Support volunteer volunteer roles in burnt oak, greater london

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

Who they are

Citizens Advice Richmond is a local charity that has helped the people of Richmond since 1940. They offer generalist advice on any issue and specialist debt advice. Citizens Advice Richmond is a member of the national Citizens Advice service, a network of around 300 local advice centres.

The role What will you do?

● Complete an introduction for your role.

● Maintain an awareness of how the local Citizens Advice is operating.

● Read papers for board meetings and attend six board meetings per year.

● Work on specific projects with other trustees or staff within the local Citizens Advice to further the strategic objectives of the local Citizens Advice.

● Provide support and assistance to the Chair and the Chief Officer in carrying out their responsibilities, acting as a ‘critical friend’ and sounding board.

● Take on specific responsibilities delegated by the Chair, e.g., supporting new trustees with their induction.

● Carry out the Chair’s duties in their absence, with the acknowledgment of the board as being capable and suitable to do so.

● Be prepared to take over as Chair in the near future.

● Be open to approaches, where appropriate, from other trustees about the work or judgment of the Chair. The Vice Chair will then discuss any issues arising with the Chair or National Citizens Advice.

● Take an active role in discussions during board meetings and work with other trustees to:

● Set policy and strategy direction, set targets, and evaluate the performance of the local Citizens Advice.

● Seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community.

● Ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers.

● Review their own work and how effectively they operate, including action for improvement.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Fundraising Volunteer for the West Hertfordshire Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills. Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit an Activities Volunteer for the Wandsworth Group. As our local group Activities Volunteer you’ll help us to set up activities in the area. Whether you’re serving refreshments, talking to people, registering attendees or collecting payments, you’ll be making sure everyone feel welcome.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills. Most importantly you’ll be supporting your local group to run activities that bring friendship and fun to your local MS Community.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need up to two hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Who they are

Citizens Advice Richmond is a local charity that has helped the people of Richmond since 1940. They offer generalist advice on any issue and specialist debt advice. Citizens Advice Richmond is a member of the national Citizens Advice service, a network of around 300 local advice centres.

The role: What will you do?

● Complete an induction for your role.

● Maintain an awareness of how the local Citizens Advice is operating.

● Plan the board meetings, including the dates and the agenda, with the Company/Charity Secretary and the Chief Officer.

● Read papers for board meetings and attend six board meetings per year.

● Facilitate the trustee board meetings by leading the meeting, ensuring that agenda items are discussed, enabling all members to contribute their views and take part, and seeking clarification where necessary.

● Ensure that decisions and actions taken at board meetings are carried out.

● Ensure that the board decisions are made within the remit of the Citizens Advice membership agreement, governing documents, and policies.

● Monitor attendance and commitment of all trustees.

● Provide or arrange training or support for trustees if needed.

● With other trustees and the Chief Officer, recruit a trustee board with a diverse range of skills, experience, and knowledge, with an aim to promote trusteeship to underrepresented groups that represent the community.

● Ensure that all trustees receive an induction and the training needed for them to fulfil their role.

● Be proactive in recruiting successors to key positions such as Chair, Treasurer, etc.

● Arrange or provide support and supervision for the Chief Officer, including an annual appraisal.

● Together with the Treasurer, ensure proper management and control of local Citizens Advice finances.

● Together with the Chief Officer, represent the local Citizens Advice in relationships with funders or potential funders, at local events, and in the community.

● Work together with all trustees to ensure that the board can:

♦ Set policy and strategy direction, set targets, and evaluate the performance of Citizens Advice Richmond.

♦ Monitor the financial position of Citizens Advice Richmond, ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives, and ensuring there are clear lines of accountability for day-to-day financial management.

♦ Monitor whether Citizens Advice Richmond complies with its governing document and meets the required standards.

♦ Seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community.

♦ Ensure the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers.

♦ Review their own work and how effectively they operate, including action for improvement.

♦ Work on specific projects to further the strategic objectives of Citizens Advice Richmond.

What’s in it for you?

