Mental health advocate volunteer roles in birmingham

Do you enjoying talking with people and helping them based on your life experiences?

Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?

Yes? We’d love to hear from you.

What is knus?

knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.

What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.

Here’s some further information on what’s needed:

Are you over 18 and living in the UK?

You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.

Do you have a laptop?

A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.

How much time can you give?

A minimum of 2+ hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.

Do you like to learn?

We provide training for all volunteers that join us. Our peer support training is accredited.  20-25 hours of volunteering training is required and is self led online.

If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.

Please note - all successful volunteers are required to donate the cost price of £20.60 for an Enhanced DBS check.  If you've got a current Enhanced DBS on the update service, this cost will not apply.

You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.

Could you be one of our new trustees?

We currently have space on our Board for up to eight new Trustees who want to work with us to help improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.

At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact. 

You may be thinking that you don't have the experience because you haven't been a trustee before, or because charity governance isn't your field. Think again!

Here's what you DO NEED need: 

• Commitment to our vision - a world where no student is held back by their mental health

• Experience in 1 or 2 of the following areas: 

  • Current higher education students

  • Professional higher education sector expertise

  • Legal expertise 

  • Fundraising and income generation expertise

  • Equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, intersectionality and anti racism expertise

  • AI and technology expertise 

  • Campaigning, advocacy, community organising and/or public affairs expertise 

  • Marketing and brand awareness expertise 

  • People and culture, HR, organisational development or leadership development expertise 

And what you DON'T need:

• Previous experience of trusteeship

• Experience in charity law or working with a charity

Both experienced and aspiring trustees have much to bring to our table: we are looking for fresh perspectives and seasoned knowledge alike.

Key responsibilities

Student Minds Trustees are expected to commit to the following: 

• Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm. 

• Preparation and attendance at two board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. Board away days are in person and usually take place in Leeds. Travel expenses can be claimed.

• Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior management team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.

If appointed, you will receive the training and onboarding you need to be a confident, contributing member of the board. We are also able to provide you with a board buddy to support you in your first few months. 

So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!

How to apply?

1. For more information about the role responsibilities please follow the link

2. Download and complete our application form, which is available on the link

3. Complete the Equality Monitoring Form. 

Application process

• Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date

• Interviews: 29th or 30th January (general Trustees) or 5th February (Student Trustees) with a Trustee and CEO

• Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board. 

Calm Nest Collective
Calm Nest Collective is a female-founded startup creating quiet, sensory rooms and offering consulting on neuroinclusion, accessibility, and holistic wellbeing for events and workplaces.

At Calm Nest Collective, we address the rising need for mental wellbeing support, neuroinclusion, and accessibility in high-stress environments like events and workplaces, while promoting social equity and sustainable practices that prioritise people and the planet.

Our Calm Nest Spaces are thoughtfully designed to support mental wellbeing and provide a safe, inclusive environment for individuals to decompress and recharge - especially those who are neurodivergent or experiencing stress and overwhelm.

By combining practical solutions with inclusive design, we help events and workplaces become safer, more supportive, and truly human-centered spaces for everyone.

Brand & Marketing Strategist

Calm Nest Collective is looking for a creative and purpose-driven Brand & Marketing Strategist to support us in strengthening how we communicate our mission of building calmer, more inclusive, and neuro-friendly spaces across events, workplaces, and communities.

Many founders think they need better marketing, but what they really need is a clearer brand foundation.
This role will help us align both.

As our volunteer Brand & Marketing Strategist, you will:

• Help refine our brand strategy: positioning, values, voice, audience, messaging, build ICP.
• Clarify how Calm Nest Collective shows up visually and verbally across channels.
• Translate our brand foundations into a meaningful marketing strategy.
• Support the creation of aligned, ethical campaigns that reflect our mission.
• Strengthen community engagement through storytelling and content ideas.
• Ensure consistency of tone and messaging across platforms.

