Support at home volunteer roles in greater london
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are delighted to have secured funding to deliver a 24-month befriending programme. This exciting opportunity will support the delivery of our ambitious five-year strategy by:
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Promoting Independence - ensuring more older people can stay independent for longer
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Providing Connection - enabling friendship and social connection for olderPeople
The befriending service will be provided through 2 different strands which aim to support older people in different ways based on the needs identified via an assessment.
Clients will enter the strand that is most appropriate to their needs.
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Strand A: We will offer a local face-to-face service of up to 1 hour for 26 weeks. Strand A provision would be appropriate for older people who have experienced a recent life event, such as a hospital admission, bereavement or home move and who need time limited support and guidance to connect with suitable services and activities.
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Strands B: We will offer ongoing support either face-to- face of up to 1hour or by telephone between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Strand B provision is for older people leaving Strand A that require long term support or for those who are identified as needing ongoing face-to-face or local telephone befriending support on entry to theprogramme.
Purpose of Role
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Arrange and carry out assessment for new service users within the befriending service using the Guided Conversation approach, in order to gather appropriate information about the older person, their needs, and what a befriender will be expected (and not expected) to do.
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Ensure that the person wants a befriender, has given consent, confidentiality has been discussed, and the person is able and willing to join the service.
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Ensure that volunteers and service users are well-matched and that the service runs safely, effectively, and in line with organisational standards.
Key Tasks
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Carry out a needs assessment for new service users referred to the befriending service. It could be a telephone-based discussion or review of a referral form or a home visit.
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Gather key information such as visit preferences, activity interests, potential risks, and any unmet needs.
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Complete assessment forms and input information into the online database
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Refer service users to other services where appropriate
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Match service users with suitable volunteer befrienders
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Introduce befriender and service user, and carry out a 6-week review with both parties
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Maintain accurate records and liaise with staff throughout the process
Skills and attributes Required
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Good communication skills with a friendly approachable manner.
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Confident using IT
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Empathy and understanding of older people.
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Understanding loneliness and social isolation.
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Consistency and reliability.
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Understanding of Confidentiality.
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Understanding of and empathy with the needs of older people.
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Patience and Sensitivity.
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Confidence to deal with emergencies.
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Record keeping.
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Ideal for students studying Health & Social Care, though open to all.
Support Provided
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You will be inducted in cohorts with other volunteers.
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Training for the role is provided including Safeguarding, Making Every Contact Count, Sexual Harassment and Building a positive volunteering experience and other more.
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Ongoing support including regular supervision by the Volunteer Manager.
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Goup supervision with other volunteers. Groups supervision is a safe place where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes, process emotion and learn from each other.
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Reimbursement of agreed expenses.
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Access to an AGE UK Discount portal provided by Aon.
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Monthly volunteer newsletter.
- We hold an annual Volunteer Award event where we celebrate and recognise the contribution of our Volunteers!
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Access to in-house training opportunities
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You will receive supervision and support throughout your course placement from your named supervisor
Benefits
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Make a Real Difference: Have a direct impact on the lives of Making a Difference: Volunteering allows you to have a tangible impact on someone's life, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Helping older people can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose.
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Emotional Rewards
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Intergenerational Connections
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Learning and Skill Development
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Enhancing Career Prospects
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Building Empathy and Compassion
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Giving Back to the Community
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Social and celebration events
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Placement Support: Ideal for Health & Social Care students—gain placement hours with supervision and guidance from a named supervisor
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Insight into Care Needs.
Commitment
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We expect a minimum of 6 months commitment but would ideally prefer more of a longer-term commitment.
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Weekly commitment 2 to 3 hours.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
EI&P is a multidisciplinary team that provides advocacy and counselling to CYP survivors of VAWG, as well as education and training to CYP, parents, and professionals.
About the role
The EI&P Volunteer will support the team, with particular focus on the development and update of educational programmes and resources for POW and Community Engagement. This will include:
- Support research into new legislation and literature to ensure our programmes are up to date.
- Support the creation of educational resources including presentations, learning booklets, leaflets, etc.
- Support development of session plans.
- Support the development of feedback and programme evaluation tools.
- Ensuring programmes and resources are accessible to a wide range of audiences and needs.
- Supporting other members of the team.
- Identifying and reaching out to relevant external professionals to raise awareness of our services and referral pathway.
