Peer Support Volunteer Roles in Birmingham, West Midlands

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

Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?

Yes? We’d love to hear from you.

What is knus?

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

What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.

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

Are you over 18 and living in the UK?

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

Do you have a laptop?

A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.

How much time can you give?

A minimum of 3+ hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.

Do you like to learn?

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

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

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

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

Become a GamCare Online Peer Supporter

Make a difference by using your own experiences

For over 25 years, GamCare has been there for people experiencing gambling harms, whether that be people who gamble themselves or someone impacted by someone else’s gambling. We offer support over the phone, face-to-face or online and our treatment is free, flexible and confidential.

We are currently recruiting for Online Peer Supporters, to provide one-to-one and group support to both individuals who gamble and those affected by someone else’s gambling. Using their own experiences of gambling-related harms, volunteers will support others digitally as part of our Online Support Services and will include email support as well as facilitating our Forum and Chatrooms.

Full training and ongoing support will be provided to enable you to use your lived experience to work with our team as an Online Peer Supporter, providing support to all of those affected by gambling.

We believe that peer support is essential in the recovery journey. It provides:

• Shared understanding
• Reduces stigma
• A non-judgemental environment
• Practical insights and tools
• Continued motivation and hope

Our online platforms are designed to provide social connection to those who could be isolated or feel they have no one else to talk to. People accessing our services have identified that receiving support from someone who has had similar experiences can really benefit them when overcoming the challenges they may face on their recovery journey. It also provides a sense of community and belonging and contributes to the long-term support of those accessing these services.

Training

A comprehensive training programme will be delivered by our Lived Experience Volunteering team to provide you with the skills and confidence to use your experiences to support others while protecting your own recovery. Training includes:

• Safeguarding
• Motivational interviewing
• Facilitation skills

Role Responsibilities

Online Peer Supporters will:

• Navigate and guide contacts through existing services at GamCare and the National Gambling Support Network.
• Use motivational interviewing skills while drawing from their own lived experience to provide a supportive, non-judgemental space for those affected by gambling harms.
• Facilitate discussions via our online support services, including:

Email – you will be paired with an individual for regular email correspondence (up to 3 emails per week for 6 months)
Chatrooms – you will facilitate group discussions and supporting conversation between people at various stages of recovery
Forum – you will initiate discussions, respond to posts, and provide encouragement, signposting and support to forum users

• Help individuals set aims and goals to move to a more positive, sustained recovery whilst also providing resources to support people with these plans.
• Recognise the purpose and remit of our service and signposting to other internal and external support where appropriate.

What can I expect from GamCare?

In return, GamCare will:

• Provide a full, comprehensive induction and training programme
• Give you access to a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator
• Offer and arrange 1:1 and group supervision
• Fully support your own wellbeing and recovery journey
• Give ongoing training and development opportunities
• Provide access to some internal job opportunities within our services team
• Provide a reference after 3 months of regular volunteering

Role Requirements

For any of our volunteering roles we ask that you have lived experience of gambling-related harms. This includes being affected by someone else’s gambling (friend or family member).

We ask that you’ve been in positive, sustained recovery for at least one year before volunteering with us.

This role is completely remote, so you’ll need access to a reliable internet connection, a computer and a confidential space.

For full role requirements, please see the Role Profile on our website.

Please note that this role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please do not let that deter you from applying as all applications will be considered.

Availability & Commitment

We ask that you have availability at a regular time for around 1-2 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Before volunteering with us, you will need to complete a mixture of self-directed online training and live online group training sessions delivered by our Volunteer Coordinators over a period of approximately 4 weeks.

Full details of the induction, including the next available dates will be sent to you by a member of the team within one week of receiving your application.

About Us

We are the only national non-profit supporting people in the UK impacted by borderline personality disorder (BPD). We provide peer support, signposting, information and advice to individuals living with BPD, their families and carers. 

About the Role

Our busy support services team is seeking a reliable and organised volunteer to assist the signposting service. You will respond to queries from health and social care professionals and service users. In addition, you will provide administrative support to the team and processing referrals emailed into the service.

Responsibilities in this role include:

• Providing information and advice to health and social professionals and service users
• Processing new referrals
• Navigating and inputting information into our secure database, handling client data and sensitive information
• Explaining confidentiality to health and social care professionals and service users and seeking consent to store or share information where necessary
• Signposting and referring callers to appropriate alternative services as required

Who are we looking for?

