Training support volunteer volunteer roles in gerrards cross, buckinghamshire

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you! What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you! What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you! What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you! What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

Offer your time. Share a pot of tea/coffee. Be there when it matters most.

Marie Curie is looking for compassionate, everyday people to join our Companion Team within the surrounding areas of: East Surrey - Reigate, Caterham, Tandridge, Merstham

What will you actually do?

• Visit and connect with someone through shared stories, hobbies, or simple conversation.
• Offer emotional support to patients, families, and carers.
• Help signpost helpful local services and resources.

You’d be a great fit if you:

• Are patient, friendly, and non-judgmental.
• Can commit to 3 hours per week.
• Are comfortable using email and completing short reports.

What You’ll Gain:

• A real sense of purpose and connection.
• Full training, support, and a welcoming volunteer community.
• Recognition for your time and reimbursement of expenses.

Whether you’re looking to give back, build experience, or just connect with others in a more meaningful way - this is an opportunity to do something truly rewarding.

Ready to Find Out More?

Fill out our application form and we'll guide you through the next steps

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of the issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sport. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to sports clubs, sporting venues and facilities and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a sporting world without barriers.

What you’ll be doing
1. Talks to sports and physical activity providers to support and encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local leisure centres, sporting venues and sports clubs.
2. Delivering talks to raise awareness of existing sporting and physical activity opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
3. Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service.

What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies

In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training, in particular training in public speaking and story telling will be given.
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires 1 reference.

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Who this opportunity will suit

• This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• You’ll ideally have 1. Lived experience in playing, spectating, or delivering sport or physical activity sessions as a blind or partially sighted person. 2. Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sports and physical activity. 3. Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your sporting story, or a willingness to try with our support. 4. Have effective communication skills. 5. An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you! What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you! What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

About volunteering with Rays of Sunshine
We brighten the lives of seriously ill young people by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospital and within the community, but we couldn't do it without our amazing volunteers.
It's more than volunteering with us, it's making magic happen. By joining us, you'll play a crucial role in turning the dreams of seriously ill children into reality. In whatever role you take on - from helping with fundraising, events, or wishes, you'll help create memories that last a lifetime for seriously ill children and for you too.

Purpose of role
We're on a mission to grant magical wishes and create lasting memories for seriously ill children and their families. Our team is best described as small but mighty. For us to have more impact, we need the help of volunteers who can give the gift of their time to help us achieve our goals.
Our wishes are as unique as children themselves. Whether a child wants to be a princess or a fireman for a day, go to Legoland, have a UK break with their family, own an iPad or meet their favourite pop star, Rays of Sunshine works hard to make that wish come true.
Wishes are important because they give a child the chance to forget their illness and do something they could only dream of. Wishes make a child feel extra-special and bring them joy, hope and happiness. They also provide families with treasured memories of happy times to look back on.

What does the role involve?
We are looking for a creative and organized individual to support our wish granting team. You will be responsible for assisting the team with daily tasks and creative projects that support the wish journey and our families.

Duties may include:
• Work with wish team to identify new suppliers that can support with granting wishes (including discounts and gifts in kind)
• Assist with creating bespoke itineraries for our wish children (each child is sent their own itinerary which creatively outlines every aspect of their wish experience)
• Helping to source wish enhancements items for wishes (these are small gifts/toys that are sent to each child ahead of their wish)
• Assist Wish Granters with chasing paperwork from families/medical teams (this could include disclaimers, medical forms, wish forms and form an important part of the wish process)
• Booking in initial calls with families and their wish granters to discuss wishes and start the planning process (these calls are designed to learn more about the child and what their wishes mean to them)

Types of wishes that may require your support include:
• To be wishes (princess for the day, policeman for the day, etc)
• Celebration parties (end of treatment party, birthdays, etc)
• To Go (trips to the theatre, musical venues, exhibitions, etc)
• To Have (to own a laptop, gaming pc, bedroom makeover, etc)
• UK Breaks (4 night/5 day holiday anywhere in the UK, i.e. Centerparcs, Butlins, etc)

