Practitioner volunteer volunteer roles

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone. 

About the role  

As a Peer Support Volunteer you will have lived experience of mental health and support service users on a wide range of non-complex issues that can be easily and quickly resolved. You will bring added skills and experience to our service and add real value to our team. You will provide additional support at our Peer Support group sessions. This could be, for example, by empathising with potential clients about the difficulties that having a mental health problem can create, helping to set up the room, explaining the services that are on offer and how these can be accessed, putting people who are anxious at ease by welcoming them. Peer volunteers can also co-facilitate groups based on personal skills and experience. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 3 hours per week. 

Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role. 

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental Illness. 

As a Peer Support Volunteer you will: 

• Support the Peer Support Workers to run the group sessions e.g. by helping to set up the room and by welcoming people 

• Help to create a safe space where people can share as much or as little as they wish to about their experiences 

• Foster the principles of co-production 

• Signpost people to services in the local area that meets their needs 

• Describe and explain services that are on offer from Rethink Mental Illness and other local community assets that can provide help and advice relevant to people's needs 

• Support the development of drop-in sessions at various locations across the locality 

About the service  

The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire. 

Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

• Lived experience of mental health 

• Ability to support service users on a wide range of non-complex issues that can be easily and quickly resolved 

• Ability to empathise with others 

• Good communication skills 

• Reliable and punctual 

It's not essential, but you may also bring: 

• Knowledge of the local area 

• Knowledge of services that can be accessed 

How to apply 

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory. 

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion. 

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager: 

Who are we?  

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

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion    

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone. 

About the role

As a Volunteer Peer Group Facilitator you will: 

As a Volunteer Peer Group Facilitator, you will play a key role in delivering our peer support groups. These groups run all around the county throughout the week. You will work alongside our team of peer support workers and other peer support volunteers.

There is some flexibility with volunteering opportunities ranging from a minimum of 2-3 hours weekly to monthly commitments.

There may also be the opportunity to attend different community events to advertise the service.

There will be full training opportunities to ensure that you are successful in your volunteering role, as well as regular check-in meetings.

About the service  

The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire. 

Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

• Lived experience of mental illness, whether that is caring for someone else or yourself.
• Reliability and good timekeeping.
• Have a good understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding.
• Basic IT knowledge.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• To have empathy and remain non-judgemental.
• Experience of working with people in some way, whether formally through employment or informally working as part of a team.
• Experience of leading a group.

Although it’s not essential, you may also have:

• Good knowledge of the local area and organisations.
• Experience with supporting someone with mental illness / ill mental health

How to apply 

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory. 

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion. 

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager: 

Who are we?  

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

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion    

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

About Mind

We're Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

About the Role

Our volunteers are at the heart of Mind Retail, and without the help and support we receive from our volunteer teams we wouldn't be successful at what we do. As a Financial Analysis Volunteer, you will be working behind the scenes with the data that drives our retail network, providing an effective and proactive reporting support for retail Shop Teams, internal colleagues, and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). Whether you are a student eager to gain practical experience with real-world datasets, or an experienced finance professional wanting to give back to the community, your insights will directly empower our teams and make a tangible difference to Mind Retail.

How You Can Support Us

Working closely with our finance, commercial, and data teams, you will help to translate financial data into meaningful insights for stakeholders. Day-to-day, you will be:

• Supporting the creation and improvement of financial reports and financial models.
• Assisting in looking at the numbers to understand the differences between what we expected to happen and what actually happened (referred to as variance analysis). You will also help check that our data is consistent across the teams.
• Helping us continuously identify opportunities to streamline reporting processes, reduce manual effort, and enhance data visualisation capabilities.
• Working with the team to organise our data better and automate repetitive tasks. If you want to learn, or already know about, advanced Excel features (like Power Query or macros) and Power BI (creating interactive dashboards), this is a great place to practice and apply those skills.
• Using a range of office software including email, spreadsheets and database information to produce timely and accurate reports.
• Assisting with ad hoc tasks relating to the reporting and analysis.

