Volunteer volunteer roles in Cumbria or North west

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

We want individuals who are willing to spare to time to help with the wider operation of our network from supporting us in delivering community education, fundraising and admin. This role does not limit you to one area you can become involved in various areas of the network and support with enthusiasm.

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates: Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, times to be advised. Training for role - Date, times to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Are you interested in helping to save wildlife? We are Swan Lifeline, based on Cuckoo Weir Island in Eton Berkshire, and our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured waterfowl.

We’re dependant on Volunteers and offer a very rewarding experience where you will learn lots and share amazing experiences as we transform lives. This volunteering role involves attending waterfowl who need rescuing and/or transporting to our site in Eton. 

We’re looking for 2 types of specialist Volunteers: You could do either or both.

Rescuer (Home based): Rescuing swans and other waterfowl from home. You’ll only do simple rescues to start with i.e. moving a swan from a garden or road etc. (beginners will not be asked to attend water-based rescues). Requires confidence handling large birds (full training given) and a good level of physical fitness. We will set you up with equipment.

Driver: Collecting waterfowl (usually ducklings, cygnets, geese etc.) and dropping them to our site or transporting birds to a different rescue centre.

We do have a few requirements for the Rescue and Driver Volunteer role:

· You live no more than 50 miles radius from postcode SL4 6SS

· You have a full, clean driving license and your own vehicle

· You can work independently once fully trained (full training given at our site in Eton)

· Are over the age of 18 (sadly, our insurance doesn’t cover Minors)

· You have a passion for Swans and are comfortable (after training) handling large birds

· You are willing to join the WhatsApp group that we use to communicate. We post rescues and collections to the WA group, and we ask you to respond if you are able to go. There is no obligation to respond or attend if you are unable.

We are looking for a Volunteer Investigative Journalist to research, uncover, and report stories that align with our mission. This role is ideal for students, hobbyists, career changers, or those with lived experience who want to tell stories about social injustice, trauma, and community issues.

You will work closely with the Volunteer Editorial Lead, who will guide editing, fact-checking, and narrative development, ensuring every story is polished and impactful.
 
Key Responsibilities
Story Research
•        Identify potential stories related to CSA awareness, safeguarding, survivor experiences, or systemic issues
•        Conduct responsible research to verify facts and context
•        Identify individuals or sources willing to share their story
Interviews & Story Development
•        Conduct interviews via online platforms or in person where appropriate
•        Develop stories in a respectful, trauma-informed way
•        Work with the editorial lead to shape stories into publishable content
Ethical Journalism
•        Prioritise consent, confidentiality, and safeguarding
•        Ensure stories are handled with care and sensitivity
•        Protect the dignity and safety of individuals sharing their experiences
Reporting Output
•        Aim to produce one story per month or at an agreed pace
 
Types of Stories We Encourage
Stories may include:
•        Survivor journeys and recovery stories
•        Community awareness and prevention efforts
•        Failures or gaps in safeguarding systems from whistleblowers, retired professionals, etc
•        Advocacy work and survivor support initiatives
•        Cultural or societal issues surrounding abuse disclosure
•        Investigative pieces highlighting systemic concerns
The focus should always remain respectful, responsible, and survivor-centred.
 
Skills & Experience (Helpful but Not Required)
We welcome individuals at beginner to intermediate to expert level who are eager to continuous learning.
Helpful experience includes:
•        Journalism, media, or writing experience
•        Interviewing and research skills
•        Interest in investigative storytelling
•        Podcasting, documentary, or narrative journalism
•        Academic study in journalism, sociology, criminology, psychology, or law
Lived experience and a passion for truth-telling and social awareness are highly valued.
 
Personal Qualities
We are looking for volunteers who are:
•        Curious and thoughtful researchers
•        Compassionate and respectful listeners
•        Ethical in handling sensitive topics
•        Comfortable speaking with people about difficult experiences
•        Committed to responsible storytelling
Because this role involves sensitive subject matter, emotional maturity and ethical awareness are essential.
 
Working Arrangement
This role is remote and flexible.
Volunteers may:
•        Conduct interviews online from anywhere in the world
•        Investigate stories within their local communities
•        Work independently while receiving editorial guidance
This allows volunteers to pursue stories within their own environment or network.
 
