Recovery Activities Volunteer Volunteer Roles

We have an exciting volunteer opportunity based at Telford and Shrewsbury Probation Offices, supporting the Change Grow Live Dependency and Recovery team. We are looking for motivated people who have an understanding of the issues faced by the people we support. You'll be passionate about supporting people to change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.

We are a specialist service dedicated to supporting people on probation impacted by substance misuse. Our projects are based in the West Midlands, South Yorkshire and Kent, Surrey & Sussex.

As a Criminal Justice Dependency & Recovery Volunteer, you will work in close collaboration with Dependency and Recovery Coordinators (D&R Coordinator) and Prison & Probation Services to deliver a range of tailored activities to adult males who are on probation.

You will assist in delivering drug and alcohol interventions and encourage motivation to support the person on probation to achieve their goals around their substance misuse and offending behaviour.

As a Change Grow Live volunteer you will be part of a supportive team and receive comprehensive training and guidance to develop within the role.

Please note before applying

• The volunteer role is based at Telford and Shrewsbury Probation offices,once a week (office hrs are 9 - 5pm)
• Some of the training for this role is elearning and so access to a laptop in order to complete this will be required
• This post is subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level and vetting enhanced level 1 by HMPPS at the recruitment stage
• Please remember to complete the Personal Statement part of the application as this forms part of the shortlisting process

To find out more about this exciting opportunity please read the attached role description.

We are looking for a friendly face to help staff the Yeldall Manor reception desk for a few hours each week.

The role entails being the first point of contact for telephone callers, visitors and residents, welcoming and redirecting their queries/calls as appropriate. You will be comfortable using a computer in order to send emails, access the diary and assist with basic admin tasks, although there may also be times with less to do.

The role includes a lot of client contact, so you will have daily contact with those men whom you are helping. They inspire and motivate us just as much as we seek to encourage and support them. As part of this, we ask that all our staff and volunteers help support the residents by interacting with them and encouraging them in their recovery and spiritual growth, and so ask that you will have a committed Christian faith yourself.

Yeldall Manor is set in the Berkshire countryside, about three miles from Twyford station. Lunch is provided with fellow staff and resident.

Ref: V225 | Support Group Volunteer | Maldon

We’re looking for Support Group Volunteers over the age of 18 years old, based at Fullbridge Church, 27 Fullbridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LE.

You’ll be volunteering fortnightly on a Thursday from 10.15am-12.15pm.

As a support group volunteer, you will help with the running of the group.  The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.

The volunteer will be

· A people person, with good listening skills

· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people

· Good at putting people at ease

· Reliable and organised

· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke

· IT literate, have good administrative and record keeping skills and be able to follow relevant policies

A DBS check is required for this role.

Interested in this role?

Find out more by downloading the role description for the Support Group Volunteer role.

If you are interested in this role, please complete our application form on our website.

About Us

Stroke Association. Rebuilding lives after stroke.

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. That’s because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It happens every five minutes in the UK and changes lives instantly. Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt.

We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. And it’s a team effort to get there.

We provide specialist support, fund critical research and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.

We’re working to improve the diversity of our team.  Because we know that individuality leads to a richer experience for our people and better support for those affected by stroke. 

We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. And we’re particularly looking to increase the number of applications from those with lived experience of stroke and those from under-represented communities. 

Every five minutes, stroke destroys lives. Help us rebuild them and join our team.

To help us deliver our strategy and make a real difference, we are looking to recruit talented people to a number of new roles.

If you would like to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives, we want to hear from you!

Ref: V224 | Support Group Volunteer | Wolseley

We’re looking for Support Group Volunteers over the age of 18 years old, based at Wolseley Business Park, Wolseley Close, Plymouth, Devon, PL2 3BY.

You’ll be volunteering 3 out of 4 Wednesday mornings per month, from 10am until 1pm

As a support group volunteer, you will help with the running of the group.  The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.