The ideal volunteer will have:

• An understanding of the issues faced by people impacted by BPD, or willing to learn about this
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Good administrative and computer skills including proficient use of Microsoft Office
• A solid understanding of the importance of professional boundaries and confidentiality
• The ability to exercise a non-discriminatory, non-judgemental approach to supporting people
• A flexible approach to your work
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise

Please note you will need a DBS check (if you do not have one, we can do that for you)and two references for this role. 

What can you gain from this opportunity?

As part of this role you will have the opportunity to:

• Work as part of a national organisation to support people impacted by borderline personality disorder, and their families
• Develop skills in providing signposting, information and advice
• Gain knowledge of the support service options available to people in the UK
• Gain experience of multi-agency partnership working

We offer full volunteer induction and training, where you will be fully supported to understand, and carry out every aspect of the role. 

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for our volunteers. The service users we support come from all backgrounds and we want to reflect that in our volunteering team. We are happy to consider any adjustments you might need to support you in your role. If you would like to discuss this further with the volunteer team, please let us know. This will not affect your application.

Men Who Talk is a UK registered charity, running twice monthly online peer-to-peer support groups for men aged 18+ across the UK. The groups take places between 7:00 - 8:30pm during week nights.

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

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

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

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

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

Why Join MWT? 

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

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

As well as the opportunity to join the organisation at an exciting stage of it's development, volunteers also have the opportunity to develop their own skills and have regular chances to feed into the creative and strategic development of the organisation. 

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

Borderline Support UK CIC are a small non-profit organisation made up entirely of volunteers. We work to support people with borderline personality disorder through peer support groups, signposting, and more.

Lived experience isn’t necessary for this post, but it would be an advantage.

We are currently looking for enthusiastic and passionate Research Assistants who can dedicate a few hours a month to work on projects with Borderline Support UK. We aren’t looking for people with buckets of experience (although please apply if you do!), so no matter your experience we’d like to hear from you. The more Lived Experience voices we have on our team, the better!

Some of the projects we’re running at the moment are as follows:

• Under 18’s Resource Creation
• 18+ Resource Creation
• Social Media Content
• Support Services across the UK
• Lived Experience data collection

There will be scope to work on larger scale research projects in the future.

Parkinson’s changes lives. From the day of diagnosis, people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones need to know we’re by their side.

By 2024 Parkinson’s UK will provide personalised information, services and opportunities, from day one, to many more people affected by the condition. But, we need your help to do this.

If you're looking to meet new people and make a real difference in your local community, this role is for you. Leading the support group in Reigate, you'll help people affected by Parkinson's to draw on invaluable support from their peers.

You'll have a chance to use and develop your administrative, leadership and communication skills - supported by local staff, to develop a programme of activities for your group.

As part of recruitment, you will be asked to provide a reference for this role. Speak to your staff contact for more information.

Why we want you

Support groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. These groups need a leader, working with other staff and volunteers, to coordinate and arrange the activities the group will offer - from monthly talks, to yoga.

What you will be doing

• Act as a contact for local and UK office staff
• Arrange the group's programme of activities, including any outings
• Organise room booking and refreshments
• Working with staff and other volunteers to ensure the group runs in line with Parkinson's UK guidelines

The skills you need

• Strong administrative skills, communication and IT skills in order to ensure smooth running of the group
• Collaborative and team focused, as you will need to gather and distribute information to everyone involved
• A positive attitude to making things happen in the local community
• Motivated and reliable, with strong organisational skills in order to support the group
• Enthusiastic and friendly, as you will be representing both the local group and Parkinson's UK

What's in it for you

• You'll help people with Parkinson's in your community get connected to invaluable support from their peers
• Meet new people and make new friends, both in the group and in the local community
• Learn and develop valuable organisational, administrative and people skills

Disclaimer

It's important that people affected by Parkinson’s can trust us with their personal information. You would be handling personal or sensitive data, so by undertaking this role you'll need to complete our Advanced Data Protection training. Your Parkinson’s UK staff contact can help you do this. You will also be required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

Do you have great administration and IT skills and enjoy meeting new people? Want a flexible voluntary role that allows you to make a difference to peoples’ lives? Then read on!

We are looking for a Volunteer On-line Meeting Assistant to support the Head of Area (Central Region) with organising and preparing for monthly and quarterly virtual meetings, and on occasion events or conferences. 

You will be remote based at home, with some occasional travel for face-to-face meetings (expenses reimbursed), and ideally will be able to commit up to 4 hours per week to volunteering, during usual office hours Monday to Friday. 

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role.

