Service volunteer volunteer roles in shepton mallet, somerset

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. 

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you! What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

You will be part of our team at a Challenge Event e.g. London Marathon and located on the race route. You will be responsible for cheering on and supporting our runners, cyclists or walkers, encouraging them to keep going.

Cheering at events is lots of fun as your part of the whole positive energy and event experience. It helps to lift the spirit of our participants so that they cross the finish line and feel valued for their efforts. Your time will make a huge impact in our participant’s challenge, and you’ll have a nice time while doing it.

What we are looking for

As a Young Epilepsy Volunteer Events Cheer Leader, you will need to have:

· Lots of enthusiasm.

· The ability to help make sure Young Epilepsy is the best cheer squad at the race.

· Good interpersonal skills: you will be talking to some of our incredible supporters’ friends and family as well as the                  Young Epilepsy team.

· Endurance as the days can be quite long, and we have no control over the weather. It can be cold and wet or                       extremely hot – this is the UK!

Benefits

· Meeting new people.

· Gaining new skills, knowledge and experience.

· Making a difference and helping to raise awareness of epilepsy for children and young people.

· Travel expenses paid

· Lunch expenses paid

What Support will I Get

Young Epilepsy will give you everything you need to cheer on our lovely participants. Whistles, bangers and even a free Young Epilepsy T-Shirt. The team will brief you on the runners before the event, so you know who you are cheering for. 

Where are the events.

We have events in Brighton, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Sussex, Scotland. You don’t need to be able to travel to all these areas. Just let us know when you apply which areas would be better suites to you.

How long would I be required at the event.

It depends on the event; a normal event day starts at 9am and ends by 3pm. This is subject to change depending on the event and we are flexible, let us know the times you are available, and we will try to make it work for you.

Changing Lives, One Step at a Time ✨

Julian House is a charity committed to supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society. Through a range of life-changing projects, we help thousands of people each year—providing pathways out of homelessness, offering refuge from domestic abuse, and supporting individuals into employment and independent living.

Our mission is simple: to transform lives by delivering high-quality housing and tailored support services, empowering people to build brighter, more stable futures.

Role: Board Member (Trustee)    

Role type: Trustee - Volunteer

Location: Bath 

The Role:

We're looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join our Board of Trustees!

As a trustee, you'll play a key role in shaping our strategy, providing strong governance, and ensuring we stay true to our mission. You'll help guide our long-term vision, support leadership, and ensure our resources are used effectively to maximise impact. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and help us adapt, grow, and create lasting change.

Apply now by submitting your application, including your CV and a supporting statement.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Fulfil the legal duties of the trustee role. 
• Define the strategic direction and agree on business and financial plans.
• Oversee risk management at Julian House, ensuring potential risks are identified, assessed and effectively mitigated. 
• Shape and champion the culture of Julian House, ensuring that all decisions and behaviours align with our core values and that these values are deeply embedded throughout the charity.
• Monitor and evaluate performance, ensuring that all actions and resources are effectively directed toward achieving Julian House’s charitable objectives.

Commitment

Trustees serve an initial three-year term (extendable up to nine years) and attend four in-person board meetings annually in Bath or Bristol. Meetings start at 4 PM and last around four hours. Trustees also join at least one committee or the subsidiary board, with four online meetings per year (5:30 PM start, 2.5 hours). Additionally, there is one full strategy day each year.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking a dedicated individual with exceptional communication skills to champion our cause. The ideal candidate will possess strong listening abilities, be receptive to feedback, and appreciate diverse perspectives.

Creativity is essential—you should think innovatively, bring fresh ideas, and be willing to challenge the status quo. If you are a natural influencer with a passion for making a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.

In addition, we are looking for individuals who can bring at least one of the following specialisms to the board:

• Deep understanding of charity fundraising, most likely from having held senior leadership fundraising positions in charities. 
• Deep understanding of charity retail, most likely from having held senior leadership retail positions in charities. 
• Strong networks and relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners, with the potential to leverage connections to benefit Julian House. 
• Direct lived experience of the types of services that Julian House provides. 

Please note, that board experience is not a requirement, the selected candidate will be assigned a ‘buddy’ on the Board and will be fully inducted into the trustee role. 

Trustee appointments are subject to eligibility and vetting checks, if you would like further information on this please get in touch.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about this role, please get in touch with the recruitment team at Julian House. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Please note: We reserve the right to close our vacancies once the perfect candidate has been found. We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible so that you don’t miss out!

Role: Digital Activities Volunteer

Commitment: Currently, sessions are run both during the week (mostly in the afternoon) and at weekends (usually on a Saturday). Activity volunteering is a flexible commitment, and you will be able to sign up for the session you like and when you have time. It really is up to you and your availability. 

