Volunteer roles in east of england

We are looking for volunteers who have experience of parenting.We are always looking for people with a genuine desire to make a difference to their local community to volunteer with us. Our aim is to support families with young children when they need us the most.

We are looking for both men and women.

We asked that volunteers are able to commit to the training involved, as well 2- 3 hours a week over at least 6 months to support a family.

All volunteers will be required to complete a DBS check.

The main support offered by volunteers is befriending families by visiting them in their homes on a weekly basis. Volunteers will usually have parenting experience and give free emotional and practical help to any parent, with at least one child under five.

By visiting a family in their own home and offering friendship, Home-Start volunteers represent a lifeline for many families who are finding it hard to cope.
 

What are the benefits of volunteering?

• You will be helping a family to cope with the pressures they are facing and make a real difference to the lives of parents and their children.
• You will receive support and training to prepare you for all aspects of your role with Home-Start.
• You will make new friends and have lots of fun.
• You will develop new skills and have some good experience to add to your CV.
• You will be involved in on-going training – enhancing personal and skills development.
• Improved health and well-being.
• Improve transferable skills and enhance work prospects.
• Improve self-confidence.
• Out of pocket expenses will be paid

As a Volunteer Fundraising Co-ordinator, you will lead our volunteer fundraising team – including a Fundraising Assistant – to develop and deliver fundraising activities that help sustain and grow our vital services.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and support a small volunteer fundraising team, including a Fundraising Assistant
• Develop and implement a creative and effective fundraising strategy
• Organise community fundraising events and campaigns
• Identify and engage potential donors, sponsors, and grant opportunities
• Promote fundraising initiatives through local networks and social media
• Collaborate with staff, trustees, and volunteers to meet fundraising targets

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Creativity and enthusiasm for event planning
• Good communication and teamwork
• Experience in planning or assisting with events (desirable but not essential)
• A commitment to Home-Start Bromley’s mission and values

What You’ll Gain:

• Event planning experience in the charity sector
• The chance to make a real difference in your community
• Training, support, and the opportunity to work with a passionate team
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses

What are we looking for?

• Experience in fundraising, marketing, events, or project management (voluntary or professional)
• Experienced bid writer
• Strong leadership and team coordination skills
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities
• A proactive, creative, and hands-on approach
• Commitment to Home-Start Bromley’s values and mission

What difference will you make?

As our Volunteer Fundraising Co-ordinator, your leadership and creativity will play a vital role in securing the funds we need to support vulnerable families across Bromley.

Every event you organise, every donation you help bring in, and every connection you build will directly enable us to train volunteers, provide practical support to parents, and give young children the best possible start in life.

Your efforts will ensure that no family has to face difficult times alone

We are looking for volunteers to develop a new events and fundraising team to support our organisational goals and to achieve fundraising targets.   The will  team be involved in planning and coordinating fundraising activities with the Scheme manager.

Main purpose of the role:

• Organise and oversee activities and project to raise funds (Gala Dinner,  workshops. Golf days, walks/runs Empowerment Conferences).
• Identify and build relationship with potential donors
• Raise awareness of the charity’s aims, goals and financial needs

What are we looking for?

• Volunteers will need to have experience of event planning and/or fundraising
• Creative and innovative
• Excellent communication and marketing skills
• Digital and IT literate
• Good organisational skills
• Problem solving/solution focussed approach
• Have an interest in supporting children and families

What difference will you make?

The role is crucial to ensuring that we can provide effective support to the families that we serve, and to provide the continuity of our services.  The events and fundraising organisers ensure that we are able to raise our local profile and effectively fund our support services to implement our long term strategic plan.

We are looking for a patient and chatty volunteer who can communicate with a clear and loud voice, to visit a lovely gentleman in his 70s in Woolwich. His love for music is something he would love to share with a visitor, enjoying the 50s, 60s and 70s through sound.

