Volunteer volunteer roles in North west

The Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader leads the local volunteer team by motivating and supporting members to deliver agreed objectives. The role provides strategic direction, management, and guidance while ensuring a positive, inclusive, and effective team environment. 

What will you be doing?

To lead, motivate and support the local volunteer team in developing, delivering and monitoring a yearly local strategy that aligns with Crimestoppers's vision, mission and organisational priorities. 

What are we looking for?

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and networking skills
• Experience leading teams, meetings or projects
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and external partners
• Ability to support and motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds
• Understanding of the local geographic area and community needs
• Willingness to learn and develop knowledge of Crimestoppers's strategies and plans

What difference will you make?

As Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader, you will play a key role in empowering people to create safer communities. 

You will lead the local volunteer team, setting direction and ensuring activity aligns with Crimestoppers’ mission that people are the ones who stop crime. 

You will working closely with the Police, Community Safety Partnerships, and local organisations, and help deliver campaigns and events that improve community safety. 

Through regular communication with regional and national staff, you will ensure your volunteers stay informed, connected, and supported.

You also help to recruit, support, and develop volunteers, creating an inclusive and motivated local team. 

Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader applicants must live in the local area where you are applying.

This role requires a commitment of around three years to support continuity and effective delivery. Monthly time commitments vary and may include:

• Local or national meetings
• Planning activities
• Partnership engagement
• Ongoing support for volunteers

Volunteer Partnerships & Growth Manager (Remote) 

Organisation: Influential Stars 

Location: Remote (UK based). London or Herts preferred (not essential)

Commitment: Min of 10 - 15 hours per week (Flexible)

Contract Type: Volunteer 

About Us 

Influential Stars is a purpose driven platform connecting creators, supporters, and causes through exclusive experiences and campaigns that raise funds for UK charitable organisations. We are a growing team committed to delivering meaningful impact through professionally managed experiences. 

Our Story 

Influential Stars was founded by Lisa Connell, who is living with an inoperable brain tumour and has spent many years raising awareness and support for UK causes. The platform was created from a deeply personal belief that influence, connection, and community can be powerful forces for good when brought together in the right way. 

Volunteers play a vital role in helping turn that vision into real world impact, enabling experiences that raise funds, create joy for winners, and support charitable organisations across the UK. 

The Role 

We are seeking a proactive, confident, and relationship driven Volunteer Partnerships & Growth Manager to identify, approach, and onboard affiliate partners, collaborators, agents, and other supporters who can help expand the reach of the platform. 

This role focuses on building a strong network of individuals and organisations who can introduce creators, promote campaigns, or otherwise support the growth of Influential Stars.

Key Responsibilities 

⭑ Identify and approach potential affiliate partners, collaborators, agents, and networks 

⭑ Introduce individuals and organisations to the platform and explain how they can get involved 

⭑ Support onboarding of new collaborators and affiliates ⭑ Build and maintain positive relationships with partners and introducers 

⭑ Encourage ongoing engagement and participation 

⭑ Maintain regular communication to nurture long term partnerships ⭑ Coordinate with internal team members to ensure smooth onboarding 

⭑ Provide clear information about roles, expectations, and opportunities 

⭑ Maintain accurate records of outreach and partnerships using our CRM management system 

⭑ Represent the organisation professionally in all communications 

Skills and Experience Required 

Essential: 

⭑ Experience in outreach, partnerships, business development, or relationship building 

⭑ Excellent customer service skills 

⭑ Outstanding written and verbal communication skills ⭑ Confidence communicating by phone, email, and online platforms ⭑ Strong networking ability and proactive approach 

⭑ Strong IT skills, including confident use of computer databases and standard office software (e.g. Word, Excel) 

⭑ Experience using a CRM or similar database system ⭑ Highly organised with strong attention to detail 

⭑ Ability to work independently and manage multiple contacts ⭑ Professional, reliable, and personable manner

Desirable: 

⭑ Familiarity with HubSpot CRM (preferred but not essential as training will be provided) 

⭑ Experience in affiliate programmes, partnerships, or community building 

⭑ Experience working remotely within a team 

⭑ Interest in charitable or social impact work 

⭑ Based in London or Hertfordshire for occasional in person meetings (not essential) 

Working Arrangement 

⭑ Fully remote position 

⭑ Min 10 - 15 hours per week (Flexible working hours depending on organisational needs)

