Social Worker Volunteer Roles

Be rewarded and have new experiences, join us as an Activities Assistant.

Key Details:

• Locations throughout South Lakeland (Cumbria), including Kendal, Ulverston, and elsewhere.
• Activities may be weekly on set days, or ad hoc by arrangement.

Can you:

• Be friendly and have a good sense of humour?
• Understand of the needs of young children and their families?
• Have a non-judgemental attitude?
• Be reliable?

What you can expect:

• Support play between the children and carers using the group.
• Promote the learning opportunities associated with activities offered.
• Signpost carers to appropriate members of staff for support and advice.
• Help staff to set up and clear away play activities and clean the room afterwards.
• Examples of activities you may get involved in, depending on your interests and availability:
  • Rhymetime (sharing a love of stories and songs with preschool age children);
  • Baby Beginnings (exploring the senses through play);
  • Craft and Messy Play (child led play and development for preschool age children);
  • Smile4Life (supporting learning about dental health with primary school age children);
  • Active Play (fun family sessions incorporating physical movement);
  • Family Walks (outdoors activities and adventures for all the family);
  • Events (preparing, setting up, and running our stall);
  • Pop Up Play sessions at playgroups across the district;
  • Foodshares and cook-a-longs (preparing and sharing healthy meal recipe packs with families).

What we can offer:

• Feel the satisfaction of supporting parents / carers to enjoy time with their children.
• Experience of working with children and families.
• Be part of a fun and friendly team.
• Full induction, training and support package.
• Feel recognised, supported and proud to donate your time and experience to help vulnerable children and young people.

If you would like an informal chat about opportunities, have any further questions about the role, or need assistance with application form, please contact Kay Cheer ( 01539 734 456 ).  

Action for Children is passionate about promoting equality, valuing diversity and working inclusively. We welcome applications from all persons particularly people with Disabilities and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants, as these groups are currently under-represented in our organisation.

Action for Children are Passionate, Ambitious, Collaborative and Inclusive. We aspire for every child and young person in the country to have a safe and happy childhood and the foundations they need to thrive.

Can you spare up to 3 hours a week visiting a client in their home for a cup of tea and a chat, help them get to an appointment or run an errand, or just be there to listen to them when they need a friendly ear. Companion Volunteers, provide companionship, emotional and practical support, respite for carers and telephone support to those living with a terminal or life limited illness or their carers.

As a mentor on our young peoples programmes, your support will:

• Empower your mentee to help them achieve and identify goals to get them where they want to be, through encouraging your mentee to consider future options and assist them in developing strategies to attain their goals.
• Develop a trusting, supportive and non-judgemental relationship, to support them through their challenges by providing emotional, social and practical support to boost confidence and independence.
• Support your mentee to make social connections with their local community, services or groups and refer and signpost them to other organisations providing more specialist support if needed.

What impact will this have?

• By becoming a mentor with Unfold, you will be supporting those who often face exclusion, this as, although we are open to everyone, 93% of our service users are from racialised groups, 60% of our referrals come from other supporting service and we have also adapted our services to support Afghan evacuees
• With the opportunity to be a mentor for a young person on our Asylum Seeker programme, you will be a welcoming and reliable person of support in often difficult and challenging times, supporting the navigation of achieving goals in new environment. 
• With 89% of the young people we work with saying that having a mentor has improved their life, your skills and experiences are needed and will have a positive impact.

Commitment

• We ask volunteers to commit to delivering mentoring1–2-hour a week, over a period of 24 sessions. Through mentee and mentor testimonies we have seen the positive impact holding sessions in person vs online has, and so we would ask any perspective volunteers to be prepared to be available for all in person session should this be the required need of your mentee.
• Attend monthly online group supervisions held weekday evenings. Supervisions are a great place to meet other mentors, share skills and ideas around mentoring, hear from organisation who can enhance your mentoring experience as well get support with the challenges you may face.