This gentleman is blind and communicates differently depending on the day. His engagement may fluctuate between quietly appreciating your company and loving a long chat. Your visit would be a gentle check-in — sharing a cuppa, a chat, and simply being present.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year and, in many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is a Check in visit role, meaning that your visits are likely to be short - on average 30 minutes or less. Some of the people we visit may be unable to communicate with words. Sometimes the person might choose not to meet with their visitor. Your visit is however very important, and these are some of the things you could be doing on a visit:

• Checking in on their well-being and speak to support staff to get an update on how the person is doing

• You might be able to bring a treat that the person enjoys, like chocolates or fruit.

• Some people we support enjoy sensory experiences so items that will stimulate their senses can also help you create a sense of connection with the person you visit.  Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions.                                                              

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

- Friendly and approachable

- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

- Reliable and patient

- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit

- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training

- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed

- Meet new people

- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

About Mencap 

Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Luminate 

Chair 

Voluntary Position with reasonable expenses 

About Luminate
Luminate is Scotland’s creative ageing organisation – the national leader in supporting and promoting creativity as part of ageing. Working across the country, Luminate ensures that older people’s creativity can thrive, whatever their circumstances, experience, interests or ambitions.

The organisation develops and supports creative practice in many different settings, working with artists, cultural organisations, community groups and social care providers. Its projects explore and test new ways of working, often engaging new communities, while sharing learning to support others across the arts, care, learning and third sectors. Luminate also offers networking, training and professional development opportunities for those involved in creative ageing.

Luminate’s work challenges stereotypes of ageing and advocates for increased cultural provision with, for and by older people.

Recent highlights include:
• Leading Scotland’s Dementia Inclusive Singing network, offering development opportunities for singing group leaders and providing resources for choirs and community groups.
• Awarding bursaries to emerging older artists who have begun their professional arts careers later in life, reaching those who might not access support through traditional routes.
• Launching a Creative Ageing Artist in Residence in Forfar, in partnership with Angus Health and Social Care Partnership and Voluntary Action Angus — the first step towards a wider Angus programme planned for 2026.
• Collaborating with We Are Here Scotland on a new initiative bringing together Black and Global Majority artists to explore creative engagement with older people.

The Opportunity
Luminate is seeking a new Chair to lead its Board of Trustees as the current Chair’s term comes to an end. The organisation is looking for someone who shares its passion for creativity and ageing, and who can provide thoughtful and inclusive leadership to support its next chapter.

The shortlisted candidate will be invited to attend a Board meeting as an observer in March 2026. 

About the Role
As well as fulfilling the responsibilities of a Trustee, the Chair provides leadership to the Board and works closely with the Director to ensure that Luminate continues to thrive. The Chair helps to guide the organisation’s strategic direction and supports the Board to carry out its role effectively. They also represent Luminate externally from time to time, acting as an ambassador with partners, funders and other stakeholders, and attending selected artistic events during the year.

The Chair leads four Board meetings each year, along with one awayday. Meetings are usually held in Edinburgh, with the option to join remotely as part of Luminate’s hybrid approach. This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

About You
Luminate is seeking a Chair who is genuinely enthusiastic about the organisation’s mission and who brings sound judgement, openness and a collaborative approach.

Candidates for the role of Chair should bring:
• A strong interest in and commitment to Luminate’s work.
• An understanding of the responsibilities and duties of a charity trustee.
• A commitment to being well-informed and engaged with Luminate’s activities.
• Openness, integrity and respect in working with colleagues and staff.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Previous experience of charity board membership.
• Ideally, prior experience of chairing a charitable organisation (though this is not essential).
• Confidence in representing an organisation externally and engaging with a range of stakeholders.

This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who values creativity, inclusion and the contribution of older people to Scotland’s cultural life, and who would like to play a leading role in shaping the future of this pioneering organisation.

Home-Start Croydon is a charity dedicated to helping parents give their children the best possible start in life.

 As a volunteer, you will help run a warm and welcoming peer-to-peer stay and play group for families with children aged 0–5. You will engage with parents, share information about local services, and take part in play activities that encourage children to learn and explore.

 Your support will help strengthen community bonds, promote inclusion, and reduce isolation—creating a safe, supportive space where families and children can flourish and thrive.