⭑ No travel required. However, if you choose to meet with partners in person, reasonable travel costs will be covered where possible

⭑ Occasional (optional) in person team meetings 

Why Volunteer With Us 

⭑ Play a key role in expanding a platform designed to create meaningful impact 

⭑ Help build networks that support fundraising for UK causes ⭑ Gain valuable experience in partnerships, outreach, and growth strategy 

⭑ Join a mission driven organisation at an exciting stage of development 

⭑ Flexible volunteering that can fit around other commitments ⭑ Opportunity to build a wide professional network across multiple sectors 

Although this is currently a volunteer position, Influential Stars is actively working to grow the platform with the long term aim of creating paid roles. While we are unable to provide a timeframe and future opportunities will depend on the organisation’s growth and incoming work, this role offers the chance to be part of that journey from an early stage.

Lightup Impact

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

Social Media Manager - Volunteer Support

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

What you’ll do:

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

Skills we’re looking for:

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

What you’ll gain:

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

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

CogniX

We provide a digital mental-health platform offering culturally sensitive care, peer support, and crisis services.

Volunteer Video Animation & Motion Graphic Design Expert

CogniX is seeking a dedicated Volunteer Video Animation & Motion Graphic Design Expert to design, produce, and deliver compelling demonstrations of our AI-powered mental health platform. You will be responsible for showcasing product features in a clear, engaging, and empathetic way - helping users, partners, and stakeholders understand the impact and usability of our solution. Your demos will play a critical role in building trust, awareness, and adoption across Africa and beyond.

�� Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, script, and deliver engaging product demonstrations tailored for diverse audiences (users, investors, partners, media).
• Showcase platform features, including:
  • AI chatbot for real-time, empathetic support.
  • Mental health assessments (PHQ-9, GAD-7, WHO-5).
  • Personalized, culturally contextual interactions.
  • Privacy and security safeguards.
• Collaborate with product and marketing teams to align demos with user stories and strategic goals.
• Create demo materials (slides, visuals, video walkthroughs) that highlight value and usability.
• Run live or recorded demo sessions for different use cases (training, outreach, investor presentations).
• Collect and integrate feedback to continuously refine demo delivery.
• Ensure demos are accessible, engaging, and adaptable for multiple formats (events, social media, website).

�� Technologies & Skills:

• Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex technology.
• Experience in product demos, sales engineering, training, or customer success.
• Proficiency with tools for creating demo assets (Adobe, PowerPoint/Keynote, Canva, Figma, CapCut).
• Familiarity with video/screen recording tools (OBS Studio, Loom, DaVinci Resolve).

Bonus: background in healthtech, AI/ML products, or SaaS platforms.

�� Key Qualities:

• Clear and confident communicator who thrives in front of an audience.
• Skilled at storytelling—translating product features into user benefits.
• Empathetic and audience-focused, able to adapt demos to different contexts.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and responsive to feedback.
• Passionate about using technology for positive social impact.

✅ Benefits:

• Real-world impact: Help increase adoption of an AI-powered mental health solution for underserved communities.
• Portfolio building: Gain experience showcasing a cutting-edge product with global potential.
• Peer mentorship & recognition: Collaborate with a mission-driven team and receive public recognition for your work.
• Flexible remote work: ~10+ hours/week, adaptable to your schedule.
• Career development: Enhance your skills in product communication, healthtech, and impact storytelling—with potential for future paid roles.

�� Application Instructions:

Please submit your:

• Updated resume or LinkedIn profile.
• Links to previous demo presentations, videos, or related work
• (Optional) Brief note highlighting your interest in mental health and product storytelling

Note: This is a volunteer position offering valuable experience, mentorship, and real-world impact in the field of healthtech product communication.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Lightup Impact

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

Policy Development & Compliance Volunteer

Role Description
Join Lightup Impact as a volunteer and be part of a passionate team driving real change for young people and women across East Africa — where your expertise can help strengthen the systems, governance, and sustainability of a growing grassroots movement.

What you’ll do:

• Develop and maintain a policy and user guide development plan aligned with organizational priorities.
• Review, update, and improve existing organizational policies and procedures.
• Support the creation of new policies, guidelines, and governance documents as needed.
• Ensure policies are practical, user-friendly, and aligned with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with leadership and team members to identify policy gaps and organizational needs.
• Support the development of simple user guides and implementation tools to facilitate policy adoption.