You’ll work closely with the founder to ensure that who we are and how we communicate are fully aligned, creating momentum, clarity, and deeper emotional connection with the people we serve.
This is a volunteer role ideal for someone passionate about wellbeing, inclusion, mental health advocacy, sustainability, and purpose-led branding who wants to contribute their skills to a meaningful mission while growing experience in brand + marketing strategy.

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Could you be our new Chair?  

Our fantastic Chair’s tenure will be coming to an end in 2026, so we are looking to appoint her successor to help Student Minds improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.

At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact. 

We are open-minded about the professional background of this individual and are mostly looking for someone with experience of leading effective, inclusive teams, of chairing complex organisations or meetings, and in building influential cross-sector partnerships.

Key responsibilities

Student Minds Chair is expected to commit to the following: 

• Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm. 

• Preparation and attendance at two in-person board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. These usually take place in Leeds and include a lunchtime or evening social.

• Monthly supervision calls with the Chief Executive

• Annual in-person appraisal of the Chief Executive 

• Support with board appraisals and recruitment 

• Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior leadership team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.

• Attendance at relevant task-group meetings and/or committees.

So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!

How to apply?

1. For more information about the role responsibilities please download our recruitment pack that is linked

2. Download and complete our application form which is available via the link

3. Complete the Equality Monitoring Form. 

Application process

• Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date

• Interviews: 27th January, with our Chair, Trustee and CEO

• Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care. 

As a RPR support volunteer, you might:

• As an RPR Support Volunteer you might: 
• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support 
• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes 
• Raise concerns 
• Keep detailed notes and records 
• Make a real difference to someone’s life 

Support Session Volunteer

You’ll be supporting people over the age of 18 with disabilities, this may include those with poor mental health, learning difficulties, autism and other disabilities.  Your role will include supporting clients to understand and undertake a task on a one-to-one basis.  The task will vary from client to client as will the needs of the individual. 

As a support session volunteer, you might: 

• help people have their say when it matters most
• Helping individuals navigate challenges and ensuring their needs are met
• help people to make complaints and use local services

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

BECOME A BLUE SMILE TRUSTEE

As a trustee you will be able to use your passion for children’s mental health; your experience and knowledge to guide our strategy and vision for the future.

Blue Smile's mission is to transform the mental health and life chances of Cambridgeshire children through arts-based therapies, supporting over 200 children a week in the region providing one-to-one therapy and groupwork. We work in particular, in accordance with our charitable aims, with those who face disadvantage or deprivation.

We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board to help us achieve our mission.

Effective governance is key to the continued success and sustainability of our charity. As a trustee you will be able to use your passion for children’s mental health; your experience and knowledge to guide our strategy and vision for the future.

Our Board of Trustees is particularly looking to welcome new trustees with experience in the areas of fundraising, education (primary) and the small charity sector. However, we very much welcome people with a diverse range of backgrounds, skills and lived experience who would like to contribute to the success of our work.

As a trustee, you will receive training to carry out your role, have opportunities to represent Blue Smile in the community, and be part of a supportive and welcoming board. Being a trustee gives you the chance to gain experience in strategic planning, develop skills in new areas, and add significant value to a thriving charity.

Commitment

The Board of Trustees meets six times a year; usually on a weekday evening.

Trustees can also be involved in the work of sub-committees and will meet for a strategy planning session annually.

Location

Board meetings take place online; however, we would welcome visits to our head office in Cambridge.

We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you live or work in the Peterborough and Fenland area of the county.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

We are committed to a diversity of voices in our organisation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.  We would encourage younger people to consider applying – you do not need to have held a trustee or similar role before. We would also like to hear from you if you are from under-represented groups at Blue Smile such as individuals from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQI+ people and people with a disability, or if you have experience of child and family statutory services in your own personal life.

EGFR Positive UK (EGFR+UK) is a patient-driven charity committed to providing information and support for EGFR+ non-small cell lung cancer (EGFR+ NSCLC) patients and their families.

