Volunteer Advisors Volunteer Roles

This is an exciting opportunity to join Solace’s Counselling Team.

About the role

The successful candidate will provide a wrap around, weekly one to one therapeutic support, which can be accessed online, over the phone and in person. You will work within a modal that consists of trauma focused, multi-modal interventions with an objective of optimising resilience, facilitating sustainable recovery and support survivors in their journey in post-traumatic recovery.

Who are we looking for?

The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified dynamic counsellor who has 150 clinical hours, ideally with prior experience in providing direct and dedicated therapeutic support to women (and all genders for LBI counselling) who have experienced domestic abuse, and other forms of VAWG.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Enable service users to access valuable support that assists in their journey towards safe, independent lives, free from abuse.
• Contribute and support a busy and diverse team.
• Play a pivotal role in delivering services.
• Gain hands on experience in a dynamic charity working in the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Sector.
• Work as part of a feminist organisation.

We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand, and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the level 2 Understanding Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office. A volunteering role often leads to some opportunity of applying for a paid employment role within Solace.

Interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis.

Solace Women’s Aid values diversity promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applicants from black minority and ethnic communities.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment, we require all successful candidates will be required to complete a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) disclosure.

Empower Change as a Legal Advisor with Mast Cell Action: Championing Medical Support in the UK

Are you a dedicated legal professional looking to utilise your expertise for a cause that truly matters? Join the dynamic team at Mast Cell Action, a UK-based charity committed to supporting people with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Your legal skills can play a vital role in advancing our mission and providing much-needed assistance to those in need.

Position: Legal Advisor (Volunteer)

As a Legal Advisor at Mast Cell Action, you will be a crucial contributor to ensuring our operations align with UK laws and regulations. By providing expert legal guidance, you will enable us to navigate legal complexities and make informed decisions that drive our mission forward. In this role, you will:

Responsibilities:

Offer legal counsel on matters related to UK regulations, compliance, and policies.

Review and draft contracts, agreements, and legal documents to facilitate our initiatives.

Provide advice on matters of governance, organisational structure, and risk management.

Collaborate with internal teams to ensure legal compliance in fundraising, advocacy endeavors, and community outreach.

Represent Mast Cell Action in legal negotiations, disputes, and external communications.

Qualifications:

Qualified solicitor or barrister with current registration in the UK.

Experience in healthcare law, nonprofit law, or related field is advantageous.

Strong familiarity with UK healthcare regulations, privacy laws, and compliance standards.

Benefits:

A unique opportunity to leverage your legal skills for a meaningful cause.

Collaboration with a passionate and dedicated team.

Remote work and flexible arrangements.

Satisfaction in contributing to improved support for individuals in the UK.

Application Process:

If you are eager to apply your legal expertise to drive positive change, we invite you to submit your CV and cover letter. Please highlight your relevant experience and your alignment with our charity's mission.

Mast Cell Action is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals affected by mast cell disorders.

Join us in championing medical support and empowerment for all. Apply today to be part of a transformative journey.

About Us: The Enlight Lab emerged from the collective efforts of young social enthusiasts, consolidating their initiatives to create a platform that fosters social change. Registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 and The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Charities Act 2019 in Pakistan, our team comprises social influencers advocating for issues such as counter-radicalization, social inclusion, civic literacy, and socio-economic and political injustices.

The Opportunity: As a Legal Volunteer, you will play a crucial role in facilitating our expansion by navigating the legal intricacies of registering in the United Kingdom. Your expertise will contribute to solidifying our presence, allowing us to amplify our impact on a global scale.

Responsibilities:

• Research and understand the legal requirements for non-profit registration in the United Kingdom.
• Draft necessary documents and submissions for the registration process.
• Liaise with relevant authorities and ensure compliance with local regulations.
• Provide legal guidance to the organization's leadership team.

Qualifications:

• Legal background or expertise in relevant areas.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and writing abilities.
• Passion for social change and youth empowerment.

Join The Enlight Lab in shaping a better future! Together, we can make a difference.

ESU invites a visionary leader to join our education committee to help shape the future of oracy education globally whilst supporting the creation and development of new ventures and a new 5-year strategy.

