Training volunteer volunteer roles

About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.

Our Spring Project
9.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 28th March – Wed 1st April, in north London

We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers, to join us on our fantastic fun-filled Spring Social Development Project.

Volunteers and our members who have disabilities get to know each other as they take part in fun and challenging workshops including sports & games, arts & crafts, cooking and enjoying a day out in London.

What you'll do
On the project you and a fellow volunteer will be paired with one of our members with a learning disability or autism. You'll support and encourage them to take part in a wide range of activities led by professional therapists and workshop leaders.

Our core activities are sports & games, arts & crafts, drama, and music. Previous additional workshops have also included photography, football and cooking and you’ll plan your own exciting outing around London with a fellow volunteer and the Kith & Kids member you're linked with.

Not only is it a time full of fun and games for you and our members, but you are also a vital part in supporting our members to develop their social skills in a day-to-day environment.

Come along and get involved!

Male volunteers especially welcome (we need more – women too)!!

Requirements

What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 18.

How much time?
The project runs for 5 days, 9.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 28th March – Wed 1st April.
Everyone gets the most out of the project if you come for the full five days as you'll build a close relationship with the member you'll have been supporting and will create the most impact.

What we can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses and provide a delicious lunch each day.
We'll also provide excellent training before the project, and lots of helpful support.

By volunteering on our project, you'll also:

• Use and develop your skills
• Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others
• Increase your confidence
• Meet new people and make friends
• Gain experience for (other) work
• Give something back to the community
• Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
• Challenge yourself
   

What about training?
Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.

This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.

Topics we cover include:

• Communication
• Autism
• Supporting emotions
• Safeguarding
• Creativity & Participation
• Epilepsy
   

When do I need to come?
Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before taking part.

We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting on the 15th February with lots of other dates to choose from.

In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online from mid-January.

Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.

Just sign up and you'll receive details of what to do next

We are following a number of safety measures when meeting service-users & volunteers. Taking temperature checks on arrival, asking a number of Covid-related questions before entry, wearing face masks where necessary, suggesting for volunteers to take a lateral flow test before attending an activity. These measures are regularly reviewed.

• Do sign up on our website and you'll instantly receive an email asking you to verify you really do want us to send you info.
• Please click 'Yes', then you'll receive further info about the activity and how to book an informal online interview.
• Make sure you check your junk mail for our emails, including the verification one!

Our Challenge

Brain tumours do not discriminate. They can strike anyone, at any age and they strike quickly. At The Brain Tumour Charity, we aim to address the clear gap in emotional support available to those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis. We know the difference that talking therapy can make to the brain tumour community and our goal is to reach more people, ensuring everyone that wants it, gets the support that they need.

How can you help?
As a Volunteer Counsellor for this service, you would work with a wide range of clients who either have a brain tumour diagnosis themselves, or have a loved one who has been diagnosed. This includes patients/carers who have been newly diagnosed, to those in/post treatment, to people at end of life, or bereaved.

This is a remote service, where we offer up to 8 free sessions to clients, delivered by either telephone or webcam.
 

We’re looking for counsellors who:

• Are qualified with a minimum of a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling
• Are integrative or person-centred counsellors
• Are a member of the BACP (or equivalent ethical body)
• Are committed to attend monthly clinical supervision
• Have an interest in working with people affected by a brain tumour and possibly experience of working with clients in a similar field. (Eg. Neurological conditions, palliative care, bereavement, etc.)
• Have the IT abilities to be able to maintain appropriate and accurate records on our counselling database.
• Have experience of working remotely, via telephone or webcam and is happy to use their own laptop, phone and WIFI for their client work.
• Have their own public liability insurance (or are willing to obtain this.)

The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals belonging to minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities.

What can you gain from volunteering with us?

• The opportunity to work with a unique and rewarding client group
• Management supervision and regular, ongoing support from our Counselling Service Team.
• You will receive a financial contribution towards your monthly clinical supervision
• All diary management will be carried out by our Counselling Team, reducing the amount of admin required by you.

Time commitment

We ask each Volunteer Counsellor to commit to a placement of at least 6 months and to see a minimum of 3 clients per week (at a time suitable for you, but it MUST be at the same time each week). The service operates between the hours of 9am—5pm, Monday-Friday and you will be required to see clients within these hours.

Practical Considerations

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend an interview with our Counselling Service Manager and Counselling Service Officer.

Successful candidates will then receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific training for the role, as well as ongoing support from one of the team. 

