Volunteer roles in cambridge

Are you passionate about fitness and the positive impact it can have on others? Do you hold a fitness qualification and interested in volunteering your time to support people in crisis? If so, we have the perfect role for you!

We know that exercise releases happy endorphins that support us to improve our mood. It also helps reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, provides an opportunity to connect with others and build friendships. Volunteering with us at Hestia, will mean you will play a vital role in supporting people’s overall wellbeing!

We are recruiting volunteers to coordinate and facilitate fitness and general wellbeing sessions online!

What you will be doing

• Design session plans which will enable group members to increase fitness and their general well-being
• Able to recognise the needs of beginners and mixed age/ability groups
• Ensure that everyone taking part has completed a health and wellbeing form, which includes referring those with existing health issues to their GP
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• A skilled and qualified Fitness Instructor
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Willing to participate in supervision and to liaise with Hestia staff as required

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

Are you fluent in French and would like to teach others? We are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to facilitate our online group and support others to improve their conversational and written French. You will be working with a diverse range of age groups and abilities and making a difference to those who would like to learn!

What you will be doing

• To facilitate an online group help people to learn French
• Engage in conversation, allowing individuals to feel supported and comfortable to practice their French
• Prepare session plans for beginners
• Encourage those attending to get involved in discussions

The skills you need

• Fluent in French . Desirable to hold a qualification
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere

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.

Join the Board of SOS Children's Villages UK

Trustee Opportunities - Fundraising & Finance

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children around the world?

SOS Children's Villages UK is seeking passionate, strategic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As part of a global federation operating in over 130 countries, the organisation is at a pivotal moment in its journey - scaling up income, transforming programmes, and amplifying its voice in child protection and advocacy

Finance Trustee

We're seeking a fully qualified accountant with:

* Experience in charity finance (international NGO experience is a plus) or capacity to develop the necessary knowledge and understanding
* Strategic insight into financial performance and risk
* The ability to contribute to the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee

Why Join Us?

* Be part of a positive, inclusive, and high-trust board culture
* Help shape the future of a globally respected organisation
* Contribute to transformational programmes like the Child Protection Hub and global care reform advocacy
* Work alongside a strong executive team and fellow trustees who value innovation, challenge, and collaboration

We welcome applications from both experienced trustees and first-timers. Diversity of thought, background, and age is important to us - so whether you're early in your career or a seasoned professional, we'd love to hear from you.

Time Commitment

* Quarterly board meetings (half-day, with two extended sessions annually)
* Subcommittee involvement (Finance, HR, Safeguarding)
* Approx. half a day of preparation per meeting
* Thorough induction and ongoing support provided

Recruitment timeline:

A Q&A webinar session will be hosted by SOS Children's Villages UK, where they will share further insights and answer any additional questions you may have. Please register your interest in attending this webinar and we will send you a link: on Tuesday 7th October, 6pm-7pm.

-Application deadline: Monday 27th October 2025
-Interview: morning of 18 November or 21 November

How to apply:

Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to SOS Children's Villages UK on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Senior Appointment at Charity People and request a candidate pack. For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Join the Board of SOS Children's Villages UK

Trustee Opportunities - Fundraising & Finance

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children around the world?

SOS Children's Villages UK is seeking passionate, strategic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As part of a global federation operating in over 130 countries, the organisation is at a pivotal moment in its journey - scaling up income, transforming programmes, and amplifying its voice in child protection and advocacy.

Fundraising Trustee

Looking for someone with expertise in:

* Mass market fundraising and communications
* Strategic partnerships and/or philanthropy
* Driving awareness and income in a competitive charity landscape

Why Join Us?

* Be part of a positive, inclusive, and high-trust board culture
* Help shape the future of a globally respected organisation
* Contribute to transformational programmes like the Child Protection Hub and global care reform advocacy
* Work alongside a strong executive team and fellow trustees who value innovation, challenge, and collaboration

We welcome applications from both experienced trustees and first-timers. Diversity of thought, background, and age is important to us - so whether you're early in your career or a seasoned professional, we'd love to hear from you.

Time Commitment

* Quarterly board meetings (half-day, with two extended sessions annually)
* Subcommittee involvement (Finance, HR, Safeguarding)
* Approx. half a day of preparation per meeting
* Thorough induction and ongoing support provided

Recruitment timeline:

A Q&A webinar session will be hosted by SOS Children's Villages UK, where they will share further insights and answer any additional questions you may have. Please register your interest in attending this webinar and we will send you a link: on Tuesday 7th October, 6pm-7pm.

