Person To Person Volunteer Volunteer Roles in Manchester

Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses, coaches and empowers unemployed women for success at their job interview. After visiting Smart Works, 63% of clients secure a job within a month, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.

The Smart Works service is delivered in 11 centres across the UK. Over the past ten years, Smart Works has helped over 35,000 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre. More information about who we are can be found on our website.

In April 2022, Smart Works launched a new Three-Year Plan that will see the charity double the number of women helped annually from 5,000 to 10,000 women a year. To achieve this, we will grow our existing centres and open new centres in areas of need. We are well on the way to achieving our goals. 

About This Role

An opportunity for a young person, with little or no previous Board experience, is now available to join our Group Board as a Young Person Trustee. Smart Works is led by a Group Board of passionate and dedicated Trustees, as well as the Trustees of six local Boards across the country, who are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of Smart Works. The position has been created in the interests of reflecting our own client base (data tells us that young women aged 16-24 are the most challenged when it comes to finding employment), as well as our responsibility to train the next generation of Trustees for our sector.

“Over the last 10 years, Smart Works has grown from an unerring passion to support unemployed women into work, into a dynamic and successful charity transforming the lives of women and communities across the UK,” says Smart Works Chair Julietta Dexter. “New members of the Board will have a key role to play in ensuring that Smart Works continues to deliver our ambitious targets for growth, whilst ensuring that we meet and exceed the expectations of our clients. We look forward to welcoming a young voice to our discussions: the role of Trustee is hugely rewarding, challenging and enjoyable in equal measure.”

For more information on the Trustee position, please find the full role profile attached.

How to Apply

Please apply via our website.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview after 20th September. The process will be led by the Nominations Committee. There will be a shortlisting process followed by two rounds of interviews with formal approval to take place at the Board meeting in October. 

References and a Basic DBS check will be taken up prior to appointment. 

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled candidates, and candidates with lived experience of female unemployment as we would like to increase the representation of these groups at Smart Works. Smart Works promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching the Charity's needs with the skills and experience of candidates. These decisions are made irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. 

At Smart Works we will apply suitable measures to keep your information secure in accordance with our Privacy Policy (a current version of which is available on our website)

Joining elop’s youth mentoring team, you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who values and appreciates volunteers and the benefit of supporting LGBTQ+ young people.

LGBTQ+ Person of Muslim Faith Youth Mentor Role Description

You will be an integral part in supporting young LGBTQ+ people of Muslim faith or from Muslim faith backgrounds with issues related to their lived experience. elop is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all volunteers to share this commitment.
In order to do this you will need to undertake an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check and provide two references.
Our Mentoring Volunteers provide support and are role models to the young people we work with, and must be responsible, reliable and committed to the mentoring relationship. You will need to be good at communicating, enthusiastic and have a desire to help LGBTQ+ young people.
Previous experience of working with young people would be beneficial but is not essential. No formal qualifications are required. You will need to commit to meeting with three young people on a one-to-one basis each for an hour a week for 6 months. This could be online or face to face in a designated location. Selection for interview will be based only on the information contained in the application form. When completing the application form please ensure that you include information about yourself that is relevant to these requirements
Volunteer LGBTQ+ Person of Muslim Faith Youth Mentors Role Description Duties and skills

Have relevant experience and training to support young people aged 12 - 24 in a 1:1 capacity.

Understand the issues and lived experience of young LGBTQ+ people of Muslim faith or from a Muslim faith background.

Have the ability to be non-judgemental, listen and support, and create a safe space for young LGBTQ+ people of faith or from faith backgrounds to achieve positive outcomes from mentoring.

•

Have the ability to plan and deliver mentoring sessions to support a young person with individual needs related to their identity.

Have the ability to set professional boundaries with young LGBTQ+ people in 1:1 settings and adhere to elop policies particularly safeguarding and confidentiality.

Have the ability to accurately record written notes for mentoring sessions and admin for the role as necessary.

You must be LGBT+ and identify/have previously identified as a person of faith to apply for this role. In addition, all volunteers need to meet the minimal essential requirements for the volunteering at elop.

1. Applicants should have lived experience of the issues faced by LGBT+ people and communities
2. Understand the issues faced by different members of LGBT communities.
3. Be able to work in a way that values and respects individuals and cultural diversity
4. Understand the need to work within organisational policies and procedures
5. Understand the need for boundaries and be able to maintain them within all aspects of your work
6. Be able to offer support to other volunteers.
7. Be able to work as part of a team
8. Understand that volunteering is commitment and that services may be dependent on your involvement.

