Mental health advocate volunteer roles in england

Volunteer to make a difference with VoiceAbility  

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

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

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

• Support Session Volunteers

How you can help  

Support Session Volunteer 

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

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

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

Why volunteer?  

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

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

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

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

To find out more click “apply now”. 

We are looking for someone with lived experience of accessing services provided by the wider psychological workforce. As a member of the Registration Advisory Panel, you will provide input on the service user experience of the wider psychological workforce. Members are led by the Chair who is responsible for preparing an independent report on an annual basis that will be submitted to the Trustees and will form part of the Professional Standards Authority annual accreditation renewal reporting.

In 2021 the British Psychological Society launched a new voluntary register for certain roles within the psychological workforce currently without statutory or other registering bodies. This important work ensures that these roles (currently Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, Clinical Associate in Psychology, Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner, Clinical Associates in Applied Psychology, Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner and Education Mental Health Practitioner with a view to expand to other roles) ensures public safety, registrant accountability and a framework of fitness to practice including handling and investigating complaints.

The Registration Advisory Panel are responsible for strategic oversight of the Wider Psychological Workforce Register and reports directly into the Board of Trustees. The panel aims to hold the society to account against standards set by the PSA and its own policies on areas such as complaints, register developments, audit and accountability and reporting.

To apply please download a Statement of Interest Form, and submit it together with your CV.

Role Title: 1-1 Support Buddy

Weekly Hours: Flexible; 4 hours per week minimum

Expenses: Expenses are compensated where applicable such as travel

Commitment: At least 6 months

Responsible to: Senior Mental Health Support Worker

Project overview:

The Mind in Kingston 1-1 Support Buddy service offers goal-oriented, practical, and emotional support to individuals who have accessed Information, Advice, and Guidance but continue to experience mental health challenges. Volunteers deliver support for up to 12 weeks through flexible means—face-to-face, phone, or virtual. Volunteers will typically work with individuals needing a lower level of support, while the 1-1 Support Worker handles more complex cases.

This may include supporting an individual with setting small, achievable goals, prepare for an important appointment or helping someone regain confidence to build a social network. The work will involve building a supporting and boundaried relationship with individuals over their time with the service (up to 12 weeks). The role is about empowerment, offering encouragement and reassurance while promoting self-sufficiency.

About us:

Mind in Kingston supports people with mental health issues and raises awareness within Kingston and surrounding areas. Volunteers are essential to our work, and we welcome applicants with lived experience of mental health challenges. We provide comprehensive training, supervision, and opportunities for career development.

Volunteers are extremely valued within our team and a vital part of our service delivery. We encourage and welcome people with lived experience of mental health issues to apply to volunteer with us; this could be personal experience relating to yourself, a family member or a friend, or in a professional capacity working with people with mental health issues.

We care about everyone’s wellbeing and as an integral member of our team; volunteers receive extensive support to ensure they are trained and skilled up in their roles, so that they may also progress further in their career aspirations. They receive regular supervision and development opportunities as well as be part of our volunteer awards programme to recognise and celebrate their achievement and contribution to our community. As team members, volunteers have the opportunity to engage with the board of trustees, staff and other volunteers both professionally and socially.

Main purpose of the role:

·Provide weekly person centred, 1-1 practical and emotional support.

·Help service users set and work towards personal goals.

·Offer empathic listening and promote wellbeing.

·Signpost service users to relevant services.

Tasks will include:

· Delivering regular (typically weekly) goal-focused 1-1 support sessions to individuals. These sessions may take place online, over the phone or at Mind in Kingston offices.

· Maintain knowledge of local services for signposting.

· Reporting risks & safeguarding concerns.

· Maintain regular contact with the supervisor.

· Attend meetings and supervision sessions.

What you will receive in return:

· Training in skills that will include mental health awareness and boundaries.

· Training in adult safeguarding and local procedures.

· Training for any other skills as identified by yourself and your supervisor.

· Regular check-in with your supervisor, reflective supervision, and managerial support.

· An opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones while being a part of a supportive team at Mind in Kingston.

· Reimbursement of reasonable expenses.

· Professional references upon completion.

What we expect from you:

·Commitment for at least six months.

·Completion of required training.

·Adherence to Mind in Kingston’s policies (e.g., confidentiality, safeguarding).

·Confidence in supporting people with mental health challenges.

·Proactive engagement with your supervisor for support.

·Safe handling and return of any equipment issued.

