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Volunteer Opportunities at Happy Smiles Training CIC

About Us
Happy Smiles Training is a multi-award-winning, disabled people's organisation based in the North West. With over 90% of our team being disabled people, we are passionate about creating inclusive communities through lived experience-led training and advocacy. We work with schools, community groups, businesses and more – challenging stigma, raising awareness and building a more inclusive society.

Role Title: Volunteer (Flexible Role Based on Skills and Interests)
Location: In-person (Wigan Borough and surrounding areas) and/or Remote
Time Commitment: Fully flexible – you choose your availability
Reporting To: Volunteer Coordinator 

Purpose of the Role

We’re looking for passionate individuals to support our mission in a way that works for them. Whether you bring creativity, organisation, tech skills or lived experience of disability, there’s a place for you on our team. This is a chance to be part of a movement led by disabled people, making real social impact across communities.

What You Could Be Doing

Depending on your skills, interests and availability, volunteer roles may include:

• Trainer with Lived Experience of Disability: Join our team of Inclusion Champions to co-deliver engaging training sessions across schools, businesses and community settings. Share your story, help break down barriers and inspire change. Training and ongoing support provided.

• Event Support: Help deliver training sessions and community events, supporting trainers with set-up, accessibility and participant engagement.

• Creative Media & Content Creation: Support with video editing, graphic design, social media content or photography to help spread our message.

• Admin & Organisation: Assist with behind-the-scenes tasks such as scheduling, emails, minute-taking or managing documents.

• Fundraising & Campaigning: Help us raise funds and awareness by organising local events, supporting campaigns or writing funding applications.

• Digital Support: Provide IT or accessibility support for our virtual sessions or help us improve our digital platforms.

• Research & Impact: Assist in gathering feedback, analysing data or helping us report on the social impact of our work.

• Wellbeing & Peer Support: Offer friendly peer-to-peer support, help with community connection or support our team’s wellbeing activities.

What We’re Looking For

There’s no single type of volunteer we’re after – if you’re enthusiastic about inclusion and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! You might have:

• A passion for disability rights, inclusion and social change

• Skills in communication, admin, creativity, tech or training

• Personal or professional experience related to disability – especially lived experience

• A desire to learn, grow and contribute to a values-driven team

All roles are flexible and can be adapted to meet access needs and availability.

What You’ll Get in Return

• A warm welcome into a supportive and empowering team

• Experience working within a leading disabled people's organisation

• Opportunities to develop skills, confidence and connections

• Recognition through regular volunteer spotlights and celebration events

• Reimbursement for pre-agreed expenses

• Full induction and training relevant to your role

• Flexible hours and support tailored to your needs

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and particularly encourage disabled people and people with lived experience of disability to get involved – your voice matters here.

Location: Remote
Job type: Volunteer
Hours: Approx 6 per week

What will you be doing?

Join us as a Volunteer Content Editor & Community Storyteller at Long Covid Support. You’ll shape clear, compassionate messages that empower thousands of people living with Long Covid-right from your home. With your strong editing and writing skills, you’ll make a direct contribution to our cause by refining how we inform, support, and inspire both our community and the wider public. You’ll edit, proofread, and occasionally draft a variety of content, including website pages, blogs, newsletters, reports, policy briefings, and campaign materials.

What are we looking for?

You’re a confident writer and editor with a keen eye for detail, able to adapt tone and style to suit diverse audiences. You thrive on meeting deadlines and managing your own time remotely, and you’re passionate about using clear, inclusive language to support our community. Ideally, you’ll bring experience from health related charities or a lived-experience led setting, though this is desirable rather than essential.

What difference will you make:

By volunteering with Long Covid Support, you will directly influence public understanding of Long Covid. Your work will help thousands find reliable information, connect with peers, and ensure their voices shape research and services.

Key Responsibilities:

* Edit and refine newsletters, website copy, reports, policy briefings, and campaign materials so they’re accurate, engaging and accessible

* Write short blogs, community updates, and summaries that bring our stories to life

* Maintain and share editorial guidelines to keep our tone consistent and inclusive

* Collaborate with our teams to ensure every message supports our mission and values

Application Process:

Please submit a CV, and a brief writing sample demonstrating how you meet the criteria.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We actively encourage applications from all individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of Long Covid.

Ready to use your editing expertise for a cause that matters? Make your mark on a vital cause and apply today!

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Helping with event preparation

· Manning checkpoints

· Walking support

· First-aid support

· Marshals

· Support drivers

· Helping with community stalls

We are looking for people who are:

· Warm and non-judgemental

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Good team players, able to work with other staff/volunteers

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

We can offer you the following:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

About Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are:

Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and research.

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Asking people you know who might be willing to have a collection box in their business

· Approaching local businesses to display the boxes and collect loose change from their customers

· Building and maintaining relationships with your box holders to inspire loyalty and encourage people to continue giving year after year

· Collecting the boxes in your area as and when required and taking to your YBTC contact

We are looking for people who are:

· Have a warm, friendly and confident outlook

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Are creative and imaginative – spotting opportunities to boost your distribution

· Are well organised and enjoy meeting new people

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

We can offer you:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are Integrity, Compassion, Community, & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and

research.