Applications close on: Monday 29th April 2024

Location: Dartmouth House, 37 Charles St, London W1J 5ED

About The English-Speaking Union (ESU)

The English-Speaking Union of the Commonwealth is a membership organisation with a charitable purpose. It was founded by the journalist Sir Evelyn Wrench in 1918 and is governed by a Royal Charter, granted by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. The Princess Royal is the President.

The ESU is best known for its extensive work in supporting children and young people to develop speaking and listening (oracy) skills through primary education programmes, public speaking competitions and debate.

The ESU is an international organisation with a network of 54 national ESUs, each operating independently and according to its own jurisdiction. The ESU provides secretariat to the International Council.

The international headquarters of the ESU are at Dartmouth House, one of the most notable properties in Mayfair.

It is Grade II Listed and is scheduled as a building of national importance. The venue is operated under licence by Graysons, who run weddings, private events, corporate activities and service our members.

The ESU also operates a private members’ club at Dartmouth House, where members establish new friendships and networks through its varied events programme.

We plan to refurbish our Grade II listed building in the heart of Mayfair whilst retaining our heritage and maximising our opportunities.

We plan to develop our volunteering strategy and grow our network of volunteers nationally and from within our existing membership and new audiences.

Alongside planning to establish our fundraising capability to grow, diversify and enhance our education and membership offers and establishing our new fundraising strategy.

ESU is not just an organisation; it’s a lifelong community. Our vibrant domestic and international membership network is the cornerstone of our charitable work, fostering connections that last a lifetime.

About the role

We have just appointed several new Trustees to our board and are looking to appoint a new Co-opted Advisor who can offer us support, guidance, challenge, and strategic advice through our education committee.

You will join us as we embark on new ventures to develop our site and offer, diversify our income streams, grow our volunteering and ultimately create our next 5-year strategy.

The co-opted advisor will have a one-year term.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an advisor with experience preferably at senior leadership level in secondary education, however, we are open to people with experience in primary and further education.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Monday 29th April 2024

Can you spare 3 hours or more a week to help us provide a confidential helpline for people with mild to moderate mental health problems, drug or alcohol problems? You will be part of a dynamic team of volunteers.

We answer calls predominantly from people in Surrey from 9 am to 7pm Monday to Friday:

• Providing listening and emotional support that is confidential.
• We are non judgemental and signpost to other agencies.
• Refer callers into treatment services.

No qualifications are needed as full training will be provided, but you will need a friendly and calm telephone manner with the ability to communicate effectively. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds.

Our next training course is taking place online on 20th April and 27th April 2024.

Shift times are 9am to 12 noon, 12 to 3pm, 3 to 6pm and 6 to 7pmfts start at 9am). We require a minimum of one shift per fortnight. The Helpline is operated from your own home, at no cost to you.

We are looking for trainee volunteer advisers to join our advice team to support people across Ashford, Kent

You will be trained to give advice to clients across channels including face-to-face and telephone.

Volunteers make up around 75% of our workforce. We would not be able to provide such a vital free advice service without them.

What will you do?

• complete an introduction to Ashford Borough Citizens Advice and training for your role

• talk to clients over the phone, face to face, or online to explore what problems they've come for help with

• find information about the clients' problems and help them to understand their options

• support clients to take action to resolve their problems. This might include drafting or writing letters, making phone calls, or referring the client to another organisation

• write a summary of the clients' problems and what action you've taken

• look out for problems' that are common, or are unfair, and write a short report about the problem or a letter to an elected official like an MP, AM or local councillor

What's in it for you?

• make a real difference to people's lives

• learn about a range of issues such as benefits, debt, employment and housing.

• build on valuable skills such as communication, listening and problem solving

• work with a range of different people, independently and in a team.

• have a positive impact in your community. And we'll reimburse expenses too.

What do you need to have?

You don't need specific qualifications or skills but you'll need to:

• be friendly and approachable • be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own

• have good listening skills

• have excellent verbal and written communication skills

• have good maths and IT skills • be able to understand information and explain it to others

• be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection

• be willing to undertake training in your role

How much time do you need to give?

Ideally we ask for you to be available for 2 advice sessionsw per week, for at least 12 months.

We can be flexible so come and talk to us.

Global Girl Project (GPP) is looking to bring on a new Trustee to join our Board. We are looking for an engaged, entrepreneurial and committed individual to join our Board and contribute to the mission of GGP. Our mission is to build an ecosystem dedicated to mobilising socially-minded and community driven girls to become leaders for their families, communities, countries and the world.

