Volunteer counsellor volunteer volunteer roles
Organisation: Support U is a leading LGBTQIA+ resource and support service based in the Thames Valley area.
Location: Work from home but ideally based in or around Berkshire.
Commitment: Approximately 2-4 hours a week alongside any training and volunteer team catch ups / planning meetings
Overview:
Support U is launching Rainbow Line in January 2026 — a dedicated listening line for the LGBTQIA+ community — and we are seeking compassionate, committed volunteers to join us as Call Handlers. Rainbow Line has been created to offer LGBTQIA+ people a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to talk, be heard, and feel supported.
The service is designed for individuals who may be feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or in need of someone to listen. While Rainbow Line is not a professional counselling, psychotherapy or crisis service, volunteers play a vital role in offering empathetic listening and, where appropriate, signposting callers to specialist services and organisations for further support. By volunteering with Rainbow Line, you’ll be helping to reduce isolation and create a more connected, supportive community.
What You’ll Be Doing
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This is a home based volunteering role, but you’ll ideally need to be based in or around Berkshire.
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The telephone support service will run twice a week within a 2-hour time slot. You’ll ideally commit to 2–4 hours per week.
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Service users will pre-book telephone appointments via our website.
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You’ll answer pre-booked calls, providing a safe, non-judgemental space for users to talk openly and be heard, with signposting to other relevant services.
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After each call, you’ll complete a short record noting topics that came up, and any safeguarding concerns.
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Support U’s designated safeguarding leads will be available during service hours for any immediate advice or escalation.
Who This Role Would Suit
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Someone looking for a long term volunteering opportunity.
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Qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, or other talking therapy practitioners who wish to give back to the community.
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Students or trainees in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, social work, or mental health nursing seeking practical experience.
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Individuals with experience in other listening based support roles.
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People with strong empathy, good listening skills, and an interest in supporting the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community.
What’s In It for You
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Make a direct and positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals.
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Help create a safe, judgement free space for those who may never have experienced one before.
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Offer meaningful support, even a short 45 minute conversation can impact someone’s day or outlook.
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Contribute to a wider effort to foster safety, inclusion, and understanding within the community.
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Gain valuable experience in active listening, support work and working with diverse communities.
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Be part of a welcoming, passionate and supportive team.
Requirements
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Based in or around Berkshire (desirable, but not essential)
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Able to realistically commit to a minimum of 2-4 hours per week for the long term.
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Basic administrative skills and strong communication and organisation skills.
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Some experience in a similar line of work (e.g. counselling, mentoring, support work) or willingness to learn and undertake training.
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Willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
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Evidence of completed safeguarding training or willingness to complete safeguarding training organised by Support U.
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Comfortable using basic technology to answer calls/log call notes.
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Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding best practice.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Al Naasih is a 1‑to‑1 mentoring programme established by Hidayah in March 2020. It seeks to support queer Muslims struggling to reconcile their faith and identity. Mentors are trained in relevant skills (emotional intelligence, active listening, managing relationships, etc.) and paired with mentees to help them achieve personal goals. Within this role you will:
· Provide empathetic, non-judgemental support for mentees working through challenges related to faith, identity and wellbeing
· Help mentees set and achieve personal goals
· Act as a positive role model and safe space
· Assist mentees in exploring reconciling their faith with their LGBTQ+ identity, supporting spiritual, emotional, and practical wellbeing
Please this role is UK based and online/virtual.
What are the key responsibilities of this role?
This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:
· Build a trusting and respectful relationship with mentee
· Be in regular contact: at least once per month, according to what works best)
· Help mentees identify goals, hurdles, and strategies to work towards those goals
· Listen actively and empathetically; offer guidance rather than prescribing solutions
· Maintain confidentiality, boundaries, and ethical conduct
· Attend required training sessions (1‑on‑1) to develop mentoring skills (emotional intelligence, active listening, relationship management, etc.)
· Reflect on own practice; be open to feedback and possibly supervision / check‑ins
What do we expect from an Al Naasih Mentor?
Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:
Essential:
· Must be a queer Muslim
· Strong empathy, patience, and trustworthiness
· Comfortable discussing issues around faith and sexuality / identity
· Good communication skills; active listening; emotional intelligence
· Ability to set and maintain healthy boundaries
· Reliability and consistency (making time for regular sessions)
· Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding mentee’s personal information
·Ability to recognise limits of the mentoring role (e.g. not a therapist / counsellor) and refer on where needed
· Able to respect the mentee’s autonomy and pace
Desirable:
· Prior experience of mentoring, coaching, or peer‑support work
· Some understanding of LGBTQ+ issues within Muslim communities
This role will report to the Al Naasih Programme Coordinator or designated lead.
How much commitment is required?
This is a voluntary role with flexible hours subject to the agreement between you and your mentee. However, the following are vital to the success of this role:
· Minimum once per month meetings (virtual) with mentee
· Time needed to prepare, reflect, and possibly attend training or support / supervision meetings
· Duration per mentee: to be mutually agreed, depending on goals and needs
· Up to three mentees once comfortable with the role
Our mission is to provide support and welfare for LGBTQI+ Muslims
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the Role
We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.
We are looking for volunteers to help source, sell, and send clothes on Vinted to raise money for our services. This role is not about listing your own items but about sourcing donated items from others that we can then sell to support our work.
Who Are We Looking For?
·Enjoys fundraising but are looking for something a little bit different.
·Are organised and enjoy keeping things structured.
·Appreciates flexibility in a role and can manage tasks independently.
·Are collaborative and enjoy working as part of a supportive team.
What Do We Expect?
·Willingness to undertake our virtual training programme at a time convenient to you.
·Have a DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us.
·Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed).
·A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness.
What Can You Expect?
·A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers.
·Flexibility- there is no fixed rota, so you can contribute at times that suit you.
·Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations.
Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C.
·Make a tangible difference in your community.
·Develop skills in fundraising, organisation, and online selling.
·Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers.
·Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired.
·Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work.
To increase inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.
The Opportunity
We are recruiting 3 lay Trustees! Do you bring skills and experience in communications, human resources or membership engagement? Would you like to use these at board level to shape a charity? We'd love you to join our Board of Trustees if so.
This is a fantastic opportunity to have a great impact on the UK’s mental health at the highest level!
Does this matter to you as much as it matters to us? Then a Trustee role with UKCP will give you the chance to support a cause with your professional skills.
Who is the UK Council for Psychotherapy?
UK Council for Psychotherapy is a leading organisation for psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. We believe that psychotherapy can help us in profound ways. Solving immediate issues and transforming how we think, feel and behave is how we do this.
We offer professional support for our members here in the UK. We are also the leading research, innovation and educational body. UKCP continue working to advance psychotherapies for the benefit of all.
What matters to us
We see first-hand the power of psychotherapy to improve lives. We speak up for the importance of psychotherapy in national and local policymaking. UKCP also represents the social value of psychotherapy in the UK today.
If you join us…
You will be a part of a committed Board who is doing more to reflect the communities we serve. This is an opportunity to shape the work and direction of UKCP. Help us achieve our vision of a world in which emotional and mental wellness is a human right.
Equality, diversity and inclusivity are felt throughout our values and the culture of our work practices. So, you’ll enjoy the rewards of helping us to be a voice of change where it’s needed.
Who we’re looking for
We are looking for three Trustees to join the UKCP Board, bringing any or a combination of the skills and experience listed below. All candidates will share our commitment to improving the UK’s mental health and understand the importance of high-level governance in achieving this.
We are particularly seeking:
- HR Trustee – Someone with proven experience and insight into human resources practices, people management, organisational culture, staff wellbeing, recruitment, and talent development.
- Communications Trustee – Someone with professional experience in communications, marketing, and/or public relations.
- Membership Engagement Trustee – Someone who can provide insight-led oversight of UKCP’s membership activities.
Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying, as it contains important details about the role and our organisation.
Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining UK Council for Psychotherapy!
What’s next?
Eastside People is supporting UK Council of Psychotherapy in the recruitment of these roles. You can click here/follow the link to apply today.
The closing date for applications is Monday 5th January. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after. Shortlisted candidates will then have an interview with UKCP shortly after this.
We acknowledge every application. You’ll always hear from us after taking the time to apply - we look forward to hearing from you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Charity Trustee
You and Me Counselling are currently recruiting volunteer trustees to complement the committee members already in their role.