The volunteer will be

· A people person, with good listening skills

· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people

· Good at putting people at ease

· Reliable and organised

· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke

· IT literate, have good administrative and record keeping skills and be able to follow relevant policies

A DBS check is required for this role.

Interested in this role?

Find out more by downloading the role description for the Support Group Volunteer role.

If you are interested in this role, please complete click apply.

About Us

Stroke Association. Rebuilding lives after stroke.

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. That’s because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It happens every five minutes in the UK and changes lives instantly. Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt.

We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. And it’s a team effort to get there.

We provide specialist support, fund critical research and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.

We’re working to improve the diversity of our team.  Because we know that individuality leads to a richer experience for our people and better support for those affected by stroke. 

We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. And we’re particularly looking to increase the number of applications from those with lived experience of stroke and those from under-represented communities. 

Every five minutes, stroke destroys lives. Help us rebuild them and join our team.

To help us deliver our strategy and make a real difference, we are looking to recruit talented people to a number of new roles.

If you would like to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives, we want to hear from you!

Amy’s Place is a partnership between the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Clarion Housing, providing supported living accommodation for young women aged 18-30 in recovery from drugs, alcohol and other addictive behaviors.

As a great communicator with ‘green fingers’ you will create a calm, nurturing environment in which to support the residents to gain gardening skills and to explore the possibility of growing their own food. 

Activities

Inspire the residents to take an interest in the outdoor space at Amy’s Place and involve them in the development of a regular gardening and/or food growing club.

Help residents to develop their gardening skills and knowledge specific to growing food, through group workshops and individually tailored support, guidance and encouragement.

Commitment 

This is a flexible opportunity and volunteering times and frequency will vary depending on the volunteer’s availability and the needs of the residents. It might be every week or fortnight ideally for a minimum of 3 months.

Requirements 

This role will require us to carry out an enhanced check through the disclosure and barring service.

Support 

•  Volunteers receive a thorough induction and have access to any relevant in-house and external training
•  Reasonable travel and lunch expenses will be reimbursed
• The role is based at the service in East London. The exact address cannot be given until the volunteer starts due to safety and privacy reasons

EXPERIENCED TREASURER required to join the Trustee Board of our growing and evolving frontline charity in Dorset, support survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse.

STARS Dorset is a growing, independent charity supporting those living, working or studying in Dorset who have been affected by sexual violence and/or domestic abuse.  We support approximately 3600 unique individuals every year with our specialist support services, enabling them to start their own journey of recovery. Over the past 5 years we have seen increasing demand for our frontline services and we are now looking for a Treasurer to lead on the financial governance and compliance of our charity.

This is an  exciting time to join our talented and friendly Board.  The role provides the opportunity for the right candidate to use their experiences and skills, to help shape and steer our charity in its next phase of development to ensure our future sustainability and growth. 

We expect all staff and volunteers to model and support our values of  integrity, excellence, supportive, determination, and innovative.  As an integral part of our team, you will be committed to making a difference for those affected by sexual violence and domestic abuse

As a charity that values and celebrates people’s diversity and champions opportunities for all, we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.   We believe that a diverse organisation is one that is more innovative, more creative and achieves better results.

STARS Dorset is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and acceptable references.   

For more information about the role please contact our CEO, Helen Stevens..

We are looking for individuals with professional or lived experience of working with children in our Haringey Refuges. Our volunteer playworkers are passionate about play and providing a welcoming and safe space for all children.

About the Role

As a volunteer play worker, you will work in partnership with the Sessional Play Worker and Family Support Worker in the planning and delivery of play sessions. Most children will be between the ages of 2-5 years.

