Peer Support Volunteer Roles in Guildford, Surrey
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We are a volunteer-run organisation whose aim is to ensure that everybody impacted by borderline personality disorder is supported in their recovery.
Peer support is about sharing your lived experience of mental health struggles with other people with the hope of providing, support, encouragement, and validation that you understand what they are going through, that they are not alone in their feelings and circumstance. We believe that peer support is an important part of the recovery journey, as it provides a space for support, shared understanding, helps reduce stigma and fosters motivation and hope.
We run several online peer support groups each month for people living with borderline personality disorder and are seeking compassionate and empathetic people to co-facilitate the groups. All groups are facilitated by two peer support workers, and follow a semi-structured pattern. Our groups include:
- Women-only
- Men-only
- 18 to 25s
- LGBTQIA+
- Mixed
- Family
As a volunteer, you will receive comprehensive training, accessible online. We also provide ongoing supervision, support to ensure that you can effectively support others while prioritizing your own recovery. The training covers various areas such as peer support, communication, safeguarding, and facilitation skills.
Role description
- to co-facilitate a support group of 10-15 people on a fortnightly/monthly basis
- to provide support in a group peer support setting
- to share own experiences without taking away from the others persons current feelings and situation
- to use active listening and personal experiences to reassure and validate group members
- to enable and encourage service users to find out resources and local services
- to encourage wellbeing and recovery
Person specification
- Lived experience of mental health
- Able to use own experiences openly while maintaining strong boundaries
- Access to a reliable internet connection, a computer with webcam, and a confidential space.
- Commitment to our aims and mission
Availability and Committment
We ask that you have availability 2-3 hours per month for a minimum of 6 months. Our groups are held on mid-week evenings and Sunday evenings.
How to apply
Please submit a cover letter with your application, detailing your relevant experience. Please also indicate which specific group you are interested in co-facilitating if you have a preference.
Diversity Statement
We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills and views. The more inclusive we are, the more people we can support. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Please note that you must be a UK resident with the right to live and work in the UK. This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
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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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Safe Space is a local hub for anyone who feels they are nearing crisis point. We are here to listen to what you need and work with you to help. This might be strategies to help you cope in the moment, a range of activities we provide free of charge, resources to take away or connecting you with practical local services. We offer face to face, telephone and video-conference support. As a part of this, we are looking for volunteers to offer peer led support to individuals who may access our service. This includes a variety of tasks, such as devising and facilitating peer led workshops with clients, supporting with 1:1 sessions, and completing administrative tasks.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has lived experience of mental health/social crisis
- Preferably have had experience working with people who experience poor mental health
- Are comfortable with co-producing and facilitating peer led workshops
- Might be willing to take over running the workshops by themselves over time
- Are willing to actively participate with clients 1:1 and in group settings
- Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities within the Safe Space Team
Time commitment and expenses:
- 5 hours per week, during our opening hours of 12–5pm. Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s) on your application.
- We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity, and volunteering in Safe Space is an opportunity to experience and get involved in crisis support. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role Description:
Nova Roots is a new out of hours community space for women 18+ leaving forensic mental health services, open 3 days a week; every Weds, Sat & Sun. We offer a safe, warm, non-judgemental social environment for women to build meaningful connections and have access to free activities and resources.
As a peer volunteer, your role will be to support individuals using a peer approach by co-facilitating peer-led workshops, offering emotional and social support. By doing this, it provides an opportunity for service users to develop and manage meaningful and purposeful choices in an independent and empowered way.
Please be aware that if you are invited to interview you will be asked to complete a self-declaration form covering your criminal record or any information that would make you unsuitable to work with the vulnerable parties associated with this role, i.e. vulnerable adults and/or children and young people.
It is not necessary to disclose anything at this time. Please do not include any such information when applying at this stage.
The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account.
Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.