Role title: Stay & Play Group Volunteer

Hours: 3 hours per week, term-time only

Key activities

v Setting up the group room and tidying up afterwards

v Chatting with parents and making them feel welcome

v Making refreshments for adults/healthy snacks for children

v  Encouraging children to play and explore

v  Participating with the families in the activities organised for the day

v Inspiring parents to build friendships and support networks amongst themselves

v  Providing information on childcare options / signposting to local services for families (training provided)

v  Being attentive, observant, able to read situations and respond with care

v  Building a good knowledge of your own community and links with local families

v Collaborating and coordinating with fellow volunteers to ensure sessions run smoothly

v Recording and documenting basic but essential information needed for funding purposes

v Attending training

v  Regularly meeting with the Parent Champion Coordinator and other volunteers to share good practice

Skills and Experience

v  Have experience of being a parent or carer

v  Have a positive experience of using formal childcare and local family services

v  Having an understanding of professional and personal boundaries

v  Being warm, jovial and welcoming with the families and colleagues

v  Have a non-judgemental attitude, able to communicate and listen with kindness and understanding

v  Have the ability to empathise with some of the difficulties parents face

v  Be able to work collaboratively in small teams

v  Have an awareness of Confidentiality and Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults (training provided)

v  Have knowledge of and commitment to equal opportunities, fairness and diversity

v  Be able to keep basic records as requested by Home-Start Croydon

Prospective volunteers will be contacted and invited to attend an induction training course provided by Home-Start Croydon and Coram Family and Childcare. An enhanced DBS check is required and will be carried out as part of the application process by Home-Start.

Home-Start Croydon is committed to safe recruitment practice as an important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults.

This role involves volunteering with families who may be going through difficult times. It is essential that candidates are in a stable and positive place themselves, meet the above criteria, and are prepared to work sensitively and responsibly with families. Home-Start Croydon reserves the right to decline any volunteer application if the individual does not meet the requirements or if it is considered not suitable for the families’ well-being.

Role Description

As the helpline volunteer, you will be providing support to those that have experienced sexual violence and provide emotional support and information around our services. You will help empower our callers to make their own decisions and provide them with a space to talk about how they feel .

Benefits

As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to

• 8-week training around the impact of sexual violence on survivors

• Increased confidence and interpersonal skills

• You will be part of a support wider team with North London Rape Crisis

• Play a pivotal role in delivering services.

• Gain hands on experience in a dynamic charity working in the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Sector.

• Work as part of a feminist organisation.

Skills and Qualifications Required

An understanding of the issues faced by survivors and a desire to build on this.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Approachable and empathetic

• Non-judgemental.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Reliable, flexible with good time management

• An interest in sexual violence and its impact on women and children.

Training Opportunities

Volunteers will be able to access Solace Women’s Aid’s induction and internal volunteer training programme. Full support will be given to help volunteers understand and carry out any aspect of the role as appropriate. You will also receive an 8 week training with North London Rape Crisis.

​​If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful way to take action for the planet, volunteer with us for just 15 minutes a week to check and approve community-collected images. Your contribution is vital for us to continue building robust data that advocates for cleaner waterways.

Why Join?

• Flexible volunteering opportunity that you can do from home.
• Straightforward and user-friendly process. 
• 15 minutes per week. 

Overview 

As an Image Analyst, you’ll play a vital role in preserving our environment by moderating the litter images uploaded to the Planet Patrol app. To date, our community has logged over 500,000 pieces of single-use litter, contributing to our open-source interactive database. Our data has been featured in media investigations (Channel 4 and ITV), published in academic journals (Stanton et al., 2022), and used to inform government consultations, enhancing both public and scientific understanding of environmental pollution.

For each image, we need to verify that the litter type, quantity, and brand have been recorded accurately - and we need your help.

​​If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful way to take action for the planet, we’d love it if you could spare just 15 minutes a week to help us check and approve community-collected images. Your contribution will help us continue building robust data that advocates for cleaner waterways.

The process is straightforward and user-friendly, so anyone can get involved. While an adult is required to hold the account, this is also an accessible activity for families and young people to take part in together. Volunteering as an Image Analyst is perfect for people with busy lives who want to give back from the comfort of their own home.

