Project support volunteer volunteer roles

A charity  based in  Croydon, Surrey, London, UK is looking for volunteer Charity Volunteer Assistants; to volunteer 30 unpaid hours per week. The Charity serves a multi ethnic community especially people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds. 

Responsibilities:

• To assist in the delivery of events (ours and those we are invited to), projects and our yearly summer community event.
• To assist in the daily collection and drop off of Greggs after day produce to various soup kitchens
• To assist in promotion of organisations services. eg flyer distribution, school workshops, etc.
• To assist in the delivery of essential services 
• To assist in our soup kitchen projects

Person Specification:

• Someone enthusiastic and passionate about charity work and committed to working towards the achievements of the charities objectives.
• Knowledege of Black and ethnic minority tradition/culture is preferable however not essential.
• Experience is desirable.

This is a non-paid one year temporary position however accommodation and maintenance will be provided.

All interested candidates are required to send us a letter of application, a resume, and contact to the email provided. If your application is accepted, you will be invited for a telephone interview. Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered unless we have been unable to find a suitable candidate for this vacancy.

Successful candidates will require a DBS/POLICE check and references prior to commencement.

The Bike Project’s mission is simple – we refurbish unwanted bikes and donate them to refugees and people seeking asylum, giving them freedom and independence whilst they rebuild their lives.

“I’m really grateful because life is not only about surviving. It’s about joyfulness. I feel more freedom and independent in my life, and independent from government now.”  Bike Recipient

Most people seeking asylum are banned from working and many are forced to live off an allowance of £8.86 per day and those lucky enough to get refugee status still face high unemployment and isolation. Having a bike links people to essential services, including foodbanks and legal advice, as well as the local community.

The Bike Project has proved that a bike can make a difference. Not only is a bike a practical tool for tackling poverty, those who receive bikes from us report they are more connected in their community, happier and healthier as a result.

Alongside our core Bike Donations Programme, we support refugee women to learn to cycle through our Pedal Power Programme; provide ongoing support with bike maintenance through our Repair or Replace Programme; and offer the opportunity for connection and friendship through our volunteer-matching Bike Buddy Programme.

A number of trustees, including our treasurer, are coming to the end of their terms later this year and as such we are looking for a new treasurer and other trustees to join this dynamic group. 

You will be joining a highly committed group of trustees who give their time, expertise and contacts to support the charity. Our trustees are critical in enabling us to thrive. You will work together with your fellow trustees and the wider staff team to set our strategic direction and improve our work with refugees. At the heart of everything we do is the real and instant impact a bike makes to the lives of those who have been through so much. You will be part of us achieving that.

Our treasurer plays a key role in supporting the wider board to fulfil its financial responsibilities. You will be a qualified accountant with demonstrable commercial knowledge and awareness and the proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to others.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and we're especially keen to hear from individuals who bring diverse perspectives, including those with lived experience of the asylum process, women, people of the global majority, and people with disabilities.

For an informal conversation about the role, please get in touch. 

No agencies please. 

At Sense we know that it's not easy being a young carer or sibling of a disabled child. Their wellbeing and happiness are just as important. That’s why Sense supports activities and sessions specifically for young people aged 5-18 who have a caring role for a parent, carer, or sibling.

We run a range of virtual and in person activities throughout the month. Our sessions are based on what the young people tell us they like doing, giving them a break, and also providing opportunities to meet and develop friendships with other young people in a similar situation.

Our Siblings and Young Carers in person activity group sessions take place once a month. Activities include picnics, bowling, arts and crafts and rock climbing, enabling the young people to spend time doing fun things with other siblings and young carers with similar experiences.

You do not need to have any previous experience working with siblings or young carers as we will provide you with training and ongoing support to equip you for your role.

About Sense

Sense is a national disability charity that supports people with complex communication needs and their families to be understood, connected, and valued. We are here for every person who faces communication barriers in a world that relies on being able to see and hear well to be connected.

Will the role suit me?

Yes, if you have:

• ·Willingness to develop or learn new skills
• Reliability and good communication skills
• A sense of fun and adventure!
• Respect for others and their diversity
• An interest in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind and their families

Practical Considerations

This project is based in Loughborough, either at our Sense College or out in the community . Our activity group runs once per month, for 3.5 hours on a Saturday. Ideally you would be able to commit to at least 6 months of volunteering.

