Substance misuse volunteer volunteer roles

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: Monday, 30th March 2026 at 9.00am

Interview date: Rolling Basis

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.

Closing date: Monday, 30th March 2026 at 9.00am

Interview date: Rolling Basis

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.

Thames Reach is a leading London-based charity with a particular focus on rough sleeping, and helping people who are, have been, or are at risk of rough sleeping to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. The charity provides innovative services aimed at preventing rough sleeping, intervening where people are sleeping rough, and helping people to recover from the impact of life on the streets. As well as street outreach work, our services include tenancy support, emergency shelters, day services, hostels and accommodation, and help with health and employment. We work across London and the South East.

Thames Reach is a strong organisation that is growing in response to need. Our services are rooted in our understanding of the issues surrounding street homelessness, and we use this understanding to influence decision making at a local, regional, and national level. We have an excellent reputation for effective service delivery, working with people who may have very high levels of need, and using our experience of delivering services to develop and improve our approach. The majority of our services are delivered to local and regional authorities on a contract basis and we understand that our continued effectiveness requires us to sustain and develop our financial viability; and to retain and grow our excellent employees and volunteers.

We have just over 400 employees and around 150volunteers, and our organisational turnover is around £28 million per annum.

We have an effective and long-standing non-executive Board with a wealth of relevant experience in both the public and commercial sectors. They provide valuable support to the Executive team, as well as attending around five Board meetings every year, sitting on one of the three Board sub-committees (Finance, Audit and Fundraising; Services; Governance and People) that meet around four times a year. Board members are also asked to participate in an annual away day, usually in the autumn, with separate preparatory visits to our services.

We are now looking for up to three new members. As well as interest in and commitment to ending street homelessness as a board member and the ability and interest in providing strategic oversight for the organisation, we are hoping to recruit members with specific skills in the following areas:

People/ Human Resources

Candidates with current understanding of the recruitment, management, retention and development of staff (and volunteers) in an organisation of Thames Reach’s size.

Lived experience

Candidates with lived experience of street homelessness and/or service use (for example substance misuse or mental health services), and an understanding of how this lived experience can improve and develop services.

Finance/accounting

Candidates with knowledge of financial management in medium large complex organisations, particularly those with knowledge of Charity Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) requirements.

Communications

Candidates with current knowledge of approaches to internal and external organisational communication, with understanding of both conventional and new media. 

Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diversity that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We particularly welcome applicants who may have experience of homelessness and/or of using services that support people with complex support needs.

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY COACH

Time: Evenings, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (weekly)

Location, Fishermead Supported Accommodation

Connection Support provides a range of services supporting people who may be at risk of homelessness or who require social care. We work with people who may have experienced challenges such as debt, family circumstances, mental health difficulties, substance misuse, being a care leaver, learning disabilities, age-related needs, or physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in helping us provide meaningful activities that improve wellbeing and reduce loneliness.

Could you help prevent loneliness and isolation in your community by running a weekly activity night?

· Do you have 1–2 hours a week in the evening (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm) to support residents by running fun and engaging activities?

· Can we rely on you to commit to a period of up to 12 weeks?

· Can you build positive, professional, and trusting relationships with residents in a friendly and non-judgemental way?

If you can answer “yes”, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

· Planning and hosting a weekly activity evening for residents between 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

· Running activities such as general knowledge quizzes, music rounds, bingo games, picture rounds, and other fun group activities

· Encouraging residents to participate, socialise, and work together

· Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment

· Acting as a positive and supportive role model

Skills Required

· Good communication and people skills

· Ability to engage and encourage people from a range of backgrounds

· Creativity in planning fun activities and games

· Enthusiasm and a positive attitude

· Good organisation and time-keeping

· Experience to enhance your CV and future career opportunities

· Ongoing support and guidance from the team

· Opportunity to request a reference after your volunteering period

We are looking for a volunteer to support our ESOL classes on Tuesdays (10:45am–4:45pm) and Wednesdays (10:30am–1:30pm). You can volunteer for one of the days or help cover both sessions. Your support would make a real difference in helping learners build their English skills and confidence, and volunteers are a valued part of our classes.

How will I be ending homelessness?

Our Learning and Skills offer focuses on 5 key areas that we believe will help members to leave homelessness for good. These are English, finance, digital inclusion, employment and enterprise and business. As a Learning and Skills Assistant, you will be supporting our tutors and Learning and Skills Mentors to deliver a package of learning to meet outcomes identified by Lead Workers in members progression plans.

Tasks you will support with include:

· Planning

o Sharing any thoughts and ideas you have as part of the planning for a session

o Support with preparing resources for the session/setting up/tidying up any equipment and materials

· Delivery

o Creating a safe, welcome and non-judgemental learning space

o With direction from the tutor/Learning and Skills Mentor, supporting members within the group to increase both their knowledge and confidence on how that learning can be applied to support them in managing a home

o Supporting tutors and mentors with managing the group, and feeding back any concerns you have

You will work closely with the tutor/ mentor who will understand the needs and learning outcomes required for the session.