Who are we looking for?
- Knowledge of HRSE
- Some previous experience developing educational materials.
- Some previous research experience.
- Some previous facilitation experience.
- Expert use of Office packages, including PowerPoint, Publisher, or comparable platforms.
- Passionate about education as a key to change VAWG narratives.
- Clear Understanding of VAWG issues, intersectional feminism, and handling of sensitive information, confidentiality, safeguarding.
What can you gain from this opportunity?
As part of this role you will have the opportunity to:
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team towards early intervention and prevention of VAWG.
- Access professional trainings.
- Acquire tangible experience and knowledge in the development and delivery of educational programmes and resources directed at CYP, parents, and professionals.
- Shadow opportunities around facilitation, 1:1 advocacy, as well as other departments the Volunteer might be interested in.
- Flexible time-commitment and possibility to work from home.
- Target skill development and mentorship.
- Professional supervisions with the service manager.
Solace exists to end the harm done through gender-based violence. Our aim is to work to prevent violence and abuse.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
-Please note that the vacancy will close automatically if we reach out the maximum number of applications for this round of recruitment.
Childline is a vital service, available 365 days a year to support children and young people, whatever their worry or concern.
In 2020 we set up our virtual Childline base to support children and young people by answering their e mail contacts. Home-based Childline email counsellors respond to emails from young people who have got in touch with something that's worrying them, whether it's bullying, abuse, self-harm or family relationships.
Please Note - Please note this advert will close when we have sufficient applications to fill our training groups.
You'll need a laptop or PC with a Microsoft Windows 10/11 or Apple MacOS (version 12 or above) operating system, with speakers, a USB port for a headset and a webcam along with a mobile phone. Note: a tablet, smart phone/tv and Chromebooks are not suitable. You will need a minimum broadband upload speed of 5MB and minimum download speed of 10MB. Internet connection via a dongle is not suitable for home working on Childline shifts. You'll also need a private, confidential space for shifts.
If you are interested in volunteering for the virtual Childline base and want to find out more about home-based e mail counsellor role, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting, which is a fantastic opportunity to:
Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey
Our meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply – there's no obligation or expectation that you'll apply if you attend one. At the meeting, you'll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.
To book a place at one of our online Volunteer Information Meetings, please click 'Join Us' to register your interest.
Please Note: You must be over the age of 16 to apply for this role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Access All Areas is looking for volunteers to support both its Performance Making Diploma and Take Part programmes!
Are you:
- An artist trying to perfect your craft?
- A student looking for a placement in participatory arts?
- Or… simply interested in getting involved in your community and in knowing more about performance making and/or access?
Our volunteering opportunities might be the right fit for you!
Join as a volunteer on our Take Part programmes and Diploma and…
- Gain experience working within an established production company’s methodology
- Get to be creative, inspiring and bold with your ideas
- Be part of an inclusive performance-making process
- Build your toolkit and learn the ropes of what it takes to do inclusive creative work
- Work with emerging learning disabled and autistic artists
Performance Making Diploma overview
Run in partnership with the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, our Performance Making Diploma is known as one of the world’s leading courses for and by learning disabled and autistic creatives.Students work with celebrated theatre and TV professionals to learn performance skills, create scripts and performances, and prepare for different career options in the arts and media.
Take Part Programmes overview
Our Take Part programme works with participants across East London and beyond, building creative skills, increasing confidence and making performance. They take place in arts venues, day centres, care homes, community centres and colleges.
As a volunteer, you might…
- Work creatively alongside students and participants and act as a ‘creative partner’ to support their ideas; Provide access support for students and participants including note-taking, accessing sensory tool, repeating instructions, etc.;
- Support the devising of performances;
- Perform alongside participants as on-stage creative support or in forum theatre workshop exercises;
- Attend theatre trips with students and participants.
For all the info, visit our website or email us
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you looking for a fulfilling opportunity to volunteer in East or West Kent local or nearby to where you live, directly supporting those who may be lonely or struggling to cope with daily tasks while living with Cancer and other long term health conditions? The Crossroads Macmillan Volunteer Service can offer flexible, rewarding volunteering avenues for you to explore; get in touch today and make an immediate, positive impact on someone's life - a little bit of time can truly make a huge difference.
