Safeguarding volunteer volunteer roles

Childcare Volunteer – Make a Lasting Difference in Ghana

Help children learn, grow and thrive

At SFLIG Volunteers, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, feel safe and reach their full potential. Since 2011, we have partnered with schools, childcare centres and community organisations across Ghana to provide educational support, care and encouragement to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Are you passionate about working with children and looking for a meaningful international volunteering experience? Join our team and become part of a programme that creates lasting change while allowing you to experience the rich culture and hospitality of Ghana.

About the role

As a Childcare Volunteer, you will work alongside experienced local staff in a childcare centre, supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing. Your encouragement, creativity and enthusiasm can have a positive impact on the lives of young children while giving you a rewarding international experience.

No two days are the same. You will build relationships with the children, assist with educational and recreational activities and help create a fun, safe and engaging environment where children can flourish.

What you'll be doing

You will:

• Support children with reading, writing and basic learning activities.
• Organise games, arts and crafts, music and educational activities.
• Help supervise indoor and outdoor play.
• Encourage children's confidence, creativity and social development.
• Assist local staff with daily childcare routines.
• Share your culture while learning about Ghanaian traditions and community life.
• Work respectfully within the local community and follow safeguarding procedures at all times.

Programme details

Location: Accra, Kasoa, Senya Breku, Kumas (All in Ghana)

Placement Type: Onsite international volunteer placement

Duration: Flexible placements available throughout the year

Accommodation: Volunteer accommodation provided from the program cost

Meals: Three meals per day included from the program cost

Support: Airport pickup, orientation, local SIM card, ongoing in-country support and a certificate upon successful completion.

This placement is for you if...

• You enjoy working with children.
• You are caring, patient and adaptable.
• You are enthusiastic about learning a new culture.
• You work well as part of a team.
• You are willing to contribute positively to the local community.
• Previous childcare, teaching or youth work experience is welcome but not essential.

Important information

This is an onsite, self-funded international volunteer programme in Ghana. Volunteers are responsible for their programme fee, international flights, visa, travel insurance and personal expenses.

Applicants must answer the screening questions as part of the application process. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with further information about the placement and the next steps.

If you're ready to make a meaningful difference while experiencing the warmth, culture and beauty of Ghana, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of the SFLIG Volunteers family.

Project overview: 

Alfriston Outreach Service is dedicated to helping older and vulnerable people in Kingston. We provide services such as Hot Lunch delivery, Shopping, and Laundry delivered into people’s homes, with our aim to support older people to remain independent in their own homes. 

About us:

Mind in Kingston supports people with mental health issues and raises awareness within Kingston and surrounding areas. We provide training, supervision, and opportunities for career development. 

Volunteers are extremely valued within our team and a vital part of our service delivery. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, including those who may have personal or professional experience of mental health. While lived experience can bring valuable perspective, it is not a requirement for volunteering with us. Our focus is on providing volunteers with the training, guidance and supervision they need to feel confident in their roles and to develop their skills. Volunteers are supported to succeed and offered opportunities to connect with trustees, staff and other volunteers both professionally and socially. Above all, we value the contribution volunteers make to our community and are committed to recognising their achievements. 

Main purpose of the role: 

• Support and assist the Lunch Delivery. 

• Deliver the Hot Lunches into people’s homes. 

• Report any observations or concerns about service users’ wellbeing to the supervisor.

Tasks will include: 

• Supporting the Driver on the Lunch Delivery. 

• Carrying Hot Meals into Service Users Homes. 

• Using Key Safes to open doors where necessary. 

• Delivering Laundry and Shopping to some Service Users. 

• Provide a point of contact for Service Users. 

• Reporting on changes in Service Users well-being. 

• Reporting back any safeguarding concerns immediately to the supervisor. 

• Maintain regular contact with the supervisor. 

• Attend meetings and supervision sessions. 

What you will receive in return: 

• Training in Safeguarding. 

• Training in Food Handling. 