Our Trustees are highly-valued members of our team and play a huge part in the impact of our organisation. Seven women currently sit on our international Board, with members from or based in South Africa, Kenya, Dubai, US and the UK. We strongly value diversity and we are looking to fill this vacancy with an individual with personal or family ties to the Global South.

In addition, as identified by our recent Board Skills Audit we are looking for an individual with one or more of the following areas of expertise

• Previous Charity Board experience, with a solid understanding of duties and best practices in governance and compliance 

• Accountancy skills and financial management experience

• Understanding of mandated reporting requirements with the Charity Commission of England and Wales.

In addition all Board members are tasked with playing an active role in the strategic direction and governance of GGP as well as acting as an advocate for GGP in fundraising and profile raising.

In return, you will have the opportunity to be a core part of a grassroots organisation that is changing the lives of many girls globally by providing new opportunities. As GGP is a growing organisation, you will be encouraged to provide insight and see your ideas have impactful change within the organisation by working closely with our founder who works directly with our beneficiaries. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop by working with long-standing board members providing connections to ongoing professional development.

Specifics for the Role

To monitor the integrity of the financial and operational performance of the organisation; To provide trustees assurance of the in-year delivery of financial targets. 

The key responsibilities will be;

• The Annual Report and Accounts - submission to HMRC

• Monthly budget and forecasting and sharing updates at Board meeting

• The integrity of the charity’s financial reporting ensuring compliance in line with The Charity Commission guidelines

• Cost and financial modelling for the strategy of the organisation

• Tracking and reporting on Trustee’s give and get target

• Partnering with external providers - payroll and auditors as required

• Support the CEO with budget oversight, financial planning and forecasting

Commitment 

• Generously contribute a minimum of 8 hours per month to your role as board member and to advancing GGPs strategy, objectives and impact

• As a feminist organisation we are committed to always participating in the spirit of collaboration, respect, authenticity and with a commitment to constructive feedback and challenge, where appropriate 

• Support the vital work of Global Girl Project by raising or giving a minimum of 1450 USD / £1200 GBP per year, as part of our board Give or Get commitment 

Engagement 

• Attend online board meetings every eight weeks and provide tangible updates on areas of responsibility and previously committed actions

  • If you are unable to attend, to give a minimum of two weeks notice and to submit questions in advance plus ensure you are fully caught up for the next meeting by reviewing minutes and actions

• Attend, in person or virtually, the annual strategy meeting in London. Attendance in person is strongly encouraged, but is not mandatory.

• Ensure you are timely in your contributions and responses to communications and actions

  • Actively contribute to discussions and strategy decisions - both during and between meetings (email and whatsapp) 

  • Reply to smaller requests -  such as an email to arrange a meeting, or answer a question within 3 working days and longer pieces of work (say that require 2+ hours of your time) within two weeks, although sooner is always welcome and keeps things moving. 

  • Proactively manage timelines ensuing the team and board are aware of any deadline, change in circumstances or planned absences (such as holidays)

• Where relevant, provide guidance, advice and contributions to the organisation using a specialised skill sets

Strategy & Governance

• Ensure you are familiar with the GGP Constitution, strategy and Charity Commission status

• Be familiar with the organisation budget and actively engage in financial risk management as part of board meetings. 

• Maintain confidentiality of private information of the organisation and staff

• Agree that Global Girl Project’s intellectual property is owned by the organisation and shall not be shared publicly or in other positions.

• Ensure GGP meets our targets and objectives (as set out in our strategic plan) and is operating at its maximum potential

• Ensure you keep up-to-date on the business of GGP via Julia’s monthly reports and other information shared

• Identify any issues within the organisation including, but not limited to, financial management, risk management and compliance with the UK Charity Commission compliance

Advocacy 

• Understand and immerse yourself in GGP objectives and programming, build the confidence and understanding to advocate for GGP

• Listening to and respecting the views of everyone involved in GGP, irrespective of hierarchy. At GGP the voices of our girls, staff and volunteers are all valued for their range of perspectives and contributions. 

• Contribute to raising the profile of GGP by being an active advocate and spokesperson for the organisation and our work

• Assist all fundraising and promotional activities

• Assist with GGP marketing and communications including social media postings

• Support with the expansion of GGP by identifying new partnership and fundraising opportunities

Why we need you   

We're here to make sure children and young people with cancer get the right support at the right time and we do this through tailored psychosocial support and by ensuring that their voices and their unique needs are heard and understood.   

