Volunteer Advocates Volunteer Roles

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.

Our volunteers champion the rights of young people in care and on the edges of care, support them to access advocacy and make their voices heard. Training is provided. Whether you are currently studying, recently graduated, working part-time, retired or between jobs, volunteering with Coram Voice is a great opportunity to make a difference at the same time as gaining experience of working for a national children’s rights charity.

Our Helpline Supervisors will support you to develop valuable advocacy skills and knowledge of children’s rights and we offer specialist training in safeguarding, equality and diversity and advocacy. This training and other resources will help you to prepare for the role. You will be joining a team that provides quality support to young people in a friendly and supportive environment.

Our volunteer team is integral to our service and we could not provide the service we do without them, particularly in terms of the support we offer to homeless children.

We believe this role will be of particular interest to anyone looking to develop a career involving giving advice, advocacy, children’s and human rights, legal work, social work or youth work; or for professionals in those fields who want to use their experience to support the work of a children’s charity.

Please see our candidate information document for more information about our organisation and the training provided.

We ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us in relation to this position. We have chosen to recruit directly as this helps us to minimise our recruitment costs, ensuring that funds are not diverted from the children and young people we help.

South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments, including a Treasurer. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, primarily, but not solely, in counties across the South of England.

SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire and Portsmouth. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.

We work with people from all walks of life and have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.

We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.

The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:

• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of , or working in, diverse or minority communities.

• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services

• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been  victims of hate crime

• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector

• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people

• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills

• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience

• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team

· For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.

Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.                                                            

Please note that for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check.

If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Please contact Sarah Gibson for further information on how to apply.

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to join our team as a Volunteer for Community Events. In this role, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact by attending and facilitating community events for LGBTQIA+ Muslim groups in Manchester. Some of the responsibilities include, but aren't limited to:

● Assist the Community Trustee in researching and planning events for the hub in Manchester, London and Scotland

● Communicate with members on our Discord channel to coordinate attendance and activities

● Liaise with speakers, performers, and workshop facilitators to ensure their needs are met and their contributions align with the goals and values of the community.

● Set up and take down meeting rooms including workshop materials, refreshments and other ops as required

● Engage with attendees, volunteers, and stakeholders during events to ensure a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

● Record attendance collect feedback and evaluate the success of each event, making recommendations for improvement.

● Assist workshop leaders and Trustees in delivering activities

● Assist with special projects and initiatives as directed by the Trustees

How much commitment is required?

We are flexible around your schedule. However, the following commitments are in place for volunteers.

● Attend monthly meetings to update on tasks, progress etc.

● Aim to attend all other planning meetings as necessary

● Attend all Hidayah Hub events

● Attend other Hidayah events where geographically possible

● Add to and maintain the administration of our file-sharing system ‘Google Drive’ to ensure it’s up to date with clear records, templates and forms

● Check and respond to emails in a timely manner

● Contribute to the communications group (via Discord) and stay up to date with Hidayah developments

● Keep up to date with Hidayah communication and organisational developments

What do we expect from a volunteer?

Qualities:

● Strong commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of LGBTQIA+ Muslim individuals.

● Knowledge or understanding of the specific challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ Muslims in Manchester.

● Excellent organizational and time management skills.

● Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

● Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

● Flexibility and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of the community.

● Previous experience in events or coordination is preferable but not mandatory.

● Join Hidayah Membership and Hidayah Discord server

● Participating and contributing to discussions on the Hidayah Discord server

● Read all Hidayah policies, keeping up to date with any changes

● Read, understand and agree with the constitution of Hidayah (available on our website)

● Working knowledge of Google Suite, Microsoft, as well as project management, web and comms tools 

Personality:

● A self-starter who can volunteer with minimal supervision

● Friendliness, enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah

Personal Skills:

● Confidence taking the lead with plans and ideas at Trustee meetings

● Ability to resolving conflict situations if needed

● Professionalism in all situations

Please ensure you do not have a conflict of interest with your current role and check this prior to applying for this role.