What you will be doing as a Volunteer On-line Meeting Assistant

The majority of meetings are held virtually on-line via MS Teams.  You will support the Head of Area (and meeting Chair) by:

• Co-ordinating meeting invitations (via MS Teams), attendee registration and apologies
• Distributing documents in advance of meetings
• Take notes of the meeting and share these with attendees, eg, updating SharePoint
• General meeting support,  share any slides, launch polls and set up break out rooms as required during virtual meetings
• Co-ordinate and collate post event evaluations and feedback
• Develop and maintain information systems, eg, attendee contact details and distribution lists

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Experience of note taking
• Good listening & orgnisational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft office packages, Outlook and MS Teams
• Good time management skills and the ability to prioritise work
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Warm, friendly, empathetic and able to connect with people from a range of backgrounds

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

HeadsOut Imago group: Trans, Non-Binary Support Group – Volunteer Co-Facilitator

Imago is a peer support group for trans, non-binary and non-cisgender people offering a safe, identity affirming space for support to improve their mental health, emotional and social well-being and through community connection. Imago aims to support members with shared struggles and challenges that they may commonly face as non-cis people, to help them find and celebrate genuine joy and self-confidence. It meets every Wednesday between 7pm and 8:30 pm, currently online via Microsoft Teams.

This role includes:

· Working alongside a member of the HeadsOut Team

· Co-facilitating the weekly group

· Contributing to planned activities

· Participating in training and reflective practice sessions

Person Specification

· Ability to commit to 6 months of 2 hours a week on Wednesdays from 6.45pm-8.45pm (for the session and a team debrief)

· Experience of supporting people who are experiencing mental distress

· Good active listening skills and empathic engagement

· A non-judgemental approach

· Willingness to take initiative and facilitate a group of diverse individuals

 

Mental Health Volunteers for elop’s HeadsOut Service

HeadsOut is a strengths-based crisis prevention, intervention and wellbeing LGBT+ support service.

Our aim is to enhance people’s wellbeing and functioning by focusing on their strengths and resources, reinforcing resilience and enhancing protective external factors, including creating safe spaces, community connection, a sense of belonging, empowerment and affirmation. 

By joining the HeadsOut Team you will:

· Support people who experience mental distress

· Make a positive contribution to the LGBT+ community

· Be given relevant training and support

As a Digital Champion you will provide support to our clients who struggle with IT and monitor our online peer support platforms. You will need to understand the importance of digital literacy to our clients. There will be a ‘referral’ system from keyworkers and staff members who will identify clients in need of digital support, while monitoring our Fuse and Discord platforms will be an ongoing task.

To be successful in this role you will have excellent communication skills, IT skills and a true passion and commitment to supporting vulnerable people to address their support needs and fulfill their full potential. The Forward Trust is committed to tackling ‘digital exclusion’ within our client base.

ACCOUNTABILITIES 

Service Delivery – Client support tasks:

• Provide remote support for clients who struggle with IT.
• Helping to build clients confidence and self-esteem with using popular digital technology.
• Monitoring Forward’s online peer support platforms to safeguard clients from inappropriate content
• Raising awareness of online services and the support available locally.
• Build a trusting and supportive relationship with clients.
• Listen to the clients concerns and work with them to overcome those. 

Forward Fuse:

Fuse is an online ‘learning and knowledge’ platform. It combines elements of social media with e-learning. Forward Trust uses it for clients to share peer support and receive news of events, activities and services.

• Supporting the Forward Fuse platform as a moderator outside of normal staff working hours – monitoring content and comments for breaking of the Ground Rules, and encouraging engagement.

Discord:

Discord is a digital messaging platform on which Forward clients can safely chat with others who share similar objectives around recovery and self-growth, sharing support and combatting isolation in the process.

• Supporting the Discord platform as a moderator outside of normal staff working hours – monitoring messages for breaking of the User Agreement

Additional tasks:

• Support with web coding (if you have relevant experience)
• Engage in support and supervision provided.
• To keep a good record of your work, including reporting verbally to their supervisor and completing relevant forms.

This may vary depending on your specific team and time commitment.

EXPENSES

• Travel and lunch expenses will need to be pre-agreed with placement supervisor if travel is required.

TRAINING & INDUCTION

Induction training will be provided to the volunteer and will include the following:

• E-Learning:  
  • Data Protection/GDPR/PECR
  • Safeguarding – Knowledge
  • Health & Safety – Knowledge
  • Volunteer Induction – Organisational Awareness
• Digital Unite – available e-learning module and resources to help structure support sessions with clients
• A full induction to your team including placement specific policies and procedures.
• Additional volunteer training will be discussed and offered according to the need of the volunteer in placement.