An essential part of getting ready to volunteer is attending a training session where you'll learn more about your volunteer role, the specific needs of children and young carers and how to keep young people on the project safe.

Your travel expenses will be covered by Sense. 

You must be 18 or over to volunteer. We collect two references for this role as well as complete a Child and Adult Enhanced DBS. 

Responsibilities:

1. Visit veterans, provide companionship, read, play games, or assist with non-medical tasks.
2. Visit to offer friendly conversation and emotional support to veterans who live in assisted living or long-term care homes
3. Support veterans with small home projects, yard work, or safety modifications.
4. Deliver food to homebound or disabled veterans.
5. Help veterans in transition to civilian careers by assist them in Resume Writing & Job Coaching.
6. Observe and understand the physical, mental, and emotional needs of veterans.
7. Encourage and assist veterans to maintain their independence where possible.
8. Support engagement in social activities or hobbies to promote well-being.
9.  Assist with educational goals or mentorship for younger veterans.
10. Help organize or run events on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, etc.

Job Title: Bid Writer Assistant                                                                         

Reports To: Department Manager 

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Bid Writer to support Quilombo UK in securing vital funding and resources to further our mission. This remote volunteer role is ideal for someone who is passionate about community impact, writing, and making a meaningful difference in the Third Sector. You'll work with a supportive team, gain hands-on experience in funding applications, and help shape the sustainability of impactful community programmes.

Position Overview:
The Bid Writer Assistant plays a key role in researching, drafting, and editing compelling proposals and funding applications for various projects run by Quilombo UK. The role involves close collaboration with department leads, collecting relevant data, and ensuring submissions align with organisational goals and funder expectations. It offers the flexibility to work independently, with the support of experienced professionals and tailored training where required.

Key Responsibilities:

Proposal & Bid Development:

• Research, draft, and edit funding proposals tailored to specific grants, donors, and partners.

• Review and refine existing proposals to ensure clarity, compliance, and impact.

• Collaborate with internal teams to gather relevant content, project insights, and financial information for bids.

• Develop supporting documents and presentations to accompany applications.

Strategic Input & Collaboration:

• Contribute to the bid strategy, suggesting creative and relevant ideas aligned with organisational goals.

• Maintain and manage a structured “bid plan” with timelines, approval processes, and submission deadlines.

• Liaise with HR, Finance, Marketing, and Project teams to align bid content with current projects and strategic direction.

Reporting & Organisation:

• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of bid statuses.

• Organise bid-related documentation, supporting strong internal knowledge management.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in English, Communications, Business, or related fields.

Experience:

• Prior experience writing funding proposals or grant applications.

• Familiarity with fundraising, community initiatives, or nonprofit funding is desirable.

Skills:

• Strong written communication and persuasive writing skills.

• High attention to detail, organisation, and ability to meet tight deadlines.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word; Excel knowledge is a plus.

• Confidence in researching, planning, and collaborating across teams.

• Ability to work independently and maintain professionalism and confidentiality.

Benefits:

• Gain real-world experience in nonprofit fundraising and proposal writing.

• Work with a collaborative and values-driven team.

• Receive feedback and development opportunities in bid strategy and funding.

• Build a strong portfolio of written proposals and funding successes.

• Flexible working hours with full remote access.

• Reimbursement of travel expenses if attending occasional in-person meetings.

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team at Skelton Grange Environment Centre and are involved in:
- Supporting and leading environmental activities with young people and the local community.
- Planning and preparing sessions - and sometimes even developing new activities to help young people connect with nature.
- You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and other Volunteers.

Typical activities for the Outdoor Learning Volunteer role include:
- Running environmental education sessions for school visits during term time.
- Running play activities for groups of children and young people during the school holidays.
- Keeping education day resources up to date and developing new resources, activities or materials as required.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project, including both development work and routine maintenance to ensure we are an inspiring location for visitors to experience nature.

Benefits to you:
We aim to involve our Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers in:
- Running a range of outdoor education and play activities and events with schools and community groups on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Planning, risk assessing and running safe and engaging activities outside for children.
- All the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to run the sessions, from bushcraft skills to plant identification to working with children.