Location: Remote

Availability: RSBC Events · https://lu.ma/rsbc

Age:  18+ 

Our Mission Statement: 

RSBC believes that every blind young person should have the chance to live life without limits. 

By giving young people the essential skills and confidence to take control of their life, they can unleash their true potential.

Our success depends on our values 

Underpinning all RSBC’s work are values embedded in trust and excellence: 

TRUST: Respect and accountability 

ENERGY: Straight talking and constantly learning 

AMBITION: Confronting reality and driving results 

MOTIVATION: Vision impaired children and young people are our number one priority, and we look for solutions, not problems 

What will I be doing?

Our amazing Activity Volunteers play a key role in supporting blind children and young people to take part in a variety of activities. These range from sports, creative (singing, performing, art), audiobook club and day trips. Our activities are designed for blind young people to meet new friends, gain confidence, learn new skills/sports, and become more independent. The skills you have developed in your career and personal life will be invaluable to our young people. 

Key Tasks and Main Duties 

Online activities: 

• support the session timetable 

• facilitate the communication and social interaction between participants 

• encourage members of the group to participate and share their opinions 

Who are you?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow RSBC’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for RSBC. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of sight problems. 

What’s in it for me?

RSBC offers the opportunity to gain insight and experience into helping others with sight issues. As part of your volunteering, you will have access to Sighted Guide training, a training session designed to help you understand the issues and complexities of sight problems and give you the ability to help others navigate the world.

RSBC also provides paid expenses for your volunteering experience, you can claim up to £10 per day.

RSBC can also provide references and impact reports from your volunteering if required. 

You will be fully supported in your role by our team of expert and compassionate service delivery team.

Develop or utilise your skills – As a volunteer, you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to develop new skills or use those you already have, which can help to build your CV, boost your employability and give you a sense of satisfaction. 

What's in it for the Community? 

Make a difference to people’s lives

Help in your community

Help deliver creative services to help people with sighted issues feel included in the world around them.

Make a direct and tangible difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted children and young people. 

Safeguarding:

Due to the nature of the role, before you can begin volunteering with RSBC there are some required safeguarding checks which will need to be completed.

All RSBC volunteers undergo an Enhanced DBS check (paid for by RSBC) and must provide two references.

All volunteers will also be booked onto safeguarding training.

RSBC risk assesses all its services and activities.

Next Steps: 

If this sounds like you, please fill out an expression of interest, and one of our volunteer team members will get back to you!

We are looking for volunteers who can meet with our clients in and around Central London on a regular weekly or fortnightly basis for at least six months, longer if possible. 

Your meetings might involve sitting and chatting in our clients home or going out together, for a walk, a talk in a coffee shop,  for a wonder around the shops, or even visiting places of interest, museums for example.

Our clients are older 1st and 2nd generation Scots living in London who are lonely or socially isolated, and would benefit from regular companionship. Our service works across London, currently, we have clients waiting in Islington, Camden, Tulse Hill,  Brockwell, Putney and other areas. 

We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events newsletters and more! 

Giving someone who is lonely, socially isolated, or needs someone to venture out with,the simple gift of time and companionship could make the world of difference to their emotional and physical wellbeing,   As one of our Buddies said recently, “this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”  

Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must be living in or around the London area. 

Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!

Skills & Characteristics Required for Befriending are:

• Able to hold a good conversation and listen well  
• Friendly, warm, non-judgemental 
• Honest, trustworthy, reliable and committed to helping others
• Empathy and patience
• An understanding of the need to work within the framework of our policies and procedures.

We will process a DBS check for all successful applicants and request two references.

URBAN YOUTH - VOLUNTEER WITH US!

New Start-Up - New Beginning - Endless Opportunities

We're looking for organised and enthusiastic individuals to join us at Urban Youth as a Volunteer in a Remote Role, supporting our Back Office functions, where you will play a crucial role in supporting our mission to make a meaningful impact on young people’s lives across London.

What Help We Need?

1. Administration

• Keeping accurate records of participants and activities.

• Managing schedules for events, sessions, and staff/volunteers.

• Preparing budgets and monitoring expenses.

• Maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

2. Human Resources or Volunteer Coordination 

• Recruitment and training of volunteers.

• Managing HR-related documentation (e.g., agreements, DBS checks, policies).

• Providing ongoing support and development for team members.

3. Training and Development

• Offering youth work training to ensure volunteers understand best practices in working with young people.

• Delivering workshops on communication, conflict resolution, code of conduct and safeguarding.

• Providing continuous learning opportunities, such as leadership and mentoring programmes.

