Practical Family Support Volunteer Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?
Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.
Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.
Our aims are:
To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:
Offering support, friendship and practical assistance
Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected
Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.
Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.
Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.
Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.
Please note that the application process involves completing an application form, interview, DBS check, two references and the completion of training.
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!
Do you enjoy teamwork and helping others? Are you empathetic with good organisation, IT and communication skills? If so, we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need an Armed Forces background, just a commitment to providing great support to our beneficiaries.
What is a Branch Support Coordinator?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas, each delivering support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Every branch has a team of volunteers who make this possible.
The Branch Support Coordinator is a key member of the team, ensuring that beneficiaries access the right support in a timely manner. This role involves liaising with regional and national teams and coordinating casework support provided to beneficiaries by Branch volunteers.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles and fundraisers.
In recognition of our clients’ service to the Nation we aim to provide financial, practical, and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need excellent coordination of local services and between our teams.
What would you be doing?
- Accepting referrals for beneficiary casework support from SSAFA’s Regional Office and allocating beneficiaries’ cases to branch volunteers.
- Overseeing SSAFA casework across a branch, ensuring beneficiaries receive support that meets SSAFA’s casework standards and raising issues where it does not.
- Using SSAFA’s case management system to record, coordinate and track beneficiaries’ cases.
- Ensuring volunteer caseworkers have a manageable caseload and that effective support and supervision is in place.
- Liaising with Central Office and Specialist Services teams to ensure access to specialist support where needed e.g., Mentoring.
- Supporting the Branch Training Coordinator and Volunteering Coordinator to ensure volunteer caseworkers are up to date with training and have the information needed to carry out their role.
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Excellent experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Give back to the Armed Forces community.
- Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across your local area.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - confidentiality and boundaries, caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management - case management and quality. This training would take approx. 1 day
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Local induction and support, from other branch volunteers.
- Access to a wide range of e-learning courses to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Support from SSAFA’s regional volunteering and operations teams.
- Regular meetings and local events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Good IT skills e.g., confident using email and online systems – you will use SSAFA's case management system as part of the role.
- Time management and organisation skills
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach to others
- Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries
- Some experience of coordinating people
- This role would suit someone who would like to volunteer regularly, each week.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA takes the utmost care at every step of volunteer recruitment to ensure that the people we involve are suitable and appropriate. All measures taken are to help make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including a check against the adults barred list)
*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, or other information will not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
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!
Do you enjoy teamwork and helping others? Are you empathetic with good organisation, IT and communication skills? If so, we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need an Armed Forces background, just a commitment to providing great support to our beneficiaries.
What is a Branch Support Coordinator?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas, each delivering support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Every branch has a team of volunteers who make this possible.
The Branch Support Coordinator is a key member of the team, ensuring that beneficiaries access the right support in a timely manner. This role involves liaising with regional and national teams and coordinating casework support provided to beneficiaries by Branch volunteers.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles and fundraisers.
In recognition of our clients’ service to the Nation we aim to provide financial, practical, and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need excellent coordination of local services and between our teams.
What would you be doing?
- Accepting referrals for beneficiary casework support from SSAFA’s Regional Office and allocating beneficiaries’ cases to branch volunteers.
- Overseeing SSAFA casework across a branch, ensuring beneficiaries receive support that meets SSAFA’s casework standards and raising issues where it does not.
- Using SSAFA’s case management system to record, coordinate and track beneficiaries’ cases.
- Ensuring volunteer caseworkers have a manageable caseload and that effective support and supervision is in place.
- Liaising with Central Office and Specialist Services teams to ensure access to specialist support where needed e.g., Mentoring.
- Supporting the Branch Training Coordinator and Volunteering Coordinator to ensure volunteer caseworkers are up to date with training and have the information needed to carry out their role.
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Excellent experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Give back to the Armed Forces community.
- Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across your local area.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - confidentiality and boundaries, caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management - case management and quality. This training would take approx. 1 day
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Local induction and support, from other branch volunteers.
- Access to a wide range of e-learning courses to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Support from SSAFA’s regional volunteering and operations teams.
- Regular meetings and local events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Good IT skills e.g., confident using email and online systems – you will use SSAFA's case management system as part of the role.
- Time management and organisation skills
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach to others
- Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries
- Some experience of coordinating people
- This role would suit someone who would like to volunteer regularly, each week.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA takes the utmost care at every step of volunteer recruitment to ensure that the people we involve are suitable and appropriate. All measures taken are to help make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including a check against the adults barred list)
*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, or other information will not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Get Out There groups are a growing division of Sense that cater for children between 6 and 16 with complex needs. We provide a 4 hour social setting which caters for children and families who need respite. We offer activities such as games, puzzles, arts and crafts, experiments, cookery and sensory play. We aim to tailor sessions to the needs, interests and abilities of the children we support and put pupil voice at the center of all we do.
