Mental Health Volunteer Roles in Home Based

Early morning homelessness outreach volunteer

Help people who are homeless to leave the streets behind

Role available in Dartford

You'll be part of our homelessness outreach team: finding people who are living on the streets and giving them the support they need to stay safe and get housed.

When you're homeless, it can be difficult to trust others. Part of your work will be about earning people's trust - often over weeks or months - so they feel comfortable accepting your help.

For this role, you'll be partnered with a Porchlight member of staff. Together, you'll go out once a fortnight (either on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday), often starting between 3am and 4am, and finishing between 7am and 8am.

This is perfect for morning person who wants to help others. If you’re passionate about helping people get to where they want to be in life, we want to hear from you.

What we need from you

• No experience is required, but you must feel strongly about helping people sleeping rough to escape the streets and rebuild their lives
• This role will benefit a morning person
• We ask that volunteers undergo some training (provided by Porchlight)
• Two references will be required and a DBS check will be undertaken

Where

• Dartford (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings - to be agreed once you've signed up to the role). Starts between 3am and 4am, and finishing between 7am and 8am.

The Safe Space is a local hub for anyone who feels they are nearing crisis point. We are here to listen to what you need and work with you to help. This might be strategies to help you cope in the moment, a range of activities we provide free of charge, resources to take away or connecting you with practical local services. We offer face to face, telephone and video-conference support. As a part of this, we are looking for volunteers to offer peer led support to individuals who may access our service. This includes a variety of tasks, such as devising and facilitating peer led workshops with clients, supporting with 1:1 sessions, and completing administrative tasks.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has lived experience of mental health/social crisis
• Preferably have had experience working with people who experience poor mental health
• Are comfortable with co-producing and facilitating peer led workshops
• Might be willing to take over running the workshops by themselves over time
• Are willing to actively participate with clients 1:1 and in group settings
• Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities within the Safe Space Team

Time commitment and expenses:

• 5 hours per week, during our opening hours of 12–5pm.  Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s) on your application.
• We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role 
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity, and volunteering in Safe Space is an opportunity to experience and get involved in crisis support. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.

We are looking for a Fundraising Trustee that can take our fundraising to the next level. The limb reconstruction process can be long, painful and challenging for patients' mental health. Rebuild has exciting plans to expand our psychological support for these patients but we need the help of an experienced fundraiser to do this.  

Main responsibilities: 

• Oversee fundraising and to make sure it is carried out in legal, honest and accountable ways.
• To identify funding opportunities. 
• Contribute knowledge of fundraising techniques and strategies.
• To guide and advise the Trustees in the approval of the fundraising strategy and targets.
• To keep the Trustees informed about its duties and legal responsibilities in relation to fundraising and the Fundraising Regulator.
• To assess risks in new fundraising directions and alert the Board of any concerns.
• Be an active champion of the charity.

Background: 

We are looking for a Trustee who has experience in any of the following areas: charity fund raising, marketing, finance, public relations, sales. 

Qualities of a Fundraising Trustee 

Essential: 

• Fundraising/income generation knowledge or business development background.  
• A good understanding of fundraising and the UK charity sector, Charity Commission, Companies House requirements, relevant legislation and statutory requirements.
• Excellent networking and communication skills.
• Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Experience in the health sector.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of digital or social media.  
• Experience of diverse fundraising practices, including statutory funds, corporate and philanthropic giving.  
• An understanding of the challenges facing small UK charities in maximising income streams & donor cultivation.  
• Experience in the charitable or voluntary sector.

Time commitment/location:

• The Trustee Board meets 4 times a year.
• Board meeings are usually held virtually.
• Anticipated time commitment: 8 hours per month
• To work with the Trustees outside of the Board Meeting in developing a new fundraising strategy.
• Appointment term 3 – 4 years 

Men Who Talk is a UK registered charity, running twice weekly online peer-to-peer support groups for men aged 18+ across the UK. The groups take place between 7:00pm - 8:30pm every Wednesday evening, and 11:00am - 12:30pm every Saturday morning. 

Our groups are supportive spaces for men aged 18+ to come and talk openly about what's on their mind. All groups are free to attend and follow the evidence based model of peer support. 

Volunteers are required to be online from 6:45pm to 8:45pm on a Wednesday evening, and from 10:45am - 12:45pm on a Saturday, and are required to facilitate around 1 group per month. Volunteers are asked to commit to an a minimum of 6 months of volunteering in the initial stage. 

