Patient Support Volunteer Volunteer Roles in Birmingham

At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.

With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.

What’s Involved?

As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families via Zoom every week with eBooks to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:

• Handpick eBooks from our online portals based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
• Join families via Zoom with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions  
• Make notes after the session to keep track of how the child/ren are progressing

Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

When and Where?

You can be based anywhere in the UK to become a Doorstep Library online volunteer.

• Time commitment: One evening a week (Regular Volunteer), one evening every other week (Semi-Regular Volunteer) or once every 3 weeks (Stand-In Volunteer) during school term times
• Hours per week: 2
• Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Why volunteer with Doorstep Library?

• It's incredibly fun! You get to explore your inner child and share your passion for books and reading.
• We invest in our team of volunteers to ensure they are valued, supported and are developing.
• You will be a part of the Doorstep Library community of families, volunteers and staff members.
• You can make a real difference to the lives of others. Providing you with a real sense of purpose and achievement.
• You give back to the community you live in or the community you visit every week.
• You build your confidence and improve your self-esteem and mental well-being.
• You will develop skills and enhance your C.V. 

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references.  Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.  

The Dear Toby Trust was established in 2017, in memory of Toby Hambrook-Skinner who passed away at Great Ormond Street Hospital after an epic battle with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. He was just seven months old. Toby was diagnosed at eight weeks and began an aggressive treatment plan. Toby’s family and friends have set up this charity to find new ways to treat rare cancers and reduce the suffering of children enduring cancer treatment. Watch the charity’s film to learn more about their work.

The Dear Toby Trust is currently in a key growth phase, after raising more than £47,000 through its first corporate partnership, grants and fundraising events including: the charity’s first ever Gala and The Royal Parks Half Marathon in the last year. The charity also has an active and ongoing appeal, seeking to fund three fellows to provide care on the Bone Marrow Transplant and Haemotology wards at GOSH. These fellows will transform quality of care for patients and develop on new research. The Dear Toby Trust is committed to funding one of these positions, but calling for additional donations to reach their target of £650,000 to fund three fellows for three years.

The volunteer would be assisting the charity at a crucial time, to provide support with fundraising and communications. The Dear Toby Trust is a small team and this volunteer role provides an invaluable opportunity for those interested in working the charity sector, to support an organisation in a key growth phase and have real responsibility and ownership over key tasks. The role would include the following responsibilities within fundraising and communications, with the volunteer working virtually:

Fundraising events

• Supporting with logistics for key fundraising events during the year, such as the Royal Parks Half Marathon. Ensuring that key information is collected and communicated to those taking part in fundraising events.

• Researching potential funders including corporates, trusts and foundations and individual donors to secure funding for the Trust’s current appeal

• Supporting in identifying future corporate partnerships for 2025 and beyond

• Supporting with drafting and submitting applications for grant funding, working closely with the team and trustees

Communications

• Updating the Dear Toby Trust website in line with recommendations from a recently conducted social media and website audit.

• Regularly updating the website with upcoming fundraising opportunities and other news.

• Creating engaging content for the Dear Toby Trust social media, including Instagram and LinkedIn, highlighting key successes and recent events

Other

• Other general administrative tasks will be required on related to fundraising and communications on an ad hoc basis.

Your support will be invaluable to a small but growing organisation that’s looking to make a real impact in the lives of children and families affected by cancer. The volunteer will also have access to the range of expertise from The Dear Toby Trust founders and trustees, and the team will provide letters of recommendations for future roles for the volunteer.

Could you volunteer and make a difference to a young person in care?

An Independent Visitor is a positive adult role model who provides support and friendship to a young person in care.  You will enjoy fun activities together which will give the young person unforgettable memories and experiences.  Your consistent friendship will help the young person raise their aspirations, learn new skills, build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience.

“Acting as an IV makes me feel special, especially when the young person enjoys our activities.  It is extremely rewarding to see the pleasure that they get from our time together.” Volunteer IV

We are looking for fun, reliable, and enthusiastic volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.  You do not need any formal qualifications to become a volunteer, but it is helpful if you have some knowledge and practical experience of involvement with children and young people. 

