Making Connections Volunteer Volunteer Roles in Manchester

 Role Description:

We are seeking volunteers anywhere in the UK to help out with Study Group sessions for young Refugees or young people seeking asylum. We have continued to keep study group online as it enables community members from across and outside of London to get help and support with homework.

The Study Group sessions are delivered weekly on Zoom, every Tuesday from 5.30-6.30 pm. 

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:

The role of a Study Group volunteer can include:  

• Providing learners with homework support; preferably 1:1 in Zoom breakout rooms (may be extended to 1 volunteer to 2 young people in busy sessions). 

• Promoting other online learning. ie. Reading an extract of an e-book together/ playing games to learn English/ completing a quiz on a topic of interest. 
• Providing social and emotional support to young people. Many of the young people that attend will be quite isolated at this time and will therefore benefit from the social element of Study Group. 
• Supporting young people with a range of technical issues relating to their laptop/phone/ zoom. 
• Staying for debrief after each session to feedback on what you covered with the Young Person in your breakout room. This offers a space to learn and share resources/ ideas for future weeks with other volunteers. 

Benefits of volunteering with CARAS:

Study Group Volunteers will have the opportunity to:  

• Attend CARAS induction training which covers Safeguarding 
• The opportunity to further professional development through attending other free training opportunities CARAS distribute regularly 
• A safe and supportive space to improve your mentoring/teaching skills 

• Gain first-hand experience of some of the issues young Refugee and Asylum Seeking people face and contribute to making London a better place for them to be 
• Receive support and feedback on teaching from the Project Coordinator through supervision meetings  
• Obtain a work reference after three months of weekly (or six months of fortnightly) volunteering.  
• Be part of the wider CARAS team and join in other activities with volunteers.  

All training and Study Group sessions are delivered online, so you won’t need to travel to the CARAS office in London. No prior experience of online teaching is required, but you will need a laptop or desktop PC with a good microphone and internet connection. You will be required to share your screen on your laptop but all basic Zoom functions can be taught upon induction. 

About the organisation:

CARAS is a registered charity working with people in south London and beyond who have an asylum or refugee background. Our values are: 

• Kindness. CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents and interests.   
• Justice. CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all of our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.   
• Empowerment. CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.   
• ‘With’ not ‘for’. CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.   

Requirements: 

Essential 

• To be 18 years or older; 
• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds; 
• To be reliable and punctual; 
• Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English; 
• Currently resident in the UK; 
• Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; 
• Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role 
• To be able to attend at least 2 sessions every month 
• To have a quiet confidential space from which to participate and to provide your own device and microphone with access to zoom 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Mobilise voluntary action and foster a vibrant volunteer network as Barawak’s Volunteer Engagement Vertical Lead. Develop and implement strategies that attract and retain passionate volunteers, aligning their efforts with our mission.
 

Welcome to Barawak

Barawak is the first UK-registered charitable organisation dedicated to uplifting and empowering the Afro-Hebrew community in the UK.  We understand the unique challenges faced by our community, and we are here to provide support, resources, and opportunities to help overcome these hurdles.

Our vision is to see our community thrive, free from the burdens of poverty and inequality. We're here to bring this vision to life by providing essential support and resources that uplift and empower every individual and family.

Our Purpose

At Barawak, our mission is clear: to address and alleviate the immediate and long-term challenges faced by our community. We're dedicated to ensuring that everyone has access to the essentials – from food and toiletries to vital services. But our goals go beyond just meeting basic needs. We are also here to open doors to new opportunities through education and skill-building, helping our community members to stand tall and secure a better future for themselves and their families.