What skills do I need to have?
• Friendly, you'll be an ambassador of Rays of Sunshine whilst volunteering with us
• Computer literacy (training will be given on our internal systems, but general knowledge of word, excel, pdf, powerpoint)
• Be comfortable working as part of a team and talking to our beneficiaries (wish families, medical teams, etc)
• Ability to problem solve and manage unexpected situations/last minute requests with a calm and professional manner
• Attention to detail and discretion
• A creative approach and passion for making the child’s experience as magical as possible

Why volunteer with us?
• Make a real difference: Witness the impact of your support firsthand as you spread joy and raise awareness.
• Join a supportive community: Be part of a friendly and passionate team, connecting with people who are driven to make         more wishes happen.
• Gain experience and a great way to see firsthand the impact of a wish
• Meet new people from different backgrounds and networking opportunities with like-minded people and organisations

What training and support will I receive?
• Learn about the work of Rays of Sunshine and the types of wishes you may be supporting•
• The impact of a wish and overview of the day in the life of a wish granter
• All Rays of Sunshine staff and wish volunteers must complete the charity’s Safeguarding Children training (mandatory)
• Only trained Rays of Sunshine team members and volunteers with a current DBS check can work with wish children (mandatory)
• Health and Safety Training (mandatory)
• The opportunity to shadow an experienced member of the Wish team to see a wish in progress.

Rays of Sunshine Values
Our values are at the heart of everything we do and help guide us in our mission to grant more magical wishes for seriously ill children.
• Kindness - We are kind to ourselves and others in everything we do.
• Joy - We work with fun, passion, and a sprinkle of magic
• Empowerment - We work to build confidence and nurture potential.
• Connection - We build strong connections with everyone in our wish community
• Integrity - We are honest and trusted to do the right thing.

Rays of Sunshine is committed to being an equal opportunities organisation; to promoting equal opportunities and preventing discrimination. Rays of Sunshine is also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all service users, volunteers and staff and expects all volunteers and staff to share this commitment.

Inpatient unit Volunteers provide support to the kitchen staff by delivering meals and snacks to patients, collecting used crockery from patient rooms and washing up all staff & patient crockery and cutlery.  Volunteers in this role also provide a warm welcome to visitors when required. This allows catering staff to concentrate on food preparation, and nursing staff to concentrate on patient care. 

Full training provided. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

“Since helping at the Hospice of St Francis I feel as though my life has been much enriched”

IPU Volunteer

Volunteer for the friendliest club in London!

About the opportunity

Can you spare 2 hours a week on a Thursday evening to work with some of the most friendly, welcoming people you’ll ever meet? If so, then please come and help our volunteers to organise fun activities at our ever-growing club for people with learning disabilities. No previous experience is needed, you just need a caring attitude and sense of fun.

Our club is split into two age groups 14-25 yrs (Juniors Club) and 25 yrs+ (Vets Club). You have a chance to make a real difference to either group by creating new experiences, helping our members to grow in confidence, build friendships and learn new skills. Our specialist club leaders will support and train you and you’ll benefit from working in a very rewarding environment!

What are we looking for?

• You do not need previous experience, just an open mind and a positive attitude towards disability.
• You need to be willing to have fun and commit to The Vets Club or Juniors Club, on at least a fortnightly basis.
• You will need enthusiasm and good communication
• Available regularly (but not necessarily every week) on Thursdays between 7pm and 9pm.

Why take part?

The Squad helps to reduce social isolation; helps vulnerable people to grow in confidence and play a part in their wider community. 

In this scheme you will no doubt learn new things about yourself and life.  You will develop great skills and be part of a rewarding experience.  The Vets Club and Juniors Club will support you throughout, offering training, advice and supervision.

What does a typical Thursday night session look like?

