Volunteer Independent Supporter Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for fun, reliable, and enthusiastic Independent Visitor volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people.
Our Staffordshire Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Tamworth.
- Are you passionate about wanting to help young people?
- Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month?
- Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment?
If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you.
You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with.
You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided.
Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer:
- Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her.
- Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people.
- Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake.
- Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals.
- Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together.
*names have been changed
The Application
- Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime
- The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person
- Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process
Our values are to be Compassionate, Open and Bold. If this sounds like you, please click the apply button. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please call or email and we will be happy to help.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Description
Volunteer monitoring work with the IMB gives you the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives. You will listen to prisoners and people in immigration detention, talk to staff and see for yourself what is actually happening behind the walls.
The IMB is recruiting for new members at numerous prisons and at immigration detention centres across England and Wales, and at short term holding facilities across the UK. We are looking for people who live within approximately 30 miles (or one hour) of their closest establishment and can commit the time to make 2 to 3 visits per month, although this may be slightly higher during the first year of training and this can be flexible depending on the needs of the Board and the individual. Please visit the IMB website for a full list of all locations we are recruiting to.
Who are the IMB?
We’re a group of ordinary members of the public, doing an extraordinary job. As a passionate, personable individual, you could join us in making a difference. In this unpaid role, you’ll volunteer your talent and time towards securing a decent day-to-day life for every prisoner and detainee. Under the guidance of dedicated mentors and an extensive training programme, you’ll commit to a flexible schedule of visits to a local establishment each month. Although this is an unpaid role, we pay travel and subsistence expenses, childcare or carer costs and, in certain circumstances, contributions towards loss of earnings. Your observations will have an impact as your Board reports its findings to Ministers in His Majesty’s Government.
About the role
With unrestricted access to these unique environments, you’ll gain a rare insight into all aspects of life in custody. Impartial and highly influential, you can decide what shape your visits should take. As an independent monitor, you may spend time in a specific part of the establishment and choose to have your conversations with prisoners or detainees out of sight or hearing of a member of staff. As well as keeping a close eye on daily operations, you’ll play a crucial role in dealing with problems that arise. This could be in response to a confidential request to see a member of the IMB, or to observe the management of the more serious incidents that occur.
Why join us?
More than anything else, this is a rewarding opportunity that makes a real and meaningful difference to the lives of prisoners, detainees and our wider society. Ministers are obliged to respond to the issues raised in your Board’s report. The environment may seem intimidating at first, but you will be fully supported through your training and accompanied during your visits until you feel ready to manage independently. This highly recognised and respected role could provide the experience that opens doors into other careers within the justice system.
Who are we looking for?
There is no one type of person who could be right for the IMB because it’s not about background or skillset. It’s about having the dedication and passion to ensure all people are being treated fairly. For that reason, we’re looking for individuals from all walks of life who will approach the role with no preconceptions. You will need to be willing to work within a challenging environment and have the confidence to report your findings to senior figures. Most importantly, you will be able to talk to people in a way that makes each prisoner or detainee feel respected and reassured.
Closing date for completed applications is 29 April 2024.
Visit our website for more information and to complete the online application form.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Community Engagement Volunteer
About the role
Healthwatch Lewisham is an independent organisation set up to champion the views of health and social care service users. It strives to make sure that health and social care services are meeting local needs and to ensure that the public’s voice is heard regarding how local services are run.
As a Community Engagement volunteer, you will be taking a lead in helping us reach people, contributing to our Patient Experience and Emerging Communities Programmes. This role is ideal if you like talking and interacting with people, are passionate about the voice of the local communities and believe in equality.
Patient Experience
We visit healthcare and community settings to talk to people about their experiences with health and social care and capture those experiences with our feedback survey.
Following a visit, volunteers input the feedback into a database. Those looking for further skills and development can get involved in analysing the data collected and help create charts and written content for our quarterly Patient Experience Report.