The role will give you the opportunity to use your skills and experience in a supportive environment and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
It's a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!
If you want to use this role to move on into employment in the environmental sector we can also provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references.

We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with young people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time, or you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector.

Join us this summer to help grow a nationwide dog-walking fundraiser and support animals in need around the world. As our Volunteer Walk for Paws Co-ordinator, you’ll inspire fundraisers, spark new ideas, and help raise life-changing funds for stray dogs and cats.
 

VOLUNTEER WALK FOR PAWS CO-ORDINATOR

Location: UK (remote)
Reporting to: Head of Campaigns
Hours: Approx. 3-5 hours per week (flexible)
Time period: Approx 4 months (July - October 2025) with the opportunity to continue beyond this if interested.  

ABOUT US

We’re IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) - a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need. 

Our charity is small but mighty! Since our inception in 2009 we have helped over 50,000 animals through our projects and support programmes across the globe. From managing humane dog and cat population projects to reduce the number of puppies and kittens born to suffer on the streets, to providing aid to companion animals, working donkeys, and endangered wildlife - our work is vast. And we're not slowing down any time soon.

As a small charity we can’t do what we do without the support of volunteers and fundraisers. That’s where you come in.

THE ROLE

Walk for Paws is an exciting fundraising initiative that empowers supporters to organise sponsored dog walks to raise vital funds for dogs and cats in need. This summer, we’re scaling it up to support our huge upcoming animal welfare project. We urgently need to raise money to help dogs and cats living in terrible conditions in an animal centre in Borneo - but we need your help to make it a success.

We’re looking for a passionate and proactive Volunteer Walk for Paws Co-ordinator to help grow this campaign over a 4-month period. You’ll play a key role in growing, inspiring and supporting our community of Pack Leaders - the people who run Walk for Paws events in their local area.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in community fundraising and supporter engagement, while directly contributing to improving the lives of animals in need.
 

The Volunteer Walk for Paws Co-ordinator will:

• Help grow our Walk for Paws programme by identifying and reaching out to potential supporters, such as dog walking groups, community organisations, and local businesses

• Onboard new Pack Leaders, supporting them to set up and promote their Walk for Paws fundraising events

• Maintain regular, friendly communication with Pack Leaders, answering questions and helping them feel confident and supported

• Come up with creative ideas and mini campaigns to encourage more people to take part in Walk for Paws

• Track fundraising activity and work closely with IAPWA’s team to support Pack Leaders with resources and recognition

• Be an ambassador for IAPWA and the Walk for Paws initiative, helping raise awareness and support for our cause

The ideal person will be:

• A friendly, enthusiastic communicator who enjoys engaging with people and building relationships

• A self-starter who is happy working independently and bringing their own ideas to the table

• Organised and reliable, with good attention to detail and follow-up

• Passionate about animal welfare and making a difference

• Experience in fundraising, supporter care, or community outreach (even in a voluntary or informal setting) is helpful but not essential

What you’ll gain:

• A chance to be part of a meaningful campaign supporting animals in need

• Experience in charity fundraising, community engagement and volunteer management

• Flexible hours and remote working

• A reference from IAPWA and the potential to continue volunteering with us beyond the initial four-month term if desired

• The satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped raise life-changing funds for vulnerable animals

Join Candlelighters as a Fundraising & Events Office Volunteer!

Are you looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families affected by childhood cancer? We invite you to be part of our team!

As a Fundraising & Events Volunteer, you will support the team during an exciting phase as we aim to increase income and enhance our services for families. You will support corporate fundraising efforts, ensuring local businesses have an excellent experience supporting Candlelighters.

You will also play a key role in organising our Business Collaboration Events—fun, networking-focused gatherings that bring together current and potential supporters to foster collaboration.

Location: 8 Woodhouse Square, Leeds, LS3 1AD

Time commitment: 1 day per week (flexible)

Key Activities

General Fundraising

• Research potential new business partnerships.
• Approach businesses to explore partnerships with Candlelighters.
• Support the team in managing our business club.
• Thank supporters through letters or emails.
• Respond to supporter inquiries via telephone and email.
• Update the supporter database.
• Approach businesses to secure raffle and auction prizes.