We will carry out reference and DBS checks for all successful applicants and you will be required to complete some internal data protection and disclosure documentation before commencing the role. 

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.

Key dates: Interviews w/c 23 March 2026

Online Induction Training: Early April, exact date TBC

Join us in our mission to save lives at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance

We are looking for volunteers to assist our Shop Managers in our brand new shop in Hemel Hempstead

Key Volunteer Activities:

• Assisting with the donations of stock, by sorting and steaming and preparing for shop floor
• Maintaining good stock rotation and levels at all times
• Helping with visual merchandising when needed
• Greeting customers in a friendly and approachable manner
• Understanding the Charities key standards and Values
• Becoming familiar with our Health and Safety Policies and being able to convey these to other volunteers
• Assisting the Shop Manager on daily tasks such as banking and stock takes, recycling and shop rotas
• Maintaining a clean and tidy work place which encourages a happy environment to work in
• Commitment to being part of a regular rota
• Giving any other assistance in relation to the smooth running of the shop as may requested by the Shop Manager
• We also have some specialist retail volunteering roles in our shops and warehouse e.g. helping with e-commerce
• Our shifts are 4 hours but we have a flexible approach so can work around the hours available to you. Regular sign-up to the rota is appreciated. However, ideally we would like you be able to cover 2 or 3 shifts a week

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! 

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! 

Independent Visitor Volunteer 

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development. 

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might: 

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development

• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting

• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust

• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community

• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported 

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability. 

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”.  

Ready to Make a Difference in 2026? Then come and Volunteer with Us.....

We are thrilled to be opening a brand-new Charity Shop in Langney Road, Eastbourne – and we are looking for volunteers to come and join our Team…

Our shops are a hive of activity and the heart of the local community. They raise funds to support our vital work and provide a place for local people to find out more about how we help older people in their area. Our volunteers always enjoy being part of our shop teams; chatting to our customers about the fabulous items we sell and telling them about the fantastic work that we do.

As a Customer Service Volunteer you will get the chance to meet new people and make friends, plus play a vital role in helping to raise funds to support local older people.

You will be working on the shop floor as the welcoming face of our charity. Serving customers with a smile, using the till (don't worry, we will show you how) and handling money and sales.

When people come in to donate items you will be thanking them for their support and helping them to complete Gift Aid signups on our Gift Aid system.

You will help to make our shops look amazing; putting out items that the sorting teams have prepared, helping with merchandising, labelling and ensuring the shop is clean and always looking its' best.

You will need to be ok using a touch screen device as our tills run on a tablet, though we will always provide full training and some time for you to get used to using this first.

Lastly, you may have people enquiring about our work, or asking for help and we will provide you with all the details of where to refer them to within the charity.

It would be ideal if you could volunteer one shift a week, which is about four hours but we're also happy to have more flexible times. No special skills are needed as we will show you what to do and will provide all the training you need.

It’s really easy to get your volunteering started, if you're over 16 years old please apply now.

Role summary

To participate as a member of the Maintenance Team covering general maintenance, domestic and health and safety duties. A good level of fitness is required for this role.

Main duties of the role

• To undertake simple maintenance tasks such as painting, PPM (planned preventative maintenance), erecting shelving, etc

• To undertake tasks such as sweeping external areas, jet washing of car park, removal of weeds, Hedge trimming,

• To assist the maintenance team with the delivery of goods to other hospice sites

• To assist the maintenance team with the setting up and down of rooms for meetings, ensuring all furniture and equipment requested is supplied

• To report any maintenance, security or health and safety issues to the maintenance team

• To always wear personal protective equipment required for any task

• To liaise with contractors and suppliers as required

• To respect at all times the confidentiality of information

• To respect at all times the confidentiality of information covering patients, staff and volunteers 

• To conduct any other maintenance duties as requested by the Estates & Facilities team

Experience & qualifications required

• Experience of working in a maintenance or caretaking capacity is desirable 

• Knowledge or skills acquired through a hobby relevant and transferable to the role

Join the Wheels for All Volunteer Team – Help Us Make Cycling Inclusive for Everyone!  

Do you want to make a difference in your local community? Are you passionate about inclusion, wellbeing, and having fun outdoors? Join Wheels for All, a national charity making cycling accessible for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. 

We believe everyone should experience the joy, freedom, and empowerment of cycling. Our inclusive cycling sessions are only possible thanks to a diverse team of dedicated volunteers—and that’s where you come in! 

