458 Volunteer roles in Oxfordshire

Our challenge

Brain tumours do not discriminate. They can strike anyone, at any age and they strike quickly. At The Brain Tumour Charity, we aim to address the clear gap in emotional support available to those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis. We know the difference that talking therapy can make to the brain tumour community and our goal is to reach more people, ensuring everyone that wants it, gets the support that they need.

How can you help?

As a Counselling Assessment Volunteer, you will play a key role in helping people access the support that is right for them. The assessment is often the first conversation a client has with our counselling service and provides an opportunity to understand their circumstances, emotional needs and expectations of counselling.

This role is not about providing counselling or therapeutic interventions during the assessment. Instead, you will use your listening, communication and assessment skills to gather relevant information, explore the client's current situation, identify any risks or safeguarding concerns, and determine whether our counselling service is the most appropriate support for them at this time.

This role requires confidence in having sensitive conversations with people affected by brain tumours, including individuals who may be experiencing significant distress, uncertainty, bereavement, or end-of-life concerns. It is therefore particularly suited to those with counselling skills training or relevant experience in supportive, helping or assessment-based roles.

As a Counselling Assessment Volunteer, you will be required to:

• Carry out pre-booked counselling assessments with clients who have self-referred themselves into the counselling service

• Gather information through the assessment about the client’s circumstances, explore their needs, explain how the service can help and discuss with them whether the counselling service is suitable

• Confidently follow our safeguarding process, to ensure risk is assessed and appropriate steps are taken to safeguard each client’s well-being

• Observe confidentiality in line with our organisational policy

• Keep accurate and appropriate records on our internal database 

We’re looking for...

We’re seeking compassionate, empathetic individuals who are passionate about helping people affected by a brain tumour access the support they need. To be successful in this role, you will:

• Have experience providing emotional support in a professional or voluntary capacity, ideally within areas such as counselling, bereavement, mental health, palliative care, or life-limiting illness.
• Have completed, or be working towards, relevant training such as counselling skills, mental health awareness, Mental Health First Aid, or a similar qualification.
• Be comfortable conducting assessments independently whilst working within agreed policies, procedures and safeguarding guidance.
• Have excellent listening, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to respond appropriately to people experiencing distress.
• Be confident using IT systems and maintaining accurate, confidential records on our counselling database. Have access to a private space, telephone and computer suitable for carrying out this home-based volunteering role.

The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals belonging to minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities. 

What can you gain from volunteering?

You’ll have the opportunity to apply your existing support skills in a new way You will join a pioneering team, who are passionate about expanding the counselling service

Time commitment

We are looking for a commitment of 2 hours per week (minimum) which would allow you to carry out 2 assessments. All assessments must be carried out between 9.30am—4pm, Monday - Friday and we would ask all volunteers to work on a rota system, volunteering at the same times each week.

Practical considerations

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend an interview with our Counselling Service Manager and Counselling Service Officer. Successful candidates will be required to attend 2 x 3 hour induction training sessions via Teams. These are scheduled to take place at the following times:

• PART 1 - Tues 12th January 2027, 6-8pm OR Fri 15th January 2027, 1-3pm
• PART 2 - Tues 19th January 2027, 6-8pm OR Fri 22nd January 2027, 1-3pm

You must be able to attend one of each training sessions in order to carry out this role. We will carry out reference and DBS checks for all successful applicants and you will be required to complete some internal data protection and disclosure documentation before commencing the placement.

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team

Key Dates

Interviews: W/C 7 December 2026 and 14 December 2026

Online Induction Training: Listed above under Practical Considerations