Volunteer Group Facilitator Volunteer Roles

Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

 

About the role

We are looking for a Criminal Justice Volunteer (BME) to support our Bristol Community Service in Bristol. You will be based at St Pauls and, ideally, you will be able to commit one and a half hours per week to volunteering (14:30 to 16:00 on Tuesday's)

This group is a female only Black, Asian and minority ethnic criminal justice group aimed at women who have had experiences of racism in the criminal justice system. You will be facilitating the group and allowing the members to lead the conversation and speak about their experiences. Through facilitating the group, it is your responsibility to keep the conversation focused. You will also help the group to discuss changes that the members may want to see within the criminal justice system, and how this change can be implemented. Within this role, confidentiality is extremely important so you will be expected to share this value with the group.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.

About the service

Our service team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The Bristol Services team includes a Service Manager, Recovery Coaches, a Digital Officer, a Group Development Coordinator, a Community Development Worker and a Peer and Volunteer Coordinator.

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Group Facilitator Criminal Justice

· Keeping the group focused

· Remaining non-judgmental

· Comfortable engaging with women, provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity

· Due to the nature of the group, you must identify as female to volunteer for this role

· Helping to set up the space and welcome people in

· Understand the importance of confidentiality

What will make you a great fit for this role?

· Passionate about the criminal justice system

· Passionate around tackling racism and inequality

· Experience of working in/facilitating a group

 

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

We welcome applications from everyone, applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning+ (LGBTQ+), people with a disability, or those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. We are proud to have also been awarded Disability Confident employer status. We have an ambition of becoming an anti-racist organisation and we recognise there is more to do in ensuring our recruitment is fair and inclusive, which is why we are recruiting new roles in helping us 

Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

 

About the role

We are looking for Peer Group Facilitators (Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities) to support our Community Services in Bristol.

You will be based at St Pauls and, ideally will be able to commit one and a half hours per week to volunteering (14:30 to 16:00 on Wednesday's)

This role is dedicated to providing a safe space for people to discuss the impact of racism. You will be allowing the participants to lead the group and discuss change that could come about through different organisations - for example, how can organisations (mental health organisations/charities) change things to better support people.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.

About the service

Our service is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The Bristol Services team includes a Service Manager, Recovery Coaches, a Digital Officer, a Group Development Coordinator, a Community Development Worker and a Peer and Volunteer Coordinator.

What you will be doing as a Peer Group Facilitator

• Engaging with group members
• Keeping the group focused
• Welcoming people into the space
• Facilitating the space and allowing participants to lead

 

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Being non-judgmental and open minded
• Passionate about tackling racism
• Understanding the importance of confidentiality
• Being able to empathise

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

We welcome applications from everyone, applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning+ (LGBTQ+), people with a disability, or those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. We are proud to have also been awarded Disability Confident employer status. We have an ambition of becoming an anti-racist organisation and we recognise there is more to do in ensuring our recruitment is fair and inclusive, which is why we are recruiting new roles in helping us to achieve this.

Description

We’re currently recruiting LGBT+ Group Facilitators to join our amazing and dynamic volunteer team at elop!

elop is an award-winning LGBT Mental Health and Wellbeing Charity with 29 years’ experience of supporting LGBT+ communities across London and surrounding areas.

Joining our LGBT+ Group Facilitators team, you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who value & appreciate the benefit of supporting others to  socialise & network, supporting LGBT+ people to come together in a welcoming, safe and supportive environment with opportunities to meet new people, form new friendships, gain peer support and much more. 

Each of elop’s dedicated groups or meet-ups run planned activities that supports shared interaction, positive identities and a feeling of being valued.

Duties

Volunteering in this role will give you opportunities to contribute & support the planning & promotion of group programmes, help in organising & facilitating sessions, along with supporting & enabling the involvement, voice & inclusion of all members attending, ensuring a welcome, supported, safe and comfortable environment for all.

Our activities are delivered on various days and times across the week and weekends, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. 

You may already have some previous experience of activity facilitation, which is fantastic; however it isn’t necessary to come with all the skills & experiences already on board, just a friendly & outgoing personality with good communication abilities, the rest you’ll be supported to develop. 

Respecting diversity, understanding and upholding professional boundaries and confidentiality are fundamental to all of our work and you will be required to support this. 