To deliver our mission we need a talented and engaged workforce and a workplace that fosters opportunities for skill enhancement and growth. Our goal is to transform our approach to talent management, understanding the pivotal role that strategic workforce planning will play in our journey to success.  

If you have:   

• previous experience in strategic workforce planning  

• proficiency in using HR software and systems for data analysis   

• a keen eye for detail   

• great communication skills  

• a passion for our cause and a desire to make a meaningful impact through volunteering 

then you could be the key to unlocking our organisation’s full potential, ensuring that every member of our workforce is in the right place, at the right time and maximising our effectiveness.  

What you will be doing: 

• Collaborating closely with our People and Culture Team to assess and refine our current workforce planning strategies  

• Sharing your insights and best practices in strategic workforce planning to enhance our approach  

• Upskilling us in the use of effective workforce planning techniques, including methods to effectively evaluate our workforce planning initiatives  

• Supporting us to develop tailored workforce planning frameworks to meet our organisation's unique needs and challenges and to use and analyse workforce data to inform decision-making and anticipate future talent requirements  

• Assisting in the creation of scenario planning and developing forecasting models to anticipate future needs  

• Offering recommendations on recruitment and talent development strategies.  

You will receive:  

• A solid introduction and first-hand experience of working in the charity sector with the opportunity to meet other Teams across the organisation and gain a clear insight into the day-to-day work of Young Lives vs Cancer  

• The chance to broaden your skills and expertise in strategic workforce planning within a new environment  

• Opportunities to develop your coaching and mentoring skills with an incredibly engaged People & Culture Team   

• The satisfaction of using your skills and talents to make a tangible difference in the lives of young cancer patients  

• And of course, we’ll cover any out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Volunteering Policy!  

We are flexible and open to discussing how much time you can commit to the role (and, as the expert in this field, what you think will be needed and how you think you can help).

As the People & Culture Team is geographically scattered, this role can be carried out from any location in the UK. That said, we have offices in Bristol and London and love nothing more than coming together in person to work on projects and solve challenges. 

Waltham Forest Advocacy service is the first point of contact for survivors seeking to access support.

About the Role

Our busy Waltham Forest team is seeking a reliable and organised volunteer to assist the Advocacy service. You will act as the first point of contact for professionals and service users. In addition, you will provide administrative support to the team and processing referrals emailed into the service.

Day to day responsibilities in this role include:

• Providing information and advice to professionals and service users
• Processing new referrals coming into the inbox
• Navigating and inputting information into the Solace database Oasis, handling client data and sensitive information
• Explaining confidentiality to professionals and service users and seeking consent to store or share information where necessary
• Signposting and referring callers to appropriate alternative services as required
• Working alongside the Duty worker

Who are we looking for?

The ideal volunteer will have:

• An understanding of the issues faced by survivors of domestic violence and a desire to build on this
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Good administrative and computer skills including proficient use of Microsoft Office
• A solid understanding of the importance of professional boundaries and confidentiality
• The ability to exercise a non-discriminatory, non-judgemental approach to supporting survivors
• A flexible approach to your work
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise
• A commitment to Solace’s feminist approach to ending violence against women and girls

What can you gain from this opportunity?

As part of this role you will have the opportunity to:

• Work as part of a feminist organisation to improve the safety and wellbeing of survivors of domestic violence
• Develop skills in triaging and allocation of new cases to the appropriate services.
• Gain knowledge of the options available to survivors of domestic violence including how to refer to alternative services
• Gain experience of multi-agency partnership working

We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand, and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the level 2 Understanding Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for this role.

At Solace we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for our volunteers. The Service Users we support come from all backgrounds and we want to reflect that in our volunteering team. We are happy to consider any adjustments you might need to support you in your role. If you would like to discuss this further with the volunteer team, please let us know. This will not affect your application.

Solace recognises the expertise and perspective that women with lived experience bring to their volunteering roles. We also recognise the potential for re-traumatisation that may occur whilst volunteering. We will therefore consider each volunteer opportunity on a case by case basis, with a focus on the suitability of that individual for that specific role. Suitability for the role will be determined by the Service Manager at the point of interview and will not be solely based on the length of time elapsed since receiving a service. Women cannot volunteer for a service in the same borough as where they received Solace services.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Healthwatch Advisory Committee Member with Social Work Experience

What is Healthwatch? 