Our Commitment

At Barawak, we’re driven by four key goals to uplift our Afro-Hebrew community:

1. Alleviating Poverty: We’re here to give more than just immediate help. Our support includes essential items and help with basic needs, aimed at long-term financial stability for our community.
2. Empowering Through Education: Education and skills are keys to opening doors. We offer practical workshops and mentoring in financial smarts, job skills, and more, to spark economic opportunities.
3. Fostering Harmony and Diversity: We celebrate our rich Afro-Hebrew culture and encourage understanding across communities. Our work strengthens community bonds and enriches cultural events.
4. Promoting Health with Sports: Good health is vital. We offer sports and wellness activities that boost both body and mind, helping everyone feel part of something bigger.

In all we do, helping out, sticking together, and staying strong guide us. By the grace of our God, we're not just making today better — we're shaping a brighter, more hopeful community and future for us all.

Our Team

Currently, our team consists of dedicated trustees and advisors who are laying the groundwork for a robust volunteer organisation. We are in the process of expanding our team to include passionate, committed individuals who share our vision and are eager to make a real difference in the community.

Joining Our Cause

As a volunteer at Barawak, you'll be part of a meaningful journey to support and enrich the lives of those in our community. We value every contribution, and we provide a supportive environment where your skills and dedication can truly flourish. Whether you're leading a service or a vertical, assisting with operations or reporting, your role at Barawak is crucial to our collective success and your help will go a long way to helping us reach our strategic goals.

Understanding the Verticals at Barawak

Imagine Barawak as a living, thriving tree. Our verticals are like the main branches—each one strong and important, reaching out in its own direction but all connected to the same trunk, our community's mission. These four powerhouse teams each have a special job:

• The Fundraising and Financial Management vertical covers fundraising and money matters: This team is all about finding resources—like getting donations and grants—to keep our programmes strong and healthy.They will spend their time writing fantastic letters, sponsorship proposals and funding requests on behalf of Barawak as a whole, but also (supporting programme leads) to specific organisations for Barawak service lines.

• The Partnership Development and Collaboration vertical covers building bridges: They're the connectors, making friends with other groups, businesses, and everyone who can help us grow.

• The Volunteer Engagement vertical covers welcoming our helpers: This bunch is in charge of gathering our most valuable resource—people like you who want to volunteer and make a difference.

• The Marketing Outreach and Advocacy vertical covers spreading the word: They tell our story far and wide, making sure everyone knows what we're up to and how they can join in.

Each vertical team works in two distinct ways: the first way is for Barawak as a whole, and the second way is in support of each Barawak service, feeding our programmes, like roots bringing water and nutrients to the branches. Whether it's Poverty Relief, Education, Employment Support, Community Engagement or Sports and Wellness, these verticals give the support each programme needs to blossom and bear fruit. Working together, they make sure we're all pushing in the same direction—towards a future where our community stands tall and proud.

Introduction to the Volunteer Engagement vertical Lead role:

See all these Barawak Job Descriptions aimed at calling our community members and other dedicated individuals to voluntary action? This will be part of your role going forward! The Volunteer Engagement Lead at Barawak is central to harnessing the passion and skills of our community members, facilitating their contributions to our mission. This role entails strategising volunteer recruitment, ensuring effective onboarding, training and management of volunteers, and aligning volunteer efforts with the goals of Barawak's various service lines. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Volunteer Strategy and Recruitment:

• Develop a robust volunteer recruitment strategy that aligns with Barawak’s overall mission and the specific needs of its service lines.

• Actively promote volunteer opportunities, reaching out to community members and using various platforms to attract a diverse volunteer base.

2. Onboarding, Training and Development:

• Implement a comprehensive training programme for volunteers, ensuring they are well-prepared to support the initiatives of Barawak.

• Create materials and conduct training sessions that equip volunteers with the necessary knowledge and skills for their respective roles.

3. Support to Trustees:

• Work with trustees to understand volunteer requirements at the strategic level, and report on volunteer engagement activities and their impact.

• Provide trustees with insights into volunteer contributions towards Barawak’s objectives.

4. Programme-Specific Support:

• Collaborate with each programme lead to customise volunteer support according to the distinct demands and activities of their service lines.