HOURS: Minimum 1 - 2 hours / week, Flexible
LOCATION: Opportunities across East & West Kent & Medway, flexible / based on volunteer’s home location.
DESCRIPTION:
Available volunteer opportunities include;
Regular visits to a person or couple navigating cancer to offer company and a friendly, listening ear at a difficult time.
Providing transport to a person or couple navigating cancer from their home to healthcare appointments including but not limited to Chemotherapy / Radiology sessions and GP appointments.
Light gardening support.
Subject to the volunteers wishes, some volunteer placements can include support with light housework, shopping support, accompanying a client on a walk or short external trips, and enjoying shared hobbies that bring both the client and volunteer a great sense of wellbeing.
PLEASE NOTE: All volunteer roles listed above involve visiting a client at their home in some capacity. We currently do not have any volunteer roles that involve working from your home / online.
SKILLS REQUIRED: Good communication, empathy, and the ability to be non-judgmental.
Full Training provided by Crossroads Care Kent.
WHAT WE OFFER: An enormous sense of wellbeing and purpose and an increased understanding of those living with cancer and comparable conditions; just giving an hour or more a week’s companionship and practical help can make a huge difference to an unpaid carer and who they care for.
Travel expenses from volunteers’ home to clients home reimbursed.
Other Travel expenses reimbursed where applicable.
Other volunteering expenses, such as costs of shopping, also reimbursed.
Volunteer References also available where applicable.
Additional CPD accredited Training opportunities available including but not limited to First Aid, Cancer awareness, Dementia awareness, Mental Health.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Home-Start Croydon offers parents the support they need to help give their children the best start in life. As a Parent Champion Volunteer you will be engaging with families from your own community, providing peer to peer support and promoting services for children under 5 and their families. By connecting with other parents and carers, Parent Champions help communities thrive, breaking barriers and reducing isolation.
Key activities
- Engage with parents with children under 5 years old
- Build good knowledge of own community and links with local families
- Signpost parents to children’s centres and local organisations providing services for families
- Talk with parents in groups
- Facilitate parents to build peer to peer support groups
- Provide information on childcare options including the free early learning for two year olds
- Record accurate information manually
- Attend training and personal development activities
- Meet the Parent Champion Coordinator and other Parent Champions to share good practice
Person Specification
- Have experience of being a parent or carer
- Ability to talk and listen to other parents and understand their world
- Have a non-judgemental attitude
- Have an understanding of the difficulties parents face when looking for childcare
- Have a positive experience of using formal childcare and family services
- Have an understanding about confidentiality
- Have an awareness on the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults
- Have knowledge of and commitment to equal opportunities, fairness and diversity
- Be able to keep basic records as requested by Home-Start
Home-Start Croydon is a voluntary organisation committed to helping local families through emotional & practical support.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Home-Start Suffolk is seeking an experienced and committed individual to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital leadership role in a well-established and growing charity that supports families across Suffolk. As Treasurer, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO, Finance Sub Committee and wider Board to ensure strong financial oversight and governance.
You’ll help guide our financial strategy, support budget-setting and risk management, and ensure that financial information is clear and accessible to the Board. We are specifically looking for someone with experience in charity finance, ideally with a background in accountancy or financial management. You will bring a solid understanding of financial governance and charity reporting requirements and be confident in offering strategic insight as well as practical advice.
This Treasurer role is part of our wider trustee recruitment, and we welcome applicants who also bring any of the following:
- Experience or knowledge of the local charity or voluntary sector
- Understanding of family support or volunteer management
- Strong networks and connections within local businesses
- Previous involvement with Home-Start Suffolk as a volunteer or someone who has received support
- A passion for making a difference in your community
To empower parents with the skills, knowledge and emotional resilience to raise their children to flourish
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Do you want to use your skills to help ensure a local charity is financially strong, transparent, and forward-thinking?
Home-Start Barnet, Brent and Harrow is seeking a new Treasurer to join our committed Board of Trustees. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and sustainability of a growing, values-led organisation that supports hundreds of families each year.
You don’t need to be a qualified accountant – just someone with good financial awareness, an eye for detail, and a desire to help shape our future.