It can be anything from cooking, visiting a local open mike night, museums, arts and crafts, the most competitive game of Uno you'll ever have, table tennis, basketball, musice, dance, we tried sound-bathing recently, basically anything and everything that we design with our members.

Please note: Applicants must be UK-based and able to travel easily to Wimbledon area. Living in London or near SW London. Travel expenses are not covered to and from Squad but reasonable expenses can be covered (when agreed in advance) for travel or other necessities as part of Squad sessions.

Why we want you: This vital role supports local groups across the UK, which are volunteer-run, offering friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's, their families, and friends. As a pivotal part of the local volunteer team, you will help plan group spending for the benefit of people affected by Parkinson's in your community.

What you will be doing: Be an ambassador for Team Parkinson’s, engaging with local staff, volunteers, and your community to ensure the group has the greatest possible impact. Accurately record financial activity, keeping the group and the Parkinson's UK local networks finance team informed of the group's financial position. With local staff support, stay updated on Parkinson's UK's financial policies, sharing them with the group and ensuring compliance. Provide regular financial reports to the committee, including final accounts at the Annual General Meeting. Deal with financial administration, from annual reports to legacy spending, and ensure accurate volunteer expense payments per policy. Be a signatory on the group's bank accounts.

The skills you need: Previous experience in finance, accountancy, or bookkeeping can be valuable but is not essential. You must be confident with numbers and able to lead the group’s finances, possessing confident computer and email skills and openness to using new systems and digital tools. A commitment to the wider charity’s aims and values is essential, as is the ability to contribute to balanced, collaborative, open, and inclusive decisions with committee and local staff.

What's in it for you: Develop valuable leadership, teamwork, and people skills. Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, Team Parkinson’s, and wider local planning, making new friends and building connections. Develop or maintain your accountancy or bookkeeping skills, along with administrative and communication skills; we are happy to provide references.

Disclaimer: As a Branch Treasurer handling personal or sensitive data, you must complete and maintain data protection and confidentiality training. To be a signatory on a local group account, banks will perform a credit check, and we will take up a reference. Volunteers cannot perform this role if they have been declared bankrupt.

FCCT are looking for volunteers of the Catholic faith to play a supportive role by actively mentoring young offenders (aged 15-30 in HMP/YOI Feltham) and to offer support under the ‘7 pathways to Reducing Reoffending’:

FCCT offer support under the seven pathways to reducing reoffending, including signposting to relevant organisations:

• Accommodation
• Education, Training and Employment (ETE)
• Health
• Drug and Alcohol Misuse
• Finance, Benefits and Debts
• Children & Families
• Attitudes, Thinking and Behaviour
• Faith

Our aim is to help young people overcome hardships and make the positive transition back into wider society and to help to reduce reoffending rates.

Scope of Volunteer Main Role and Duties (not exhaustive):

Mentoring Arm:

1. Work through a ‘Discharge List’ systematically, cross referencing with the Operations Manager, so as not to duplicate any work or contact with the young people (primarily of Catholic faith).
2. Hand out and (where needed) help complete ‘Questionnaires’ given to young people from the ‘Discharge List’, in order to ascertain what type of job or education sector the young person would be interested in going into. Forms to be given to the Operations Manager afterwards.
3. Follow up with a one-to-one session – register the young person to the FCCT programme and completing relevant paperwork, which will include our ‘Client Profile Form’ and ‘Consent Form’.
4. Update a shared ‘Client Spreadsheet’ which will be used to capture data information, as to the young people that FCCT are engaging with.
5. If required, identify relevant Churches etc for the young people to attend post release and contact said religious establishments, to understand their referral criteria and then make relevant referrals, where required.
6. Collect testimonials from the young people in relation to the support FCCT have offered them.
7. Mentoring of young people 
8. Make or facilitate family contacts for resettlement purposes, in relation to the young people.