• Ensure a smooth integration of volunteers into programme operations, matching volunteer skills with the tasks at hand.

5. Volunteer Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day management of volunteers, including scheduling, task assignment, and support.

• Foster a positive volunteer culture that encourages retention and recognises the valuable contributions of volunteers.

6. Evaluation and Feedback:

• Establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the volunteer engagement strategy and the satisfaction of volunteers.

• Gather feedback from volunteers and programme leads to continuously improve the volunteer experience and the impact of their work.

7. Community Liaison:

• Act as the primary liaison between Barawak and its volunteers, cultivating a strong community connection.

• Organise community events and recognition programs to honor and thank volunteers for their dedication.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Proven experience in volunteer coordination or community engagement.

• Strong organisational and leadership skills, with a talent for motivating and inspiring others.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.

• A passion for community service and a deep understanding of the Afro-Hebrew community's culture and values.

As the Volunteer Engagement Lead, you will play a crucial role in powering Barawak’s initiatives, turning the goodwill of our community into action and impact.

Important: This advert is for a voluntary role, which is unpaid and not subject to reimbursement of expenses. Any agreement with the successful candidate is not intended to be a legally binding contract between us and may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. By applying for the role, candidates agree that neither of us intend any employment relationship to be created either now or at any time in the future.

Help us to grow brand-new online charity platform A Good Thing in your local area! Come on board as a community champion: use your communications skills to drive more businesses and charities to sign up.

A Good Thing is a not-for-profit set up with one mission: to send less to landfill, and more to a good cause. We are rolling out fast across the UK, momentum is building, and we are growing a network of passionate local volunteer champions right across the country to drive our growth.

You’ll be using your connections (friends, family, colleagues, neighbours...), as well as your insights into the local area, to help us to build the numbers of businesses and charities signing up in your part of the UK. You might do this through making connections with businesses in your area, taking A Good Thing to the doorstep. Or you could approach businesses virtually, using your expert written communication skills to create communications that will engage and inspire them. You’ll definitely be using social media and your brilliant online networking skills to build links and relationships where you live.

Come with us on our journey towards reducing waste and boosting wonderful local charities at the same time.

The Pelvic Radiation Disease Association (PRDA) is looking for a Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership for the charity, working in partnership with our Operations Manager and supported by a committed team of Trustees.

Who we are

Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) is a long-term side-effect (‘late effect’) of pelvic radiotherapy treatment affecting an estimated 100,000 people in the UK.  People affected by PRD often have a complex set of symptoms affecting the bowel, bladder, sexual function or other functions for many years after radiotherapy, sometimes only appearing several years after radiotherapy treatment

PRDA is a small UK charity whose objectives are to see that the effects of PRD are minimised, that people affected by PRD are given the best possible care and treatment, and that PRD is accepted as a serious problem and given the attention it deserves.

Duties of the Chair

In addition to the duties of a Trustee, the Chair will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that PRDA achieves its mission.
• Work in partnership with the Operations Manager and team to achieve our mission.
• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
• Optimise the relationship between the board and PRDA’s staff and volunteers.
• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for PRDA. 

What PRDA is looking for

Each trustee must have:

• a commitment to the vision and aims of the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association
• willingness to meet the minimum time requirement 
• integrity 
• strategic vision 
• good, independent judgement 
• an ability to think creatively 
• a willingness to speak their mind 
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 
• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of PRDA.

Ideally, trustees should also have one or more of the following: 

• Understanding of the impact of Pelvic Radiation Disease on people’s lives either through personal or professional connections, or be willing to learn about this; 
• Prior experience of committee/trustee work; 
• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by PRDA (helpline, support groups, online support, health professional engagement, awareness-raising) and/or fundraising for a small charity, and
• Leadership skills.

Please see the full job description for more detail. 

For an informal discussion about the role please contact David Jillings, PRDA Treasurer & Vice-chair.