What You’ll Do
As Treasurer, you’ll play a key role in the charity’s success by:
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Overseeing our finances – ensuring we are financially healthy and legally compliant
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Working with our CEO and Accountant – to review budgets, financial plans and monthly reports
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Supporting the board – by explaining financial information in an accessible way and guiding strategic decisions
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Chairing our Finance Subcommittee – held once every 12 weeks
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Ensuring good financial governance – making sure systems are in place for managing our income and spending
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Helping plan for sustainability – offering insight into full-cost recovery, funding gaps and long-term planning
Who We’re Looking For
We’re open to candidates from a variety of backgrounds – you may be a retired finance professional, someone in a leadership or strategic role, or looking for a first trustee position with a cause that matters to you.
You’ll ideally bring:
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Financial literacy and confidence with numbers
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Experience managing budgets, interpreting accounts or overseeing finances
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Strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative style
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An interest in supporting families and giving children the best start in life
Previous experience as a trustee is helpful but not essential.
If you have questions about the role and would like to have an informal conversation, please contact us and we would be happy to arrange a call.
To apply, provide your CV and a Supporting Statement (no more than one A4 page) that sets out why you are interested in this role and highlights the experiences and qualities you believe make you suitable.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Considering a Career in Marketing? Gain valuable experience and volunteer with a local charity.
About us
The Guildford Institute is a small charity providing cultural education to the local community and beyond. We provide our members and visitors with opportunities to learn and build meaningful connections with others. Our varied programme of activities includes courses, talks and events. Last year, we opened our Community & Wellbeing Centre where professional therapists and counsellors provide accessible mental health support services. In addition, we offer affordable room hire and are home to a vegetarian café and historic library.
The role
We are seeking a Marketing Intern to support the work of our Marketing and Communications Officer in raising the Institute’s profile to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from the Institute’s programme and wider offering.
You will primarily assist in marketing the Institute’s course and events programme, along with its room hire offering, the library, café and community initiatives. The Marketing Intern will gain valuable experience in marketing and communications across print, digital and social channels.
We are looking for someone with excellent communications skills, who is flexible in taking on a variety of tasks, exhibits a pro-active approach and enjoys being part of a small team.
How to apply
Working hours for this role are flexible, so if you can spare a day (or just a few hours) on a regular basis please submit your CV and covering letter.
Additional information
Travel expenses will be covered. This position is for a minimum of 3 months
Working hours for this role are flexible, so if you can spare a day (or just a few hours) on a regular basis please submit your CV and covering letter to us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a warm, empathetic person with good communication skills? Could you offer four hours a week to support families in urgent need?
We Stand - Formally Mosac provide a free National Helpline service to non abusing parents and carers of sexually abused children. We are currently seeking Helpline Volunteers to provide support, information and a listening ear to parents and carers whose children have been sexually abused.
We know a caring, sensitive and non judgemental response can make a real difference to someone seeking support. We are looking for volunteers with good verbal, listening and communication skills, no previous experience on a helpline is required. Trained, experienced staff will always be on hand to provide support and guidance.
We expecially welcone volunteers who speak additional languages, from all communities, to help us support more parents from diverse backgrounds, Welsh speakers are also required as part of our South East Wales support project
Helpline Volunteers will:
- Receive full training prior to the formal induction (3 week training programme) Dates to be confirmed
- Commit to volunteer 4 hours per week for a minimum of 1 year
- Receive ongoing support and supervision from a friendly team
- Make a difference to the lives of families impacted by child sexual abuse
Opportunities for you:
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To contribute to We Stand’s aims of supporting families affected by child sexual abuse
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You will receive training, continual development and support in the role
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Working remotley from your own home
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Gain valuable experience and development of interpersonal skills
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Out of pocket expenses for travel cost if required to attend meetings,and subsistence will be met by We Stand
Your Responsibilities:
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Answer calls that come through the National Helpline
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Provide support, information and signposting to relevant support organisations
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Complete all call log and monitoring information after each call
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Attend mandatory supervision meetings fortnightly or monthly to support you in the role.
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All helpline volunteers working remotely - attend 30 minute supervision after your shift.
Our Mission is to provide support in a non - judgmental environment for non abusing parents and carers of sexually abused children.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
With an ageing population, more and more older people are at risk of isolation and loneliness as partners and friends pass away, children and grandchildren move away and the community around them changes at a fast pace. As a Befriender you will become part of the solution to tackling the issues of isolation and loneliness by developing strong relationships with clients and encouraging them to engage in a variety of ways.