What You Will Gain
•        Real investigative journalism experience
•        Opportunity to build a portfolio of meaningful stories 
•        Opportunity to apply for paid positions once C.I.C grows
•        Mentorship and editorial guidance
•        Experience working with a mission-driven C.I.C
•        Opportunity to contribute to awareness and social impact
 
Important Note
Due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter, all stories must be handled with:
•        Full consent from participants
•        Respect for confidentiality
•        Survivor-centred ethics
Tell My Truth & Shame the Devil C.I.C. prioritises dignity, safety, and responsible storytelling in all work we publish.
 
How to Apply
Please send:
•        A short introduction about yourself
•        Your interest in investigative storytelling
•        Any writing, research, or media work (if available)

Students, early-career journalists, and individuals with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

ReviveBattery

We regenerate lead-acid batteries two to three times, restoring most capacity and avoiding energy-intensive recycling.

Finance Volunteer

Finance Volunteer (Remote)

 Duration: 3–6 months (Unpaid) • 20 hrs/week (flexible)
Reports to: Founder / Finance Advisor

### **About Revive Battery B.V.**

Revive Battery is a sustainability-focused startup transforming the energy sector through Battery regeneration and circular economy solutions. Based in the Netherlands, we extend lead-acid battery life, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact through our innovative regeneration technology. Our work bridges sustainability, clean technology, and financial innovation to build a greener, more efficient energy future.

### **Role Summary**

As a Finance Volunteer, you will support the development of business and financial models that drive Revive Battery’s growth and impact. You will work closely with the founder and advisors to structure financial data, forecast performance, and analyze market potential. This role offers hands-on exposure to financial planning in a sustainability startup, where finance meets technology and impact.

### **Key Responsibilities**

• Assist in creating detailed financial models for new and ongoing projects.

• Support the development of business models, revenue projections, and cost analyses.

• Conduct financial forecasting, scenario modeling, and break-even analysis.

• Prepare budgeting and expense tracking frameworks for internal use.

• Research market data to support valuation, pricing strategies, and investor materials.

• Contribute to preparing pitch decks, funding proposals, and financial reports.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align financial models with business objectives.

  
  **Requirements**

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Proficiency in Excel, Google Sheets, or financial modeling tools.

• Strong analytical and numerical reasoning skills.

• Understanding of financial statements, forecasting, and valuation concepts.

• Ability to translate data into actionable insights and visual reports.

• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently.

• Interest in sustainability, clean energy, and circular economy finance is a strong advantage.

Additional Requirements (Preferred / Mandatory depending on role level):

• Certification in Claude AI
• Certification in LLM tools / AI applications
• Certification in Prompt Engineering
• Demonstrated ability to apply AI tools for finance and workflow optimization is highly desirable

### **Learning Opportunities**

• Gain hands-on experience in financial modeling and startup finance.
• Learn how to design sustainable business models aligned with environmental goals.
• Work directly with leadership on fundraising strategy and investor readiness.
• Build a strong understanding of the financial side of green technology ventures.
• Receive mentorship from experienced finance and sustainability professionals.
   

What We Offer

• Exposure to real-world financial planning in a sustainability-driven startup.
• Flexible remote working schedule and collaborative global environment.
• Mentorship and practical learning from experienced founders and advisors.
• Certificate of completion and reference letter upon successful internship.
• A chance to contribute meaningfully to sustainable business innovation.
   

How to Apply

Please apply directly through We Make Change by submitting your profile and a brief note on your interest in the role. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage.
Compensation: No financial compensation

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Period Reality

We share real menstrual stories worldwide to educate, normalize cycles, and inspire self-understanding.

Graphic Designer

Why this role matters

Visual storytelling is a powerful part of how we communicate at Period Reality. From social media to educational resources, design helps make complex topics clear, engaging, and accessible. This role is key to bringing our ideas to life visually and ensuring our content resonates with the people we serve.

What you’ll do

• Design engaging social media graphics for platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn etc.

• Create one-pagers, reports, and visual resources for internal and external use

• Design downloadable materials such as guides, tools, and educational content

• Design infographics that simplify complex topics around menstrual health and gender equity

• Collaborate with different teams to bring ideas to life

• Maintain visual consistency across all designs in line with our brand guide

• Contribute new creative ideas

What we’re looking for

• A creative designer with a strong eye for layout, colour, and visual storytelling

• Experience in designing for social media and digital platforms

• Comfortable creating a range of materials (graphics, infographics, documents, etc.)