 What You’ll Get Involved with: 

• Support people to use adapted cycles during sessions 

• Help with setting up and packing away equipment 

• Provide a friendly, welcoming environment for participants and families 

• Be part of a fun and supportive volunteer team 

Volunteer Benefits 

• Claim reasonable expenses in line with our Volunteer Expense Policy 

• Receive a Wheels for All branded uniform 

• Access volunteer training courses to support your development 

• Be part of an inspiring, positive, and supportive charity culture 

No experience? No problem! 

We provide full training, including disability awareness and safety, and ongoing support from our team and fellow volunteers. 

What are we looking for? 

• An approachable and friendly nature 

• Good interpersonal and communication skills 

• Empathy and an understanding of individual needs 

• Patience and an inclusive approach to engagement 

• Adaptability and flexibility in changing situations 

• A team-oriented attitude 

• Positivity, honesty, and integrity 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to take initiative 

• Some cycling experience is helpful but not essential 

Why volunteer with us? 

“The best thing about volunteering is seeing the happy faces! The riders come back beaming—it’s amazing to be a part of that joy.” – Dave, Volunteer 

“People that aren’t normally able to get out cycling can come here and join in and enjoy the great outdoors. I really enjoy volunteering with Wheels for All because I can visibly see how the simple act of cycling brings a lot of happiness” - Vince, Volunteer 

You’ll Gain: 

• Confidence and new skills 

• Connections and friendships 

• Improved mental wellbeing 

• A chance to be part of a national movement for inclusive cycling 

• Recognition through social events, newsletters, and volunteer awards 

Join us—and help make cycling accessible for all!

Join The Kids Network to Support Children in Your Camden Community! 

Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or spend your time in a meaningful way? The Kids Network gives you the chance to make a real difference in a child’s life while developing your own skills and building connections. Support a Little Londoner in Camden by helping them grow in confidence. Set aside a little time each week to get creative, have fun, and make a lasting impact!

If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.

Why Choose The Kids Network?

• Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
• Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
• Proven Impact: With 100% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring.

Impact on Mentees

• Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
• Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Connection

• Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
• Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
• Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.

 Join Us Today

Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.

For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website

As a Volunteer Community Connector, you will support the Compassionate Communities programme by helping to grow and strengthen community engagement by encouraging discussion around grief and loss.

Your role will involve:

• Supporting and facilitating ‘compassionate conversations’ in the community and promoting social connectedness. This may include signposting to relevant community support or care provision.

• Offering informal, empathetic listening and engagement around topics such as life limiting illness, caregiving, dying and bereavement.

• Helping to support informal sessions or larger events in partnership with community groups, workplaces, clubs and organisations.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

We are looking for a patient and caring volunteer to visit a man in his 50s who lives in his own cottage within a larger care home outside of Denbigh. He does not communicate verbally but understands you as well as using some signs. He likes to have choice about what he does. He has many photos of activities that he's been up to and will happily show you them. He loves colouring and drawing and can spend hours doing it. He has lots of CD's and loves a comfy pair of pyjamas. He likes to go on long drives out and when encouraged to, will enjoy a long walk. You would either do activities together at home or go out with him and his support staff for a meal or for coffee.

This is a Stop and stay, let’s get busy visitor role which means the person you will be visiting can communicate actively with you and take part in choosing or planning activities. As you get to know each our you may choose to ‘go out’ either with or without support from the staff that supports the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around an hour or longer, depending on what you do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like: • Sitting and having a chat • Checking in on their well- being • Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink • Enjoying a walk • A craft activity at home • Reading a book/magazine together

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

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

Could you coordinate local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background, just basic I.T and admin skills, the ability to get on with people and good written and spoken English. If so, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Secretary?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. These are divided into local areas that we call divisions. Each branch has a secretary to organise day-to-day activities. This is a key role involving administration and coordinating people. As the first point of contact for SSAFA in the area you will play a crucial part in promoting SSAFA locally, organising local events and ensuring the smooth running of SSAFA across the divisions in your branch.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

In recognition of our clients’ service to the Nation we aim to provide financial, practical and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can match clients to volunteers and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about coordination and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular time commitment each week. You would also need to organise and attend a number of regular meetings each year.

What would you be doing?

· Managing the branch office (if applicable) and providing support to all volunteers, especially new ones

· Work with the branch Chairperson, treasurer, and others to ensure smooth running of the branch.

· Accepting referrals and coordinating SSAFA caseworkers, visitors, and helpers accordingly

· Oversee all SSAFA casework across the branch ensuring clients get support that is effective and timely.

