Media And Communications Assistant Volunteer Roles in Manchester

Managing content for the charity's social media platforms, monitoring performance and establishing and/or maintaining active social media accounts, in addition to researching and creating creative content for different social media channels.

What will you be doing?

• Creating and managing daily social media posts across all social media platforms e.g. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and LinkedIn.
• Develop new, engaging warm-hearted content to increase interest and attract supporters. 
• Working in conjunction with the Marketing Manager and CEO, be responsible for posting original, high-quality content (twice per week) to improve our brand presence, grab the attention of our target audience and drive growth.
• Assist with creating our new social media strategy 

What are we looking for?

• Clear understanding of social media platforms.
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Highly motivated, enthusiastic and a positive can-do attitude.
• Knowledge of marketing and public relations is also desirable.

Skills, experience and qualities needed

• Creative Skills
• Administration
• Canva Experience
• Commercial Awareness
• Creating Calendar
• Customer Service
• Event Planning
• Fundraising
• IT Skills
• Marketing and PR
• Research
• Team Working
• Written Communication Skills

Time commitment and expenses:

• 1-3 hours per week, either in or out of office hours.
• We request a minimum commitment of 3 months volunteering.

What difference will you make?

Joining our team will give you the opportunity to:

• Contribute to a good cause that shares the same values as you.
• Use and share your skills.
• Gain new skills and work experience.
• Expand your network and social skills,
• Be part of a friendly team of people
• Make a big difference to our organisation and the lives of our beneficiaries.
• Never underestimate the power of your voice.

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.

Amazing, giving, and inspiring are just a few words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will make a difference while gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role 

Would you like to boost your CV by gaining valuable experience in an admin role? Do you have a keen interest in starting a career in HR? If so, this might be the perfect opportunity for you! 

We are looking for a well-organised individual who would like to join us as a Volunteer Admin Assistant. You will support the recruitment and onboarding of volunteers across the charity, ensuring volunteers and Volunteer Managers have a positive experience. As a volunteer yourself, any ideas you have on how we can improve our processes will be encouraged and welcomed. 

Your role will sit within the Volunteering Team which forms part of our central People Team. This is a home-based role however, there will be opportunities for you to join monthly team meetings in Birmingham and London. You will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket travel expenses. 

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on our website.

About the service 

The Volunteering Team develops policies and practices for volunteering across Rethink and provides support and advice throughout all aspects of the volunteer lifecycle. We support managers whose roles are dedicated to managing volunteers, and we also support managers who recruit volunteers occasionally. 

You might be supporting with 

• Creating and posting adverts for volunteer opportunities 

• Creating and posting content on social media 

• Processing volunteer offers 

• Issuing volunteer agreements 

• Processing online DBS applications 

• Responding enquiries in the volunteering inbox 

• Contacting volunteers to request outstanding documents 

• Updating the volunteering recruitment system 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

Previous admin experience is not essential. If you have the right attitude, we can teach you the rest! We are looking for someone who is committed, reliable, and able to communicate well with people from different backgrounds.

You must have: 

• A positive attitude 

• Good organisational skills 

• Good communication skills 

• Basic IT skills 

• Ability to adapt communication style dependent on the needs of an individual 

• Access to the internet 

Maybe you: 

• Are seeking experience to help you gain employment 

• Have lived experience of mental illness 

• Want to make a difference to the lives of people affected by mental illness 

How do we select volunteers? 

We will read through the information you include on your application form, and we will invite suitable applicants for an informal discussion, which will take place online via Microsoft Teams. Before the discussion, you will complete a short computer-based task which will be emailed to you the day before. We will also share a copy of the discussion questions with you. 

What are the time commitments? 

Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 7 hours per week to volunteer between Monday – Friday. There will be some flexibility around how you choose to complete these hours, and you will be able to confirm your availability on your application form.

Dates for your diary 

Monday 23rd September – advert is set to close. We encourage you to complete an application as soon as possible as the advert may close early if we receive a high level of interest. 

Tuesday 24th September – we will contact successful applicants to arrange discussions. 

Tuesday 1st October & Wednesday 2nd October – online discussions will take place.  