In particular we have one young boy who needs a patient, loyal individual to build a long lasting positive relationship with.  He likes being outside, partaking in messy or imaginative play, space, and crafts - big cardboard boxes are a favourite! For this young boy we are looking for a volunteer with experience of supporting young people with special educational needs and behavioural support  - If you think you could help, please get in touch.

Children and young people who are looked after need an adult who has time to spend with them, take them on activities and be someone they can talk to and trust.  You can fit your visits in around your own time and work commitments.  We only ask that you can commit to a few hours once per month for a minimum of 2 years. Activity and travel expenses are covered.

“It provides an opportunity for young people to try things they may not otherwise building confidence and aspirations.” Volunteer IV

As part of the recruitment process you will need to complete an application form, interview, enhanced DBS check, references and digital risk assessment. 

We offer a full support package including induction training, online mandatory training and one to one support by your IV Coordinator throughout your volunteer journey. 

If you’re interested in becoming an Independent Visitor, we’d love to hear from you. To find further information, please visit our website. 

Will you share your counselling or psychotherapy skills as a counsellor or therapist to join an online counselling service for patients and families affected by a chronic pain condition (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)?

We're looking for 2 qualified counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists volunteers ideally with some experience of working with chronic pain patients or lived experience of chronic illness, who may want to volunteer their skills supporting our adult service users (aged 18 & over) and help us to continue developing a mental health support service. 

As a Volunteer Counsellor/Therapist you’ll be providing remote counselling/therapy support services to adults aged 18 and over many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health services. You’ll be providing one-to-one counselling/therapy sessions online via Zoom or by phone. With your recognised counselling qualifications and experience you will be an asset to our small charity and to our services users.  

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, our volunteer counsellors / therapists provide person centred counselling (general talking counselling) or integrative counselling, or specialist services such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ACT, CFT and EMDR for CRPS patients, or their families & close relatives.

People will be referred both by health or legal professionals as well as having patients and carers themselves referring into to the service.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your counselling and therapy skills, organisation, communication and team working skills.

Most importantly you’ll be providing essential services that help make sure no one has to face CRPS alone. Be the hope for CRPS.

What the role involves

This role may vary depending on needs, but is likely to include:

• Undertake a client assessments, followed by person-centred counselling (via Zoom or phone) to our clients, offering up to 20 sessions for each client plus 4 psychometric assessments

• Providing one-to-one counselling sessions to clients aged 18 & over

• Update our database with the client’s information, sessional notes and session attendance

• Maintain succinct, relevant session notes and store these confidentially and securely in acccordahce with GDPR

• Attending and participating in peer supervision support

• Attend CPD training to ensure your knowledge stays current

• Participating in volunteer meetings
• Maintaining client confidentiality, upholding data protection and equal opportunities principle

• Attend monthly Supervision and peer support sessions to ensure safe working practices

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, including a full induction. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us. We can offer you a supervisor as well as expenses for annual insurance and an external supervisor if required.

What you need for this role

Essential

• Be a member (including student membership) of one of the recognised membership organisations (see below)
• Level 4 Diploma level qualifications as a minimum (unfortunately no students at this time), Degree or Masters in Counselling, Counselling/Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Art Therapy, EMDR 
• Minimum of 100 hours supervised
• Proof of professional indemnity insurance annually - we may consider paying this as an expense but commitment to the charity is required
• A valid DBS certificate (enhanced version), which is less than three years old and renewed every three years (the charity can provide where necessary)
• Able to keep people’s personal data safe

• Willing and able to provide counselling via Zoom from a private location with a stable WiFi connection

• Able to support a minimum of 3 clients a week, being three hours of your time for therapy sessions plus time for administration. We ideally hope you to offer the charity a minimum commitment of six months.

Desirable

• Knowledge of chronic pain or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Previous experience as a chronic pain or CRPS counsellor or psychologist 
• Committed to our values
• Willing to develop skills and experience
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Effective administration skills, planning and organisation skills
• Approachable, presentable, enthusiastic

We also welcome training counsellors and counselling/clinical psychologists who are looking for placements.

Once we’ve assessed your application, you may be invited for interview. If you are successful, we will arrange for you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.

Recognised Organisations You Must Be A Member of:

• British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
• British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP)
• EMDR Association UK
• Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
• British Psychological Society
• General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
• British Society for Clinical Hypnotherapists (BSCH)
• National Council for Hypnotherapists (NCH)
• United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• The National Hypnotherapy Society (HS)
• National Counselling Society (NCS)
• Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP)
• National Register of Hypnotherapists & Psychotherapists (NRHP)

Making a difference

What impact will the opportunity have?