Healthwatch Link Champion/ Emerging Communities
If you have an interest in supporting an emerging or isolated community then you could contribute to our Patient Experience Programme as a Healthwatch Link Champion. This part of the role specialises in gathering and feeding back views from a particular community, helping to build trust, improve links and deepen our understanding of how the community experiences health and social care services.
Tasks
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Visiting health and care and community venues to talk to people and gather feedback.
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Carrying out telephone engagement to capture people’s feedback.
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Collecting online reviews of relevant services from google,the NHS and other review sites.
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Inputting patient experience feedback into a database.
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Analysing patient experience feedback.
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Producing infographic summary reports, highlighting, and simplifying the key findings from our Patient Experience Report.
Time Commitment
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A weekly commitment, Weekday morning availability a plus
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4 hours a week, 3-month minimum commitment
Travel commitment
You must be willing and able to travel across the borough – sometimes this could be up to 1.5 hours.
Is this role right for me?
What we are looking for:
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Aged over 18.
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Able to travel to and around the borough.
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Confidence in speaking with strangers.
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Friendly, approachable manner with good verbal communication and listening skills.
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Awareness of personal and professional boundaries.
Considered a Bonus:
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Additional languages are considered a plus.
Benefits of volunteering
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Incredibly social role, where you meet and work with lots of other people
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Join a network of over 300 volunteers
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Gain access to our training hub and develop yourself further
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Our volunteers receive priority job alerts for internal paid roles
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Travel expenses covered
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Pashto speaking Independent visitor/mentor needed in the Luton area.Do you want to make a difference to a child or young person's life? Do you have 2 - 5 hours per month to spare? Are you 18+?
We require volunteers to mentor/befriend a child or young person in care.
Have fun, take a young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest. Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person's life and help build self-esteem and confidence.
We provide training and on going support and pay expenses to a set limit.
Please contact for more details
Job Description
Volunteer monitoring work with the IMB gives you the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives. You will listen to prisoners and people in immigration detention, talk to staff and see for yourself what is actually happening behind the walls.
The IMB is recruiting for new members at numerous prisons and at immigration detention centres across England and Wales, and at short term holding facilities across the UK. We are looking for people who live within approximately 30 miles (or one hour) of their closest establishment and can commit the time to make 2 to 3 visits per month, although this may be slightly higher during the first year of training and this can be flexible depending on the needs of the Board and the individual. Please visit the IMB website for a full list of all locations we are recruiting to.
Who are the IMB?
We’re a group of ordinary members of the public, doing an extraordinary job. As a passionate, personable individual, you could join us in making a difference. In this unpaid role, you’ll volunteer your talent and time towards securing a decent day-to-day life for every prisoner and detainee. Under the guidance of dedicated mentors and an extensive training programme, you’ll commit to a flexible schedule of visits to a local establishment each month. Although this is an unpaid role, we pay travel and subsistence expenses, childcare or carer costs and, in certain circumstances, contributions towards loss of earnings. Your observations will have an impact as your Board reports its findings to Ministers in His Majesty’s Government.
About the role
With unrestricted access to these unique environments, you’ll gain a rare insight into all aspects of life in custody. Impartial and highly influential, you can decide what shape your visits should take. As an independent monitor, you may spend time in a specific part of the establishment and choose to have your conversations with prisoners or detainees out of sight or hearing of a member of staff. As well as keeping a close eye on daily operations, you’ll play a crucial role in dealing with problems that arise. This could be in response to a confidential request to see a member of the IMB, or to observe the management of the more serious incidents that occur.
Why join us?
More than anything else, this is a rewarding opportunity that makes a real and meaningful difference to the lives of prisoners, detainees and our wider society. Ministers are obliged to respond to the issues raised in your Board’s report. The environment may seem intimidating at first, but you will be fully supported through your training and accompanied during your visits until you feel ready to manage independently. This highly recognised and respected role could provide the experience that opens doors into other careers within the justice system.
Who are we looking for?