-Application deadline: Monday 27th October 2025
-Interview: morning of 18 November or 21 November

How to apply:
Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to SOS Children's Villages UK on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Senior Appointments at Charity People and request a candidate pack. For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Organisation: Children with Voices
Location: Remote
Hours: 2-3 days per week, flexible
Duration: Minimum 6 months commitment (flexible)
Type: Voluntary

About Us

Children with Voices is grassroots, community-led organisation based in London, working to support children, young people, and families through health, education, sustainability, and youth leadership initiatives. We believe in empowering the next generation with opportunities to grow, develop skills, and make a positive impact in their communities.

Role Summary

We are seeking a proactive and organised Volunteer HR Assistant to support our small but dynamic HR function. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to gain hands-on experience in Human Resources within the charity or community sector. You will assist with a range of HR administrative tasks and contribute to creating a positive and supportive environment for our staff and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

· Assist in maintaining and updating employee and volunteer records

· Support with recruitment admin (e.g. posting roles, shortlisting applications)

· Help prepare onboarding materials and assist with volunteer inductions

· Support internal communication and staff/volunteer engagement initiatives

· Maintain digital filing systems and HR spreadsheets

· Take notes during HR team meetings when required

· Assist in creating or updating HR policy documents or handbooks

· Ensure confidentiality and compliance with GDPR in all administrative work

· Carry out general admin duties as needed and support ad-hoc HR projects

Essential:

· Aged 18 or over with the right to volunteer in the UK

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion

· Good organisational skills and attention to detail

· Ability to manage sensitive information confidentially

· Comfortable using Microsoft Office and Teams

· Willingness to learn and take initiative

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

· Respectful of safeguarding, GDPR, and equality & diversity policies

Requirement

· Studying or recently completed a qualification in:

o Human Resources

o Business Administration

o Psychology or a related field

· Have Previously worked as a HR Assistant or Administrative Assistant in experience (voluntary or paid)

· Familiarity with HR systems

What You Will Gain

· Practical experience in day-to-day HR operations

· Insight into charity governance, recruitment, and volunteer management

· Mentoring and support from experienced professionals

· Opportunity to develop key transferable skills

· Involvement in a supportive and passionate team making a real difference

How to Apply

If you're interested in applying for this volunteer role, please send your CV and a brief statement outlining your interest.

This is an amazing opportunity to work with a fantastic Trustee and staff team to help to lead a truly member-led, mission focused small charity, making a real difference to adoptive families

We are looking for an individual who shares our commitment to supporting adopters and prospective adopters throughout their adoption journey. Ideal candidates will have strong governance knowledge, the capacity to think strategically, work collaboratively and lead the Trustees in making significant contributions to our future.

You will join the Board as the organisation heads into its second decade, with established services, partnerships and a growing membership base. Our quality and consistency of service provision is leading to exciting conversations nationally, and we are looking for our new Chair to help steer us through this next stage of growth.

ROLE DESCRIPTION AND HOW TO APPLY

Key Responsibilities

To advise, govern, oversee policy and direction and assist with the leadership and general promotion of We Are Family to support the organisation’s vision, mission, values and needs.

• Contract: two years unless agreed otherwise on appointment. The Chair is eligible for re-election within their overall period of appointment as a Trustee.
• Hours: circa 8-10 hours per month (including evening meetings)
• Salary: n/a this is a voluntary role, with associated expenses covered
• Location: Remote (UK-based), twice yearly in-person meetings in London

Commitment

• Chair 4 Board meetings per year
• Attend 4 Sub-Committee meetings per year
• Help plan and chair 2 Board away days per year (on a Saturday)
• Regular check-ins with the Director
• Induction meetings with new Trustees as required

Board and committee meetings are held in the evening via Zoom and dates of meetings are distributed a year in advance. The away days are held in person in central London.

Skills and knowledge

All applicants should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Extensive charity governance knowledge;
• Skills or experience in strategic planning, setting targets and monitoring and evaluating performance;
• Good organisational and communication (written and oral) skills;
• Proven track record in senior governance roles;
• Previous Chair or Deputy Chair of a Board of Trustees Experience (desirable); and
• An interest in and understanding of the challenges faced by adoptive parents

Express an interest 

If the opportunity to join an exciting, rapidly growing charity appeals to you as someone able to make a valuable contribution, we would love to hear from you! Please follow the link to our website for further information and details about how to apply.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 3rd October 2025. Please click on 'redirect to recruiter' to visit the volunteers section of our website for further details. 

