Volunteer roles in hackney

Ready to Lead and Empower Urban Youth by Supporting Our Incredible Volunteers? Become Our Volunteer Coordinator at Urban Youth!

Urban Youth is a brand-new youth work charity on a mission to create a positive, inclusive community for young Londoners. We're seeking a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator to help us build, nurture, and effectively manage our amazing team of volunteers, empowering young people across the city. This flexible role will require approximately 5-8 hours per week with lots of flexibility.

Building the Heart of Our Mission

At Urban Youth, we're not just about running activities; we're about sparking self-discovery, fostering friendships, and equipping young people with essential life skills. We're about creating unforgettable memories and guiding them to explore the world around them. Our volunteers are crucial to this mission!

As our Volunteer Coordinator, you'll be the driving force behind our volunteer programme, setting it up for success. You'll bring your organisational prowess, people skills, and passion for youth development to help us:

• Recruit, onboard, and support our diverse volunteer team, ensuring they feel valued and equipped.

• Develop clear processes for volunteer management, from application to ongoing engagement.

• Match volunteers with engaging youth programmes and activities, ensuring smooth coordination.

• Be the main point of contact and support for our volunteers, fostering a positive and motivating environment. Live and Breath our TEAM culture and ensure that everyone else lives and breaths it too.

• Coordinate training sessions and appreciation initiatives for our volunteers.

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in launching and growing Urban Youth's most valuable asset – its people – ensuring we make a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of young Londoners.

Why Join the Urban Youth Movement?

This is more than just volunteering; it's an opportunity to leave a profound and lasting mark:

• Enable Direct Impact: Your coordination will directly empower our volunteers to deliver inspiring programmes, shaping positive futures for young people from day one.

• Build a Volunteer Legacy: Be at the forefront of establishing a robust and welcoming volunteer programme for a dynamic new charity.

• Utilise Your Organisational & People Skills: Apply your valuable experience in coordination, communication, and community building to a cause that truly matters.

• Join a Passionate Community: Become part of a dedicated team committed to making a tangible difference in London.

• Flexible Hours: This role offers the flexibility to fit around your existing commitments, with approximately 5-8 hours per week.

If you're an organised, supportive leader, passionate about empowering both young people and the amazing individuals who volunteer for them, and ready to use your skills to help a new charity flourish, we want to hear from you! Help us create a vibrant volunteer force that perfectly captures the spirit and aspirations of London's incredible youth.

Ready to make your mark and help us create a wave of positive change in young people's lives?

Express your interest by applying via this Charity Job website. We can't wait to hear from you!

URBAN YOUTH

Building Futures | Forging Connections | Creating Memories.

Ready to Shape the Future of London's Youth? Become a Founding Trustee at Urban Youth!

Urban Youth is a brand-new youth work charity on a mission to create a positive, inclusive community for young Londoners. We're seeking Trustees to help us get set up, registered, and ready to empower young people across the city.

Hours: 3 to 8 hours per month, including our monthly Trustee meetings held one evening per month (at 7 to 9 pm) online with occassional face to face meetings.

Laying the Foundations, Inspiring a Generation

At Urban Youth, we're not just about running activities; we're about sparking self-discovery, fostering friendships, and equipping young people with essential life skills. We're about creating unforgettable memories and guiding them to explore the world around them.

As a Trustee, you won't just be advising; you'll be instrumental in establishing our charity from the ground up. You'll bring your strategic vision, governance expertise, and passion for youth empowerment to help us:

• Secure our charitable registration.
• Develop robust governance frameworks and policies.
• Establish our operational foundations.
• Guide our initial strategy and growth.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the very core of Urban Youth, ensuring we're well-equipped to make a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of young Londoners.

Why Join the Urban Youth Movement?