Playworker volunteers will lead and assist a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, games, etc. to engage and support the children’s emotional wellbeing and enhance their confidence and resilience. Activity sessions will be carried out in the refuges, supported by the Sessional Play worker.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking volunteers who have:

• Shared vision, mission and values of Solace Women’s Aid
• Professional and/or lived experience of working with children
• Understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people
• Ability to communicate effectively with children aged 0-5, parents and staff
• Basic knowledge of child development
• Organisation and time management skills

Although not essential, we would welcome applications from volunteers who have a formal qualification in working with children, young people and families, or who have knowledge of trauma-informed approaches to working with children and young people.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

Volunteers will gain:

• Experience of facilitating play sessions for children in recovery from domestic abuse
• An insight into the experiences of children in recovery from domestic abuse.
• Experience in working in partnership with Sessional Play Workers in the planning, delivery and evaluation of play sessions in a refuge/community setting.
• Opportunity to attend training and social events with other Solace Women’s Aid volunteers.
• Being part of a supportive team who aim to build on the strengths and skills of all our members.

We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand, and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the level 3 Understanding Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

At Solace we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for our volunteers. The Service Users we support come from all backgrounds and we want to reflect that in our volunteering team. We are happy to consider any adjustments you might need to support you in your role. If you would like to discuss this further with the volunteer team, please let us know. This will not affect your application.

Solace recognises the expertise and perspective that women with lived experience bring to their volunteering roles. We also recognise the potential for re-traumatisation that may occur whilst volunteering. We will therefore consider each volunteer opportunity on a case by case basis, with a focus on the suitability of that individual for that specific role. Suitability for the role will be determined by the Service Manager at the point of interview and will not be solely based on the length of time elapsed since receiving a service. Women cannot volunteer for a service in the same borough as where they received Solace services.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As a Peer Volunteer you will be working alongside Senior staff and Crisis workers within Crisis Safe Space. Crisis Safe Space was co-designed by local people with experience of mental health difficulties, who wanted to create more support in the community rather than at hospital or other clinical services​. The service has been designed for people experiencing emotional distress who need immediate and short-term crisis prevention rather than intensive support from either an emergency or inpatient service​. We do not seek to define what a crisis is for those using our service, we simply aim to offer the support required on a person-by-person basis. As an alliance member of Open Mental Health, we work in close partnership with Second Step, Somerset Foundation Trust and other OMH partners.

Bringing your lived experience, you will have the desire to support and encourage others on their individual recovery journeys.  You will be able to clearly draw upon and share, your own experiences of mental health challenges and services in order to inspire, model, and inform others in similar situations and support them in finding their own path to recovery.

You will be providing a specially designed role within the Crisis Safe Space Team in either Yeovil or Taunton. As part of the wider team, you will start to build a trusting relationship with individuals while they are accessing the Crisis Safe Space and your role will be to meet and greet, assist with any enrolment/paperwork, and offer support with signposting and feedback. You will work alongside the Crisis Safe Space Team, meaning you will have access to constant support and guidance.

What tasks will be involved?

· Establishing a trusting and collaborative relationship with the service-user, working alongside a crisis worker within appointments to provide sensitive, collaborative, and non-judgemental support, offering you’re your own perspective and lived experience where appropriate. 

· Offering follow up and aftercare appointments to individuals who have completed their work with the Crisis Safe Space team.

· Completing feedback paperwork collaboratively with the service user at regular intervals following their appointment, compiling feedback to help develop an understanding of how the service is being received.

· Supporting family members who visit with their loved one, ensuring they feel supported and listened to whilst they wait, and ensuring that their experience is also validated.

· To identify additional community-based support networks and implementing group-based peer support events for users of the service.

· To link people to training, volunteering/employment activities.

· To maintain hope and optimism for the individual with high expectations for recovery, use lived experience to positively support the individual’s recovery.

· Providing practical information and signposting.

· Supporting the smooth and safe transfer into other services. 

· Showing understanding, acceptance and empathy based on shared experience.

· Supporting individuals to develop ideas for coping strategies and problem-solving skills.

· Help individuals identify their own hopes, dreams, and aspirations and to explore opportunities and ways to realise them.

