Training support volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in North acton, greater london
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Mind In Enfield and Barnet combines over 50 years of experience to improve peoples mental health in Enfield, Barnet and beyond. We are led by lived experience and driven by a passion to support and protect people’s mental health in ways that they want.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Volunteer Cafe Worker to assist with the day to day running of our community cafe! This volunteer role will include supporting the team to serve hot and cold drinks drinks and food from the kitchen, as well as some cleaning duties and handling card payments. The café serves as a safe space for individuals with mental health challenges.
Key Responsibilities:
- Help create a friendly and inclusive community space in the café by greeting customers with a friendly attitude
- Operate the till with card transactions (training will be provided).
- Maintain excellent hygiene and health & safety standards, including clearing and wiping tables, washing up, and ensuring the kitchen and seating areas are clean and tidy.
No experience required. Food hygiene training is required. Full training will be provided. This volunteer opportunity would suit someone with a strong positive attitude who has effective communication skills. We also require the individual to be reliable and punctual with the ability to be a team player. A resilient and non-judgmental attitude, with a willingness to learn is also required to succeed in this role.
We welcome individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges to apply.
Within our organisation, volunteers are highly valued and essential to delivering our services effectively. We encourage applications from everyone, regardless of their background. This includes people who have personal or professional experience with mental health challenges. We focus on providing comprehensive training, guidance, and supervision to ensure volunteers feel confident and capable in their roles. We support our volunteers' success and offer opportunities to network and socialise with trustees, staff, and fellow volunteers. We are committed to recognising the meaningful contribution every volunteer makes to our community.
This is a part-time, volunteer non paid role across 20 hours per week, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 10am - 3pm. Please see attached.
Up to £20 per month of travel expenses will be covered.
Please apply to the volunteering email address attached, with a current CV and covering letter explaining your interest in this role.
Promoting good mental health and empowering everyone experiencing mental health problems to live with, manage and recover from their condition.


Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Amy’s Place is a partnership between the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Clarion Housing Group providing supported living accommodation for young women in recovery and receiving support with drug and alcohol issues.
A confident and experienced hypnotherapist, with appropriate qualifications and interest in working with clients affected by addiction. The successful applicant will be someone who can provide supportive and calming sessions tailored to the individual needs of the client to promote their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Activities
- 1:1 or group Hypnotherapy sessions for residents
- Provide a safe, relaxing, therapeutic environment for the activity to take place.
- Suitable candidates must hold a professional qualification
- Volunteers may be asked to have professional liability insurance
Support
- Volunteers receive a thorough induction and have access to any relevant in-house and external training.
- Volunteers have a named supervisor providing day-to-day support and encouragement.
This is a flexible opportunity and volunteering times and frequency will vary depending on your availability and the needs of service users. It might be every week or fortnight, 3 to 4 hours, ideally for a minimum of 3 months.
Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) is a dynamic local charity established in 2006. We support asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants, to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. We provide both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes to tackle the underlying problems that lead people to be in crisis.
We are a team of 15 majority part-time paid staff (9 FTE) and over 100 volunteers. AFRIL works with residents in Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bexley and Bromley. In the last 12 months AFRIL has supported over 750 individuals.
AFRIL’s Casework and Advocacy Team provides complex casework and legal interventions in the areas of housing and homelessness, Asylum Support, Benefits, No Recourse to Public Funds and Community Care. AFRIL also offers community activities to the residents of a local Asylum Support Hotel. Activities are arranged in situ at the hotel, as well through trips and outings.
Your duties will include:
Community Activities Volunteer
● Arrive promptly to support AFRIL staff to set up the Community Activitysession which, depending on the day, could include:
○ Arts & craft activities
○ ESOL / english conversation practice
○ It is also possible you will support a group on an outing to amuseum, to AFRIL’s Allotment of Refuge or to another location.
● As a volunteer, your role during these activities will involve supporting the staff to deliver the relevant activities, and will specifically include:
○ Engage all participants in a warm and friendly manner, making all feel welcome and involved
○ Support new participants to complete the registration forms, and log attendances on the register
○ Putting out resources, materials, games and actively support participation in such activities
○ Arranging and distributing food and drink to members
○ Helping the group to navigate safely if out on trips
Outreach Volunteer
● Arrive promptly at 12.15pm to support AFRIL staff to set up the Outreach Advice session.