QUALITIES 

Below is a list of the qualities that we are looking for from volunteers:

• Must be over 18 years of age.
• Ability to use computers and IT equipment.
• Confident to pass on digital skills in a friendly and supportive manner.
• Content Moderator – ability to evaluate content in line with content and policies.
• Web coding (preferable) – specific information needed.
• To have the ability to engage effectively with the client group.
• To have good verbal and written communication skills.
• To have a clear understanding and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• To have a clear understanding of how to set and maintain boundaries.
• To be able to communicate and actively listen to client’s concerns.
• To be able to treat clients in a positive and non-judgemental manner.
• To be committed to own learning and development.

About us

Established in December 2013, Betknowmore UK’s mission is to address gambling related harm in UK communities. We are the leading provider of gambling support and training services. We work tirelessly to raise awareness, deliver support services and, through education, create more understanding about gambling related harm. ‘We want people to be empowered, to live the life they want to lead.’ Read more about our values, strategy and impact.

We exist to provide support and training services that prevent and address personal and societal harms caused by gambling. Together we aim to raise awareness, deliver support services and, through education, create more understanding about gambling harm.

Today the charity is governed by a Board of Trustees and run by Betknowmore UK senior management. This is where you come in – we are currently recruiting new members for our Board of Trustees.

About you

We are seeking committed individuals who share our vision, mission and values to join our board. You do not need to have prior knowledge of gambling harms as training will be provided throughout the induction period. Previous experience as a trustee, although desirable, is not essential.

We are specifically looking for the skills in the following areas.

·Community Engagement/networking/influencing

·Legal

·Commissioning

·Research

·Finance

For more information about the duties of a trustee and the person specification please see the Role Description Pack below. We would love to hear from you if you have time, skills and experience to share.

How to apply

To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter outlining why you would like to become a trustee and how your skills and knowledge would be an asset to the charity. (details in jobpack)

Debt Justice is looking for a Treasurer to support our board to meet our financial responsibilities. Debt Justice is a UK based campaigning organisation that challenges poverty and inequality caused by unjust debt. In solidarity with global allies, we actively challenge the way that debt is used to sustain colonialism and exploitation in the global economy.  At the same time, we use a community organising approach to build the collective power of people with lived experience of debt in local communities across the UK. Our local groups bring people on the frontlines of economic injustice together to lead campaigns and win systemic change to tackle the household debt crisis.

As the Treasurer, you will play a key role in helping us fulfil our mission. You will also benefit from:

· Opportunities to make strategic decisions and develop new skills

· The chance to support an economic justice organisation campaigning in solidarity with people affected by debt in local communities and in the global south.

· Induction and training to help you in your role as Treasurer, including a nominated trustee-buddy to provide peer-support 

We are committed to equity, justice, diversity and inclusion across our work and this includes taking measures to support your application and your ability to participate in board meetings, including but not limited to:

· Any travel or childcare costs reimbursed

· The option of joining board meetings remotely

· Discussing your accessibility needs and making reasonable adjustments as needed

Experience of being a Treasurer is not essential. We are looking for someone who has skills in financial management and there is no requirement of any knowledge of campaigning, advocacy or communications. If you are interested in becoming a Treasurer for the first time, we'd be happy to talk to you about what it involves to help you make up your mind.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of background. We recognise that people face systemic oppression based on factors including their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age and disability and therefore we have a responsibility to centre anti-oppression in our work. We also recognise that people from certain backgrounds are under-represented in this sector and we are committed to addressing this in whatever way we can.

To express our commitment to achieving a more diverse board, we are aiming for 50% non-male board membership and 15% people of colour. We would particularly like to encourage applications from women and non-binary people, people of colour, people who identify as LGTBQIA, people with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions and people who identify as working class or have done in the past.

If you are not sure whether to apply, please get in touch and we would be more than happy to have a chat and answer any questions you may have.

About We Are Family 

We Are Family is an extraordinary peer support community for adopters and prospective adopters. We’re there for parents throughout their adoption journey. Online and in person, our parents’ groups, events, resources, podcasts and talks offer mutual support, information and inspiration to adopters and those considering adoption. We currently operate across Greater London and the Home Counties, with ambitions to scale nationally over the coming years. 

The Role

We Are Family is seeking to appoint a committed and motivated Company Secretary who will work closely with the Board of Trustees and play an active part in the governance of the organisation.