This is a home working role and will be for immediate start.
Our charity
You and Me Counselling is a charitable organisation established in 2011. We are a counselling and psychotherapy service based in Hornchurch, Essex that works with children, young people, adults, and their families in the boroughs of Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest. Our counsellors and therapists work both within schools and from our counselling rooms located in Hornchurch and Ilford.
You and Me Counselling are an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). This means we are fully governed by the BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
Job Description
As a trustee you will need to:
- Acknowledge emails at least once a day.
- Give a minimum of one hour per week to the role.
- Attend quarterly trustee meetings online.
- Ensure that You and Me Counselling pursues its stated objectives
- Ensure there is regular review of changes that might affect the organisation (political, financial, demographic, etc.)
- Ensure that the charity complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- Monitor finance to ensure that the charity applies its resources exclusively for its charitable objectives.
- Uphold the good name and values of You and Me Counselling.
- Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
- Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
- Supervise, support and appraise the chief executive officer.
- Hold the chief executive officer to account for the management and administration of the charity.
- Ensure that the organisation acts in accordance with employment law and exercises a duty of care to its employees.
- Identify major risks to the organisation and put systems in place to mitigate or minimise the risks.
- Ensure that the organisation has a governance structure that is appropriate to a charity of its size/complexity, stage of development, and its charitable objectives
- Regularly review your own training needs and create an expectation of continuous professional development throughout the organisation.
- Ensure that trustees have an agreed code of conduct and comply with it, and that there are mechanisms for the removal of trustees who do not abide by the principles stated therein.
Person Specifications
All trustees should demonstrate the following skills and values:
- A commitment to the organisation.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
- Good, independent judgement.
- An ability to think creatively.
- A willingness to speak their mind.
- An understanding and acceptance of their legal duties and responsibilities as a trustee
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
- Ability to evaluate and interpret management information and other data.
Specific Skills
The ideal candidate would have one of more of the following:
- Experience in law and governance
- Experience in charity fundraising
- Knowledge of counselling or psychotherapy (as a therapist or client)
- Experience in accounting or financial management
- A parent of a young person who has experience of mental health issues
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Trustee Role: Clinical Lead for the Board.
Location: Location: Warwick
Role Responsibilities
Safeline are recruiting a new trustee for the Safeline board who will have lead responsibility for supporting and assuring the clinical practices of the charity.
Trustees work with the Executive team to provide effective governance to the Charity.
Who we are
Established in 1994, Safeline is a leading specialist charity that works to prevent sexual abuse and support those affected to cope and recover.
Our Vision is that everyone affected by or at risk of sexual abuse should feel supported and empowered.
We empower survivors to make choices about the lives they want.
What we do
We provide:
· Prevention/Early Intervention services to help prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation and effective early support to children and young people who are at risk.
· Counselling, Psychotherapy and Art Therapy to survivors of sexual abuse from age 4+, face-to-face, telephone and online
· Independent, non-judgmental emotional and practical support and advocacy to anyone who has experienced historical or recent sexual abuse and wishes to report to the police.
· National Male Survivors Helpline and online support service.
· Specialist education and training to prevent and address sexual abuse.
The Board
Our Board of Trustees are all volunteers drawn from a cross-section of different backgrounds. They are chosen for their skill sets to support Safeline and provide diversity of experience.
The Trustees are responsible for appointing the Chief Executive Officer and ensuring sound management of the professional, ethical, legal, and financial affairs of the Charity. Working in partnership with the executive team and staff, they:
- Set the direction.
- Agree the vision.
- Determine the strategies and policies to fulfil the vision.
- Monitor progress.
- Ensure the outcomes are consistent with the overall strategy.
§ The Board includes a former service user who ensures the people we support are represented in a clear and visible way. This Trustee involves the client’s voice in our work at a strategic level.
§ Trustees are appointed at the Annual General Meeting, they serve a four-year term and are eligible for re-election.
Key Responsibilities
- Governance & Oversight
- Fulfil all legal duties of a Trustee under the Charities Act and the organisation’s governing document.
- Ensure the counselling service operates in line with safeguarding, ethical, and clinical governance standards.
- Provide strategic oversight of service delivery, ensuring quality and accessibility for beneficiaries.