What we’re offering 

• Flexible, remote volunteering opportunity that fits around your schedule. 

• A chance to gain environmental experience to add to your CV. 

• The satisfaction of contributing to real change and being part of a national movement. 

• The option to get involved in additional volunteering opportunities, if interested. 

About Planet Patrol 

Our vision is a world where all beings can enjoy our waterways, free from pollution. We are transforming environmental action through citizen science - digitally, via the Planet Patrol app, and on the ground through our fantastic network of volunteers. Together, we gather vital evidence of water and litter pollution to inform critical policy change and hold polluters to account.

At the heart of our work is robust, community-collected data. We are proud to have the world’s first reliable and freely available app dedicated to combating environmental pollution. Through the app, anyone can become a protector of our natural green and blue spaces through logging vital data on water quality and litter collected. 

Each piece of litter collected is photographed and recorded in the app, alongside vital information such as litter type, quantity, brand and location. This helps us to identify trends and pressure points in specific locations, helping to power our campaigning for positive change.

Join Us as Treasurer – Make a Lasting Impact

The Maypole Project provides vital emotional and practical support to children and young people with complex medical needs, and their families. We are seeking an experienced Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help steer the charity’s financial future.

Why This Role Matters

Your expertise will ensure our finances remain strong and sustainable, enabling us to continue delivering life-changing support to families when they need it most.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee financial governance and compliance.
• Present budgets, accounts, and financial reports to the Board.
• Advise on financial strategy and sustainability.
• Support fundraising and investment decisions.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong financial background (accountancy or financial management).
• A recognised accountancy qualification (desirable)
• Understanding of charity finance and governance.
• Ability to explain financial matters clearly to non-financial trustees.
• Strategic thinker with sound judgment.

Commitment

• Attend quarterly board meetings in person at our offices in Orpington and/or online, reviewing monthly management accounts, preparation for and actions arising from board meetings plus ad hoc support working from home.
• Average one day per week.
• Induction and ongoing training provided.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a passionate team making a real difference to families across South East London and beyond. Your contribution will help shape the future of a charity that truly changes lives.

Interested? 

Please visit our website and download the role description and application form.

Letter from our Chair - Lucy Thomas

We are seeking a passionate and strategic individual to join our Board of Trustees, someone who brings strong commercial insight, business acumen, and ideally experience in fundraising and income generation.  This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a respected national charity that continues to grow its reach and impact.

As a Trustee, you will also sit on our Commercial Advisory Group (CAG) a dynamic sub-group that advises on the Trust's commercial strategy, innovation, and sustainability.  You'll help us strengthen our commercial performance, explore new opportunities for growth and diversification, and ensure we remain on strong financial footing to deliver our vital mission.

We welcome applicants from all sectors and backgrounds.  Experience in marketing, partnerships, or charity leadership would be an advantage, but what matters most is your ability to bring fresh thinking, sound judgement, and a commitment to using your commercial experience for social good.

Background

Suzy Lamplugh Trust was founded by Diana and Paul Lamplugh following the disappearance of their daughter Suzy, a young estate agent, in 1986. Since then, the Trust has pioneered personal safety as a life skill and a public policy priority.

Our vision is to eliminate abuse, aggression and violence, creating a society where people are safer and feel safer.

Our mission is to reduce the risk and prevalence of abuse, aggression and violence with a specific focus on stalking and harassment through education, campaigning, and support.

What we do

• Campaigning - working in partnership with other charities, private and statutory organisations; raising awareness; influencing policy makers
• Education - advice; training; guidance; workplace support; free resources, information; consultancy
• Support - National stalking helpline and advocacy service; supporting people at increased risk of violence and aggression; community projects

The Income Generation Officer will play a pivotal role in enhancing the financial sustainability and growth of Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW), supporting 47 active mountain rescue teams across the region. This voluntary position is responsible for devising and implementing a robust income generation strategy to ensure the long-term funding and stability of the organisation.