This is more than just volunteering; it's an opportunity to leave a profound and lasting mark:

• Make a Foundational Impact: Your leadership will directly enable Urban Youth to launch and empower young people, shaping their positive futures from day one.
• Pioneer a New Initiative: Be part of the inaugural team, building a dynamic new charity from its inception.
• Utilise Your Expertise: Apply your experience in governance, strategy, and charity development to a cause that truly matters.
• Join a Passionate Community: Become part of a dedicated team committed to making a tangible difference in London.

If you're buzzing with strategic ideas and ready to use your expertise to inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation, we want to hear from you! Help us create a charity that perfectly captures the spirit and aspirations of London's incredible youth.

Ready to make your mark and help us create a wave of positive change in young people's lives?

Express your interest by applying via this Charity Job website. We can't wait to hear from you!

URBAN YOUTH

Building Futures | Forging Connections | Creating Memories.

Your Voice, Our Future: Become a Young Trustee for Urban Youth!

Are you a passionate young Londoner (aged 16-26) with ideas, energy, and a desire to make a real impact at a strategic level? Urban Youth, a brand-new, vibrant youth work charity, is on a mission to empower young people across the city, and we believe our leadership should reflect the voices we serve.

We're seeking a few dynamic Young Trustees to join our Board and help shape the very future of Urban Youth. This is a unique opportunity to bring a crucial youth perspective to our governance, ensuring our decisions truly resonate with and benefit young Londoners.

This flexible role will require approximately 4-6 hours per month, including attending board meetings one evening per month at 7pm to 9pm and contributing to specific projects.

Bridge the Gap, Drive the Change

At Urban Youth, we're not just about running activities; we're about sparking self-discovery, fostering friendships, and equipping young people with essential life skills. We're about creating unforgettable memories and guiding them to explore the world around them. For this to happen authentically, young voices must be at the table.

As our Young Trustee, you'll be a vital link between the young people we serve and the strategic decisions made at the highest level. You'll bring your unique insights and experiences to help us:

• Represent the youth voice on our Board, ensuring young people's perspectives are at the heart of our strategy and operations.

• Bridge connections between the young people participating in our programmes and the adult leaders within our organisation.

• Contribute to high-level discussions on governance, financial oversight, safeguarding, and future development of the charity.

• Help shape and review engaging youth programmes and activities, ensuring they are relevant and impactful.

• Provide valuable input into our outreach, communication, and fundraising strategies.

This is an unparalleled opportunity to gain significant leadership experience, influence meaningful change, and contribute to a charity dedicated to empowering your peers across London.

Why Join the Urban Youth Movement as a Young Trustee?

This is more than just volunteering; it's an opportunity to grow, lead, and leave a profound mark:

• Direct Influence: Your insights will directly inform the strategic direction of a new and growing charity.

• Leadership Development: Gain invaluable experience in governance, strategic planning, decision-making, and board-level operations. This is a fantastic addition to any CV!

• Networking: Connect with experienced professionals and leaders who are passionate about youth development.

• Be a Pioneer: Help establish a model of youth-inclusive governance from the ground up.

• Make a Real Difference: Directly impact how Urban Youth empowers thousands of young people across London.

• Flexible Commitment: Designed to fit around your studies or other commitments, with manageable monthly hours.

If you're a proactive young leader with a passion for youth empowerment, a desire to represent your generation, and an eagerness to contribute to a new charity flourishing, we want to hear from you! Help us create a vibrant organisation that perfectly captures the spirit and aspirations of London's incredible youth.

Ready to make your mark and help us create a wave of positive change in young people's lives?

Express your interest by applying via this Charity Job website. We can't wait to hear from you!

URBAN YOUTH

Building Futures | Forging Connections | Creating Memories.

Ready to Shape Our Governance and Drive Our Mission? Become Our Honorary Secretary!

Urban Youth is a brand-new youth work charity on a mission to create a positive, inclusive community for young Londoners. We're seeking an Honorary Secretary to join our Board of Trustees and play a crucial role in establishing our governance, ensuring smooth operations, and helping us effectively empower young people across the city.