What You'll Gain

• Practical experience in financial analysis, data visualisation, and reporting tools.
• Exposure to real-world datasets and the chance to contribute to process improvements, including automation and more efficient reporting methods.
• Opportunity to improve your interpersonal skills and commercial knowledge.
• Understanding of policies and procedures, along with enhancing your administrative and IT skills.
• Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses.

About You

• Ideally, you will be actively studying towards an accounting qualification CIMA or ACCA, or working towards a relevant finance degree. Equally, you might be an experienced professional wanting to volunteer your financial knowledge.
• Comfortable working with numbers, have a high degree of accuracy, and a great eye for detail
• Confident using MS Office applications, particularly Word, Excel & Outlook and familiar with Power BI.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, excellent telephone manner, and able to build good working relationships. You should also be comfortable using your influencing and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organisation skills, able to prioritise tasks, with the ability to work as a team and on your own initiative.
• Willingness to learn, a flexible and adaptable approach, and a commitment to our values & behaviours. Ability to work within Mind Retail's policies and procedures.

Desirable (But Not Essential)

• Retail sector experience.
• Experience with using Microsoft Dynamics GP 2016.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated - regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Seeking support with childcare for children aged 0-12 for a Community Arts project in Vauxhall. We are looking for a volunteer to join experienced childcare providers.

The Amies Projects (part of Pan Intercultural Arts) are music and drama projects for women survivors of human trafficking, providing an uplifting and empowering space for participants to make friends, learn new skills and get creative together. We hold several sessions each week and provide childcare for all the participants who need it, with 2 childcare team members during each session. The sessions for the participants are in an adjacent room to the childcare space, meaning parents are in the same building.

Key Info

Sessions are 2 hours long

We share a meal before starting sessions, and have a short debrief afterwards

Project is based in Vauxhall

Induction training provided (building induction, safeguarding, boundaries)

Sessions are term time only

Availability

We are seeking weekly childcare support for the following sessions (term time only):

Mondays 17:45-20:00

Tuesdays 14:15-16:00

Tuesdays 17:45-20:00

Essential

Some experience looking after children aged 0-12

Willingness to undergo Enhanced DBS check

Desirable

Understanding of safeguarding (we will offer training if not)

Description of role

To support the childcare practitioner with providing supervision of young people aged 0-12. During the session there is no set curriculum to follow. We encourage children to be creative, offering arts supplies eg play doh and crayons, as well as toys for creative play. Children will have food during the session, which will be provided either by the charity or by the parents depending on the age and preferences. Children will need to be supported to use the toilet, nappies changed etc. We ask that volunteers alert staff of any safeguarding issues arising.

Volunteering Opportunity

Flyer Distributor

What You’ll Do

Help promote Age UK Enfield services and events by distributing flyers and posters in local community spaces. You’ll raise awareness and act as a friendly face for the organisation in your local area.

You will:

· Distribute flyers and materials to homes, libraries, shops, cafes, community centres and GP surgeries

· Engage with the public in a polite, friendly way

· Answer basic questions about Age UK Enfield

· Keep a simple log of where you’ve delivered materials and how many

· Report back to your supervisor with any feedback or updates

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Confidence working independently

· Good communication skills

· Willingness to walk and stand for periods of time

· Professional and approachable attitude

· Reliable and well organised

Time Commitment

2–4 hours between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
(Flexible days)

Location: Various locations across the London Borough of Enfield
Reports to: Communications, Marketing & Volunteer Manager

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it to us. (Email address included in the application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

As a Community Outreach Volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in helping people in Havering know where to turn when they need urgent mental health support. You’ll be out and about in the community spreading the word about the Havering Crisis Café — chatting to local people, connecting with community centres, faith groups and local organisations, and sharing information through leaflets and posters. This is a great role for someone confident, friendly and passionate about making support more visible and accessible in the community.