Skills we’re looking for:

• Background in law, governance, public policy, compliance, human resources, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, or implementing policies and procedures.
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to organize complex information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Willingness to learn and a can-do changemaker attitude.

What you’ll gain:

• Be part of a dynamic and impact-driven team.
• Contribute to strengthening systems that support young people and women across East Africa.
• Gain experience in governance, compliance, and organizational development within a growing nonprofit.
• Opportunity to network, develop new skills, and strengthen your professional profile.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Asist is an acronym for Advocacy Services in Staffordshire and Stoke-on Trent. Asist provides specialist independent advocacy support focused on one to-one, issue-based advocacy for adults, children and young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and/or mental health issues.

We support adults, children and young people to make small and big decisions in their own lives and to speak to services who make decisions because of a person’s health or disability. Advocacy is about enabling all people to have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives. Asist advocates will not be judgemental and will not guide or influence the people they work with – whatever their age. Advocacy is about including people in their own story.

We are excited to be recruiting for new members to join our Board this year. Whether you are an experienced board memember or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we want to hear from you!

What we are looking for:

• Leadership experience

• Strategic thinking

• HR experience

• Business background

• Marketing skills

• Commitment to our mission

• Collaborative spirit

Asist’s Board meets once every two calendar months (six per year). Board members are required to attend a minimum of four meetings to remain active. Board meetings are agreed in advance, collectively, by the chair and trustees.

Description

Sooty, the nation’s much-loved bear and a true national treasure, has featured on RNIB’s collection boxes for over 50 years. Thanks to generous public support, these iconic boxes have raised more than £13 million in donations.

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join our network of Sooty Box collectors. In this flexible role, you’ll help place new boxes and collect and bank donations from Sooty Boxes in local shops, cafés and other businesses in your area. Whether you volunteer on your own, with a friend or as part of a group, you’ll be making a real difference in your community.

You can give as much or as little time as you like and fit the role around your other commitments.

Please note: Volunteers are expected to use their own transport and ideally should have access to a car. Mileage or public transport costs will be reimbursed.

How often will I be needed?

• 1 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• Requires 2 references

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Good organisational skills • Trustworthy, enthusiastic and self-motivated • Willing to travel in and around your local area • Comfortable working independently • Able to send and receive emails

Fundraising Volunteer – Hampshire Hub

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Our brand-new Community Fundraising Hub is here to support you in this role, so there's never been a better time to get involved!

This role covers the Hampshire area.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people  

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

 We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Bravecore Counselling CIC is a values-driven counselling service offering inclusive, trauma-informed support for individuals navigating life's challenges. We are a small, heart-centred organisation committed to promoting emotional wellbeing and mental health awareness.

We are currently seeking a passionate and proactive Volunteer Director of Fundraising to help secure essential funding through grant writing and creative fundraising strategies. This role is key to helping us sustain and expand our therapeutic services.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify suitable grant opportunities, trust funds, and community funding streams.

• Write compelling, values-aligned funding proposals and grant applications.

• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy aligned with Brave Core’s mission and goals.

• Build relationships with potential funders, sponsors, and supporters.

• Explore and implement other fundraising avenues (e.g. crowdfunding campaigns, donor outreach).

• Keep accurate records of applications submitted and track outcomes.

• Stay informed about developments in the mental health charity funding landscape.

Requirements

• Experience in fundraising, bid writing, or grant applications is highly desirable, but not essential—we welcome motivated learners.

• Strong writing and research skills with attention to clarity, tone, and impact.

• Organised, self-motivated, and able to manage deadlines effectively.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, mission-driven team.

• Alignment with Brave Core’s values of compassion, inclusivity, and integrity.

• A genuine interest in mental health, counselling, or community-based support work.

Benefits

• Gain valuable experience in nonprofit fundraising and strategy.

• Be part of a supportive and purpose-led organisation.

• Contribute to making mental health support more accessible and sustainable.

• Receive mentorship and a reference for your contribution.

• Work remotely and flexibly.

• Role Purpose:

Help grow the sanctuary's network of supporters by building relationships with businesses, brands, media, influencers, and community organizations to increase awareness, secure donations, sponsorships, and create partnership opportunities that support dog rescue and adoption efforts.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify potential corporate partners, sponsors, and donors
• Reach out to local and international businesses
• Develop sponsorship and fundraising opportunities
• Build relationships with pet brands, retailers, and service providers
• Contact influencers, creators, and media outlets
• Seek in-kind donations (food, supplies, veterinary support, transport, etc.)
• Promote adoption campaigns through partnerships
• Maintain a database of contacts and opportunities
• Represent the sanctuary professionally in external communications

Ideal Skills

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience in sales, fundraising, partnerships, PR, marketing, or business development is a plus
• Comfortable with email outreach and networking
• Passion for animal welfare
• Self-motivated and organized

By helping secure partnerships and sponsorships, you will directly support the care of rescue dogs, increase adoption opportunities, and help the sanctuary reach more supporters worldwide.

Oxfam Ecommerce Volunteer

Oxfam GB

Job details

Job type

• Volunteer – Ecommerce – (Online)

Shift and schedule

• 4 - 8-hour shift – we are very flexible
• Location: 1 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle DL12 8LY

Oxfam's Barnard Castle Shop is looking for Shop Volunteers to help Oxfam’s fight to support the world’s most vulnerable communities.

We’re looking for volunteers who can give 4-8 hours (or more!) of their time in the shop each week, and we’re excited to welcome brand new volunteers to our stores!

Right now, we're looking for people to help in the shop in us with our ecommerce/online department!

Location: Oxfam 1 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle DL12 8LY

Become a volunteer!

· List donated items for sale online

· Dispatch items – (Picking/ Packaging and Posting).

· Expand your computer skills

· Learn what Ecommerce is all about.

Available Shifts:

· Mondays

· Tuesdays

· Wednesdays

· Thursdays

· Fridays

· Saturdays

· Sundays

Whatever your skills or interests, there’s something for everyone…

Why be a volunteer?

Your time will make a huge difference. We estimate one four-hour shift will, on average, provide enough income to enable Oxfam to provide life-saving handwashing facilities for 81 people.

Volunteering also has a positive impact on wellbeing, with an incredible 7 in 10 volunteers saying that their charitable actions were beneficial for their mental health.

Benefits of becoming a Volunteer:

· Gain genuine experience working in a retail environment.

· Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience, and develop your CV.

· Great way to meet new people & be part of a community. Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family.

· Be part of a fantastic team and make a positive change to the world.

· Opportunity to utilise and develop your transferable skills.

Volunteering with Oxfam will give you the skills, confidence and experience you need to build your CV and boost your employability. Problem solving, communication, working with others and familiarity with the workplace are universally valued by employers.

No experience is necessary as full training, and an induction will be given. You don't need to be computer literate to join our team; there are volunteer opportunities for all. All we ask is that you’re happy to work as part of a diverse and inclusive team.

We can be flexible around parenting, caring, health, employment, education, and any other commitments you have.

Tempted? Apply now!

Oxfam covers expenses incurred in line with Oxfam’s Volunteer Expenses Policy, including local, reasonable travel expenses and lunch (for volunteering 5 hours +).’

· We take the welfare of volunteers and everyone we work with very seriously. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying, abuse of power, or any sexual misconduct within the workplace.

· Oxfam do not accept applications from anyone on the Sex Offenders list. We may inquire about unspent convictions relevant to the role and you may be required to submit to PVG/DBS check (at no expense to you).

· *NB: due to the current capacity of some shops, it may be that you will be placed on a waiting list and/or, if you are under 18, until a shop has enough staff and/or volunteers DBS cleared. The Shop Manager will discuss this with you.

Job Type: Volunteer – Ecommerce (Online)

Work Location: In person at the Barnard Castle Oxfam Shop

At St John Ambulance we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/08/2026
• Interviews will take place - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Inductions and training or this role will take place - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Job description:

"We are looking for 10 volunteers to join our volunteer human resource 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 Volunteer Programme:

The HR Programme Coordinator plays a pivotal role in driving the success of our flagship professional development initiative. This volunteering role is responsible for managing the end-to-end execution of the HR programme, 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 of the sucessful volunteer:

Programme Management

• Oversee the effective implementation of the HR programme, 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 of a successful volunteer:

• 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 but not essential:

• 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

Application question(s):

• Are you sure you can commit to this being a non-paid role?
• Can you commit to 16 weeks?
• Do you have access to personal PC or laptop?

Work Location: Remote

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We are looking for applicants who can specifically be available on Mondays.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.