● Make a positive impact for people in your local area by ensuring the local Citizens Advice is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community.

● Meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff, and other volunteers.

● Build on your governance, leadership, and strategy skills.

● Increase your employability.

And they will reimburse expenses too.

What do you need to have?

You’ll need to:

● Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice.

● Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities as trustees.

● Be non-judgmental and respect views, values, and cultures that are different from your own.

● Have a good basis of leadership skills.

● Be able to facilitate and lead meetings.

● Have good interpersonal skills.

● Have good listening, verbal, and written communication skills.

● Be able to exercise good independent judgment.

● Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the Treasurer.

● Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles, and policies, including confidentiality and data protection.

● Be willing to undertake training in your role.

How much time do you need to give?

You will need up to one day a week for the regular activities, but this will vary. Trustee boards usually meet in the evenings, and you’ll likely need to give 12-15 hours per year to attend these. Sub-committees meet quarterly and a further 4-6 hours per year are required for these.

Valuing inclusion

Their volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, and they particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Fundraising Volunteer for the Lambeth and Southwark Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

About Crisis

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We believe everyone should have somewhere safe and warm to call home and are committed to ending homelessness. Every year we work side by side with thousands of people from all sections of our communities to help them rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind for good.

You will contribute to ending homelessness by...

Helping us better respond to the needs of the people accessing our services. You know your community better than we do - by identifying and creating connections with a network of Eritrean organisations and community groups, such as churches and support groups, we’ll be better able to support Eritrean people who are experiencing homelessness or who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless.

Timings

Flexible, but approx. 7 hours per week – this may include evenings and/or weekends depending on the availability of community groups/organisations.

Location

Skylight London, 50 Commercial Street, London E1 6LT and remote/community-based.

Responsible to

Eritrean Community Connection Volunteer Supervisor.

Core tasks

• With the Volunteer Supervisor, hold focus groups with Crisis members to identify potential contacts within Eritrean community groups and increase our knowledge and cultural awareness of the Eritrean community
• Proactively source and arrange meetings with different Eritrean community groups to:

1. Help link these organisations with Crisis so that information can be shared about the realities of homelessness in London and the work of Crisis Skylight
2. Gain valuable knowledge about cultural sensitivities so that we can improve staff awareness and better support people from the Eritrean community

Who we are looking for

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

• Is fluent in English and Tigrinya and/or Amharic and can translate and interpret between them
• Is knowledgeable about the culture and practices in the countries where Tigrinya/ Amharic are spoken
• Has the confidence and motivation to source opportunities to link with Eritrean organisations and community groups and represent Crisis independently
• Has excellent communication skills and is confident networking and talking to new people
• Has good IT skills with the ability to use email and the internet proficiently
• Is organised and reliable, non-judgemental, patient and friendly
• Is passionate about ending and preventing homelessness for people from the Eritrean community
• Understands the importance of adhering to policies and processes, including confidentiality, safeguarding, data protection and professional boundaries
• Is able to commit to the role for 6 months

What you will gain

Engaging your community with a cause you are passionate about is an incredibly rewarding experience. It is a good way to affect change at a local level, improve services and inspire others to consider how they too can take action to end homelessness.

• This is a new volunteering role, which you have the unique opportunity to help develop
• Opportunities to learn about the causes and effects of homelessness and how to engage others in the conversation
• Networking experience for a national organisation including public speaking and relationship management
• The opportunity to share your existing or develop new skills in a friendly and supportive environment
• Regular meetings to discuss how your volunteering is going and what other opportunities and training may be available to you
• Being part of a wide network of staff, volunteers and supporters all working together to end homelessness
• A reference for volunteering at a national organisation

Additional information

• Following a successful interview and references, completion of essential e-learning and training is required before starting the role
• A Crisis IT account will be issued for the role and must be used for all communications and record keeping connected with the role
• Out of pocket travel expenses and meal allowance will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy
• We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply and particularly welcome Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, LGBTQ+, disabled and male applicants as well as those with lived experience of homelessness as these are currently under-represented groups in our volunteer pool

Applications will be considered as they're received so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Canine Partners are looking for volunteers who can provide loving homes for our young dogs, aged 14 months upwards, whilst helping to train them to be canine partners.