What you will be doing

• Promoting the Havering Crisis Café within the local community
• Visiting community centres, libraries, GP surgeries, faith settings and other local spaces
• Handing out leaflets and displaying posters
• Helping build positive relationships with local organisations and community groups
• Feeding back any insights, questions or community needs to the team

The skills you need

• Friendly, approachable and confident talking to new people
• An interest in mental health, wellbeing and community support
• Good communication skills and a respectful, non judgemental approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

OOEF runs two different music clubs at our primary schools: a lunchtime club for younger children who are just discovering instruments, and an after-school club for older children who have had some experience and want to take it further. Both are relaxed, informal settings — very different from the classroom — and both need volunteers to support the children and the lead practitioner. Experience playing an instrument is helpful, but not vital. If you are patient, reliable and love music, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) delivers free, immersive music education to around 250 children aged 7–11 at St Michael's Junior School in Twerton and Roundhill Primary in Whiteway — two schools in nationally ranked deprived communities. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects, and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions. Our work has caught the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training.

As a club helper you will support the lead practitioner and the children — helping set up and pack away instruments, encouraging children who are hesitant, celebrating small breakthroughs, and being a warm, reliable adult presence in a setting where that matters enormously. The lunchtime club is for younger children's first experiences with the instruments; the after-school club has a slightly older group who have been learning for longer. Both need volunteers who can adapt to the mood of the room. You will work in a team of 5–10 at all times.

What you'll bring

• Patience and warmth with children, including those with SEND

• Reliability — familiar faces build trust, and that trust is the foundation of everything we do

• Flexibility to support whatever the session needs

• A love of music

Time commitment

Most volunteers come in weekly or fortnightly during term time — current sessions run on Wednesday lunchtimes and after school for around an hour each, with more days planned. Some come via company or organisation rotas, others as University of Bath students. One-off sessions are very welcome too. We will shape the commitment entirely around what works for you.

What you'll get from it

• The chance to see children build confidence in a way that rarely happens in formal settings

• Flexible, impactful volunteering that fits around work or other commitments

• A supportive team with training and mentoring provided

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF

As a Community Outreach Volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in helping people in Havering know where to turn when they need urgent mental health support. You’ll be out and about in the community spreading the word about the Havering Crisis Café — chatting to local people, connecting with community centres, faith groups and local organisations, and sharing information through leaflets and posters. This is a great role for someone confident, friendly and passionate about making support more visible and accessible in the community.

What you will be doing

• Promoting the Havering Crisis Café within the local community
• Visiting community centres, libraries, GP surgeries, faith settings and other local spaces
• Handing out leaflets and displaying posters
• Helping build positive relationships with local organisations and community groups
• Feeding back any insights, questions or community needs to the team

The skills you need

• Friendly, approachable and confident talking to new people
• An interest in mental health, wellbeing and community support
• Good communication skills and a respectful, non judgemental approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Could you spare a little time each week to help older people use smartphones, tablets, laptops, the NHS App, GP online services, email, video calls and more?

Age UK Birmingham is looking for friendly, patient volunteers to support local people with digital skills, online confidence and staying safe from scams.

We have two locations:

�� Oscott Community Centre — Tuesdays, 12:00–13:30
�� Oldbury Library — Wednesdays, 11:00–13:00

For more detailed information, please see below:

About the Service

The Digital Support service offers free, personalised assistance through one-to-one, group, or virtual sessions, tailored to each individual’s needs and pace. It supports people in getting started with smartphones, tablets, and laptops, setting up and using online services such as shopping platforms and health apps, and staying connected with family and friends through messaging, video calls, and social media. The service also helps individuals build confidence online, protect personal information, and recognise and avoid scams, phishing messages, and fake websites.

Support is available for a wide range of devices, including laptops, tablets (such as iPads), smartphones (Android or iPhone), and other everyday digital technology. Whether someone is completely new to digital or looking to develop their skills, the service helps them get online, set up and manage email accounts, use apps and online services, and explore new digital tools in a simple, friendly, and supportive way.

About the Role

As an Age UK Digital support volunteer, you'll receive training to aid older individuals in improving their digital skills and confidence, with particular focus on digital health. This can include access to the NHS app or local GP surgery online portals. Your role includes understanding their online barriers and helping to overcome them.