Induction and support

elop will provide an induction programme which will include induction to the organisation, induction to the role of mentoring which will include, elop mentoring programme, safeguarding induction training, use of materials, trauma informed approaches, support available.
Volunteer mentors will receive line management support and supervision from an elop worker once a month and group reflective practice 1.5 hours every other month.

Bright Futures UK works with young people who have been forced to take time out from education due to chronic illness. We provide programmes to help stimulate learning in addition to having a social aspect that offers respite to isolation these young people face due to their unfortunate circumstances.

We are urgently looking for warm and energetic volunteer tutors of all subjects to provide educational support and a fun, safe space for these young people. Tutoring experience is not essential as full training is given. Our sessions also are all currently online.

We need someone who is able to engage with young people in a positive and friendly way, helping them overcome their experiences and not feel defined by their illness. You would engage with a young person on a one-to-one basis to help catch up on their studies, increase their confidence in their own skills, and have some fun with them in order to help them progress. 

The young people we work with have missed so many experiences in school which we take for granted. The time you can offer to help fill in those missed periods is invaluable to their development. Your sessions will be fully supported by Bright Futures UK staff – from questions or queries, resources or materials or just to bounce an idea off the team, we’re here to help.

Volunteering with Bright Futures UK is something that can easily fit into your working day or a busy schedule with commitment starting from as little as 1 hour per week. We are so grateful for any support you might be able to provide, as are our young people.

We’re looking forward to working with you to help our young people reach their true potential!
 

Practical Considerations:

We cover all expenses and materials used.
We are asking for one hour online a week.
DBS will be provided where needed
Safeguarding training provided with certification

Would you like to have fun in your local area and get reimbursed for your time? We are always looking for caring and compassionate people to take out a local child or young person for fun activities.

Right now we are looking for applicants in the wider Newport area for a fabulous young person who enjoys the gym, boxing, cinema, food and chats. They would prefer a male, but we have other young people who would fit with a female volunteer.

Activities can include things like: playing football in the park, trampolining, cinema, food, swimming, climbing, play centres, beach, cycling, board game cafes, escape rooms, circus, shows, concerts, go karting etc.

We reimburse reasonable expenses, including travel, for you and your young person up to around £40 a month.

Preferred experience:
- Driving and use of a car due to sometimes rural locations. (We are unlikely to be able to find you a suitable match if you do not drive.)
- Ability to communicate in English.
- Basic IT skills for completing reports and submitting receipts via an easy to use App.

Benefits:
- Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
- Gain valuable experience in supporting children and families.
- Access to online training portal with hundreds of courses. - Access to local authority training.
- All travel and reasonable documented expenses reimbursed.

If you are passionate about helping others and making a positive impact, we would love to hear from you.

 Role Description:

We are seeking volunteers anywhere in the UK to help out with Study Group sessions for young Refugees or young people seeking asylum. We have continued to keep study group online as it enables community members from across and outside of London to get help and support with homework.

The Study Group sessions are delivered weekly on Zoom, every Tuesday from 5.30-6.30 pm. 

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:

The role of a Study Group volunteer can include:  

• Providing learners with homework support; preferably 1:1 in Zoom breakout rooms (may be extended to 1 volunteer to 2 young people in busy sessions). 

• Promoting other online learning. ie. Reading an extract of an e-book together/ playing games to learn English/ completing a quiz on a topic of interest. 
• Providing social and emotional support to young people. Many of the young people that attend will be quite isolated at this time and will therefore benefit from the social element of Study Group. 
• Supporting young people with a range of technical issues relating to their laptop/phone/ zoom. 
• Staying for debrief after each session to feedback on what you covered with the Young Person in your breakout room. This offers a space to learn and share resources/ ideas for future weeks with other volunteers. 

Benefits of volunteering with CARAS:

Study Group Volunteers will have the opportunity to:  

• Attend CARAS induction training which covers Safeguarding 
• The opportunity to further professional development through attending other free training opportunities CARAS distribute regularly 
• A safe and supportive space to improve your mentoring/teaching skills 

• Gain first-hand experience of some of the issues young Refugee and Asylum Seeking people face and contribute to making London a better place for them to be 
• Receive support and feedback on teaching from the Project Coordinator through supervision meetings  
• Obtain a work reference after three months of weekly (or six months of fortnightly) volunteering.  
• Be part of the wider CARAS team and join in other activities with volunteers.  

All training and Study Group sessions are delivered online, so you won’t need to travel to the CARAS office in London. No prior experience of online teaching is required, but you will need a laptop or desktop PC with a good microphone and internet connection. You will be required to share your screen on your laptop but all basic Zoom functions can be taught upon induction. 