Resource is required to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to support long-term funding and organisation growth, financial stability and the achievement of income goals. This will include building relations with major donors, corporate partnerships, legacies and individual giving. In addition, there is scope to drive income through MR membership and via grants from trusts, foundations and government.

Reporting to the CEO, the person will need to contribute to the MREW’s overall future strategy. There will be a need to understand the MR structure and to have the ability to work as part of the MREW Senior Management Team, and alongside trustees, liaison team, regional structure and local teams. 

Using the MREW Income Generation Strategy, they will review all existing income generation streams to understand their viability and scalability, along with all potential new income streams to develop sustainable income for MREW.

Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW) is a voluntary organisation that provides mountain rescue services 24/7, 365 days a year, and offers support to communities during other crises. It consists of 47 independent volunteer search and rescue teams that operate across eight geographical areas. The organisation serves as the national body to represent the whole organisation, acting as an advisory body, linking with partner organisations and helping to standardise training and share information.

Objectives

The overarching activities for this role are:

• Develop an income generation plan, aligning with the financial planning cycle, with a periodic review and reporting cycle. Deliver against the plan.
• Central to the role will be the following essential tasks:
  • Grant Writing: Researching and writing grant proposals to secure funding from various trusts, foundations, and government agencies. 
  • Corporate Partnerships: Building and maintaining relationships with businesses to secure corporate sponsorships, donations, and in-kind contributions. 
  • Donor Engagement: Cultivating and managing relationships with individual donors and supporters to ensure their engagement and long-term support. 
• Create an opportunity to develop long-term wills and legacy income.
• Develop compelling cases for support grounded in impact and aligned with MREW values and mission.
• Build and steward high-value relationships with funders, donors and strategic partners.
• Oversee income targets whilst ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and ethical standards.
• Research and develop grant opportunities from national and local bodies, in conjunction with regional and local teams.
• Lead on income generation for MREW, working with member teams and all other stakeholders. Support regional and local team fundraising opportunities. Foster collaboration, empowerment and accountability.
• Agree on short-term and long-term fundraising targets and opportunities alongside the MREW Senior Management Team.
• Represent MREW at relevant external meetings.

Skills

• Experience generating income, with a demonstrable track record of developing and leading fundraising strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to foster trust and accurately represent MREW’s mission and goals.
• Ability to work alongside colleagues and manage competing priorities.
• Financial literacy, including budget creation and management.
• Creativity, imagination and intuition.

We are looking for a motivated, self-starter with a proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. You will need to demonstrate a commitment to the charity's mission and cause. 

Qualifications

• Financial or project management qualifications are desirable.

Additional notes

• To work with the Finance Director to plan for future year budgets and to ensure that an accurate record of all financial transactions are produced and maintained for the MREW Finance Director, including the fundraising pipeline.
• To ensure all committee members are treated fairly through MREW Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To work with the national media team to release press statements/support campaigns as required.
• This is a voluntary role within MREW, elected annually; it is expected that the applicant will serve a term of 5 years, with a possible extension of a further 5 years if desired.
• Travel during the working day may be required, with occasional absence from home overnight, as meetings with funders and other stakeholders may cover a large geographical area. Out-of-pocket expenses can be reclaimed in line with the MREW Expenses Policy.

The Media & Communications Director will play a pivotal role in developing communication strategies to enhance awareness and recognition of mountain rescue and the teams within the UK, and supporting internal communication to enable effective dissemination of information and news for Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW), supporting 47 active mountain rescue teams across the region. This voluntary position is responsible for devising and implementing a robust plan, working alongside a range of partners and colleagues.

Reporting to the CEO, the person will need to contribute to the MREW’s overall future strategy. There will be a need to understand the MR structure and to have the ability to work as part of the MREW Senior Management Team, and alongside trustees, liaison team, regional structure and local teams. 

Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW) is a voluntary organisation that provides mountain rescue services 24/7, 365 days a year, and offers support to communities during other crises. It consists of 47 independent volunteer search and rescue teams that operate across eight geographical areas. The organisation serves as the national body to represent the whole organisation, acting as an advisory body, linking with partner organisations and helping to standardise training and share information.

Objectives

 The overarching activities for this role are:

• Development of external communication to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts and ‘new explorers’ taking an interest in the great outdoors. 
•  Leadership of a small team plus the wider Media and Communications Network (MCN) of MR volunteers to develop and deliver a Media and Communications Strategy and programme of activity
  • Publications and online communications (all social media)
  • Website development
  • Development of key messages, inc. support to MREW spokespeople (messages, materials and training) to enable effective stakeholder communications.
•  Leading and planning for effective reactive communications in challenging situations, including issues management, messaging and spokesperson briefing.
• Liaison with external partners (PR, Magazine Editor, Public Affairs), relevant media and stakeholders, including a process for responding to incoming enquiries and interview requests and a process for planning proactive media activities.
•  Development of key messages inc. safety messaging
• The development of effective Internal communications to support knowledge of MREW and to enable consistency of message from the family of Teams.
• Represent MREW at relevant external meetings.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to foster trust and accurately represent MREW’s mission and goals.
•  Ability to work alongside colleagues and manage competing priorities.
• Creativity, imagination and intuition.
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken.
• Good organisational and project management skills.
• An ability to develop, negotiate and work within a financial budget.
• A strategic approach to the reputational management of mountain rescue in England and Wales (at all levels).
• Knowledge and understanding of the various forms of media, including broadcast and print, digital and social, so as to be able to meet their differing needs and ensure that there is a clear process for the handling of approaches or enquiries to MREW from outside media organisations, agencies or individuals.

Personal Attributes

• The ability to lead and motivate a team that combines volunteer and professional roles and that covers a range of disciplines, skills and platforms.
• Capable of working under pressure, within constraints and meeting deadlines.
• The ability to build and maintain relationships, internally and externally, based on integrity and trust.
• The ability to delegate to others, engaging and involving appropriate support from the wider network.
• Strong personal creativity, imagination and intuition in dealing with challenges, opportunities and people.
• A proactive attitude, with the drive and enthusiasm to initiate and carry out projects to conclusion, involving others, on time and on budget.
• Resilience, particularly when faced with challenges, uncertainty and setbacks.

Management responsibilities:

• To contribute to the management of MREW through regular business meetings, ensuring that the media and communications aspects of activity are considered in planning and decision-making.
• To ensure all network members are treated fairly, in line with MREW policies and also its mission and values.
• To develop an approach to the sustainability of the Media and Communications function, including succession planning for key roles and the strengthening of the dispersed network.

We are looking for a motivated, self-starter with a proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. You will need to demonstrate commitment to the mission and cause of the charity. 

Qualifications

• Essential to this role is an awareness of the internal character of MR and the external environment in which it operates, and an ability to identify and anticipate communications priorities.
• Practical experience in a media or communications management role is also desirable, for instance, such as journalism, PR, marketing, or online media.
• An ability to plan proactive media and communications activities and to develop ways of measuring their effectiveness.
• Experience of issues and crisis management, enabling anticipation and support to management and others on the development of plans, messages and position statements.

Additional notes

• To work with the CEO to plan for future activity and to ensure that a planned communications approach is developed.
• To ensure all committee members are treated fairly through MREW Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To work with other national teams to release internal communications, press statements and support campaigns as required.
• This is a voluntary role within MREW, elected annually; it is expected that the applicant will serve a term of 5 years, with a possible extension of a further 5 years if desired.
• Travel during the working day may be required, with occasional absence from home overnight, as meetings with partners, colleagues, and other stakeholders may cover a large geographical area. Out-of-pocket expenses can be reclaimed in line with the MREW Expenses Policy.

Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?

Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.

Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.

Our aims are:

To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:

Offering support, friendship and practical assistance

Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected

Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.

Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.

Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.

Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.

Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.

Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.

The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:

• An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
• Support to prepare for parenthood
• Support to build confidence in parenting skills
• Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
• Support to establish daily and weekly routines
• Support to take time for self-care
• Support to manage the things that are causing stress
• Support to access relevant services
• Support to access local green spaces
• Support to make connections with other parents

No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.