We deliver innovative national projects and work with stakeholders to raise awareness of mutation driven non-smoking lung cancer, support patients and their loved ones and advocate for consistent, high-quality treatment across the UK.

Our vision is that by supporting our members and driving research and advocacy we will raise awareness of EGFR+NSCLC and end the stigma associated with lung cancer. Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer – young or old, smoker or never-smoker.

Overview of the role

The fundamental purpose of EGFR+UK is to offer support to patients, their families and carers. The Chair will ensure that all the Charity’s activities uphold and enhance this aspiration.

The Chair will lead the board in its responsibility for managing the business affairs of EGFR+UK in setting policy, monitoring performance, exercising financial control and managing risk.

The Chair also takes the lead in promoting the Charity to the wider world and ensures that it influences decisions made in relation to the research, diagnosis and treatment of EGFR+ NSCLC in the UK.

Whilst setting the tone for the culture of the board, the role of the Chair is to nudge the board forward on difficult, complex decisions. The Chair must enable the wisdom in the room to be heard –while synthesising views and outlining the direction of travel. They will bring a high degree of emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and soft power. They must also possess sound judgement, courage, resilience and act as wise counsel. Keeping an ear to the ground and using the time between meetings to influence, nudge or cajole.

What Type of Person Should You Be?

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Proven experience chairing boards, committees or senior leadership teams

• Strong strategic thinking, able to set direction and “see the bigger picture”

• Sound judgement, courage, resilience and the ability to work through complex decisions

• Emotional intelligence and excellent facilitation skills, enabling all voices to be heard

• Clear, confident communication, with the ability to influence and build consensus

• Curiosity and interest in EGFR+ NSCLC, and a commitment to reducing stigma

• A proactive, outcome-focused approach, with a track record of getting things done

How to Apply

If you’re motivated by impactful advocacy work and want to help shape the future for EGFR+ patients and families, we encourage you to apply.

Please read and complete the recruitment pack and equal opportunities form (PDF or Word version) and return it to us by Friday 28 November 2025.

Interviews will be held week commencing 8th December 2025.

Period Reality

Period Reality fight for gender equity through system-level change by educating about and advocating for living in sync with your cycle.

Period Reality aims to address period related issues and stories by sharing the real life stories from girls and women globally. Although half the population experiences a menstrual cycle, the stark contrast in the different realities of girls and women is very real and through storytelling we aim to educate and provide relatable content.

Through sharing stories from girls and women focused on their common humanities. Even though our realities might be very different depending on many factors (physical, geographical, socio-economical, mental etc.) we all share a lot of the same questions, worries, dreams, anxieties, ambitious etc. Making these stories relatable and accessible will educate and inspire and create a movement of girls and women being able to first and foremost understand their own cycle, in order to be kind to themselves.

Nutrition & Food Lead (Nutritionist)

Why this role matters

Food is power, nourishment and healing. We want someone who can help us connect nutrition with menstrual health and everyday living.

What you’ll do

• Take the lead on designing and running our Nutrition practices.
• Share insights on how nutrition supports different phases of the menstrual cycle.
• Suggest practical, accessible food tips for our community.
• Contribute to campaigns and resources where food intersects with equity and health.
• Be our go-to for all things nourishment-related.

What we’re looking for

• A nutritionist or dietitian.
• Passionate about making food advice inclusive, realistic and culturally sensitive.
• Someone who loves translating knowledge into everyday practices.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

We are The Unseen Barriers Foundation - a new, disabled-led Scottish charity (Incorporated as CLG with charity status pending) tackling the invisible causes of exclusion. Shame, sensory overload, emotional exhaustion, disbelief. These are the things that stop people from showing up - to appointments, to events, to life.

