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Volunteer Opportunities at Happy Smiles Training CIC

About Us
Happy Smiles Training is a multi-award-winning, disabled people's organisation based in the North West. With over 90% of our team being disabled people, we are passionate about creating inclusive communities through lived experience-led training and advocacy. We work with schools, community groups, businesses and more – challenging stigma, raising awareness and building a more inclusive society.

Role Title: Volunteer (Flexible Role Based on Skills and Interests)
Location: In-person (Wigan Borough and surrounding areas) and/or Remote
Time Commitment: Fully flexible – you choose your availability
Reporting To: Volunteer Coordinator 

Purpose of the Role

We’re looking for passionate individuals to support our mission in a way that works for them. Whether you bring creativity, organisation, tech skills or lived experience of disability, there’s a place for you on our team. This is a chance to be part of a movement led by disabled people, making real social impact across communities.

What You Could Be Doing

Depending on your skills, interests and availability, volunteer roles may include:

• Trainer with Lived Experience of Disability: Join our team of Inclusion Champions to co-deliver engaging training sessions across schools, businesses and community settings. Share your story, help break down barriers and inspire change. Training and ongoing support provided.

• Event Support: Help deliver training sessions and community events, supporting trainers with set-up, accessibility and participant engagement.

• Creative Media & Content Creation: Support with video editing, graphic design, social media content or photography to help spread our message.

• Admin & Organisation: Assist with behind-the-scenes tasks such as scheduling, emails, minute-taking or managing documents.

• Fundraising & Campaigning: Help us raise funds and awareness by organising local events, supporting campaigns or writing funding applications.

• Digital Support: Provide IT or accessibility support for our virtual sessions or help us improve our digital platforms.

• Research & Impact: Assist in gathering feedback, analysing data or helping us report on the social impact of our work.

• Wellbeing & Peer Support: Offer friendly peer-to-peer support, help with community connection or support our team’s wellbeing activities.

What We’re Looking For

There’s no single type of volunteer we’re after – if you’re enthusiastic about inclusion and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! You might have:

• A passion for disability rights, inclusion and social change

• Skills in communication, admin, creativity, tech or training

• Personal or professional experience related to disability – especially lived experience

• A desire to learn, grow and contribute to a values-driven team

All roles are flexible and can be adapted to meet access needs and availability.

What You’ll Get in Return

• A warm welcome into a supportive and empowering team

• Experience working within a leading disabled people's organisation

• Opportunities to develop skills, confidence and connections

• Recognition through regular volunteer spotlights and celebration events

• Reimbursement for pre-agreed expenses

• Full induction and training relevant to your role

• Flexible hours and support tailored to your needs

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and particularly encourage disabled people and people with lived experience of disability to get involved – your voice matters here.

Social Friday

Social Friday reinvents the end of the workweek by transforming unproductive Friday hours into a global tradition of purpose, teamwork, and impact—connecting businesses, nonprofits, and communities through hands-on engagement.

Fridays are the least productive time of the week. Work slows down, focus fades, and hours are lost. The numbers are staggering:

• Unproductive Friday hours cost the U.S. economy $1.9 trillion annually.
• 1 in 4 people worldwide feel lonely, struggling to reach their full potential.
• The U.S. Surgeon General calls loneliness an epidemic, costing employers $154 billion yearly.
• Remote and hybrid work has widened the gap, leaving employees more disconnected than ever.
• Societal tensions are rising, creating an urgent need for initiatives that bring people together.

Governments debate the four-day workweek—but what if, instead of subtracting a day from work, we added purpose to Fridays?

We face a choice: -Accept the status quo and keep losing trillions. +Or flip the script, turning Fridays into a force for good.

Social Friday isn’t just a project—it’s a movement. A global tradition in the making that transforms the least productive hours of the week into moments of connection, impact, and purpose, where doing good becomes a habit.

Beyond one-time events, Social Friday is designed to scale into a lasting global movement, embedding social impact into work culture and everyday life.