Healthwatch Hounslow is an independent organisation set up to champion the views of health and social care service users. It strives to make sure that health and social care services are meeting local needs and to ensure that the public’s voice is heard regarding how local services are run. Healthwatch also makes sure that the public is informed on any plans to change those services, and in identifying gaps in services.

About the role 

Your Voice in Health and Social Care (YVHSC) are looking for local residents interested in becoming part of Healthwatch. We are looking for people to join our Advisory Committee with local knowledge, experience and passion for promoting better health and social care for local people. 

The committee acts as an advisory group supporting the local staff team with projects and monitoring the progress of the service. The Healthwatch Hounslow Advisory Committee also plays important representational and public relations roles working with local communities and key partners to drive influence and impact, and improve health and social care services for residents. 

Overall governance, responsibility, and all liabilities rest with YVHSC Board of Directors. 

Tasks 

• Oversee delivery of Healthwatch Hounslow projects and services, working with your fellow committee members and the committee chair.

• Attend committee meetings and additional project meetings where required. 

• Contribute to the monitoring and scrutiny of health and social care services in the Borough of Hounslow on behalf of patients, service users, carers and residents. 

• Identify, approve and oversee a range of projects through evaluation of impact and publishing of reports.

• To be involved, as the outward face of Healthwatch Hounslow at community events and strategic meetings, demonstrating leadership and taking an active role in community and stakeholder engagement, and through this work ensuring that Healthwatch is reaching and representing the diverse communities of the borough. 

• Provide appropriate advice, support and challenge to the Healthwatch Hounslow staff. 

• Build and maintain good relationships with key stakeholders, including members of the public, patients, service users, carers, community and voluntary sector organisations, Healthwatch England, Care Quality Commission, NHS funded providers, Integrated Care Board, Health & Wellbeing Board, and the Local Authority. 

• Ensure that Healthwatch Hounslow is represented on the Health and Wellbeing Board and plays a proactive role in decisions relating to the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, planning, commissioning and delivery of health and social care. 

Is this the right role for me? 

Applicants must Live in Hounslow

Requirements of Committee Members: 

• Flexible schedule - Time commitment varies between 3-10 hours a month on a flexible schedule. Committee meetings vary but are roughly once every two months. There may be other events and meetings that you are requested to attend. 

• Experience of the health and social care sector in the Borough of Hounslow, for example medical students & practitioners, third sector workers, those with experience working with the Local Authority or the Integrated Care System at large.. 

• Must be good at working as part of a collaborative team. 

• Must be willing to commit to self-development – Committee members are encouraged to identify personal training and development needs, and seek opportunities for development, attending training events as required.

• Diligence and attention to detail - Committee members are expected to prepare adequately for meetings they attend, making sure they read through reports and other documents. 

Benefits of volunteering 

• Enjoy the experience of volunteering as part of a friendly team and meeting new people 

• Increase your confidence and learn new skills 

• Use your experience with Healthwatch Hounslow to develop your CV and seek work in health and social care or other fields of employment 

• In-house training opportunities including call handling and safeguarding. 

• Reasonable travel and expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Policy 

At Equal Lives we care about breaking down barriers for people with lived disabilities, we want to create more opportunities for a fairer, more accessible world.  Our Benefits Advisers provide essential support to those who lack the skills or kknowledge to deal with benefits claims or appeals on their own, the people in our community who rely on this vital support in order to live as normal a life as possible.  Together with your help we can extend our support to more vulnerable people within the local community and ensure they get the help they so rightfully deserve.

Our volunteer Benefits Advisers support clients with disabilities in Norwich (NR1-NR7 postcodes). This is a great opportunity for you to learn all about PIP benefits, from finding out about conditions of entitlement to learning how to make the best case for a client. Whether you already have some knowledge and you want to make use of this to help others, or if you have no experience and are keen to learn, this role could provide you with an interesting and challenging volunteering opportunity.                                    

The Benefits Adviser role will involve assisting our clients with the following:

• Assisting them to make claims, including support with form filling 

• Offering information by telephone or email 

• Signposting or referring clients on to other organisations where appropriate. 