Do you enjoy walking, meeting others and having a good chat? If so, we have the perfect volunteering role for you?

What you will be doing

• Coordinate and facilitate weekly walks in local parks to the service alongside other volunteers
• Meet with the walking group weekly
• Hold conversations with people attending the group, checking in on their wellbeing and providing a listening ear/friendly face
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• Meet at a designated point and travel via public transport to a local park

The skills you need

• Inspire and motivate people to attend the walking group
• Ability to identify, manage any possible risks that may arise during the walking group. Training will be provided
• Willing and able to go on a weekly walk lasting approximately 60-90 minutes
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages 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

Facilitating a weekly walking group, you will contribute to a timetable to support people to reduce isolation, improve their physical activity, self-care and create a community for them to come together to build connections and friendships.

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)

We are recruiting for a volunteer who would like to play a role in helping others to express themselves through writing. Would you like to support others to use their imagination to portray a message?

What you will be doing

• To prepare creative writing sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop and expand their capacity to think creatively, improve their ability to put their thoughts and feelings into writing and allowing others to find their voice
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Experience of creative writing either in a professional, educational or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan creative writing sessions
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Good communication skills

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 - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

What you will be doing

• To prepare sewing/knitting/crochet sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible .
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their sewing skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Good communications skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Maintain discretion and judgement when dealing with sensitive and/or confidential information
• Skilled in knitting/crochet/sewing

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, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

HeadsOut Imago group: Trans, Non-Binary Support Group – Volunteer Co-Facilitator

Imago is a peer support group for trans, non-binary and non-cisgender people offering a safe, identity affirming space for support to improve their mental health, emotional and social well-being and through community connection. Imago aims to support members with shared struggles and challenges that they may commonly face as non-cis people, to help them find and celebrate genuine joy and self-confidence. It meets every Wednesday between 7pm and 8:30 pm, currently online via Microsoft Teams.

This role includes:

· Working alongside a member of the HeadsOut Team

· Co-facilitating the weekly group

· Contributing to planned activities

· Participating in training and reflective practice sessions

Person Specification

· Ability to commit to 6 months of 2 hours a week on Wednesdays from 6.45pm-8.45pm (for the session and a team debrief)

· Experience of supporting people who are experiencing mental distress

· Good active listening skills and empathic engagement

· A non-judgemental approach

· Willingness to take initiative and facilitate a group of diverse individuals

 

Mental Health Volunteers for elop’s HeadsOut Service

HeadsOut is a strengths-based crisis prevention, intervention and wellbeing LGBT+ support service.

Our aim is to enhance people’s wellbeing and functioning by focusing on their strengths and resources, reinforcing resilience and enhancing protective external factors, including creating safe spaces, community connection, a sense of belonging, empowerment and affirmation. 

By joining the HeadsOut Team you will:

· Support people who experience mental distress

· Make a positive contribution to the LGBT+ community

· Be given relevant training and support

Meditation can give us a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both our emotional wellbeing and overall health. Do you have experience in delivering meditation sessions and would like to give back your time to support people in crisis?

We are recruiting for a volunteer to run weekly online meditation sessions.

What you will be doing

• Facilitate a weekly meditation session, one to one or in a small group over video call
• Plan each session and identify any items needed for the Meditation sessions
• Lead on the logistics and set up of the session alongside the staff team
• Inspire and motivate people using the services to attend
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Experience delivering Meditation group sessions
• 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

Our weekly art class provides space and opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to express themselves through creative activities. The group has diverse interests and needs, and we are looking for a volunteer to join the sessions to support people to get the most out of each sessions.

Your role could include setting up activity areas, working 121 with individuals, or in small groups. The class is led by an experienced tutor, and some members of the group also receive support from their support workers.

We are based in a multi-purpose community centre near North Dulwich. You will be part of a small and friendly staff and volunteer team that are all committed to supporting adults with learning disabilities to fully participate in the activities that are important to them. 

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting? You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products! We are recruiting for a volunteer to support and facilitate an art and craft group.

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature

We currently have volunteer vacancies in Wareham, Gillingham and Sherborne

We are looking for volunteers to facilitate a safe and supportive group environment for unpaid carers at our Carer Cafes. Our cafes are a great way for unpaid carers to connect with other carers over a hot drink - they are casual and are based on a drop-in system.