The Foundation is built around two original lived experience contributions by our founder:

• The Unseen Barriers Framework - a landmark conceptual model naming the distress-based barriers that keep disabled people locked out of support.
• Cùran - a green plush dragon created as a visual anchor for distress, shutdown, and solidarity.

Both are licensed to the Foundation by the creator to ensure they serve a purpose-first, rights-based mission.

We are now looking for trustees to help shape this work from the ground up. This is a working board - not a figurehead role. Trustees will actively contribute to strategic direction, governance, and growth.

We are currently remote-first to ensure full accessibility, but will provide office space (Edinburgh/Glasgow area) once funded. You do not need to be based in either city.

Estimated time commitment:

Around 10 hours per month including preparation, meetings, and task-based input.

Board meetings held quarterly via MS Teams.

All access needs will be fully accommodated.

We are especially keen to hear from:

• Individuals with skills in marketing and funding
• Disabled people and unpaid carers
• People with lived experience of distress, neurodivergence, or poverty

If you believe in radical inclusion, and want to join something disruptive but grounded, get in touch.

We believe in finding the right people, not just filling seats. Informal conversations will take place on a rolling basis, and trustees will be appointed as and when suitable candidates are identified. Early expressions of interest are encouraged.

Trustee Role: Clinical Lead for the Board.

Location: Location: Warwick

Role Responsibilities

Safeline are recruiting a new trustee for the Safeline board who will have lead responsibility for supporting and assuring the clinical practices of the charity.  

Trustees work with the Executive team to provide effective governance to the Charity.

Who we are

Established in 1994, Safeline is a leading specialist charity that works to prevent sexual abuse and support those affected to cope and recover.

Our Vision is that everyone affected by or at risk of sexual abuse should feel supported and empowered.

We empower survivors to make choices about the lives they want.

What we do

We provide:

· Prevention/Early Intervention services to help prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation and effective early support to children and young people who are at risk.

· Counselling, Psychotherapy and Art Therapy to survivors of sexual abuse from age 4+, face-to-face, telephone and online

· Independent, non-judgmental emotional and practical support and advocacy to anyone who has experienced historical or recent sexual abuse and wishes to report to the police.

· National Male Survivors Helpline and online support service.

· Specialist education and training to prevent and address sexual abuse.

The Board

Our Board of Trustees are all volunteers drawn from a cross-section of different backgrounds. They are chosen for their skill sets to support Safeline and provide diversity of experience.

The Trustees are responsible for appointing the Chief Executive Officer and ensuring sound management of the professional, ethical, legal, and financial affairs of the Charity. Working in partnership with the executive team and staff, they:

• Set the direction.

• Agree the vision.

• Determine the strategies and policies to fulfil the vision.

• Monitor progress.

• Ensure the outcomes are consistent with the overall strategy.

§  The Board includes a former service user who ensures the people we support are represented in a clear and visible way. This Trustee involves the client’s voice in our work at a strategic level.

§  Trustees are appointed at the Annual General Meeting, they serve a four-year term and are eligible for re-election.

Key Responsibilities

• Governance & Oversight
  • Fulfil all legal duties of a Trustee under the Charities Act and the organisation’s governing document.
  • Ensure the counselling service operates in line with safeguarding, ethical, and clinical governance standards.
  • Provide strategic oversight of service delivery, ensuring quality and accessibility for beneficiaries.
• Support & Challenge
  • Act as a critical friend to the Head of Counselling/Clinical Lead, offering guidance and expertise.
  • Monitor and support the development of counselling provision, including policies, training, and professional standards.
  • Ensure that client feedback and outcomes inform service development.
• Risk & Compliance
  • Help the Board assess and manage risks associated with counselling practice, including safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional conduct.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant legislation (e.g., data protection, safeguarding, mental health regulations) and alignment with BACP professional framework.
• Advocacy & Ambassadorship
  • Champion the importance of counselling within the wider organisation and to external stakeholders.
  • Support fundraising and partnership opportunities that sustain and grow the counselling service
  •  

Essential Criteria for the Clinical Lead:

· Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.