You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period where referrals are on the rise and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in not only developing a counselling service for our clients but also ensure we provide counselling services and mental health support to our CRPS patients & their families who are in need of our support and inclusion on a regular basis. With your help we will expand our support and mental health services to ensure our service users receive mental health support that they may not have been offered.

What's in it for you as the volunteer? 

You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people affected by this rare, painful and debilitating chronic pain condition and to provide them with psychological support whether they are patients, their partner, relatives, friends or carers. As this service is rapidly expanding, you would have a key role in developing our counselling and psychotherapy programme and to complement our support services that we offer. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference in our clients' life which is already isolated and painful, who may not have received any psychological support.

Purpose of the Role:

To support patients transitioning from hospital to home, ensuring their discharge is safe, smooth, and successful. By providing practical assistance and emotional support, you will play a key role in helping individuals regain independence, prevent readmission, and access community resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with transport, helping patients travel safely from the hospital to their homes.

• Shopping for groceries or other essentials.

• Carrying out simple home safety checks to ensure the environment is suitable for recovery.

• Offer emotional support and reassurance during the transition period.

• Support patients for a minimum of 4 weeks (maximum 6 weeks) post-discharge, either in person (at their home or in the community) or over the phone.

• Help patients connect with local services, activities, and support networks to aid recovery and prevent isolation.

• Encourage and support individuals to re-engage with their community, reducing the likelihood of hospital readmission.

• Guidance and training will be provided on using the Care For Me platform to assign patients, obtain details of patient support, record visits, and monitor attendance.

Skills and Qualities Needed:

• Empathy and the ability to build rapport with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Good communication skills and patience.

• Reliability and commitment to supporting individuals during a vulnerable time.

• Practical problem-solving skills to assist with day-to-day tasks.

• Understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding principles (this will be covered in training)

• Proficient use of the internet. 

• Access to email and a smartphone to use Care For Me. 

Time Commitment:

Flexible, depending on patient needs, with a minimum of 4 weeks (maximum 6 weeks) of support per individual. You might need to be available evenings and weekends.

What You’ll Gain:

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in someone’s recovery journey.

• Experience working in partnership with healthcare and community services.

• Training and ongoing support from Age UK Lambeth.

• The chance to develop new skills and connect with your local community. 

Training and Support Provided:

• Full training on hospital discharge processes, safeguarding, lone working and patient support.

• Ongoing support from the Hospital Discharge Community Support Coordinator and the Volunteer Coordinator.

Are you great at creating newsletters? Have you got experience of using Mailchimp? Help us engage our charity's audience by creating compelling emails and newsletter content so that we can support more people affected by a complex, debilitating chronic condition as well as raise awareness of this rare disease. This is a great opportunity to assist a small but mighty charity.

Description

We are urgently looking for 2 experienced email marketing volunteers to join our communications team. Our charity delivers awareness campaigns by email and a range of support services to patients, relatives, partners and carers who have been affected by a debilitating chronic condition; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

You will be a big link to our charity's clients who are vulnerable and isolated, to them learning more about events, our latest articles, fundraising events as well as ensuring they are aware of the services that we offer that be of help to them. You will also be helping us to raise awareness of this devastating chronic condition.

We regularly contact our supporters and members through general emails and infirmative newsletters will show consistency and know they can rely on us to be there for them.

We would like the volunteer to help with:

• Email content Creation: Develop an email marketing content calendar, write compelling regular email content, including calls for donations & support, that is relevant and has clear a call-to-action and high click through rates;
• Email content creation (membership): Create a regular quarterly newsletters for our membership scheme
• Create a number of automated email series - for donors, members, fundraisers and more
• Newsletter strategy: Help us plan and articulate how we can use emails and newsletters to strengthen our organisation, motivate our supporters and communicate with our sponsors;
• Design and implement campaigns and promotional activity

What are you looking for in a volunteer?