All groups are facilitated by 2 facilitators, and follow a semi-structured pattern.

We are looking for passionate men with some experience of groups facilitating or working in mental health settings to come join us as facilitators. Experience in using online platforms such as zoom is essential. 

A degree in psychology is preferred but not an essential requirement.

Why Join MWT? 

Men Who Talk is an exciting, fast growing charity, creating new spaces for men to talk openly about what's on their mind. 

We have a diverse team full of talented and passionate individuals who are committed to changing the face of mens mental health across the UK. 

As well as the opportunity to join the organisation at an exciting stage of it's development, volunteers also have the opportunity to develop their own skills and have regular chances to feed into the creative and strategic development of the organisation. We also provide enhanced safeguarding adults training, and the opportunity to develop key skills to enhance a career in mental health. 

PLEASE NOTE: We are only able to accept applications from individuals who already have the right to live and work in the UK. 

The Board is seeking to expand its current membership to support the ongoing growth and development of the Charity (in line with the board of Trustees vision) and the organisations values, mission, and vision.

This is an exciting time to join Guidepost.  We are seeking to complement the existing skills and knowledge and grow our Board, in line with our strategic ambitions.  We wish to appoint new Trustees with high-level experience and expertise in the following areas:

1. Learning and Disability Trustee

We are looking for a Trustee with skills in developing frameworks, material and support and advise  the local leadership Teams.

2. Clinical Trustee (Dementia and Mental Health)

We are looking for a Trustee with skills in developing frameworks, material and support and advise  the local leadership Teams.

3. Legal / Governance Trustee

We are seeking an expert with a legal or a governance experience, supporting the Board of Trustees meet Its statutory obligations.  The role involves oversight of major policies and processes in place to support the Charity.

4. Business Development Trustee

We are seeking an individual who can support the Board of Trustees with its mission to grow and sustain Guidepost Trust UK.  This is a critical role, responsibility will include developing long term partnerships and networking. 

5. Marketing Trustee

We are seeking a communication expert to advise the board and the Operational Leadership Team how we can further enhance our engagement and awareness to deliver its aims.  Our new Trustee will have strong background in a related field such as, brand development, marketing, advertising or PR.

6. Finance Trustee

We are seeking a finance expert to monitor the financial administration of the charity and report to the board of trustees at regular intervals on its state of financial health, in line with best practice, and in compliance with the governing document and legal requirements to provide the board with the confidence and knowledge to better make strategic decisions.

For the full Job Description and how to apply please visit our website.

Application Process

To apply for this post please send in your covering letter detailing why you are interested in the role and how you meet the Person Specification also complete the volunteer application form and forward it to Trustee Mariam Ahmed and cc careers.

The closing date for applications is the 25th October 2024, with interviews likely to be held week commencing 4th November 2024.

We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity as the closing date may be brought forward at any time.

Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend the interview on the 8th.

If you have any questions or would like an informal chat or further information please contact our Trustee Mariam Ahmed

Tafara Wellness Initiative

We are dedicated to empowering women and children in African communities to overcome mental health challenges and cultivate resilience and joy through providing free counselling.

Africa has a serious mental health issue that has to be addressed right away as the continent has the highest suicide rate in the world, estimated at 11.2 per 100,000 people, despite a moderate reduction over the past ten years (far above the global average of 9.0 per 100,000). Part of the mental health emergency is due to the AIDS epidemic, widespread poverty, and a lack of mental health resources and infrastructure. Providing mental health is essential for sustainable development as it enables individuals to pursue education, maintain employment and contribute positively to their communities. For women and children specifically, better mental health can lead to improved family dynamics, increased school attendance, and greater economic participation.