The Spiritual Arts Foundation is a unique UK arts organisation dedicated to promoting the spiritual exploration of artistic expression. We believe in the transformative power of spirituality and the arts to inspire individuals and communities. Our organisation boasts a vibrant community with over 95 professional creative members, including artists, authors, composers, singer-songwriters, filmmakers, and producers. Additionally, we have cultivated a robust 'Spiritual Creatives' social network with over 1350 members on the Meetup social networking website. Our volunteer management team, comprising more than 60 dedicated individuals, spans disciplines such as writing, marketing, art history, social media, and digital marketing.

Opportunity: We are seeking passionate volunteers from diverse backgrounds and skill sets to join us on our mission. Whether you excel in design, marketing, management, finance, law, publishing, filmmaking, or possess other specialist skills, there is a place for you at The Spiritual Arts Foundation. If you are enthusiastic about spirituality and eager to contribute your talents, we invite you to become part of our dynamic team.

Why Volunteer With Us: Working with The Spiritual Arts Foundation is not only about contributing your skills but also about forming meaningful connections and friendships within our supportive volunteer community. With over 60 volunteers, we foster an environment where collaboration is celebrated, ideas are shared, and personal growth is encouraged. Volunteers find their experience with us deeply rewarding, as they actively contribute to our shared goal of harnessing spirituality and the arts to create positive change in the world.

How to Get Involved: If you are ready to make a difference and be part of an organization that values creativity, spirituality, and community, we would love to hear from you. Together, let's inspire and transform through the power of spiritual creativity.

Join us today and discover the joy of making a meaningful impact with The Spiritual Arts Foundation!

Marie Curie Companion is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.

Companion Volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support. Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, eg family home, a care home or in the community.

• Provide one-to-one companionship and support. 

For example: offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (e.g. to medical appointments) or taking short trips out. Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. You may be supporting your client’s family or carers before or during bereavement.  This may involve offering emotional support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested (This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companion volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)

• Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone 

• Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required 

• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support

• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required 

• Represent the Marie Curie Companion service positively to those using the service

ABOUT US

Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and  6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left. 

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

Fundraising Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting this mission by securing essential financial resources through grant writing, and donor engagement.

Newington Green Alliance is a UK registered charity committed to nurturing compassionate connections and understanding in order to help people transcend the ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic divides that prevent community bonds. Compassionate connections are vital in fostering a genuinely inclusive and mutually beneficial community. Research confirms the profound impact of strengthening community ties, enhancing mental well-being, happiness, education, economic prosperity, and reducing isolation and crime. 

NGA is focused primarily in the London boroughs of Hackney and Islington. 

We are seeking both experienced volunteers and others without that experience but with transferable skills and a strong interest in developing their fundraising abilities. Volunteers will engage in grant selection and funding bid writing to secure funding for NGA’s community-building activities.

Work as part of the fundraising team to-

• Develop and implement effective fundraising strategies and campaigns.

• Research and pursue grant opportunities and other funding sources.

• Build and maintain relationships with donors and supporters.

• Organise fundraising events and activities.

• Track and report on fundraising progress and outcomes.

Ideal volunteers will have some the following skillset

• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or donor relations and/or appropriate transferable skills

• Ability to write fluently, persuasively and professionally in English.

• Ability to research and identify potential funding sources.

• Organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Passion for community building and social inclusion.

• Proficiency with IT, including internet searching, email, Google Workspace, and basic database understanding.

• Comfort with phone and video communication  and working productively with both external and internal parties.

• Capacity to weigh complex factors in decision-making.

• Creativity in developing fundraising campaigns and events.

The Wren Project relies on dedicated volunteers to offer listening support to people living in distress as a result of an autoimmune disease diagnosis. As our volunteer, you would provide remote, one-to-one listening support to individuals living with the complexities of a diagnosis. As a volunteer, you would offer 1:1 listening support to those affected by auto-immune conditions. Here are the key details:

Role Description:

• Listening Support: Volunteers provide empathetic and non-judgmental listening support to people living with autoimmune diseases (referred to as “Our Wrens”). A volunteer's focus is on allowing Wrens to express their feelings without offering advice or solutions.