Hours: 3 to 8 hours per month, including our monthly Trustee meetings held one evening per month (at 7 to 9 pm) online with occassional face to face meetings.

Organising the Core, Magnifying the Mission

At Urban Youth, we're not just about running activities; we're about sparking self-discovery, fostering friendships, and equipping young people with essential life skills. We're about creating unforgettable memories and guiding them to explore the world around them.

For this vital work to flourish, strong governance and efficient administration are key.

As our Honorary Secretary, you won't just be taking minutes; you'll be the organisational backbone of our Board and the guardian of our governance. You'll bring your expertise in administration, meticulous attention to detail, and passion for youth development to help us:

• Ensure effective Board operations, including preparing agendas, circulating papers, and accurately recording minutes for all Trustee meetings.

• Maintain official charity records, including governance documents, policies, and resolutions.

• Facilitate clear communication within the Board and with external stakeholders as needed.

• Oversee compliance with Charity Commission regulations and other relevant legal requirements.

• Support the Chair in ensuring the Board functions efficiently and effectively.

This is a unique opportunity to lay the crucial administrative and governance groundwork for Urban Youth, ensuring every decision and action is well-documented and compliant, making a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of young Londoners.

Why Join the Urban Youth Movement?

This is more than just volunteering; it's an opportunity to leave a profound and lasting mark:

• Ensure Operational Excellence: Your organisational skills will directly enable Urban Youth's Board to function effectively, empowering young people from day one.

• Pioneer a New Initiative: Be part of the inaugural team, building the robust governance framework for a dynamic new charity from its inception.

• Utilise Your Expertise: Apply your valuable experience in administration, governance, or legal compliance to a cause that truly matters.

• Join a Passionate Community: Become part of a dedicated team committed to making a tangible difference in London.

• Flexible Hours: This role offers the flexibility to fit around your existing commitments.

If you're passionate about meticulous organisation, dedicated to good governance, and ready to use your expertise to help a new charity flourish and empower the next generation, we want to hear from you! Help us create a well-governed organisation that perfectly captures the spirit and aspirations of London's incredible youth.

Ready to make your mark and help us create a wave of positive change in young people's lives?

Express your interest by applying via this Charity Job website. We can't wait to hear from you!

URBAN YOUTH

Building Futures | Forging Connections | Creating Memories.

Helping young people to reach their personal best

“SportsAid believed in me when I was just a young, inexperienced racer. As a self-funded teenager travelling the world with my Mum, financial challenges were a constant hurdle. Funding my passion was daunting until SportsAid alleviated that burden, enabling me to pursue what I loved and take my passion to the next level. Without SportsAid, I would never have gone from the little girl you invested in, to the Paralympic and World medallist I became.”

Millie Knight, Paralympic medallist & World Champion

 COULD YOU HELP SPORTSAID AS THE CHAIR OF TRUSTEES?

SportsAid’s Mission is to encourage, enable and empower the next generation of athletes to achieve their ambitions in sport and life. Since 1976, we have been side-by-side with Britain’s greatest emerging sporting talent – from Mo Farah to Jessica Ennis-Hill, from Ade Adepitan to Ellie Simmonds – and so many others. SportsAid provides vital support to young sports people at a pivotal moment in their development.  HRH The Princess of Wales is the charity’s Patron.

We are looking for a trustee to join our board as Chair of Trustees. With our five-year fundraising strategy underway, this is an exciting time to join as we develop new, impactful partnerships to deliver our mission for young sports people towards and beyond SportsAid’s 50th anniversary in 2026. 

As the Chair of Trustees you will lead and support an effective, diverse and committed Board.  The Chair will provide inclusive leadership to deliver the charity’s vision and mission, ensuring that each trustee enjoys fulfilling their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also support the Chief Executive to ensure that the Board functions to best effect in supporting the executive team to achieve its objectives. He or she will act as an ambassador and be a public face of the charity in partnership with the Chief Executive.

