Supporter communications manager volunteer roles

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

**Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying: **

• 17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams))

• 3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

More Information

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.

Please note you must be over 18 to volunteer with us.

Role: Trustee

Location: Hybrid (meetings vary between online, central London and The Cricket Centre, Wallington, SM6 8JQ)

Salary: Voluntary (reasonable expenses will be covered)

About Us

London was burning in 1981. The Brixton Riots exposed the deep cracks in our communities, and from that moment of unrest, a spark of hope emerged. A young cricketer invited local kids to join him on the pitch instead of moving them aside. That simple act became the London Community Cricket Association — now The Change Foundation — a charity that uses sport to transform lives, create safe spaces, and empower young people to grow free from fear. Today, we continue that legacy through innovative, values-led programmes that challenge broken systems and build lasting impact.

The Role

We seek Trustees who are passionate, courageous, and empathetic, and who can bring insight, challenge, and guidance to help shape the next chapter of our work.  We are particularly keen to hear from people with expertise in:

• Governance & compliance
• Human resources & organisational development
• Lived experience similar to the young people we support

We are committed to diversifying our Board and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Training and support are available to anyone new to trustee roles.

Key Responsibilities:

As a Trustee, you will help ensure that The Change Foundation:

• Pursues its mission and long-term objectives.
• Defines goals and evaluates our performance.
• Protects and champions the charity’s values and reputation.
• Oversees administration, policies, and financial stability.
• Ensures compliance with charity law, company law, and other relevant regulations.

All Trustees also contribute to one of our subcommittees:

· Risk, Audit & Governance – safeguarding, compliance, financial oversight, and operational standards.

· Programmes & Impact – reviewing programme design, delivery, and evaluation of social impact.

· Fundraising, Marketing, & Communications – overseeing fundraising strategy, marketing, and communications.

Subcommittees meet four times a year, in advance of quarterly Board meetings.

By joining our Board, you will:

• Influence the direction of a bold, innovative charity.
• Work alongside passionate staff, inspirational young people, and committed Trustees.
• See first-hand the impact of your guidance and support.
• Expand your leadership skills and professional networks.
• Be part of a movement that redefines what sport can be: a place where every young person matters.

Educational partnerships and community developers wanted to help East London Waterworks Park deliver its environmental learning goals

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for a volunteer to lead partnership development and community outreach efforts for East London Waterworks Park. This role focuses on building and nurturing relationships with learning bodies to increase the opportunity for partnership opportunities. 

The role would include:

• Researching and identifying new opportunities for environmental learning initiatives
• Building and nurturing relationships with schools, education bodies, and nonprofit organizations
• Supporting outreach efforts to promote ELWP’s existing learning programmes

Schools, universities and youth groups we've collaborated with include:

• Waltham Forest College 
• Henry Maynard Primary School, Walthamstow
• Buxton School, Leytonstone
• Kingsmead Primary School, Hackney
• Daubeney Primary School, Hackney
• UCL 
• Royal College of Art
• University of Westminster 
• Project Zero
• Voyage Youth 
• Loyola University Chicago 
• Vanderbilt University Nashville 

We're looking for people to lead on these projects and facilitate the direction of the learning working group.

The Learning Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening at 8pm for an hour on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

We welcome individuals with experience in outreach, partnership building, education, or nonprofit engagement. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are key. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role.

Your support will help young people and learners improve their environmental knowledge of design and research as well as contributing to our community-owned park. This will in turn provide a sense of stewardship over the land once the park is created and student's ideas have been built into the park. Creating learning projects with educational institutions will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. 

You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. By volunteering in this role, you will help shape the future of East London Waterworks Park as a community-led environmental learning space. This will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you! 

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams))

• 3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are reimbursed
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.

Please note you must be over 18 to volunteer with us.

The Events Assistant will support the planning, coordination, and delivery of Hidayah’s events and activities. Working closely with the Events Officer and wider team, this role ensures that all events run smoothly, are well-promoted, inclusive, and aligned with Hidayah’s mission. The ideal candidate is organised, proactive, and passionate about creating meaningful community experiences.

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

1. Event Planning & Delivery 

· Support the Events Officer in planning, organising, and delivering a range of events, both online and in person

· Liaise with venues and caterers to confirm logistics, costs, and facilities, ensuring value for money and guest satisfaction

· Manage event listings and guest registrations through OutSavvy, ensuring all attendees have active Hidayah memberships

· Assist with event setup, registration, and on-the-day coordination, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment

· Support with risk assessments, accessibility considerations, and general event compliance

2. Marketing & Communications 

· Collaborate with the Social Media team to schedule and promote events across Hidayah’s social channels

· Create or support the design of promotional materials and graphics using Canva

· Draft event descriptions, newsletter content, and updates for review by the Events Officer

· Coordinate the monthly newsletter, liaising with the Social Media team to finalise and distribute

· Engage partner charities, community groups, and networks to share event information via email and social media

3. Stakeholder & Community Engagement 

· Build and maintain relationships with organisations, partners, and individuals aligned with Hidayah’s mission

· Send thank-you messages to venues, partners, and attendees following events

· Distribute and collect feedback forms, compiling responses to support continuous improvement

· Represent Hidayah at community events and networking opportunities where appropriate

4. Administrative Support 

· Maintain and update the contact database and event records

· Manage the Events Team inbox, responding to or triaging queries promptly

· Attend regular Events Team meetings, contributing updates and ideas

· Track and report on event expenses and participation data as required

What do we expect from the Events Assistant? 