Who should apply for this role?

We are looking for Peer Volunteers who have:

· Lived experience of mental health.

· Personal experience of recovery from mental health challenges.

· The desire and ability to share personal experiences of mental health and recovery to support, empower and bring hope to others.

· The capacity to manage their own mental health needs.

· An awareness of self-management resources and coping strategies.

· An ability to empathise with others and form trusting relationships.

· A non-judgemental approach and an ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.

· Good listening and communication skills, reliability and good time keeping.

· An ability to take responsibility for your own self-care and willingness to utilise the support and supervision provided by Deputy Project Lead.

Where and when will I volunteer?

The Crisis safe Space is an out of hours service open daily between the hours of 17:30 and 23:00. We welcome applications to those who can commit to a minimum of 1 shift per week.

What support will I get?

Prior to starting your volunteer position, you will complete a comprehensive training programme with our partner agency, Watch CIC, who are specialists in developing Peer Volunteer relations.

Once in role, you will be supported by both the Deputy to the Project Lead the Project Lead who will provide support as and when needed, alongside your colleagues on shift.  

Is a DBS Check required for this role?

YES, a DBS Check (Disclosure & Barring Service) is required for this role. You will be supported by the Project Lead.  Any disclosures will be discussed on a case-by-case basis and will not automatically stop you from being involved.

Do you enjoy meeting and engaging with new people? We are looking for a volunteer to join our team to provide a friendly face as people arrive at our Service. You will also support people to connect with others, feel welcome whilst assisting our staff to run services for people in crisis. Get in touch and make a difference!

What you will be doing

• Answer the door to Service Users and welcoming them to the service.
• Offering beverages to SU's upon entry to the service (Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, juice, water, etc)
• Engaging in general conversation with SU's who are awaiting 1:1 with a recovery worker.
• Joining the Peer support table, when possible, to engage with SU's in activities such as card games, board games, mindful colouring

The skills you need

• Good communications skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and friendly 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 - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Ref: V226 | Communication Service Supporter | East Midlands

We’re looking for three volunteers over the age of 18 years old, based in various locations:

- Tuesdays - Somercotes Community Centre, Nottingham Road Somercotes - Derbyshire, DE55 4LY

-Wednesdays - Erewash Voluntary Action Aid, Granville Ave, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 4HD

-Thursdays - The Parish of All Saints Church, Mickleover, Derby DE3 0DL

You’ll be volunteering one afternoon every two weeks in blocks of 6 sessions.  Depending on venue chosen, may be Tuesday/Wednesday or Thursday.

We are looking for communication service supporters to assist stroke survivors in developing their communication skills on a one-to-one basis in their homes or out in their local community so that they can access activities and services.

The volunteers will:

· Be an effective communication service supporter you need great listening skills and be able to support people in an empathetic and non-judgemental way.

· Be willing to learn and use the technique, called ‘supported conversation’, that is used to support people with communication difficulties.

If you are someone who enjoys conversation, meeting new people and likes to try new things, then this role might be a good one for you.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role.

Interested in this role?

Find out more by downloading the role desciption for the Communication service supporter role.

If you are interested in this role, please complete our application form on our website.

About Us

Stroke Association. Rebuilding lives after stroke.

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. That’s because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It happens every five minutes in the UK and changes lives instantly. Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt.

We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. And it’s a team effort to get there.

We provide specialist support, fund critical research and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.

We’re working to improve the diversity of our team.  Because we know that individuality leads to a richer experience for our people and better support for those affected by stroke. 

We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. And we’re particularly looking to increase the number of applications from those with lived experience of stroke and those from under-represented communities. 

Every five minutes, stroke destroys lives. Help us rebuild them and join our team.

To help us deliver our strategy and make a real difference, we are looking to recruit talented people to a number of new roles.

If you would like to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives, we want to hear from you!