By volunteering you will:

• Be a valued member of our Charity
• Know that you are integrally involved in the care and training of a dog that will change the life of a person waiting for their Canine Partner
• Benefit from the companionship and enjoyment of having a dog in your life without lifelong commitment or costs associated with dog ownership
  • Meet like-minded people
  • Can develop your knowledge of puppy development and training.

 ‘With out the continued hard work and support from our volunteers, we would not be able to provide our clients with our life changing dogs.’

What is involved

• Commitment to providing a loving home, care, and training for a dog for the duration of their time in training.
• We consider this a full-time role as you, or another approved adult member of the household, will be required to care for the dog for much of the day and overnight.
• Our trainers need access to the dogs during weekdays for training purposes. We ask that you commute to and from our training centre when required to drop off/collect the dog. Drop off and collection times are between 7.30 - 9.30am and 4-6pm. We try to be as flexible as possible with the times that are best for you.
• Availability to attend pre-arranged training sessions at your home, in your local area, and at our training centre.
• Attend an Introduction session before we coordinate a dog into your care
• With our guidance, and using positive training methods, to continue the training of the dog in various areas. For example:
  • Home behaviour
  • Social behaviour
  • Behaviour around other animals
  • Walking on a lead
  • Off lead exercise
• Maintaining the dog’s health and welfare and, via support and training, to recognise behaviour/health concerns and report them immediately to the dog’s trainer.

What we require from you

• You live within a 30-minute drive of our training centre (post code LE12 9SR)
• That you, as the dog's main carer, are over 18 years of age
• You have a dog friendly secure garden
• Though desirable, prior dog ownership is not required.
• All members of the household are keen to foster.
• There is no more than one pet dog living in your home. The pet dog must be over 12 months of age and would need to undergo our pet dog suitability assessment
• Have the time and ability to commit to the training and care of a young dog. This is a physical role
• Have access to a suitable vehicle to transport the dog
• That you or other approved adult member of the household are at home most of the day, and overnight, to care for the dog
• Attend two training sessions each year
• Understand that the dog in your care remains under the ownership of Canine Partners

Support and Training

• Induction process which includes telephone assessment and home visit
• On-going Instruction and support from our dog trainers. This will be in person, via video link, phone calls, handouts etc.
• Holiday cover and appointments cover can be arranged.
• Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from a training session with a Canine Partner representative
• Access to our volunteer portal with many resources for your use.
• Invitation to join our Official Canine Partners Community Facebook Group

Summary

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces at our sites across Hertfordshire and Bucks including

Brindle Court, Watford
Northgate End, Bishop's Stortford
Our smaller sites in Stevenage, Hoddesdon and Hemel Hempstead 
Crest Rd, High Wycombe

Detailed description

Having access to a secure garden or outdoor area can be crucial for providing opportunities to socialise and relax, which can be invaluable for the mental well-being of our residents.

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces, including:

·Weeding

·Sweeping

·Pruning

·Clearing leaves and large twigs

·Watering plants

·Planting bulbs and tidying up flower beds

We would love for this to be an opportunity to involve our residents and potentially lead a gardening activity with them, equipping them with knowledge and skills to maintain their own green spaces in the future. 

You will need:

• Enjoy working outside in all weathers.
• An interest/basic knowledge of gardening
• Role requires some degree of physical work and lifting/manual handling
• To work under your own initiative.
• Good communication skills
• Opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills

A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided as well as access to training and events throughout the year!

Some sites have basic tools however any additional tools and material required can be discussed with your volunteer manager .

What volunteers need:
You will be required to under go a Disclosure and Barring Service check and provide details of 2 x referees

What we will provide to volunteers:

• Reimbursement of costs
• Full training and induction
• Access to events and celebrations throughout the year 

Are you passionate about fitness and the positive impact it can have on others? Do you hold a fitness qualification and interested in volunteering your time to support people in crisis? If so, we have the perfect role for you! You will be supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse to find their passion for fitness.