Main activities/tasks:
- Visit an older person in their home once a week for up to 2h
- Spend time getting to know them and to understand what things they may like to do at home (e.g. chess, knitting, reading)
- Offer healthy and fun conversation and encourage them to talk
- Give support to enable them to get out in the community and encourage participation in activities.
- Promote healthy living and wellbeing.
- Accompany on hospital visits or to the GP. Go for a walk, or shopping
- Support older person to find information as requested.
- Make monthly reports on visits carried out
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer - allowance of travel expenses
Flexible hours
Kensington, Islington or Hackney
Ref: VOL-252
Are you a proactive, efficient and compassionate individual who is looking to make a difference? If so, St Giles Trust is looking for a Pantry Volunteer to work at its London Pantries, where you will support the day-to-day operation of a community pantry at one of our London locations. You will work alongside the Pantry Coordinator and other volunteers to help create a welcoming, dignified, and well-managed space for local members. Tasks will include stock handling, customer service, and light-touch support such as signposting and meal planning tips.
About St Giles Trust
St Giles Trust is a Charity helping people facing severe disadvantage to find jobs, homes and the right support they need. We help them to become positive contributors to local communities and wider society. We passionately believe everybody is capable of changing their lives. Our mission is we empower people to overcome injustices for themselves, their families and their local communities – we achieve this through offering support from someone who has been there. Our peer-led services form the backbone of our work.
About this key role
As our Pantry Volunteer, you will help with specific Pantry needs such as stock rotation, manual handling, speaking to clients, and making them feel comfortable within The Pantry. You will carry out and comply with all health and safety procedures and policies, ensure all labelling of food items are correctly displayed and ensure any items are within the correct date for displaying.
Positively supporting members and always maintaining confidentiality, and creating a welcoming, dignified, and well-mannered space for local members. Tasks will include stock handling, customer service, and light-touch support such as signposting and meal planning tips.
What we are looking for
- Previous experience of working within a retail and customer-facing role.
- Supporting the daily running and operation of the Pantry.
- Supporting the Pantry coordinator ensuring the shop is well-stocked, clean and presentable.
- To carry out and comply with all health and safety procedures and policies, including food safety and manual handling.
- To ensure all food items are correctly labelled and within the given use-by date.
- Positively supporting members and always maintaining confidentiality.
- To assist customers to choose their shopping items and to complete simple forms.
- On occasion, offering meal planning advice along with recipes and food shopping tips.
- Helping to unload deliveries and ensuring food is correctly stored.
Please note: this role requires that successful candidates must undergo an Enhanced DBS check, on the basis that the post involves contact with vulnerable participants and colleagues.
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.
Interviews will take place on a rolling basis.
Closing date: 11pm on 23rd September 2025
Interviews: TBC in London Camberwell
We help people held back by poverty, unemployment, the criminal justice system, homelessness, exploitation and abuse to build a positive future.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are working in partnership with Guildford Sunset Homes (GSH) a small, well-respected charitable trust based in Merrow, near Guildford, registered under the Communities and Societies Benefits Act of 2014, and who provide 87 social rent apartments for retired individuals of limited means from the local area. The estate features a converted Grade II listed Manor House and several purpose-built apartment blocks set within peaceful and well-maintained grounds.
GSH now seeks a new Trustee to join their friendly and dedicated Board, to work alongside a supportive team and professional estate management company, ELM Group, who employ two members of staff to take care of the day-to-day running of the Estate.
This is an exciting opportunity, where you will help guide the development and direction of a thriving retirement community, and improve the estate for their residents.
They are looking for experience in the following areas:
- Housing associations
- Property sectors
- The charity sector
What’s in it for you:
- A chance to make a positive impact in the area.
- Gain additional experience in governance, leadership, and nonprofit management
- Develop valuable skills for your career and personal growth.
- Broaden your own networks
If you can commit to attend approximately 6 board meetings a year and are passionate about giving back to the community, we would love to hear from you.
For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.
Closing date for applications: 2nd November 2025
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Make a difference by providing company and conversation to an older person in Croydon. Our Befriending service supports older adults by alleviating loneliness and isolation, supporting independence, and increasing self-confidence, by making weekly or fortnightly visits to a client living in the borough of Croydon.