4. Marketing and Communications

• Promoting Urban Youth through social media, newsletters, and local partnerships.

• Designing materials (flyers, posters, etc.) to attract members and supporters.

• Maintaining our website to communicate our mission, events, and achievements.

5. Fundraising and Finance

• Sourcing grants and donations.

• Organising fundraising events.

• Keeping financial records and preparing annual reports for donors and stakeholders.

6. Technology and Data Management

• Implementing software for participant tracking, event management, and communication.

• Maintaining a secure database for storing sensitive information.

• Using tools to measure impact and generate reports.

7. Safeguarding

• Developing policies to ensure the safety of young people in our care.

• Training volunteers on safeguarding practices.

• Conducting regular risk assessments.

8. Operational Support

• Managing physical spaces, equipment, and supplies.

• Ensuring facilities meet health and safety standards.

• Establishing contingency plans for unexpected challenges.

We're Urban Youth

Urban Youth is an exciting and vibrant new start-up youth work organisation based in London, passionate about empowering London's youth to get involved, discover their path, and shape their destiny. Our vibrant community organisation is dedicated to uplifting young people through engaging, impactful youth work activities that inspire growth, connection, and self-discovery.

JOIN US AT URBAN YOUTH

Get Involved | Discover YOUR Path | Shape YOUR Destiny

We are looking for 3 experienced creative writers who will enjoy planning, updating and delivering the content for our website, as well as other digital and print materials. We are looking for 3 skilled professional who can write compelling and persuasive content, who will help ensure a consistent tone across all our digital and printed communications to promote awareness and engagement.

We deal with a wide range of people and professions, which means that it can be difficult to consistently communicate with everyone effectively. Therefore, a communication and marketing volunteer will help to market our projects, services and the condition more widely than we are currently able to do. This includes creating and helping to distribute marketing materials, creating content for the Burning Nights CRPS Support website and helping us create and develop a communications and marketing strategy.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Copywriting: Create well-written and compelling copy for use in leaflets, packs, one-page/fact sheets, fundraising/promotional materials, membership packs and on our website
• Case study writing and storytelling: Help communicate our impact via stories and case studies that we can use on our website, in marketing materials, or for our fundraising materials
• Web copywriting: Create and update engaging content for our website that adheres to our brand

· Email/E-Newsletter content: Write compelling email content for our various e-newsletters that is relevant and has clear call-to-actions. This will be in conjunction with our email marketing volunteers

· Communication materials review: Review our existing communications materials. Recommend edits that will provide us with consistency in writing style and tone, accurate spelling and grammar, and a clear and engaging voice for our organisation. Evaluate the way we communicate with volunteers, members of the public and helping us to develop better ways of doing this

· Social media snippets - create information and case study snippets for the various social media platforms

· Press Releases and any content that could be used in different channel

· Brochure/annual review writing: Create or update copy for a brochure or our annual review, highlighting our impact current and potential stakeholders

The Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants currently has volunteering opportunities from late April/early May available for our online English lessons.

Aimed at a wide range of clients whose English spans the spectrum of absolute beginners to higher levels, we offer daily online classes where practising spoken English in small groups with volunteers is a core part of our schedule.

Future opportunities may be available to those wishing to run their own class, depending on experience. 

Please get in touch if you have teaching experience OR equivalent qualifications (e.g. CELTA/TEFL/ESOL) and would like to be a volunteer teacher in our online classes headed up by our English Language Coordinator. 

Please refer to the Job Description for more details on the role.

You will be subject to a DBS check for this role.

At MS Society all our activities and services are shaped by our MS community – people affected by MS, volunteers, staff and other experts. We aim to raise as much awareness as possible about MS, to ensure that people with MS have the support and information they need.

We've been successful in securing funding from Wales and West Utilities for a 'test and learn' Community Connections project (covering Wales and the South West of England) which will run until March 2026. 

Community Connections aims to: 

• Connect people with, and affected by, MS across Wales and the South West of England (Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire) with services, activities and resources to enable them to live well with MS.
• Develop links with local service providers which enable people with, and affected by, MS to access support and activities in their local areas, whilst improving connections within the community
• Provide information and guidance on a range of subjects, including advice about finances, cost of living-related information, energy efficiency information, carbon monoxide awareness and the Priority Service Register. 

As part of the project, we’re looking for volunteers to deliver MS Awareness sessions to partner organisations that the project will signpost to (such as Citizens Advice Bureau). MS Awareness volunteers will help us to ensure that these partner organisations are equipped to support people with MS (who will be accessing their activities and services). To help people to understand how people with MS feel.

Here’s an overview of what will be involved - 

• Delivering talks (via Zoom/Teams) to organisations to increase their understanding of MS and its symptoms. 

