Live volunteer roles

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity supporting asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants who seek refuge in and around Oxford.

With a strong reputation both locally and nationally, our team of approximately 30 staff and 200 volunteers offer a range of services from food and clothes to advice, visits, legal support, education and assistance. Asylum Welcome aims to transform the lives of those it serves.

We are looking for a new Treasurer to join our Trustee Board and support our ambition. This is a challenging and rewarding role, helping to ensure the organisation continues to fulfil its mission, and remains sustainable.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in strategic financial management and of working for or within a Board. Equally important is a belief in our mission, commitment to our values and a collaborative style, able to draw out the skill and potential within our team.

As an organisation we are committed to reflecting our diverse and vibrant Oxford community, and we particularly welcome people with lived experience of being a refugee or migrant to join our Board to help strengthen our governance and our  approach. Lived experience in this context means that you have come to this country as a refugee or asylum seeker or have lived with or grown up alongside people who did.

Job description

As a Trustee you will:
a) Be an important part of the body that governs the charity and ensures it delivers its mission effectively.
b) Actively participate in meetings, offering guidance and support to ensure that Asylum Welcome delivers the vital work it was set up to do, in the best possible way for clients.
c) Scrutinise Asylum Welcome’s budgets, plans and financial reports, ensuring they meet the organisation’s needs and the relevant regulatory requirements.
d) Ensure Asylum Welcome is complying with its governing documents and relevant laws, as well as updating and reviewing its own policies and procedures.
e) Bring a particular skill, experience or insight that helps develop Asylum Welcome as an organisation.
f) Act with care and skill in Asylum Welcome’s best interests.

As a Trustee you share, with all the Trustees, equal responsibility for the charity. 

Person Specification

Prospective Trustees will:
a) Be committed to the rights and welfare of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants and to Asylum Welcome’s vision, mission and values and determined to use your skills and experience to make a difference for others.
b) Have experience of developing good relationships with people and organisations, stakeholders and supporters.
c) Be able to work in a team, recognising and respecting the difference between the Trustees’ role and that of staff or volunteers.
d) Be able to contribute to and ensure Asylum Welcome’s future plans and strategic development and/or financial stability.

The prospective Treasurer will have:
a) A recognised accounting qualification.
b) Significant experience of financial management, budgeting and reporting.
c) An understanding of the financial, strategic and operational risks and their mitigation in a charity context.
d) Be familiar with charity accounting and statutory reporting requirements.

As Chair of the Finance Committee, the Treasurer leads on all financial matters. The Finance Committee is responsible for making budget recommendations and financial reports for the Board and for agreeing and overseeing financial and related policies. They liaise closely with the Finance Manager to provide quarterly financial reports, the annual budget and annual
statutory accounts to the Board. Input is also required during the annual audit process. 

The Board

Asylum Welcome is governed by a Board of between 5 and 13 (currently 11) Trustees, who are elected at the Annual  General Meeting (AGM) in September. Trustees normally serve for at least 3 years. Additional Trustees may be co-opted between AGMs.

Trustees are not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Zoom and in person) 5 - 6 times a year, usually early evening on a Thursday. Regular dates are agreed a year in advance.

Individual Trustees also join or lead the Board’s Committees. There are currently a Finance Committee (which meets 5 times a year, a week or so ahead of Board meetings) and a People and Governance Committee. We also have occasional task groups for short-term items.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and low numeracy amongst people across the UK?

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. We recently developed an online version of our Turning Pages reading programme, and we are currently in the process of doing the same with our Count Me In numeracy programme. As a community admin support volunteer, your role will help support the day to day running and ongoing development of both these platforms, ensuring that we are effective in responding to the needs of our users.

This is a new role to Shannon Trust and we are open to developing the role with the volunteer.

‍We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. 

‍Closing date for applications 26 May 2025. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare.

Interview date: 2 June 2025

AVSED is a local charity working to prevent social isolation and loneliness for Aireborough seniors by supporting happy, healthy, and independent living. Our members are aged 60+ and come with many different needs.