As a volunteer you'll make sure that everyone has a great time and can make the most of the activities on offer. You'll need lots of energy, a warm and welcoming personality and to be happy getting stuck in to a wide range of tasks and activities, all of which make sure that everyone has the best day they can together.
What your role will involve
- Taking part in activities alongside disabled young people. You could be joining creative activities, movement or sports session, trips out in to the local community or seasonal themed activities.
- Helping to set up the activities at the start of the day, clear away at the end and keep activities safe, clean and running smoothly throughout.
- Helping to welcome young people to the group, find their way around and between activities, enjoy breaks and lunchtime and generally have a great day with the team and Sense.
A basic / enhanced Disclosure & Barring check will be required for this volunteer role.
Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:
- Fun and friendly and confident to meet and spend time with disabled young people.
- Willing to develop the knowledge and skills to communicate with young people who have multi sensory impairments and who may use a wide range of communication methods
- Able to work well in a team and be flexible about the role you play during the day depending on what’s needed by individuals and activities
- Reliable and punctual.
- Committed to providing support in a way that offers choice, independence and dignity
- We welcome volunteers of all ages to this role who are able to create an inclusive and welcoming peer environment for everyone involved in the group.
What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?
- Induction information to prepare you for your role, a briefing at the start of each event, and lots of on-site support and guidance from our experienced staff team who will be running the day
- Agreed out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed, in line with Sense policy
- The chance to get to know new people, try new activities in your local community and to have lots of fun taking part together
- To develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with children and young people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairment
- To know you’re part of a passionate and committed team making a big difference to how young people are able to get the most out of both new and favourite activities and to have a great time together.
- If you are 16 or 17 we will ask to make contact with a parent or other appropriate adult to share details of your volunteering role, timings and contact / emergency information.
About us
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
A Wellbeing Buddy is a volunteer who is matched with someone who has been referred to us for support for a period of 12 weeks and volunteers with them in person.
Face-to-face Wellbeing Buddies meet their match each week with an overall aim of helping them to build confidence and improve their quality of life. This might involve going for walks with the person, going on public transport with them, assisting them with food shopping or just offering some company in their normal routine.
The time you give to volunteering can be decided by you, as long as you can commit to at least once a week for 12 weeks with one person.
Please note that at the moment, to become a volunteer with us you will need to have some availability during the working week (9-5 Monday-Friday). Wellbeing Volunteers are not able to do this role during evenings and weekends. This is so that there are staff members available for support.
What do you need to become a Wellbeing Buddy?
You don't necessarily need to have experience in a role like this, but any experience in offering objective support to people would be beneficial. We are mainly looking for kind-hearted, personable, reliable individuals who love to chat and can give a small amount of time each week to help someone who needs it. You will be given training and support from the volunteer coordinator whenever needed.
To volunteer, you must:
- Be over the age of 18
- Be able to travel within your local area, whether by public transport, Beryl bike or driving
- Have access to the internet to use our volunteer database
- Undergo a DBS check (free to you)
- Complete the necessary training
What do you get out of it?
Volunteering with us will give you a chance to develop your skills and experience in empathy and active listening, as well as supporting and safeguarding people. We can offer you a rewarding opportunity to help empower people to live their best possible lives, a way of meeting other volunteers and likeminded people and social events for volunteers. We also offer reimbursement for expenses, access to schemes such as free Beryl Bike minutes and opportunities to attend personalised and tailored training and workshops.
How to join us:
To become a Wellbeing Buddy you will need to complete the application form attached to this opportunity (you can also find this on our website). You will then be invited to a an informal meeting with the volunteer coordinator (in person or online). If successful, you will need to attend a short training session at Beech House in Poole. This opportunity requires you to undergo a DBS check (free of charge to you).
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!
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. Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. 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
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!
Do you enjoy networking and meeting new people? Are you passionate about volunteering and supporting the serving community? If so, we would love to hear from you. You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with people, and a good level of IT skills.
What is a Serving Community Team Volunteering Coordinator?
There is a SSAFA presence throughout the serving community, both in the UK and overseas. In many areas, SSAFA have Serving Community Teams which offer financial, practical, and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Each team is formed of a group of trained volunteers who make this possible.
A Volunteering Coordinator is a key role within the Team, supporting with local recruitment, induction, and celebration of volunteers and volunteering. They ensure volunteers are welcomed and supported. This role also has voting rights for the grant giving process.
What difference will you make?
Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups and the number of people contacting us for help rises each year. To continue providing help when it’s needed most, SSAFA must maintain a diverse and committed network of volunteers who are skilled, supported and valued.
What will you be doing?