Business Collaboration Project Event

• Book venues and negotiate with suppliers to secure free support wherever possible.
• Secure sponsorships for the event.
• Manage event invitations, including design and distribution.
• Organise the event itinerary, including speakers, games, and networking activities.
• Communicate with guests in the lead-up to the event.
• Liaise with the Marketing team to develop promotional materials.
• Perform other administrative tasks to support the fundraising team.

We are looking for volunteers who are: 

• Confident, friendly, and organised.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Reliable, proactive, and calm under pressure.
• Experience organising events is desirable.

This role is subject to a basic criminal record check, which is processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please note that a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from this role. We assess each application on a case-by-case basis.

Support and Benefits 

It’s vital that our volunteers feel rewarded for their amazing efforts so we want to match your goals, aspirations, availability and everything else with the right opportunity for you. Here are a few examples of what you will receive as a volunteer:

• Thorough induction & training to give you the confidence to perform your role well and to the best of your ability 
• Opportunity to develop new and existing skills to help you beyond your involvement with Candlelighters 
• Ongoing support from the Fundraising and HR teams 
• Certain expenses to be reimbursed as agreed with your Volunteer Supervisor, in accordance with our Expenses policy 
• Regular reviews with your Volunteer Supervisor to help you develop in your role 
• Satisfaction in knowing you are making a valuable contribution to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer 
• We can be a reference once you’ve volunteered for three months 
• Access to the mental health hotline 
• Charity Worker Discount card 
• Access to The Company Shop 

We are recognised by Great Place To Work® on multiple Best Workplaces Lists in 2023 and 97% of our employees say Candlelighters is a great place to work!

About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents, and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.

Our Weekend Clubs
10.00am to 1.30pm and/or 1:30pm to 6.00pm, monthly, Saturdays during term time.

We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers, to join us on our fantastic fun-filled Weekend club activities.

Volunteers and our members who have disabilities get to know each other as they take part in fun and challenging workshops including sports & games, arts & crafts, cooking and enjoying a day out in London once a term.

What you'll do
On the club you and a fellow volunteer will be paired with one of our members with a learning disability or autism. You'll support and encourage them to take part in a wide range of activities led by professional therapists and workshop leaders.

Our aim at a Kith & Kids’ club is that everybody has lots of fun in an environment in which our members feel safe and relaxed and can fully express themselves.  We aim that our members receive 2:1 volunteer support.  This helps ensure that the sessions have lots of energy and enthusiasm.  It also gives new volunteers a chance to learn further support tips from experienced volunteers. 

Our Weekend Clubs also allow our members to develop key skills and relationships in a fun, friendly and safe setting that is individually centred on their needs.

Workshops include music, drama, arts & crafts, sports & games and much more.  We even enjoy trips out!  Recently groups have attended swimming, museums, crazy golf, and bowling.

Not only is it a session full of fun and games for you and our members, but you are also a vital part in supporting them to develop their social skills in a day-to-day environment.

Come along and get involved!

Male volunteers especially welcome (we need more)!!

Requirements

What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 18.

How much time?
The clubs run Sat monthly, 10.00am to 1.30pm and/or 1:30pm to 6.00pm, in term time only.

The more clubs you do, the more you'll build close relationships with the members you'll be supporting and will create the most impact.

What we can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses.
We'll also provide excellent training before the project, and lots of helpful support.

By volunteering on our clubs, you'll also:

• Use and develop your skills
• Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others
• Increase your confidence
• Meet new people and make friends
• Gain experience for (other) work
• Give something back to the community
• Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
• Challenge yourself
   

What about training?
Volunteers must attend training and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.

This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.

Topics we cover include:

• Communication
• Autism
• Supporting emotions
• Safeguarding
• Creativity & Participation
• Epilepsy
   

When do I need to come?

Volunteers must attend training and complete a free DBS check before taking part.

We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting in mid-May with lots of other dates to choose from.

In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online.

Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.

General Trustee Ad

The Bike Project’s mission is simple – we refurbish unwanted bikes and donate them to refugees and people seeking asylum, giving them freedom and independence whilst they rebuild their lives.

