Telephone Support Volunteer Volunteer Roles
Carers Trust Hillingdon is the leading charity in the London Borough of Hillingdon and we are looking for enthusiastic and caring individuals to provide a warm and friendly welcome to all our visitors and support the staff in a variety of administrative tasks.
Our vision is to be recognised as the gateway to a better life for all unpaid carers in Hillingdon.
Main purpose of volunteering role
To provide a warm and friendly welcome to all our visitors and support the staff with a variety of administrative tasks.
Availability
The role is required on Mondays and/or Wednesdays, 10am – 4pm.
Location
Based at Carers Trust Hillingdon offices on Uxbridge High Street, UB8 1JT.
Key responsibilities
· Work on your own in the Advice Centre welcoming visitors
· Be patient and empathetic to any visitors and call for an appropriate staff member to deal with the concern
· Answer incoming calls and transferring to appropriate member of staff
· Make calls on behalf of the staff, inviting carers to activities etc.
· Various administrative tasks such as photocopying and inputting data
· Input data onto charity log
· Help support outreach activity
· Help support fund raising activities
Specialist skills/training/knowledge
· Good communication and interpersonal skills to be able to talk to clients
· Good telephone and computer skills
· Show high standards of professional behaviour and appearance
· Be able to reach the venue via public transport or own transport (expenses will be paid)
Two references will be required
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
JOB DESCRIPTION
This advert is listed in Welsh first followed by English.
Pam mae angen eich help arnom
Mae ymdopi â phrofedigaeth yn cynnwys emosiynau poenus, derbyn colled a gwneud addasiadau mewn bywyd. Mae llawer o bobl yn ei chael hi'n gysur mawr cael rhywun i siarad â nhw am sut maen nhw'n teimlo yn ystod y cyfnod anodd hwn.
Rydym yn edrych am wirfoddolwyr i ddarparu cymorth emosiynol dros y ffôn i oedolion sydd mewn profedigaeth oherwydd salwch terfynol. Bydd y rôl hon yn cefnogi unigolion sydd wedi cysylltu â ni drwy’n Llinell Gymorth ffôn genedlaethol. Byddwch yn eu helpu i archwilio’u teimladau ac addasu i fywyd ar ôl profedigaeth. Darperir hyfforddiant, cymorth a goruchwyliaeth.
Beth rydym angen i chi ei wneud
Bydd eich rôl yn cynnwys rhai o’r tasgau canlynol:
- Darparu cymorth emosiynol byrdymor dros y ffôn i gleientiaid rydych wedi paru â nhw am hyd at 12 sesiwn o 45 munud (fel arfer 1 neu 2 ar unrhyw adeg benodol)
- Gwrando’n astud ar gleientiaid ac archwilio’u teimladau am golled ag empathi a sensitifrwydd
- Cyfeirio’r cleient at ffynonellau gwybodaeth a chymorth priodol yn ôl yr angen
- Cwblhau dogfennau angenrheidiol fel sy’n ofynnol gan y gwasanaeth (e.e. Cytundeb Gweithio Cyfrinachol) a throsglwyddo gwybodaeth briodol am y gwasanaeth i’ch rheolwr goruchwylio.
- Cymryd rhan mewn goruchwyliaeth un-i-un a/neu grŵp gyda chyswllt penodedig yn rheolaidd (a ragwelir unwaith y mis, dros y ffôn neu Skype)
- Ymgymryd â hyfforddiant cychwynnol a pharhaus yn unol â’r rôl; peth wyneb yn wyneb, peth ar-lein
Pa sgiliau neu brofiad sydd eu hangen arnoch?