Who are we? 

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion  

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.  

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook. In this role you will be: • Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join. • Creating a warm and welcoming environment. • Supporting group conversations. • Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group. • Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate. What you’ll gain from the role: • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • A sense of achievement through the difference you make. •  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people • An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. In return for donating your time we will provide: • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training. • A supportive manager. • Regular updates and catchups. • Expenses. • An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

Location

Region

• Wales

Home based

• This role is home based

Additional location information

• Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Ceredigion, Torfaen, Glamorgan, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Rhondda Cynon Taff

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• An understanding and interest in maximising the benefits of social media platforms. A willingness to learn about local services and activities to inform the community as appropriate. Interested in helping people get the information they need. Good communication skills.

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook. In this role you will be: • Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join. • Creating a warm and welcoming environment. • Supporting group conversations. • Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group. • Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate. What you’ll gain from the role: • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • A sense of achievement through the difference you make. •  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people • An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. In return for donating your time we will provide: • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training. • A supportive manager. • Regular updates and catchups. • Expenses. • An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

What skills and experience are needed?

• An understanding and interest in maximising the benefits of social media platforms. A willingness to learn about local services and activities to inform the community as appropriate. Interested in helping people get the information they need. Good communication skills.

Branch Trustee (Preston & District reg Charity No 232256)

This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. With your support and expertise, we will achieve so much!

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate people who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a charity trustee, you will be responsible for ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the branch, you will provide leadership and support for the branch management team.

We are recruiting for a  complementary mix of skills within our trustee board. Whilst a passion for animals is crucial, we are also looking for a diversity of  skills such as general business management , finance, marketing, Legal, IT, HR and H&S etc, if this is you, we would love to hear from you.

Your role as a Trustee will require working in collaboration with your fellow trustees, staff and volunteers to ensure our branch continues to deliver our  important  animal welfare work.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a bi-monthly committee meeting lasting around 2 to 3 hours (virtual meetings are an option). However, the commitment may vary depending on your availability,  and if  you decide to take on additional duties.

Trustee do not need to live within the branch boundaries but occasional travel to Branch sites may be required from time to time.

About the National RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

About the RSPCA Preston & District Branch

Over 80% of the animal welfare work of the RSPCA is carried out through local Branches which are run by staff and volunteers, supported by the RSPCA National Society.

Preston & District Branch has been affiliated with the National RSPCA for 150 years!

A separately registered charity looking after animals in the local area and engaging with the local community.

Our mission is to seek out safe homes for abandoned, neglected or abused animals who are  nursed back to health, rehabilitated and found forever loving homes.

Preston & District Branch is part of a network of 140  branches, and 1 of only 8 in the North of England with an animal centre.

The rehoming centre is within the Preston area (close to JCN 31 of the M6).

RSPCA Preston & District Branch is a well established Branch with approximately 20 members of staff and 75 volunteers across 4 locations and raises all its funds locally through supporters and other income streams.

To continue helping animals in need the Branch also operates 3 charity shops in Longridge, Chorley and Penwortham (within our specified branch area) which bring in a regular income to keep our animal centre open.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee 

•  Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
•  Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
•  In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.
•  Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
•  In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
•  Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting.
•  Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
•  Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• Ideally you would have some level of knowledge in the following areas-
• Financial, Human Resources, Health & Safety backgrounds or legal; Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
• Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
• Local community and supporter relationships; Project management, business development
• Awareness of employment and/or charity legislation
• General management or business administration

These all can be useful to help ensure we have a sound and robust business model and long term strategic development plan, however, they are not essential.

We are looking for people who are creative, innovative, who have experience of or are part of groups and communities we want to attract, who can bring new ideas, different experiences and fresh perspectives to the board and to help put those ideas into action.

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Ultimately we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

•  We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
•  Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
•  The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
•  The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected at our AGM.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
•  References will also be required.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!

About Upendo Tena Initiative

Upendo Tena Initiative was set up in 2019 and officially registered as a National NGO in Kenya in 2023. We aim to enhance gender equality, to combat child exploitation and to raise awareness of mental health and well-being throughout Kenya, whilst supporting children to understand and access their fundamental human rights. Gender-based violence, inequality, trafficking & exploitation, harmful cultural practices, poor mental health, and a lack of trauma-informed support, continue to be significant concerns facing children and young people.