We are looking for 2 volunteers who have:

• Strong writing and editing skills
• Good communicator
• Good computer skills and a willingness to be contacted via email and/or video chat
• Experience using email marketing software - specifically Mailchimp
• Marketing skills
• Experience of working on marketing strategies
• Ability to quickly understand the needs of our team, organisation and our services users (we are not expecting you to know about the condition we support)
• Can ask key questions to enable us to clarify requirements
• Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these
• Open to feedback
• A passion for marketing and email marketing
• Ability to work flexibly on your own or as part of a team with enthusiasm and commitment
• Ability to create email campaigns with little supervision (after initial support)

Skills

• Digital: Email Marketing
• Marketing and communications: Copywriting/Journalism

Making a difference

What impact will the opportunity have?

You will be joining a small charity during a challenging period and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in ensuring we reach the patients, relatives, partners and carers who are in need of our support and inclusion on a regular basis. With your help we will expand our readership to ensure more people are aware of this condition, which will help those affected by it when they see a health professional.

What's in it for the volunteer?

You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching more people affected by this rare condition who may not know that we exist to support them. You would have a key role in developing a strategy to complement our awareness campaigns. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference in someone’s life which is already isolated and painful, but who may not know there is support out there and to then realise they’re not alone.

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer will be working remotely, online and entirely from your own home.

Travel Limit

This role will be completely remote.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Either in or office hours - however we are flexible

Estimate the time commitment

• 3-6 hours / week - but this is flexible however ideally it would be 4 hours or over to ensure email campaigns are going out at the right time

To apply for the email marketing volunteer please send by email your CV together with a covering letter saying why you think you would be a good candidate for this position, via the Charity Job 'Apply Online' 

Main purpose of the role

To provide telephone friendship service to veterans (and their partners) in their own homes.

Key focus

• To provide telephone friendship and companionship which is appropriate, and person centred. You will need the use of your own telephone /mobile.
• The use of a quiet safe space so you can concentrate on the call and maintain confidentiality.
• Provide telephone support to alleviate loneliness and social isolation and help to build confidence.
• Report any concerns or problems to the volunteer coordinator immediately.
• To record information about the call on the telephone log and submit this monthly.
• Read and understand the information provided as part of the induction training.
• Understand and work to the Telephone Friendship Service guidelines, boundaries and expectations.
• Adhere to Royal Star & Garter confidentiality policy.
• To take care of own Health & Safety and that of others affected by your volunteering activities.
• Promote the reputation, culture and ethos of the charity as a quality provider of excellent care and customer service.

Time commitment

Minimum of 1 hour per week. There is no time limit on the length of service, but Telephone Friends are asked to make a commitment for a minimum of 12 months.

Our Values

We are a values-based organisation and strive to demonstrate our values in all we do:

With love: We carry out our work with love, care and compassion

Living positively: We are optimistic in everything we do, supporting veterans and their partners leading happy, fulfilled lives 

As a family: We work and live as one team, one family, one community

Standing in their shoes: We show admiration and respect for people and never forget what they have done 

Take courage: We are not afraid to what is right and what is needed

What we are looking for from volunteers

Essential skills and attributes 

It is essential that you are a naturally caring character that always puts people first, shows kindness, warmth, compassion and respect at all times, and loves to embrace life to make it meaningful for yourself and those you support. Others include:

• You enjoy working as part of a team
• You understand how to operate within a confidential environment
• You are aware of the needs of older people

We are also looking for people who are willing to undertake induction and training and who will work within our guidelines and policies. The role is dependent on a DBS check.

Behaviours & characteristics

• Good listening and communication skills
• Naturally patient and able to demonstrate sensitivity
• Reliability and at the same time flexible to changing needs

Don’t worry if you are new to a role like this. We will support and train you and encourage you on your telephone friendship journey.

Pathway to becoming a volunteer

• Application Form
• Informal meeting
• References
• Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Check
• Induction Training

Other information you need to know

This is a remote role, and you will be required to attend online induction training.

You will need access to a phone to make calls and access to emails to receive information regarding your calls.

Will you share your counselling or psychotherapy skills as a child & young person's (CYP) counsellor or therapist to join an online counselling service for young patients with a pain condition (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)? We’re supporting patients, relatives, partners and carers affected by a debilitating condition; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

We're looking for qualified paediatric/child & young person counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists ideally with some experience of working with chronic pain patients, who may want to volunteer their skills supporting our young service users and help develop a psychological support service. 