AVSED+ provides daytime activities, company and support to those living with Dementia in a safe, warm, friendly environment whilst offering their families/carers some well needed respite time. Through exercise, a group meal, and activities set for different engagement levels, each member can find their own comfort level in AVSED+ whilst being supported by a caring and understanding staff and volunteer team.

Key responsibilities include:

• To have an understanding of dementia
• To follow the instructions of Project Lead
• To help set up the activity space before members arrive
• To provide a warm welcome and goodbye to all members
• To participate in all activities, supporting, encouraging and assisting members
• To be aware of and follow all AVSED Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies and procedures
• To lead conversations and follow members memories and stories
• To take team approach to tidying away the activity space and kitchen at end of activity
• To share duties within the team

Qualities and skills we look for in a volunteer in this role:

• Good communication skills with a wide range of people
• Ability to follow set guidelines for safety
• Comfortable following instructions
• Confidence to work on your own
• Have respect for equality and diversity
• Good listening skills
• Patience and understanding
• Follow simple reporting guidelines
• Willing to undertake training - food hygiene, dementia friends, moving and handling of people and Dementia Awareness short course 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility.

Volunteer to make a difference with VoiceAbility  

VoiceAbility supports people to have their say in decisions about their health, care and wellbeing.   

Could you give a few hours a week to help people speak up and be heard? We welcome applications from people who have lived experience and from anyone looking to make a positive difference.

We're recruiting for the following voluntary positions in Bradford:

• Support Session Volunteer
• Hospital Visitor Volunteer

How you can help  

Support Session Volunteer 

Could you help someone file a complaint about their housing or GP? Could you help someone find local services? Could you help someone understand the information they have been given about their care and support? 

You could help improve the quality of someone’s life. 

This role is ideal for social work students, an interest in the care sector or retired professionals. 

Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.

As a hospital volunteer, you might: 

• hold drop-in sessions 

• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities 

• share information

• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre 

Why volunteer?  

Volunteering with VoiceAbility is ideal for people who have or want experience in human rights, health, care and wellbeing - but we care more about your values and empathy than your level of experience.  

Accountant Ben’s priorities changed after a serious illness. “I wanted to give something back. It’s really rewarding as you get to use your knowledge and skills for a really good purpose.”   

You’ll develop skills in communication and confidentiality, add experience and knowledge to your CV, and know you’re making a genuine difference to people’s lives.  

As a volunteer you’ll receive full training, support from the volunteer team and your local advocates, and paid expenses.  

To find out more click “apply now”. 

Do you have a caring nature and a desire to join a friendly team helping others? As a Volunteer Carer at Skanda Vale Hospice you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and their loved ones. 

Your role will focus on providing personalised, hands-on care with warmth and dedication. You’ll be part of a great team in a supportive and encouraging environment – we’ll provide you with the training and everything you need to thrive in this rewarding role. 

Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for overseas volunteers.

About Skanda Vale Hospice

Skanda Vale Hospice offers unhurried, highly individualised care and respite to families affected by life-limiting illnesses, completely free of charge. A beautiful and happy place, filled with laughter and vibrant colour, our hospice is nurse led and primarily run by volunteers. Volunteering with us means being a valued part of a dedicated team who give of themselves wholeheartedly. Compassion is at the heart of what we do, expressed by human kindness, generosity and a deep commitment to the well-being of everyone we care for and work alongside.

What will I be doing?

• Providing hands-on care and support to patients in their daily living, including personal care and eating and drinking, according to their individual needs. Helping them move around the hospice and gardens, organising and assisting with recreational activities, and accompanying them on outings when needed.

• Offering emotional support and a compassionate presence; a listening ear, empathy, and understanding during difficult times. Creating a warm and nurturing environment where patients and their families feel valued, respected, and cared for.

• Working with nurses, other carers, companions, therapists, and team members to support great team spirit. Sharing relevant information and observations to support patient care planning, decision-making and record-keeping. 

How much time should I give?

Ideally, an average of one shift a month, but scheduling can be flexible, based on your availability and hospice needs. Some volunteers commit to regular shifts while others have a more variable pattern of availability.

