Accounting volunteer roles

RNIB has been invited to create a show garden for the RHS at their new venue for 2026 – RHS Flower Show Sandringham. The garden is supported by Players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and we’re working with Paul Hervey-Brookes, an internationally known garden designer and RHS judge to create an accessible, sensory space that celebrates talking books and gifts in wills. Gifts in Wills are a very special way of giving and account for more than a third of RNIB’s annual income.

We’re looking for volunteers with excellent communication skills, lots of enthusiasm and who enjoy talking to people about the work of RNIB. An interest in gardening would be advantageous but not essential.

The dates are the 22-26 July 2026 for a minimum of one day and will be held in the grounds of the royal family-owned Norfolk estate in Sandringham. The days will be busy and varied and could include:

• talking to members of the public
• handing out merchandise
• helping supporters in the garden

How you will be supported in your role:
Training will be given before the show and there will be members of staff on hand throughout the duration of the show.

How often will I be needed?

• 1 Days per Day

Location

Region

• East of England

Additional location information

• The event is taking place at the RHS Flower Show, Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, PE35 6AB

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• We would like volunteers who are confident talking to people. The opportunity will involve standing for most of the day. Volunteers are needed for one day or more between 22 until 26 July 2026. Please note, this role is only available for those who live within a close proximity to Norfolk.

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that 
have been bereaved. 

THIS ROLE COULD BE FOR YOU IF:

- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life

- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call

- Are a good listener

- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature

- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills

- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice

- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

REQUIREMENTS OF A BEFRIENDER INCLUDE:

- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed

- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call

- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others

- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs

- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

BENEFITS OF THE ROLE MAY INCLUDE:

- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life

- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation

- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills

- An opportunity to engage with your community

SUPPORT AND TRAINING PROVIDED:

- Omega Chatterbox induction program

- Safeguarding training

- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support

- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate

- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

LOCATION OF THE ROLE:

- Home-based

WHEN ARE YOU NEEDED:

- Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

Volunteer Branch Organiser

Across the UK, our local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Every year, our skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests, designing and creating bespoke equipment free of charge.

As a Branch Organiser, you’ll play a key role in helping to make sure your local branch runs smoothly and effectively. You’ll recruit, welcome, and support volunteers, ensuring the team’s work meets the needs of disabled people in your area. You’ll bring motivation, leadership, and strong communication and organisational skills to the heart of your branch.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local needs shape what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

• Coordinating the activities of our local branch to undertake and meet the needs of referrals in your area
• Organising and chairing the branch meetings
• Leading the branch’s shared responsibility for planning and completing referrals
• Coordinating the recruitment, induction, and ongoing support of new local branch volunteers
• Approving income and expenditure with the other branch bank account signatories and ensuring, with the Treasurer that our financial requirements and policies relating to branches are followed
• Ensuring the branch’s activities comply with policies to keep people safe
• Acting as a key point of contact, maintaining regular communication between volunteers and staff.

What you’ll need for this role

Essential
• A love of being organised.
• Confidence in leading meetings.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office, the internet, and email.
• The ability to understand and follow internal and external policies and procedures.
• A commitment to keeping personal information safe.
• Willingness to follow REMAP’s policies, procedures, and values.
• Occasional availability to attend local events to promote the charity’s work.

Desirable

• Confidence communicating with a wide range of people.
• Ability to delegate tasks and motivate others.
• Enthusiasm for raising awareness of the charity locally.
• A willingness to develop new skills and experience. You’ll also be asked to complete our induction checklist.

Why volunteer with us?

When you volunteer with us, you become part of a supportive community of people who are passionate about improving the lives of others. We are a volunteer-led organisation, and we couldn’t do what we do without your skills, commitment, and generosity of spirit.

Please note: We reimburse all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

We are looking for a creative and reliable volunteer to join our Social Media Team, helping us share our work and increase awareness through engaging content.

This role focuses on creating Reels and social media content using Canva and instagram editor tools using existing charity materials. You don’t need to be an expert, however some experience and knowldege of social media communications is ideal. Guidance will be given as you develop your skills.

Working Style

You’ll be joining a small, friendly and active team. Content is planned in advance, with a relaxed monthly Zoom catch-up for planning and ongoing communication via WhatsApp for day-to-day support.