• Regular Sessions: You’ll participate in fortnightly 50-minute sessions with two separate Wrens via telephone or video call.

• Training and Assessment: After submitting an application, successful applicants undergo a 4-week remote training program focused on listening skills and supporting individuals with autoimmune diseases. A final one-to-one assessment ensures readiness before matching with a Wren.

• Ongoing Support: Volunteers receive ongoing support and the opportunity to continue to develop their listening skills from experienced volunteers, Operations team and clinical supervisors.

Requirements:

• No Prior Knowledge Needed: Volunteers do not need specific knowledge or experience related to autoimmune diseases.

• An empathetic and understanding attitude;

• A quiet and private space to conduct appointments;

• Access to a computer, telephone and a reliable internet connection;

• Confidentiality, professionalism and reliability;

• Monthly Commitment: Regular attendance (twice a month) is required for an  initial 12 month period.

• Skill-Building: Gain lifelong skills in deep listening and develop reflective skills by attending monthly reflective practice sessions

What difference will you make?

Our volunteers provide a space for those in distress with an autoimmune disease to feel heard. Through listening and reflecting with our Wrens, our volunteers can help Wrens to feel supported and less isolated. 

Here is some of the feedback we have received on listening sessions with our volunteers:

'My volunteer has gently and skilfully supported me to reflect and reframe my anxieties and facilitated me to look forwards with more positivity.  It is work in progress but I am able to encounter setbacks with a little less fear and a title more positivity because of my listeners support' 

'Thank you - you’ve made the whole experience feel so safe, validating and welcoming. One of the very few [people] I’ve felt able to really be vulnerable with emotionally and you have helped me begin to process my health issues' 

'I really felt able to build a rapport and trusting relationship with my volunteer. Made a big difference to coping' 

The Wren Project is the only charity in the UK to provide  support for all autoimmune diseases. 

If you’re interested in participating, volunteering, or supporting our work, feel free to get in touch. We’d love to hear from you! 

We're looking for a new Chief Volunteer for International, to provide strategic volunteer leadership for both UK Scouting’s international relationships with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, National Scout Organisations worldwide and Scouting’s international partner organisations; and the UK’s approach to delivering the international component of our Scout programme for young people.

Operationally, you'll play a senior leadership role in the forming and management of our UK contingents to World and European events ensuring that learning from previous events and agreed methods 
for ensuring effective governance and delivery of these contingents is fully implemented.

You'll provide leadership for the various teams and functions that operate the international services and support for UK Headquarters within UK Scouting and internationally including our International Rep Pool, International Support Team and international endorsements process.

It is our ambition to create the best possible team to lead UK Scouts, and we believe that we will do that by inviting and involving volunteers from different walks of life with different experiences, different skills and perspectives. So at this time we are really keen to provide opportunities for people to develop their skills, interests and experience in Scouting in a supportive and enjoyable way.

You do not need years of experience in Scouts or in life, we are looking to identify volunteers with potential and enthusiasm for what we are here to achieve together for young people who we can help develop along the way.

Bookmark Reading Volunteers directly support children who are at risk of leaving primary school unable to read well. Struggling to read can contribute to poor educational attainment, lower literacy in adulthood and has even been linked to a lower life expectancy. You can help ignite the joy of reading and change a child’s story.

In this volunteer role, you’ll have 30-minute one-to-one reading sessions on 2 days per week. This is across 6 weeks with a child aged between 5 and 11 years old. Each session will involve reading stories and playing literacy games on our secure online platform or face-to-face. You’ll book your reading programme through Bookmark’s Volunteer Hub and select sessions on days and times that work with your commitments.   