- Y gallu i ddarparu cymorth emosiynol heb feirniadaeth ac o fewn ffiniau
- Y gallu i ddelio â phobl mewn profedigaeth yn sensitif a chael ymwybyddiaeth o’u hanghenion unigol
- Amynedd, empathi a sefydlogrwydd emosiynol
- Ymroddiad a dibynadwyedd – y gallu i gadw apwyntiadau a gwirfoddoli am hyd paru â chleient
- Dealltwriaeth o bwysigrwydd diogelu a chaw cyfrinachedd cleientiaid
- Parodrwydd i ddysgu ac ymgymryd â hyfforddiant gofynnol a chymryd rhan mewn goruchwyliaeth cymorth
- Sgiliau TG sylfaenol a’r gallu, neu’r parodrwydd i ddysgu, i ddefnyddio technoleg Skype
- Siarad cymraeg yn ddymunol
Gofynion gweithio
- Man tawel a chyfrinachol i weithio, heb aflonyddwch neu ymyrraeth
- Mynediad at ffôn clyfar, gliniadur neu gyfrifiadur bwrdd gwaith
- Ar gael ar yr un pryd bob wythnos am hyd at 12 sesiwn
- Bodlonrwydd a’r gallu i deithio o fewn y DU unwaith neu ddwywaith y flwyddyn ar gyfer hyfforddiant a chymorth – bydd gofyn i chi aros dros nos/dros y penwythnos ar gyfer hyfforddiant (bydd treuliau’n cael eu had-dalu)
Beth allwn ni ei gynnig i chi:
- Cyfle gwych i adeiladu ar eich sgiliau mewn amgylchedd elusen
- Cyflwyniad, hyfforddiant a goruchwyliaeth yn eich rôl
- Treuliau parod rhesymol y cytunwyd arnynt
Yr hyn rydym yn ei ofyn gennych chi:
- Darparu dau eirda gan bobl nad ydynt yn aelodau o’ch teulu a dogfennau perthnasol eraill sy'n ymwneud â'r rôl
- Cadw at holl bolisïau a gweithdrefnau’r elusen
- Cwblhau cyflwyniad ac unrhyw hyfforddiant sy’n gysylltiedig â'r rôl
Mae Marie Curie wedi ymrwymo i ddiogelu a hyrwyddo lles cleifion a’u teuluoedd ac yn disgwyl i’n holl staff a gwirfoddolwyr rannu’r ymrwymiad hwn. Bydd Marie Curie’n trin pob gwirfoddolwr yn deg ac â pharch. Ni fyddwn yn gwahaniaethu ar sail anabledd, ethnigrwydd, statws priodasol, beichiogrwydd neu famolaeth, rhyw (h.y. rhywedd), cyfeiriadedd rhywiol, crefydd neu ffydd, neu ailbennu rhywedd. Ni fyddwn yn gwahaniaethu ar sail oedran, oni bai fod cyfrifoldebau rôl yn gofyn i ni wneud hynny er mwyn diogelu ein gwirfoddolwyr a/neu ddefnyddwyr gwasanaeth.
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Why we need your help
Coping with bereavement involves painful emotions, coming to terms with loss and making adjustments in life. Many people find it a great comfort to have someone to talk to about how they are feeling during this difficult time.
We are looking for volunteers to provide emotional support over the phone to adults who have been bereaved by a terminal illness. This role will be supporting individuals who have made contact with us through our national telephone Support Line. You will be helping them to explore their feelings and adapt to life post-bereavement. Training, support and supervision will be provided.
What we need you to do
Your role will include the following tasks:
- Provide short-term emotional support over the phone to matched clients for up to 6, 45-minute, sessions (normally 1 or 2 at any given time)
- Actively listen to clients and explore their feelings around their loss with empathy and sensitivity
- Direct clients to relevant sources of information and support as needed
- Complete necessary documentation as required by the service (e.g. Confidential Working Agreement) and pass on appropriate service information to your supervising manager
- Participate in one-to-one and or group supervision with an assigned contact on a regular basis (around once a month, by phone or skype)
- Undertake both initial and ongoing training in line with the role, some of which will be face-to-face, some independent study. This includes attending a two-day (likely weekend) training programme.
What skills or experience do you need?
- Ability to provide emotional support without judgement and within boundaries
- Ability to deal sensitively with bereaved people and have an awareness of their individual needs
- Patience, empathy and emotional stability
- Commitment and reliability – able to keep to appointments and volunteer for the duration of a client match
- An understanding of the importance of safeguarding and maintaining client confidentiality
- Willingness to learn and undertake required training and participate in support supervision
- Basic IT skills and the ability, or willingness to learn, to use the calling system.