As a Volunteer Child/Young Person's Counsellor/Therapist you’ll be providing remote online counselling/therapy support services to young people aged 5 to 18 who are vulnerable, many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health services. You’ll be providing one-to-one counselling sessions online or by phone. With your recognised counselling qualifications and experience you will be an asset to our small charity and to our young services users. We will also consider therapists who are in need of a placement.

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, volunteer child counsellors / therapists provide person centred counselling (general talking counselling), integrative, pluralistic including or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ACT and EMDR for young CRPS patients.

We are needing to expand this service to support our young clients as it has rapidly received a high number of referrals. People can be referred both by health or legal professionals as well as having parents/guardians referring them to the service.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your paediatric counselling skills, organisation, communication and team working skills. If you have experience in younger children please do get in touch.

Most importantly you’ll be providing essential services that help make sure no one has to face CRPS alone. Be the hope for CRPS.

What the role involves

This role may vary depending on needs, but is likely to include:

• Undertake a child client assessments, followed by person-centred counselling (via Zoom or phone) to our clients, offering up to 20 one hour (or 45 mins age dependant) sessions for each client plus 4 assessments

• Providing one-to-one therapy sessions to young patients aged 5-18 (we will consider therapists who can only support primary or secondary school age)

• Update our database with the client’s basic information and session attendance

• Maintain succinct, relevant session notes and store these securely

• Attending and participating in meetings
• Project monitoring, creating, reporting and outcomes evaluation procedures

• Attend CPD training to ensure your knowledge stays current

• Participating in regular meetings with the Clinical Lead
• Maintaining client confidentiality, upholding data protection and equal opportunities principle

• Attend monthly Supervision to ensure safe working practices

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, including an induction. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you need for this role

Essential

• Be a member of one of the recognised organisations (see below)
• Level 4 Diploma level qualifications as a minimum, Degree or Masters in Paediatric Counselling, Counselling/Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Play Therapy, Dance & Movement Psychotherapy or Art Therapy 
• Minimum of 100 hours supervised
• Proof of professional indemnity insurance annually - we may consider paying this as an expense but commitment to the charity is required
• A valid DBS certificate (enhanced version), which is less than three years old and renewed every three years (the charity can provide where necessary)
• Able to keep people’s personal data safe

• Willing and able to provide counselling via Zoom from a private location with a stable WiFi connection

• Able to support a minimum of 2 child or young clients a week, being two hours of your time for counselling sessions plus time for administration. We ideally hope you to offer the charity a commitment of six months.

Desirable

• Personal or professional Knowledge or experience of chronic pain or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Previous experience as a chronic pain or CRPS paediatric counsellor or psychologist 
• Committed to our values
• Willing to develop skills and experience
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Effective administration skills, planning and organisation skills
• Approachable, presentable, enthusiastic

We welcome trained paediatric counsellors, child therapists and counselling/clinical psychologists who are willing to give their time to support our valuable work.

Once we’ve assessed your application, you may be invited for interview. If you are successful, we will arrange for you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.

Recognised Organisations

• British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
• British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP)
• Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
• General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
• British Society for Clinical Hypnotherapists (BSCH)
• National Council for Hypnotherapists (NCH)
• United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• The National Hypnotherapy Society (HS)
• National Counselling Society (NCS)
• Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP)
• National Register of Hypnotherapists & Psychotherapists (NRHP)

Making a difference

What impact will the opportunity have?

You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period as the service is rapidly expanding and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in not only developing a counselling service for younger clients but also ensure we provide counselling services and mental health support to our young child CRPS patients who are in need of our support and inclusion on a regular basis. With your help we will expand our support and mental health services to ensure our service users receive mental health support that they may not have been offered.

What's in it for you as the volunteer? 

You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people affected by this rare, painful and debilitating chronic pain condition and to provide them with psychological support whether they are patients, their partner, relatives, friends or carers. As this service is continually developing, you would have a key role in developing a young person counselling programme and to complement our support services that we offer. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference in a child's life which is already isolated and painful, who may not have received any psychological support.

As an awareness talk volunteer, you'll deliver awareness talks about bowel cancer symptoms, screening and our services to local organisations and community groups. We provide a standardised powerpoint presentation that can be presented either virtually (optional) or in person in your local community. 