We are looking for someone who
- Has lived experience of being in prison / mental health wards / rehab and recovery communities
- Are a non-judgemental and friendly individual
- To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
- To feel comfortable engaging with women with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk
- Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding forensic leavers and their experiences
- Are willing to tap into their lived experiences and use their stories to inspire hope in others when appropriate
- Are comfortable with co-producing and co-facilitating peer led workshops
- To assist the Forensic Project Coordinator in the daily running of the Forensic Women’s hub
- Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities within the Forensic Women’s Hub
Time commitment and expenses:
- Flexible hours (shifts to be confirmed). Evening and Weekend availability is required. We are looking for someone to commit to a minimum of at least 1 day a week: Wed, Sat or Sun.
- We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity, and volunteering in Safe Space is an opportunity to experience and get involved in crisis support. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We provide peer support to people living with borderline personality disorder, through our online groups which are run throughout the month. As well as general support groups, we also have specialist groups for men-only, women-only, LGBTQIA+, young people and families. Our team of volunteer peer support workers, many with lived experience, co-facilitate the groups.
We are looking for a friendly and compassionate counsellor to provide monthly group supervision sessions, and 1:1 sessions where necessary, to ensure our team of peer support workers are fully supported throughout their time volunteering with us.
Main duties
- To provide monthly group supervision (online, via Teams) for the peer support workers
- To provide 1:1 support if needed (online, via Teams)
- To regularly check in with the peer support workers by email
- Highlight any areas of concern to the leadership team
- Maintain and record accurate and up to date records
Personal specification
- a minimum of level 4 in counselling/psychotherapy or equivalent
- registered with a professional body such as BACP or UKCP
- a minimum of 100 client contact hours
- experience of safeguarding and confidentiality
- excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- able to work independently
- confident working with people from diverse backgrounds/cultures
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Service: Perinatal Support for Partners Service
This is a service that offers fathers and non-birthing parents, who’s partner is being supported by the West London perinatal mental health service, an evidence-based 1:1 assessment to support their mental health and wellbeing. The service signpost partners to relevant services (including a PSFP peer support group).
Role Description:
To support our PSFP Service with a variety of tasks such as conducting a 1:1 assessment, (which includes onboarding to the service), co-facilitating monthly peer support groups, signposting and helping partners to access other organisations, taking care of our inbox emails and other administrative duties.
You can download a PDF of the full role description below.
Main responsibilities:
To work closely with our PSFP caseworker supporting referral enquires & service-users in accessing this service. Co-facilitating a monthly peer support group.
Tasks:
- To answer emails and enquiries for the service within our service level agreements
- Triage clients for the service through an onboarding process.
- Co-facilitate a monthly peer support group
- Provide support to our PSFP caseworkers, as and when needed
The type of person we are looking for is:
We welcome applications from those completing studies in Psychology, Counselling/Psychotherapy, or any Allied Health Profession with a focus on supporting those with mental health needs. However, your attitude, motivation, and commitment are just as important as your training/qualifications, or any previous experience. We will review all applications individually and assess them on their unique merits, so do not be discouraged from applying if you do not meet all the criteria listed below. We encourage applications from those with lived experience of mental health problems, as well as those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Essential:
- An interest in supporting those with mental health needs to access PSFP
- An appreciation of the complex factors that can precipitate, maintain, and exacerbate mental health problems
- Good oral and written communication skills (including listening skills); the ability to communicate in a patient, considered, and empathetic manner
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to follow administrative procedures
- A team player who is willing to chip in and work reflexively, responding to the challenges that arise from working in a dynamic environment
- IT skills – able to update spreadsheets, use web-based applications, video-conferencing software, and Microsoft Office applications.
Desirable:
- Customer Service experience, including with friends and family
- Experience of supporting people with mental health needs, in a voluntary, paid, or personal capacity, (i.e., friends and family)
- Previous involvement with local community groups/networks
- Awareness of the cultural barriers that may exist to seeking mental health support
Time commitment and expenses:
- 6 hours per week, during our core hours of 10am - 4pm.
- Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s)/time(s) on your application
- We request a minimum commitment of 3 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction
- We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed
Why Volunteer at Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, and Hounslow (HFEH) Mind?
Volunteering at HFEH Mind is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the work of a leading national mental health charity. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will be treated as a core member of the team from day one and be surrounded by supportive and knowledgeable colleagues fighting for mental health.
What’s in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering opportunities have been a route into paid employment within our organisation for many of our previous volunteers. However, the skills and experiences you will gain are likely to support applications for paid employment within the sector more broadly, as well as further training and education opportunities (e.g., Business courses, social work, mental health qualifications).
We are keen to foster the individual strengths and interests of volunteers. With the support of the PSFP Team, we will work with you to ensure that your volunteering experience is meaningful and valuable, whilst balancing the requirements of delivering the service.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role Description:
This role sits within our new mental health Prevention Hub - which is a drop-in service providing a safe and welcoming space for people who are feeling distressed, seeking support and advice for their mental health, there and then. This service is a 9 month pilot project and will initially operate 11am-7pm Monday-Friday, however there may be a need to cover weekends/late nights, depending on the need of our clients.
Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face or via telephone on a one-to-one or group basis to individuals experiencing mental health distress. This will consist of 1:1 support; de-escalating and providing interventions, signposting for specialised or longer-term support, and delivering collaborative self-management plans with clients to improve mental wellbeing. The aim of this service is to de-escalate, and provide holistic wellbeing plans.
We are looking for someone who
- Has lived experience of mental health challenges
- Are a non-judgemental and friendly individual
- To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
- To feel comfortable engaging with people with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk
- Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding mental health
- Are willing to tap into their lived experiences and use their stories to inspire hope in others when appropriate
- Are comfortable with co-producing and co-facilitating peer led workshops
- To assist the Prevention Hub Coordinator with admin and planning
- Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities
Time commitment and expenses:
- Flexible hours between 11am-7pm Monday-Friday. We are looking for someone to commit to a minimum of at least 1 /2 days a week.
- We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
A unique opportunity to support members of the Hounslow community reconnecting with nature and people around them. Could you be a Nature Buddy?
The Let's Go! Nature Buddies project takes referrals from the NHS Community Recovery Service as well as early-stage Alzheimer and falls-prevention services - part of a movement towards healthcare aimed at the overall wellbeing of an individual.
As a Nature Buddy volunteer, you will support people who are at risk of social isolation in their transition from 1-1 walks with members of our team in nature, into smaller group settings. It's a role for volunteers who love being outdoors and care about people. You'll work with our friendly, committed team who will provide training, guidance and support for you.
This is an opportunity to meet and help new people, get outdoors and discover green space, get experience in a new setting, and be part of an amazing group of volunteers who have a shared passion for community wellbeing.
If this sounds like a role for you, and you want to commit to the project, get in touch.
We want to hear about you, and why you want to be a Nature Buddy.
Skills and Qualifications: No special qualifications or experience needed. Volunteers should be understanding, patient, empathetic and enthusiastic about the benefits of outdoor environments. We will provide a Disclosure & Barring Service screening which must be clear.
Training and Support: You will be given induction training into the various aspects of the work. You will receive ongoing training as well as peer support at volunteer meetings. Nature Buddies are a local network of similarly-motivated people who help each other too!
Reimbursement and Expenses: We want to reduce barriers to volunteering. We reimburse out-of-pocket expenses to our volunteers: • Reasonable transport expenses • Light refreshments
Benefits to the Volunteer: A fantastic personal learning and development opportunity. Rewarding activity directly helping people at risk of isolation to engage with outdoor spaces and make new friends. Make a difference to someone who needs your support and wants to be part of this exciting innovative programme. Ideal opportunity to gain experience in social care and environmental sectors. Regular access to enjoying time outdoors in company, visiting the amazing nature in our boroughs. Join a small friendly team and develop your skills.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: If you have specific physical or other access needs that you would like to discuss with us, we welcome conversation to ensure you can benefit from this role.