Benefits to volunteering with Hidayah

Volunteering with Hidayah brings a range of a benefits such as:

● Contributing to Hidayah’s cause

● Supporting vulnerable communities

● Connecting with like-minded, passionate people

● Experience working in community events

● Development of professional networking skills

●       Travel expenses reimbursed (capped at £20)

Purpose

An Oxfordshire Youth Hospital Navigator Volunteer will provide support to Oxfordshire Youth staff and young people within our Hospital Navigator scheme. The post holder will passionately believe in the potential of all young people to achieve their goals.

An Oxfordshire Youth, Hospital Navigators Volunteer will be an advocate for young people.

Oxfordshire Youth Hospital Navigators Volunteers do not have fixed hours, but commit to flexible hours to suit their availability and staff needs. Shifts are available 7 days per week.

Join our dynamic team YPSA Team to coordinate the ground-breaking Intervention programme - Hospital Navigator.  With an increase in the number of young people presenting at emergency departments due to serious violence, mental health issues, and substance abuse, we are addressing an urgent need for signposting young people to support services following discharge from A&E.

The Hospital Navigators will establish trust with young people who arrive at the JR hospital due to pre-existing concerns such as substance addiction, mental health issues, personal care, and violence itself. When in the hospital, there is an opportunity for the young person to reflect and be open to intervention. A volunteer in a dedicated Navigator role would request permission to refer the young person to a third-party agency that can provide the necessary specialist support. This moment may assist in redirecting the young person back into the community via a different pathway. The volunteer would connect them with a local support agency/charity that would assist them in reintegrating into the community, building resilience, and providing mentoring to prevent repeat occurrences that could lead to their hospitalisation.

The Navigator Coordinator will supervise Hospital Navigator volunteers. Once the navigator has gained the young person's trust and agreement, they will prepare an assessment and referral form that includes the type of difficulties, services available for referral, and the type of communication the client prefers.

Main volunteering duties

● Work within a busy A&E and the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) within JR hospital setting

● Liaise with the triage nurse team once people are medically cleared, to screen and offer signposting to appropriate services outside of the hospital

● Liaise with the A&E rapid response team to identify patients readmitted multiple times, and offer information to try to help reduce further re-admission

● Require administrative skills and be able to use IT, including finding out information from the internet on where and how to access services.

● Work within a team of people including doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists. 

● Some important skills include good communication with people, and the ability to listen and build trust in a relatively short time frame.

This role profile is subject to amendment following discussion with the post holder and daily tasks will be determined by the needs of the young people and staff.

What you will gain

You will gain valuable experience and receive high-quality training to ensure you feel confident and motivated to support different aspects of Youth work. You will learn about teamwork, building and maintaining groups and recognising group dynamics.

Available training includes Safeguarding Levels 1 and 2 and GDPR. In addition, it will be possible to have further discussions about available opportunities for a Diploma in Youth Work Practice. Please note that some of this training is mandatory and you will only be able to volunteer if you complete this training.

All volunteers must undergo a DBS check.

Equipment will be provided.

Support for You

● Training and development opportunities in safeguarding level 2, self-harm and trauma-informed training, Mental Capacity Act, GDPR, Motivational interviewing and suicide prevention.

● Networking and social opportunities to meet sector partners and staff members.

● Ongoing day-to-day support and guidance from your team.

● Regular one-to-ones with a member of OY staff appointed to support you during your time with us.

Skills Required

We welcome volunteers over 18 years old and from all backgrounds and levels of the community. No previous experience is required, just an enthusiasm for getting involved.

However, we are looking for volunteers to demonstrate the following key skills and abilities:

● Good administration skills

● good communication and interpersonal skills

● impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidentiality

● an ability to ensure decisions are taken and followed up

● good time-keeping

● using your discretion and sensitivity for others

● a commitment to the organisation and the role

South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments, including a Treasurer. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, primarily, but not solely, in counties across the South of England.

SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire and Portsmouth. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.