Main duties and responsibilities
• Confident in delivering bowel cancer awareness material to a range of audiences either
online or in person
• Act as an ambassador for what we do, displaying enthusiasm and commitment
• Aim to deliver 12 talks per year. This is an aspirational and flexible target
• Ensure information in the local community is relevant and up-to-date
• Add your personal experience of bowel cancer to the presentation (where appropriate)
• Establish connections with local organisations and community groups

Could you use your social media, marketing and communications experience to raise the profile of a small charity? Help us to increase our social media presence and engagement, generate greatr content and help promote existing activities.

Our charity delivers a range of awareness campaigns and support services to patients, relatives, partners and carers who have been affected by a poorly understood pain condition; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). We are looking for 2 experienced social media and communications volunteers who are able to develop posts and campaigns from design to inception, create fresh and engaging content, increase engagement and to increase awareness of the charity and of the condition we represent.

Even though we are a small organisation we have big ideas and would like to draw on your experience in the communications world to help the charity deliver engaging content and communications to help us spread our aims and message to all our audience.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Engagement: Help increase engagement, improve the number of followers/likes, create & execute a content calendar
• Content Creation: Produce fresh, branded and engaging content for our social media channels 
• Graphics: Prepare graphics and text for sharing across channels 
• Strategy: Help develop a social media strategy
• Engage with our followers and encourage interaction 
• Manage and maintain social media channels on a regular basis
• Support charity campaigns, marketing, events and fundraising activities by promoting them on our social media feeds
• Use your creative skills to devise strategies to engage, grow, and widen our target audiences
• Develop publicity materials and communication techniques for social media to raise awareness of our chronic condition 

You will be with a small team of volunteers who will provide an overview of our existing social media content, our brand and how we have approached our social media content to date. 

Experience
We are looking for a volunteer who has experience in:

• Different types of marketing and communications media, including electronic and social media
• Writing and editing marketing content for social media platforms including Facebook, X, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn (especially TikTok, Instagram Reels & posts and YouTube)
• Building strategies to increase social media following and /or build fundraising or awareness campaigns
• Developing a coherent brand voice for social media, from content creation to community interactions
• Using and setting up tools such as Buffer, Canva etc
• Creating and executing content calendars to help plan social media activity 

Skills Required

• Excellent written communication skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail 
• Creative writing and design abilities
• Good computer and digital skills
• Enthusiasm for communications and marketing and willingness to learn
• Ability to quickly understand the needs of our team / organisation / users
• Ability to transform small snippets of information into interesting and engaging stories suitable for X, Facebook, Instagram etc.
• Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these
• Open to feedback 
• An interest in helping Burning Nights CRPS Support achieve its aims
• Good organisational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and able to work as part of a team

What Difference You Will Make
You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in ensuring we can maintain our support services and become a sustainable charity to allow us to fulfil our aims.

Benefits

You would be a part of our small, friendly and forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people who may not have heard about the charity or about the condition. You would have a key role in developing a socoal media strategy for a small charity. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference to a rare condition.
You will further develop your communication skills, gain PR and marketing experience and develop your social media skills.

This is a remote volunteering role, volunteering from your own home.

Volunteer Opportunity: Grant Writer & Fundraising Lead – Help Save Lives

We have a rare and urgent opportunity to make a life-changing impact—but we need your help.

At Somali Medical Aid Group (SMAG), we are a UK-registered charity, also registered in Somalia, dedicated to supporting conflict survivors, women, and children who have suffered unimaginable trauma. Our mission is simple but urgent: to provide lifesaving medical interventions to those who need them most.

Through our partnership with an internatioal NGO, we are sending Somali conflict survivors to abroad for reconstructive surgery—giving them a second chance at life. Our partner has committed to covering all medical cost,flights, and treatment, but without an additional £60,000 to cover local patient support and logistics, this lifeline will disappear.

That’s where you come in.

We need an experienced, strategic, and passionate grant writer & fundraiser to help secure these critical funds. Beyond this immediate need, we also need help with funding our core operations and several other life-changing initiatives.

What Needs Funding

Immediate Priority: Keeping the MSF Partnership Alive

• Secure £60,000 to cover local operations, logistics, and patient support.