Feel free to use the form on this website or email us directly to apply. We want to hear from you!
We engage with local green spaces and nature to support and enhance the lives of our communities in Richmond, Hounslow, and the Crane Valley.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
You can find out more about us here.
The Role
We are looking for new trustees to strengthen and enhance our board. The key responsibilities of the role include, governance, overseeing policy and direction, financial oversight and assisting with the leadership and general promotion of We Are Family to support the organisation’s Vision, Mission, Values and needs.
This is a voluntary opportunity with associated Trustee expenses - such as travel / childcare - covered by We Are Family. Trustees can be based anywhere in the UK.
Commitment
Trustee capacity to devote the time needed for the following is essential:
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4 Board meetings per year
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2 Board away days per year (on a Saturday)
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Membership of at least one sub-committee (which also meet 4 times a year)
We estimate 8-10 hours for the charity per month. The duration of membership for a new Board member is for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of appointment for a further three year term.
Skills and Experience
All applicants should be able to demonstrate the following:
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Be able to show high levels of professionalism and an ability to work collaboratively with others, including Trustees, our core team and the wider Volunteer network at We Are Family
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Be well-organised, with good written and verbal communication skills.
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Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. A thorough induction, and further trustee training as appropriate, can be provided.
We are particularly interested candidates with the following experience:
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Working as a professional with or in the adoption sector,
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Advocacy and/or research work;
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Finance/charity finance
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Leadership within a charity
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Education
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Legal.
Although many of our current trustees 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 get in touch!
Refer to our job ad for the Applications email address and email our team. If you would like an informal conversation about the opportunity, please let us know.
Please note that applications are received and reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore an early application is advised.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Bipolar UK was originally formed in the 1980s as a local support system for the community by the community. Our first meeting was held in 1983 and since that day Bipolar UK has supported people living with the condition and their loved ones. Our aim is to enable everyone affected by bipolar to live well.
Each year we support thousands of individuals through our range of peer support services, which include:
- Peer Support Groups (in-person and online)
- A call-back Peer Support Line
- Our eCommunity
In the years ahead, providing peer support services will remain central to everything we do. This vital work is only possible because of volunteers such as yourself.
How volunteers support us
We couldn’t exist without the amazing support of our dedicated team of volunteers. They help us by giving us key insights from our community. They also provide hands-on support so we can run a significant network of peer support groups and a one-to-one peer support line via telephone and email.
Thanks to the incredible collaboration between our staff team and our volunteers we currently empower approximately 1,000 people a month to stay well, and we have the ambition to reach thousands more.
Our commitment to volunteers:
We want you to get the most out of volunteering with us and we take our responsibility towards you very seriously.
To support you, we will:
- Provide clear descriptions for our volunteering roles
- Treat volunteers fairly and in accordance with the Bipolar UK Equal Opportunities policy
- Ensure volunteers’ information is kept securely and in accordance with Bipolar UK Privacy policy, the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR
- Keep volunteers informed of relevant changes, including to policies and staff
- Provide appropriate training and support to encourage and develop volunteers in every role
- Work collaboratively with all our volunteers to improve the services we deliver, identifying training needs and providing additional learning
- Ensure our volunteering practices are compliant with current and relevant legislation
- Reimburse agreed out of pocket expenses in line with Bipolar UK’s policy and guidance
- Celebrate and recognise all our volunteers’ successes and ongoing contributions to the charity
- Support aspirations to upskill with relevant training and development
Training and development
All volunteers are given an induction and training relevant to their role before they begin volunteering so they can feel confident to carry out their tasks. Training is an ongoing commitment for both Bipolar UK staff and volunteers. Training sessions are usually held by the Bipolar UK team, although external training will be given whenever relevant and appropriate.