Public Relations & Storytelling Specialist

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

READY TO SPARK CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER?

If you believe words can shape culture and stories can spark change, this role is calling your name.

At Social Friday, we’re not just sharing messages. We’re creating a global shift in mindset. We turn the least productive hours into powerful moments of connection, awareness, and community. Through stories, events, and shared action, we make doing good a mental well-being workout. A habit. A lifestyle.

Now we’re looking for a communicator who can bring that message to the world. Someone who turns quiet ideas into loud conversations. Someone who makes people feel, care, and act.

THE MISSION Social Friday is the Olympics of Giving Back. Our goal is to transform Friday afternoons into something meaningful. We partner with nonprofits, companies, and individuals around the world. Together, we build a more connected and conscious society. Your voice will carry that mission across borders and platforms.

YOUR ROLE As part of our PR & Communications team, you will:

• Write clear, bold, and compelling press releases, articles, and stories
• Build strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and media outlets
• Create a consistent public voice that reflects our values and energy
• Identify speaking, interview, and media opportunities
• Pitch Social Friday to podcasts, publications, and global platforms
• Support our founder with communication strategy and media presence
• Track coverage and measure communication impact
• Turn awareness into momentum and curiosity into commitment

WHAT YOU BRING

• Experience in PR, media relations, or communications
• A strong portfolio that shows your storytelling and outreach skills
• Excellent writing and a sharp sense for what moves people
• Confidence in building relationships and securing coverage
• A belief in human connection, purpose, and impact
• Bonus if you have experience with social impact or NGOs

JOIN THE MOVEMENT This isn’t just a role. It’s a chance to shape how the world hears and feels Fridays. A chance to turn words into impact. To make doing good trend. To make Fridays count.

Are you ready to be the voice behind something that matters? Let’s reinvent Fridays together.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

1-2 weeks

 Volunteer Opportunity: Writer / Journalist / Storyteller

Help Us Tell Stories That Matter – Join SayAphasia

Do you believe stories can change lives?
Can you listen with empathy, write with heart, and give voice to those often unheard?
SayAphasia is looking for a volunteer writer / journalist / storyteller to help shine a light on the lived experiences of people with aphasia — a communication disorder that affects a person’s ability to use language.

What You'll Do:

• Interview people with aphasia and their families

• Craft meaningful articles and blog posts

• Collaborate with our team to research and gather stories

• Help raise awareness of aphasia

• Support our mission to create a more inclusive, understanding world

 What We’re Looking For:

• A personable, empathetic and patient communicator

• Strong writing, interviewing, or journalism skills

• Curiosity and willingness to learn about aphasia

• A flexible, open mind and an inclusive approach

• Commitment to completing a short induction course on communicating with people who have aphasia

This is perfect for you if:

• You're a journalist, blogger or writer looking to make an impact

• You’re passionate about people, inclusion, and human stories

• You want to build your portfolio while doing good

Additional Creative Skills Welcome:

Are you skilled in videography, photography, or audio recording?

We’d love to harness your talents to bring stories to life in multimedia formats — short films, audio clips, photo essays and more. Visual and sound storytelling can be especially powerful when working with individuals who communicate in different ways.

Why Volunteer?

• Build your portfolio with real-world impact

• Learn from a caring community and support network

• Be part of a mission-driven charity, led by people with aphasia

• Spread empathy and amplify voices that are often overlooked

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people remotely, in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:

• A companion telephone/video caller                                                               

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

• Or a combination of all three.

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Telephone / video calls for an older person/s on a regular basis at a mutually agreed time for a friendly chat. 

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

Please do note, however, that at the moment we are not looking for Volunteer Telephone Companions.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Join the Wheels for All Volunteer Team – Help Us Make Cycling Inclusive for Everyone!  

Do you want to make a difference in your local community? Are you passionate about inclusion, wellbeing, and having fun outdoors? Join Wheels for All, a national charity making cycling accessible for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. 

We believe everyone should experience the joy, freedom, and empowerment of cycling. Our inclusive cycling sessions are only possible thanks to a diverse team of dedicated volunteers—and that’s where you come in! 