“I’m really grateful because life is not only about surviving. It’s about joyfulness. I feel more freedom and independent in my life, and independent from government now.”  Bike Recipient

Most people seeking asylum are banned from working and forced to many live off an allowance of £8.86 per day and those lucky enough to get refugee status still face high unemployment and isolation. Having a bike links people to essential services, including foodbanks and legal advice, as well as the local community.

The Bike Project has proved that a bike can make a difference. Not only is a bike a practical tool for tackling poverty, those who receive bikes from us report they are more connected in their community, happier and healthier as a result.

Alongside our core Bike Donations Programme, we support refugee women to learn to cycle through our Pedal Power Programme; provide ongoing support with bike maintenance through our Repair or Replace Programme; and offer the opportunity for connection and friendship through our volunteer-matching Bike Buddy Programme.

As a number of trustees are coming to the end of their terms later this year, we are looking for new trustees to join this dynamic group, including a new Treasurer (see separate advert and application). 

You will be joining a highly committed group of trustees who give their time, expertise and contacts to support the charity. Our trustees are critical in enabling us to thrive. You will work together with your fellow trustees and the wider staff team to set our strategic direction and improve our work with refugees. At the heart of everything we do is the real and instant impact a bike makes to the lives of those who have been through so much. You will be part of us achieving that.

Priority Experience Areas
We are particularly seeking those with experience in one (or more) of the following areas:

1. Lived experience of the UK asylum process

2. Digital and marketing

3. Fundraising

4. Charity operations including specifically within the refugee sector

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and we're especially keen to hear from individuals who bring diverse perspectives, including those with lived experience of the asylum process, women, people of the global majority, and people with disabilities.

For an informal conversation about the role, please get in touch. 

No agencies please. 

We're seeking a motivated volunteer intern to support our visual communication and social media presence. The role focuses on creating and sharing content across Instagram, website, and newsletters, helping us communicate our work clearly, creatively, and accessibly.

Applicants should be confident using Canva and have a basic understanding of AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, DALL E, or similar) to assist with content creation. Skills in video editing apps and the ability to produce reels or short-form video content is a strong plus. Experience with Wix for website building and management is desirable.

This is an unpaid, part-time (1-2 days a week), flexible and remote-friendly position open to applicants based anywhere. We aim to make this a meaningful learning opportunity with involvement in projects, skill development, and portfolio-building. The length of the internship is 6 months. There is a concrete opportunity for the right person to continue working with us after the internship in a project-based freelance role.

Volunteer Opportunities – L’Arche Liverpool
Location: Liverpool
Role Type: Voluntary (flexible hours)
Commitment: 2–6 hours per day, once or twice a week (flexible options available)

About Us
L’Arche Liverpool is a vibrant community where people with and without learning disabilities live, work, and grow together. We are part of an international federation dedicated to inclusion, compassion, and shared humanity.

We are currently welcoming enthusiastic volunteers interested in making a real difference in people’s lives through hands-on community engagement.

What You’ll Do
As a volunteer, you will support our inclusive activities and day-to-day community life. Opportunities include:

• Assisting in arts and crafts workshops

• Supporting community events and celebrations

• Helping with gardening and environmental projects

• Providing companionship and meaningful engagement to core members (people with learning disabilities)

• Participating in creative, therapeutic, or recreational sessions

What You’ll Gain
Volunteering with L’Arche is not just about giving your time — it’s also about personal and professional growth. We offer:

• Free accredited training in safeguarding, communication, and care skills

• Hands-on experience in social care, community support, and inclusive education

• Valuable CV-building opportunities and professional references

• Leadership and teamwork experience through real-world collaboration

• A chance to be part of a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone belongs

• Flexible scheduling that works around your other commitments

Who We're Looking For
No prior experience is required — just an open mind, a kind heart, and a willingness to engage with others. This role is ideal for students, aspiring social workers, healthcare professionals, creatives, and anyone looking to make a positive impact.

Join us in building a world where everyone belongs — one connection at a time.

Purpose of the Role

This volunteer role is a key part of the HFEH Mind team delivering a range of services across Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow. We support clients with mental health with both clinical and non-clinical interventions. The volunteer will work with the Advocates, assisting the Inpatient Advocacy service, on the wards of The Limes and St Bernards Hospital. Our volunteer will the opportunity to support the Advocacy team with various tasks, including administration, (once trained), with the possibility of being trained as peer advocate.