What are the benefits of being a Volunteer Carer?

• Sense of purpose, knowing you are making a positive difference to people's lives.

• Being valued and appreciated as a key part of a supportive healthcare team..

• Working in a welcoming place with other warmhearted people.

• Earning Tempo Time Credits to spend on activities both locally and across the UK.

• Travel expenses reimbursed.

• Free accommodation if participating in our residential volunteering program.

What do I need to have? 

• A compassionate and empathic nature, with a genuine desire to support and care for others. 

• An ability to interact sensitively and respectfully with patients and their families. 

• Basic understanding of the principles of care and hygiene. 

• Patience, resilience, and the ability to remain calm.

• Reliability with a sense of commitment to giving your best. 

• Willingness to take part in the training and orientation which we provide. 

• Ideally, some experience of caring – either at home or in a care setting. 

• Ideally, some experience of teamwork with people from various backgrounds.

• A permanent UK address or a visa that allows you to stay and volunteer in the UK (unfortunately we cannot sponsor visa applications).

What training and support will I be given?

Our Volunteer Carers receive comprehensive induction and training. This includes shadowing, one-to-one support, team sharing and development opportunities plus additional learning as needed. Volunteer Carers are supported by the Healthcare Support Workers’ Lead and the Lead Nurse to ensure they feel confident and capable in their role.

How do I find out more?

Contact us or drop in at one of our Coffee Mornings. These are held between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm on the last Thursday of each month and offer the chance for an informal chat and a look around - while enjoying fresh coffee and homemade cake, free of charge. Come along, we’d love to meet you!

About The Role

We bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. In this role you will be assisting the Living Collections team in all aspects of caring for the birds in our living collection, which includes rare and endangered species of wildfowl from around the world. You will be directly involved in the care, breeding and welfare of WWTs collection birds, which includes working with waders, waterfowl and flamingos.

You will be working amongst a supportive and experienced team, who will allow you to gain practical experience in animal care and conservation. 

Someone with a background in animal care will find this a varied and interesting role within a supportive and experienced team. The role is also an ideal placement for someone looking to gain practical experience in animal care / biology / ecology or conservation science.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

About You

In order to get the most from this role, we ask that you are be able to commit 2 or 3 days per week for a minimum of 6 weeks. This can drop to one day per week once you have completed training.

Please note, you must be Over 18 to volunteer in this role.

In order to carry out this role, you will need:

• Interest in gaining experience in bird keeping and practical habitat management.
• Ability to be a team player with the ability to work under your own initiative.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• A can-do attitude.
• Ability to work independently and self-motivate.
• Good communication skills.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

We want your volunteering to be a positive and fun experience. You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and other information you need.  This will include risk assessments based on your role and any particular support you need.

Volunteers receive access to our sites, and discounts in our shops and cafes. Some roles include a uniform or require the use of equipment or protective clothing.

If you are based at a particular site or office location, you’ll need to be able to get yourself there and back. Information on locations can be found on our website.

We regret that we are not in a position to reimburse expenses incurred for travel to the site. Any pre-agreed out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the course of the role will be reimbursed.

We will keep you up to date with what’s happening across WWT and the difference you will be helping to make happen.

Interested?

If you are interested in this role, please complete an application form so that we can talk it through further with you.

Please vist our webpage for more information and to apply. 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

We're organising a new support group in Hull and are looking for a group facilitator. Would you be interested in taking on this role?

The primary purpose of this flexible volunteering role is to support us as peer support group facilitators for support groups for those affected by brain tumours.

1. Hours: Variable – depending on individual circumstances and what people can do
2. Support Supervisor: Amy Gorse

We want to ensure that volunteering with us is not daunting, so the exact tasks might vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include: 

• Facilitating peer support group sessions

• Provide emotional support to attendees 

• Offer information on YBTC services

• Attending relevant training

• Maintain records of attendance and provide feedback to YBTC

• Liaise with the venue about group bookings 

We are looking for people who are: 

• Are compassionate and non-judgmental 

• Have personal or professional experience with brain tumours

• Confidence in facilitating group discussions

• Commitment to scheduled group sessions

We can offer you the following: 

• Full induction and ongoing training 

• Ongoing support and supervision in your role 

• Opportunity to learn new skills 

• The satisfaction of making a positive impact on those affected by brain tumours 

We appreciate any volunteering help you can offer YBTC and want to ensure our volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.  