· Monitor volunteer numbers against the demand for support and recruit new volunteers as needed

· Working with the local training officer to ensure all volunteers are kept up to date with the training and information they need.

· Build relationships with regional and central office staff to ensure an effective flow of information.

· Maintaining accurate records of volunteers and cases, submit accurate data to Central Office

· Providing administration for an annual programme of meetings including an AGM, recording, and implementing decisions

· Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser.

· Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

· Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area

· Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.

· Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community

· Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

· Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

· Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers, volunteer management – case management and quality. This training would take approx. 4 days.

· Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.

· Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your training up to date.

· Support from the Chair of the branch

· Access to the Welfare Team and Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

· Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

· Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin

· Good written and spoken English.

· Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.

· Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.

· Ability to coordinate a team of people volunteering.

· Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)

· Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to reporting any safety concerns etc

· Reliable attitude, contact clients and volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.

· Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings, events etc.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

CHARITY SHOP ASSISTANT – STOCK PREPARATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED- HASTINGS

We currently need volunteers for Tuesday and Saturday afternoons, Wednesdays & Friday mornings and all day Sundays.

Please get in touch if you would like to become part of our amazing Volunteer Team!

VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION

PURPOSE

To assist the Shop Manger in the running of an Age UK East Sussex Charity Shop with a focus on sorting and preparing donated goods

ROLE OF THE VOLUNTEER

· Greet and assist customers in a polite and friendly manner

· Receive donations and complete Gift Aid paperwork

· Sort donations for resale, recycling or rubbish

· Label and price goods, referring to the internet for specific price guides if required

· Steam and hang clothing

· Replenish and display stock in the shop throughout the day

· Assist in keeping the shop clean and tidy following the cleaning rota

· Undertake other tasks as required by the Shop Manager

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES NEEDED

· Basic numeracy and literacy skills

· IT and internet skills

· Tidy and organised

· Enjoys working as part of a team

· Trustworthy and reliable

· Specialist in an area, i.e. fashion, books etc – desired but not essential

AS A VOLUNTEER WE WOULD ASK YOU TO

· Support the Mission and Vision of Age UK East Sussex by helping us to ensure that our county is a place where people in later life flourish

· Be available to volunteer for at least one regular shift each week. This could be a morning, afternoon or whole day. Depending on the store we open Monday – Sunday.

· Adhere to Age UK East Sussex confidentiality and equal opportunities policies maintaining discretion and confidentiality at all times

· Be reliable and conscientious

· Attend all training and information days, group meetings and supervision

· Exercise patience and understanding when dealing with customers

AS A VOLUNTEER WE WILL OFFER YOU

· An induction and ongoing training with support sessions if required

· Reimbursement of out of pocket travelling expenses

· Full recognition of the time, energy and skills volunteers freely give - for example long service and merit awards

· The opportunity to be part of a friendly team

· Respect for volunteer’s limitations, both in time and emotional involvement

· The opportunity to meet other volunteers and attend occasional social events

· The opportunity to be involved in the planning and development of Age UK East Sussex

· Appropriate insurance cover - to protect you whilst you are acting on behalf of Age UK East Sussex

· The opportunity to enhance your skills in a retail environment.

We place great value on our volunteers - who bring so much to the organisation. Their time, energy and commitment are recognised and greatly appreciated.

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! 

Support Session Volunteer

You’ll be supporting people over the age of 18 with disabilities, this may include those with poor mental health, learning difficulties, autism and other disabilities.  Your role will include supporting clients to understand and undertake a task on a one-to-one basis.  The task will vary from client to client as will the needs of the individual. 

As a support session volunteer, you might: 

• help people have their say when it matters most
• Helping individuals navigate challenges and ensuring their needs are met
• help people to make complaints and use local services 

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”.

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About the CARAS ESOL Team:

Our ESOL team offer English language classes to adults at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling people to attend college and access other services in the future.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our online Zoom classes on Wednesdays: 

• ESOL Entry 2+ level: 1:30pm to 2:30pm (plus a 10-minute debrief) 

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

As a volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistant your role is flexible and varied. It will involve supporting the Adult ESOL Teacher in the delivery of online Zoom classes, as well as providing learners with one-to-one or small-group support. 

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes; 

• Helping learners build confidence in digital literacy; 

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the lessons; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management, online communications and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements:  

Essential  

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching; 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English; 

• The ability to volunteer on Tuesday mornings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months;  

• Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; * 

• Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to start of role 

• UK resident; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

*DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable  

• Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish). 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including ESOL safeguarding training; 

• Gain experience in teaching and interpreting. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering.