One off volunteer opportunity volunteer roles in cheshire, north west england

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Are you a proactive fundraiser and looking to support a small charity? We're looking for 2 energetic and enthusiastic fundraiser volunteers to increase the fundraising opportunities for the charity as well as developing corporate partnerships, legacy giving, individual giving and major donors. This role may also include:

• Develop new and imaginative fundraising activities, many of which involve organising events
• Project manage fundraising events, from inception all the way through to evaluation
• Recruit and promote supporters and volunteers for challenge and national events.
• Assisting with researching and approaching corporate entities for event sponsorships, partnerships, Charity of the Year partnerships, and donations from corporate foundations
• Writing emails and speaking with potential partners about the work of Burning Nights CRPS Support with the aim of securing funds for the organisation
• Helping to maintain the fundraising database, ensuring accuracy and consistency of all records;
• Development in fundraising opportunities
• Keeping in contact with current & past donors and assisting in finding new donors
• Communicating with past fundraisers and encourage them to consider fundraising in the future
• Assist in marketing our events
• Development / Improvement of fundraising support (e.g fundraising packs and materials)
• Create fundraising & donation posts for social media & email marketing

Key & Desirable Skills:

• Fully computer literate and fully able with the main Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint as well as the internet and email
• Knowledge of using CRM systems or ability to learn

• Outgoing, friendly and proactive character
• Good initiative and ability to work with little direct supervision but will ask when help is needed
• Be comfortable volunteering within a small team or by yourself
• Good communication skills - Ability to communicate effectively at a number of different levels
• Ability to communicate effectively by telephone, written correspondence and in person
• Experience of writing funding proposals and working in fundraising would be an advantage
• Strong organisational skills
• Knowledge of corporate fundraising techniques including Charity of the Year, sponsorship, donations, marketing would be an advantage
• An ability to present and engage potential partners/sponsors in a compelling way
• Maintaining strict confidentiality

Practical Considerations:

• Age over 18 only
• Expenses will be given in line with the charity’s expenses policy
• It is an indoor role at one site – your home, but occasionally meetings are held in other offices and in the office of the charity or online
• This role is suitable for people wanting to learn new skills as well as improve previously learnt skills

Not sure if you have the right skills? Then contact us or apply as you may have some great translatable skills that would be applicable for this role!

About the Charity: Burning Nights CRPS Support is a UK wide charity that works to improve life for those living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), their families, loved ones, carers and friends. As a charity we raise awareness about the condition amongst the public, health and legal professionals by providing CRPS awareness sessions so that patients can be diagnosed quicker to enable treatment to start more rapidly.

Application Process:

Apply on Charity Job with CV and covering letter telling us why you would be a good fit for our charity

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Join Our Board of Trustees and Help Drive Positive Change!

Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a team environment and want to give back to the community where you live, work, or study?

We are a local charity dedicated to providing social welfare advice, information, and support through our incredible team of staff and volunteers. We are now seeking two new Trustees to join our board and help guide our organisation forward.

Last year, we:

✅ Assisted over 15,000 clients in finding solutions to their challenges

✅ Addressed over 37,000 separate issues for those in need

✅ Secured nearly £2 million in additional income to support people during the cost-of-living crisis

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities across Cheshire West—your age, background, origins, or health conditions are not barriers. We actively seek diverse perspectives to better serve our community.

We are particularly interested in individuals with:

�� Experience in digital and AI solutions implementation
�� Expertise in volunteer engagement
�� A strong commitment to our mission, enthusiasm, and a supportive approach

However we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, skills and experience including lived experience.

What’s Involved?

As a Trustee, you will:

�� Attend at least five board meetings per year (in-person and remote, often in the evenings)

��Participate in one annual trustee development day

��Have opportunities for further involvement in shaping our work

This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Volunteering does not affect state benefit entitlement.

If you’re ready to play a key role in shaping the future of our organisation, we’d love to hear from you! 

As a Housing Rights Support Volunteer, you will be an invaluable part of the Manchester team supporting the Manchester Hub to deliver frontline services. This role is an opportunity to make a real difference to the individuals we support. You’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills to support local people with a range of housing issues as well as providing practical support with form filling and providing a friendly, listening ear. You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community. 

Suggested Involvement: Approximately one day per week (can be more & can be flexible around your commitments) 

Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Location: Manchester Hub, Unit 3, Great North Tower, 5 Watson St, Manchester M3 4EE 

Supervised by: Office Administrator  

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now.

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Main Tasks include 

• Triaging clients: You will help Housing Rights Workers to assess the needs of clients who contact us for help. This will involve listening to their concerns and gathering information about their situation. 

• Input client data: You will help to keep our client database up to date by inputting client data into our CRM system. 

• Engage with casework clients: You will work with the Housing Rights Worker to engage with clients who are receiving casework support at outreach and in the office. This may involve making catch-up calls, helping them to fill out forms, or providing other practical support. 

• Carry out support tasks: You will help the Housing Rights Worker to carry out support tasks such as housing and welfare fund applications. This may involve researching options, filling out forms and calling on behalf of clients.

• Research and reporting: You will help the housing rights worker to research housing issues and to prepare reports on our work. This may involve gathering data, conducting interviews, or analyzing information. 

• Performing general administrative tasks. 

Skills and experience required 

• An interest in social welfare e.g. housing, welfare benefits, debt. 

• Good communication skills (this may be through experience of working with the public). 

• Ability to manage your own time and task load. 

• Ability to collaborate with a team. 

• Confident using IT including Microsoft Office programmes 

• Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including Volunteering, Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Confidentiality and Data Protection. 

Induction, learning & development 

To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will:  

• Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures. 

• Provide an induction into your role

• Provide access to our learning on data protection, safeguarding and screen wellness as well as other appropriate role specific training. 

• Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. 

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter 

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness. 

• Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. 

• Meet new people and be part of a great team. 

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills. 

Next steps 

Please complete an online application for this role. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

Please note, upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and undergo a basic DBS check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information. 

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.

We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Wrexham group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Wrexham area to carry out this role.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers in the Horsham and district area
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the Huddersfield and Kirklees Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the Warrington Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

We are seeking a Trustee with wide-ranging digital expertise and a career background to that enables them to bring expertise, vision and leadership in all matters digital to the Board. We see this as covering, in particular, CRM systems, social media, GDPR, digital advertising and marketing and AI. 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone to champion digital, assess the opportunities and the risks that may arise and support Age UK Islington in keeping up with the rest of the charity sector. 

The trustee will work with the Board of Trustees and management by maintaining an overview of the organisation’s digital systems and social media presence, ensuring effectiveness, advising and guiding on requirements and best practice and providing advice, assistance and information to the staff team and trustees. 

Age UK Islington contracts IT support from two external providers – one for Microsoft Office 365 and the other for Microsoft Dynamics 

As a bilingual / multilingual Welcome and Reception Support Volunteer, you will be an invaluable part of the Manchester Hub team, supporting the hub to deliver vital frontline services. You'll be the first point of contact for clients and visitors, assisting the administration team with reception duties, and supporting the operation of the Shelter office in their day-to-day business 

You’ll act as the first point of contact for our clients, help to understand their needs and help them access necessary support through the duty or appointment services. Being a positive presence in hubs to ensure visitors feel comfortable and welcomed.

This role is an opportunity to make a real difference to the individuals we support. You’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills to support local people with a range of housing issues as well as providing practical support with form filling and providing a friendly, listening ear. You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community. 

Suggested Involvement: Approximately one day per week (can be more & can be flexible around your commitments) 

Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Location: Shelter Manchester Hub, Unit 3, Great North Tower, 5 Watson St, Manchester M3 4EE 

Supervised by: Office Administrator

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now.

As a Welcome and Reception Support Volunteer, you’ll be supporting the day-to-day work of Shelter’s housing advisors as they provide advice, support and guidance to the people visiting the Manchester Hub. 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Main Tasks include 

• Cover reception and greeting people who come to the office. 

• Communicating with clients via phone and email to share updates on their case and to gather information. 

• Assisting clients with form filling, paperwork and applications around housing and benefits. 

• Supporting clients with digital skills, for example navigating online systems and forms. 

• Signposting clients to relevant services and providing useful information. 

• General administrative tasks (e.g. minute-taking, photocopying, scanning, and filing). 

Skills and experience required 

• Fluent in English and one of the following languages: Urdu, Arabic, Tigrinya, Kurdish Sorani 

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to understand the needs of our clients 

• Interest in social welfare law, e.g. housing; welfare benefits; debt; community care 

• The ability to work as part of a team and value and communicate effectively with others

• Confident using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel and PDF documents to a good standard 

• Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, confidentiality & data protection 

To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will:  

• Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures. 

• Provide an induction into your role.  

• Provide access to our learning on data protection, safeguarding and screen wellness as well as other appropriate role specific training. 

• Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. 

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter 

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness. 

• Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. 

• Meet new people and be part of a great team. 

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills. 

Next steps 

Please complete an online application for this role.

Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

Please note, upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and undergo a basic DBS check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information. 

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.

Trailblazers’ mission is to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures. Your support will help a young man to reconnect with his community, friends and loved ones, go into education, training and employment, and give a person a sense of hope for the future.

Trailblazers has been providing mentoring services to people in prison since 1998 with ultimate aim to reduce re-offending. We provide support to men between the age of 18 - 35 in custody who have 6 months left of their prison sentence, and then 'through the gate' into their own community for up to 12 months. The Education, Training & Employment (ETE) team supports our mentees in custody to break down barriers to employability. Post-release, this continues by supporting mentees to gain meaningful and career changing roles in sector specific industries such as Construction, Engineering, Catering & Hospitality or the Self-Employment route. 

The ETE team are looking to build a team of volunteers to work with mentees in the community and to shape the existing ETE service in the Thames Valley area. We are looking for volunteer mentors who can commit for up to 12 months and give a few hours a week to support men to change their life by being inspirational role models, helping with goal setting and supporting their mentee to access ETE opportunities and ultimately gain meaningful employment. Mentoring sessions will be 1:1, take place weekly and can be done remotely by telephone or online. These sessions will last approximately one hour, but some time should also be given to liaising with Trailblazers staff and researching relevant opportunities. 

Induction training is provided, out of pocket expenses covered, a mobile phone is provided to protect your identity, a Trailblazers T-shirt and lanyard are provided, DBS costs are covered, as well as regular reflective practice sessions to support you within your role. 

We are actively looking for people to join our mentoring community with lived experience of the criminal justice system, under represented groups from BAME community, creative arts, business skills, wellbeing - whatever your skills and background we are open to hear from you to support our diverse group of men. 

Trailblazers are looking for Volunteer Mentors who are:

• Empathetic with a positive outlook and manner.
• Able to help others without judgement or discrimination.
• Excellent communicators with a sense of humour.
• Well organised, can prioritise and multi-task.
• Reliable and able to commit to the role for up to 12 months providing weekly ETE sessions remotely either by telephone or via Zoom / MS Team digital platforms.
• Have skills and experience in supporting those who are disadvantaged into education, training and employment (ETE).
• Able to work independently with the ability to prioritise and manage your own workload with minimal supervision taking a flexible and creative approach to the demands of the post.
• Able to demonstrate sensitivity to other cultures, working with people from other backgrounds and demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers in the Mid-Sussex area
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Applicants will be asked to complete an application form and provide details for two references