About the organisation:

CARAS is a registered charity working with people in south London and beyond who have an asylum or refugee background. Our values are: 

• Kindness. CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents and interests.   
• Justice. CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all of our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.   
• Empowerment. CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.   
• ‘With’ not ‘for’. CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.   

Requirements: 

Essential 

• To be 18 years or older; 
• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds; 
• To be reliable and punctual; 
• Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English; 
• Currently resident in the UK; 
• Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; 
• Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role 
• To be able to attend at least 2 sessions every month 
• To have a quiet confidential space from which to participate and to provide your own device and microphone with access to zoom 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Marie Curie Companion is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.

Companion Volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support. Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, eg family home, a care home or in the community.

• Provide one-to-one companionship and support. 

For example: offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (e.g. to medical appointments) or taking short trips out. Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. You may be supporting your client’s family or carers before or during bereavement.  This may involve offering emotional support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested (This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companion volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)

• Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone 

• Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required 

• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support

• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required 

• Represent the Marie Curie Companion service positively to those using the service

ABOUT US

Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and  6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left. 

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

Befriending Volunteer

You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wamdsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents.

Our Be-a-Friend service is one of our longest running services, matching people over 65, who live alone and have limited social contact, with a friendly local volunteer with similar hobbies and interests. The volunteer and their new friend set up a suitable time for them to meet each week for a chat and a cup of tea, which could be during the day, in the evening on the way home from work or even on the weekends . If you would prefer to volunteer from home, you can also be matched with an older person for telephone befriending. For many of our matched pairs, this is the beginning of a firm friendship. 

Befriending Plus

Befriending Plus is an extended version of the Be-a-Friend programme, for individulas needing help with life admin and small tasks as well as companionship. For Befriending Plus pairs, time spent together can include helping to use a phone or tablet, helping the client to organise their file, going out for a coffee or popping to the post office together. This support can help older people to stay independent at home for longer, as well as increasing their confidence to do these tasks when the volunteer is not there.

Volunteer Independent Visitor (IV)

Would you like to befriend a child or young person in care to achieve the outcomes that matter to them in their lives, by building a strong bond and supporting them to experience a range of activities?

Yes?

Then our Volunteer Independent Visitor role may be right for you!

You could make a difference by:

Supporting a child or young person who may have little or no contact with their parents or other family members.

This service offers support to a child or young person by:

• Matching your hobbies and interests to that of the child or young person
• Being a positive role model who can enable a child or young person to take more productive paths in their lives
• Being a ‘trusted person’ that a young person can talk to and to share their concerns with, with a view to supporting them to get their desired outcome

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly people aged over 21 who are good communicators to join our volunteer team. They will be reliable, compassionate, caring, respectful and understanding.

You do not need to be an expert; empathy matters more than academic qualifications or experience and we are keen to hear from people from all walks of life.

All we ask is that you are keen and able to:

• Understand the circumstances of children and young people in care and put the needs of children and young people first
• Utilise excellent communication skills and be comfortable conversing with children and young people
• Commit to children and young people’s rights and welfare
• Complete and submit relevant paperwork and forms
• Be computer literate and have access to emails and Microsoft Teams on a device
• Attend quarterly supervisions and volunteer meetings with our volunteer management team
• Attend necessary internal and external training
• Adhere to our volunteer policies and procedures
• Maintain strict confidentiality
• To commit to three or four hours a month offering a commitment of 2 years
• Travel using public transport or your own vehicle (for which you should have a full

UK driving licence)

What you will receive in return:

• Training opportunities
• An opportunity to develop your skills and experience in the health and social care sector
• Support and encouragement from our volunteer management team
• Out of pocket expenses
• Testimonials or a reference to support your career progression
• And most of all … a rewarding experience

OUR VALUES

Quality: We deliver high quality advocacy - we have over 20 years' experience of providing expert, person-led advocacy.

People: We put people at the heart of everything we do and want to enable them to make positive change in their lives.

Respectful: We are a respectful team - we treat everyone equally and make sure everyone feels valued, respected and listened to.

Trust: You can trust us and know that we will keep your information confidential and safe.

Independent: We are independent of councils and health services and we are on your side.

Learning: We never stop learning - we learn from the people we support, our partners and each other.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

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

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

What’s Involved?

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

You will:

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

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

When and Where?