 What You’ll Get Involved with: 

• Support people to use adapted cycles during sessions 

• Help with setting up and packing away equipment 

• Provide a friendly, welcoming environment for participants and families 

• Be part of a fun and supportive volunteer team 

Volunteer Benefits 

• Claim reasonable expenses in line with our Volunteer Expense Policy 

• Receive a Wheels for All branded uniform 

• Access volunteer training courses to support your development 

• Be part of an inspiring, positive, and supportive charity culture 

No experience? No problem! 

We provide full training, including disability awareness and safety, and ongoing support from our team and fellow volunteers. 

What are we looking for? 

• An approachable and friendly nature 

• Good interpersonal and communication skills 

• Empathy and an understanding of individual needs 

• Patience and an inclusive approach to engagement 

• Adaptability and flexibility in changing situations 

• A team-oriented attitude 

• Positivity, honesty, and integrity 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to take initiative 

• Some cycling experience is helpful but not essential 

Why volunteer with us? 

“The best thing about volunteering is seeing the happy faces! The riders come back beaming—it’s amazing to be a part of that joy.” – Dave, Volunteer 

“People that aren’t normally able to get out cycling can come here and join in and enjoy the great outdoors. I really enjoy volunteering with Wheels for All because I can visibly see how the simple act of cycling brings a lot of happiness” - Vince, Volunteer 

You’ll Gain: 

• Confidence and new skills 

• Connections and friendships 

• Improved mental wellbeing 

• A chance to be part of a national movement for inclusive cycling 

• Recognition through social events, newsletters, and volunteer awards 

Are you ready to use your design superpowers to ignite a movement and shape the future of London's youth?

Urban Youth is a brand-new youth work charity on a mission to create a positive, inclusive community for young Londoners, and we need YOU to help us tell our story!

Crafting a Vision, Inspiring a Generation

At Urban Youth, we're not just about running activities; we're about sparking self-discovery, fostering friendships, and equipping young people with essential life skills. We're about creating unforgettable memories and guiding them to explore the world around them.

As our Volunteer Graphic Designer, you won't just be making a logo. You'll be the architect of our visual soul, crafting an entire brand identity that's attractive, uplifting, empowering, and bursting with youthful energy. Imagine a modern brand that truly resonates with the dynamic spirit and diverse experiences of young Londoners – from our website to our social media, your designs will be the vibrant face of our mission, connecting us directly with the young people we're here to serve.

Why Join the Urban Youth Movement?

This is more than just volunteering; it's an opportunity to leave a lasting mark:

• Make a Real Impact: Your designs will directly empower young people and help shape their positive futures.
• Unleash Your Creativity: This is a blank canvas! You'll have the thrilling chance to build a brand from the ground up, with creative freedom to spare.
• Boost Your Portfolio: Showcase your talent on a high-profile project for a dynamic new charity.
• Join a Passionate Community: Become part of a dedicated team committed to making a tangible difference in London.

If you're buzzing with ideas and ready to use your design skills to inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation, we want to hear from you! Help us create a brand that perfectly captures the spirit and aspirations of London's incredible youth.

Ready to make your mark and help us create a wave of positive change in young people's lives?

Express your interest by applying via this Charity Job website. We can't wait to hear from you!

URBAN YOUTH

Building Futures I Forging Connections I Creating Memories.

Join the Wheels for All Volunteer Team – Help Us Make Cycling Inclusive for Everyone!  

Do you want to make a difference in your local community? Are you passionate about inclusion, wellbeing, and having fun outdoors? Join Wheels for All, a national charity making cycling accessible for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. 

We believe everyone should experience the joy, freedom, and empowerment of cycling. Our inclusive cycling sessions are only possible thanks to a diverse team of dedicated volunteers—and that’s where you come in! 