Although every SSAFA Serving Community Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Volunteering Coordinator:
- Keeping track and keeping in touch: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date lists of volunteer details, ensuring volunteers complete training, checking in with volunteers about their experience and passing on feedback.
- Monitoring and planning: Working alongside the Chair to monitor volunteer numbers and develop plans to recruit new volunteers as required.
- Creating local links: Taking opportunities to advertise and promote volunteering opportunities locally, including linking with local volunteer centres and community groups. Liaising with the Engagement and Events Coordinator and SSAFA’s Marketing and Communications team for support with branding and publicity materials.
- Welcoming and supporting: Working in partnership with SSAFA Central Office teams to coordinate local volunteer recruitment and induction, supporting new volunteers through these steps. Ensuring every volunteer has access to supervision and support, signposting to support from SSAFA Central Office teams as required.
- Celebrating and saying thank you: Seeking opportunities to celebrate volunteering, engaging in local initiatives and finding ways to say thank you to volunteers for all their efforts.
- Partnership working: building positive relationships and working together with national and regional employees, who are available to offer you support.
- Being a volunteering champion: working with the Regional Operations Support Manager to promote volunteering best practice across the Team and ensure volunteers have the best possible experience with SSAFA.
What about training and support?
- Instructor led training alongside like-minded volunteers will guide you through everything you need to know about volunteering good practice and volunteer management.
- Online, e-learning, training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep people and their personal information safe.
- Local induction and support.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Support from SSAFA volunteering and operations staff.
- Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others.
- Give back to the Armed Forces community.
- Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across the serving community and local area.
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
- Some experience of coordinating people is desirable but not essential.
- Empathy regarding the needs and challenges of the serving community
- Good IT skills e.g., ability to use email and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
- Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
- A belief in the impact of volunteering.
Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.
Minimum Age: 18
Are references required? Yes. Two-character references from people who know you well (not family members).
Is a criminal record check required? No
We work to make SSAFA as safe as possible for everyone. Part of this involves volunteers attending an informal interview, providing two suitable references, and completing relevant training for your 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.
Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.
Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.
We're looking for volunteers to assist in our stockroom who are available on Mondays, Fridays or Sundays.
We’re looking for volunteers who are:
- Reliable and friendly
- Respectful of others and their diversity
- Passionate about customer service
- Interested in learning about and supporting the work of Sense
Volunteering in one of our Sense Shops will involve a variety of tasks that you can get involved with. These include:
- Receiving donated goods from members of the public
- Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
- Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
- Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
- Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone
We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. This is why it is important to us that our volunteers feel supported and rewarded. Here is what we can offer you as a volunteer:
- A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
- Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
- A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
- The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
- The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
- The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.
Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.
We’re looking for volunteers who are:
- Reliable and friendly
- Respectful of others and their diversity
- Passionate about customer service
- Confident with cash handling with an eye for detail
- Interested in learning about and supporting the work of Sense
Volunteering in one of our Sense Shops will involve a variety of tasks that you can get involved with. These include:
- Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
- Receiving donated goods from members of the public
- Processing sales and serving on the till
- Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
- Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
- Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
- Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone
We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. This is why it is important to us that our volunteers feel supported and rewarded. Here is what we can offer you as a volunteer:
- A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
- Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
- A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
- The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
- The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
- The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.
Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.
We’re looking for volunteers who are:
- Reliable and friendly
- Respectful of others and their diversity
- Passionate about customer service
- Confident with cash handling with an eye for detail
- Interested in learning about and supporting the work of Sense
Volunteering in one of our Sense Shops will involve a variety of tasks that you can get involved with. These include:
- Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
- Receiving donated goods from members of the public
- Processing sales and serving on the till
- Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
- Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
- Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
- Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone
We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. This is why it is important to us that our volunteers feel supported and rewarded. Here is what we can offer you as a volunteer:
- A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
- Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
- A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
- The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
- The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
- The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Who are Acorns Children's Hospice?
A parent never imagines their child will be diagnosed with a life limiting or life threatening condition. But when the unimaginable happens, Acorns Children’s Hospice steps in. Our dedicated teams provide specialist tailored care, including complex medical care, short breaks and emotional and practical support for babies, children and young people and their families, at our three hospices in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester as well as in the community.
Why we need you
At Acorns we know that children and young people growing up with a poorly brother or sister often have less attention from parents and more worries and responsibilities than their peers. Acorns has a dedicated Sibling Support Team who run Sibling Group sessions to provide fun experiences for young people and allow them to meet others who may be in a similar situation to them. Sibling activities include arts and crafts, games, sporting activities and fun trips out.
What you'll be doing
- Volunteering alongside our Sibling Support team
- Attending a Sibling Group planning session with our Sibling Support team every couple of months to hear about plans for forthcoming activities.