○ Welcome clients to the drop in, provide an overview of how AFRIL can support, record basic information to pass onto AFRIL caseworkers
○ Oversee a queue system of those seeking advice from Caseworkers
○ Provide clients with refreshments, build rapport and field basic questions about the outreach session whilst clients are waiting
Duties for both roles also include:
● Undertake comprehensive training (including safeguarding training) to support you in carrying out your volunteer role.
● Uphold AFRIL’s values when working alongside staff, volunteers and clients, and follow AFRIL’s policies and procedures at all times.
● Be vigilant of any safeguarding concerns and report these swiftly to AFRIL staff.
AFRIL’s Community Activities & Outreach Volunteer will have the opportunity to volunteer at AFRIL’s Community Activity sessions (weekly) and Outreach Advice sessions (fortnightly). The volunteers will provide friendly and professional support to participants, collect basic information and support AFRIL staff where appropriate.
Our volunteers are crucial in supporting AFRIL staff to obtain the best outcomes for our clients, and this role will provide you with valuable insight into the immigration system and its many challenges.
Please submit the application form alongside your CV. Please cite the position in the title of the email.
We support asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.
We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our partner promotes access to specialist reconstructive surgical care and professional training in low income countries through volunteer led programmes that build local capacity and improve patient outcomes worldwide.
They are seeking a Treasurer to join the Board and strengthen financial oversight as the organisation works to simplify its accounting processes and manage expenditure more efficiently. The role involves reviewing systems, supporting financial planning and reporting, and ensuring compliance with charity regulations.
The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and experience in charity finance or audit. The ability to communicate clearly with non-finance trustees and to recommend practical, proportionate improvements will be key.
The Board meets remotely, with one in-person meeting each year in London. The expected commitment is around two to three hours per week, with occasional peaks around Finance Sub-Committee meetings.
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For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The “Friends of St Helena Hospice” is our well known Collection Pot scheme that runs across the local area. Yearly the donations from the pots bring in over £20,000 for the hospice, which helps local people facing incurable illness and bereavement. We are looking for Volunteer Pot Collectors in local communities to assist in the collection and distribution of St Helena collection pots to local businesses in and around their own local area.
Due to the nature of this role and the requirements to visit licenced premises, we cannot accept applications from anyone aged 18 and under.
Main duties of the role
• To issue and collect St Helena Collection pots to businesses in the local community in your specific dedicated area.
• Maintain own records relating to those pots and to be always aware which pots are being given out and which are due for collection.
• Build a relationship with businesses that host a pot and liaise with the community team to ensure supply of new pots.
• Look for new pot locations across the area you cover and liaise with the community team to let them know the new locations.
Training & supervision
Full training and support will be provided in addition to an induction and Health and Safety training. You will also have a line manager who you can report to when needed.
Experience and Qualifications Required
• Organised with a methodical approach
• Confident to approach new and existing businesses to establish a relationship
• Excellent communication skills
• Car driver and access to own vehicle (essential)
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.
We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling.We’d love to hear from students with an interest in mental health, psychology, content development, and gaming.
If you are interested, your application should include a copy of your CV and a cover letter (of no more than two sides of A4) detailing what you would bring to the Ygam Student Ambassador team and how your experiences (life and/or work) demonstrate our values of integrity, empathy, innovation, and empowerment.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
ABOUT THE ROLE
As part of our Community Support team, you will play a key role in ensuring the fulfilment of our users' needs by sharing information about our services, projects, and activities; this takes place in person, through our digital channels and helpline. Additionally, you will be responsible for keeping up to date information about other services and partner organisations.
The primary challenge faced by the Latin American community is the language barrier, which hinders their comprehension of the UK system and their entitlements. Taking part in the Community Interpreting service, you will support service users in navigating these obstacles, enabling them to establish a more integrated life in the UK.
This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to better understand the challenges faced by the Latin American community in London; use their language skills in a positive and impactful way; and develop valuable administrative and customer service skills in a multicultural, fast-paced organisation.
MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
● Connecting service users to our services, projects and activities in person or by answering phone calls and emails
● Supporting users with general enquiries, referring them to relevant services within our organisation as well as signposting and referring to external services
● Registering users on our database and keeping accurate records of services offered
● Monitoring internal calendars and appointments
● Sharing useful, up-to-date information with users as instructed by other team members
● Ensuring internal communications, flyers and handouts are up to date
● Interpreting calls for service users and supporting with non-official translations
● Supporting community members with basic application forms
● Liaising with staff in other departments and with external contacts
PERSON SPECIFICATION
● Good verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish and/or Portuguese
● Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and with a diverse population of service users, staff and partners
● A caring, sensitive and non-judgemental approach
● Ability to cope with stressful and emotionally challenging issues
● Professionalism to handle sensitive and confidential information
● Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to multitask
● Ability to set their own work priorities, take initiatives and work with minimal supervision
● Good IT skills, including in using Microsoft and Google suite packages and different database systems
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
● Two references from current/previous employers
● Enhanced DBS Check (completed through IRMO)
● Safeguarding Level 1 (completed through IRMO)
● One month trial period
BENEFITS FROM VOLUNTEERING AT IRMO
● Gives the opportunity of helping others and to give back
● Creates an ideal space to learn new skills in a multicultural, cooperative and inspiring environment
● Get involved with the Latin American Community and increase knowledge of the situation of Latin American migrants in the UK
● Helps to gain experience and strengthen previous skills to face UK’s competitive job market;
● Enhance CV and get references (after a 3-month period) for further impact on the employment status
● Participate in training sessions with high-quality learning outcomes (in-house and external) in areas related to the role
● Receive regular supervision and support.
Led by and for the community, we support the development, agency and participation of all Latin Americans and Spanish and Portuguese-speaking migrants
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you looking for a fresh challenge that makes a positive difference to the lives of Young People throughout the UK?
At Childline we are actively recruiting new Volunteers.
What will I be doing?
- Your shift will consist of 3hrs30mns counselling, sandwiched between a 15mns brief before your shift and a 30mns debrief post shift. This is to ensure that you can start and finish your shift with any support you require from your Practitioners.
- On shift you will take contacts from Young People who rely on the service that Childline offers. Childline is not there to solve problems, we are a listening service for Young People and in each contact your role is to engage the Young Person, explore their situation and to support them in deciding their next steps.
- The contacts you would take from Young People can come in 3 ways. Traditional phone call contacts, live chats via instant response typed messaging or less commonly via 'PIBS' which are essentially emails sent by Young People in the knowledge the response will not be 'live' and instant.
What impact will this have?
- Childline is a unique service, valued greatly by the Young People who contact us.
- It provides a safe place for Young People to talk confidentially to our Volunteer Counsellors, an option that many of them do not have elsewhere.
- Young People rely on us being there for them 24/7. In an average month, Childline London takes approx. 1,500 live chats, 900 voice calls and 300 PIBs.
- However, the demand for the service often outstrips the supply as Young People who desperately need our service cannot always get through.
- That is why we are actively recruiting new Volunteers to be able to meet the need of all Young People who are in distress and need the support that Childline provides.
Training
- Childline offers a full 12 week online training programme to new Volunteers. This consists of one 4 hour session per week.
- During the training, you will meet other Volunteers in your cohort and have access to your 2 dedicated Childline Trainers.
- As part of the training, you will also go in person to the London Base for observation and mentored shifts which give you a face to face insight into how the Counselling Room works.
- You will also have access to a dedicated Volunteer Engagement Lead to give you a London Base tour (optional) and generally be on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have - big or small, if they matter to you they matter because you are giving your time to volunteer and Childline wants to offer you every level of support.
- Once you pass through training and become a qualified Childline Volunteer Counsellor, the development opportunities do not stop there. You will have access to a multitude of mandatory and optional training courses that are accredited and 100% free to all Volunteers.
Childline provides a safe place for Young People to talk confidentially to Volunteer Counsellors, an option that many of them do not have elsewhere.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you make a difference as a volunteer Digital Champion?
We are looking for people with a good understanding of how to use computers,
smart phones and tablets to give peer support to people who are new to these
devices. You will help them to do things like:
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use Google
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set up an email account
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look for reliable health information online
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connect with friends and family using video calling
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use MS word to write a CV
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access job search websites
You need a good level of basic computer skills, but you don't have to be an IT
genius. Much more important is having enthusiasm and patience to spend some
time helping others to get online.