You may on occasion volunteer from home, so a confidential space is essential.

Application Process:

·Two references (one from a professional contact) are required.

·An enhanced DBS check is necessary.

We ask volunteers for two references, one of which must come from a professional connection such as a current or previous employer or a tutor. You will also need to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, as you will be working with vulnerable adults.

Are you passionate about helping people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health issues to live gloriously ordinary lives

Do you have a background and in-depth experience of strategic charitable fundraising and best practice?

Are you experienced in advising on charity fundraising at strategic and operational levels?

Have you got credibility and passion to help us make a difference?

If the answer is YES, why not consider becoming a FitzRoy Trustee

About Us

FitzRoy is a pioneering national charity, providing a range of support to people who need support to enable them to live independent lives. Our vision is a society where people are treated as equals within inclusive communities and empowered to ensure their rights and aspirations are met.

FitzRoy maintains a financially sound organisation , and whilst the majority of our funding comes through the provision of local authority contracts,  the importance of fundraising and philanthropic support cannot be underestimated in this, the most challenging of environments for our sector and the people we support.

The Role

At this time, we are seeking to strengthen our Board by appointing a Trustee with dedicated experience in successful strategic fundraising and knowledge of corporate and philanthropic giving working with major donors, Trusts and Foundations, Patrons and Ambassadors, to help support our strategic objectives.

• Fundraising strategy, collaborate with the Board and Executive Leadership to support the development and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the organisations mission, vision and values.
• Work closely to advise our departmental teams on strategic direction to our fundraising and philanthropic efforts.
• Support the organisation in developing our approach to network relationships with existing  and potential new donors, ambassadors and corporate partnerships.
• Provide knowledge and support to our team around grant sources and fundraising opportunities, branding  and campaigns.
• Support the development of projects and causes to help create exciting, sustainable, appealing  asks to funders.

As a Trustee you will have the opportunity to influence our development, and with the other members of our Board, you will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Charity.

We welcome applications from communities currently under-represented on our Board, specifically those with Black or Asian heritage and women. We value a range of mixed voices and aspire to a governance which reflects the diversity of our workforce and the people we support.

Trustee experience in the charity or social care sector is not required, and training and mentorship will be available to those interested in developing their leadership skills through being a Trustee.

We do encourage applications from those with a personal experience of learning disability, autism or mental health issues.

In return, if you are able to commit your time, energy and passion, you will be rewarded by being part of a forward thinking charity dedicated to transforming lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health issues. This is a voluntary role, with paid travel expenses , requiring approximately one day per month of your time.

Role Description and Person Specification

Role Title: Trustee (volunteer)

Reports to: Chair of the Board & Chief Executive

Based at: Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent

Hours of work: 3-4 hours per month

Remuneration: This is a voluntary position and no payment will be made to the post holder,

other than genuine expenses, as set out in the volunteer policy

Overview

North Staffs Mind has been delivering mental health services to both adults and young people for almost 50 years. We have recently merged with Mid Cheshire Mind which will enable us to widen our reach across Staffordshire and Cheshire, ensuring we can provide support to even more people in need of our services.

We pride ourselves on our relaxed and friendly atmosphere and our commitment to delivering high quality, client focused, professional services that can adapt to meet the changing needs of the local community.

Time commitment

Typically Board meetings are held four times per year, plus additional time for our annual general meeting, sub-committee meetings, events, and occasional ad-hoc tasks. The role may require additional time commitment for reading papers, preparing for meetings, or representing the charity at external events.

Meetings are usually held in-person at an external local venue, with occasional opportunities for remote participation.

Role Purpose

As a Trustee, you will play a critical role in overseeing the strategic direction and governance of North Staffs Mind. Your responsibilities include ensuring the charity meets its objectives in supporting individuals with mental health challenges, maintaining financial stability, and complying with legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees act in the best interest of the charity, making decisions that align with its strategic plan, aims and values.

Key Responsibilities

Governance and strategic oversight:

· Contribute to setting the charity’s strategic direction, ensuring that it remains focused on its mission; we won’t give up until everyone with a mental health problem gets support and respect.

· Monitor the charity’s performance against its objectives, reviewing key performance indicators and assessing the impact of its activities.

· Hold the Chief Executive and senior leadership team to account.

· Ensure robust and effective governance policies and procedures are in place, regularly reviewed, and adhered to.

Financial Stewardship:

· Oversee the financial health of North Staffs Mind, ensuring resources are used effectively and that the charity operates within its means.