We work with people from all walks of life and have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.

We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.

The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:

• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of , or working in, diverse or minority communities.

• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services

• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been  victims of hate crime

• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector

• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people

• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills

• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience

• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team

· For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.

Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.

Please note that for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check.

If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Please contact Sarah Gibson for further information on how to apply.

At Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership, our objective is to provide practical and emotional support, ultimately helping our clients achieve a sustainable position as full members of our society. Many of our clients are destitute, homeless and have no access to assistance from the government. Our mission is to provide access to advice and essential services until statutory services are in place.

Volunteering at the Drop-In centre provides an opportunity for you to help our refugee clients with any issues they might have. We have sessions running every Tuesday between 11am and 1pm at St Mary’s Church, High Street, Watford. The Drop-In provides an opportunity for refugee clients to come and discuss any issues they have and to be listened to by one of our volunteers. Many of our clients are likely to have lived here for a while but an issue or crisis in their lives means that they need to discuss it and seek some help. They may also be in the process of seeking asylum. We can provide advice and sometimes resolve their issue there and then and at other times we refer them to another agency or invite them to come back once their issue has been looked into.

The Drop-In Centre could not function without our team of committed volunteers, and we are always looking for additional help.

Full training given on starting the role as well as regular training sessions and continual support from more experienced volunteers.

Responsibilities:

· Help with filling in forms and interpreting official documents.

· Liaising with statutory and voluntary agencies.

· Referring clients for follow up action by our Case Review Team and linking them with a befriender.

· Referring clients to our partner solicitor who specialises in immigration law and comes to the Drop-In 4th Tuesday of the month.

· Advice on how to access appropriate housing and free food in the area.

· Access to the charity’s other services, such as free English classes.

Requirements:

· Able to attend at least one Tuesday Drop-In a month.

· Complete training as required and attend bi-monthly volunteer support meetings.

Skills:

· An ability to communicate and empathise with people from a variety of backgrounds and needs.

· Basic IT skills.

· Assist clients in accessing essential services such as legal, housing, financial and food.

· Can work well as part of a team.

· Enthusiasm to help refugee clients.

Desirable experience: 

· Previous volunteering experience.

· Previous experience working in a people-facing role.

If you are interested in becoming a Drop-In volunteer please apply via Charity Jobs or contact us and a volunteer coordinator will contact you to discuss this further.

We are seeking Social Media Volunteers to assist our Social Media Marketing Team in creating and distributing engaging content on Hidayah’s social media platforms. Social media is integral to connecting with the Hidayah community, growing our organisational reach and promoting events such as our Queer Book Club, in-house research and educational resources for Ramadan.

We also use our social media platforms to post adverts for volunteers, promote Hidayah’s membership, respond to world news via solidarity statements and signpost LGBTQI+ Muslims to a range of national and international support.

You do not need to be LGBTQI+ or Muslim to be able to carry out this role. However, it is important to have a broad knowledge and understanding of these areas to be able to genuinely engage with the specific audience that follows Hidayah’s social media platforms.

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

Our Social Media Volunteers have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Creating and editing content to distribute across Hidayah’s social media platforms e.g. TikTok and Instagram
• Communicating with other volunteers and the Social Media Marketing Trustee on feedback, suggestions and issues
• Carrying out independent research to obtain quality content and sharing relevant information on Hidayah’s platforms
• Actively engage with people following us on social media
• Promoting events and projects as and when appropriate
• Administration; monitoring inboxes, responding to messages and comments, signposting to the relevant emails, archiving out of date posts

What do we expect from a Social Media Volunteer?

Skills:

• Competency in social media channels (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn). 
• Experience using and generating content for TikTok
• Filming competency desirable but not essential
• Knowledge of Hootsuite desirable but not essential
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of the community
• Understand the importance of confidentiality and behave with professionalism 

Personality:

• Strong commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of LGBTQIA+ Muslim individuals
• A willingness to learn
• A self-starter who is proactive and inquisitive
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
• Passion for Hidayah’s cause
• Reliable with good organisational skills 
• A creative and inquisitive thinker

All volunteers are expected to join Hidayah’s Membership and Hidayah Discord server, read all Hidayah policies read, understand and agree with the constitution of Hidayah (available on our website).