Other Critical Projects:

• Core Funding – Ensuring SMAG remains operational and sustainable
• Physiotherapy – Training specialists to support long-term rehabilitation
• Medical Supplies & Equipment – Delivering essential resources to conflict survivors
• Vehicles – Providing transportation for medical teams and patients in remote areas
• Medical capacity building – Expanding access to healthcare in Somalia

Who We’re Looking For

We need a driven, self-motivated, and experienced fundraiser who can not only write compelling grant applications but also think strategically, research funding opportunities, and take ownership of the fundraising process.

This is not a passive role—we need someone who can lead the charge, bring ideas, and help secure the future of this essential work.

What You’ll Do

• Research and identify UK & international funding opportunities
• Write powerful, high-impact grant applications that move funders to action
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to secure long-term funding
• Work independently with the freedom to take initiative and drive results
• Provide strategic direction to help SMAG scale and sustain its impact

Why This Role Matters

• Real Impact – This isn’t just about funding; this is about saving lives. Your work will directly provide medical care, rehabilitation, and dignity to conflict survivors.
• Unique Opportunity – You’ll be at the forefront of a backed initiative, helping to shape the future of a fast-growing humanitarian organization.
• Flexible & Remote – Work from anywhere, with the autonomy to drive results on your own schedule.
• Be Part of Something Bigger – We are small but powerful, and your expertise will help shape SMAG into a sustainable, long-term force for good.

Are You The Right Person?

• Experienced in grant writing and fundraising (UK & international applications)
• A natural storyteller who can craft compelling, fundable proposals
• A strategic thinker who can identify funding opportunities and develop long-term plans
• Self-directed and proactive—someone who doesn’t wait for instructions but drives action
• Passionate about humanitarian work, particularly in conflict zones and medical aid

This is Your Chance to Make a Real Difference,

If you’re looking for a meaningful, high-impact volunteer role where your skills directly translate into saving lives, we would love to hear from you.

Are you passionate about helping others and making a difference in your community? 

We're seeking dedicated Volunteer Home Library Drivers to bring the joy of reading to those who can't reach the library due to disability, illness, frailty, or caregiving responsibilities.

Join us as a Home Library volunteer driver, and together we can help even more people experience the joy and benefits of reading!

The Benefits of Reading: 

Reading is more than just a pastime—it’s a lifeline. It offers countless benefits, including:

• Mental Stimulation: Reading keeps the brain active, reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

• Emotional Well-being: Books can provide comfort, reduce stress, and improve mental health.

• Lifelong Learning: Reading helps individuals learn new things, keeping them engaged and curious.

• Social Connection: Sharing stories and discussing books can combat loneliness and build connections.

Unfortunately, many people in our community can't access these benefits due to physical limitations. 

That’s where you come in. As a Volunteer Home Library Driver, you’ll be directly supporting those who rely on these resources to maintain their quality of life.

What You’ll Do:

• Pick Up & Deliver: Collect library materials from a designated library and safely deliver them to clients’ homes.

• Regular Routes: Follow a 4-6 weekly rota, building familiarity with your route and the individuals you support.

• Support the Vulnerable: If you notice a client in need of additional help, you'll inform our Coordinator for further assessment.

About You

You will need: 

• Qualified driver status with a full, current UK driving license (maximum 6 penalty points) and access to own car. Mileage expenses covered.

• A friendly, approachable and positive attitude

• To be reliable, punctual and have the ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team

What We Offer:

Experience & Fulfilment: Gain practical experience and a sense of fulfilment in volunteering for a trusted charity with over 80 years’ experience.

Social Connection: Meet like-minded volunteers and join our welcoming team.

Flexible Hours: Volunteer 1 day per week (hours to be agreed) for a minimum of 3 months.

Diversity & Inclusion: At our organisation, we strive diligently to foster an environment of diversity and inclusion. We firmly believe in embracing individuals from all walks of life and encourage all to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Expenses Covered: We reimburse your travel costs (fuel, parking) so your volunteering is cost-free.

What Our Volunteers Say:

"Now that I am retired, volunteering gives me a purpose. I feel I can serve my community and make a difference to local people in difficulty. I learn a lot, use my skills, and discover new ones every day."- Volunteer

"I was a Doctor before I retired, and volunteering here is just as rewarding as working in a hospital. The work is fulfilling, and the team is fantastic!"- Volunteer

Join Us Today!

No experience is necessary – full training provided. An enhanced DBS check is required, which we will arrange and pay for on your behalf.