Training

• We provide training based in positive psychology building skills that are transferrable, such as empathic leadership, coaching-style approaches, the growth mindset, mentoring, inclusion and more and an additional 1 hour training for mentors supporting asylum seekers. 
• Throughout your mentoring journey, we’re always on hand to help, with ongoing support from a designated Programme Officer, as well as a range of tailored resources.

Background checks

• A DBS check is required.

Can you spare up to 3 hours a week visiting a client in their home for a cup of tea and a chat, help them get to an appointment or run an errand, or just be there to listen to them when they need a friendly ear. Companion Volunteers, provide companionship, emotional and practical support, respite for carers and telephone support to those living with a terminal or life limited illness or their carers.

Can you spare up to 3 hours a week visiting a client in their home for a cup of tea and a chat, help them get to an appointment or run an errand, or just be there to listen to them when they need a friendly ear. Companion Volunteers, provide companionship, emotional and practical support, respite for carers and telephone support to those living with a terminal or life limited illness or their carers.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Faith to Faithless, Humanists UK’s support programme for so-called ‘apostates’. We’re expanding our in-person events across England and Wales, and we’re looking for passionate volunteers to help us make a difference. We currently have regular events in Sheffield, Bournemouth and London. We are looking to expand this to the Midlands, Wales and beyond, you can positively impact lives and help create a more inclusive society. Join us today and be part of the change!

As an Apostate Event Organiser, you will:

• Arrange regular social events for people who have left religious groups.
• Find suitable venues like cafes, museums or restaurants.
• Set the date and time that works best for everyone.
• Communicate with the Apostate Services Development Officer via email and online meetings.
• Check social media for updates.
• Welcome guests and ensure their safety (training will be provided).
• Speak with attendees in a warm and empathetic manner while providing event information.

The application pack contains all the information you will need to decide whether the role is right for you.

To apply for the role, please email us, letting us know:

• Who you are, including a little bit about yourself
• Why you are interested in the role
• What you think you’d bring to the role (e,g. your skills and experiences that would be particularly relevant)
• What you’d like to get out of the role
• Any concerns, or extra support you’d need in the role

A copy of our Recruitment and Promotion and Equal Opportunities policies are available to view on our website.

Become an activity lead

As a volunteer activity lead you will run a local Re-engage group who meet on a monthly or fortnightly basis. You will deliver or facilitate regular physical activity sessions for people aged 75 and over in community centres, pubs or church spaces.

This is a flexible role and each group will host activity guests, along with our volunteer drivers who pick up and drop off our activity guests.

Activities can vary from boules and skittles, dancing or singing, or coming up with your own activity to get people moving. In some groups we may have another person coming in to run a specific class so we would ask you to facilitate this and support the activity guests who are attending on the day.

You will be required to complete a DBS check for this role, for which Re-engage will cover the cost.

 Tasks include:

• Facilitating or delivering an inclusive activity with the focus on physical health and social wellbeing.
• Making activity guests feel welcome to the groups and ensuring people can participate in the activities. Activity groups are coordinated by a volunteer group coordinator.
• Following the guidance in your training to ensure that your group sessions are enjoyable, appropriate and in line with our charitable aims.

Your role as an activity lead will be to plan and deliver a session that is achievable for all the activity guests attending. Your session should be inclusive, fun and safely delivered to activity guests. Group activities can stay the same or change on a monthly or fortnightly basis.

This is a long-term voluntary role, so we are ideally looking for individuals who can commit to volunteering with us for at least 12 months.

We are looking for activity leads with the following skills and attributes: 

• Well organised 
• Good conversation skills 
• An enthusiasm for making genuine connections with older people in your community 
• A friendly, empathetic approach 
• The ability to really listen to people 
• Patience 
• A good sense of humour 
• A passion for improving the lives of lonely and isolated older people.  
• The ability to volunteer with others 
• Basic computer literacy (including the ability to use email) 
• As one of our valued volunteers, you’ll receive training from Re-engage, and support and regular communications from your group coordinator. This is a fun and rewarding role which will enable you to connect with lonely older people and make a real and lasting difference to their life.