- Attend a Siblings Group session once a month, joining in with the activities.
Our Sibling Group sessions for the Gloucester area, usually take place at Hartpury Village Hall. Although you may be asked to join us at our Worcester Hospice for initial training and have the opportunity to visit the hospice again when we have siblings visiting or staying with us.
How much time will it take?
Sibling Volunteers complete our online basic training modules and our in-person sibling training session which together take 4-5 hours to complete. Once trained, volunteering with us is flexible but we ask for a commitment of one Sibling Group session per month and hospice-based sibling volunteering on an adhoc basis.
Am I right for the role?
- Be sensitive to the needs of our children, young people and families
- Be a good communicator
- Enjoy spending time with children, who may have a range of emotional or educational additional needs
- Be warm and friendly
- Be willing to learn about the importance of confidentiality, boundaries and safeguarding within Acorns
Why volunteer at Acorns?
- Make a difference to the work we do and help to improve the lives of families of children with life limiting or life threatening conditions
- Enable our siblings to enjoy activities together and help them feel they’re not alone
- Connect with like-minded people and make new friends
- Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining valuable experience We’ll give you a reference for future work or volunteering Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and awards
- Access to our free online training to support and develop your volunteering
- Travel expenses available
Volunteers are required to complete an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check, which we will pay for and process for you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.
Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.
We’re looking for volunteers who are:
- Reliable and friendly
- Respectful of others and their diversity
- Passionate about customer service
- Confident with cash handling with an eye for detail
- Interested in learning about and supporting the work of Sense
Volunteering in one of our Sense Shops will involve a variety of tasks that you can get involved with. These include:
- Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
- Receiving donated goods from members of the public
- Processing sales and serving on the till
- Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
- Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
- Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
- Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone
We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. This is why it is important to us that our volunteers feel supported and rewarded. Here is what we can offer you as a volunteer:
- A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
- Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
- A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
- The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
- The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
- The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoy networking and meeting new people? Are you passionate about volunteering and supporting the serving community? If so, we would love to hear from you. You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with people, and a good level of IT skills.
What is a Serving Community Team Volunteering Coordinator?
There is a SSAFA presence throughout the serving community, both in the UK and overseas. In many areas, SSAFA have Serving Community Teams which offer financial, practical, and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Each team is formed of a group of trained volunteers who make this possible.
A Volunteering Coordinator is a key role within the Team, supporting with local recruitment, induction, and celebration of volunteers and volunteering. They ensure volunteers are welcomed and supported. This role also has voting rights for the grant giving process.
What difference will you make?
Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups and the number of people contacting us for help rises each year. To continue providing help when it’s needed most, SSAFA must maintain a diverse and committed network of volunteers who are skilled, supported and valued.
What will you be doing?
Although every SSAFA Serving Community Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Volunteering Coordinator:
- Keeping track and keeping in touch: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date lists of volunteer details, ensuring volunteers complete training, checking in with volunteers about their experience and passing on feedback.
- Monitoring and planning: Working alongside the Chair to monitor volunteer numbers and develop plans to recruit new volunteers as required.
- Creating local links: Taking opportunities to advertise and promote volunteering opportunities locally, including linking with local volunteer centres and community groups. Liaising with the Engagement and Events Coordinator and SSAFA’s Marketing and Communications team for support with branding and publicity materials.
- Welcoming and supporting: Working in partnership with SSAFA Central Office teams to coordinate local volunteer recruitment and induction, supporting new volunteers through these steps. Ensuring every volunteer has access to supervision and support, signposting to support from SSAFA Central Office teams as required.
- Celebrating and saying thank you: Seeking opportunities to celebrate volunteering, engaging in local initiatives and finding ways to say thank you to volunteers for all their efforts.
- Partnership working: building positive relationships and working together with national and regional employees, who are available to offer you support.
- Being a volunteering champion: working with the Regional Operations Support Manager to promote volunteering best practice across the Team and ensure volunteers have the best possible experience with SSAFA.
What about training and support?
- Instructor led training alongside like-minded volunteers will guide you through everything you need to know about volunteering good practice and volunteer management.
- Online, e-learning, training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep people and their personal information safe.
- Local induction and support.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Support from SSAFA volunteering and operations staff.
- Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others.
- Give back to the Armed Forces community.
- Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across the serving community and local area.
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
- Some experience of coordinating people is desirable but not essential.
- Empathy regarding the needs and challenges of the serving community
- Good IT skills e.g., ability to use email and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
- Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
- A belief in the impact of volunteering.
Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.
Minimum Age: 18
Are references required? Yes. Two-character references from people who know you well (not family members).
Is a criminal record check required? No
We work to make SSAFA as safe as possible for everyone. Part of this involves volunteers attending an informal interview, providing two suitable references, and completing relevant training for your role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.