You will have significant Board experience, ideally at Chair or other senior level, in the public, private or voluntary sector; or substantial Board experience as a member of a National Governing Body of Sport or Charitable Trust.  You will be familiar with partnership working and engaging with a complex stakeholder mix.  You will have strong financial and commercial acumen and a genuine passion and personal connection to the core purpose and mission of SportsAid.

This is a vital role offering the opportunity to join a committed and driven charity at an exciting time.  You do not need to be a sports expert, but you will have a desire to help young people and a willingness to get stuck in.  You can make a difference.

You will join a board of eight trustees in working with an effective executive team to support the charity’s work. 

The minimum commitment as a board member will be to attend four board meetings per year (typically held in London but with the facility to join remotely if necessary) plus two half-day induction sessions and at least one half-day strategy planning session.  There will likely be an additional time commitment to attend events representing SportsAid. Board positions are unremunerated but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

SportsAid recognises that certain sections of the community have been affected by structural inequities and may be denied the opportunity to participate equally and fully in sport at all levels. SportsAid as an organisation believes our role is to remove the barriers that our most under-served, at risk and minoritised groups of young people experience when trying to access sport and physical activities.

SportsAid therefore positively welcomes, and seeks to achieve, diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants, volunteers and employees receive equal and fair treatment.  We positively encourage applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, marriage and civil partnership status, gender identity, background, religion, faith, sexual orientation, maternity status, pregnancy, belief or nationality.

A role description is available on request.

Please apply by emailing your CV with an outline of how your skills and experience meet the specification of this Chair of Trustees role and why you are interested in joining SportsAid by 5pm Friday 5 September 2025.  

On receipt of your application you will be sent a confidential equal opportunities form which all applicants will be asked to complete. 

Are you a warm, empathetic person with good communication skills? Could you offer four hours a week to support families in urgent need?

We Stand - Formally Mosac  provide a free National Helpline service to non abusing parents and carers of sexually abused children. We are currently seeking Helpline Volunteers to provide support, information and a listening ear to parents and carers whose children have been sexually abused.

We know a caring, sensitive and non judgemental response can make a real difference to someone seeking support. We are looking for volunteers with good verbal, listening and communication skills, no previous experience on a helpline is required. Trained, experienced staff will always be on hand to provide support and guidance. 

We expecially welcone volunteers who  speak additional languages, from all communities, to help us support more parents from diverse backgrounds, Welsh speakers are also required as part of our South East Wales support project

Helpline Volunteers will:

• Receive full training prior to the formal induction (3 week training programme) Dates to be confirmed 
• Commit to volunteer 4 hours per week for a minimum of 1 year
• Receive ongoing support and supervision from a friendly team
• Make a difference to the lives of families impacted by child sexual abuse

Opportunities for you: 

• To contribute to We Stand’s aims of supporting families affected by child sexual abuse

• You will receive training, continual development and support in the role

• Working remotley from your own home

• Gain valuable experience and development of interpersonal skills

• Out of pocket expenses for travel  cost if required to attend meetings,and subsistence will be met by We Stand

Your Responsibilities: 

• Answer calls that come through the National Helpline 

• Provide support, information and signposting to relevant support organisations 

• Complete all call log and monitoring information after each call 

• Attend mandatory supervision meetings fortnightly or monthly to support you in the role. 

• All helpline volunteers working remotely - attend 30 minute supervision after your shift.

Could you be a star baker, master chef or perhaps you simply enjoy baking or cooking! We are recruiting for a volunteer to join our team supporting individuals to learn new recipes together as a group.

Baking and cooking helps to relax, get creative and indulge in our senses. Often, it can spark nostalgia and helps us to recreate positive experiences or memories. Inspire and motivate people in our services to do something that brings joy, an opportunity to learn new skills whilst connecting with others over sharing baked goods and delicious meals.