What you will be doing

• Design session plans which will enable group members to increase fitness and their general well-being
• Able to recognise the needs of beginners and mixed age/ability groups
• Ensure that everyone taking part has completed a health and wellbeing form, which includes referring those with existing health issues to their GP
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• A skilled and qualified Fitness Instructor
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Willing to participate in supervision and to liaise with Hestia staff as required

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

​We hold new volunteer inductions at the start of each term, so apply ASAP to be in time to join our next induction.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in Lewisham. At the Rainbow Club supplementary school we aim to help children between the ages of 4 and 11 to improve their literacy, numeracy and social skills in a friendly and supportive environment.  We need your skills and enthusiasm to assist the teacher in the delivery of a literacy and numeracy class and work with other volunteers to develop a programme of recreational activities. The Rainbow Club runs on Saturday mornings during term-time.

Your duties will include:

• Arriving punctually for the 9am briefing by the Rainbow Club Headteacher;
• Working in a team with other volunteers and teachers to deliver literacy, numeracy, arts, sport activities – this includes ensuring children remain engaged throughout the lesson and carry out set tasks as instructed by the teacher;
• Working one-to-one with specific children if and when required;
• Filing classroom work and homework in children’s individual files and keeping all materials and resources tidy and properly stored;
• Liaising with parents as and when required for example distributing leaflets and news about future meetings and events and also assisting with parents' day;
• Following the teacher’s policies on discipline and classroom management;
• Supervising the children during break times;
• Supporting the children during class trips;
• Ensuring classrooms are clean and tidy at the end of each day – this may include being part of a regular team rota;
• Providing feedback and comments to the Rainbow Club Headteacher when required.

Are you musical? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through music? Music plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that it can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in music-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now.

This role offers a wonderful opportunity to share your passion for music and make a positive impact on the well-being of our community in Kingston.

What you will be doing

• Lead engaging and interactive musical sessions aimed at fostering creativity, relaxation, and joy among our members who are struggling with their mental health
• To prepare music sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their musical skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Provide a supportive space for individuals to explore and enjoy music.
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of Music either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan a music group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature
• Ability to handle individuals with complex needs and work with a person-centred approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Unfortunately cats can occasionally stray or get lost, which can be extremely distressing for their owners. Our lost and found volunteers are passionate about reuniting lost cats and bringing families back together. They help cats and their owners by advertising lost cats and providing support, advice and guidance to people searching for their cats.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

• Going out to scan cats; own transport is needed

• Delivering donated food to stray cats being fed by households, if required

• Providing a quarterly update report to the local volunteer committee

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Responding to enquiries from the public about lost and found cats
• Keeping up to date records of lost and founds cats
• Matching cats that are reported lost with those reported found
• Advertising lost and found cats
• Providing help and information to owners about their lost cats

Time expectation 

Our lost and found volunteers usually spend between 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Provide holistic end-of-life care to people who are suffering of a terminal illness, under the direction of the Palliative Care Nurse Team Leader. By caring for those often isolated, hopeless, and fearful, this position is a living example of God’s love and compassion for the weak, lonely, and marginalised members of society. This position works primarily off-ship; hot and dusty or wet (depending on season) conditions can be expected. Visiting people in their house requires cultural sensitivity.

What You Will Contribute

• Support terminally ill patients and their family members through the grieving process, preparing them for death

• Train and assist family members with wound care for the afflicted person

• Share basic health principles with terminally ill patients and family members in order to improve their health

• Encourage the use of local, affordable materials for wound care and locally available analgesia

• Encourage the family to find ways to be self-supporting and teach them about planning for the future

• Assist in reaching out to local healthcare professionals who care for palliative patients, build meaningful relationships, assess their practical and intellectual needs and assist them in sustainable and culturally appropriate ways, through mentoring and teaching