• Training for any other skills as identified by yourself and your supervisor. 

• Regular check-in with your supervisor, reflective supervision, and managerial support. 

• An opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones while being a part of a supportive team at Mind in Kingston. 

• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses. 

• Professional references upon completion. 

• *Alfriston volunteers only: access to a discounted lunch (£5 per lunch, subject to availability). A minimum of 24 hours’ notice must be given. 

What we expect from you: 

• Commitment for at least six months. 

• Completion of required training. 

• Adherence to Mind in Kingston’s policies (e.g., confidentiality, safeguarding). 

• Proactive engagement with your supervisor for support. 

Application Process: 

• Two recent references are required. 

• An enhanced DBS check is necessary. 

We ask volunteers for two references, one of which must come from someone who has supervised you recently in your work or studies, such as a current or previous employer or a tutor. You will also need to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, as you will be working with vulnerable adults. 

£Volunteer - Travel expenses only

Flexible - Monday to Friday

West Midlands Area – based around local treatment services - Bloxwich, Bournville, Coventry, Oldbury,

Perry Barr, Stechford and Wolverhampton

Closing date: 31st August 2026 at 9.00am

Interview date: Rolling Basis

Ref LEP 252

Are you a proactive, collaborative and compassionate individual with proven experience of working positively with adults to engage successfully despite ‘challenging’ behaviour?  Do you have the ability to be a positive role model, demonstrating the virtues of engaging with treatment support services?

If so, St Giles is looking for a Lived Experienced Peer Volunteer to join our team and provide interventions and build meaningful, peer-led relationships with service users to encourage them to engage in drug and alcohol treatment following arrest.

About St Giles Trust
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need.  Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

About this key role

As a Peer Volunteer, you will increase client engagement with drug and alcohol treatment services by providing vital peer-led support and building trust and motivation among a client group that has been historically disengaged/not offered support previously.  You will provide holistic, short-term intervention to bridge the gap between referral and full treatment engagement, capture client experiences and barriers to improve service design and accessibility and develop a strong service user voice to inform future service improvements.

Areas of support from Peer Volunteers may also include initial engagement and motivation such as welcome calls, check-ins, peer-led conversations and motivational chats over coffee.  You may also offer practical support such as appointment reminders, transport assistance and paperwork support, plus help to build positive routines such as activity-based engagement and supporting small lifestyle changes, including meal planning, budgeting, and time management.

What we are looking for

• Personal experience of the criminal justice system or lived experience of the issues facing this client group (i.e. experience of substance misuse and recovery)
• Proven experience of working in a high intensity environment, being self-motivating, with an ability to effectively manage your own wellbeing
• Knowledge of the issues facing those arrested for potential criminal offences
• Knowledge of, and commitment to, safeguarding practices and policies
• The ability to use monitoring systems to record all aspects of the work
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, verbal and written.

Please note:  as an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients and successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Child Workforce with Child Barred list DBS.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

To apply visit our website via the apply button.

We will be reviewing applications as they are received and reserve the right to close this advert early if a suitable candidate is appointed. We therefore strongly encourage early applications to avoid any disappointment.

Seeking childcare for children aged 0-12 for a community arts project in Vauxhall. We are looking for volunteers to look after the children of our participants during our sessions.

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 volunteers during each session. The sessions for the participants are in an adjacent room to the childcare space, meaning parents are nearby.

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 provide childcare for 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.