• Signposting to the relevant MS Society team for further information and practical support, as required.

• Note taking and helping us understand how effective sessions were 

• Attending regular volunteer support groups, where you will debrief and share experiences with other volunteers, as well as receive support from your supervisor.

We will support you to develop the skills you need for this role which will include an induction into all the areas outlined. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs you may have with us.

Join Our Board of Trustees and Help Drive Positive Change!

Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a team environment and want to give back to the community where you live, work, or study?

We are a local charity dedicated to providing social welfare advice, information, and support through our incredible team of staff and volunteers. We are now seeking two new Trustees to join our board and help guide our organisation forward.

Last year, we:

✅ Assisted over 15,000 clients in finding solutions to their challenges

✅ Addressed over 37,000 separate issues for those in need

✅ Secured nearly £2 million in additional income to support people during the cost-of-living crisis

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities across Cheshire West—your age, background, origins, or health conditions are not barriers. We actively seek diverse perspectives to better serve our community.

We are particularly interested in individuals with:

�� Experience in digital and AI solutions implementation
�� Expertise in volunteer engagement
�� A strong commitment to our mission, enthusiasm, and a supportive approach

However we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, skills and experience including lived experience.

What’s Involved?

As a Trustee, you will:

�� Attend at least five board meetings per year (in-person and remote, often in the evenings)

��Participate in one annual trustee development day

��Have opportunities for further involvement in shaping our work

This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Volunteering does not affect state benefit entitlement.

If you’re ready to play a key role in shaping the future of our organisation, we’d love to hear from you! 

Would you like to become an Ambassador for knus? We've introduced our new arm-chairing volunteer position.

If you're interested arm-chair volunteering (our most flexible, low commitment role) and applying to volunteer at knus, simply read through the information on this page and apply.

• Are you over 18 and living in the UK? You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
• Do you have a mobile phone or laptop? You can do this role whether you are, whether it be on a sofa or on a plane.
• How much time can you give? As much as you want to do. We are flexible and like to work around you.
• Do you like to learn? We provide training for all volunteers that join us. You'll have access to our CPD courses to help you advance your knowledge and certificates to add to your CV.

How does it work?

In 2025 we launched our arm chair volunteering initiative to help us spread the word about our service and to give people the opportunity to take part in surveys and projects to help us deliver the best mental health support to the UK public.

We'd like to embrace what you love doing, whether that be sharing on socials, proof reading, surveys, sharing experiences or getting involved in our fabulous projects.

Important information:

In order to volunteer for knus as an ambassador, you will need to complete a brief application form and a ID check. A DBS is not required for this role, however, if you wish to progress to another role you may need a disclosure. We do this to ensure of service remains a safe place to volunteer for all. Please do not worry about this, we will help you as much as we can.

Training is provided by us and our training partners. You will be required to attend this training using online conferencing software such as zoom or teams.

Could you coordinate the training for the local SSAFA volunteers in your area? You don’t need a military background, just some basic I.T and admin skills, the ability to get on with a wide range of people and good written and spoken English. Get in touch with us to find out more.

What is a Training Coordinator?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Each one has a Training Coordinator to make sure that all volunteers get all the training they need for their role and that training events are organised and run for the branch. This is a key role involving administration and coordinating people.

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.

Our SSAFA branches 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.

To offer the best possible service to our clients SSAFA volunteers need training appropriate to their role. It’s important that we keep records of all the training completed by volunteers and provide local training to meet their needs, whilst also being interesting, fun and varied. We’d love to hear from you if think you could help with this important role.

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

As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular commitment to the branch, but days and times could vary to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Coordinating induction and training for new volunteers
• Completing the admin needed for new volunteer to attend local and national training.
• Running interesting and relevant annual branch training days (minimum of one per year)
• Maintaining an accurate list of all volunteers and the dates when training was completed.
• Working with the Regional Trainer, branch volunteers and the Learning and Development team to identify local training needs and arrange for the required courses to be delivered.
• Supporting and encouraging any volunteers facing barriers to completing their training
• Providing reports to the local SSAFA branch and to SSAFA’s Central Office
• 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 including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge, and experience to benefit others.
• Appreciate that your role has a positive impact on the quality of service we can provide to clients as well as providing development opportunities for our volunteers.
• Support and friendship 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?

• 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 of e-learning courses
• Support from the branch secretary, Regional Trainer and the Learning and Development Team based at our central office.
• 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 people, possibly with some experience of teaching/training and admin
• Good written and spoken English.
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Ability to encourage and motivate all volunteers to undertake training.
• Willingness to use spreadsheets/records of volunteer training.
• Reliable attitude, contact clients and volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings, events etc.

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? No

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you