We're looking for a volunteer to join the Engagement Team to support them while they work to increase income and awareness for the charity. The specific tasks may include but are not limited to the following:

• Copywriting, for example creating content for social media posts and writing news updates. 

• Designing materials using Canva. 

• Producing regular reports to give insights for social media strategies. 

• Writing press releases. 

• Monitoring press coverage and updating a press tracker spreadsheet. 

• Carrying out desk-based market research. 

• Updating the website – including uploading news stories, updating the online shop and merchandise stock levels. 

• Writing family and fundraiser case studies. 

• Digital organisation of photos and case studies. 

• Updating the CRM. 

• General administration duties, such as printing and laminating marketing materials, sending out merchandise, and franking post. 

• Any other duties as assigned by your Volunteer Supervisor. 

We’re looking for a volunteer who has: 

• Experience in marketing. 

• An understanding of design tools, such as Canva. 

• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 

Support and Benefits 

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

• Opportunity to develop new and existing skills to help you beyond your involvement with Candlelighters 
• Regular reviews with your Volunteer Supervisor to help you develop in your role 
• Access to the mental health hotline 
• Charity Worker Discount card 

Purpose and Aims of the role: 

We are looking for volunteers who can provide a strong foundation to help strengthen their communities by helping Care Experienced children and young people engage in activities to build their skills and confidence and to be included, understood, respected, and valued in their communities.

The Group Work Volunteer role will work alongside our innovative and energetic Edinburgh project team, supporting to raise awareness of Care Experience and supporting activities for young people, providing supportive adults to ensure all children and young people can thrive, bringing communities together.

This role will involve interacting with young people aged 5-17 through supporting and leading on a variety of activities e.g. arts/crafts/sports/general youth work at our fortnightly/monthly sessions as well as at our National events that happen throughout the year. This role will help build community strengths for Care Experienced people and provide social networks to help build resilience and positive outcomes for children and young people.

Who Cares? Scotland is a people organisation. We invest in our people, our relationships and in a positive working culture. It’s important to us that our volunteer team is included, involved and motivated to change society. 

We aim to recruit people with excellent qualities from a wide variety of backgrounds who share in our mission. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with care experience. 

What will I be doing? 

• Supporting staff to undertake activities 

• Leading on activities 

• Supporting young people’s sense of belonging and connection 

• Building community ties, ensuring Care Experienced people are welcomed within communities.

• Helping children and young people to have fun 

• Building children and young people’s confidence and self esteem 

• Being a positive role model 

What skills can I bring to this role? 

• A knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Care Experienced people. 

• Ability to work well in a team. 

• Good communication and listening skills. 

• Ability to encourage and motivate others to participate in activities. 

What qualities do I need? 

• To have a non-judgemental approach to people, have empathy. 

• Be enthusiastic, flexible and committed. 

• Reliable and approachable. 

• Friendly, helpful and understanding. 

• A commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner. 

• To have a good value base, be open minded and level-headed. 

Can you spare up to 3 hours a week visiting a client in their home for a cup of tea and a chat, help them get to an appointment or run an errand, or just be there to listen to them when they need a friendly ear. Companion Volunteers, provide companionship, emotional and practical support, respite for carers and telephone support to those living with a terminal or life limited illness or their carers.

Are you looking to impact a young person’s life and make a difference in the community?

Well come and join us today at The Kids Network!

What is the role

• The Kids Network is looking for committed, fun and passionate volunteers who live in or near to Lambeth to make a difference to the children of London.
• Our structured mentoring programme supports 8-11 year old's, based across London, to support with their social and emotional development before they transition into secondary school.
• As a mentor, you will hold weekly one on one sessions of 1 -3 hours. You will help to build confidence, resilience and help your mentee to manage feelings through a series of fun and positive experiences and activities.
• The weekly sessions can be flexible between weekdays and weekends.
• You will also get to meet fellow adults in your community through our peer network.
• All volunteers will go benefit from two days of in-person  where you'll gain skills and knowledge to support you as a mentor. (Many mentors share that the skills developed support their progression in the workplace, especially those seeking to gain experience working with children and young people)

What impact will this have?