Job description

As Clinical Lead, you will provide professional oversight, guidance, and liaison for all cultural and emotional therapy initiatives within the organisation. You will work closely with membership, engagement, and programme teams. This role blends strategic leadership, operational management, and community-facing support to build safe, transformative, and accessible therapy systems.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Professional qualification and current registration in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counselling, or a closely related discipline (e.g. HCPC, BACP, UKCP, BABCP, or equivalent)
• Demonstrable experience providing trauma-informed therapeutic support, with strong understanding of how trauma, culture, identity, and systemic factors affect emotional wellbeing
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding frameworks, risk management, and ethical practice within clinical, voluntary, and community-based settings
• Working understanding of GDPR and data protection principles, particularly relating to confidential health and safeguarding information
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or providing reflective practice to clinical practitioners, facilitators, or volunteers (including non-clinical staff delivering emotional support)
• Ability to assess risk, respond calmly to complex or sensitive situations, and provide clear, proportionate clinical guidance
• Strong organisational skills, balancing strategic oversight with operational input in a volunteer or resource-limited environment
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain clinical concepts to non-clinical audiences and work collaboratively across teams
• High levels of professional integrity, emotional intelligence, cultural humility, and commitment to inclusive, ethical care

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Provide strategic and hands-on clinical oversight to ensure the effective delivery of culturally informed emotional and therapeutic services. Ensure that programmes are safe, ethical, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of members.
• Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of emotional wellbeing and therapeutic services, ensuring that interventions are culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and aligned with the organisation’s mission and values. This includes supporting programme design, session structures, referral pathways, and evaluation frameworks to promote positive member outcomes.
• Liaise closely with therapists, facilitators, programme leads, and safeguarding officers to ensure consistent alignment with clinical governance, ethical frameworks, safeguarding policies, and professional standards. Provide expert consultation on complex considerations.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, training, and supervision of therapy facilitators and volunteers. Advising on role suitability, contributing to training content, offering reflective supervision, and promoting best practice in boundaries, self-care, and ethical decision-making.
• Review and approve therapy protocols, session guidelines, risk assessments, and safeguarding procedures, ensuring they are clinically sound, culturally sensitive, and proportionate to the needs and risks of the service users. Ensure that all therapeutic activity complies with relevant professional regulatory standards, safeguarding legislation, and data protection requirements, including GDPR.
• Monitor member wellbeing outcomes, qualitative feedback, and service impact data to inform continuous improvement, learning, and programme development. This includes identifying trends, risks, or unmet needs and advising on appropriate service adaptations.
• As the primary clinical point of contact, the role holder will provide professional oversight for complex cases, escalations, or member concerns that require clinical judgement, risk management, or safeguarding intervention, working collaboratively with internal teams and external professionals where required.

As a volunteer Activity Worker, you will support the planning and delivery of engaging activities for families. Your role is to promote social interaction, wellbeing, and independence through meaningful and enjoyable activities. 

Key Responsibilities:

· Assist in preparing and facilitating group or one to one activities such as arts and crafts, games, music, exercise, discussions, and outings.

· Encourage and support participation from people we work alongside, adapting activities to meet a range of needs and abilities.

· Build positive relationships with families, promoting dignity, choice, and inclusion.

· Help to set up and tidy away activity materials and spaces.

· Support staff in monitoring and providing feedback on the engagement and wellbeing of participants.

· Maintain confidentiality and always uphold safeguarding and health and safety standards.

· Contribute to a warm, friendly, and respectful environment.

What We’re Looking For:

• Friendly, patient, and approachable with good interpersonal skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to supporting others.
• Creative and enthusiastic about delivering engaging activities.
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow guidance.
• Respect for diversity and a non-judgmental attitude.
• Some experience working with adults and/or children in a care or community setting (desirable).

Training and Support Provided:

• Initial induction and safeguarding training.
• Ongoing support from the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Access to regular check-ins and optional peer support sessions.
• Reimbursement of agreed travel or activity expenses.

Benefits of Volunteering:

· Make a positive difference in the lives of families in your community.

· Gain experience in community engagement and delivering activities.

· Meet new people and develop new skills.

· Be part of a supportive and welcoming team.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

At Cede Foundation, we create safe, welcoming spaces where children can learn, play, build confidence and enjoy positive experiences during the school holidays.

We are looking for friendly, caring and reliable volunteers to support our holiday club activities. Volunteering with us is a great way to help children take part in fun activities, make friends and enjoy a supportive space during their school break.