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Essential: 

· Excellent organisation, communication, and time management skills. - Ability to work independently with minimal support but also as part of a team. - Proactive attitude with strong attention to detail. 

· Confident using (or willing to learn) tools such as OutSavvy, Google Suite (Docs, Calendar, Meet), HootSuite, and Discord

· Familiarity with social media platforms and an understanding of their role in event promotion

· Commitment to Hidayah’s values of inclusion, respect, and community empowerment

Desirable: 

· Experience with Canva or other design tools

· Basic data management or CRM experience 

· Understanding of accessibility and safeguarding in events

· Ability to track budgets or handle basic event finance administration

· Analytical skills to interpret feedback and produce summary reports

Personal Attributes 

· - Warm, approachable, and confident engaging with diverse communities

· Flexible and adaptable, able to respond calmly to challenges during live events

· Creative thinker who enjoys finding new ways to engage the audience

· Passionate about creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for all attendees

How much commitment is required?

This is a voluntary role with flexible hours, and can be carried out around your existing commitments. The role will take approximately 3-5 hours per week (flexible depending on needs and availability). 

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Area coordinators support and coordinate a team of prison volunteers. They help recruit and induct new volunteers and are the first point of contact for advice and support. Area coordinators lead and inspire the team via quarterly 1 to 1s and area meetings.  They also help oversee the progress of Shannon Trust in prisons in their area and provide cover and support where needed.

We are looking for volunteers who are organised, flexible, able to work independently, and able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years.  Due to the nature of the role prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 5 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

For full role description and to apply please visit our website.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

What we're looking for

We're looking for enthusiastic, approachable and fun-loving people to be event volunteers, linked to our Norwich committee. Around 90 per cent of our income comes from our supporters and we couldn't continue doing what we do without them. That means, our community fundraising volunteers play a really important part in rallying people together to raise vital funds which help to protect children and prevent abuse.

What you'll do

You'll kindly volunteer your time at Norwich's fundraising events to help raise vital funds for the NSPCC. You could be selling raffle tickets, supporting a collection, making tea and coffee at a lunch or coffee morning or providing support to one of Norwich committee's annual  events. You will engage with the public, organisations and the local community – promoting a positive image of the NSPCC! We'd particularly like to hear from you if your workplace run a matched funding scheme alongside your attendance at a fundraising event.

You'll work closely with your regional Community Fundraising Manager and the Norwich committee who can provide you with a choice of events to attend. This role offers the opportunity to build your personal skills and raise your profile in your community. It is flexible, you only need to commit to a couple of hours a month but you can do more if you would like to.

What you'll get

At the event, we'll support you with guidance, advice, and tools to help you fundraise and spread the word of the NSPCC. You'll learn more about how you're helping to protect children across the UK, and you'll have the opportunity to grow your skills and inspire others to support us.
It's also a chance to take on new challenges and make new friends. 

Who's right for the role?

While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experiences:

• Passionate about helping young people and children
• Enthusiastic and personable
• Strong organisational skills
• Able to think on your feet
• You work well within a team
• Great communication and social skills
• Confident in making fundraising asks

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.

Who we are:

Manchester is a young and vibrant city, with two in every five residents aged 25 or under. Yet, nearly half of our children (43.8%) are growing up in poverty.

Young Manchester is a youth-led partnership of more than 160 local non-profit organisations and community groups, supporting over 15,000 children and young people across the city every week. We resource, strengthen, and champion Manchester’s youth and play sector, centring young people’s voices, experiences, and leadership, and working to ensure that those most excluded have access to opportunities, support, and joy.

Our vision:

A Manchester where all children and young people can thrive and lead purposeful lives in a joyful, safe and healthy environment.

Young Manchester's Board of Trustees 

Young Manchester has a diverse, active and engaged board. However, we are particularly looking for further support around financial oversight and guidance, to ensure effective management of Young Manchester’s resources in line with its charitable objectives.

Young Manchester is working to expand its strategic engagement with business and diversify its fundraising streams through corporate and enterprise opportunities.

We are keen to hear from individuals with background in finance, or experience in fundraising, grant management, or investment portfolio. They will support the CEOs and Finance & Operations Manager by reviewing budgets, management accounts, cash flow forecasts, and financial statements.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Work with the other trustees to ensure Young Manchester is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit.
2. Comply with Young Manchester’s governing document and the law.
3. Act in Young Manchester’s best interests.
4. Manage Young Manchester’s resources responsibly.
5. Act with reasonable care and skill.
6. Ensure Young Manchester is accountable by supporting and challenging its leadership.
7. Work closely with Young Manchester’s leadership to execute our strategy in alignment with our vision, mission and values.