To become a Bookmark Reading Volunteer, you should be: 

• 18 and over, and currently living in the UK.
• able to provide enthusiasm, encouragement, empathy and patience.
• free to commit to 30-minute one-to-one reading sessions on 2 days per week, across 6 weeks.
• able to provide two references for your application (for safeguarding reasons).prepared with access to a PC, laptop, Chromebook or iPad with a webcam and internet connection, and feel relatively comfortable using technology (for online reading programmes).

Volunteers tell us they find the role flexible, impactful and rewarding. More than 60% also say their own wellbeing has improved because of volunteering with Bookmark!

Bookmark pays for your DBS checks, provides online training and offers volunteers ongoing support so that you can deliver fantastic and fun reading sessions, enabling all children to discover the joy of reading. 

Bookmark are proud to offer inclusive volunteering and work to deliver a greatly accessible volunteering role. Many of our reading programmes take place online, so there’s no need to travel or access a physical location to volunteer with Bookmark. Our application process and training are all completed online, and we have a helpful team at hand to offer support with technical or access requirements. If you’d like to discuss adjustments which may be helpful, please email us and we’ll be happy to help. 

Bookmark is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. We aim to create an environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

Our groups are entirely volunteer run and led. They are in the front line of engagement with local people, with an extensive programme of walks, talks, day trips and indoor meetings for the group and members of the public. We're looking for people who are passionate about connecting people with nature and helping in the smooth running of the group. By becoming part of the group, you'll have the chance to use your existing skills (and learn new ones) to build the group and make it an ever more important aspect of local RSPB connections with people. The roles available will depend on the group and can include:

• Publicity and / or social media
• Website editor
• Helping with organising and running events

Being a community group, you'll also have the opportunity to make new friends, have fun, and know you are enthusing people about the joys of nature. All you need is a willingness and ability to help with one or more of the varied activities of our RSPB groups, and able to give a minimum of a few hours each month. We have groups across the UK (see our map to find your nearest group). Feel free to contact your local group direct or go along to an event or two to find out more. If you can't find a group near you and would like to help set one up, please click on "Ask a question".

Notes: This opportunity is not based on a reserve and may not include practical conservation work. It is also not suitable for work experience. However it can usually be customised to your skills, experience and requirements depending on your situation.

We are committed to better reflecting society within our workforce and are keen to encourage more applications from people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities and younger people.

Volunteering with Independent Choices, the domestic abuse helpline for Greater Manchester

Do you;

Have an interest in supporting survivors of domestic abuse?

Want to have a rewarding volunteering experience?

Want to volunteer within a supportive and caring team?

Have 3 hours a week to commit to making a difference?

We are looking to recruit female Helpline Volunteers to support callers on the Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline. On the helpline, volunteers provide high-quality, empowering, emotional, and practical support for survivors of domestic abuse and their friends & family members as well as professionals.

About Volunteering

•     Our shifts are 3 hours a week between 10 am – 4 pm Monday to Friday

•     Office-only volunteering

•     Training at your own pace

•     Based in Hulme

•     Reasonable adjustments can be made

Volunteering with Independent Choices Greater Manchester can be a very rewarding experience and you will gain many useful skills, as well as making a positive difference to survivors of domestic abuse. We provide:

•     Full and ongoing, training

•     On -site support and regular supervision

•     Flexible shifts

•     Expenses are paid in cash on the day of volunteering

•     A friendly office spaces

Who we are looking for,

Whilst there is no experience needed, we would ask that our volunteers have the following skills:

•     Good listening skills and the ability to communicate well with a variety of people

•     Punctuality, reliability, and a commitment to volunteering

•     Ability to empathise and be non-judgmental

•     Ability to learn new information and a can-do attitude  

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds, and are keen to hear from women who:

•     Speak another language including Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Polish, and Arabic  (but please do contact us if you do not have another language!)

•     Women aged over 50

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Marie Curie Companion Service is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.

Companion volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support.  These sessions can take place both in person and over the phone.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING.