The Tafara Wellness Initiative looks to address the mental health crisis and build more resilient and thriving communities in Africa through:

• Ensuring women and children in Africa have access to timely, appropriate and tailored psychological and mental wellness programs that enable them to thrive.
• Expanding communal support and awareness for mental health and eliminate stigmas around mental health in African communities

Learning and Resources Manager

Role Description

Tafara Wellness Initiative is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Learning and Resources Manager to lead and manage our workshop and event programs. This role is crucial in advancing our mission by designing and delivering impactful educational experiences and resources that support trauma healing and overall wellness. The ideal volunteer will be passionate about wellness, skilled in program management, and adept at engaging diverse audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, plan, and execute workshops and events focused on trauma healing and wellness. Ensure that programs are engaging, informative, and aligned with TAFARA’s mission. -Develop and curate educational materials, resources, and toolkits that support workshop objectives and enhance participant learning and engagement. -Training and Facilitation: Conduct workshops and training sessions, utilizing best practices in adult and child education and trauma-informed care to provide high-quality learning experiences. -Build and maintain relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and participants to promote workshops and events effectively.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of workshops and events through participant feedback and evaluations. Use insights to continuously improve program content and delivery. -Prepare reports on workshop and event outcomes, including participant feedback, attendance metrics, and impact assessments for internal and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with other team members and departments to ensure that workshops and events align with overall organizational goals and initiatives.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role

6+ months

Link Age Southwark is a vibrant local charity providing support to over 800 older people in Southwark who are feeling lonely or isolated. Our vision is for friendly local communities where older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia can thrive in their later years.

All our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

Befriending is at the very heart of Link Age Southwark's services. Lots of the older people we work with are feeling lonely and in need of a little extra social company. Our fantastic volunteer befrienders visit an older person once a week, sharing a cup of tea and a chat together.

Demand for our befriending service continues to grow and we are looking for new people to join our existing team of volunteers so that we can support as many older people as possible. 

This role requires:

• volunteering for approximately 1 hour a week to visit an older person
• a commitment to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months
• a cheerful and friendly personality
• good communication/listening skills
• attendance at a volunteer induction and other relevant training opportunities
• completion of a full Disclosure Barring Service and character reference check
• a commitment to working within the policies of Link Age Southwark, in particular health & safety, confidentiality, safeguarding and equality and diversity

Becoming a volunteer with Link Age Southwark is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and get to know more about your local community.

We cover all reasonable expenses and we are happy to provide references for volunteers who have completed 6 months of volunteering with us.

Please note that all our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

The Avon Centre is a riding, therapeutic and outdoor-learning centre based in a wonderful woodland setting by Blaise Castle. We are already recognised for our high standards in our work with Disabled people, including physically, sensory and learning Disabled people, and we are branching out into supporting people facing other forms of disadvantages.

The people who use our facilities gain so much in terms of physical and mental-health, confidence and new friendships.

By joining our Board, you’ll be ensuring we can continue to make a real difference to the lives of the children, young people and adults who use our facilities.

We are looking to recruit up to 3 new trustees. You’ll have a commitment to our purpose and ethos, plus experience in one of the following areas;

• HR

• Land and buildings management

• Funding and finance

The time commitment will vary but you’ll definitely get back everything you put in! The minimum commitment is attendance at 4 meetings per year, held in Bristol at the Centre.

We are particularly interested to hear from you if you have lived experience you’d be willing to share to help us make our services even more accessible.

It would be helpful if you already have trustee or other experience of the voluntary sector but not essential. Whether you are an experienced Trustee or wanting to take the first step at Board level, if you share our ethos, we'd like to hear from you.

All Trustees with The Avon Centre are required to complete a DBS (and other) checks prior to their appointment. A copy of our Safe & Fair Recruitment Policy can be found on the website.

We are partnering Music Therapy Works (MTW) an independent charity based in the West Midlands, whose mission is to deliver comprehensive music therapy services for individuals, groups and communities in a wide range of circumstances.

MTW provides music therapy to support and enhance communication, self-expression, and wellbeing. They work in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, care homes and hospices to help people whose lives have been affected by injury, illness or disability through supporting their psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative and social needs.

We are seeking a new Trustee for MTW to join their current board and support the CEO to bring new insight and skills to set and approve the strategic direction of the charity.

What is a Trustee?

• Being a trustee means making decisions that will impact people’s lives and make a real difference to our community.
• Trustees are the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run. They play a vital role in helping to define and develop the work of the charity.
• Trustees work alongside the management team, using their skills and experience to help the charity to define and achieve its strategic aims. But they do not undertake the day-to-day work of running the organisation.
• Trustees are also Directors of MTW as it is both a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.
• Trustees give their time on a voluntary basis. They are not paid fees, but they can claim reasonable expenses.

What do you get out of being a MTW Trustee?

• Being a Trustee is a great way to ‘give something back’ while developing your skills in leadership, influencing, debating, negotiating, strategic and organisational planning.
• You will have the opportunity to meet, network and learn from people who may have very different professional backgrounds and life experiences to your own. 
• Providing opportunities for training and development, every new trustee is assigned a Board buddy to help them to feel part of the team.

MTW want their Board to reflect the diverse community that MTW supports. We would particularly like to hear from you if you reflect MTW’s beneficiaries. For example: are you a disabled person? Do you have mental health needs? Are you a parent or teacher of a young disabled person, or a young person with mental health needs? Are you part of an adoptive family or do you work with children in care? Are you a carer for a person with dementia?

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take up your first position at board level, we really want to hear from you! It is not necessary for you to have previous experience as a Trustee - training will be provided. 

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment.  Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

Closing date for applications: 11 November 2024

Interview date:  TBC

Are you passionate about making a difference and shaping the future for young lives? Are you a professional interested in developing your own mentoring skills?

Mentoring can be a rewarding way to ‘give back’ and share your experiences with someone who could really benefit from hearing an informed, consistent and fresh perspective…possibly something they haven’t had before.

We’re delivering ‘Developing Futures’ a funded 12-week e-mentoring programme for young people aged between 18-24 years from ethnic minority backgrounds and facing mental health challenges, in the London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow and Haringey.

We are now seeking new mentors for the programme! We would like individuals from a range of different backgrounds who have the capacity to give a few hours per month to support their mentees. As a mentor you’ll receive Mental Health Awareness, Safeguarding and Mentoring training via webinars ahead of full enrolment. The e-mentoring will happen via regular texts and calls using Brightside’s online youth mentoring platform.

The programme is funded by the Mayor of London’s #NewDealForYoungPeople scheme, in collaboration with Propel, and also supported by the Social Business Trust.

Do you enjoy being creative ?

Could you spare a few hours to help others enjoy art and craft sessions?

Purpose of the role

Our fun activity groups give people with additional needs the chance to make friends, enjoy social time together and try out a variety of activities.  

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers for our friendly arts and crafts groups in Weoley Castle. You will be encouraging our citizens to take part and ensure everyone has a great time. You can also use your skills to deliver a creative session if you wish.

This is a great opportunity to volunteer in a friendly, person-centred team, providing fun activities for people with learning disabilities.

What would I be doing?

· Helping people to take part in various arts and crafts activities such as card making, model making, painting, and other creative groups

· Encouraging people to feel part of the group and take part in the activities.

· Helping to set up equipment and tidy away at the end of the session.

· Helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

What do I need?

· An interest in helping people, being approachable and friendly

· Any creative skills or interests would be amazing, but not essential.

· Good communication skills

· Accepting of others who might be different to you

· The ability to work as part of a diverse team

· A willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap

· Honesty, integrity and trustworthy

· Good time management skills, reliability

· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.

Where and when do you need me?

· We produce a weekly timetable with activities each day

· Ideally you can attend once per week for 1-3 hours

· Weoley Castle Community Hub, Bottetourt Rd, Birmingham B29 5TE

What’s in it for me?

As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:

· The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers

· Improved health and wellbeing from doing positive activities

· A volunteering preparation session

· An induction and settling in period and any training and development that is needed

· The chance to develop your skills and gain experience

· The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team

· Any out-of-pocket travel expenses

· Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

We are looking for pro-active, enthusiastic and motivated young professionals to join our board - you can help lead the strategic development of one of Dundee’s most promising and dynamic charities!

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates who are young people with lived experience of mental health and wellbeing challenges.

THE DETAILS

Feeling Strong is an exciting Dundee-based charity with the ambition to improve the lives of young people living with mental health and wellbeing challenges by fostering the skills, confidence and aspirations they need to flourish. Our services are designed by young people, delivered by young people for the benefit of young people, and we believe that this youth-led/peer-led approach is our biggest asset in tackling issues around mental health and wellbeing. We support stable recovery journeys for young people, lead campaigns to tackle societal issues, develop quality resources based on our own research, and tackle the disparity they face in unemployment, underemployment and accessing opportunities like further and higher education.

YOUR COMMITMENT

Whilst the Trustee Board meets for formal meetings 6 times a year, successful candidates will be expected to contribute to the organisation more widely, taking part in fundraisers, external events, strategic planning and advising the staff team when needed. The average contribution expected of Trustees is around one hour a week.

Work-related travel costs will be reimbursed.

APPLYING

Training and induction will be provided so we are open to all candidates, and we expect them to develop skills once in post, but we would welcome candidates with any of the following experience:

• Governance and previous board experience

• Business development and trading income generation

• Human resources

• Lived experience of mental health and wellbeing challenges

• Financial background

Trustee

Who we are:

We are a long-standing (32 years) local charity, based in Ashford, providing friendly advice, companionship and volunteering opportunities for anyone in our part of Kent who is socially isolated, lonely, or would welcome support with their mental health and wellbeing. We arrange 3 free drop-in sessions per week at Ashford Parish Rooms, at which our service users participate in a wide range of activities including crafts, singing and art therapy. We also offer food and beverages from our pop-up healthy eating café and dedicated door-to-door transport where required.

Due to an upcoming retirement we are now seeking a Trustee to join our Board.

About the Role:

General Trustee

As with all of our Trustees we warmly welcome community-minded individuals who want to make a difference and are happy to bring their personal and professional experience and expertise to the Board. If you have legal, IT or HR background that would be a bonus, but the key attributes are that you have a commitment to enhancing the health and wellbeing of the local community and want to help people live independently wherever possible. 

It is expected that all Trustees will be able to attend our Trustee meetings in Ashford, which are held at least once a quarter, as well as the AGM and ideally a small number of other functions eg fundraising events.

Skills & Experience:

Essential:

An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

An understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship.

Good time management reliability.

Excellent communication skills.

Willingness to commit sufficient time to the Trustee role.

Eligible to be a Trustee.

Desirable:

Previous experience of working with/for a charity, or being a charity trustee or involved with the adult social care/health sector, would be an advantage but is by no means essential.

Why you should Apply:

You will be using your skills, knowledge and experience to help ensure Ashford & Tenterden Umbrella continues to be an important part of the local community, providing mental health and social support. Although this is a voluntary position, reasonable out of pocket expenses will be paid.

For more information, and if you would like us to call you for an informal chat about the role, please email our Chairperson, Edwin Chambers. Contact information can be found when you click on the blue "How to Apply" button above.

Responsible to: Chair of Trustees 

Start date: November/December

Who We Are

M4RD is a UK charity that is advancing rare disease training for medical professionals. The aim of our work is to help reduce diagnostic delay and improve patient experience for those impacted by rare conditions.

We work with an extensive network of patients, carers, advocates and advocacy groups to deliver training to medical schools, foundation schools, royal colleges, hospitals and trusts.

The charity is small and consists of a friendly group of staff and Trustees. The work can be intense but is very rewarding, as the charity responds to the needs of the rare disease political landscape.  

Please take a look at the M4RD website for more information on our team, and our work. You can also find more details on this position here.  

Why Join Us

At M4RD we are not just talking about change; we are making it happen - as evidenced by the attitude change towards rare disease training in healthcare driven by M4RD for the last five years. By becoming a Trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare for people with rare conditions. Working with a dedicated team committed to systemic change in medical education, you will bring skills, experience, and knowledge that will support M4RD in achieving their objectives. 

Open Trustee Positions

We are expanding our board and seeking individuals with specific expertise to help us achieve our mission. Our new Trustees will be passionate about supporting the charity to deliver its objectives, and have skills and/or experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Income generation 

• Lived experience of a rare condition 

• Healthcare education 

• Clinical practice 

• Lived experience of health and/or social inequality

• Lived experience of societal marginalisation

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by supporting the development of - and agreeing - a long-term strategy

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its CIO constitution, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of the public

• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

• Safeguarding the reputation and values of the organisation

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal, and remuneration of the Chief Executive

Why this Role is for You

• You are passionate about the landscape of rare disease.

• You have the skills and experience M4RD is looking for.

• You are prepared to challenge systemic inequities within healthcare and medical education.

• You are ready to make a long-term commitment to improving the lives of people impacted by rare disease. 

Time Commitment: The expected time commitment is:

• 4 online Trustees meeting per year;

• 1 face to face strategy meeting or event; and 

• Some ad hoc committee work. 

However, we are also keen to invite those who are passionate about the charity's work and able to support in other areas.

Please take a look at the Job Description for more details on this role. 

We look forward to hearing from you!