Specific tasks may include:

· Work with older people in group sessions to develop their digital skills and confidence online.

· Get to know the older people you support to understand the individual barriers they face.

· Some set-up of the room may be required as well as handing out equipment

Personal qualities and skills most suited to this role

· Strong listener and clear, friendly communicator who adapts to different learners

· Comfortable using smartphones, tablets, and laptops

· Confident with common operating systems (Android, iOS, Windows), though not all are required

· Skilled in everyday online tasks like messaging, email, browsing, video calls and Apps, e.g the NHS App,

· Careful and detail-oriented when handling older people’s information, with awareness of data privacy.

What the role can offer you

• As a digital volunteer, you will be part of creating a supportive project to people who will benefit

• The role is an opportunity to connect with and support your local community

• You will meet with new people who care about the same things

• Build skills to enhance your CV

• You will make a real difference to people’s lives

Additional Information

Full training is provided which will consist of a variety of both online and in-person training. You will receive CORE modules in the form of a training booklet during registration, plus additional training via your line manager once you have started to perform your role safely and effectively.

Volunteering Opportunity

Ucan Enfield Ambassador

What You’ll Do

As a UCAN Enfield Ambassador, you’ll play a key role in helping people find out about and engage with the UCAN project, which promotes healthy lifestyle changes through free exercise, nutrition and wellbeing sessions. You’ll help support sessions on the day and raise awareness in the community.

You will:

• Attend UCAN exercise or nutrition sessions to take the register and gather feedback from attendees
• Represent UCAN at community events or groups by helping to set up an information stall
• Talk to members of the public about UCAN and help them sign up
• Input register or sign-up data into the CRM system (training provided)

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

• Friendly, confident communication with the public
• Ability to use simple digital forms
• Reliable, organised and a good team player
• Willingness to learn and follow data protection guidance

Time Commitment

Flexible – ideally 2–4 hours per week
May include weekdays or occasional weekends depending on events and session schedules

Location: Various community venues across Enfield
Reports to: UCAN Enfield Project Lead or Practitioner

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it to us. (Email address included in the application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Together Drug and Alcohol Service is the commissioned community drug and alcohol provision for Devon. It provides a range of support, interventions and treatments for those wanting to make positive changes to their drug and/or alcohol use, as well raising awareness and supporting family members.

We have a dedicated Criminal Justice Team that helps people who have become involved in the criminal justice system and who wish to make changes to their drug and/or alcohol use. This involves writing reports to the Court in line with community sentencing, liaising with Probation in order to facilitate Court Orders relating to drug and/or alcohol use and supporting those released from prison as they transition back to community living.

Role overview:

We are looking for a volunteer to meet people on the day they are released from prison, who can support these individuals to attend initial appointments across organisations in the community.

This role would be well suited to someone looking to gain experience working within the criminal justice system and who is willing to develop understanding of the challenges the early days of living back in the community can bring.
Individuals with lived experience are also strongly encouraged.

Volunteers would need to be available from 8am on the day(s) they volunteer, to meet clients in the reception lounge of HMP Exeter // HMP Channing’s Wood.

Tasks may include:

• • Supporting people to attend appointments with probation, allocated police officers or Together Drug and Alcohol Services.
  • Providing a supportive, non-judgemental and listening ear.
  • Co-facilitating group support sessions, including SMART Recovery meetings (training provided)
  • Signposting to other activities / support the service user to work alongside other organisations e.g. GP or additional mental health support services.

All volunteers are asked to adhere to organisational policies including safeguarding, information governance and health and safety.

We would love you to bring to this role:

• • A confident and friendly approach
  • A willingness to learn
  • Ability to problem solve
  • Awareness of the challenges / barriers faced by people entering / at risk of entering the criminal justice system

Skills we would like you to bring to the role:

• • Confident IT skills – aside from any IT skills required for the role, some of our mandatory training is done online through eLearning modules
  • Professional, honest and committed
  • Non-judgmental towards people with lived experience of criminal justice, drugs/alcohol addiction and recovery, mental health or other associated issues
  • Good time keeping
  • Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction
  • A driving licence and own transport would be an advantage but is not essential
  • An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website, and you can call a specific project to make enquiries.
  • A genuine interest in being part of the mission, vision and promise of Waythrough

Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training

Could you spare a little time each week to help older people use smartphones, tablets, laptops, the NHS App, GP online services, email, video calls and more?