- Welsh speaking is desirable
Working requirements
- A quiet and confidential space for working, away from distraction or interruption
- Access to a smartphone, laptop or desktop computer
- Available at the same time every week for up to 6 sessions
- Willingness and ability to travel within the UK once or twice a year for training and support – training will require a weekend, (overnight stay depending on location). Expenses will be reimbursed.
What we can offer you:
- An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment and to be involved in delivering a brand-new national service
- An induction, initial and ongoing training, (including on grief and bereavement), support and supervision in your role
- Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, for both training and service delivery e.g. train tickets and call costs
What we ask of you:
- To keep to all the charity’s policies and guidelines
- To complete an induction and any training related to the role
Marie Curie is committed to being a diverse and inclusive charity. We aim to demonstrate support for all of our staff and volunteers, valuing each individual’s contribution regardless of age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, civil partnership status, disability, nationality, race, religion or belief. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to our staff and volunteers and to taking steps to ensure our staff and volunteers are protected from discrimination.
About Us
Mae pob diwrnod o’ch bywyd yn bwysig – o’r cyntaf i’r olaf. Pan fyddwch yn gwirfoddoli i Marie Curie, byddwch yn deall hynny’n well nag erioed. Rydym yn dîm angerddol, ymroddedig ac amrywiol o dros 4,400 o staff a 6,500 o wirfoddolwyr sydd yma i bobl sy’n byw gydag unrhyw salwch terfynol, a’u teuluoedd. Rydym yn cynnig gofal, arweiniad a chymorth arbenigol i’w helpu i gael y budd mwyaf o’r amser sydd ar ôl ganddynt.
ABOUT US
Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and 6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left.
Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.
Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for individuals with professional or lived experience of working with children. Our volunteer playworkers are passionate about play and providing a welcoming and safe space for all children.
About the Role
As a volunteer play worker, you will work in partnership with the Specialist Family Support Worker in the planning and delivery of play sessions. Most children will be between the ages of 2-5 years.
Play sessions will be child-centered and age-appropriate, and will include arts and crafts, sensory play and free play with toys/resources in the refuge. Working with the Specialist Family Support Worker, you will be able to respond to the individual needs of the children and adapt sessions as needed. You will record your observations on each child at the end of the session and reflect on how the sessions went with Specialist Family Support Worker.
You will be supported by the Specialist Family Support Worker in monthly supervisions. This is a space to discuss your volunteering role, what is going well for you and areas of support you need.
We are looking for volunteers to support one session per week, either:
- Wednesday 10am – 1pm (Islington)
- Friday 12pm – 3pm (Enfield)
You will be expected to participate in setting up and in the evaluation of the session. You may also be asked your availability to attend additional sessions and trips to be held over school half terms.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking volunteers who have:
- Professional and/or lived experience of working with children
- Understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people
- A strengths-focused approach to working with challenging behaviour
- Knowledge of Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Procedures, or who are willing to learn
- Commitment to attend Safeguarding, Health and Safety, and Equality and Diversity training with Solace Women’s Aid
- Ability to communicate effectively with children aged 0-5, parents and staff
- Basic knowledge of child development
- Organisation and time management skills
Although not essential, we would welcome applications from volunteers who have a formal qualification in working with children, young people and families, or who have knowledge of trauma-informed approaches to working with children and young people.
What can you gain from this opportunity?
Volunteers will gain:
- Experience of facilitating play sessions for children in recovery from domestic abuse
- An insight into the experiences of children in recovery from domestic abuse.
- Experience in working in partnership with Specialist Family Support Workers in the planning, delivery and evaluation of play sessions in a refuge/community setting.
- Opportunity to attend training and social events with other Solace Women’s Aid volunteers.
- Trauma-Informed Practice training from the Specialist Family Support Worker team.
- Being part of a supportive team who aim to build on the strengths and skills of all our members.
We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand, and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the level 3 Understanding Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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To be the first point of contact for the Mind in Somerset in North Somerset in the Citizens Advice offices
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To provide emotional listening support sessions on a short-term basis
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To effectively signpost clients to longer-term support either through Mind in Somerset services or partner providers in the area
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To be able to work within your level of capability and training, identifying opportunities to link in with other support available.
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To maintain records on our computer system of all appointments attended
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Answer the telephone and support general administration including responding to e-mail queries.
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To respond to email inquiries that may come through our main website offering virtual navigation to appropriate support.