Befriender - In Person
Duties:
• Providing companionship to clients in their home, sharing a cup of tea
• Other activities mutually agreed by both the volunteer and client, such as reading together, or helping with post, and within the Befriending Programme’s guidelines
• Maintaining records of client visits and sending those to the Befriending Coordinator on a regular basis
• Accompanying client out for a walk or to the shop if they are sufficiently able
• Accompanying client to weekly activities or social clubs to support client’s
independence
• Escorting clients to GP/hospital appointments as needed
• Adherence to Age UK Croydon’s policies and procedures, including Confidentiality and Safeguarding
Skills Required:
• Good listening and communication skills
• An open-minded and non-judgemental attitude
• An understanding and awareness of issues faced by older adults
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries
Befriender - Telephone
Duties:
• Providing companionship to clients by telephone for a chat
• Maintaining records of telephone calls to clients and sending those to the Befriending
Coordinator on a regular basis
Skills Required:
• Good listening and communication skills
• An open-minded and non-judgemental attitude
• An understanding and awareness of issues faced by older adults
• Adherence to Age UK Croydon’s policies and procedures, including Confidentiality and
Safeguarding
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries
Our mission is to reach, involve, support and connect people so they can age well in Croydon.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are delighted to have secured funding to deliver a 24-month befriending programme. This exciting opportunity will support the delivery of our ambitious five-year strategy by:
- Promoting Independence - ensuring more older people can stay independent for longer
- Providing Connection - enabling friendship and social connection for older People
The befriending service will be provided through 2 different strands which aim to support older people in different ways based on the needs identified via an assessment. Clients will enter the strand that is most appropriate to their needs.
- Strand A: We will offer a local face-to-face service of up to 1 hour for 26 weeks. Strand A provision would be appropriate for older people who have experienced a recent life event, such as a hospital admission, bereavement or home move and who need time limited support and guidance to connect with suitable services and activities.
- Strands B: We will offer ongoing support either face-to- face of up to 1 hour or by telephone between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Strand B provision is for older people leaving Strand A that require long term support or for those who are identified as needing ongoing face-to-face or local telephone befriending support on entry to the programme. As a befriender you will be asked to select your type of volunteering preference.
Purpose of Role
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Provide companionship, emotional support, and a listening ear to people who may be lonely or isolated.
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Provide monthly reports to the Volunteer Manager on your client.
Key tasks
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Make a regular weekly visit or phone call to a client who has been matched to you, at a time suitable to the older person.
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Provide conversation and company.
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Spend time chatting with the client, talking with them about their current and past life experiences.
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Report any emerging issues or concerns that the older person has agreed to be shared with us such as safeguarding issues or a change in personal circumstance or health.
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Make the client aware of any other services across AUKEL they may benefit from.
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Maintain records of client contact and send this to the Volunteer Manager on a monthly basis.
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Regularly meet with your befriending peers and supervisor, to share experiences, get support and reflect.
Skills and attributes
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Understanding loneliness and social isolation.
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Good communication skills with a friendly approachable manner.
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Keen on building a strong befriending relationship.
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A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history.
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Consistency and reliability.
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Understanding of Confidentiality.
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Understanding of and empathy with the needs of older people.
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Patience and Sensitivity.
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Confidence to deal with emergencies.
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Record keeping.
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Basic IT skills.
Support Provided
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You will be inducted in cohorts with other volunteers.
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Training for the role is provided including Safeguarding, Making Every Contact Count, Sexual Harassment and Building a positive volunteering experience and other more.
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Ongoing support including regular supervision by the Volunteer Manager.
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Goup supervision with other befrienders. Groups supervision is a safe place where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes, process emotion and learn from each other.
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Reimbursement of agreed expenses.
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Access to an AGE UK Discount portal provided by Aon.
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Monthly volunteer newsletter
We hold an annual Volunteer Award event where we celebrate and recognise the contribution of our Volunteers!
Benefits
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Making a Difference: Volunteering allows you to have a tangible impact on someone's life, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Helping older people can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose.
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Emotional Rewards
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Intergenerational Connections
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Learning and Skill Development
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Enhancing Career Prospects
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Building Empathy and Compassion
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Giving Back to the Community
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Social and celebration events
Commitment
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We expect a minimum of 6 months commitment but would ideally prefer more of a longer-term commitment.
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Weekly commitment is between 30 minutes to 1 hour for client plus one/two hours monthly for reporting.