There is no one type of person who could be right for the IMB because it’s not about background or skillset. It’s about having the dedication and passion to ensure all people are being treated fairly. For that reason, we’re looking for individuals from all walks of life who will approach the role with no preconceptions. You will need to be willing to work within a challenging environment and have the confidence to report your findings to senior figures. Most importantly, you will be able to talk to people in a way that makes each prisoner or detainee feel respected and reassured.
Closing date for completed applications is 29 April 2024.
Visit our website for more information and to complete the online application form.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for experienced volunteers to support with sessions teaching about sewing and designing, touching on things such as pattern cuttings and sewing techniques.
Hestia provides mental health support across 17 London boroughs and in Kent. Last year, Hestia supported more than 6,000 people across our mental health services.
What you will be doing
- To prepare sewing 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
- Sharing skills for designing such as pattern cutting and sewing techniques.
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
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others.
What you’ll be doing
• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand.
• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss.
• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people.
• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals.
What you’ll gain from the role
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
We are currently experiencing the most significant threats to refugee protection in the UK since the UN Convention was signed in 1951.
Against this backdrop, The Asylum Reform Initiative (ARI) is an alliance of leading groups working in collaboration to secure deep-rooted change in the refugee and asylum system. It includes the British Red Cross, Citizens UK, Freedom from Torture, NACCOM, One Strong Voice, Rainbow Migration, Refugee Action, Refugee Council and Scottish Refugee Council.
The ARI incubated, launched and supports the public-facing Together With Refugees coalition, which now has over 600 national and local member organisations taking collective action to project widespread support for a positive alternative approach into public and political debate.
The Asylum Reform Initiative is now seeking to appoint its first independent Chair.
This is a unique opportunity for an inclusive, collaborative leader to work with a highly talented and committed team to develop and drive the ARI forward with passion and humility. The Chair will play an integral role in providing inclusive governance leadership, enabling each member to fulfil their duties and responsibilities and to maximise impact.
We are seeking someone with significant experience of leadership and governance, who is deeply committed to reshaping the UK’s approach to refugees and people seeking asylum. A strategic thinker who is willing to engage with relevant policy issues around refugee and asylum.
Furthermore, the ARI’s Chair will be committed to anti-racism and equity, diversity and inclusion, and in particular lived experience inclusion. They will display the highest personal standards regarding integrity and transparency, and be a positive, collaborative, and inclusive leader.
Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: 12th May 2024
Interviews with Prospectus: w/c 20th May 2024
Interviews with the Asylum Reform Initiative: From 3rd June
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising Volunteer – Office based
We're looking for a friendly and enthusiastic person to support the Fundraising Team
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity and membership association for limbless serving and ex-service men and women and their dependants.
We help all wounded servicemen and women who have lost limbs, the use of limbs or eyes, to rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support.
We are looking for a Volunteer to help the Fundraising Team with office tasks. You will be providing practical, administrative and research support across the team. We’re a small and friendly team operating at a national level. Your work will help provide excellent donor care to our supporters, as well as assisting with the smooth running of our office and fundraising activities.
By volunteering with us, you will have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of volunteering for a charity and will contribute to our work supporting injured veterans and their families.
Application process
Please send a covering letter of no more than 500 words explaining why you’re interested in the role, outlining any relevant skills and experience.
If your application is successful, we will contact you and invite you to a brief interview (this could be online or in person)
We look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your interest in Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others.
What you’ll be doing
• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand.
• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss.
• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people.
• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals.
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.
Job Description
Volunteer monitoring work with the IMB gives you the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives. You will listen to prisoners and people in immigration detention, talk to staff and see for yourself what is actually happening behind the walls.
The IMB is recruiting for new members at numerous prisons and at immigration detention centres across England and Wales, and at short term holding facilities across the UK. We are looking for people who live within approximately 30 miles (or one hour) of their closest establishment and can commit the time to make 2 to 3 visits per month, although this may be slightly higher during the first year of training and this can be flexible depending on the needs of the Board and the individual. Please visit the IMB website for a full list of all locations we are recruiting to.