To be successful in this role we are looking for someone who:

· Is interested in the above subjects. Some subject knowledge would be beneficial, but the session will be led by the tutor/mentor

· Has the skills and confidence to support learners effectively, understand different learning needs and making individuals feel comfortable in the learning space

· Is empathetic and compassionate to the needs of those experiencing homelessness

· Is able to communicate well with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds including those who have a range of needs (for example mental health and substance misuse) and who may have English as a second language.

· Is a good listener and patient

· Understands the importance of keeping an individual’s personal information secure and private and working within the boundaries of the role to keep everyone safe 

· Is passionate about standing with Crisis and our members to end homelessness.

If you have experience learning a second or third language, this can be particularly helpful in supporting our learners and understanding the challenges they may face. There may also be opportunities to develop your own presentation and facilitation skills, including leading or presenting parts of a session if this is something you would like to try.

TERM TIME ONLY

Liberty Domestic Abuse Group (Women only):

Central Bedfordshire – Monday 09:30 - 14:30

Bedford – Wednesday 09:30 - 14:30

Luton – Friday 09:30 - 14:30

Talk 4 M Domestic Abuse Support Group (Males only):

Bedford - Thursday 16:30 – 19.30

Could you be a part of our inspiring, hardworking and motivated team making a positive contribution to rebuilding the lives of women and children?

At One YMCA we provide a range of varied and exciting volunteer roles - we currently are looking for support at our Horizons (Domestic Abuse) support services based in Bedford.

Some of the tasks and responsibliites include: 

• Supporting the group facilitators to plan weekly sessions
• Setting up the room, including tables, chairs and resources for the participants
• Supporting the facilitator to run particular activities as part of the session delivery
• Ensuring you have a non-judgmental, friendly and approachable demeanour
• Maintaining confidentiality at all times

You will be: 

• Be a good and active listener who can support others
• Have a non-judgmental approach 
• Be of a friendly, welcoming and approachable disposition
• Self-motivated, reliable and punctual
• Experience supporting people with complex needs/situations including: grief, trauma, mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse
• Good communication skills in English; in person & over the phone
• A willingness to learn new things and get stuck in
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work as part of a team

A full induction to the Horizons/Onyx service and specific sites will be provided, including an "Introduction to Domestic Abuse" 1 day training course

You will be required to complete online training, plus a menu of optional training linked the role will be made available.

You will receive regular 1 to 1s and supervision with line manager and oportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events!

Please note you will be required to undergo a DBS check and two references will be taken up prior to commencing the role. 

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Are you a reliable handyperson who can undertake, upkeep, and repair a range of tasks for our housing support clients?

• Do you have 1-2 hours a week to make basic home improvements to client’s accommodation?
• Are you a dab hand at DIY and want to put your handyperson skills to good use?
• Do you have an interest in motivating people to make positive changes in their lives through acquiring new skills?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include carrying out basic household repairs and alterations such as:

• Gardening work
• Flat pack furniture assembly
• Putting up curtain rails/blinds
• Hanging pictures and shelves

Skills required

No volunteering experience is required however the below skills are essential:

• Practical skills in DIY and/or gardening
• Good listening and communication skills
• Excellent people skills to enable you to work with a range of individuals with complex backgrounds

• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way

About the board and Trustee role 

Trustees are volunteers who oversee the strategic direction of the charity and ensure its compliance with regulators and the law. They are also ambassadors for the charity; and they provide the staff team, which does the day-to-day work, with both scrutiny and support.

The full board meets quarterly. Two meetings focus on ‘business’ – approving budgets and policies, making key decisions, etc. The other two are more discursive, covering strategic issues.

We have four sub-committees: Finance Audit Investment & Risk, Impact & Income Development, Research & Policy, and Governance & People. Trustees are generally encouraged to join at least one sub-committee, which gives them more detailed insight into the charity’s work in that area. A number of trustees choose to sit on multiple sub-committees (there is no upper limit) and trustees are also welcome to attend any sub-committee, for example as a one-off, to see what happens or if they have an interest in a particular agenda item. Sub-committees also meet quarterly.

And there is usually one strategy day a year.

We currently have eight trustees on our board, with experience in public affairs, law, policing, business, research, marketing, inclusion and influencing government. We are looking to a recruit four further trustees. Our primary focus is to bring different perspectives to the board rather than skills, given that the delivery of the charity’s work is delegated to a skilled staff team. 

• One trustee with experience of research (of any type) – an attitude of curiosity, intellectual rigour and open-mindedness. 

• One trustee with professional experience of alcohol treatment (at any level) – the perspective of delivering compassionate support via treatment services, whether charity or NHS settings. 

• One trustee with experience of strategic charity finance – especially interest in weighing up long-term financial strategic choices (not month-to-month financial management: we have a finance team). 

• One trustee from any background. 

 All trustees are asked to bring a commitment to and passion for our vision, mission and values.

What we can offer 

1. Our board of trustees, and our charity as a whole, is warm and welcoming.

2. Everyone is entitled to have their views heard and we work hard to be inclusive of everyone.

3. We are well organised and professionally run.

4. We are a dynamic and fast-paced organisation, with a huge range of interesting work happening.

5. You will have opportunities for personal development and to attend a range of interesting events in your role as a trustee.