• Proficient in design tools (e.g. Canva, Adobe Suite, Figma, etc.)

• Able to translate complex ideas into clear and engaging visuals

• Proactive, self-driven, able to manage tasks independently and commit time

• Collaborative and open to feedback

• Aligned with our mission and comfortable working in an impact-driven environment

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Pepala

We redirect surplus UK school supplies to under-resourced Malawian schools, reducing waste and restoring dignity.

Fundraising Manager

Pepala is growing, and so is our impact. This year, we’re looking for a committed volunteer who can help us build new partnerships and secure additional sponsors to expand our work delivering surplus educational resources to children in Malawi. If you’re passionate about equity, UK sustainability, and joyful community impact, this role is a chance to shape something powerful.

�� What You’ll Help Us Achieve

Fundraising Strategy & Development

• Work with the Pepala team to understand our core programs, current budget, and areas where additional support can unlock greater impact.
• Help shape a clear fundraising plan that identifies the most promising income streams—corporate sponsorships, grants, individual giving, and digital campaigns.

Grant Research & Proposal Support

• Proactively research grant opportunities from foundations, trusts, and philanthropic organisations aligned with education, sustainability, and global equity.
• Draft compelling letters of inquiry, concept notes, and grant proposals using data, stories, and impact evidence from our work in Malawi.
• Support the maintenance of a grants calendar to track deadlines, submissions, and reporting needs.

Individual Giving & Crowdfunding

• Contribute ideas and support for online fundraising campaigns that centre dignity, joy, and community.
• Help us grow a base of individual supporters—especially monthly donors—through creative engagement strategies.
• Draft fundraising messages for newsletters and social media in collaboration with our Communications volunteers.

Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships

• Research and build a pipeline of potential corporate partners, philanthropic networks, and aligned organisations.
• Assist in developing sponsorship packages and partnership proposals that clearly communicate Pepala’s mission, values, and impact.
• Support outreach efforts to secure new sponsors for 2026–27, especially those who can contribute resources, funding, or in‑kind support.

Donor Care & Stewardship

• Help create heartfelt, dignified materials to thank donors and show the real-world impact of their contributions—impact updates, thank‑you notes, and short reports.
• Support efforts to nurture long-term, values-aligned relationships with funders and partners.

�� What You Bring

• Curiosity, initiative, and a passion for educational equity.
• Strong writing or research skills (or a willingness to learn).
• A collaborative spirit—Pepala is built on collective achievement.
• An interest in fundraising, partnerships, or social impact work.

✨ Why This Role Matters

Every new sponsor or partner you help bring in directly translates into more children accessing books, school supplies, and opportunities they’ve long been denied. Your contribution will shape Pepala’s next chapter and help us scale our impact with dignity and joy.

Pepala

We redirect surplus UK school supplies to under-resourced Malawian schools, reducing waste and restoring dignity.

Content Creator

Pepala is a UK-based not-for-profit transforming surplus educational resources into educational opportunity for children in Malawi. We believe in the power of storytelling, dignity, and design and we’re looking for a creative volunteer to help us bring that vision to life online.
✨ What You’ll Do

• Manage and grow Pepala’s presence on Instagram and LinkedIn by dropping regularly content
• Create e-posters and other digital assets - thanking our donors who donate "stuff" that would otherwise end up in UK landfill
• Create visually powerful content using Canva or other tools
• Design posts that highlight our impact, partnerships, and stories from Malawi
• Collaborate with our team to shape content
• Help us build a consistent, emotive brand voice across platforms
• Occasionally edit short videos or reels to amplify engagement

�� What You’ll Bring

• A passion for visual storytelling and social impact
• Experience with Canva or similar design tools
• Familiarity with Instagram and LinkedIn best practices
• A keen eye for layout, typography, and tone
• Ability to work independently and respond to feedback with grace
• Bonus: experience with video editing or motion graphics

Ideally I am looking for someone with creative flare and happy to work with minimal oversight. 