Your role will include some of, but not be restricted to, the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, e.g. family home, a care home or in the community.
• Provide one-to-one companionship and support. For example: 
• Offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. 
• Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (e.g. to medical appointments) or taking short trips out. 
• Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. 
• Allowing carers to have a short break. 
• You may be supporting your client’s family or carers before or 

during bereavement.  This may involve offering emotional 

support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out 

information as requested 

(This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companion 

volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)

• Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone 
• Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required 
• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support
• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required 
• Represent the Marie Curie Helper service positively to those using the service

THE SKILLS/EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED.

• Commitment and reliability - able to keep appointments and volunteer for about 3 hours a week 
• Patience, empathy and emotional stability 
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality 
• Respect for an individual’s privacy, dignity and independence
• Willing to be flexible to the needs of the individual
• Ability to operate within the boundaries of the role 
• A friendly and sensitive approach with strong skills around building rapport and empathy
• Excellent listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others 
• Respect for individuals, regardless of their disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment

WHAT YOU CAN GAIN FROM THIS OPPORTUNITY.

• An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment
• An induction, training, support and supervision in your role
• Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses

WHAT WE ASK OF YOU.

• To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role
• To keep to all the charity’s policies and guidelines 
• To complete an induction and any training related to the role
• Complete mandatory training and role related renewals, as requested

Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect.  We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment.  We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users.

ABOUT US

Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and  6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left. 

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

Enhance Barawak’s impact by forging local, national and international strategic partnerships; and nurturing links with organisations that share our values and can help fuel our community’s growth. As one of our Strategic Partnership Leads, you’ll connect with diverse organisations to co-create services and activities that uplift the Afro-Hebrew community.

Welcome to Barawak

Barawak is the first UK-registered charitable organisation dedicated to uplifting and empowering the Afro-Hebrew community in the UK.  We understand the unique challenges faced by our community, and we are here to provide support, resources, and opportunities to help overcome these hurdles.

Our vision is to see our community thrive, free from the burdens of poverty and inequality. We're here to bring this vision to life by providing essential support and resources that uplift and empower every individual and family.

Our Purpose

At Barawak, our mission is clear: to address and alleviate the immediate and long-term challenges faced by our community. We're dedicated to ensuring that everyone has access to the essentials – from food and toiletries to vital services. But our goals go beyond just meeting basic needs. We are also here to open doors to new opportunities through education and skill-building, helping our community members to stand tall and secure a better future for themselves and their families.

Our Commitment

At Barawak, we’re driven by four key goals to uplift our Afro-Hebrew community:

1. Alleviating Poverty: We’re here to give more than just immediate help. Our support includes essential items and help with basic needs, aimed at long-term financial stability for our community.
2. Empowering Through Education: Education and skills are keys to opening doors. We offer practical workshops and mentoring in financial smarts, job skills, and more, to spark economic opportunities.
3. Fostering Harmony and Diversity: We celebrate our rich Afro-Hebrew culture and encourage understanding across communities. Our work strengthens community bonds and enriches cultural events.
4. Promoting Health with Sports: Good health is vital. We offer sports and wellness activities that boost both body and mind, helping everyone feel part of something bigger.

In all we do, helping out, sticking together, and staying strong guide us. By the grace of our God, we're not just making today better — we're shaping a brighter, more hopeful community and future for us all.

Our Team

Currently, our team consists of dedicated trustees and advisors who are laying the groundwork for a robust volunteer organisation. We are in the process of expanding our team to include passionate, committed individuals who share our vision and are eager to make a real difference in the community.

Joining Our Cause

As a volunteer at Barawak, you'll be part of a meaningful journey to support and enrich the lives of those in our community. We value every contribution, and we provide a supportive environment where your skills and dedication can truly flourish. Whether you're leading a service or a vertical, assisting with operations or reporting, your role at Barawak is crucial to our collective success and your help will go a long way to helping us reach our strategic goals.