To improve people's lives impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire through local support and research.

About The Role

The Aviculture department is pleased to offer the opportunity for students to apply to complete their 100 hour work experience requirements within our specialist team. 

In this role you will be assisting the Living Collections - Aviculture team in all aspects of caring for the birds in our living collection which includes rare and endangered species of wildfowl from around the world.

We have 5 placements available throughout June, July, August and September. This opportunity is designed for you to complete your 100 hours within 6 weeks by volunteering for 2 or 3 days per week.

Someone with a background in animal care will find this a varied and interesting role within a supportive and experienced team.  The role is also an ideal placement for someone looking to gain practical experience in animal care / biology / ecology or conservation science. 

Candidates will be identified, chosen and allocated following an informal interview.

You must be Over 18 to apply for this role. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

About You

Candidates need to have a genuine appreciation for wildfowl and a knowledge of WWT and what we stand for.

Communication is the key to good teamwork, and bird husbandry volunteers will need to demonstrate exceptional communication skills in order to join our team. 

In addition to the hours, placements can also look forward to:

• Meeting people and social interactions
• Gaining new skills for your CV
• Being active (physically and mentally)
• Showing their passion for conservation or the natural world
• Contributing to something important.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

Who will be responsible for your role? Deputy Aviculture Manager and Living Collection Supervisors

Where will you be based? WWT Slimbridge Centre

How much time will it take? We have 5 placements available for students who need to fulfill their 100 hours (or equivalent) for their college or university course.

· Days start at 8.00am and finish at 4.30pm. 

· 2 or 3 days a week attendance is required* so you can complete your 100 hours within 6 weeks.

· These roles can become flexible when sufficient training has been completed.

*some exceptions ie. previous experience.

What will you be doing?

· Shadowing bird feeding according to best practice guidelines.

· Assisting with bird catches and movements.

· Maintenance of pens and breeding facilities.

· Assisting with the cleaning of Duckery ponds, coops and housing facilities.

· Vegetation work, mowing and clearance.

· An induction in bio-security and best practice care.

· Experience communicating with the visiting public.

· The potential for research experience and censoring techniques.

· The potential for experience in bird habitat and exhibit design.

Who are we looking for?

To be effective in this role you will need:

· To be a team player with the ability to work under your own initiative.

· Excellent attention to detail.

· A can-do attitude.

· Experience in animal/bird keeping and practical habitat management.

· An understanding of bird welfare.

· Ability to work independently and self-motivate.

· Good communication skills.

· Tractor, lawn mower and strimmer qualifications desirable.

· Full UK driving license desirable.

· You must be over 18 years old.

How will you benefit?

• This is an excellent opportunity to volunteer within an internationally important wetland site in a really hands-on role.

• Suitable uniform is provided to all regular volunteers.

• Discount is available in the cafe and shop on the days of volunteering.

• Free entry to all WWT wetland centres on presentation of your WWT name badge.

• Appropriate training will be provided.

• A review after the first week to ensure the role is right for you.

• A suitable reference to help you apply for jobs.
 

General notes:

To make an effective contribution, we are asking you to be available for at least six weeks. Longer placements may be available if you would like to stay with us for a longer time period. This position may require work during evenings, weekends and public holidays to ensure objectives are met. The exact hours you are able to contribute will be discussed prior to placement.

This position is entirely voluntary and is therefore unpaid. Any offer of a volunteer placement is not intended to create a legally binding contract between us and any agreement may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. Neither of us intends any employment relationship to be created either now or at any time in the future.