Main tasks for this role will include co-ordinating and attending monthly carer cafes, listening and encouraging peer to peer support while welcoming and supporting carers yourself. Encouraging new carers to register with Carer Support Dorset will be an important part of this role as well as forming a team with other volunteers, facilitating an ‘open access approach’, working within the boundaries defined during your training and referring to the Volunteer Manager if the volunteering moves beyond the remit of your role. Signposting to other services which may help the unpaid carers attending the cafe and reporting the cafés attendance and any potential concerns to the Volunteer Manager will also be vital to this role.

We are looking for kind, empathetic people with good interpersonal skills who can form and maintain supportive and sensitive relationships.

Role Title:

Woodwork Lead - Volunteer

Location:

Basildon Day Opportunities

Day/Time required:

Monday to Friday, 9.15am to 3.30pm (start and finish times can be flexible for parents / carers)

Organisation overview:

Papworth Trust is a leading disability charity. Our vision is a world where disabled people are seen for what they can do, and our mission is for disabled people to have equality, choice and independence.

Service overview:

We offer a rich and diverse programme of recreational, learning and employment opportunities from our centre’s facilities in Basildon and the wider communities of Essex.

Situated close to the town centre, we benefit from excellent links to local transport and neighbouring community projects.

We’re a super friendly and welcoming service with enthusiastic, skilled and experienced staff and volunteers who support individuals to achieve their personal goals and aspirations.

Description of role:

To support customers in one-to-one and group woodworking sessions.
Work alongside our Activities Facilitators to support the delivery of sessions.

Key tasks:

To work at the individual customer’s pace in a group, ensuring they can take part in sessions.
Help the individual customer communicate and interact with the team and their peers.
To help with confidence building by encouraging and empowering customer to engage, be creative and stay safe.
Ensure that the individual is included in various aspects of sessions, and during breaks and lunchtime.

A DBS check will be required as part of this role and will be carried out during the vetting checks of successful applicants.  

Personal qualities required:

Within this role you:

• Will have a supportive nature
• Are outgoing and friendly
• Will be polite and respectful
• Are patient and kind
• Take a calm measured approach to tasks
• Are a good communicator
• Are empathetic and resilient

Benefits of volunteering:

• Become part of a passionate and supportive team.
• Help make a real difference to the lives of disabled and disadvantaged people.
• Gain new experiences and develop skills and confidence.
• Meet new people.
• Spend your time doing something that is worthwhile and rewarding
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses
• Certificated training provided to prepare you for your role
• Day to day support from a designated member of staff
• Have fun!

Training available:

1. Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
2. Child Protection in Health and Social Care
3. Equality and Diversity
4. Data Protection in Health and Social Care
5. Local induction
6. Health & Safety

Role: Mendip Hearing Voices Volunteer

Location: Shepton Mallet

Hours required: 2hours weekly + 1hr supervision monthly

Main Purpose of role: Assist with the weekly Hearing voices group

 Key Tasks:

To support the facilitation of groups for individuals who experience auditory and other hallucinations. This will involve delivering creative, engaging and inclusive group and activity support work that encourages and enables people to improve/maintain their mental wellbeing.

·To support service-users in accessing the group support offer.

·To encourage peer support within the group.

·To adhere to our inclusive way of working and support a diverse group of individuals. This will include supporting younger and older adults. 

·To enable service-users to have access to information and signposting to other areas of support.

·To engage fully with the values and community of Mind in Somerset.

·To attend regular one-to-one supervision with your line manager.

• To work in an inclusive and culturally sensitive way for all service-users; being responsive to individual needs and challenging stigma and discrimination.
• To take prompt and appropriate action in a safeguarding situation. To clearly record all information and actions taken and to escalate to the Group Facilitator and Safeguarding Lead as per procedure.
• To follow Health & Safety and Security procedures.
• To cover leave and absences where required.

Person Specification   

Essential: 

• Positive team-working skills 
• Flexible approach
• Willingness to learn (including independently) to extend their knowledge 
• Understanding of the need for good record keeping and GDPR 
• Good non judgmental listening skills 
• Experience working with people in mental health