Who can volunteer?
As part of the volunteer recruitment process, we ask you to complete an application form. We will then invite you for an informal phone interview and ask you to provide two referees.
Roles within Bipolar UK are subject to an enhanced DBS check. The information gathered throughout this process helps us to make an informed decision about whether the volunteering role is right for you, as well as following our safeguarding procedures.
Skills and experience
We look for people who:
- Communicate well
- Enjoy teamwork
- Are able to adapt and willing to learn
- Are reliable, punctual and good at time management
- See situations with objectivity and compassion
- All our volunteers must be 18 or older.
Bipolar UK will make sure that people are judged on their ability and potential, not on their background and situation. We will seek to treat people fairly, regardless of visible and non-visible differences such as mental health, health, gender, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religious beliefs or practices, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability, age, family/marital status, social background, pregnancy or potential pregnancy, caring responsibilities, spent criminal convictions or trade union affiliation.
We appreciate that these differences will contribute to diverse experiences of life, attitudes, values, and ways of thinking and communicating - and that these different perspectives can make a valuable contribution to our work.
What we ask of volunteers:
We ask that all volunteers commit to a minimum of two to four hours a week for our phone/email service or up to 4 hours per month for our support groups, for at least six months wherever possible.
We expect all volunteers to attend regular training as part of role development and progression, and to abide by our policies and guidelines. A commitment to our mission and values is imperative, along with a desire to make a difference to those affected by bipolar. All volunteers represent the charity and must always remain professional when interacting with the public and external services.
Volunteers should:
- Have personal experience of bipolar if the role requires it
- Display empathy and understanding of the needs of others
- Understand and remain conscious of their own needs, including managing their own wellbeing
- Communicate effectively with the team
- Be always respectful of others, in line with Bipolar UK policies
- Have basic IT skills and computer literacy
Our volunteering roles:
- Support Group Co-facilitator (online)
- Support Group Co-facilitator (in-person)
- Support Group Administrator
- Peer Support Line Volunteer
- Media Ambassador
- Fundraising Assistant
- Events Assistant
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The role in a nutshell:
In this volunteer role, you will be based at home and helping older people via the telephone to access and connect with services locally or nationally. Through research and making telephone calls on the older person’s behalf, your input and support will help empower them to become more confident and less isolated.
What will you be doing?
The role of a Connect and Support Service Volunteer is incredibly varied and always person-centred. On one day you may be supporting an older person to feel less lonely, encouraging them to meet other people by finding out about social activities, making connections, and checking with them that all's gone well. The next you may be organising transport for someone with mobility problems to ensure they can benefit from their local day centre or lunch club. Someone else might benefit from your support in helping them to find a trusted gardener or handyperson so they can maintain their home. Or, you might make a call on someone’s behalf if they don’t feel confident to do so themselves. For others, you might highlight the support that their local Age UK, or similar organisation can offer may be all they need. No day is the same in this vital role!
How would you be supported in this role?
As part of the Connect and Support Service Team, you will receive full training and undertake an induction to ensure you feel confident in your new role as a Connect and Support Service Volunteer. We will provide access to regular check-in and support sessions with the team as well as a peer support network with other volunteers. Age UK will also reimburse you for agreed expenses you incur related to the role.
Why do we need volunteers in this role?
Volunteers enable the Connect and Support Service to reach a greater number of older people in need of support and to provide additional time and focus using their range of experience and skills.
Additional information:
Volunteering in this role must take place between Monday and Friday, 9am – 5pm.
What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?
Older people are at the heart of everything we do at Age UK. While full training and ongoing support are provided to enable you to excel in this role, having a pre-existing understanding of some of the challenges people in later life may face, along with an awareness of the services and support that may be available to them will be particularly useful. In addition, effective verbal and written communication and IT literacy are important in this role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.”
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.