Please complete the application form by 16th May 2025. After this date successful applicants will be asked to come to the centre for an informal interview to find out more about the role and discuss availability after which suitable candidates will be offered placements. 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Please note: this role covers Worcestershire and Herefordshire only. 

An Independent Health Complaints Advocate (IHCA) Volunteer works across Worcestershire or Herefordshire to support adults who want to complain about their NHS care or treatment. This is a free and confidential service independent of the NHS. 

We are seeking people who have:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathetic
• You will have, or be willing to learn, basic computer literacy skills in order to log your contact / work on our database system.
• Organised and resourceful 

Benefits of volunteering with the Adovacy Services

• Be part of a growing charity with ever expanding exciting new projects!
• You are provided with FREE training
• Reimbursed for public transport fair and/ or partial mileage costs
• Get experience in the field of mental health
• References are available from us on request
• Fulfilment in helping your local community
• Meet new and likeminded people - we hold regular volunteer catch ups to have your say and meet other volunteers

Overview of Onside

Onside is an independent charity promoting the rights and interests of people facing disadvantage. We believe that everyone is entitled to fair, equal treatment and opportunity. Our skilled staff and volunteers make a real difference to the lives of over 11,000 people a year across Worcestershire and Herefordshire. 

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Helping with event preparation

· Manning checkpoints

· Walking support

· First-aid support

· Marshals

· Support drivers

· Helping with community stalls

We are looking for people who are:

· Warm and non-judgemental

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Good team players, able to work with other staff/volunteers

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

We can offer you the following:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

About Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are:

Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and research.

Role title: Wellbeing Network Honorary Therapists x 5

Responsible to: Wellbeing Network Clinical Manager

Hours: 3 client hours and biweekly attendance of supervision, with flexibility

Contract length: 12 months (with option to extend)             

Location: 12 Orsman Road N1 5QJ and online  

We are recruiting for clinical placements at Mind City, Hackney and Waltham Forest in the Wellbeing Network Psychological Therapies Team.

What are we looking for from our Honorary Therapists:

· Prior experience, at least one hundred hours supervised, one to one, clinical work. This placement is best suited as a second or third placement and not a first.

 · Be working towards a qualification on a minimum level 5 equivalent course

 · Availability for one morning/afternoon/evening a week to see three clients in person

 · Availability to attend fortnightly supervision, online ·

 Have lived experience of mental health and/or suicidality ·

 To adhere to the code of practice of their registering body, be professional, kind, compassionate, to have initiative and maintain communications with their colleagues appropriately

· To read, understand and follow the procedures and policies of Mind CHWF · Attending personal therapy once a week, throughout their placement

· Candidates able to commit to a minimum of a one-year placement (12 full months).

We also welcome applications from newly qualified therapists who are seeking to expand their experience and gain clinical hours towards accreditation. We encourage applications from those who speak one or more community languages and from those who reflect the rich diversity of our clients.

We look forward to receiving your applications!

Please see the Role Profile attached for more information. 

DBS clearance at Enhanced (without Barring) is required for this role, for which Mind CHWF will pay. 

We look forward to receiving your applications!

About Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest:

We are a multi-disciplinary provider of specialist mental health services and a part of the Mind Federation.

We promote both recovery from ill health for people with recurrent and enduring mental health difficulties and early intervention for those at risk of developing mental health issues, or who struggle with common mental health conditions.

We currently support around 5,000 people a year through a variety of services focusing on psychological, social, economic and workplace wellbeing, and support minoritised communities.

Our values are:

Connected: Creating a compassionate and supportive community.

Fair:  We strive for equity- no-one's needs should go unmet.

Brave: We walk with people, offering help by doing what works - proven or new

Working with Mind CHWF means you’ll be part of a dedicated, passionate, and professional workforce who cares about the work they do and make a real difference to the lives of the people in the City of London, Hackney, and Waltham Forest.

We are committed to actively becoming anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind CHWF. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation that recognises different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services.

We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

Those with lived experience of Mental Health are encouraged to apply.

Value-based Recruitment:

We know that for various reasons, not everybody who can successfully perform in a role, performs their best under traditional interview/selection procedures. We are therefore seeking ways to breakdown further barriers in our recruitment & selection process.