 What You’ll Get Involved with: 

• Support people to use adapted cycles during sessions 

• Help with setting up and packing away equipment 

• Provide a friendly, welcoming environment for participants and families 

• Be part of a fun and supportive volunteer team 

Volunteer Benefits 

• Claim reasonable expenses in line with our Volunteer Expense Policy 

• Receive a Wheels for All branded uniform 

• Access volunteer training courses to support your development 

• Be part of an inspiring, positive, and supportive charity culture 

No experience? No problem! 

We provide full training, including disability awareness and safety, and ongoing support from our team and fellow volunteers. 

What are we looking for? 

• An approachable and friendly nature 

• Good interpersonal and communication skills 

• Empathy and an understanding of individual needs 

• Patience and an inclusive approach to engagement 

• Adaptability and flexibility in changing situations 

• A team-oriented attitude 

• Positivity, honesty, and integrity 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to take initiative 

• Some cycling experience is helpful but not essential 

Why volunteer with us? 

“The best thing about volunteering is seeing the happy faces! The riders come back beaming—it’s amazing to be a part of that joy.” – Dave, Volunteer 

“People that aren’t normally able to get out cycling can come here and join in and enjoy the great outdoors. I really enjoy volunteering with Wheels for All because I can visibly see how the simple act of cycling brings a lot of happiness” - Vince, Volunteer 

You’ll Gain: 

• Confidence and new skills 

• Connections and friendships 

• Improved mental wellbeing 

• A chance to be part of a national movement for inclusive cycling 

• Recognition through social events, newsletters, and volunteer awards 
  
  Join us—and help make cycling accessible for all.  

Ready to Shape the Voice of a Movement? Become Our Volunteer Marketing & Communications Manager at Urban Youth!

Urban Youth is a new youth work charity, on a mission to empower young Londoners through community, creativity, and connection. We’re seeking an imaginative, strategic thinker to take on the first role of Marketing and Communications Manager to shape how we tell our story, build our brand, and connect with our vibrant audience across London and beyond.

This flexible role requires around 3–5 hours a week, and offers the freedom to lead with your vision—on your time.

Crafting the Message. Building the Movement.

At Urban Youth, we don’t just support young people—we amplify their voices. We spark confidence, create belonging, and inspire growth through unforgettable programmes. But none of this happens in silence.

As our Marketing & Communications Manager, you’ll channel your skills to:

• Develop and lead a fresh communications strategy to grow our visibility and inspire action

• Create compelling content for social media, newsletters, and campaigns that speak directly to young people and their supporters

• Design and refine brand assets, helping shape the visual and verbal identity of a rising youth-led movement

• Manage digital channels, ensuring consistency and authenticity across every platform

• Collaborate with programme leads and volunteers to tell powerful stories of youth transformation and community impact

• Build relationships with press and partners, amplifying Urban Youth’s reach and voice

Why Join the Urban Youth Communications Core?

You're not just marketing—you’re mobilising change.

• Make Meaningful Impact: Every post, story, or campaign directly empowers youth and supports their growth.

• Launch a Lasting Brand: Help craft the public face of a charity destined to reshape how youth services look and feel in London.

• Grow With Us: You’ll be central to shaping our narrative from the ground up—your ideas, your creativity, your vision.

• Work Flexibly, But Impactfully: This volunteer role flexes with your schedule while making real waves in the city.

• Be a Creative Force in a Passionate Team: Join a movement of doers, dreamers, and believers building something powerful together.

If you're a creative strategist, digital storyteller, or communications maven with a heart for social impact—let’s make some noise together.

Apply now via the Charity Job website—and let’s build a brand that reflects the power, beauty, and potential of London’s youth.

URBAN YOUTH

Building Futures | Forging Connections | Creating Memories.

Join the Wheels for All Volunteer Team – Help Us Make Cycling Inclusive for Everyone!  

Do you want to make a difference in your local community? Are you passionate about inclusion, wellbeing, and having fun outdoors? Join Wheels for All, a national charity making cycling accessible for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. 