Understanding the Verticals at Barawak

Imagine Barawak as a living, thriving tree. Our verticals are like the main branches—each one strong and important, reaching out in its own direction but all connected to the same trunk, our community's mission. These four powerhouse teams each have a special job:

• The Fundraising and Financial Management vertical covers fundraising and money matters: This team is all about finding resources—like getting donations and grants—to keep our programmes strong and healthy.They will spend their time writing fantastic letters, sponsorship proposals and funding requests on behalf of Barawak as a whole, but also (supporting programme leads) to specific organisations for Barawak service lines.

• The Strategic Partnership Development and Collaboration vertical covers building bridges: They're the connectors, making friends with other groups, businesses, and everyone who can help us grow.

• The Volunteer Engagement vertical covers welcoming our helpers: This bunch is in charge of gathering our most valuable resource—people like you who want to volunteer and make a difference.

• The Marketing Outreach and Advocacy vertical covers spreading the word: They tell our story far and wide, making sure everyone knows what we're up to and how they can join in.

Each vertical team works in two distinct ways: the first way is for Barawak as a whole, and the second way is in support of each Barawak service, feeding our programmes, like roots bringing water and nutrients to the branches. Whether it's Poverty Relief, Education, Employment Support, Community Engagement or Sports and Wellness, these verticals give the support each programme needs to blossom and bear fruit. Working together, they make sure we're all pushing in the same direction—towards a future where our community stands tall and proud.

Introduction to the Strategic Partnership Lead Role

The Strategic Partnership Lead is crucial in forging strong connections and building strategic alliances. This role focuses on nurturing relationships that support Barawak’s overall mission and each unique programme, ensuring the organisation's growth and the successful delivery of its objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Trustee Support:

• Act as the primary liaison between the Board of Trustees and potential partners.

• Advise trustees on partnership opportunities that align with Barawak's strategic direction.

• Prepare briefing materials and strategic recommendations for trustees on collaboration efforts.

• Coordinate with trustees to identify partnership needs and priorities across all service lines.

Barawak-wide Partnership Development:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive partnership strategy for Barawak as a whole.

• Identify and engage with local, regional, and global organizations, businesses, councils, and government entities.

• Cultivate relationships that lead to resource sharing, joint initiatives, and co-created programmes.

• Secure commitments and formalize agreements that provide sustainable support for Barawak’s operations and initiatives.

Programme-Specific Collaboration:

• Tailor partnership strategies to support the unique needs of each programme lead.

• Work closely with the Poverty Relief, Education & Skill Development, Employment Support, Community Engagement & Racial Harmony, and Sports & Wellness leads to identify potential partners that can provide targeted resources and support.

• Facilitate introductions and negotiations between programme leads and potential partners, ensuring a mutual understanding of goals and expectations.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of partnerships in supporting programme objectives, providing regular reports to programme leads and trustees.

Strategic Alliance Management:

• Maintain a dynamic network of partners, constantly evaluating and nurturing these relationships.

• Organize regular meetings and networking events to foster a community of collaborators.

• Provide ongoing support and guidance to partners, ensuring their contributions are effectively integrated into Barawak’s programmes.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Track and report on partnership activities, outcomes, and the impact on Barawak’s service delivery.

• Use data and feedback to improve partnership strategies and collaboration efforts.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Proven experience in partnership development, relationship management, or a similar role.

• Strong networking skills with the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

• Strategic thinking with a keen understanding of non-profit operations and community-based initiatives.

By taking on this role, you will be at the forefront of building a community that supports and enriches the lives of the Afro-Hebrew community through collaborative and strategic partnerships.

Important: This advert is for a voluntary role, which is unpaid and not subject to reimbursement of expenses. Any agreement with the successful candidate is not intended to be a legally binding contract between us and may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. By applying for the role, candidates agree that neither of us intend any employment relationship to be created either now or at any time in the future.