Shorted-listed candidates will be provided with some questions to help them prepare for the interview.

 How to apply:

For more information on the vacancy and how to apply, click the ‘Apply’ button - Please note that we are unable to consider incomplete applications.

The closing date is by 29th May 2025, however, please do not delay applying as this advert may close before the stated deadline if we find a suitable applicant for the role.

We are a disability confident employer. All applicants with a disability, who meet the minimum essential short-listing criteria are guaranteed an interview. If this applies to you, please let us know in your application.

Your privacy and the security of your data is our top priority. Please take a moment to read through our applicant’s privacy notice.

Team: Family Support Team

Location: The Square, 8 Woodhouse Square, Leeds, LS3 1AD

Time commitment: 1 day per week 9am – 4pm (flexibility as to which day it is)

_________________________________________________________________________

About Candlelighters

Each year, over 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer. When a child is diagnosed, lives are turned upside down instantly: not just for the child but the entire family. Getting well again can be a long and challenging journey, emotionally, physically, and financially.

Supporting children and families throughout that journey is why our charity, Candlelighters, was formed more than 40 years ago. Our mission is to bring light to every family affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire by providing emotional, practical and financial support, as well as bringing hope, by investing in vital research to improve the outcomes and lives of children with cancer.

Purpose of the Role and Key Activities

The Family Support Office Volunteer provides administrative and practical help to the Family Support Team, who play a key role in running events and groups and providing support to our families across Yorkshire.

· Recording and updating information on our database.

· Reviewing and updating support resources.

· Corresponding with families, supporters and potential volunteers.

· Answering the phone, transferring calls and taking messages.

· Making phone-calls to confirm appointments, speak to event attendees etc

· Analysing questionnaire feedback.

· Making up new patient bags.

· Sending out invitations.

· Helping to prepare resources, merchandise and equipment for events.

· Stock taking and alerting the team when merchandise needs restocking.

· Franking letters and parcels.

· Providing occasional cover for Front of House (answering the door to families and supporter, making coffees, answering phones, taking messages).

· Providing administrative support.

· Assisting other teams within the charity with tasks and activities as required.

· Maintaining professional boundaries at all times.

· Adhering to Candlelighters’ policies and procedures.

We are looking for a volunteer who:

· Are confident, friendly and approachable

· Have a fun and positive outlook

· Is confident on word and excel

· Can work well and remain calm under pressure

· Are proactive and able to use own initiative

· Are hardworking, reliable and organised

· Are able to move furniture (tables and chairs) and boxes

· Are able to climb multiple flights of stairs

· Are able to maintain professional boundaries and follow Candlelighters Policies and Procedures.

As a children’s charity it is essential that we safeguard our families, employees, supporters and volunteers. You will be asked about unspent conditional cautions and convictions on your application form and the nature of the caution or conviction will determine whether you are able to volunteer for us or not.

 This role is subject to an enhanced criminal record check, which is processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Support and Benefits

You can expect:

· Induction & training to give you the confidence to perform your role well and to the best of your ability

· Opportunity to develop new and existing skills to help you beyond your involvement with Candlelighters

· Ongoing support from the Family Support and HR and Volunteering teams

· The opportunity to meet lots of new, friendly people

· Travel expenses reimbursed as agreed with your Volunteer Supervisor, in accordance with our Expenses policy

· Regular reviews with your Volunteer Supervisor to help you develop in your role

· Satisfaction in knowing you are making a valuable contribution to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer

· We can be a reference once you’ve volunteered for three months

· Access to the MINDFUL EMPLOYER+ 24/7 mental health helpline

· Charity Worker Discount card

· Access to The Company Shop

We are recognised by Great Place To Work® on multiple Best Workplaces Lists in 2023 and 97% of our employees say Candlelighters is a great place to work!

Volunteer Helpline Advisor – Role Description 

Purpose of role:

As a Volunteer Helpline Advisor, responding to Helpline enquiries from parents and carers, you will be playing a part in helping ERIC to achieve its key goal of reaching even more families.