Please ensure you do not have a conflict of interest with your current role and check this prior to applying for this role.

How much commitment is required?

The hours are flexible around your schedule, but typically we envisage this role taking up to 4 hours a week. Monthly catch ups are organised with the Social Media Marketing Trustee to assess workload and availability.

What benefits do I get from this role?

Volunteering with Hidayah brings a range of a benefits such as:

• Contributing to Hidayah’s cause, making a different to LGBTQI+ Muslims
• Supporting vulnerable communities
• Connecting with like-minded, passionate people
• Experience working in community events
• Development of professional networking skills 
• A warm and approachable Board member to support you throughout your volunteering journey
• A reference for your CV

Are you an advocate for an individual’s right to privacy? Do you believe that people should know how their personal information is being used, stored and shared? What about the right to only receive communications that they want? 

 If so, please get in touch to become a data governance volunteer! At the MS Society we care about issues like ethics, data protection and the rights of individuals privacy. People entrust us with their personal details, and we work hard to keep that trust and respect their wishes.

  In this home based volunteer role; you’ll help raise awareness of why this is important and all the things that can be done to keep data safe and secure.

 We’ll support you in your volunteering, giving you opportunities to lead positive change, meet and network with other volunteers, and develop your skills through training. We’ll also cover reasonable expenses if you are asked to travel to take part in activities including training.

 What the role involves   

 The role will involve a varied number of administrative tasks. We work behind the scenes supporting volunteering groups, individual volunteers, staff, supporters and service users to exercise their rights and keep the MS Society compliant with data protection regulations. These activities will include:

• Setting up and attending relevant meetings to support staff with providing advice 
• Supporting the writing and publishing blogs and data process guidance and policy, such as proof reading, cross reference 
• Collaboration in the review of training material and data collection forms and processes 
• Populating and reviewing our risk register 
• Supporting the team to carry out data protection rights requests on our in-house system (One Trust) 

What you need for this role

•  Passionate about the MS Society and our mission 
• To be passionate about data protection rights as a human right 
• An understanding of data protection and a willingness to learn and keep abreast of changes. 
• An ability to work well and collaborate with others 
• An understanding of Microsoft 365 and databases including Excel
• Access to a PC and the internet 

In order to volunteer in this role, you will need to:

•  Complete an application 
• Have an informal conversation with the Volunteer Manager for this role, to discuss whether becoming a data governance support volunteer is right for you 
• Complete your Welcome and Induction Checklist in the back of your ‘Welcome Pack’ (opens in new window).

We are seeking a committed and detail-oriented Volunteer Archivist to join our team. As a Volunteer Archivist, you will play a crucial role in preserving, organising and maintaining our archives, encompassing both digital and physical assets.

Our archive and library are permanently housed at our London Office. This role would suit someone working towards an archive or record management qualification, with an interest in social and cultural archives and history.

Main Duties

• To assist in maintaining a comprehensive archive and library encompassing both digital and physical assets representing the rich history CPAG.
• Collaborating closely with the Office Manager and CEO, your role will involve developing an efficient and user-friendly framework for the ongoing management and preservation of the archive.
• Listing, describing and boxing records.
• To develop a basic ‘collections policy’ outlining future collecting and simple archiving procedures for organisational maintenance.
• To use your knowledge of archiving processes to support staff with cataloguing archive contents.
• To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.
• This includes applying archival principles and standards, enhancing the archives research and historical value.

Commitment
The role requires a minimum commitment of at least 3 months, 7-10 hours per week during our working hours (Monday-Friday, 9.00am to 4.30pm).

To apply, please complete the attached application form, detailing how you meet the person specification listed in the attached role pack and return to the email address listed within. 

Application deadline: 10am Wednesday 19th June 2024.