Interested in volunteering with Cumbria Wildlife Trust on the ‘The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery’ project? The Bay is a nature and wellbeing programme of events, offering people living around Morecambe Bay area, the opportunity to get outdoors, connect with nature, and take part in a range of activities. Barrow-in-Furness is at the northernmost point of the Bay project area.

Do you love wildlife? Experience and share the joy of the rich variety of habitats and wild plants and animals that live in The Bay, with event visitors.

Are you a people person? An approachable and friendly manner. Have confidence in talking to members of public, of varying ages and backgrounds.

Becoming a community events volunteer, is a unique opportunity to learn new conservation and people skills. Community event volunteers help to connect people to nature and also help people take action to protect wildlife.

We are looking for volunteers to help set up and support the delivery of events which may include coastal stargazing, UV rock pooling, guided walks, codebreaking, egg case hunts, and craft activities. We also go into organisations such as care homes with our ‘portable rockpool’ to bring a little bit of nature to people who would struggle to get outdoors.

You don’t need to be a wading bird or starfish expert, just have a natural enthusiasm for the all the wildlife that you and event visitors will encounter.

This community focused role is based indoors or outdoors.

This is a very flexible role.

You can choose the events you’d like to help with.

Training, hot brews and support will be provided.

Travel costs will be reimbursed and lift sharing can often be arranged on request.

 Please note DBS (paid by Cumbria Wildlife Trust) may be required. Safeguarding training will also be provided.

Is this for you? Want to learn more about this role? We'd love to hear from you.

Do you have an art therapy background and would like to support individuals experiencing crisis and find alternative ways to express themselves through art?

You will be working with small groups of people who may struggle with communicating their feelings, thoughts, may require support looking at a problem, situation in a new way, explore a difficult or painful experience.

What you will be doing

• Develop and coordinate art therapy sessions weekly, through one to one or group sessions
• Inspire and motivate individuals to take part in the sessions and take a role in planning/designing upcoming sessions
• Create a safe space and session plans for individuals to express themselves
• In group workshops, encourage members of the group to connect and relate to each other through expression of art
• Work alongside our staff team to set therapeutic objectives, goals and provide feedback on progress
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities beyond the session

The skills you need

• A qualified art therapist with relevant qualifications
• A strong knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of psychotherapy and the role art can play in recovery
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

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.

Do you have an art therapy background and would like to support individuals experiencing crisis and find alternative ways to express themselves through art?

You will be working with people who may struggle with communicating their feelings, thoughts, may require support looking at a problem, situation in a new way, explore a difficult or painful experience.

What you will be doing

• Develop and coordinate art therapy sessions weekly, through one to one or group sessions
• Inspire and motivate individuals to take part in the sessions and take a role in planning/designing upcoming sessions
• Create a safe space and session plans for individuals to express themselves
• In group workshops, encourage members of the group to connect and relate to each other through expression of art
• Work alongside our staff team to set therapeutic objectives, goals and provide feedback on progress
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities beyond the session

The skills you need

• A qualified art therapist with relevant qualifications
• A strong knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of psychotherapy and the role art can play in recovery
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

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.

Do you have a music therapy background and would like to support individuals experiencing crisis and find alternative ways to express themselves through music?

You will be working with people who may struggle with communicating their feelings, thoughts, may require support looking at a problem, situation in a new way, explore a difficult or painful experience.

What you will be doing

• Develop and coordinate music therapy sessions weekly, through one to one or small group sessions
• Inspire and motivate individuals to take part in the sessions and take a role in planning/designing upcoming sessions
• Create a safe space and session plans for individuals to express themselves
• In group workshops, encourage members of the group to connect and relate to each other through expression of music
• Work alongside our staff team to set therapeutic objectives, goals and provide feedback on progress
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities beyond the session

The skills you need

• A qualified music therapist/ relevant qualifications
• A strong knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of psychotherapy and the role art can play in recovery
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

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.