As a volunteer, you will work alongside staff and other volunteers to help the day run smoothly and make sure every child feels welcome, included and encouraged.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys spending time with children, likes hands-on volunteering and wants to make a positive difference in their community.

What you will be doing

You will help make our holiday club a safe, positive and fun place for children.

Your tasks may include:

• Helping to prepare activity spaces before children arrive
• Welcoming children and families and helping with registration
• Assisting with games, creative activities, sports and group sessions
• Encouraging children to join in and feel confident taking part
• Supporting children during transitions between activities
• Helping with snacks, resources and general session coordination
• Assisting staff with attendance, feedback or simple record-keeping tasks where needed
• Helping to tidy activity spaces at the end of the day
• Promoting a friendly, inclusive and respectful atmosphere throughout the session

You will not be expected to lead sessions alone or take on staff responsibilities. A staff member or an activity leader will be there to support you throughout.

Who we are looking for

You do not need formal experience to apply, but you should be comfortable around children and willing to follow guidance.

This role could be a good match for you if:

• You enjoy working with children or would like to gain experience in this area
• You are friendly, patient and approachable
• You are reliable and able to attend the sessions you agree to support
• You work well as part of a team
• You are willing to follow guidance on safeguarding, health and safety and confidentiality
• You can encourage children in a positive and respectful way
• You have an interest in community work, play, sports, arts, crafts or children’s activities

Previous experience with children, youth work, education, sports, arts or community activities is welcome but not required.

What you will gain

This is a great opportunity to:

• Gain experience supporting children’s activities and community programmes
• Build confidence in teamwork, communication and activity support
• Learn more about how holiday clubs and community projects are delivered
• Meet new people and be part of a welcoming volunteer team
• Make a positive difference to children and families during the school holidays

Time commitment

Our holiday club sessions run during the school holidays, usually from 10 am to 2 pm on selected programme days.

You can volunteer for one or more days, depending on your availability. You may be asked to arrive a little earlier to help with set-up and attend a short briefing before the session begins.

Reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses will be reimbursed in line with our volunteer expenses policy.

Our next holiday club starts on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

Cede Foundation is committed to keeping children, young people and adults safe. Volunteers will receive the guidance they need before starting and are expected to follow our safeguarding, confidentiality and conduct policies.

Depending on the role and level of supervision, volunteers may need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will do our best to make reasonable adjustments so everyone can take part.

Within CPSL Mind's serives, our trainined Peer Mentor "walk alongside" individuals on thier recovery journey as they work towards specific personal goals through 1:1 work or group support. This service is offered Monday to Friday between office hours. 

Aims of the service is to:

• Reduce loneliness and social isolation among adults
• Improve mental wellbeing and confidence through regualar social contact
• Encourage informal physical activity, including walking, gentle exercise and community particiaption 
• Strengthen resilience by supporting individuals to access public services, groups and wider community provision
• Reduce reliance on statutory support 

Activity Leader

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. Our activity leaders are at the centre of what we do - their good nature, leadership and passion for outdoor activities are what we pass on to the next generation. It is a role with a lot of responsibility and a huge amount of reward and satisfaction.

You will be part of a team of enthusiastic and passionate leaders who help to run CAG meeting nights on Tuesdays in term time.  You will help run both indoor and outdoor team building activities for our all male members and this can include going on night walks, building fires, cooking on fires, trying out some bush craft, going on bike rides, trying indoor climbing, having a go at scuba diving in swimming pools, playing team building games, entering cake competitions, attempting bushtucker trials, putting up tents, learning navigation skills, keeping fit by doing bleep tests, going karting, having a crack at skiing at Ackers Trust, eating curry at Christmas and much, much more.

You can also join us on our weekend trips away to faraway places such as the Lakes, Snowdonia, the Peaks and even to snowier, colder climes on our legendary ski trip.

Description

Responsibilities:

• You will be working as part of a team to provide safe, creative and appropriate challenging activities for young people aged 10 - 18 years.