Interview dates to be confirmed. 

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in South West London, and helps them to play their full part in the community. Arriving as an asylum seeker in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives. 

We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background, providing them the tools they need to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for adults include currently include: ESOL classes; sports; women’s creative writing; women’s coffee morning, and casework. 

About the CARAS Adult Team: 

In the post-pandemic environment, CARAS is responding to the role of digital literacies in our programme delivery to learners of asylum-seeking and refugee background. In contrast to the UK essential Digital skills framework, we have built in language inclusion to create a participatory learning course for Essential Digital Literacies for learners who are new to reading and writing in English. The individuals joining CARAS are highly diverse, with different countries of origin, linguistic and educational backgrounds. We have observed over the last year that many CARAS community members have limited digital skills, particularly in regard to using computers. Community members have highlighted that computers are important for many individuals to achieve their educational and employment goals, whilst increasing confidence and independence. We have co-designed a digital skills program in partnership with CARAS community members to improve computer literacy and skills, focusing on basic computer literacy.

About the Role: 

We are seeking two volunteers based in London to teach our lively computer classes in Tooting every Monday 9:00-11:00. Volunteers will lead the sessions with guidance from the CARAS ESOL Teacher and will work closely with our community members to build their skills and confidence using computers. The Digital Literacies course at CARAS is built around Pre-entry to Entry 2 levels in English. Volunteers will be supporting individuals with tasks such as: getting to know how to use a computer, using the internet, setting up an email address, and using Microsoft office. We intend to fold employability sessions, including CV writing and job searching, into these sessions. 

Volunteer Tasks and responsibilities: 

· Lead on the delivery of sessions with support from CARAS’s Essential Digital Skills Teacher. 

· Assist with the logistical set up of the sessions, supporting CARAS staff where needed. 

· Work collaboratively as a team and assisting to shape the project. 

· Create class registers and records as required. 

· To attend and contribute to volunteer pre- and de-briefs at each session. 

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering. 

· Support people to develop their knowledge and skills and encourage and inspire participants to reach their full potential. 

· To assist participants to both, recognise and celebrate their achievements. 

· To challenge negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manor. 

· Advocate for the rights of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants with not for them. 

· Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant. 

Requirements: 

· To be non-judgemental, and able and willing to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

· To be female identifying. 

· Have a good understanding of how to use a computer. 

· To be reliable and punctual. 

· Excellent presentation and communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English. 

· Commitment to support people seeking asylum to take control of their asylum journey. 

· Ability to volunteer every Friday for a minimum of three months. 

· Current resident in the UK. 

· Ability to work in Tooting SW17. 

· To provide five years’ worth of addresses and be willing to undergo a DBS check. 

· To attend CARAS General and Safeguarding Training sessions. 

· To be 18 years or older. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

· Meet new members of your local community 

· Learn about different cultures 

· Learn about issues relating to refugee and asylum seekers 

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team 

· Develop your skills and competencies 

· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding 

To Apply: 

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS staff team. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 

We are looking for dedicated Outreach Volunteers in the London Boroughs of Kingston, Richmond and Wandsworth. We would particularly like to hear from you if you live in or near the above boroughs.

The Outreach teams encounter people on their first steps from homelessness to independence – providing pathways and support to assist people off the streets.

We work with people who are rough sleeping and we do shifts late at night, and early in the morning, to find these individuals. SPEAR then works with people on a housing pathway and assists them to link into various support services, tailored to the challenges an individual might face.

SPEAR is looking for self-motivated, outgoing, and empathic people who could volunteer to provide support to vulnerably housed, rough sleepers, or anyone using homelessness services in the London boroughs of Richmond, Wandsworth and Kingston.

The volunteer will enjoy developing positive relationships with new people and will be willing to work outside of their own comfort zone providing support and assistance to the Outreach Teams clients. The volunteer must have an enhanced DBS background check (SPEAR will apply for this on your behalf.)
It would be desirable if you had a driving license.