Volunteer Family Mentor – Southend-on-Sea

Organisation: Volunteering Matters
Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex (and surrounding 3-mile radius)
Commitment: Part-time, flexible – around 1–2 hours per week
Duration: Minimum 6 months
Expenses: Travel and out-of-pocket costs reimbursed
Training: Full training and ongoing support provided

Make a Lasting Impact – One Family at a Time

Are you a good listener with a few hours to spare each week? Do you live in or near Southend-on-Sea? Join the Family Mentors project and support local families facing challenging times.

As a volunteer Family Mentor, you’ll build a trusting relationship with a parent or carer, offering emotional support and practical help. You’ll visit them weekly and walk alongside them as they build resilience and confidence.

No experience is needed – just compassion, reliability, and a commitment to making a difference.

What You’ll Do:

• Visit a local family weekly (in-person)

• Provide emotional and practical support

• Help parents build confidence and access local services

• Be a consistent, friendly presence during tough times

What You’ll Gain:

• Full training and 1:1 support

• Experience working with families and community services

• The satisfaction of helping a local family thrive

• Reimbursement for travel expenses

Who We’re Looking For:

• Aged 18+

• Friendly, patient and non-judgmental

• Able to commit for at least 3 months

• Living in Southend-on-Sea or nearby (within 3 miles)

About ShowerBox

ShowerBox is a registered charity dedicated to providing free, safe showers and essential supplies to people experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment that restores dignity, improves wellbeing, and helps to reduce isolation. We also connect our guests with health clinics and other vital services, supporting them to make long-term, positive changes in their lives.

Founded by our CEO, Sarah Lamptey, in response to the urgent need for accessible hygiene facilities, ShowerBox began in 2018 as a grassroots initiative and became a registered charity in 2021. Since then, it has grown into a multi-site service, operating both independently and in partnership with other organisations.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a dynamic and committed Chair to lead ShowerBox into its next phase of growth. Building on the success achieved since becoming a CIO and expanding to three locations, the Chair will work closely with the CEO to shape the organisation’s future and strengthen its impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing effective strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring sound governance and clear direction.
• Supporting and constructively challenging the CEO, while holding them accountable for delivering agreed objectives.
• Ensuring the Board remains effective and diverse, with the right balance of skills, knowledge, and experience.
• Acting as an ambassador for ShowerBox, representing the charity externally and serving as a spokesperson when appropriate.
• Safeguarding the charity’s values, reputation, and financial sustainability.

We are looking for someone who can bring:

• A strong commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness and hygiene poverty.
• Previous experience as a Trustee or Board member (experience as a Chair of a voluntary organisation is highly desirable).
• A solid understanding of the legal, financial, and governance responsibilities of trusteeship.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to chair meetings effectively.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative approach.
• The time, energy, and commitment to support a small but growing charity.

Time commitment and terms:

• The Chair of Trustees is appointed for a renewable term of two years.
• Expected time commitment: up to two days per month, with flexibility for additional time during new projects or unexpected challenges.
• Board meetings are held four times a year (mostly online), with occasional subcommittees and events depending on interest and expertise.
• This is an unpaid voluntary role; reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining why you are interested in working with ShowerBox. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:                                                           

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

At Finance Innovation Lab we believe in a financial system that serves people and planet. Our financial system has become disconnected from the real needs of people, the environment, the wider economy and society. It doesn’t have to be this way. Could you help us change it?

About the roles

We’re looking for up to three new trustees to join our board from January 2026. Fully remote participation is possible.

You'll use your expertise to help the Lab be more effective and impactful, while gaining insights into our work and experience of charity governance and leadership. During 2026, there may also be an opportunity to take on the role of Chair, co-Chair, or Vice Chair.

All roles are voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed, including childcare or other caring costs if this is needed to attend meetings.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking in particular for people with experience in:

• Financial sector policy: at the Lab, we work to change the policies and rules which shape and govern the financial system, so it can deliver more socially, economically and environmentally just outcomes. Do you have experience developing, influencing or driving government policy, legislation or regulation for the financial sector?  This could be either from within or outside the mechanisms of power. Could you help us to achieve our goals?