- Support & Challenge
- Act as a critical friend to the Head of Counselling/Clinical Lead, offering guidance and expertise.
- Monitor and support the development of counselling provision, including policies, training, and professional standards.
- Ensure that client feedback and outcomes inform service development.
- Risk & Compliance
- Help the Board assess and manage risks associated with counselling practice, including safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional conduct.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation (e.g., data protection, safeguarding, mental health regulations) and alignment with BACP professional framework.
- Advocacy & Ambassadorship
- Champion the importance of counselling within the wider organisation and to external stakeholders.
- Support fundraising and partnership opportunities that sustain and grow the counselling service
Essential Criteria for the Clinical Lead:
· Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
· Understanding of counselling practice and its role in supporting wellbeing (e.g., qualified counsellor, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, or equivalent experience).
· Experience of working in a counselling environment and risk management.
· Knowledge of professional standards and frameworks (e.g., BACP, UKCP, HCPC) and experience of ethical decision making.
· Practice in working with clients who have experienced sexual abuse.
· Ability to think strategically and contribute to Board-level discussion.
· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to challenge constructively.
· Understanding of governance and willingness to undertake Trustee responsibilities.
Desirable:
· Experience in clinical governance, safeguarding, or service management.
· Prior Trustee or Board-level experience.
· Connections within the counselling, healthcare, or voluntary sector to support partnership development.
Time Commitment
Trustees are required to attend approximately 4 board meetings a year plus additional ad hoc meetings for example at team and fundraising events.
What You Will Gain
- You can make a meaningful impact: Ensuring the charity is run effectively and makes a real difference to its beneficiaries can provide a strong sense of personal satisfaction and fulfilment.
- You will be contributing to a cause that has a substantial impact on the public health and economic wealth of the country.
- The chance to work alongside passionate Trustees, staff, and volunteers committed to making a difference. Broaden your perspective: Engaging with diverse perspectives and social issues can deepen your understanding of the world and enhance empathy and compassion.
- Gaining board-level experience: Serving as a trustee provides hands-on experience in governance, strategy, and decision-making at the highest level of an organisation, which can be invaluable for career progression.
- Developing new skills: Trustees often develop skills in areas such as financial management, risk management, strategic planning, negotiation, and leadership.
- Using existing skills in a new context to make a real difference to people’s lives.
Overall, while the role is voluntary and comes with legal responsibilities, the rewards of trusteeship in terms of personal growth, skill development, and societal impact are significant.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
A message from our Chair of Trustees – Andrew Carter
Thank you for your interest in joining the team at Off The Record South East Hampshire (OTR).
This recruitment pack provides the information you need to apply to be a Trustee including:
• Details of our vision, mission and values.
• Information about the work we do, our impact and our future plans
• An overview of our organisational structure
• Information about the role and expectations of our trustees
If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please advise in your cover letter and she can arrange an informal chat with me.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Best wishes,
Andrew
Chair of Trustees
OTR
A message from our CEO: Corniche Plumridge
As the chief executive, my role and the trustees is all about teamwork and support. I'm here to bring Off The Record’s strategic vision to life by sharing accurate and timely information, making sure they have what they need to make great decisions. In return, the trustees provide valuable guidance and oversight, helping us stay on track with our organisation's mission.
ADVERT
Are you passionate about young people's wellbeing?
Off The Record (OTR) are looking for new trustees to join our Board of Trustees.
Our vision is to support young people’s mental health to fulfil their potential for a brighter future.
We believe that young people should have more control and influence in how services for them are managed and changed, by being part of the organisation that develops the services that support their community.
We particularly want to attract applications from young people, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent and disabled, and people of colour, because they are under-represented in our Trustee team.
Off The Record (OTR) is an independent charity based in the Havant Borough. We have been supporting young people and their families in Southeast Hampshire and surrounding areas since 1977.
We offer free 1-2-1 and family counselling, group work services for those 11 to 25 and support for their families, we deliver a young carer programme to young people ages 8 to 25.
This is an opportunity to really make a difference to the lives of young people in our community!
We are actively seeking trustees from all areas of life,
You will play a crucial role in guiding the governance of OTR. You will work collaboratively with other members of the Board of Trustees to ensure effective management and sustainability of our charity.