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Providing service users with a signposting and information
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Basic administrative support as required e.g. photocopying, scanning, and making phone calls.
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Effectively take and distribute messages to relevant project leads
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To attend the organisation update meeting
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Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues
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To adhere to all volunteer policies of the organisation.
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There may be other duties required of our volunteers from time to time.
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To support the Community Day facilitator on a Friday afternoon in a creative session designed to reduce isolation and create opportunities for connectivity and conversation amongst Peers.
To provide services and support to anyone affected by or vulnerable to mental illness, improving their quality of life and wellbeing.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
All our Benefits Advocates play an integral role within our Information and Advice team and last year helped us to identify over £2.5 million in unclaimed welfare benefits entitlement for older people in the county. This money is life changing for our clients; improving quality of life and wellbeing, and supporting local services
We are looking for volunteers who are patient, sensitive and reliable, to assist older people to complete benefit forms such as Attendance Allowance. Appointments are usually in the older person's own home but can sometimes take place over the telephone. Full training and ongoing support are provided by our friendly and knowledgeable team.
Our volunteers will also raise awareness of and promote Age UK Devon services to clients, and record details of any other queries or concerns so that our Advisors can follow up with clients.
Skills required for this role are:
· Ability to empathise with others.
· Good verbal and written communication skills.
· Understanding of confidentiality.
· Patience, sensitivity, and reliability.
· Ability to respond appropriately to different and sometimes difficult situations.
· Working as a team member, referring to other team members when appropriate.
· Ability to work unsupervised and manage appointments.
· Good computer skills.
· Knowledge of the Benefits System (training will be provided).
Age UK Devon’s aim is to improve the lives of older people in Devon through delivering services and activities, promoting wellbeing and health, increase independence and access to local services as well as supporting families and carers - enabling people to get the most out of life.
Our volunteers donate their time to enable us to provide fantastic added value to our services and activities and bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to our organisation.
Our aim is to help you enjoy your role and to gain personal satisfaction on your volunteer journey with us – can you be the person we need to help us in supporting and making a positive difference to people in later life in the county?
If you would like an informal discussion about this role or have any queries, please contact Sarah Gunn – Advice and Wellbeing Manager (see our website for details)
Or if you would like to apply please visit Age UK Devon for more information on the role and how to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
As an office volunteer, you’ll play a vital role supporting our small fundraising team with administrative and office related duties.
In this role, no two days will be the same! You may be inputting data, making telephone calls, packing and sending out letters, counting donations, preparing stock for events or contacting fellow volunteers to fill our events rota.
As a office volunteer, you will be expected to:
- Represent Magpas Air Ambulance in a respectful and friendly manner.
- Understand the work of Magpas Air Ambulance to secure basic knowledge and enthusiasm for our service.
- Wear your Magpas Air Ambulance ID badge while volunteering, ensuring it's visible at all times.
- Have good communication skills and be able to work with other volunteers and staff as part of a team.
- Have an eye for detail and a flexible attitude.
- Have a good understanding of computers (Microsoft Office) or the willingness to learn.
- Follow all Magpas Air Ambulance policies and procedures, including reporting any accidents and incidents.
- Recognise, respond to, and report any safeguarding issues or concerns.
What to expect from us:
- Regular support and advice from our staff team.
- Expenses covered in line with our volunteer policy.
- On-the-job training specific to your role.
- Events where you can meet other volunteers and share ideas.
- Impressive skills to add to your CV and a reference if/when you need it.
- The opportunity to meet a network of like-minded people.
- We are an equal opportunity organisation and welcome volunteers with diverse abilities.
As well as joining the Magpas Air Ambulance family, you will make new friends and be an important connection within your community representing the work of a lifesaving team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Come and work in a vibrant and fun environment and support Caudwell Children to do whatever it takes to change the future of disabled and autistic children and support to help them lead a full and active life.
As a reception volunteer, roles and responsibilities may include:
- Communication with families and other organisations via telephone and email
- Meeting and greeting visitors (including visitor sign in)
- Providing practical and emotional support to children and their families across the country
- Processing and completing applications for specialist equipment, therapies and treatment
- Data inputting onto our metro system
- Providing an information and signposting service
- Answering telephone/email enquiries
- Monitoring our online chat service ensuring families receive the support that they need
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Bipolar UK was originally formed in the 1980s as a local support system for the community by the community. Our first meeting was held in 1983 and since that day Bipolar UK has supported people living with the condition and their loved ones. Our aim is to enable everyone affected by bipolar to live well.