You will work remotely, with equipment and training provided.

If you are passionate about helping to improve the lives of families whose children are affected by continence issues, and can commit your time on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.

Terms:

Due to the nature of the work, our helpline volunteers are continence nurses or qualified healthcare professsionals.Volunteer sessions are a full day of 5 hours, on the same day each week, please note that currently we need more volunteers on Mondays & Tuesdays only. We ask volunteers to commit to this regular weekly pattern, ideally for a period of one year or more. This helps to maintain consistency and a high standard of professional practice. 

Expenses may be paid, subject to agreement in advance . 

Tasks could include:  

· Answering calls on the Helpline

· Signposting to information on our website

· Responding to & following up enquiries by email  

· Entering information onto our IT system

Skills and qualities:

· Professional qualification and/or clinical experience

· Enjoy working as part of a team

· Friendly and positive with a can-do attitude

· Well organised with good time management skills

· Empathetic and non-judgmental

· Able to use standard IT packages including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook)

· Able to follow ERIC’s policies, including safeguarding and confidentiality 

· Willing to continuously develop professional practice.

If you want to make a difference to people living with a mental health condition then we’d love to hear from you!

About us

At The Mental Health Community we use our lived experience to build understanding and support for what it’s like to live and work alongside managing a mental health condition. 

We know that it can be difficult to get, or keep a job if your energy levels, how you’re feeling and your ability to go to a place of work every day are affected by a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. But we also know that having a sense of purpose and belonging can really help with the symptoms and impact that mental health conditions can have on you.

Our work is focused on helping people with a mental health condition who are in work or looking for work. We do this by supporting businesses to improve how they look after people, because we know that by creating inclusive and safe spaces at work we make it possible for people with mental ill health to stay in the workplace which helps keep them well and benefits the businesses too.

By joining our board you will be: 

• Making a lasting impact by helping us make more workplaces safe and inclusive for people with a mental health condition
• Shaping the future of our charity as we expand our services and reach more people who need our support
• Using your skills and experience for good by helping guide the strategic direction of our charity.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for at least 4 new trustees to join our team. Whatever your skillset, we’d love to hear from you and there are some areas where we need particular help:

· Treasurer: oversee our financial health, provide guidance on building long term financial plans to help us grow and ensure appropriate financial management.

· Marketing and Communications: strategic oversight of our marketing and communications, raising awareness of our work and reaching new audiences through digital strategies and media engagement.

· Fundraising: develop our fundraising strategy and income streams, including grant applications, corporate sponsorship and campaigns.

· Governance: guide us in operating transparently and effectively whilst maintaining high standards of governance in compliance with our governing document and charity law.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental ill health, young people aged 18-30, people of all socio-economic backgrounds, genders and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

About the role

As a board of trustees we meet remotely every 6 weeks, there may be some activity in between meetings so the estimated total time commitment is 4 hours every 6 weeks.

In addition to using your specific skills to develop how we work, all trustees share responsibility for:

· Developing our activities to help us achieve our purpose and positive impact,

· Making sure we are compliant with our governing document and the requirements of the Charity Commission, and

· Being an active member of the board to help us make good decisions

What you can expect from us

We are committed to supporting our Trustees: you can expect an induction to the organisation and trustee role plus any additional conversations and support you need to help you feel confident in your role.

Our meetings are relaxed and informal; there are no expectations of ‘business clothes’, technical jargon or having all the answers.

We welcome and support your preferences for the way we work together, how you like to receive information and how we can make it easier for you to participate actively in our discussions.

One more thing

We know that great trustees come from many backgrounds and with a variety of experiences and that’s great - we really value people who bring different perspectives and add new voices to our team.

But you might not feel you ‘check all the boxes’ as you read this advert or the role description, especially if you’ve been marginalised or excluded. We get it, and we’ve felt like that too. But we hope you’ll apply anyway because we’d love to hear from you and will take care to help you feel welcome and included.

For more information on the role please see the role description.