· Approve budgets, annual reports, and financial statements, ensuring transparency and accountability in all financial matters.

· Ensure the charity has adequate risk management processes, including the identification and mitigation of financial risks.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

· Ensure the charity complies with its governing document (articles of association), charity law, and other relevant legislation and regulations.

· Keep abreast of changes in the legal and regulatory landscape that may affect the charity, ensuring that necessary adjustments are made.

Fundraising and Advocacy:

· Support and participate in fundraising efforts, helping to secure resources necessary for the charity’s operations and growth.

· Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work to external stakeholders, including donors, partners, and the wider community.

Human Resources and Staff Wellbeing:

· Ensure the charity has appropriate policies in place for the recruitment, management, and development of staff and volunteers.

· Uphold and champion a culture of inclusivity, respect, and wellbeing within the organization.

Risk Management:

· Identify and evaluate risks to the charity’s operations and reputation, ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are in place.

· Through feedback from the risk subcommittee, have an oversight of North Staffs Mind’s risk register, ensuring you are aware of any emerging risks.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

· Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the senior leadership team, fostering a culture of collective decision-making.

· Participate in subcommittees or working groups as needed, contributing your expertise to specific areas of the charity’s work.

Person Specification

Essential

· A commitment to North Staffs Mind’s aims and values, with a passion for supporting mental health.

· Strategic vision and the ability to think creatively and critically about the charity’s future direction.

· Strong understanding of governance, financial management, and legal responsibilities in a charitable context.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

· Integrity, impartiality, and a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Desirable

· Experience of working collaboratively with other agencies and organisations and with service users, their carers and families.

· Previous experience serving on a board or in a governance role.

· Knowledge of fundraising, marketing, or advocacy within the charitable sector.

· Understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions and the systems designed to support them.

Benefits

· Opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals affected by mental health issues.

· Gain experience in governance and strategic leadership within the charity sector.

· Network with like-minded individuals and professionals passionate about mental health.

Background to the Role

We are currently creating a brand new three-year strategy, setting out an exciting vision to support, promote and defend the mental health, rights and social position of young people. This follows a period of organisational growth, where expanding services into the North Somerset region, and working in partnership with the local statutory mental health provider, has increased our staffing to over 100 employees.

Our new Chair will be an experienced Trustee or Board member who is skilled in effectively managing meetings for productive discussions. We are looking for someone with energy and drive and who will ensure robust governance, aligning strategy and operations. A number of our Trustees have been with us for less than a year and we also have a new CEO and a fairly new SLT, we are therefore looking for an experienced hand who is a skilled relationship manager and a decisive leader, capable of listening to all sides and finding compromise to make difficult decisions.

Main Responsibilities

• To be responsible for providing effective strategic leadership and management to the Board of Trustees, enabling them to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of OTR.
• To chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process.
• To plan the annual cycle of Board meetings.
• To set agendas for Board meetings and review minutes.
• To ensure the Scheme of Delegation to the CEO is reviewed and updated.
• To be knowledgeable about, and abide by, the Articles of Association and Charitable Purpose.
• To represent OTR at functions and meetings, and act as a spokesperson as appropriate.

Person Specification

• Strong leadership skills and a collaborative team member.
• Strategic vision.
• Able to display impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship from the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Excellent people management skills, and an ability to build trusting relationships with Trustees, senior staff, external partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to make measured and fair judgements and decisions.
• A regard for Nolan's 7 principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Diversity and inclusion 

At OTR, whatever your role or professional background, you will be expected to work in a way that is anti-oppressive and inclusive. A key focus for OTR is to develop an organisation that is inclusive for all. We do not claim to be experts in this, but we are committed to continuous learning and improvement in these areas and invite you to join us on this journey. 

OTR recognises the benefits to individual practice and organisational credibility of having a diverse community of staff and volunteers and to this end, is continually working towards building and maintaining an environment which values and pursues diversity accordingly. 

We recognise that tackling systemic inequality, prejudice, racism, and oppressive practice requires each of us to actively engage, self-examine and make changes where necessary in order to improve access and ensure an equitable experience for all in society and all of those who come through our doors at OTR. 

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting Off the Record (Bristol) in the recruitment of this role. Please click here to apply by submitting a CV and a cover letter both in Word doc. format. Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:

• Why is OTR’s work important to you and how can you contribute as our Chair?
• Your experience of working at a strategic level and of effective governance.
• How would you go about ensuring that our many stakeholders are heard and represented at Board level

Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application. 