Key Responsibilities

• Create engaging Reels and posts using Canva (Charity account access provided)

• Use existing photos, videos, and content provided by the charity

• Share adoption posts accross facebook and other platforms to help our dogs find homes

• Help maintain consistency across our channels

• Use Google Drive to access and organise content

Skills & Experience

• Some experience with Canva (basic level is fine)

• Familiarity with social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook)

• Comfortable using (or quick to learn) Google Drive

• Creative eye for simple, engaging content

• Good organisation and ability to work independently is essential

Who We’re Looking For

• Passionate about animal welfare

• Reliable and consistent in completing agreed tasks

• Clear about what they can commit to each month - and follow through

• Able to manage their time and work independently

Time Commitment

Flexible - whether you can offer a few hours a week or a few hours a month, we ask that you commit to what you can realistically deliver and complete tasks in a timely manner.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in social media content creation for a charity

• The opportunity to build your portfolio (Reels, posts, campaigns)

• Being part of a passionate, supportive team

• Making a real impact on the lives of rescue animals

Volunteer Opportunity: Social Media Lead

Are you a creative thinker with a passion for digital storytelling and leading online engagement? We’re looking for a Volunteer Social Media Lead to take ownership of our social media presence and guide our online strategy.

Role Overview:
As the Social Media Lead, you will oversee the planning, creation, and delivery of content across our social platforms. You’ll lead a small team (if applicable), shape our digital voice, and ensure our messaging effectively engages and grows our audience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a social media strategy aligned with organisational goals

• Oversee content planning, creation, and scheduling across platforms

• Lead and support Social Media Officers or volunteers

• Ensure consistency in tone, branding, and messaging

• Monitor engagement, analytics, and performance metrics

• Identify trends and opportunities to grow audience reach

• Coordinate promotion of events, campaigns, and key updates

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong understanding of social media platforms and trends

• Excellent written communication and creative skills

• Experience managing or leading social media accounts (preferred)

• Ability to analyse performance data and adjust strategies

• Leadership or team coordination skills

• Proactive, organised, and able to work independently

What You’ll Gain:

• Leadership experience in digital marketing and communications

• Opportunity to shape and grow an organisation’s online presence

• Development of strategic thinking and analytical skills

• Enhanced CV with hands-on leadership experience

• A chance to make a meaningful impact through digital engagement

Time Commitment:
Flexible, with regular weekly involvement and additional time during campaigns.

Location:
REMOTE - UK ONLY

Take the lead in telling our story and building a strong, engaged online community.

To telephone befriendees at their home for approximately 10 to 30 minutes, you will arrange the specific times of your future calls directly with them. These calls are intended to occur once a week, but individual needs will be matched with your availability.To provide a telephone conversation, a listening ear and chat about interests and hobbies, helping to alleviate loneliness and feelings of isolation. To provide companionship and human interaction at a time when this may be limited. To provide an update after each call to the Telephone Befriending support Team. This is so we can keep a track of the amount of befriending calls each volunteer is undertaking, the type of support being offered during these calls and if there is anything further required.

It is important to note telephone befriending is not counselling or therapy and other services must be sought if this is required.

Benefits

• FREE DBS.
• Discounted food.
• Store discount.
• Volunteer from home.
• Above all you will be making a positive difference in your befriendee’s life.
• As a volunteer telephone befriender, you will learn how to support others, make friends, become more confident, and practice communication skills.
• You will gain new and transferable skills. We offer support for you to increase your own job-readiness and personal development.
• Training opportunities,
• Volunteering experience
• Detailed references will be provided.

​

About Roots Academy. 

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

We’re looking for a Data Engineer to help build, maintain, and scale Roots Academy’s data infrastructure. You’ll take ownership of key data pipelines, working closely with the data lead and collaborate with teams across Digital Platforms, Marketing, Fundraising, and Operations to ensure our data is reliable, well structured, and useful for decision making. Your work will directly support how we measure student transformation, programme impact, and organisational performance at every level.

Beyond this, you’ll contribute to the design of our data architecture, helping shape how data flows from source systems into the database. You’ll also support management of our GCP environment (e.g. BigQuery datasets, IAM, performance), ensuring the platform remains clean, scalable, and secure as Roots grows.

Key tasks

• Design, build and maintain data pipelines (e.g. from Firebase/Firestore, Google Drive/GCS, APIs into BigQuery)

• Contribute to Data Architecture design

• Manage & optimise datasets, and improve existing workflows (e.g. GitHub Actions, scheduled jobs, transformations)

• Support GCP platform management (permissions, dataset structure, service accounts, cost awareness)

• Improve documentation, data quality checks, and overall reliability of the data stack

What we’re looking for

• Experience with Python, and Data Engineering concepts

• Experience with SQL and data modelling concepts 

• Comfortable using Git and working with structured repositories

• Understanding of data pipeline concepts (batch processing, transformations, schema design)

• Able to work independently with clear task ownership

Desirable:

• Experience with GCP (BigQuery, IAM, Cloud Storage, service accounts)

• Familiarity with CI/CD workflows (e.g. GitHub Actions)

• Interest in impact measurement or education sector work

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy. 