Join our team of befrienders! You will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in your community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing. You will support people to relight a spark to continue a hobby, interest or encourage them to explore and participate in new social activities.

You will support individuals to rebuild their lives beyond crisis.

Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age or family situation. Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows that rates of depression doubled during the COVID pandemic, and one of the major causes of depression is isolation.

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals

The skills you need

• Good listening and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Willingness to engage in activities in the community
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries

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.

Are you interested in facilitating a peer support group for people who are struggling with their mental health? We are looking for passionate volunteers to facilitate a weekly online or face-to-face group, to discuss topics relating to mental health. We are hoping to find someone who has either ‘lived experience’ of mental health issues and is now at a positive place with their own recovery or someone who has good knowledge of mental health and looking to support others.

We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

What you will be doing

• Facilitating weekly peer support groups, covering topics related to mental health.
• Promote a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental atmosphere where all members feel valued and heard
• Encourage mutual support, active listening, and shared problem-solving within the group
• Manage group dynamics sensitively, ensuring discussions remain constructive and inclusive
• Collaborate with staff to monitor group wellbeing and escalate any concerns appropriately
• Assist in planning and preparing for each session, including topic prompts or themes if needed
• Maintain confidentiality in line with organisational policies and safeguarding standards.

The skills you need

• Lived experience of mental health challenges is highly valued and can be a strong foundation for this role
• Good communication and active listening skills
• Ability to facilitate group discussions with empathy and patience
• Understanding of boundaries and confidentiality in a mental health context.
• A non-judgmental, supportive, and encouraging attitude
• Experience in peer support or group facilitation is an advantage but not essential; training will be provided

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.

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

Creative writing is a great way to express yourself using your own creativity and imagination through story telling or poetry. It is an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and put it down on paper. Creative writing has been shown to improve emotional and mental well-being. Through creative writing, we can gain insight into our emotions, develop self-expression and communication skills, cultivate empathy and understanding of others, boost our imagination and creativity.

What you will be doing

• Lead and facilitate a weekly Creative Writing Group, encouraging participants to explore their thoughts and feelings through writing exercises, prompts, and storytelling.
• Guide a subsequent Feelings Forum where participants can share and discuss emotions sparked by the writing session or current experiences in a respectful and supportive atmosphere
• Foster an inclusive, non-judgmental environment where all voices are heard and valued
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the organisation’s safeguarding and mental health protocols
• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants

The skills you need

• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to mental health challenges
• Ability to facilitate group discussions and manage diverse emotional responses constructively
• Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach.
• Training or experience in mental health, counselling, social work, or a related field is advantageous but not essential

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.

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?

Art plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that crafting, regardless of the medium you use can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in art-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now. You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products!

We are recruiting for a volunteer to support and facilitate an art and craft group.

We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.

We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.

What you will be doing

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

The skills you need

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

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

Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for adults and children to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?

At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.

Hestia provides holistic, one-to-one support in our refuges and the community. Our refuge services are for women and children, offering a safe place to stay and vital emotional and practical support.

Outside of our refuges, most of our support services are accessible by anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, including men.

What you will be doing

• Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
• To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
• Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
• Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
• Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
• Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
• Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities

The skills you need

• A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
• Calm and patient approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

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

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

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

About the role

We are looking for Volunteer Advocates to support our Advocacy Service in the Boroughs of Wandsworth and Richmond. You will be based at home, but this role could also involve some travel within the Wandsworth and Richmond boroughs. 

Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 7 hours per week to volunteering. You will be able to confirm your availability on your application, and this will be discussed with you during your discussion with the volunteer manager.