Our innovative hands-on workshop programme is delivered in a variety of settings across Kenya, including in both primary and secondary schools, in children’s rescue centres and in provisions for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Our workshop sessions are tailored to the particular needs of the community/group of children and young people. We have adapted our programme to specifically meet the needs of those with additional needs and/or disabilities to ensure that our programme is accessible. We also adapt our topics and area of focus depending on the identified gaps and needs that arise in individual counties and communities.

We currently work with children and young people from the age of 8 – 21, or up to the age of 25 for young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

You can read more about our work on our website.

Additionally, our LinkedIn and social media platform can be found: @upendotena

Role description:

As an NGO we are able to reach numerous children, young people and communities each year through our bespoke workshop programmes, thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. As a small NGO, we are hoping to build a network of fundraising volunteers, where each volunteer can put their individual expertise to use and can also develop new skills and experience.

The fundraising remit is quite wide and so we can be flexible regarding how volunteers would like to provide support. Our fundraising volunteers can have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to expand the reach of our workshop programmes. There is also the opportunity for fundraising volunteers to develop fundraising strategies and take a lead on grant proposals and applying for funding, if this is an area of interest. We welcome any knowledge of the fundraising sector within our team!

What are some of the things we are looking support with?

· Planning fundraising events and activities such as; cake sales, summer/winter fetes, quizzes, raffles, clothes swaps, car boot sales, disco’s/parties, sporting activities (e.g sponsored bike rides or marathons), games nights, auctions etc. Any ideas you have would be very much encouraged and appreciated.

· Contacting businesses and organisations that may be willing to donate (monetary, physical or systems based donations).

· Contacting nurseries, schools, colleges or other businesses and organisations to raise awareness of the work of Upendo Tena Initiative and ask them if they would be interested in hosting/partaking in fundraising activities for us.

· Researching for any upcoming grants or funding opportunities that Upendo Tena Initiative may be eligible to apply for.

· Supporting with the applications for relevant grants and funding opportunities.

· Providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events etc.

· Promoting the work and values of Upendo Tena Initiative.

· Following both internal and external policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for any fundraising events.

What are the benefits?

· A chance to be part of a small start up NGO with the opportunity to shape the direction of the fundraising team.

· Join a vibrant and passionate team.

· Meet new people and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers.

· Develop new skills and expand your knowledge.

· Regular 1:1’s and support from one of our Board Members.

· Training opportunities.

What are we looking for in a Fundraising Volunteer?

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

· Team player.

· Willingness to learn.

· Openness, honesty and transparency.

· Experience or interest in organising events and/or applying for funding opportunities.

· Strong admin, IT and organisational skills.

· Confident and able to work on one’s own initiative but within an agreed brief as part of a team.

· Reliable and dependable.

“The World Scout Jamboree is one of the largest outdoor education events for youth on the planet! Tens of thousands of Scouts from all over the world come together to camp outdoors and join in fun activities where they make new friends, learn about other cultures, and develop leadership skills that will last a lifetime" - World Organisation of the Scout Movement website 

We are looking for a motivated and dynamic UK Contingent Leader to define, organise and deliver this fantastic event, working in partnership with UK Headquarters staff and other senior volunteers, utilising the learnings of past UK Contingents. You will recruit and (directly and indirectly) manage a contingent of adult volunteers and young people to participate in this fantastic event. As well as the Jamboree itself, you will be responsible for helping develop the UK Contingent experience and working closely with UK Headquarters staff to create and manage the event budget.

Being UK Contingent Leader for our contingent to the 26th World Scout Jamboree will be an experience like no other. Working alongside staff and other senior volunteers, you'll help set the direction for the UK Contingent and form a team of high-performing volunteers around you. You'll deliver an unforgettable and life-changing experience to the thousands of young people and adults who attend the Jamboree - as well as delivering projects that help the UK Contingent make a wider difference to the Scouts' entire membership.