Trustee

Trustee Recruitment - Lead with Purpose: Become a Trustee and Help Achieve a Life Unlimited. 

Your experience. Your voice. Your impact.

At Cystic Fibrosis Trust, we believe in a world where everyone with cystic fibrosis (CF), can live a life unlimited — and we’re inviting passionate individuals to join us on this powerful journey.

This is more than a governance role — it’s an opportunity to help guide strategic decisions that impact lives, influence national initiatives, and accelerate progress for a community that deserves nothing less than a brighter future.

Location: Remote / hybrid
Commitment: Flexible, approx. one day per month
Positions available: Multiple
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About us

Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to uniting for a life unlimited for everyone with CF – one of the most common life-limiting genetic conditions.

Our team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and Trustees works alongside people affected by CF to fund life-changing research, promote world-class clinical care, and provide essential advice and support.  We champion a community that is united by strength, compassion, and hope.

Our work relies on the generous donations of our supporters.

About the role

As a Trustee, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our vision, values, and strategic direction, developing our aims, objectives, and goals. Your leadership will help us make decisions that matter, and your voice will help steer us toward a stronger, inclusive future.  Trustees typically serve a three-year term, with the option to continue for a second.

This is a voluntary role (unpaid), but reasonable expenses can be claimed for travel to attend meetings in person.

Time Commitment: up to one day a month on average, comprised of preparation for and attending meetings, away days and Trust related activities

Who are we looking for?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Due to our normal rotational retirements and trustee terms of office we have several vacancies.  We are keen to increase the representation of people with lived experience of CF and are particularly interested in applications from all people who can offer professional skills and experience in:

• finance and accountancy
• legal practice/law
• fundraising and income generation
• marketing and communications
• data and digital strategies
• basic science research
• non-clinical CF professions (e.g. psychology or social worker)

As part of our long-term succession planning, we would also welcome interest from candidates who may be open to taking on additional Board leadership responsibilities in the future, e.g. Chair, treasurer, or committee roles.

The cystic fibrosis community is diverse, encompassing people of all ages and backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that this diversity is reflected on our Board. We are especially interested in hearing from those with lived experience of CF, disabled individuals, and candidates from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, as well as LGBTQI individuals. We value fresh perspectives and encourage applications from first-time trustees.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of people affected by cystic fibrosis.
• Engage with dynamic peers who are driven, forward-thinking, passionate and purpose-led.
• Help drive an inspirational mission that blends science, support, and community.
• Play a critical role in shaping our strategic direction, ensuring robust governance, and championing equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Gain valuable experience in governance and strategic planning.
• Use your expertise to fuel lasting change.

 
If you are passionate about making a difference for people with cystic fibrosis, this is your moment.  Please get in touch.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Please download the Trustee Recruitment Pack for more information about the role and how to apply or click the button above “Redirect to the recruiter”

Important Dates

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 20 August 2025 
First interview: Week commencing 8 September 2025
Second interview: Week commencing 15 September 2025

REF-222468

This is an opportunity to become Chair of a Charity which has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. If you are someone who is looking to make a “real difference” for mothers/birthing people and their families facing one of the most challenging and unexpected periods of their lives, then we would like to hear from you.  We are also looking for a Chair who can lead and “harness” the range of skills present within our existing Board members, who come with a range of experience.

Now into our second decade as a charity, it is exciting time to join Mummy’s Star as the Chairperson. We have broadened the conversation about cancer and pregnancy nationwide, and internationally too despite our small stature. We now must sustain what we have built and help take the charity to that next level where we can elevate the voices of those we support, so that their needs are not only understood, but are also prioritised and used to inform policy and planning.

 Volunteer Opportunity: Writer / Journalist / Storyteller

Help Us Tell Stories That Matter – Join SayAphasia

Do you believe stories can change lives?
Can you listen with empathy, write with heart, and give voice to those often unheard?
SayAphasia is looking for a volunteer writer / journalist / storyteller to help shine a light on the lived experiences of people with aphasia — a communication disorder that affects a person’s ability to use language.

What You'll Do:

• Interview people with aphasia and their families

• Craft meaningful articles and blog posts

• Collaborate with our team to research and gather stories

• Help raise awareness of aphasia

• Support our mission to create a more inclusive, understanding world

 What We’re Looking For:

• A personable, empathetic and patient communicator

• Strong writing, interviewing, or journalism skills

• Curiosity and willingness to learn about aphasia

• A flexible, open mind and an inclusive approach

• Commitment to completing a short induction course on communicating with people who have aphasia

This is perfect for you if:

• You're a journalist, blogger or writer looking to make an impact

• You’re passionate about people, inclusion, and human stories

• You want to build your portfolio while doing good

Additional Creative Skills Welcome:

Are you skilled in videography, photography, or audio recording?

We’d love to harness your talents to bring stories to life in multimedia formats — short films, audio clips, photo essays and more. Visual and sound storytelling can be especially powerful when working with individuals who communicate in different ways.

Why Volunteer?

• Build your portfolio with real-world impact

• Learn from a caring community and support network

• Be part of a mission-driven charity, led by people with aphasia

• Spread empathy and amplify voices that are often overlooked