• Keeping accurate and up to date case notes

• Ongoing learning to ensure knowledge is kept up to date and accurate 

Full training is available to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to carry out this.

Are you a passionate researcher who wants to make a real difference to the lives of animals and humans? We’re seeking talented experts to join our Scientific Advisory Panel and help us accelerate the development and adoption of non-animal research methods.

To reflect the diversity of technological approaches that replacing animals in science requires, we’re looking to grow our Scientific Advisory Panel and would like you to be part of it.

Our current panel is made up of 32 generous and talented professionals who give their time and expertise to help our mission: ensuring scientists use non-animal approaches in biomedical research and testing.

By volunteering on our panel, you’ll not only be a valued member of our charity, you’ll also have the opportunity to network with other experts, have your say on groundbreaking research, and influence real-world change.

“I feel very honoured to be part of this community. I hope I can support the charity in any way possible as I strongly believe we can at least greatly reduce the number of animals used in scientific research.” Current Scientific Advisory Panel member

The role: The main responsibilities of your role will include:

• Supporting the grant review process by undertaking peer review of grant applications.
• Advising and supporting the staff team in monitoring funded projects.
• Supporting our strategic goals of funding research, sharing information and creating change.
• Helping to champion FRAME’s mission and charitable purpose.

Estimated hours: Approx. ½ day – 4 days per year. We’ll need your expertise during late April to early May, and late September through October to review grant applications.

Experience desired: We’re looking for panel members with scientific research experience most likely from an industry or academic background. This experience may relate to basic, translational, applied research, or regulatory testing in any area that is, or would benefit from human-relevant methods. This includes areas where laboratory animals have been used historically or are still widely used today but non-animal approaches are now being developed. Our current panel includes experts from such varied fields as bone tissue engineering and metabolomics through to neuropharmacology and ecotoxicology, and we welcome applications from diverse specialisms. The greater the diversity, the better!

Please note: All applicants should hold a PhD and be a named author on at least one published paper in a relevant research area.

All our Benefits Advocates play an integral role within our Information and Advice team and last year helped us to identify over £2.5 million in unclaimed welfare benefits entitlement for older people in the county. This money is life changing for our clients; improving quality of life and wellbeing, and supporting local services

We are looking for volunteers who are patient, sensitive and reliable, to assist older people to complete benefit forms such as Attendance Allowance. Appointments are usually in the older person's own home but can sometimes take place over the telephone. Full training and ongoing support are provided by our friendly and knowledgeable team.

Our volunteers will also raise awareness of and promote Age UK Devon services to clients, and record details of any other queries or concerns so that our Advisors can follow up with clients.

Skills required for this role are:

· Ability to empathise with others.

· Good verbal and written communication skills.

· Understanding of confidentiality.

· Patience, sensitivity, and reliability.

· Ability to respond appropriately to different and sometimes difficult situations.

· Working as a team member, referring to other team members when appropriate.

· Ability to work unsupervised and manage appointments.

· Good computer skills.

· Knowledge of the Benefits System (training will be provided).

Age UK Devon’s aim is to improve the lives of older people in Devon through delivering services and activities, promoting wellbeing and health, increase independence and access to local services as well as supporting families and carers - enabling people to get the most out of life.

Our volunteers donate their time to enable us to provide fantastic added value to our services and activities and bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to our organisation.

Our aim is to help you enjoy your role and to gain personal satisfaction on your volunteer journey with us – can you be the person we need to help us in supporting and making a positive difference to people in later life in the county?

If you would like an informal discussion about this role or have any queries, please contact Sarah Gunn – Advice and Wellbeing Manager (see our website for details)

Or if you would like to apply please visit Age UK Devon for more information on the role and how to apply.

Are you an experienced and qualified nutritionist and would like to inspire others by sharing your knowledge? We are looking for a Nutrition and Exercise Volunteer to share with others their knowledge of how to make healthy meals on a budget and simple exercises. Having a healthy diet has shown to have positive effects on mental health and can reduce inflammation as well as alter neurotransmitters to reduce symptoms of depression.

What you will be doing

• Providing nutritional advise on how to prepare quick healthy meals on a budget
• Answering nutrition-based questions and promoting the benefits of eating healthily
• Providing quick and easy exercise sessions to a small group of people

The skills you need

• Qualified nutritionist/ relevant fitness qualification
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun