Volunteer roles in lambeth

The HMSA is a small and dynamic charity that helps those living with hypermobility syndromes (and carers and families) to be independent and live well. We also provide education for professionals in social care, health, teaching and local authority employees. We have big plans to expand our offer to our members and professionals, as well as raise the profile of the charity and hypermobility syndromes.  We are seeking to appoint up to 2 new trustees.  Recognising that most people with these conditions present and are supported in primary care, we are particularly keen to recruit someone with a background in Primary Care to help us develop our plans. We are also interested to hear from anyone with experience of strengthening social media channels and comms, especially within a small charity setting.

 The Trustee role involves:

•  Preparing for and attending quarterly board meetings – 2 hours in the evening or a half day on a Saturday (half online/half in person if possible). The in person meetings are likely to be in central London.
• Providing support/guidance to the other Trustees, the CEO as well as staff/volunteer team. This may include small group working in between Board meetings.
• You may also be asked to participate in sub-committees as required.
• Developing and supporting our Clinical Advisory Group and/or Comms work
• Promoting the HMSA to primary care and other health and social care professionals or other relevant external audiences.

​In addition, there may-be other events such as volunteer/staff/member meetings or conferences that would be useful to have Trustee support

Do you speak Farsi and are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing.

You will support individuals who struggle to communicate with others and help them to reconnect with their local community. You will support to relight a spark in a hobby, interest or encourage individuals to explore and participate in new social activities.

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 engage in conversation in Farsi
• 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

• Able to communicate confidently in Farsi
• 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
• To be consistent in attendance

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 a Sylheti speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!

Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Sylheti-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By offering just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference by providing companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.

What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎︎ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular phone calls, you’ll have the opportunity to build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and provide much-needed emotional support—especially for those who feel more comfortable speaking Sylheti.

Why volunteer with us?

✔ Support members of the Sylheti-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a meaningful impact on someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Enhance your own sense of fulfilment and purpose

How to get involved:

Simply fill out the application through CharityJob's website or by following this link: [https://lnkd.in/e36t8zWB]. No previous experience is required—just a friendly, compassionate nature and a willingness to listen.

Open to UK residents only.

Help us spread kindness and connection within the Sylheti-speaking community across the UK!

Do you love Bollywood dance? Would you like to inspire others to find their rhythm and get moving? If so, we have the perfect role for you! Through dance you will be helping others to boost their mood, releases endorphins and get active whilst socialising! Dance and movement have many positive benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing and allows us to express ourselves and let loose!
We are recruiting for a volunteer to facilitate a group for women to come together and have fun each week!

What you will be doing

• Coordinate and set up a weekly dance class
• Inspire and motivate individuals to participate in the sessions and take a role in planning/designing upcoming sessions
• Create a safe space for individuals to express themselves
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Experience in teaching dance classes desirable but not essential
• Dance Qualification

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.

JOB TITLE: Volunteer Assistant Coordinator
REPORTS TO: Volunteer’s Coordinator or Program Manager

ABOUT SOLACE INTERNATIONAL

At Solace International, we are dedicated to empowering communities and driving meaningful change through impactful programs and initiatives. Our charity workers are the foundation of our mission, and the Assistant Coordinator plays a crucial role in supporting a committed team of volunteers who contribute to the success of our organization.

We are seeking a passionate, organized, and dynamic individual volunteer to assist with all aspects of volunteer management, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and ongoing support. This role ensures a positive and enriching volunteer experience while aligning with the organization’s mission and objectives.

JOB SUMMARY

The Volunteer Assistant Coordinator will support the Volunteer Coordinator in the recruitment, onboarding, management, and engagement of volunteers. This role involves building strong relationships with volunteers, coordinating their activities to support programs and events, and maintaining efficient administrative systems to enhance volunteer operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in recruiting, onboarding, and training volunteers.
• Maintain volunteer schedules and ensure adequate coverage for programs and events.
• Act as a liaison between volunteers and staff, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Support and oversee volunteer activities during programs and events.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records and assist in reporting on program impact.
• Help implement volunteer recognition programs and improve engagement.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong proficiency in spoken and written English.

Personal Attributes:

• Passion for volunteerism and community service.
• Friendly, approachable demeanor with a commitment to creating a positive volunteer experience.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Previous experience in volunteer management, customer service, or administrative roles is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily office-based, with on-site coordination during events and programs.
• Light physical activity may be required, such as setting up event spaces or carrying supplies.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is essential.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit:

• A letter of application explaining their interest in the role.
• A current resume.
• Contact details for at least two references.

Application Process:

• Applications will be reviewed, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an initial online interview.
• Successful candidates will proceed to a face-to-face interview (or an alternative arrangement for overseas applicants).

Are you passionate about singing and would like to empower others to use their voices in a choir?

We are recruiting for a Choir Volunteer! Choirs have shown to reduce stress levels and depression as well as creating a sense of togetherness. We are looking for a volunteer who loves singing and is willing to get involved, whilst also encouraging our service users to participate and sing together! Your role will also involve supporting service users getting to and from the venue.

Volunteering with Hestia will mean that you will play a key role in promoting strategies for positive wellbeing and recovery through music and singing! 

What you will be doing

• Encourage service users to get involved in the choir and sing together.
• Participating in the choir
• Supporting service users with getting to and from the venue

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Interest in singing - No experience needed
• Fun and friendly personality to be able to engage our service users

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Are you passionate about singing and would like to empower others to use their voices in a choir? We are recruiting for a Choir Lead Support Volunteer in Ealing. Choirs have shown to reduce stress levels and depression as well as creating a sense of togetherness. Your role will be to participate in the choir and support the Choir lead as and when needed to provide necessary guidance and direction on tone, rhythm, pitch, tempo, and harmony to the rest of the choir in their absence.

Volunteering with Hestia will mean that you will play a key role in promoting strategies for positive wellbeing and recovery through music and singing! 

What you will be doing

• Participate in the choir and support in the absence of the Choir Lead.
• Direct choir members in warm-ups prior to practices and performances
• Decide on appropriate musical pieces for the choir to perform depending on the occasion and setting and Choose individual choir members to perform solo pieces.
• Build a structure, choir harmony, Determining voice types
• Provide necessary guidance and direction during choir rehearsals to help choir members in attaining the correct tone, rhythm, pitch, tempo, and harmony.
• Direct choir members during musical performances
• Craft appropriate choir formations for rehearsals and performance
• Selects music to meet the needs of the performance while also taking into account the group's aptitude and abilities

The skills you need

• Patient, passionate, creative, and assertive and knowledge and experience of working with individuals that live with mental health issues
• Music Education, or related field is preferred
• Experience of directing choirs
• Can interpret various styles of music
• Bold leadership and listening capabilities
• Strong communicator

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

Do you speak Bengali and are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing.

You will support individuals who struggle to communicate with others and help them to reconnect with their local community. You will support to relight a spark in a hobby, interest or encourage individuals to explore and participate in new social activities.

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 engage in conversation in Bengali
• 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

• Able to communicate confidently in Bengali
• 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
• To be consistent in attendance

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.

YourGateway2Success is a non-profit organization that helps young people aged 16–25. We provide fun activities and support to help them grow and succeed.

Responsibilities 

- Help plan and run fun activities for young people

- Support and encourage them during events

- Build positive relationships in a safe and welcoming environment

- Work with staff and other volunteers to deliver programs

- Assist with simple tasks like setting up and taking down events

What We are Looking For:

You don’t need any formal experience Just bring:

- A friendly attitude

- Interest in helping young people

- Good communication skills

- Willingness to learn

What You will Gain

- Experience working with young people

- New skills and training

- A reference for future opportunities

- The chance to make a real difference

Role Title: 1-1 Support Buddy

Weekly Hours: Flexible; 4 hours per week minimum

Expenses: Expenses are compensated where applicable such as travel

Commitment: At least 6 months

Responsible to: Senior Mental Health Support Worker

Project overview:

The Mind in Kingston 1-1 Support Buddy service offers goal-oriented, practical, and emotional support to individuals who have accessed Information, Advice, and Guidance but continue to experience mental health challenges. Volunteers deliver support for up to 12 weeks through flexible means—face-to-face, phone, or virtual. Volunteers will typically work with individuals needing a lower level of support, while the 1-1 Support Worker handles more complex cases.

This may include supporting an individual with setting small, achievable goals, prepare for an important appointment or helping someone regain confidence to build a social network. The work will involve building a supporting and boundaried relationship with individuals over their time with the service (up to 12 weeks). The role is about empowerment, offering encouragement and reassurance while promoting self-sufficiency.

About us:

Mind in Kingston supports people with mental health issues and raises awareness within Kingston and surrounding areas. Volunteers are essential to our work, and we welcome applicants with lived experience of mental health challenges. We provide comprehensive training, supervision, and opportunities for career development.

Volunteers are extremely valued within our team and a vital part of our service delivery. We encourage and welcome people with lived experience of mental health issues to apply to volunteer with us; this could be personal experience relating to yourself, a family member or a friend, or in a professional capacity working with people with mental health issues.

We care about everyone’s wellbeing and as an integral member of our team; volunteers receive extensive support to ensure they are trained and skilled up in their roles, so that they may also progress further in their career aspirations. They receive regular supervision and development opportunities as well as be part of our volunteer awards programme to recognise and celebrate their achievement and contribution to our community. As team members, volunteers have the opportunity to engage with the board of trustees, staff and other volunteers both professionally and socially.

Main purpose of the role:

·Provide weekly person centred, 1-1 practical and emotional support.

·Help service users set and work towards personal goals.

·Offer empathic listening and promote wellbeing.

·Signpost service users to relevant services.

Tasks will include:

· Delivering regular (typically weekly) goal-focused 1-1 support sessions to individuals. These sessions may take place online, over the phone or at Mind in Kingston offices.

· Maintain knowledge of local services for signposting.

· Reporting risks & safeguarding concerns.

· Maintain regular contact with the supervisor.

· Attend meetings and supervision sessions.

What you will receive in return:

· Training in skills that will include mental health awareness and boundaries.

· Training in adult safeguarding and local procedures.

· Training for any other skills as identified by yourself and your supervisor.

· Regular check-in with your supervisor, reflective supervision, and managerial support.

· An opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones while being a part of a supportive team at Mind in Kingston.

· Reimbursement of reasonable expenses.

· Professional references upon completion.

What we expect from you:

·Commitment for at least six months.

·Completion of required training.

·Adherence to Mind in Kingston’s policies (e.g., confidentiality, safeguarding).

·Confidence in supporting people with mental health challenges.

·Proactive engagement with your supervisor for support.

·Safe handling and return of any equipment issued.

You may on occasion volunteer from home, so a confidential space is essential.

Application Process:

·Two references (one from a professional contact) are required.

·An enhanced DBS check is necessary.

We ask volunteers for two references, one of which must come from a professional connection such as a current or previous employer or a tutor. You will also need to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, as you will be working with vulnerable adults.

Role Title: Advice and Information & Signposting Volunteer

Weekly Hours: Minimum 4 hours per week

Expenses: Expenses are compensated where applicable such as travel

Commitment: At least 3 months

Responsible to: The Service Navigation Lead

Project overview:

Mind in Kingston is a local charity that supports people with mental health issues, and campaigns to raise awareness about mental health in Kingston and surrounding areas. We are affiliated to National Mind but operate independently in the Borough of Kingston upon Thames and surrounding areas.

The Information, Advice, Signposting & Referral Service is designed to provide enquirers with empathic advice, information and/or signposting.

Volunteers are extremely valued within our team and a vital part of our service delivery. We encourage and welcome people with lived experience of mental health issues to apply to volunteer with us; this could be personal experience relating to yourself, a family member or a friend; or in a professional capacity working with people with mental health issues.

We care about everyone’s wellbeing and as an integral member of our team, volunteers receive support to ensure they are trained and skilled up in their roles that they may take further in their career aspirations. They receive regular supervision and development opportunities as well as be part of our volunteer awards programme to recognise and celebrate their achievement and contribution to our community. As team members, volunteers have the opportunity to engage with the board of trustees, staff and other volunteers both professionally and socially.

Main purpose of the role:

· To provide confidential telephone advice and information about local services to service users.

· To provide empathic listening.

· To signpost service users to appropriate services.

· To promote emotional and physical wellbeing to service users.

· To collect data for monitoring purposes.

Tasks will include:

· Phone or email service users to provide advice, information and signposting.

· To research and learn about local services for information.

· To record each interaction with a service user on an enquiry sheet and file these in line with data protection regulations

· To fill in the message book and inform colleagues about messages relevant to them.

· To immediately raise safeguarding concerns and complete safeguarding if necessary.

· To maintain regular contact with your supervisor

· To attend meetings and supervision on a regular basis.

What you will receive in return:

· Training in providing remote support and telephone skills including mental health awareness, and boundaries.

· Training in adult safeguarding and local procedures.

· Training for any other skills as identified by yourself and your supervisor.

· Regular check-in with your supervisor, and monthly clinical and managerial supervision.

· An opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones while being a part of a lively and supportive team at Mind in Kingston.

· References upon completing your volunteering with us.

· Reasonable expenses to be paid so you are not left out of pocket.

What we expect from you:

· Commitment for at least three months

· Attend and complete training as directed.

· Adhere to our policies and procedures, particularly confidentiality, data protection, Safeguarding and health and safety.

· Confidence in supporting people with mental health challenges.

· Be able to deal with distressed users in a calm and robust manner.

· Proactive engagement with your supervisor for support.

· Safe handling and return of any equipment issued.

You may on occasion volunteer from home, so a confidential space is essential.

Application Process:

· Two references (one from a professional contact) are required.

· An enhanced DBS check is necessary.

We ask volunteers for two references, one of which must come from a professional connection such as a current or previous employer or a tutor. You will also need to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, as you will be working with vulnerable adults.

Overview
We are seeking a proactive and innovative Digital Champion Volunteer to join our dynamic team. This role is pivotal in enhancing our online presence and driving our digital marketing initiatives. Could you make a difference as a volunteer Digital Champion?

We are looking for people with a good understanding of how to use computers,

smart phones and tablets to give peer support to people who are new to these

devices. You will help them to do things like:

• use Google

• set up an email account

• look for reliable health information online

• connect with friends and family using video calling

• use MS word to write a CV

​• access job search websites

You need a good level of basic computer skills, but you don't have to be an IT

genius. Much more important is having enthusiasm and patience to spend some

time helping others to get online.

In return you’ll get:

• The opportunity to develop your own digital skills and knowledge

• Free accredited online training

• Access to a community of Champions to help each other and share ideas

• Ongoing support from a dedicated Digital Support Officer

• A Digital Record tracking achievements and learners helped – perfect to show prospective employers!

• A free DBS check
• Payment for travel expenses

• Immense satisfaction that you’ve made a difference to someone else

Find out more - see How to apply, above

Location: The Colin Bryant Centre, Unit A, 1 Longbow Apartments, Holbeck Road, Ealing, London, W13 9HB,

Time: Every Monday from 1pm to 4pm

Whilst the session time is fixed, we welcome volunteers who can volunteer

weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

Job Type: Volunteer

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Flexitime

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/06/2025

Expected start date: 01/06/2025

Job description

"We are looking for 10 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 10 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

About the Role

The Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP) Coordinator plays a pivotal role in driving the success of our flagship professional development initiative. This position is responsible for managing the end-to-end execution of the ePDP, ensuring seamless coordination between participants, Heads of Department (HoDs), and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will combine exceptional organizational skills with a passion for fostering professional growth, ensuring participants remain engaged and supported throughout their development journey.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme Management
• Oversee the effective implementation of the ePDP, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Welcome participants to the programme, providing orientation materials and clarifying expectations.
• Participant Support & Progress Tracking
• Conduct initial skills assessments to identify individual development needs.
• Monitor and document participant progress, providing regular updates to stakeholders.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings between participants and their respective Heads of Department (HoDs).
• Coordination & Communication
• Manage day-to-day operations, including scheduling sessions, sending reminders, and maintaining programme documentation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for participants, addressing queries and resolving issues promptly.
• Engagement & Feedback
• Design and organise feedback sessions to gather insights from participants and HoDs, using data to refine the programme.
• Develop strategies to ensure active engagement (e.g., interactive workshops, milestone celebrations).
• Reporting
• Prepare progress reports for senior leadership, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

Required Skills

• Keen Eye for Detail: Ability to manage complex schedules, track progress meticulously, and maintain accurate records.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication to liaise effectively with participants, HoDs, and stakeholders.
• Relationship Building & Networking: Proven ability to foster trust and collaboration across departments.
• Organizational Agility: Skilled in multitasking, prioritization, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to addressing challenges and improving programme delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in coordinating professional development programmes or similar initiatives.
• Familiarity with data analysis to assess programme effectiveness.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Benefits:

• Work from home

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Work Location: Remote

Introduction

The Passage is establishing a new Special Events Fundraising Committee to support the Senior Events and Community Manager, with the primary goal of growing income from Special Events and attracting new supporters to The Passage.

Purpose of the Committee

• The purpose of the committee is to support The Passage’s Senior Events and Community Manager in delivering successful fundraising events that generate significant income and expand The Passage’s network of supporters. Specifically, the Committee will:
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Events and Community Manager to meet or exceed fundraising goals through special events.
• Source exclusive, money-can’t-buy auction items and experiences to enhance the appeal and revenue of live and silent auctions.
• Leverage personal and professional networks to sell tickets and tables for events like A Little Night Music and the Sports Quiz.
• Introduce new supporters to The Passage through event participation.
• Explore and implement creative ways to promote The Passage’s events to a wider audience, increasing awareness and attendance.
• Utilise personal and professional networks to identify potential corporate sponsors.
• Leverage connections to bring celebrities or high-profile individuals to the event to increase its visibility and appeal.
• Assist in innovation of the Special events portfolio.

Desired skills & expertise

• Sales and Business Development experience
• Marketing and Comms skills
• Knowledge of fundraising
• Networking and relationship building
• Creativity and innovation
• Entertaiment or sports industry connections
• Committed to the values of The Passage

How to apply

Please submit a short covering letter outlining your motivation and suitability for joining the committee and link to your LinkedIn / a very brief employment history to Martina Tamburrino​​​​, People Services & Volunteers Partner.

We are also able to arrange an informal discussion with Emma Noble, Director of Income Generation & Communications and Rachel Fenton, Senior Events & Community Manager.

Above all we are looking for inspiring and committed individuals who have a genuine desire to support people, and to help them to rebuild their lives.