The closing date for applications is Friday, 16th May. Longlisting interviews with Eastside People will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with the panel at OTR during the week beginning 2nd June.

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!

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!

Service Team Volunteer

Our service team volunteers undertake an administrative role that provides support to our advocacy service teams in a variety of ways. 

As a service team volunteer in England, you might: 

• support the local advocacy team as needed, for example administrative tasks

• drop off promotional materials at various locations 

• attend events with other staff or assist in organising small local events

• support staff with presentations

• accompany advocacy staff on visits 

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.

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”. 

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!

Volunteer positions currently available in Manchester

Community Development Volunteer

Our Community Development Volunteers undertake an administrative role that provides support to our Community Development Co-ordinator in a variety of ways.

As a Community Development Volunteer in England, you might:

· conduct online research

· attend events to raise awareness or present

· engage with project participants on social media

· deliver promotional material in a variety of locations

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”.

In order to achieve its ambitions Active Dorset CIC is looking for outstanding individuals to join the board.

Our Board is key to what we do and is comprised of a number of experienced Independent Non-Executive Directors and strategic leaders who ensure that our communities voices drive our work. Energy, ideas, challenge, and opportunities sit at the heart of our work as a Board. We're bold with our ambitions because we know our challenge is big, we recognise therefore we need someone with exceptional skills and qualities to become our next Chair.

We're open minded to the background and experience the right person would bring; we have built strong trusted relationships with partners across all sectors of society including sport, health, social care, education, housing, transport, youth work and volunteering to name a few, and would welcome applications from within and beyond the sectors we work within.

We are looking for someone who;

• Shares our deep passion and energy for the role of sport and physical activity in helping change people's lives.
• Has the desire and ability to build a culture of trust, collaboration, open-ness and bringing people together.
• Can inspire and play an influential role on a local stage in advocating for and championing the work and collective impact of our network.
• Has significant expertise in providing strategic direction, governance, financial management and executive leadership.
• Can be innovative, resilient, curious and prepared to challenge others and ourselves about our work and progress.

View our person specification and recuitment pack on our website.

Independent visitors befriend and socialise with children & young people in care and care leavers up to the age of 25

 Responsibilities:

· An Independent Visitor provides a stable, adult role model for a young person.

· They visit monthly and befriend and listen to the young person and share their interests and hobbies.

· Provide support and empowerment to help the young person plan for their future

· Identify where the young person might benefit from specialist support and help them to access it

· To act within ONSIDE’s safeguarding policies

Skills & qualities required:

· Good communication and interpersonal skills

· Ability to build trust and a friendly relationship with children & young people in care and care leavers

· Be prepared for an open-ended supportive relationship within and potentially after care

· Demonstrate empathy and understanding to the needs of the children and young people

Please read the attached Trustee Information Pack for more detail

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in the governance and strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that we operate effectively, achieve our mission, and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees are collectively responsible for safeguarding the charity’s assets, ensuring they are used exclusively to further our objectives, and overseeing the charity’s financial health, including budgets, financial controls, and reporting. Acting with integrity and in the charity’s best interests is at the heart of the role.

To strengthen our board and support the growth of our charity, we have identified three key areas where additional expertise is needed:

• Marketing
• Legal
• Fundraising

Each of these areas play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission, enhance our impact, and ensure the charity’s sustainability for years to come. In the attached Recruitment Pack, we have outlined individual role profiles for each of these specialisms.

We welcome candidates from diverse professional backgrounds who share our commitment to supporting those affected by Body Dysmorphic Disorder. If your current or previous skills or experience align with any of these profiles, we encourage you to apply and join us in driving meaningful change.

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!

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!

Volunteer positions currently available in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.  The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development 
• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting 
• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust 
• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community 
• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.

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”. 

Trustees required – Evolve Counselling CIO (1181861) 

• Location: remote/Cambridgeshire area 

• Voluntary role: reasonable expenses paid 

• Time commitment: 0-5 hours per month (estimated), mostly outside office hours 

• Term: negotiable, e.g. interim/three years/extendable by re-election 

• Application closing date: 12 May 2025 

The Role: 

Dynamic Trustees needed, with charity and commercial skills, to support mental health CIO. With an ambitious development programme up and running, we need to expand our Trustee Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join us at a crucial time of growing demand for our services. 

