any volunteers facing barriers to completing their training
- Providing reports to the local SSAFA branch and to SSAFA’s Central Office
- Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
- Use your skills, knowledge and experience to benefit others
- Appreciate that your role has a positive impact on the quality of service we can provide to clients as well as providing development opportunities for our volunteers
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What about training and support?
- On-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families and personal information safe
- Access to a range of e-learning courses
- Support from the branch secretary, Volunteer Development Manager, Regional Trainer and the Learning and Development Team based at our central office
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people, possibly with some experience of teaching/training and admin
- Good written and spoken English
- Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address
- Ability to encourage and motivate all volunteers to undertake training
- Willingness to use spreadsheets/records of volunteer training
- Reliable attitude, contact clients and volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely
- Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings, events etc.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives)
Is a criminal record check required? No
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.

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!
Who are we?
We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for people who can help us apply and increase our funding. We cannot do our valuable work without funding. This role can be done from home, with no rota system and how much of your time you give up is completely up to you. We truly appreciate whatever time your able to offer.
Who are we looking for?
- May have past experience gaining funding or fundraising in the community sector
- Come from a legal background or training.
- Studying law or similar subjects
- Come from a corporate background
- A willingness to learn is essential, experience isn’t although helpful.
What do we expect?
- Must be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.
- Have a basic DBS check (preferably be on the update system)
- Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it
- please do discuss it with us and we will be happy to have a
- conversation and make small changes if appropriate).
- A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answer
- questions on this.
Interested?
Email us and lets chat!
If you have any accommodations you need us to make please speak to us. Any information you provide will be kept in the strictest of confidence.
To increase inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.
The Ouseburn Trust was established as an independent development trust for the Ouseburn Valley in 1996. Currently it manages property, shapes the regeneration of the area, delivers a programme of heritage activity, a programme of green spacemanagement and an annual festival. The Trust works in partnership with volunteers, thelocal authority and the business community to enhance the physical, social and economicenvironment of the Valley.
General Responsibilities of the Chair:
1. Strategic Leadership
Provide clear, visionary leadership to the board to ensure the successful delivery of the Trust’s new 3-year strategy. Support and challenge the Chief Executive and leadership team to align operations with strategic goals.
2. Governance and Oversight
Ensure effective governance, risk management, and compliance with the Trust’s legal and regulatoryobligations. Chair board meetings effectively, ensuring decisions are democratic, inclusive, and action-oriented.
3. Support and Supervision
Act as line manager and critical friend to the Chief Executive, offering support, challenge, and regularperformance review. Promote a positive, open culture between the board, staff, volunteers, and wider stakeholders.
4. Ambassadorial Role
Represent the Trust with external stakeholders, funders, partners, and community members.Champion the Trust’s values, mission, and strategic direction within and beyond the Ouseburn Valley.
5. Board Development
Lead in recruiting, developing, and retaining an effective, diverse, and skilled board of trustees. Encourage learning, reflection, and accountability across the board.
Specific Responsibilities (Tailored to Ouseburn Trust and Strategy Delivery):
1. Strategic Plan Implementation
Ensure that board agendas and priorities are aligned with the delivery of the 3-year strategy.Monitor and evaluate progress against strategic milestones, adjusting course where necessary.
2. Place-Based Advocacy
Be a strong and visible advocate for the Ouseburn Valley as a vibrant place for culture, heritage,
business, and community life.
Work collaboratively with key local partners (e.g. Newcastle City Council, local businesses, cultural
organisations).
3. Income Generation and Sustainability
Support the Chief Executive and staff in diversifying income, particularly through partnerships,
commercial activity, and fundraising.
Take an active interest in financial oversight and long-term resilience planning.
4. Community and Volunteer Engagement
Promote meaningful community involvement in the Trust’s activities and ensure the board reflects and
values the views of local people.
Champion the role of volunteers and the importance of their ongoing support and development.
5. Governance Development
Oversee the review and modernisation of governance frameworks if necessary, ensuring they are fit for
purpose for the future.