• Help build resilience and confidence in a child in your local community.
• Learn from fellow mentors with our amazing peer network.
• Help a child as they transition from primary to secondary school.

Currently recruiting mentors who are:

·Looking to give back to their communities and make an impact on little londoners.

Expenses

• Volunteers have a budget of £30 per month. We are also able to cover travel expenses.

Training​

• Our induction training will provide you with all the skills and knowledge to support your mentee, including safeguarding, health and safety, child-led mentoring and understanding your role.
• We offer additional training throughout the year to in anti-oppression, trauma-informed practice and lots more to help enhance your mentoring journey and your personal and professional development.

A DBS check is required but is organised and paid for by The Kids Network.

Can you spare up to 3 hours a week visiting a client in their home for a cup of tea and a chat, help them get to an appointment or run an errand, or just be there to listen to them when they need a friendly ear. Companion Volunteers, provide companionship, emotional and practical support, respite for carers and telephone support to those living with a terminal or life limited illness or their carers.

Can you spare up to 3 hours a week visiting a client in their home for a cup of tea and a chat, help them get to an appointment or run an errand, or just be there to listen to them when they need a friendly ear. Companion Volunteers, provide companionship, emotional and practical support, respite for carers and telephone support to those living with a terminal or life limited illness or their carers.

Be rewarded and have new experiences, volunteer with us as a Child and Family Support Volunteer. 

Key Details 

• Based across South Lakeland, Cumbria.
• We are looking for a commitment of about half a day per week. Location, time and day will vary depending on current needs, and we can work with you to match you to appropriate opportunities. 
• Currently, many of our groups run between 4-6pm on week days.

Can you:

• Provide motivational support, a listening ear, a friendly face, and a positive attitude to parents, carers, children and young people?
• Build trusting relationships, empathise, and communicate clearly?
• Be reliable?
• Be a positive role model?
• Be non-judgemental and respectful, while not accepting of behaviours that are damaging to others?
• Respect confidentiality?
• Work alongside staff to support families, based on individual need?
• Embody Action for Children’s values, and adhere to our code of conduct?

 What you can expect:

• To work with families to support them to make and sustain positive changes through structured group programmes. An example is the very successful Decider Skills programme which teaches CBT techniques in an accessible and interactive way.
• To assist practitioners with running the group, providing a safe and nurturing space for families, and supporting all participants to engage in the activities.
• At times, we may have opportunities to play with children while their parents work with a practitioner on targeted support.
• To receive regular support and supervision from staff.
• To report any safeguarding or wellbeing concerns you may have as soon as possible.

What we can offer:

• Feel the satisfaction of supporting families to lead healthier, happier and safer lives.
• Full induction, training and support package. Ongoing training will be available to expand on your skills and knowledge.
• Gain valuable experience of working with children, young people and their families to provide early help and support.
• Be part of a fun and friendly team.
• Agreed travel expenses paid.
• Improve your confidence, CV, and employability. We can provide references to support your career development.
• Access to Action for Children's wellbeing resources.
• Feel recognised, supported and proud to donate your time and experience to help vulnerable children and young people.

If you would like an informal chat, have any further questions about the role, or need assistance with the application form, then please contact Kay Cheer on ( 015 39 734 456 ) 

Action for Children is passionate about promoting equality, valuing diversity and working inclusively. We welcome applications from all persons particularly those who identify as Male, people with Disabilities, and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants, as these groups are currently under-represented in our organisation. 

Action for Children are Passionate, Ambitious, Collaborative and Inclusive. We aspire for every child and young person in the country to have a safe and happy childhood and the foundations they need to thrive.