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

About the service

Wandsworth & Richmond Advocacy Services offers a range of statutory and non-statutory advocacy services. As a volunteer, you will be supporting our delivery of community advocacy for people who are 18+ and live in Wandsworth & Richmond Boroughs. You will be supporting a range of people, including those with learning, physical, and sensory disabilities as well as mental illness, who need support with a health and social care issue and are not eligible for a statutory service. We do not support people with everyday decisions, but when important decisions are being made that could affect their quality of life, independence, or have long-term consequences.

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Advocate

• You will hold a small caseload supporting people to do a range of issues
• You will offer support on a short-term basis and focus on a specific issue. 
• You will support people by enabling them to find information, understand their rights and choices, have a voice, and make their own informed decisions. 
• You may be supporting people in making difficult or important decisions that may impact their quality of life and independence, and have long-term consequences.
• You will provide peer advocacy and help with the delivery of self-advocacy workshops.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• You will have good communication skills
• You will possess the ability to empathise
• You will have the motivation to secure the rights of people from all backgrounds
• You will have knowledge of, or experience of working within, health and social care
• You will have a good knowledge of IT skills for recording information and using email
• You will be flexible and able to volunteer during the working week

Who are we? 

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

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.     

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion   

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.   

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation   

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.   

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

Placement Volunteers at the British Red Cross are highly valued for the skills and energy they bring. We aim to provide our placement volunteers with an insight into the daily workings of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation. They will have access to relevant in-house training and development opportunities during their placement with possible ad hoc opportunities to get involved in other areas of activity.

The British Red Cross is a volunteer-led humanitarian organisation that helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We enable vulnerable people at home and overseas to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help people recover and move on with their lives.

The expected start date for the placement will be July 2025 and the placement will run for 6 weeks, daytimes 10am to 4pm, volunteering upto 3 days per week.

The placement will be hybrid in location, from the volunteer's home and the British Red Cross office in Moorgate, London (EC2Y 9AL).

About the role: Up and down the country, groups of passionate students are running British Red Cross on Campus supporter groups, acting as fundraisers, advocates and taking part in our calls to action. We have groups in sixth form colleges, further education establishments, youth organisations and universities. You can set up your own group and make a real difference, gain valuable skills and get recognised for your volunteering. We are looking for someone to support the development of our resources and calls to action.

Typical placements tasks may include:

• Researching other charities On Campus offers
• Reviewing our packs and resources for setting up and running a group
• Reviewing and creating new calls to action
• Coming up with a year plan for On Campus

You need to have good interpersonal, diplomacy, communication and teamwork skills although full training can be given for any technical requirements. We keep the beneficiary at the heart of what we do, working to understand their needs and the difference we make.

Also someone who has:

• Good research skills
• Good written communication skills

Bursary Scheme The British Red Cross offers a bursary scheme to those placement volunteers from low-income households. Eligibility will be determined through a separate application process open to all short-listed candidates. All British Red Cross volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket reasonable expenses. For this scheme we are defining low-income households as: Inside London: Living with family or partner £25,000 or under. Living independently £22.500 or under Outside London: Living with family or partner £18,500 or under. Living independently £16,500 or under

Young People and this role Our placement volunteer opportunities are open to people at different stages of their career, aged 15 or above. Whether you’re student, a recent graduate or someone with more experience looking for a career change, we would be happy to hear from you. Anyone can volunteer with the Red Cross from the age of 15. An individual risk assessment, parental consent and safeguarding considerations will be required for those aged 15 – 17. The nature of the activities specific to your intern opportunity may mean that you need to be 18 years or older.

Diversity We welcome applications from people of different backgrounds, experience and circumstances. We seek to ensure that our organisation and our services are relevant and accessible to all, with equality, diversity and fairness at the core of what we do. We invite applications from individuals regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or political belief and are committed to promoting fair participation and equality of opportunity for all of our applicants.

The British Red Cross is committed to being inclusive, with a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences – including disabled and ethnic minority candidates. We value fresh perspectives and insights gained by involving and welcoming people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture and experience. This is to contribute to the breadth of experience we need to respond to people in crisis.