Who are the IMB?
We’re a group of ordinary members of the public, doing an extraordinary job. As a passionate, personable individual, you could join us in making a difference. In this unpaid role, you’ll volunteer your talent and time towards securing a decent day-to-day life for every prisoner and detainee. Under the guidance of dedicated mentors and an extensive training programme, you’ll commit to a flexible schedule of visits to a local establishment each month. Although this is an unpaid role, we pay travel and subsistence expenses, childcare or carer costs and, in certain circumstances, contributions towards loss of earnings. Your observations will have an impact as your Board reports its findings to Ministers in His Majesty’s Government.
About the role
With unrestricted access to these unique environments, you’ll gain a rare insight into all aspects of life in custody. Impartial and highly influential, you can decide what shape your visits should take. As an independent monitor, you may spend time in a specific part of the establishment and choose to have your conversations with prisoners or detainees out of sight or hearing of a member of staff. As well as keeping a close eye on daily operations, you’ll play a crucial role in dealing with problems that arise. This could be in response to a confidential request to see a member of the IMB, or to observe the management of the more serious incidents that occur.
Why join us?
More than anything else, this is a rewarding opportunity that makes a real and meaningful difference to the lives of prisoners, detainees and our wider society. Ministers are obliged to respond to the issues raised in your Board’s report. The environment may seem intimidating at first, but you will be fully supported through your training and accompanied during your visits until you feel ready to manage independently. This highly recognised and respected role could provide the experience that opens doors into other careers within the justice system.
Who are we looking for?
There is no one type of person who could be right for the IMB because it’s not about background or skillset. It’s about having the dedication and passion to ensure all people are being treated fairly. For that reason, we’re looking for individuals from all walks of life who will approach the role with no preconceptions. You will need to be willing to work within a challenging environment and have the confidence to report your findings to senior figures. Most importantly, you will be able to talk to people in a way that makes each prisoner or detainee feel respected and reassured.
Closing date for completed applications is 29 April 2024.
Visit our website for more information and to complete the online application form.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We have a new volunteer opportunity based at Rotherham Probation Office, supporting the Change Grow Live Dependency and Recovery team. We are looking for individuals that have an understanding of the issues faced by the people we support. You'll be passionate about supporting others to change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.
As a Criminal Justice Dependency & Recovery Volunteer, you will work closely with our Dependency and Recovery Coordinators and Prison & Probation Services to deliver a range of tailored activities to adult males who are on probation.
You will assist in delivering drug and alcohol interventions and encourage motivation to support the person on probation to achieve their goals around their substance misuse and offending behaviour.
As a Change Grow Live volunteer you will be part of a supportive team and receive comprehensive training and guidance to develop within the role.
Key Activities:
• Support the D&R Coordinator to deliver recovery focused interventions including drug, alcohol and harm minimisation, offending behaviour, consequential thinking and developing positive coping strategies
• Support in key-working and group sessions
• Work in partnership with and build professional relationships with external organisations, e.g. Probation, Prison and Recovery Services
• Build therapeutic relationships with the people we support
• Empower the people we support to achieve their ‘Action Plan’ goals
• Motivate the people we support to engage in recovery activities within Change Grow Live, Probation and the wider community
• Research and signpost the people we support to Asset Based Community Services e.g. food banks, mental health services, housing, mutual aid
• Remind and empower the people we support to attend appointments and groups
• Input data on to IT systems
• Support the D&R Coordinator at events to promote and provide information about the D&R service
• Collect and collate feedback from the people we support using our services
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for experienced volunteers to support with sessions teaching about sewing and designing, touching on things such as pattern cuttings and sewing techniques.
Hestia provides mental health support across 17 London boroughs and in Kent. Last year, Hestia supported more than 6,000 people across our mental health services.
What you will be doing
- To prepare sewing 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
- Sharing skills for designing such as pattern cutting and sewing techniques.
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
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.