Each year we support thousands of individuals through our range of peer support services, which include:
- Peer Support Groups (in-person and online)
- A call-back Peer Support Line
- Our eCommunity
In the years ahead, providing peer support services will remain central to everything we do. This vital work is only possible because of volunteers such as yourself.
How volunteers support us
We couldn’t exist without the amazing support of our dedicated team of volunteers. They help us by giving us key insights from our community. They also provide hands-on support so we can run a significant network of peer support groups and a one-to-one peer support line via telephone and email.
Thanks to the incredible collaboration between our staff team and our volunteers we currently empower approximately 1,000 people a month to stay well, and we have the ambition to reach thousands more.
Our commitment to volunteers:
We want you to get the most out of volunteering with us and we take our responsibility towards you very seriously.
To support you, we will:
- Provide clear descriptions for our volunteering roles
- Treat volunteers fairly and in accordance with the Bipolar UK Equal Opportunities policy
- Ensure volunteers’ information is kept securely and in accordance with Bipolar UK Privacy policy, the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR
- Keep volunteers informed of relevant changes, including to policies and staff
- Provide appropriate training and support to encourage and develop volunteers in every role
- Work collaboratively with all our volunteers to improve the services we deliver, identifying training needs and providing additional learning
- Ensure our volunteering practices are compliant with current and relevant legislation
- Reimburse agreed out of pocket expenses in line with Bipolar UK’s policy and guidance
- Celebrate and recognise all our volunteers’ successes and ongoing contributions to the charity
- Support aspirations to upskill with relevant training and development
Training and development
All volunteers are given an induction and training relevant to their role before they begin volunteering so they can feel confident to carry out their tasks. Training is an ongoing commitment for both Bipolar UK staff and volunteers. Training sessions are usually held by the Bipolar UK team, although external training will be given whenever relevant and appropriate.
Who can volunteer?
As part of the volunteer recruitment process, we ask you to complete an application form. We will then invite you for an informal phone interview and ask you to provide two referees.
Roles within Bipolar UK are subject to an enhanced DBS check. The information gathered throughout this process helps us to make an informed decision about whether the volunteering role is right for you, as well as following our safeguarding procedures.
Skills and experience
We look for people who:
- Communicate well
- Enjoy teamwork
- Are able to adapt and willing to learn
- Are reliable, punctual and good at time management
- See situations with objectivity and compassion
- All our volunteers must be 18 or older.
Bipolar UK will make sure that people are judged on their ability and potential, not on their background and situation. We will seek to treat people fairly, regardless of visible and non-visible differences such as mental health, health, gender, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religious beliefs or practices, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability, age, family/marital status, social background, pregnancy or potential pregnancy, caring responsibilities, spent criminal convictions or trade union affiliation.
We appreciate that these differences will contribute to diverse experiences of life, attitudes, values, and ways of thinking and communicating - and that these different perspectives can make a valuable contribution to our work.
What we ask of volunteers:
We ask that all volunteers commit to a minimum of two to four hours a week for our phone/email service or up to 4 hours per month for our support groups, for at least six months wherever possible.
We expect all volunteers to attend regular training as part of role development and progression, and to abide by our policies and guidelines. A commitment to our mission and values is imperative, along with a desire to make a difference to those affected by bipolar. All volunteers represent the charity and must always remain professional when interacting with the public and external services.
Volunteers should:
- Have personal experience of bipolar if the role requires it
- Display empathy and understanding of the needs of others
- Understand and remain conscious of their own needs, including managing their own wellbeing
- Communicate effectively with the team
- Be always respectful of others, in line with Bipolar UK policies
- Have basic IT skills and computer literacy
Our volunteering roles:
- Support Group Co-facilitator (online)
- Support Group Co-facilitator (in-person)
- Support Group Administrator
- Peer Support Line Volunteer
- Media Ambassador
- Fundraising Assistant
- Events Assistant
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups.
What you’ll be doing:
• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate).
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.