Pedal Away is a community-based cycling scheme that enables people to ride, regardless of their age, ability or cycling experience. We have Pedal Away Cycle Hubs at a limited number of locations which will allow you to realise your passion for all things two-wheels. Our Pedal Away rides are pitched at a level so that anyone can join in no matter how long it's been since you were last on a two-wheeled bike. They are social rides aimed to turn people from beginner to independent and confident cyclist, away from traffic and are led by experienced ride leaders.

We believe everyone should experience the joy, freedom, and empowerment of cycling. Our inclusive cycling sessions are only possible thanks to a diverse team of dedicated volunteers—and that’s where you come in! 

 What You’ll Get Involved with: 

• Support people to use adapted cycles during sessions 

• Help with setting up and packing away equipment 

• Provide a friendly, welcoming environment for participants and families 

• Be part of a fun and supportive volunteer team 

Volunteer Benefits 

• Claim reasonable expenses in line with our Volunteer Expense Policy 

• Receive a Wheels for All branded uniform 

• Access volunteer training courses to support your development 

• Be part of an inspiring, positive, and supportive charity culture 

No experience? No problem! 

We provide full training, including disability awareness and safety, and ongoing support from our team and fellow volunteers. 

What are we looking for? 

• An approachable and friendly nature 

• Good interpersonal and communication skills 

• Empathy and an understanding of individual needs 

• Patience and an inclusive approach to engagement 

• Adaptability and flexibility in changing situations 

• A team-oriented attitude 

• Positivity, honesty, and integrity 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to take initiative 

• Some cycling experience is helpful but not essential 

Why volunteer with us? 

“The best thing about volunteering is seeing the happy faces! The riders come back beaming—it’s amazing to be a part of that joy.” – Dave, Volunteer 

“People that aren’t normally able to get out cycling can come here and join in and enjoy the great outdoors. I really enjoy volunteering with Wheels for All because I can visibly see how the simple act of cycling brings a lot of happiness” - Vince, Volunteer 

You’ll Gain: 

• Confidence and new skills 

• Connections and friendships 

• Improved mental wellbeing 

• A chance to be part of a national movement for inclusive cycling 

• Recognition through social events, newsletters, and volunteer awards 

Join us—and help make cycling accessible for all!

Do you want to see more happiness and kindness in the world? We’re looking for dynamic Volunteers to be part of creating exactly that!

About the Role:

Our volunteers bring people together for shared online learning experiences, based on positive psychology, that boost the wellbeing of everyone involved.

- The amazing 6-week Happiness Habits Course is designed to be run by pairs of volunteers.  It features expert videos, science-backed exercises and the chance to form meaningful connections. Our course has been specially designed to gather the insights of the world's leading experts on six fundamental aspects of a happy and meaningful life: Gratitude, Self-Care, Relationships, Resilience, Kindness, and Meaning. It is a very impactful (many say life-changing) experience.

- Alternatively, you can get involved by supporting a Monthly Group, bringing like-minded people together to learn evidence-based tools for creating a happier and more meaningful life. Explore the monthly themes and encourage people to set personal actions towards happiness, that support both themselves and others.

Volunteering with Action for Happiness is a path of action that consistently feels like you are making a difference in the world. You don’t have to be an expert - or be happy all the time. If you are a warm and enthusiastic person that is more than enough to get started.

Why Volunteer with Us?

Do something that matters: spreading happiness and witnessing people transform for the better is a huge source of meaning.

Grow your skills: inspiring others, learning together and reinforcing your own happiness skills all contribute to personal growth.

Build community: meeting like-minded people, building lasting friendships and belonging to a global community contributing to a better future for all.

How do I know it’s right for me?

Try out free VOLUNTEER TRAINING via the Action For Happiness website and decide for yourself.

We've designed it especially to help you answer questions like this as it explains thoroughly what being a volunteer involves and helps you reflect on your readiness.

What is the time commitment?

You'll need to set aside a couple of hours for the training initially and a few more for planning your course or group and connecting with your co-volunteer. Then you'll need a couple of hours per session for facilitating (x6 weekly sessions for a course, or x1 session per month for a group). 