Change young lives: Join Speech and Language UK’s Education Committee

Do you have a passion for education and a heart for children facing challenges?

Speech and Language UK, a leading charity supporting the 1.9 million children with speech and language challenges, seeks dedicated volunteers for its Education Committee. This committee acts as the governing body for our two special schools.

Make a real difference:

• Strategic impact: Contribute to shaping the educational future of children with complex speech and language challenges.
• Direct influence: Provide guidance and support, acting as a critical friend, to ensure our schools deliver the highest quality education.
• Flexible commitment: Meetings are held online, 5-6 times a year for 2 hours each, allowing you to volunteer around your schedule.

We value diversity:

We actively encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those, disabled, working class, LGBTQ+, or from the Midlands, North, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

We especially welcome those with personal or family experience of speech and language challenges.

Your skills matter:

• Prior experience in education leadership (schools/multi-academy trusts) is a plus.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety or Facilities Management is also valuable.
• Most importantly, we seek your passion, fresh perspective, and willingness to learn.

Leave a lasting legacy:

Join a dedicated team shaping the lives of children with speech and language challenges.

Contact:

For more information, please contact Neil Maslen, Director of Education (please see attached pack for contact details)

Who are Speech and Language UK? 

For at least 1.9 million children in the UK, learning to talk and understand words feels like an impossible hurdle. We work to give every child the skills they need to face the future with confidence. We design innovative tools and training for thousands of nursery assistants and teachers to use in their classrooms. We give families the confidence and skills to help their children. And we put pressure on politicians to prioritise help for speech and language challenges.

We demand a country in which every child with challenges in talking and understanding words has the skills they need to face the future with confidence. Together we can achieve it. 

About the Role

We are looking for a Volunteer to assist in the running of the daily programme of activities at Headway East London. The Day Service is a new opportunity for people living with brain injury in the East London area to join our community. 

Volunteering with us, you’ll get involved in the fun and creative activities going on at our Day Service. Every week is different: you could help in our art studio, assist in the kitchen or take part in a music session. You’ll be supporting our members one-to-one and in groups. You don’t need any special skills or knowledge, we’ll give you the induction you need, and support is always on hand, with regular volunteer meetings, training sessions and supervision.

Main Duties

• To help Headway staff manage the activity programme for each member by offering one-to-one support or in small groups.
• To assist members with specific activities that prove challenging for them i.e., using computers, cooking, engaging in art activities.
• To initiate discussion, games or activities and encourage members to take part.
• To help floor staff around lunch time (food preps. setting up tables, dishing out and serving food).
• To assist with keeping the Headway centre safe, clean, and tidy all times by taking on tasks such as collecting and washing cups, tidying up resources' shelves, wiping tables before lunch etc…
• To inform floor staff about activities undertaken with members and any significant changes in mood or behaviour. To take members to social events and outings and being able to assist individuals needing to use a wheelchair.
• To undergo training as required and attend volunteer debriefs and supervision. To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.

Person Specification

• Aged 18 or over.
• Experience working with people clear and sensitive communication.
• Ability to relate well to people on a one-to-one basis and be sympathetic to others’ situations.
• Willing to participate in a variety of activities appropriate for our members.
• Prepared to lead an activity with a small group of members.
• Committed to the values, vision, and objectives of Headway East London.
• Committed to equal opportunity and able to maintain confidentiality.

Commitment

The role requires a minimum commitment of at least 4 months,anyday from Monday to Friday between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Volunteers need to sign a volunteer agreement and confidentiality form.

Training/Support

Each volunteer is given an induction which includes information on health & safety, fire precautions, confidentiality, equal opportunities, and a brief outline of the long-term effects of head injury.

As part of this role, you will receive ongoing support and you will have the opportunity to gain experience in Health and Social Care.

• To fully support our volunteers in their role we provide: regular volunteer meetings.
• Training sessions delivered by our specialist staff a regular debrief session.
• One to one supervision starting after the first 4 months and yearly appraisal meetings.