I'd love someone to make our social media pages consistent in terms of branding guidelines which I can share but have not followed due to time!

Please get in touch with you have the capacity to join us. I've posted this role two times already and both times the offer was made but the person did not follow through sadly. Please only apply if you have the capacity. 

Minimum Hours per Week:

0-1 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

CutOff Recycle

We convert human hair waste into organic fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.

Digital Marketing & Storytelling

About Us

CutOff Recycle turns waste into value—creating organic fertilizers from human hair while supporting farmers and waste collectors.

Role Overview

We’re looking for a creative storyteller to help us share our impact with the world and grow our digital presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and manage content for LinkedIn, Instagram, and other platforms
• Develop storytelling content (videos, posts, impact stories)
• Assist in building a consistent brand voice
• Suggest and execute growth strategies

What We’re Looking For

• Creativity and strong communication skills
• Basic design or content creation skills (Canva, CapCut, etc.)
• Interest in sustainability and startups
• Self-driven and proactive attitude

What You’ll Gain

• Build a global portfolio in impact storytelling
• Work directly with a growing startup
• Creative freedom and ownership
• Recommendation + potential long-term role

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

CutOff Recycle

We convert human hair waste into organic fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.

Grant Writer

About Us

CutOff Recycle is a Tanzania-based circular economy startup transforming human hair waste into organic fertilizers for smallholder farmers. We’ve diverted over 4 tons of waste from landfills and created income opportunities for 350+ individuals.

Role Overview

We are looking for a passionate Grant Writer to help us unlock funding opportunities and scale our environmental and social impact globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and identify relevant grants (climate, agriculture, circular economy, ESG)
• Write and submit compelling grant proposals
• Support fundraising strategy and documentation
• Maintain a database of funding opportunities and deadlines

What We’re Looking For

• Strong writing and research skills
• Experience (or interest) in grant writing or fundraising
• Passion for sustainability, climate, or social impact
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

What You’ll Gain

• Real-world experience in climate finance
• Contribution to a high-impact African startup
• Recommendation letter + portfolio work
• Potential for long-term paid engagement

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Lightup Impact

We equip and fund youth grassroots leaders in East Africa to scale community-led solutions.

Social Media Manager - Volunteer Support

Role Description Join Lightup Impact as a volunteer and be part of a passionate team driving real change for young people and women across East Africa — where your creativity, voice, and ideas truly matter!

What you’ll do:

• Manage Lightup Impact’s social media platforms and create engaging content.
• Work closely with communications team, especially designers.
• Improve and update content strategy.
• Ensure that content is posted timely on all channels.
• Strengthen overall social media visibility and engagement.

Skills we’re looking for:

• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Experience in social media management. 
• Experience in content creation for linkedin, instagram, facebook and twitter.
• Strong organization, project management and collaborative skills.
• Willingness to learn and a can-do changemaker attitude.

What you’ll gain:

• Be part of a creative, dynamic team.
• Contribute to positive change for young people and women across East Africa.
• Exposure to startup and impact-driven environments.
• Opportunity to network, develop new skills, and strengthen your professional profile.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

LaLa Speaks Foundation

We deliver culturally rooted brain-aneurysm outreach connecting underserved communities to screenings, resources, and recovery.

Social Media & Content Volunteer

LaLa Speaks Foundation is seeking a Social Media & Content Volunteer to help grow visibility for a rising brain health awareness movement. Created in honor of Jacqueline “LaLa” Rhone, our nonprofit is dedicated to brain aneurysm awareness, education, and advocacy.

This volunteer will support digital storytelling and campaign visibility for our flagship awareness experience, Silent Sounds, Loud Impact, along with key public awareness moments tied to brain health, advocacy, and community engagement.

Responsibilities may include:

• scheduling and organizing social media content
• drafting captions and short-form content
• supporting campaign content for awareness days, events, and community outreach
• monitoring engagement and helping maintain a consistent online presence
• identifying content ideas that help amplify our message in a relatable way

We are looking for someone who is:

• creative and organized
• comfortable with social media platforms and content planning
• a strong writer with attention to tone and detail
• passionate about using digital storytelling for community impact

This role is ideal for someone who wants to help expand life-saving awareness through content, consistency, and mission-driven communication.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Why we want you

As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered. 

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.