- Apply today! Together, we can inspire change that ripples out through people’s lives, communities and the world.
 

We are a small, friendly charity, run by four volunteer trustees and loads of volunteer fundraisers. We are a dynamic charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) based in Liverpool, dedicated to fundraising initiatives that create meaningful impact both locally and for baby and children’s hospitals in Sana’a, Yemen. Rooted in solidarity values, our work often aligns with principles of Islamic giving, including zakat, but is open to all who wish to give and support. On occasion, we co-fundraise with charities for Palestine.

We are seeking a volunteer treasurer to help us with financial management and reporting. Our turnover is less than £50,000 per year and we are therefore able to produce light touch accounts for the Charity Commission. We would like support with this, and with ensuring we remain financially compliant, as well as with ideas for sustainable fundraising. The trustees meet less than once a month and we anticipate a small time committment for this role. 

We are particularly keen to see applications from people who have a specific interest in health and wellbeing for people living in war affected states, especially Yemen; or who have a connection with Liverpool. We're a real passionate 'family' and look forward to welcoming a new member who shares our goals.

�� The Role

As our Volunteer Treasurer, you will play a vital role in supporting the financial health of the charity. You’ll oversee our finances, ensure transparency, and provide guidance to trustees on managing funds responsibly and in accordance with both UK charity law and, where relevant, principles of Islamic giving.

�� Key Responsibilities

• Maintain clear and accurate financial records using simple bookkeeping tools (e.g., spreadsheets or accounting software).
• Prepare simplified annual accounts and financial reports suitable for a small CIO.
• Advise the Board of Trustees on financial matters, ensuring informed decision-making.
• Oversee bank reconciliations, expense tracking, and budget monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission regulations and reporting deadlines.
• Provide guidance on zakat-eligible projects and ensure funds are managed in accordance with Islamic charitable principles where applicable.
• Help develop and review financial policies and procedures.
• Attend trustee meetings (typically quarterly) and provide financial updates.
• Brainstorm and share experience of novel and sustainable fundraising ideas.

�� Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Experience with bookkeeping, accounting, or finance (qualified accountant or qualified by experience).
• Familiarity with charity finance and reporting requirements (especially for small charities/CIOs).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Understanding of Islamic giving, including zakat, and ability to advise appropriately.
• Commitment to the values and objectives of the charity.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of digital accounting tools (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, Excel).
• Previous trustee or treasurer experience in a charity setting.
• Experience of fundraising.
• Based in or familiar with the Liverpool community.
• Special interest in aligned issues or geographies.

�� What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to make a tangible difference through financial stewardship.
• Be part of a passionate and friendly team of trustees and volunteers.
• Gain experience in governance and charity finance.
• Flexibility and autonomy to manage your time and role.

Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our weekly FAB Phone Cafe. In this role you'll be helping to create a friendly, welcoming space and community connections with a group of older people facing isolation.

At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs.  In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible.  We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.

We are currently looking for volunteers for our Phone Cafes on

Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 and 2:00-3:00pm

This role involves

• Welcoming older people who are new to the telephone group.
• Facilitating conversation in the group
• Keeping attendance sheets for group participants.
• Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team

The qualities and skills required for this role are

• A friendly disposition, with the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and include people so as to encourage an enjoyable experience.
• Ability to be assertive and intervene if necessary, for instance manage group members who may dominate the conversation
• Reliability and punctuality – calls need to run on time.
• Access to a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet.
• Confidence in using new software so that calls run on time and everyone connects with the group (training provided; the platform we use is quite straightforward and easy to learn).
• Good verbal communication skills to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible and encourage shyer callers.
• An understanding of the needs of older people.
• Ability to respond to any Safeguarding concerns and keep the environment safe.
• Willingness to follow Age UK Bristol’s policies, such as Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Equal Opportunities, and to complete any training and admin needed to perform the role.

Do you feel excited by the idea of guiding the future of a local mental health charity?