• Communications: effective communications are key to our work, and an area where we're looking to grow and improve. If you've got experience in media or digital comms, and would be willing to support and mentor the team as we develop our skills and capacity, we'd love to hear from you.

• Fundraising: the majority of our funding currently comes from trusts and foundation grants, plus we’re working on building our earned income streams. In future we’d also like to explore individual giving. Do you have relevant experience in these areas you’d enjoy sharing?

We’re also keen to hear from candidates with the relevant expertise to join our Finance and Operational Risk Committee, and/or our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion working group. You can read more about these in the attached Trustee Recruitment Pack.

We recognise that people's backgrounds and the identities they hold have a significant effect on the ways that they experience and are impacted by the financial system. We know that our own work will be stronger if it is directly informed by a diversity of perspectives, including from those most negatively impacted by the current financial system. We therefore particularly welcome applications from people with backgrounds or identities that are currently under-represented on our board and team, including those from Global Majority backgrounds, neurodivergent people, disabled and/or chronically ill people, those with lived experience of financial exclusion, and women and non-binary genders. For info, you can find the results of our 2024 diversity survey results on our website.

You must feel confident in supporting the team and the board by providing advice and input on your areas of expertise, based on your experience. However, previous experience of serving on a board of trustees is not required, and we provide training and mentoring on fulfilling the obligations required of a trustee.

Our Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We believe that justice, equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to what we are trying to achieve.

We are committed to providing equality and fairness for all and not to discriminate on any grounds, including gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, mental health, religion or age.

You can read more about this, including the concrete steps we commit to during this process, in the Trustee Recruitment Pack.

Campus Cares

Campus Cares is building a movement to improve the mental well-being of Nigerian university students, where suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people and nearly one in five shows signs of anxiety or depression. Barriers like stigma, underfunded campus counseling, and economic hardship prevent most from seeking help. 

Campus Cares tackles these challenges through a youth-centered model that combines peer-led workshops, free counseling, and digital outreach. Student “Mental Health Ambassadors” lead stigma-breaking sessions, while licensed therapists provide confidential drop-in counseling and tele-health support. Digital campaigns and resource toolkits extend impact to thousands more students. During exams, stress-management programs create safe spaces for coping and connection. 

By integrating awareness, access, and advocacy, Campus Cares ensures no student suffers in silence—building a culture where mental wellness is a right, not a privilege, and driving systemic change aligned with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Graphic Designer

• Design engaging visual content for social media campaigns, toolkits, and reports on mental health awareness.
• Create infographics that simplify complex mental health information for young people.
• Support branding for events, workshops, and our digital mental health hub.

Minimum Hours per Week

2-3 hours per week

Duration

3-4 weeks

Campus Cares

Campus Cares is building a movement to improve the mental well-being of Nigerian university students, where suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people and nearly one in five shows signs of anxiety or depression. Barriers like stigma, underfunded campus counseling, and economic hardship prevent most from seeking help.

Campus Cares tackles these challenges through a youth-centered model that combines peer-led workshops, free counseling, and digital outreach. Student “Mental Health Ambassadors” lead stigma-breaking sessions, while licensed therapists provide confidential drop-in counseling and tele-health support. Digital campaigns and resource toolkits extend impact to thousands more students. During exams, stress-management programs create safe spaces for coping and connection.

By integrating awareness, access, and advocacy, Campus Cares ensures no student suffers in silence—building a culture where mental wellness is a right, not a privilege, and driving systemic change aligned with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Fundraising & Partnerships Associate

- Identify grant opportunities, corporate sponsors, and donor prospects aligned with youth mental health. - Develop creative fundraising campaigns (online & offline) to sustain Campus Cares programs. - Build and manage partnerships with organizations and stakeholders to expand reach and credibility.

Minimum Hours per Week

7-9 hours per week

Duration

3-5 months

About Us

My Black Dog is a charity that offers anonymous, peer to peer mental health support through our web-chat service. We are committed to making a positive impact on mental health in the UK as we tackle an epidemic that millions of people face.

We were founded on the motto "talk to someone who gets it". We want to connect people who share lived experiences to provide an empathetic, non-judgmental space where everybody understands how it feels to experience mental health struggles.