This is an unpaid voluntary position, requiring a commitment of approximately 4-6 hours per month.
Our Trustee board meet every month; in-person bi-monthly for 2 hours with the months in between a shorter 1-hour online meeting. On occasion there will ad-hoc meeting to meet the needs of the organisation and to carry out the trustee role.
OTR embraces equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.
Responsibilities:
· Provide strategic guidance and expertise to support Off The Record's vision and mission.
· Actively participate in board meetings, contributing ideas, insights, and constructive feedback.
- Assist in the development and provide oversight of operational policies, procedures, and initiatives to further the organisation's objectives.
- Help oversee the governance of the charity in accordance with the Charity Commission’s published guidelines.
· Promote the Charity’s work and values within your networks and wider communities.
· Collaborate with fellow trustees, staff, and volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the charity's operations.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The statutory duties of a trustee
· To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
· To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
· To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objective
· To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
· To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
· To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
· To ensure the financial stability of the organisation
· To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds
· To observe and follow the latest version of the Charity Commission Guidance
Other duties
· Scrutinising board papers
· Leading discussions
· Providing guidance on new initiatives
· Other issues in which the trustee has special expertise
· Participating in working groups outside of Board meetings
Trustee person specification
· Commitment to the organisation
· Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort – which could be several hours per week to keep up with incoming emails and correspondence, Monthly Trustee meetings and the Annual General Meeting.
· Strategic vision
· Good, independent judgement
· Ability to think creatively
· Willingness to speak their mind
· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship
· Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
Qualifications and Skills:
· A genuine interest in the well-being and mental health of young people.
· Previous experience as a trustee or in a similar governance role would be advantageous but not essential.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
· Knowledge and understanding of the voluntary sector and charity governance or willingness to learn.
- Ability to promote the Charity’s work and values within your networks and wider communities.
- Expertise in one or more of the following areas: safeguarding, counselling, mental health, fundraising, finance, marketing, law, or HR would be desirable (but not essential).
Benefits:
· The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people through Off The Record (OTR).
· Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a governance role within a charity.
· Expand your professional network and collaborate with like-minded individuals.
· Gain satisfaction from being part of a dedicated team working towards a common goal.
About us
You will be joining the charity at an exciting time.
OTR has been part of our community since 1977, our purpose has remained the same throughout, to
support young people’s mental health to fulfil their potential for a brighter future, however during this
time we have evolved, expanded and developed our services. We put young people at the heart of what
we do, by integrating youth voice into our services we are continuously evolving to meet current needs
of young people and their families.
You will be joining an amazing and established team.
A staff of 16 cover all bases, with an established admin and front-line group work and Young Carer
teams, and leadership team that oversee admin, therapeutic and youth services, business support,
volunteers, finance, safeguarding and clinical supervision. Our dedicated counsellors and volunteers
deliver the therapeutic services and information and support calls. Our trustees meet every month,
alternating between formal board meetings, and trustee ongoing development meetings.
You will be joining a safe and respected service, that is long standing and held dearly by our
local community.
Our policy and procedures ensure a high standard of operational and clinical governance across the
organisation, that is brought to life with an excellent induction and training programme, and varied and
topical CPD opportunities throughout the year. We are always reminded of our legacy by the continued
support from local community groups and businesses because of the difference our support made to
them or someone they care about.
You will be joining an inclusive and caring culture.
If you feel you have the expertise,please apply with the following:
· A full CV
· A covering letter detailing all of the below:
o What skills/knowledge will you be bringing
o Explanation of any gaps in your CV
Successful applicants will be invited for an informal chat with the chair of trustee and CEO prior to an interview being arranged.
As part of our commitment to safe recruitment, all appointments are subject to Enhanced DBS with
Barred List checks and references will be taken up.
OTR embraces equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that
represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our
work will be.
Please advise us of any requirements to support your application to us.
Details:
· Hours; 4-6 per month
· Location: Online and in person
· Application deadline: Ongoing
Want to support a good cause?
We offer:
· A team that really cares, supports and champions one another.
· Friendly environment and practices.
· Access to training.
· Social events to spend time with the team and have some fun!
Supporting young people’s mental health to fulfil their potential for a brighter future