Time required
Board meetings are held bi-monthly usually on the last Thursday evening from 5.30-7.30pm
Finance Group meetings are held four times a year, usually on a Monday or Tuesday afternoon.
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 delighted to have secured funding to deliver a 24-month befriending programme. This exciting opportunity will support the delivery of our ambitious five-year strategy by:
- Promoting Independence - ensuring more older people can stay independent for longer
- Providing Connection - enabling friendship and social connection for older People
The befriending service will be provided through 2 different strands which aim to support older people in different ways based on the needs identified via an assessment. Clients will enter the strand that is most appropriate to their needs.
- Strand A: We will offer a local face-to-face service of up to 1 hour for 26 weeks. Strand A provision would be appropriate for older people who have experienced a recent life event, such as a hospital admission, bereavement or home move and who need time limited support and guidance to connect with suitable services and activities.
- Strands B: We will offer ongoing support either face-to- face of up to 1 hour or by telephone between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Strand B provision is for older people leaving Strand A that require long term support or for those who are identified as needing ongoing face-to-face or local telephone befriending support on entry to the programme. As a befriender you will be asked to select your type of volunteering preference.
Purpose of Role
-
Provide companionship, emotional support, and a listening ear to people who may be lonely or isolated.
-
Provide monthly reports to the Volunteer Manager on your client.
Key tasks
-
Make a regular weekly visit or phone call to a client who has been matched to you, at a time suitable to the older person.
-
Provide conversation and company.
-
Spend time chatting with the client, talking with them about their current and past life experiences.
-
Report any emerging issues or concerns that the older person has agreed to be shared with us such as safeguarding issues or a change in personal circumstance or health.
-
Make the client aware of any other services across AUKEL they may benefit from.
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Maintain records of client contact and send this to the Volunteer Manager on a monthly basis.
-
Regularly meet with your befriending peers and supervisor, to share experiences, get support and reflect.
Skills and attributes
-
Understanding loneliness and social isolation.
-
Good communication skills with a friendly approachable manner.
-
Keen on building a strong befriending relationship.
-
A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history.
-
Consistency and reliability.
-
Understanding of Confidentiality.
-
Understanding of and empathy with the needs of older people.
-
Patience and Sensitivity.
-
Confidence to deal with emergencies.
-
Record keeping.
-
Basic IT skills.
Support Provided
-
You will be inducted in cohorts with other volunteers.
-
Training for the role is provided including Safeguarding, Making Every Contact Count, Sexual Harassment and Building a positive volunteering experience and other more.
-
Ongoing support including regular supervision by the Volunteer Manager.
-
Goup supervision with other befrienders. Groups supervision is a safe place where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes, process emotion and learn from each other.
-
Reimbursement of agreed expenses.
-
Access to an AGE UK Discount portal provided by Aon.
-
Monthly volunteer newsletter
We hold an annual Volunteer Award event where we celebrate and recognise the contribution of our Volunteers!
Benefits
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Making a Difference: Volunteering allows you to have a tangible impact on someone's life, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Helping older people can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose.
-
Emotional Rewards
-
Intergenerational Connections
-
Learning and Skill Development
-
Enhancing Career Prospects
-
Building Empathy and Compassion
-
Giving Back to the Community
-
Social and celebration events
Commitment
-
We expect a minimum of 6 months commitment but would ideally prefer more of a longer-term commitment.
-
Weekly commitment is between 30 minutes to 1 hour for client plus one/two hours monthly for reporting.
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!
Finance Volunteer
We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.
About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Finance Volunteer for our Preston Group. As a Finance Volunteer, you would be joining a coordinating team of volunteers to plan and deliver services and activities to support people locally.
You will maintain and approve income and expenditure records and explain financial information clearly to other group members. You would ensure our financial requirements and policies are followed, and that money is spent in a cost effective manner.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience with a large charity, develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be comfortable with figures, preferably with an accounting or business background. You will live in the immediate area of the Group, allowing you to meet with other volunteers from the Group.
Apply
Read through the role description carefully
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The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
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!
The role in a nutshell:
Volunteers help to keep Age 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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.