Position Overview

Our web-chat service is run by our Volunteer Pack, each of whom have their own lived experience of mental health challenges. In addition, each shift has a 'Leader' and a 'Mentor'. These are Volunteers who carry out specific roles during the shift and, together, ensure its success:

• Leaders - Managers of the shift. There to ensure the shift runs as it should. They support and guide Volunteers through chats and follow safeguarding processes when an alert is raised. They escalate safeguarding alerts to the shift's Designated Safeguarding Lead (a trained professional). They also complete a 'Shift Handover' document once the shift is completed.
• Mentors - There to support and guide Volunteers through chats. Will take over from the Leader if there are safeguarding issues that need the Leader's attention and/or if the Leader needs a break.

As My Black Dog looks to expand our opening hours, we are looking to recruit additional Leaders and Mentors who can run shifts and cover additional shifts as necessary. We are looking to fill the following positions and shifts:

• Leader, Mondays (5pm - 7pm)
• Mentor, Mondays (5pm - 7pm)
• Leader, Thursdays (5pm - 7pm)
• Mentor, Thursdays (5pm - 7pm)
• Mentor, Fridays (7pm - 10pm)
• Leader, Saturdays (TBC*)
• Mentor, Saturdays (TBC*)
• Leader, Sundays (5pm - 7pm)

*We are currently finalising future opening hours on Saturday. Please apply for this particular shift if general availabilty on Saturdays is good.

Leaders and Mentors will be assigned a shift based on your availability and preference. The expectation is that Leaders and Mentors will form a ‘pair’ and, together, will do one shift at the same time each week. This is to provide stability, predictability and to encourage community-building between Volunteers. Shifts are 2-3 hours long. We may ask you to cover another shift when we are short, but you will never do more than 6 hours per week.

Training will be provided and you will be supported on shift by a Designated Safeguarding Lead, who will manage all safeguarding issues.

The work you will do as Leaders and Mentors will ensure we provide the best possible service to our Guests. You will also be helping our Volunteer Pack to do what we do best: helping those in need by speaking to someone who 'gets it'.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for people who have experienced their own journey with mental health and are in a strong position to support others. We ask that our Leaders and Mentors:

• Are strongly committed to helping others
• Have experienced mental health issues in order to relate to those seeking help
• Are collaborative and enjoy working with others
• Are encouraging and supportive
• Are organised and can monitor several things at once
• Can remain calm and focused during busy times and when safeguarding alerts are raised
• Are 18 years and over 
• Can commit the time to a regular weekly shift

Role Responsibilities

1. Supervise and support Volunteers whilst on shift with general enquiries, positive feedback and signposting.
2. Assist with general volunteering enquiries whilst on shift. Provide time for guidance, instruction and de-briefing for Volunteers if required.
3. Follow Leaders & Mentors processes including unexpected absence reporting, Volunteer check-in and check-out, and completing Shift Handovers.
4. Monitor web-chat conversations and ensure all chats are tagged.
5. Maintain ability to listen, remain calm and provide intervention if necessary.
6. Be able to have difficult and often complex conversations about mental health, including Guests experiencing crisis and first-stage intervention support.
7. If a Leader, work alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) when safeguarding risks are identified and, if a Mentor, take over responsibility for shifts when Leader and DSL have to address a safeguarding crisis.
8. Exercise discretion in handling confidential situations and information, conveying sensitive information in a timely manner to necessary individuals.
9. Provide written follow up of shifts via handover, ensuring all necessary information is handed over at the end of the shift.
10. Adhere to all standards, policies and procedures of My Black Dog.

Please note: An Enhanced DBS Certificate is required for this role. If you do not have one, My Black Dog will arrange the DBS Check for you.

With an ageing population, more and more older people are at risk of isolation and loneliness as partners and friends pass away, children and grandchildren move away and the community around them changes at a fast pace.  As a Befriender you will become part of the solution to tackling the issues of isolation and loneliness by developing strong relationships with clients and encouraging them to engage in a variety of ways.

Main activities/tasks:

• Visit an older person in their home once a week for up to 2h
• Spend time getting to know them and to understand what things they may like to do at home (e.g. chess, knitting, reading)
• Offer healthy and fun conversation and encourage them to talk
• Give support to enable them to get out in the community and encourage participation in activities.
• Promote healthy living and wellbeing.
• Accompany on hospital visits or to the GP. Go for a walk, or shopping
• Support older person to find information as requested.
• Make monthly reports on visits carried out