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate the following attributes:

• Commitment: Shows commitment to the organisation, its values and its clients, understanding that the building of trust and consistency is key, in terms of the clientele FCCT work with.
• Communication: Communicates well both verbally and in writing. An ability to communicate effectively with young people would also be an added benefit.
• Resilience: Demonstrates patience and understanding in the face of challenges.
• Professionalism: Complies with all FCCT policies and procedures, particularly regarding Safeguarding, GDPR etc.
• Non-judgemental: Demonstrates empathy and openness and does not impose personal values or conscious or unconscious bias.
• Solution focused: Can help to identify issues and meets challenges with optimism and offers solutions, seeing them as an opportunity to learn.

Training and Support

We will provide all the necessary training. Training will be provided on an ongoing basis and volunteers will be given a full induction of the organisation and how the projects run.

Time Required

FCCT ask for a minimum of 8 hours a month. Due to the flexibility of the role, the hours can be distributed over different days between the core hours of 9am - 5pm, including Sundays. We are for a commitment of at least a year with the project, due to the flexibility of the role.

Benefits for Mentors Include

Volunteer Expenses will be paid

Training given, which includes modules such as an Introduction to Mentoring, The Criminal Justice System, Communication Skills etc

FCCT staff can provide references for other job/opportunities

Client front-facing work with people with complex needs

Liaison with statutory agencies within the prison

Liaison with community organisations

Liaison with other volunteers

Student Placements

SANE is a UK-wide mental health charity working to improve the quality of life of anyone affected by mental illness. It aims to raise awareness and understanding of all mental health conditions; fight to improve frontline mental health services for individuals and carers; provide support, information and guidance through its helpline, email and text support and Online Forum; and promote and host research into causes, treatments and therapies.

About the role:

We are now looking for people interested in providing compassionate support to those affected by mental health problems, particularly people with severe mental illness, and carers, families and friends. As a volunteer, you will provide support on-site, in our Islington offices, by telephone. You will also form a close team with our other skilled volunteers and shift leads.

Volunteering can help improve mental well-being, increase physical activity, enhance social bonds and bring meaning to people's lives. It is an excellent way of putting a structure on your free time and keeping your brain active. When you volunteer, you feel useful to and valued by your community.

SANEline Volunteers provide support to callers with a wide range of mental health problems via our confidential crisis line, which is open from 4-10pm, 365 days a year.

Working on SANEline requires empathy and resilience, and we take pride in providing a nurturing environment and unwavering support to our team.

About you:

- You are empathetic, highly compassionate and genuinely interested in supporting people from all walks of life

- You are a good listener and a warm and confident communicator

- You have a few hours to spare each week and want to use that time to make a difference to help vulnerable people

- You can commit to one 4-hour shift per week, including one weekend shift per month

- You are looking for a way to continue using skills built up over your working life or a route to learn and explore new avenues previously blocked by the demands of your career or job.

- You can work collaboratively with our team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service on SANEline

- No previous helpline or mental health experience is required, just a sincere desire to help others

Altogether, we are looking for warm, compassionate, understanding and committed people who are good communicators to join our services team as a volunteer.
You don't need to be a mental health expert: empathy and commitment matter more than academic qualifications or experience, and we’re keen to hear from people of all ages and walks of life.

We particularly encourage applications from retirees, empty nesters, or people changing careers and wanting to develop new skills. 

This summer, we will run two drop-in sessions for you to find out more about SANE and ask any questions you may have about volunteering with us. 

What can you expect?

To work within SANE's framework, including regular check-ins and debriefs to support you and help refine your newly acquired skills.

To receive the full SANEline training and further online training opportunities within specific areas.

To become part of an established and diverse team.

To gain exposure to a wide range of mental health problems.

To gain valuable practical experience in providing emotional support to vulnerable people.

A culture where team members support and learn from each other.

A warm, supportive and encouraging environment.

To apply: Please click on "Apply via Website" and fill in the form to register your interest. We will then get in touch and let you know about the following steps.