This is a voluntary opportunity with associated Trustee expenses -  such as travel / childcare -  covered by We Are Family.  The Company Secretary can be based anywhere in the UK. 

Commitment

• We Are Family typically holds four Board meetings per year

• In addition to being involved in Board meetings, the Secretary should expect to spend 8-10 hours each month on work related to the governance of the charity.

• The normal term of appointment for a Secretary is three years, after which there is the opportunity to renew for a further three-year period. 

Skills and Experience 

In this role you will:

• Work directly with the Chair and Deputy Chair to organise and plan for regular Board meetings, producing agendas and a supporting pack of Board papers

• Ensure minutes are taken at the Trustee Board meetings and circulated in a timely manner

• Take an active role in the governance of the Charity, ensuring that the company complies with its governing document, Charity Law, Charity Commission, and other relevant legislation

• Arrange for filings to be submitted to the Charity Commission in accordance with statutory deadlines

• Liaise with Committee Chairs to collect and distribute Committee meeting notes to the Board of Trustees 

• Maintain and update statutory records including annual returns, report, and accounts, and changes to the trustee membership.

This role would suit an individual with:

• Knowledge and experience of charity governance and management

• Experience in a compliance, risk or business management role

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Organisation skills, with the ability to work to deadlines

• Good IT skills, to include Zoom and Google Suite or MS Office.
   

Although many of our current Board members are adopters themselves, we are also keen to recruit suitably qualified people who are not, but who can demonstrate a commitment to the values and mission of We Are Family.

One of the great strengths of We Are Family is that we are volunteer and member driven, and we represent a diverse community of adoptive parents. We particularly welcome trustees from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to ensure that the board can benefit from this diversity of experience. We would also welcome single adopters to the board. 

To Apply 

If the opportunity to join an exciting, rapidly growing charity appeals to you as someone able to make a valuable contribution, please send us a copy of your CV and we will contact you with our Recruitment Pack.

Please note that applications are received and reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore an early application is advised.

Are you a passionate researcher who wants to make a real difference to the lives of animals and humans? We’re seeking talented experts to join our Scientific Advisory Panel and help us accelerate the development and adoption of non-animal research methods.

To reflect the diversity of technological approaches that replacing animals in science requires, we’re looking to grow our Scientific Advisory Panel and would like you to be part of it.

Our current panel is made up of 32 generous and talented professionals who give their time and expertise to help our mission: ensuring scientists use non-animal approaches in biomedical research and testing.

By volunteering on our panel, you’ll not only be a valued member of our charity, you’ll also have the opportunity to network with other experts, have your say on groundbreaking research, and influence real-world change.

“I feel very honoured to be part of this community. I hope I can support the charity in any way possible as I strongly believe we can at least greatly reduce the number of animals used in scientific research.” Current Scientific Advisory Panel member

The role: The main responsibilities of your role will include:

• Supporting the grant review process by undertaking peer review of grant applications.
• Advising and supporting the staff team in monitoring funded projects.
• Supporting our strategic goals of funding research, sharing information and creating change.
• Helping to champion FRAME’s mission and charitable purpose.

Estimated hours: Approx. ½ day – 4 days per year. We’ll need your expertise during late April to early May, and late September through October to review grant applications.

Experience desired: We’re looking for panel members with scientific research experience most likely from an industry or academic background. This experience may relate to basic, translational, applied research, or regulatory testing in any area that is, or would benefit from human-relevant methods. This includes areas where laboratory animals have been used historically or are still widely used today but non-animal approaches are now being developed. Our current panel includes experts from such varied fields as bone tissue engineering and metabolomics through to neuropharmacology and ecotoxicology, and we welcome applications from diverse specialisms. The greater the diversity, the better!

Please note: All applicants should hold a PhD and be a named author on at least one published paper in a relevant research area.

We are specifically seeking trustees with experience in the following areas:

• Income Generation
• Governance
• Finance
• Marketing and PR

A LITTLE ABOUT PANS PANDAS UK

PANS and PANDAS are complex neuro-psychiatric conditions which are frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed. PANS PANDAS UK are the only charity in the UK working to improve outcomes and ensure brighter futures for people affected by PANS and PANDAS.

We provide support and information to families and work tirelessly to inform medical practice by raising awareness at government levels, engaging with medical Royal Colleges and the NHS. In addition to this we work closely with health, social work and educational professionals as well as our European and International peer organisations.

We are a small group of trustees who are located around the UK. We work from home and have a warm, supportive, and positive culture. If you would like to join our friendly team, please download our Trustee Job Description.