In return you’ll get:
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The opportunity to develop your own digital skills and knowledge
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Free accredited online training
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Access to a community of Champions to help each other and share ideas
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Ongoing support from a dedicated Digital Support Officer
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A Digital Record tracking achievements and learners helped – perfect to show prospective employers!
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A free DBS check
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Payment for travel expenses
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Immense satisfaction that you’ve made a difference to someone else
Find out more
Digital Champions | Digital skills and support | Clarion Housing
Could you join the team?
We are currently looking for Digital Champions to support learners in Hemel Hampstead on the 2nd and/or 4th Friday of each month.
Sessions are held at Grove Hill Community Centre, HP2 6BJ and Woodhall Community centre, HP2 7JX between 10am and 2pm, you don’t have to be able to volunteer for the whole session, a couple of hours would be perfect!
Whilst the session time is fixed, we welcome volunteers who can volunteer
weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
Apply here:
Apply with from the clarion webpage
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***
Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.
Volunteers will be supporting people in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.
The companion service volunteer can choose to be:
• A companion within the person’s home
• A companion outside the person’s home
Examples of the type of support the service offers include:
• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.
• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.
• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups.
• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.
We are looking for the following skills/interests:
• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.
• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly.
• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.
• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.
We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,
About VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.
We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility
Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!
We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!
Volunteer positions currently available in Lambeth
Hospital Visitor Volunteer
Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate. The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.
As a hospital volunteer, you might:
- hold drop-in sessions
- attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
- share information
- assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre
All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00. You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.
Safeguarding Commitment Statement
VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.
ED&I Statement
VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.
VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.
To find out more click “Apply Now”.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?
Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.
Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.
Our aims are:
To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:
Offering support, friendship and practical assistance
Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected
Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.
Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.
Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.
Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.
Home-Start Croydon is a voluntary organisation committed to helping local families through emotional & practical support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Purpose of the Role
This volunteer role is a key part of the HFEH Mind team delivering a range of services across Hounslow. Mind The Carer! is a new service designed to support and enhance Mental Health and Wellbeing, social connections and provide a Community Network for Adults Carers, (18 years and over), across the borough of Hounslow. By providing this direct support, we aim to reduce isolation, self-neglect and loneliness and as a result, facilitate access to local services and connect them with others who understand their day-to-day experiences. The Service will offer a platform and space for the Service Users to build Social Networks, through regular activities, provide psychoeducation, information and social prescribing pathways to other services, with Service Users shaping the project's direction and available support.
Main Responsibilities
To work closely with the team and Adult Services, Service Manager, attend weekly group sessions, (lasting up to three hours), offering opportunities for socialising and mental health support. Support with the Carers Activities Calendar, a monthly activity, for both Carers and their Cared For, as planned and support the service in general. There may also be further opportunities to train as a volunteer for other Services, in the future.
Tasks
All relevant training will be provided
· Attend weekly group sessions, (lasting up to three hours), with the team
· Attend weekly Carers Activities
· Attend monthly Carers and Cared For Activities
· Support/work with the Team to build the Carers Activities Calendar
· Provide information on the Mind The Carer! Service
- Support at outreach and community events
· Register potential Clients, wanting to access Mind The Carer! Service
· Support with follow up surveys for those who have accessed the Service and obtained their feedback to improve our services
· A willingness to undertake training courses
· Uphold HFEH Mind values and behaviours
General Responsibilities
All relevant training will be provided
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role
• Embrace diversity and share in our commitment to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination
• Share our commitment to safeguarding adults and children at risk of harm
• Use the charity’s resources efficiently and effectively to ensure that our financial resources are demonstrably used for the benefit of our service users
• Ensure that information is obtained, used and stored in accordance with our Data Protection and Confidentiality policy
Type of person we are looking for:
We welcome applications from those completing studies in Psychology, Counselling/Psychotherapy and/or any Allied Health Profession with a focus on supporting those with mental health needs.
However, your attitude, motivation and commitment are just as important as your training/qualifications and/or any previous experience. We will review all applications individually and assess them on their unique merits, so do not be discouraged from applying, even if you do not meet all the criteria listed below.