• Activities will include fun activities and games both indoor and outdoor and supervising off-site trips and much more.

• You will have the opportunity to lead and inspire our different age groups: “Smalls” (age 10 - 13.5), “Bigs” (age 13.5 - 16) and Young Leaders (age 16 - 18).

• You will need to ensure that the young people are kept safe at all times by following CAG’s policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, risk assessment and other health and safety issues.

• You and the team will be responsible for keeping the premises clean and tidy and ensure the safekeeping of any equipment in conjunction with the Quartermaster.

• You will liaise with parents where necessary for any feedback required.

• Maintain and uphold good behaviour of the members.

• Work in conjunction with the Safeguarding Lead and Group Leader.

• Be able to work on a rota with other leaders and be available for Tuesday nights during term time.

• Communicate frequently with the Group Leader & CAG Management Committee to keep them up to date.

We are looking for a volunteer who ideally should have / be:

• Commitment to CAG and its ethos.

• Experience of working or volunteering with young people in a similar environment.

• Ability to communicate at all levels, particularly with young people.

• Enthusiasm and a positive attitude to work is essential.

• Ability to work on own initiative but also as part of a team.

• A proactive attitude.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings.

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the day to day running of CAG as well as securing its future.  You will have a big impact because this role is essential to ensuring that CAG members have the best time at Tuesday night meetings and weekend events / trips.  You will be helping members to work in teams, challenge themselves to try out new activities, make new friends and spend time away from social media and computer screens which has been proven to benefit mental health.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.  Additionally we can offer you:

• The chance to be part of a charity at an exciting time in its development.

• The opportunity to make a difference to young people’s lives through outdoor trips, activities and adventures.

• Expenses, so you are not out of pocket.

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer will be required to attend weekly Tuesday night club meetings at Bickenhill during term time.

Travel Limit

The candidate should also be available for occasional face to face Leader meetings.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Weekly Tuesday evening club nights.

• Occasional weekends and evenings to attend events and trips.

Estimate of time commitment

• Minimum 2 hours / week - the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.

Volunteer Role: Community Group Volunteer

Location: Across Wales

Frequency: A few hours once a month

Reporting to: Adoption Community Manager

Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS

Community groups are facilitated face to face or virtual meetings/events run by community group coordinators who are volunteers. The groups are run to offer local networking, support, information, advice, guidance and a sense of community for adoption UK members.

The role of a community group coordinator is to plan, organise, facilitate and network meeting and events both face to face and virtually for local adoption UK members. 

The groups are open to prospective adopters/ adopters awaiting a match and adopters with children. Meet ups are often held monthly although the frequency is dependent on the availability of the community group coordinator. 

What you will be doing   

·Plan dates for the community group meetings.

·Inform the Community officer and manager so the admin and booking link can be created for the group.

·Attend the group meetings, welcome the attendees, remind everyone at the start of the meeting about safeguarding and confidentiality, chair the meeting and provide a listening ear and potential signposting to the attendees.

·Ensure Adoption UK’s safeguarding policies and procedures are followed.

·After the meeting, send an attendance list to staff at Adoption UK.

The Skills and Experience you need  

·Personal experience, and understanding of the issues facing adoptive parents 

·Caring 

·Understanding 

·Good listening and communication skills 

·Good understanding of the importance of confidentiality

·Ability to respect other people’s differences and choices  

·Some IT and administration skills   

·Confidence to work independently and the ability to recognise when to ask for support or raise concerns if required 

What’s in it for you

·Meet new people and be part of helping adopted young people to thrive  

·Access to the online family members area and the opportunity to attend relevant training and development opportunities  

·Use and develop your communication, organisational and people skills  

·Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out the role and agreed out-of-pocket expenses  

Safeguarding role requirements: All applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.  

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility 

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way! 

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board! 

Unfortunately this role cannot be used for as a placement and our mentee cannot be used as case studies.