Age UK Birmingham is looking for friendly, patient volunteers to support local people with digital skills, online confidence and staying safe from scams.

We have two locations:

�� Oscott Community Centre — Tuesdays, 12:00–13:30
�� Oldbury Library — Wednesdays, 11:00–13:00

For more detailed information, please see below:

About the Service

The Digital Support service offers free, personalised assistance through one-to-one, group, or virtual sessions, tailored to each individual’s needs and pace. It supports people in getting started with smartphones, tablets, and laptops, setting up and using online services such as shopping platforms and health apps, and staying connected with family and friends through messaging, video calls, and social media. The service also helps individuals build confidence online, protect personal information, and recognise and avoid scams, phishing messages, and fake websites.

Support is available for a wide range of devices, including laptops, tablets (such as iPads), smartphones (Android or iPhone), and other everyday digital technology. Whether someone is completely new to digital or looking to develop their skills, the service helps them get online, set up and manage email accounts, use apps and online services, and explore new digital tools in a simple, friendly, and supportive way.

About the Role

As an Age UK Digital support volunteer, you'll receive training to aid older individuals in improving their digital skills and confidence, with particular focus on digital health. This can include access to the NHS app or local GP surgery online portals. Your role includes understanding their online barriers and helping to overcome them.

Specific tasks may include:

· Work with older people in group sessions to develop their digital skills and confidence online.

· Get to know the older people you support to understand the individual barriers they face.

· Some set-up of the room may be required as well as handing out equipment

Personal qualities and skills most suited to this role

· Strong listener and clear, friendly communicator who adapts to different learners

· Comfortable using smartphones, tablets, and laptops

· Confident with common operating systems (Android, iOS, Windows), though not all are required

· Skilled in everyday online tasks like messaging, email, browsing, video calls and Apps, e.g the NHS App,

· Careful and detail-oriented when handling older people’s information, with awareness of data privacy.

What the role can offer you

• As a digital volunteer, you will be part of creating a supportive project to people who will benefit

• The role is an opportunity to connect with and support your local community

• You will meet with new people who care about the same things

• Build skills to enhance your CV

•You will make a real difference to people’s lives

Additional Information

Full training is provided which will consist of a variety of both online and in-person training. You will receive CORE modules in the form of a training booklet during registration, plus additional training via your line manager once you have started to perform your role safely and effectively.

Chair of Trustees - The Family Place Foundation

We are recruiting a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and support the next stage of our charity’s development.

Location: Remote, with occasional in‑person trustee meetings (typically once or twice a year) held in the Clyro/Herefordshire area.

Time commitment: Approximately 1–2 days per month. This includes six trustee meetings a year, occasional ad‑hoc discussions and light‑touch support between meetings (for example reviewing policies or responding to emails).

Remuneration: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About us

Established in 2020, we are a small, well-established charity with a strong grounding and a clear purpose. We raise funds to provide support to adopted, fostered and kinship care children and their families to improve emotional wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and reduce the impact of early trauma. In collaboration with leading UK practitioners, we support the delivery of a range of services providing essential therapeutic care and family support that isn’t covered by statutory funding. Services offered include Family Activity Days, Specialist Clinical Workshops, Advisory Consultations and Family Respite Camps. We also work to raise awareness of the challenges faced by children who cannot live with their birth families. We are a warm, committed team with a strong reputation for high‑quality support, clear governance, and genuine care for the families we serve.

To learn more about our work, please search online for “The Family Place Foundation”.