In this role, you will build relationships and connect with people, places and organisations to raise awareness of stroke and of the Stroke Association within the community. By building these relationships you will contribute to improving the experience of people affected by stroke where they live and work. 

What would you be doing

• Providing a valuable extension to our teams based within local areas across Wales. 
• Build relationships with people, places and organisations to raise awareness of stroke and the Stroke Association. 
• Engaging with your local community to represent the Stroke Association. This could include delivering presentations or talks (either face to face or digitally), attending fundraising events or sharing your experience of stroke to others. 
• Helping to set up and support Stroke Café Groups. 
• Attending information points at community events or at local hospitals. 

What will you bring to the role?

You have…

• The passion and enthusiasm to raise the awareness of stroke and the Stroke Association. 
• Ability and willingness to share how people affected by stroke can access support from the Stroke Association. 
• An enjoyment of talking to people and communities, either one to one, or presenting to groups. This includes speaking to groups or individuals face to face or online digitally. (This is available to you only if you feel confident to do so – it is not a strict requirement of the role). 
• A keenness to demonstrate our values, and to help improve care and support for stroke survivors. 
• The ability to travel to venues and events by yourself. 
• A willingness to use technology e.g. Zoom and Microsoft Teams to engage with people outside of your local area, and our intranet and learning platform to access resources and training 

Requirements of the role:

• Must be 18+
• Ability to travel around your local community. 
• Have empathy and compassion for stroke survivors.
• Enjoy interacting with stroke survivors, community groups and local businesses.
• Ideally have lived or personal experience of stroke.
• Availability of a minimum of 2 hours on a weekly basis. 

What the role can offer you personally 

• Support with learning new skills – Full training provided. 
• Meeting new people, building a network and engaging with your local community. 
• In this role, you will build relationships and connect with people, places and organisations to raise awareness of stroke and of the Stroke Association within the community. By building these relationships you will contribute to improving the experience of people affected by stroke where they live and work. 
• You’ll have an opportunity to get together (either face to face/digitally) with other Community Connectors from your locality to discuss local priorities and opportunities 

Interested in applying?

If you are interested in applying, please contact: 

• Sally Head, Volunteer Manager. 

Our vision is for there to be fewer strokes, and for people affected by stroke to get the help they need to live the best life they can. 

Our core purpose is to be the trusted voice of stroke survivors and their families. We want to drive better outcomes in stroke prevention, treatment and lifelong support for everyone affected by stroke.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that ESS Education and Support Services achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that ESS Education and Support Services has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable ESS Education and Support Services to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Duties:

· Support and provide advice on ESS Education and Support Service’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

· Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

· Oversee ESS Education and Support Service’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

· Review and approve ESS Education and Support Services’ financial statements.

· Provide support and challenge to ESS Education and Support Services’ CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

· Keep abreast of changes in ESS Education and Support Services’ operating environment.

· Contribute to regular reviews of ESS Education and Support services’ own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

· Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect ESS Education and Support Service’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

· Contribute to the broader promotion of ESS Education and Support Services objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge, and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

ESS Education and Support Service are looking for Trustees from the following backgrounds: Legal, Financial.

Personal skills and qualities

· Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

· Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

· Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

· A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

· Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

· Willingness to lead according to our values.

· Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

· Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

· This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

· Attending 6 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held virtually.

· Attending charity events and other such commitments.

Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.

This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.

Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager.

Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:

• Serving customers on the till
• Taking stock donations from the public
• Tagging and steaming stock for the shop floor
• Dressing the window displays
• Asking people to join us as a volunteer

As a Retail Volunteer you will be:

• Friendly and Approachable
• Reliable, Kind and Patient
• A good communicator (including listener)
• Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

As a Mencap volunteer you will:

• Make new friends and raise important funds for people with a learning disability
• Get reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
• Receive full Training and support
• Volunteer alongside other people
• Have a chance to give back your local community

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Our Shop Volunteers raise money for the people we support with a Learning Disability. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and share your time with us?

Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.

This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.

Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager.

Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:

• Serving customers on the till
• Taking stock donations from the public
• Tagging and steaming stock for the shop floor
• Dressing the window displays
• Asking people to join us as a volunteer

As a Retail Volunteer you will be:

• Friendly and Approachable
• Reliable, Kind and Patient
• A good communicator (including listener)
• Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

As a Mencap volunteer you will:

• Make new friends and raise important funds for people with a learning disability
• Get reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
• Receive full Training and support
• Volunteer alongside other people
• Have a chance to give back your local community

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our Shop Volunteers raise money for the people we support with a Learning Disability. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and share your time with us?

Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.

This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.

Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager.

 Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:

• Serving customers on the till
• Taking stock donations from the public
• Tagging and steaming stock for the shop floor
• Dressing the window displays
• Asking people to join us as a volunteer

As a Retail Volunteer you will be:

• Friendly and Approachable
• Reliable, Kind and Patient
• A good communicator (including listener)
• Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

As a Mencap volunteer you will:

• Make new friends and raise important funds for people with a learning disability
• Get reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
• Receive full Training and support
• Volunteer alongside other people
• Have a chance to give back your local community

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.