We are doing rolling recruitment of Home Library Drivers, but we urgently need volunteers now—so don’t delay, apply ASAP! Help us bring the life-changing benefits of reading to those who need it most. 

Apply today to join our team and become a Volunteer Home Library Driver! Your time can make a world of difference.

Being a Walk Leader involves a regular commitment as you will be taking responsibility for one of the main objectives of our group: leading a local walking group. With this in mind, these are the activities involved in being a Walk Leader: 

• Lead a local walking group, being a point of contact for the walking group participants. 
• Be able and willing to be facilitating a walking group at least once monthly
  • ​We understand that you may be working full-time and have a family life, so please consider carefully if this level of commitment is right for you,
  • You may only be able to commit to once a month; this is okay, as long as it can be the same day/time each month and this can be evenings or weekends, for example,
  • We want our Group Leaders to take ownership of this as long as it works for you and the participants who attend,
  • It is important that if for any reason you cannot make it to lead a walking group you are able to ensure there is someone able to step in for you.
• Being prepared to provide advice and guidance regarding any concerns, within the limitations outlined below (see section below on what volunteers should not do) 
• Being willing to interact with and, if needed, offer support to other Group Leaders 

Important thoughts on our volunteer roles 

MenWalkTalk has been set up to offer opportunities for men with mental health issues to come together and feel no pressure or stigma about discussing their issues with other men. 

Supporting men with mental health issues is at its core, and it may help you in your volunteering if you too have lived experience of a mental health problem, either personally or from a close relative or friend. It will also help if you have an open, non-judgemental attitude, and that you are able to adopt a positive, patient and supportive approach towards supporting people with mental health problems. 

We would like you understand that whatever role you are able to volunteer for, when representing MenWalkTalk volunteers should at all times behave in a professional, confidential and non-discriminatory manner at all times, and promote equal opportunities for all. 

What a MenWalkTalk Walk Leader should not do 

MenWalkTalk is about getting more people walking, benefiting from the physical, social and mental wellbeing benefits that come from walking and talking. 

Within their volunteer roles, MenWalkTalk Campaigners and Walk Leaders should not offer to provide individual or emergency support for people experiencing mental health problems or in crisis. There are lots of people and organisations who can help, and MenWalkTalk Campaigners and Walk Leaders will be provided with information and guidance on signposting anyone to access the necessary support. 

Similarly, unless they are qualified to do so MenWalkTalk Campaigners and Group Leaders won’t provide therapeutic or coaching advice. Again, you will be provided with information on directing anyone to the appropriate support. 

More About MenWalkTalk:

Mission

To provide support to any adult male, whether they may have experienced, or are experiencing, a mental health issue or not. To listen to them, support them, walk with them and signpost them to specialist support where appropriate.We want to raise the awareness of mental health issues that men currently face, promoting a better understanding of this area. 

Vision

“For men to feel able to speak out, feel heard, understood and supported. To promote a positive change in people’s lives through mutual support and advice”

Values

Welcoming; We understand it can be difficult, we are here for you. Approachable; We are available without judgement. Partnership; We understand there is strength in numbers and will support you to further support. Positive; We will try to find the positive in every situation.

Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC) is a small, independent rare disease charity competing for essential resources within an extremely competitive arena.

Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to the recognised voice for leukodystrophy patients and their families. In order to fulfil our charitable objectives we need to increase and sustain our corporate income levels.

Could you spare a few hours a week to help us?

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for volunteers, preferably with corporate fundraising experience to:

• research the corporate giving landscape and the interests of potential donors

• identify potential corporate donors and partners whose corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals align with our mission and values

• approach local and national businesses in person and over the telephone to inform them of the work of Alex TLC

• keep a record of all approaches

Time Commitment

• This role is flexible and can easily fit round your other commitments. 

Location of Volunteering

• Homebased

ABOUT YOU

• an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do

• access to a computer/laptop with an internet connection, and a printer

• basic understanding of the complexities of leukodystrophy

• excellent written skills

• excellent organisational and administrative skills

Benefits to you:

• Meeting and working with new people

• The ability to volunteer around your own commitments

• Learning new skills whilst having fun!

• Adding to your CV

• Helping those affected by leukodystrophies

We can only accept applications from UK residents.