Rochdale and District Mind is a mental health charity that supports people in the community who are facing mental health challenges. Our area of operation is Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale, Bury and N.E. Lancashire. As part of the Mind Federation and the Mind in Greater Manchester partnership, our goal is to ensure that individuals do not face mental health issues alone and can live free from stigma and discrimination.

Our team consists of over 70 dedicated staff members and volunteers who provide a wide variety of services and activities, including counselling, therapeutic group workshops, advocacy, crisis support, dementia support, two wellbeing cafés, as well as other wellbeing activities such as sports sessions. To ensure our services are effective and rooted in the needs of the community, we involve people who use our services in shaping our offer. We are also pleased to be recognised for our work with our Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities in Rochdale. We work proactively both with our service users and with other key stakeholder organisations to tackle health inequalities.

Chair opportunity

We are flexible in our approach and are open to a single Chair or Co-Chair arrangement. We are looking for people with governance experience, the ability to lead and alignment with our values. Our new Chair or Co-Chairs will have energy and drive, a genuine passion for mental health support and be able to bring both knowledge and connections to the organisation.

This is an exciting moment to join us. Rochdale and District Mind has undergone a period of significant growth in recent years, with both our annual turnover and staff numbers doubling. We’ve successfully embedded our services within the strategic priorities of the local Integrated Care Board, adapting what we offer to meet the changing mental health needs of our community. Now, with our CEO Philip Bramson at the helm, we’re entering a period of reflection and consolidation, ready to build on our strong foundation as we shape the next chapter of our journey.

How to apply?

Eastside People is supporting Rochdale and District Mind in the recruitment for this role. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc. format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• Why are you interested in a Chair or Co-Chair role with Rochdale and District Mind? 
• How can you contribute to Rochdale and District Mind as our Chair or Co-Chair?
• Please highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the role as set out in the role description.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustments so that we can help make the application process work for you.

The closing date for applications is Monday 28th July, and our candidate assessment schedule is as follows:

• EP interviews and informal conversations carried out through the recruitment process with final interviews taking place by Thu 31 July.
• Formal interviews with Rochdale and District Mind Board, in the week commencing 4th August.
• The successful candidate or candidates will be asked to attend two Board meetings as an observer (the first one of which is on 13 Aug), after which the appointment will be confirmed via a trustee vote.

Eastside People is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and work with our clients to ensure that we recruit inclusively, seeking to address the underrepresentation of some groups of people in leadership teams. We warmly welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Why we want you

Prison in reach volunteers support members of the Armed Forces community who are in prison. They make a real difference by providing essential support during these incredibly difficult times.

Our volunteers work closely with veterans in custody support officers, attending veteran forums, and offering one to one support, including making applications for financial assistance. We also connect clients with organisations, to help support pathways for positive change.

Come and join our team! We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

We are keen to increase volunteer diversity, especially from under-represented groups such as young people, those of working age and individuals from minoritised groups.

What you will be doing

• Attend group forums for veterans within the prison environment.
• Complete individual assessments and complete one to one personalised support for veterans within the prison environment, which includes casework.
• Promote the services available to family members.
• Establish an agreement around the rate of visits with the VCJS team and the prison.
• Record the support offered to veterans accordingly and appropriately.
• Complete monitoring reports.

The skills you need

• Be over 21.
• Have a good level of fitness to able to move around a prison quickly - including stairs.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Awareness of boundaries and confidentiality.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of people, including prison staff, other agencies, SSAFA colleagues and clients.
• Positive, committed and non-judgemental. Non-judgemental and empathetic attitude.
• Good IT skills.
• An enhanced DBS check is required for this role. Individual prisons will determine if they authorise individuals to be based in their facilities based on security considerations. Security Vetting by His Majesty’s Prison Service is often required. For further discussion, please get in touch.
• You will need to declare potential conflicts of interest, for example any family connection with the prison.

What's in it for you

• Full training provided with regular ongoing support.
• You gain criminal justice sector experience and build your CV.
• You can make a real difference to the lives of Veterans who are in the justice system.

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 for you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.