Main Responsibilities

To work closely with the Advocacy team and Adult Services, Day Service Manager, attend ward rounds at The Limes and St Bernards Hospital and support the service in general. There will also be a further opportunity to train as a volunteer Peer Advocate in the future.

Tasks

All relevant training will be provided

· Attend Ward Rounds 3x per week with the Advocacy staff

· Support/work with the Advocacy staff on the Ward Round

· Provide information on the Advocacy Services

• Triage clients for the service through an onboarding process

· Register potential Clients, wanting to access Advocacy services

· Complete Advocacy Action Plans (training will be provided)

· Support with follow up surveys for those who have accessed the project and obtained their feedback to improve our services

· Support the Advocacy team to promote the service within the local community

· A willingness to undertake training courses

· Uphold HFEH Mind values and behaviours

General Responsibilities

All relevant training will be provided

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role

• Embrace diversity and share in our commitment to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination

• Share our commitment to safeguarding adults and children at risk of harm

• Use the charity’s resources efficiently and effectively to ensure that our financial resources are demonstrably used for the benefit of our service users

• Ensure that information is obtained, used and stored in accordance with our Data Protection and Confidentiality policy

Type of person we are looking for:

We welcome applications from those completing studies in Psychology, Counselling/Psychotherapy and/or any Allied Health Profession with a focus on supporting those with mental health needs.

However, your attitude, motivation and commitment are just as important as your training/qualifications and/or any previous experience. We will review all applications individually and assess them on their unique merits, so do not be discouraged from applying, even if you do not meet all the criteria listed below.  

We encourage applications from those with lived experience of mental health problems, as well as those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Essential

• An interest in supporting those with mental health needs to access Advocacy services

• An appreciation of the complex factors that can precipitate, maintain and exacerbate mental health problems 

• Good oral and written communication skills, (including listening skills); the ability to communicate in a patient, considered and empathetic manner 

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to follow administrative procedures

• A team player who is willing to chip in and work reflexively, responding to the challenges that arise from working in a dynamic environment

• IT skills: able to update spreadsheets, use web-based applications, video-conferencing software and Microsoft Office applications 

Desirable

• Advocacy experience, including with friends and family

• Experience of supporting people with mental health needs, in a voluntary, paid and/or personal capacity, (i.e. friends and family) 

• Previous involvement with local community groups / networks / feedback groups

• Awareness of the cultural barriers that may exist to seeking mental health support

Time commitment and expenses:

· 6 - 10 hours per week, 9am - 12pm

· 2 - 3 days per week: Tuesday & Thursday and/or Wednesday

• • Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s)/time(s) on your application

· We request a minimum commitment of 3 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction

· We will provide volunteers with an induction, training and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role

HFEH Mind value equal opportunities; and are proud to foster a workforce of volunteers and employees that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Please note: this role covers areas in Worcestershire and Herefordshire only.

A Community Advocacy Volunteer can support people in Herefordshire  who are vulnerable in a variety of ways. Community Volunteer Advocates help them to make a complaint about a service or situation they are unhappy with, such as a housing or a benefits issue. This service helps people live independently by helping them deal with issues with utility providers or setting up a bank account or assisting them to access services that support with financial matters. 

We are looking for people who are or have:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathetic
• You will have, or be willing to learn, basic computer literacy skills in order to log your contact / work on our database system.
• Comfortable completing forms and applications
• Organised 

Benefits of volunteering with the Advocacy Services

• Be part of a growing charity with ever expanding exciting new projects!
• You are provided with FREE training
• Reimbursed for public transport fair and/ or partial mileage costs
• Get experience in the field of mental health
• References are available from us on request
• Fulfilment in helping your local community
• Meet new and likeminded people - we hold regular volunteer catch ups to have your say and meet other volunteers
• Access to Employee Assistance programme benefits

Overview of Onside

ONSIDE is an independent charity promoting the rights and interests of people facing disadvantage. We believe that everyone is entitled to fair, equal treatment and opportunity. Our skilled staff and volunteers make a real difference to the lives of over 11,000 people a year across Worcestershire and Herefordshire.