We encourage applications from those with lived experience of mental health problems, as well as those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Essential
- An interest in identifying and working with hidden and identified Carers
- Supporting those with mental health needs to access Carers services
- An appreciation of the complex factors that can precipitate, maintain and exacerbate mental health problems
- Good oral and written communication skills, (including listening skills); the ability to communicate in a patient, considered and empathetic manner
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to follow administrative procedures
- A team player who is willing to chip in and work reflexively, responding to the challenges that arise from working in a dynamic environment
- IT skills: able to update spreadsheets, use web-based applications, video-conferencing software and Microsoft Office applications
Desirable
- Carers experience, including with friends and family
- Experience of supporting people with mental health needs, in a voluntary, paid and/or personal capacity, (i.e. friends and family)
- Previous involvement with local community groups / networks / feedback groups
- Awareness of the cultural barriers that may exist to seeking mental health support
Time commitment and expenses:
· 10 - 12 hours per week
· 2 - 3 days per week: Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays
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- Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s) on your application
· We request a minimum commitment of 3 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction
· We will provide volunteers with an induction, training and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
HFEH Mind value equal opportunities; and are proud to foster a workforce of volunteers and employees that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.
HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.
Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
We’re here to make sure that everyone suffering with a mental health problem gets the help they need to recover.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Role purpose: Complete administrative tasks predominantly for Penfriends in our London office. Volunteer Penfriends need to be over 21 years old, so this is also a requirement of the administrators role. Other tasks may be included to support our Programmes and Office Administrator.
Responsible to: Volunteers are supported by the Programmes and Volunteer Coordinator.
Location and commitment: We are located in an office near Vauxhall station, London. The role is flexible and time committed can be discussed.
At The Hardman Trust we have a Mission, Purpose and Vision
Mission: Specialising in the unique needs of people on long sentences, we provide tailored practical and financial support to help people find belonging, move into work or training, and reach their personal goals.
Purpose: We support people on long sentences to take their next steps in life so they benefit, their families benefit and the wider community benefits too.
Vision: A future where everyone can achieve their potential within and beyond prison.
Who are Penfriends and how do they fit in?
Penfriends are part of The Hardman Trust. We make it possible for volunteers to write safely to prisoners, who are serving any length of prison sentence, giving friendship, hope and a reminder of the outside world to people at all stages of their sentence. Our The Penfriends programme supports the wellbeing of prisoners by encouraging safe, non-judgemental connection and friendship via letters and emails from volunteers across the UK.
By supporting prisoners who have been sentenced to any length of imprisonment, not just a long sentence, we provide support to the wider prison population. We are therefore available to any prisoners at any stage of their prison sentence, allowing us to support the wellbeing of more prisoners and the mission, purpose and vision of The Hardman Trust as a whole.
Role Summary
As a volunteer administrator you will support with the processing of letters received and sent from prisoners and their penfriends. This can include:
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Opening, sorting, checking and redistributing post to prisoners and penfriends
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Using our databases and other IT systems to record and maintain data
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Respond to emails and support prisoners and penfriends who communicate via email
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Work with other admin volunteers and the office administrator
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Support other office admin tasks to make a good use of your time
Relevant Skills and Experience
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Good communication and listening skills
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Good administrative and organisational skills
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Be IT literate
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Have good attention to detail
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Show reliability / commitment
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Ability to work within guidelines and expectations set by The Hardman Trust
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Be able to set and work within set boundaries
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Have an understanding of GDPR and confidentiality
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Willingness to attend any relevant training for the role
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Adhere to our safeguarding rules and remain vigilant at all times
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Have a current DBS check or willingness to undertake a DBS check (this is because of the sensitive and confidential information you will have access to and The Hardman Trust has a duty to safeguard prisoners, volunteers and staff)
What will you gain from this role?
You will join a volunteer community at The Hardman Trust, which is dedicated to supporting people serving long prison sentences..
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Work experience
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Knowledge of the criminal justice sector
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Be part of a friendly and diverse team working in a modern and ethical office space
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Travel and subsistence expenses
How to apply -
Please contact us by the 31st January 2026 to request an application form. Contact details can be found in attached role description.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.