About Us: 

Evolve Counselling is a long-established charitable social enterprise, providing low cost, affordable or funded mental health counselling to adults in mainly Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. Our counselling community is made up of 50 – 60 qualified self-employed practitioners, working part-time. We deliver talking therapies to adults – online and in person. Our service delivers around 500 counselling sessions per month to a broad range of individuals, many of whom would not otherwise be able to access counselling support. Evolve also provides supervision, reflective practice, critical incident support, and mental health awareness and related training, to organisations and businesses large and small. 

What We’re Looking For: 

Our Trustee Board is currently drawn from the counselling and therapies community, plus commercial and other charity backgrounds. Now, with crucial development of the CIO ahead, we are looking for new members to expand the Board to its maximum ten places and to gain skills and insight from an equal, diverse and inclusive group that takes in business skills, knowledge of charities, and experience of not-for-profit finances to make growth plans a reality. 

The Board will keep us on track with good governance through oversight of our work and will also help our keen new CEO to secure a sound financial base from which to grow our operations to meet the ever-increasing demand for our services. 

We welcome applications from individuals with backgrounds in any of the following areas: 

• Business strategy and planning 
• Commerce/industry 
• Governance 
• Working within the charity/CIO sector 
• Financial management 
• Legal expertise 
• Health and wellbeing services 
• Mental health counselling 
• Health service commissioning or delivery planning 
• Advocacy or advice services 
• Data protection/GDPR knowledge 
• Adherence to the Nolan Principles of Public Life 

Application process: Please email with your CV and letter of application, stating why you’d like to become a Trustee at Evolve Counselling and how your skills and experience align with our plans for growth. 

Role: Activities Volunteer

Commitment: Currently, sessions are run both during the week (mostly in the afternoon) and at weekends (usually on a Saturday). Activity volunteering is a flexible commitment, and you will be able to sign up for the session you like and when you have time. It really is up to you and your availability. 

Location: Life Without Limits Centre - 10 Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6EN 

Availability: RSBC Events · Events Calendar - https://lu.ma/rsbc

Age:  18+ 

Our Mission Statement: 

RSBC believes that every blind young person should have the chance to live life without limits. 

By giving young people the essential skills and confidence to take control of their life, they can unleash their true potential.

Our success depends on our values 

Underpinning all RSBC’s work are values embedded in trust and excellence: 

TRUST: Respect and accountability 

ENERGY: Straight talking and constantly learning 

AMBITION: Confronting reality and driving results 

MOTIVATION: Vision impaired children and young people are our number one priority, and we look for solutions, not problems 

What will I be doing?

Our amazing Activity Volunteers play a key role in supporting blind children and young people to take part in a variety of activities. These range from sports, creative (singing, performing, art), audiobook club and day trips. Our activities are designed for blind young people to meet new friends, gain confidence, learn new skills/sports, and become more independent. The skills you have developed in your career and personal life will be invaluable to our young people. 

Key Tasks and Main Duties 

Face-to-face activities 

• 1:1 sighted guiding from and to public transport locations 

• practical support onsite 

• supporting the sessions 

• facilitate social interaction between the participants 

Who are you?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow RSBC’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for RSBC. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of sight problems. 

What’s in it for me?

RSBC offers the opportunity to gain insight and experience into helping others with sight issues. As part of your volunteering, you will have access to Sighted Guide training, a training session designed to help you understand the issues and complexities of sight problems and give you the ability to help others navigate the world.

RSBC also provides paid expenses for your volunteering experience, you can claim up to £10 per day.

RSBC can also provide references and impact reports from your volunteering if required. 

You will be fully supported in your role by our team of expert and compassionate service delivery team.

Develop or utilise your skills – As a volunteer, you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to develop new skills or use those you already have, which can help to build your CV, boost your employability and give you a sense of satisfaction. 

What's in it for the Community? 

Make a difference to people’s lives

Help in your community

Help deliver creative services to help people with sighted issues feel included in the world around them.

Make a direct and tangible difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted children and young people. 

Safeguarding:

Due to the nature of the role, before you can begin volunteering with RSBC there are some required safeguarding checks which will need to be completed.

All RSBC volunteers undergo an Enhanced DBS check (paid for by RSBC) and must provide two references.

All volunteers will also be booked onto safeguarding training.

RSBC risk assesses all its services and activities.

Next Steps: 

If this sounds like you, please fill out an expression of interest, and one of our volunteer team members will get back to you!