6. Finally, and most importantly, we are laser-focused on making as much difference as possible to end alcohol harm.    

Trustees’ Role Description and Person Specification 

Being a Trustee of Alcohol Change UK 

Our Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for the UK’s leading charity in the field of alcohol harm. We are a registered charity (No. 1140287) and a company limited by guarantee (No.

07462605). Our trustees are also members of the charity and directors of the company. Governance is in accordance with both charity and company law. This role description uses the term ‘trustee’ to refer to all three roles (trustee, member, director).

As well as overseeing proper governance, the Board is responsible for strategic decision-making, upholding the reputation of the charity and ensuring that it delivers on its charitable object to reduce alcohol harm. As a trustee you will share this collective responsibility and bring your personal perspectives, skills, experience and connections to bear.

This is an important time for the charity, as we are in the third year of our five-year strategy (Apr 2024 to Mar 2029). Our new trustees will play a key role in helping us deliver on this strategy and in particular navigating a major change in our financial position. 

The Duties and Responsibilities of Trustees 

Governing Documents 

Our primary governing document is the Memorandum and Articles of Association which sets out the formal duties and responsibilities of the trustees, directors and members. It is complemented by our Scheme of Delegation. We have also adopted the Code of Good Governance, and remain compliant with the rules of the Charity Commissioners and Companies House. 

General Duties and Responsibilities 

The following are general duties, based on documentation from the Charity Commission and Companies House: 

1. To act in the interests of the charity’s objects – that is, its cause and its beneficiaries. 
2. To act reasonably and prudently in all matters. 
3. To avoid personal views and prejudices affecting your decision-making. 
4. To protect – and actively promote – the property, interests and reputation of the charity. 
5. To set the strategic direction, provide strategic oversight, and make critical decisions. 
6. To always make decisions collectively as a board and in particular to actively support all board decisions (that are made in accordance with the charity’s constitution) regardless of your personal position on such decisions. 
7. To understand how the charity works, including being fully aware of the charity’s general risks and its financial position. 
8. To ensure compliance with all statutory requirements as set out by Companies House and the Charity Commission and by other relevant statutory bodies and legislation. 
9. To challenge and support the CEO and, through them, the broader staff team. 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities 

The following additional duties and responsibilities have been adopted by Alcohol Change UK: 

1. To abide by Alcohol Change UK’s policies, such as those on equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding, code of conduct, conflicts of interest, GDPR, etc. 
2. To endeavour to achieve at least 75% attendance at Board meetings. In accordance with the governing documents, trustees missing three consecutive board meetings without reasonable cause will normally be asked to step down. 
3. To undertake training as required and to participate in an annual development appraisal. 
4. To join at least one of the charity’s four sub-committees. 
5. To represent Alcohol Change UK at events and to act as a positive ambassador for Alcohol Change UK amongst its key audiences. 
6. To understand and respect the boundary between governance and the operational matters that are delegated to the staff team. 
7. To respond to Alcohol Change UK correspondence in a timely manner. 

Person Specification

All trustees need the following:

1. Strong commitment to the vision, values and mission of Alcohol Change UK.
2. An ability to think strategically; that is, thinking of the big picture and the long-term, being impact-focused, and considering the relationship between internal and external factors.
3. An ability to work as part of a team, especially understanding and respecting the nature of collective decision-making.
4. Excellent communications skills, especially active listening, succinctness, clarity, positivity and tact.
5. Commitment to the 7 Nolan Principles on Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
6. Discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
7. A willingness to contribute your individual skills, perspectives, knowledge and experience without acting as representative of any particular interest.

Trustees are appointed for an initial term of three or four years, following which they may be re-elected for a second and third term of three years. 

Trustee roles are unremunerated but reasonable travel, accommodation, childcare and subsistence expenses are of course covered. 

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Are you a reliable handyperson who can undertake, upkeep, and repair a range of tasks for our housing support clients?

• Do you have 1-2 hours a week to make basic home improvements to client’s accommodation?
• Are you a dab hand at DIY and want to put your handyperson skills to good use?
• Do you have an interest in motivating people to make positive changes in their lives through acquiring new skills?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include carrying out basic household repairs and alterations such as:

• Gardening work
• Flat pack furniture assembly
• Putting up curtain rails/blinds
• Hanging pictures and shelves

Skills required

No volunteering experience is required however the below skills are essential:

• Practical skills in DIY and/or gardening
• Good listening and communication skills
• Excellent people skills to enable you to work with a range of individuals with complex backgrounds

• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?

• Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
• Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
• Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
• Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
• Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
• Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
• Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator

Skills required

No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:

• A non-judgemental approach
• Good listening and communication skills
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Be able to work on own initiative
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?

• Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
• Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
• Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
• Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
• Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
• Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
• Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator

Skills required

No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:

• A non-judgemental approach
• Good listening and communication skills
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Be able to work on own initiative
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?

• Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
• Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
• Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
• Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
• Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
• Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
• Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator

Skills required

No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:

• A non-judgemental approach
• Good listening and communication skills
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Be able to work on own initiative
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way