Peer Mentors provide one-to-one short term emotional and practical support to people with mental health challenges in Camden, to help them regain their confidence and independence. This opportunity is for people to use their lived experience of mental health problems to help create a short term, supportive and understanding relationship with someone who requires support in the community. 

It’s about motivating and empowering the other person to identify their own issues and goals and helping them to find ways of resolving or reaching them – not by doing it for them, or expecting them to ‘do it the way I did it’, but by understanding and respecting different ways of working.

You will:

1. Work 1:1 with your mentee to identify & set short term realistic goals​ that would be helpful to their mental wellbeing
2. Work with them over 10 sessions to help them achieve them, maximum 20 weeks.​
3. Equip them with the tools and skills they need to continue longer term​
4. Provide a helping hand – refer mentees to other services in the local area, if appropriate.
5. Provide emotional and practical support as needed, which may include supporting mentee to find support that works for them in the community
6. Empower them to take an active part in their life choices

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening. 

Safeguarding Commitment Statement 

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice. 

ED&I Statement 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options. 

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Romani-Speaking Community Support Volunteer

Role Overview

Europia is looking for a Romani-speaking volunteer to support community sessions for the Salford Central and Eastern European Health Navigators Project.

The project supports Central and Eastern European residents in Salford who may face language, digital or other barriers when accessing health and community services.

The volunteer will help welcome people, provide Romani language support and help residents use digital services. They will work alongside Europia staff to make sessions welcoming and accessible.

What the Role Will Involve

• Interpret between Romani-speaking residents and Europia staff during community sessions.

• Help Romani-speaking residents communicate with Europia staff. 

• Clearly interpret information provided by Europia staff.

• Translate short written information, messages and instructions between Romani and English.

• Help check that translated information is clear and easy to understand.

• Welcome residents when they arrive at community sessions.

• Explain how the session works and who service users need to speak to.

• Help service users use mobile phones, websites, online forms and digital services.

• Help prepare the room before sessions and tidy the space afterwards.

• Support the general running of community sessions.

• Communicate information clearly, accurately and sensitively.

• Comply with Europia’s Data Protection Policy and keep personal and sensitive information private.

• Follow Europia’s safeguarding, data protection and professional boundaries procedures.

When

• Community sessions will run until March 2027.

• The project will normally hold one community session each week.

• Each session will last around three hours.

• Volunteers will support agreed sessions as part of a rota.

• The exact days, times and number of sessions will be agreed with each volunteer.

Where

The project will be delivered across Salford. Sessions will take place at community venues, including:

• Eccles Gateway, M30 0TU

• Broughton Hub, M7 4BQ

• Together Family Centre, M44 6GX

• St Aidan’s Church, M7 3SE

• Selected Salford libraries

Volunteers may support sessions at one or more venues, depending on their availability and the needs of the project.

Skills and Experience

We are looking for someone who:

• Speaks Romani and English.

• Is friendly, patient and respectful.

• Has good communication and listening skills.

• Is comfortable speaking with people from different backgrounds.

• Can use basic websites, online forms and mobile phones.

• Is willing to help people with simple digital tasks.

• Can keep personal information private.

• Is reliable and able to attend agreed sessions.

• Is willing to learn and work as part of a team.

Previous volunteering, community work, language support or digital support experience would be helpful, but it is not essential.

Training and Support

Volunteers will receive:

• An induction before starting.

• Safeguarding training.

• Training on professional boundaries.

• Clear guidance about their role and responsibilities.

• Structured supervision and support from Europia staff.

• A Disclosure and Barring Service check.

• Information about possible pathways towards Immigration Advice Authority Level 1 qualifications, where appropriate.

Benefits

• Use your Romani language skills to support local residents.

• Gain experience in community support.

• Develop your communication and digital support skills.

• Build confidence and meet new people.

• Learn more about local health and community services.

• Receive regular support and supervision.

• Support Central and Eastern European communities in Salford.

• Receive agreed volunteer expenses.

• Gain experience that may support future employment, training or volunteering opportunities.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.