We are now seeking a Chair of Trustees to help guide the charity through its next stage of development, including shaping our emerging Family Foundations project, a significant new early‑years initiative for the charity, alongside our ongoing portfolio of funded projects delivered through our specialist partner. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated Board and a small operational support team who care deeply about the families we serve and the long‑term sustainability of the organisation.

The charity is currently led by a Board of four trustees, supported by two part‑time operational staff and a small group of volunteers.

As Chair, you will provide leadership to the Board, ensure effective governance, and help the charity continue enabling the delivery of high‑quality, trauma‑informed support. You will work closely with the trustees and operational colleagues to help shape strategy, strengthen partnerships, and ensure the charity remains compliant, resilient, and focused on its mission. You will also play a key role in strengthening the charity’s governance and fundraising, which in turn enables the therapeutic delivery carried out by our specialist partner. 

A supportive handover will be provided to ensure a smooth and confident transition into the role.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Warmth, clarity and good judgement, with a balanced, proportionate approach to governance.

• A genuine commitment to improving the lives of adopted, fostered and kinship care children and an understanding of the challenges faced by families affected by early trauma.

• Confidence in chairing discussions, helping the Board reach clear, well‑considered decisions.

• An understanding of good governance, including risk, safeguarding and compliance (or a willingness to learn).

• The ability to work collaboratively with trustees and our small operational support team, offering encouragement and constructive challenge while supporting the charity’s governance and fundraising role, which enables the specialist delivery work carried out by our partner.

• Strategic thinking, with the ability to help shape the charity’s direction and ensure long‑term sustainability.

• Reliability, integrity and a calm, steady approach, keeping the charity’s purpose at the centre of decision‑making.

• Meets the eligibility requirements to serve as a charity trustee, as set out by the Charity Commission.

Helpful but not essential:

• Experience of chairing a board or committee

• Experience in charity governance, education, social care, therapeutic work, or community leadership would be helpful, but we are open to a wide range of backgrounds.

• Lived or professional experience related to adoption, fostering, trauma or family support.

What We Offer

• A warm, committed Board, small operational support team and group of volunteers who work collaboratively and value clear communication.

• A meaningful opportunity to shape the future of a small but growing charity with a strong reputation for high‑quality, trauma‑informed support.

• Flexible time commitments that fit around work and family life.

• A chance to make a tangible difference to adopted, fostered and kinship-care children and young people, and the families who care for them.

How to apply

Please apply through the CharityJob platform with your CV and a short supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and your relevant experience. 

If you would like an informal conversation before applying please contact the charity directly using the details provided on our website. We would be happy to arrange a conversation with the current Chair or another member of the Board if you would like to learn more about the role.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Open Studio Mental Health Arts group

We are looking for a creative, enthusiastic Volunteer to support our Mental health art group ‘Open Studios’ for adults on Thursday afternoons.

Open Studios is a friendly space where people can paint, draw or create without pressure.

This is a workshop space to work on your own choice of art. It is not a taught session, but guidance is available from our artists. Aimed at those who are experiencing social isolation or who are working towards healthier mental wellbeing.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll work closely with the Magic Carpet Artist practitioner/s to create a safe and welcoming space for group members to explore their creativity.

Tasks may include:

• Setting up tables and chairs ready for the group
• Making teas and coffee
• Getting out art materials and resources
• Supporting group members to decide what they might like to do
• Being ‘alongside’ group members (this may include spending time working on your own artwork)

We’re looking for someone who:

• Enjoys supporting people to improve their mental health and wellbeing
• Believes in art and creativity as a powerful tool for prompting wellbeing
• Is reliable, friendly, and comfortable working with people
• Cares about community, creativity, and inclusive arts
• Is willing to abide by ECIs code of conduct and safeguarding procedures.

Time commitment

• 2.5 hours per week (1.45pm – 2.15pm)
• Occasional volunteer meetings and training sessions

What you’ll get

• Hands-on experience with a creative arts project
• An opportunity to work alongside an experienced and professional artist practitioner
• Experience working with people with mental health support needs (this may also include Neuro divergence and mild learning disabilities).
• Agreed expenses if applicable
• Tea and lots of gratitude!