· Understanding of counselling practice and its role in supporting wellbeing (e.g., qualified counsellor, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, or equivalent experience).

· Experience of working in a counselling environment and risk management.

· Knowledge of professional standards and frameworks (e.g., BACP, UKCP, HCPC) and experience of ethical decision making.

· Practice in working with clients who have experienced sexual abuse.

· Ability to think strategically and contribute to Board-level discussion.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to challenge constructively.

· Understanding of governance and willingness to undertake Trustee responsibilities.

Desirable:

· Experience in clinical governance, safeguarding, or service management.

· Prior Trustee or Board-level experience.

· Connections within the counselling, healthcare, or voluntary sector to support partnership development.

Time Commitment

Trustees are required to attend approximately 4 board meetings a year plus additional ad hoc meetings for example at team and fundraising events.

What You Will Gain

• You can make a meaningful impact: Ensuring the charity is run effectively and makes a real difference to its beneficiaries can provide a strong sense of personal satisfaction and fulfilment.
• You will be contributing to a cause that has a substantial impact on the public health and economic wealth of the country.
• The chance to work alongside passionate Trustees, staff, and volunteers committed to making a difference. Broaden your perspective: Engaging with diverse perspectives and social issues can deepen your understanding of the world and enhance empathy and compassion. 
• Gaining board-level experience: Serving as a trustee provides hands-on experience in governance, strategy, and decision-making at the highest level of an organisation, which can be invaluable for career progression.
• Developing new skills: Trustees often develop skills in areas such as financial management, risk management, strategic planning, negotiation, and leadership.
• Using existing skills in a new context to make a real difference to people’s lives.

Overall, while the role is voluntary and comes with legal responsibilities, the rewards of trusteeship in terms of personal growth, skill development, and societal impact are significant.

We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.

We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling.We’d love to hear from students with an interest in mental health, psychology, content development, and gaming. 

Compassionate Companions are trained volunteers who provide empathetic, non-clinical support to individuals and families affected by life-limiting conditions, including severe frailty and dementia. Their role is to listen, empower, and guide individuals in exploring and documenting their preferences for future care, helping them live with peace of mind and dignity.

This role requires an enhanced DBS check. Full training is provided.

• Conduct home and community visits to patients, providing compassionate and person centred support.

• Engage with patients to understand their values, priorities, and what matters most to them.

• Accurately document patients’ care preferences using the My Care Choices booklet.

• Initiate sensitive conversations regarding the ReSPECT form and resuscitation preferences, supporting patients ahead of clinical discussions with their healthcare provider.

• Provide guidance and emotional support in funeral planning, respecting individual wishes and cultural considerations.

• Facilitate legacy activities such as letter writing, memory box creation, and other meaningful expressions.

• Direct patients and families to appropriate services through collaboration with social prescribers and Essex Frontline.

• Record and relay relevant observations and updates to the team manager in a timely and professional manner using a digital form provided.

• Uphold strict confidentiality and maintain professional boundaries in all interactions.

We are currently looking for a new Digital Fundraising Trustee who can use their skills to support our growing charity. We need someone with relevant fundraising experience who thrives as part of a dynamic group of Trustees, who is willing to champion the charity and who values seeing the impact that our work can make

The Digital Fundraising Trustee will participate in all areas of the charity’s governance with a special interest in the fundraising implications of the strategy, governance and support with the Board’s understanding and interpretation.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the CLAPA’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we implement our new 5-year strategy for 2025-2030.

The Link to apply is listed in the attached Recruitment Pack or can be accessed via the Redirect to recruiter button.

The aim of Safe Haven Alliance is to relieve the suffering and advance the human rights of LGBTQ+ refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, particularly those facing persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, by providing support, advocacy, access to essential services, and programmes which promote wellbeing, safety and inclusion both domestically and abroad.