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

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

Skills/Experience Needed

• Be able to make a regular weekly commitment or once every 3 weeks for a Stand-In Volunteer during school term time
• Be compliant with our safeguarding procedures, complete an Enhanced DBS, Child Barred List check, and provide 2 references
• Enjoy spending time with children and believe in education for all
• Have comfortable fluency in English
• Be non-judgmental and respectful of a variety of lifestyles and children’s learning
• Have excellent communication skills – be able to listen to families and communicate effectively with Project Leaders (including via text/emails/calls with Doorstep Library staff)
• Be confident using technology – for connecting with families via Zoom and completing records
• Be organised – be able to multi-task in a multi-faceted role comprising of much more than solely reading to children
• Be reliable – always attending a pre-agreed session and giving plenty of notice in advance of absences
• Be friendly – to build good relationships with families, your volunteer partner and the rest of the team
• Be confident – to lead the session or mentor a new volunteer
• Be patient, persistent and flexible – tailoring your approach to each family’s needs

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

About Pain Concern

Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work.  

All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results 

Role Purpose

Pain Concern is looking for volunteers to help moderate the charity’s online community on the Health Unlocked platform. Our forum provides peer support and a learning environment for people living with chronic pain and those who care for them. Forum moderators follow Health Unlocked guidance, creating a great culture and setting the tone for the forum.

As a volunteer moderator you will help to ensure that our online community is maintained as a safe, supportive and fun environment. You will gather information on what issues are important to forum users. You will help to monitor and moderate user-generated content. By joining us you will join a fast-growing and respected service.

Previous experience or training is not necessary. We are looking for a willingness to learn and a commitment to help. Knowledge of chronic pain while useful, is not essential. Due to the nature of the role, successful applicants will be required to undertake a PVG check and complete a 1hr Safeguarding online course.

What you would be doing

· Welcoming new members to the community

· Overseeing posts to the forum

· Ensure that posts conform to the community guidelines

· Signpost members to helpful resources

· Share cases with your supervisor and team members

· Help to gather information and feedback for statistics and report purpose

Is this role right for me?

We are looking for an individual who possesses some, or all of the experiences, skills and qualities listed below:

• Access to a computer, or other device, and internet (if volunteering from your own location)

• An empathetic and non-judgemental manner

• Excellent written communication skills

• Knowledge of chronic pain

• Ability to commit to at least 6 months of volunteering 

Are you looking for a challenging but rewarding volunteer opportunity?

We are seeking volunteers to work with adults and young people who have sexually harmed to integrate them safely into the community, model appropriate behaviour and combat social isolation which can often lead to re-offending. You will be part of a small group of volunteers who will work with a 'core member' to provide a Circle of Support & Accountability. You will have close support from a trained coordinator.

Our mission is 'No More Victims' and hope to create safer communities.

Circles South West needs more Circle Volunteers from all walks of life. We are looking for adults who are approachable and emotionally stable, with a mature outlook. The ability to maintain firm boundaries is essential. Circle Volunteers commit around 2-3 hours per week for 12 months. We provide full training, ongoing professional support and reimburse expenses. Appointment is dependent on suitability assessment, satisfactory references and criminal records checks.

Please note: we can no longer accept foreign nationals without a full criminal record check from their country of origin to our programme due to new DBS guidelines. If you were born outside of the UK or have spent a significant amount of time abroad then please let me know at enquiry.

Children from lower-income families are less likely to achieve academically than their better-off peers. Action Tutoring is a charity that works to level the playing field.

We are looking for volunteers to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds in maths or English. As a volunteer, you’ll:

• Work with 1-3 pupils to improve their English and maths, either in-person or online

• Commit to a 10-20 week programme, for just one hour a week

• Support either primary or secondary school-aged pupils

• Use our tutor workbooks to shape your weekly sessions

Good grades improve future prospects, opening the door to a wider range of opportunities. If you enjoy working with children and are passionate about social equality, you can make a tangible difference by volunteering for an hour a week.

·We are looking for volunteers (over 21 years) who would like to make a difference to the lives of our most vulnerable children and young people. Being a mentor for a child or young person (8+ years old). you will help and support them to achieve their goals and to realise their true potential. ·

Meeting with your young person on a regular basis in the community for a couple of hours to help them develop their confidence, self-esteem and resilience. You will help them to achieve goals which they have set for themselves.

Activities can include but is not limited to, going for a walk, a milkshake, arts and crafts, baking and many more. Acting as a positive role model for your young person. To keep and submit brief notes about your contact/visits with your young person. 

• You will receive a thorough induction programme and training to prepare you. • You will receive quarterly supervisions and ongoing support from a member of the team. • You will make a real difference to a young person’s life. • You will have opportunities to meet with other volunteers and young people.