Chair of Trustees - Voluntary Role

Aid Box Community (ABC)

We are looking to appoint someone with leadership qualities and high motivation, initially 
to join us as a trustee in June and then to take on the position of Chair in November. In 
close co-operation with our dedicated team of trustees and inspirational director, you will 
be guiding our charity through the next phase of our journey. This is a very exciting 
opportunity to play an important role in the development of Aid Box’s strategy over the 
next 5 years and to oversee the deepening of our charity’s impact on our community, 
made possible by our recent move into our new home. 

About Aid Box Community

We are a charity based in Bristol and for nearly nine years have been providing vital support, supplies and sanctuary to men women and children seeking asylum in this city. You are welcome to come and have a look at the work we do by visiting, by prior arrangement, our Welcome Hub and Free Shop. 

What are our trustees responsible for?

We are all jointly responsible for:

• The overall management of our charity.
• Setting and monitoring Aid Box’s strategic direction and ensuring it is financially sound.
• Ensuring the charity carries out the purposes set out in our constitution for the benefit of our community and in line with the Charity Commission’s guidance.

Main duties and responsibilities as a Chair:

• leading our charity’s strategic direction in close collaboration with the board and our director.
• Chairing quarterly trustee meetings as well as our HR sub committee meetings.
• Representing trustees in contacts with other charities and organisations.

This role is for you if:

• You have leadership experience (formal or informal), either within or outside the charity sector.
• You have specialist skills that may benefit Aid Box Community. Motivated by ABC’s vision, mission and values, in particular upholding the basic human rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
• Teamwork and communication skills with ability to listen and build a consensus.
• Living in or near Bristol . You would like to join a fantastic community of staff, volunteers and service user

This role is for you if:Our Commitment to You:

We will provide practical support, principally through our deputy chair, along with a full induction programme including the legal framework and other key areas such as safeguarding. During your time with Aid Box, you will be able to join training workshops relevant to your role as a trustee, along with the opportunity to be involved in a range of charity activities.

See our website for more information about our charity (where you can also find our Impact Report 24/25): Our Financial Statements for year ended 31 March 2025 filed with the Charity Commission: 

Want to know more?

If you would also like to have an initial informal chat, please email our Chair, Richard Annandale or Susan Qazi the Charity Administrator.

Safeguarding Statement

ABC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its service users and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, trustees and volunteers to share this commitment.

ABC operates Safeguarding Policies for the purpose of protecting Young People and Vulnerable Adults. All staff and trustee members are required to undergo Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS checks.

Statement on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

ABC aims to be an anti-discriminatory organisation committed to the promotion of quality and diversity and, in line with the Equality Act 2010. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups and those with lived experience.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

ABOUT CHILDREN WITH VOICES

Children With Voices is a grassroots children's charity with over 25 years of experience supporting children and families across London. Based at Fawcett Estate Community Hall in Clapton, Hackney, we run a Community Food Hub, alternative education, SEN support, and community programmes including Jumping Beans. We have supported over 100,000 families and are recognised nationally for our work.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

As we grow, we need an experienced Operations Manager to help us run well behind the scenes — so everything on the frontline can keep delivering. This is a meaningful voluntary leadership role for someone with professional experience in operations, HR, or management who wants their skills to count for something real.

You will work closely with the CEO and senior team to ensure the organisation runs efficiently, compliantly, and in line with our values.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Oversight

• Lead and coordinate day-to-day operations to ensure efficiency and alignment with organisational goals

• Support departments to stay aligned, compliant, and focused on delivery

• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, maximise resources, and improve impact

HR Oversight

• Oversee HR policies, compliance, and staff wellbeing in line with UK employment law and safeguarding requirements

• Support recruitment and onboarding — fair, inclusive, and safeguarding-compliant

• Provide HR guidance to managers and staff; escalate to external expertise when needed

• Maintain oversight of volunteer engagement and HR record keeping

Finance Oversight

• Supervise the Finance Coordinator (10 hrs/week) and provide accountability for financial administration

• Monitor budgets, financial reports, and expenditure in line with charity governance standards

• Ensure accurate, timely reporting to the CEO and Trustees

• Liaise with accountants, auditors, and external advisors as required

Leadership & Governance

• Work alongside the CEO, Trustees, and senior team to align operations with organisational strategy

• Provide assurance of compliance with safeguarding, data protection, charity law, and employment legislation

• Model organisational values of safeguarding, equity, inclusion, and community impact

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Experience in operations, management, or a related professional field

• Working knowledge of HR processes and UK employment law

• Financially literate — comfortable with budgets, reports, and financial summaries

• Familiar with charity governance, safeguarding, and compliance requirements

• Confident, values-led, and able to hold accountability with care

• Highly organised, reliable, and able to manage competing priorities

• Committed to equity, inclusion, and community impact

This is a voluntary senior leadership role — unpaid, but with real scope and real responsibility. We are looking for someone who brings professional-level experience and wants to use it in the service of children and families in Hackney.

Job description

We're looking for someone to manage our social media accounts for a minimum of 6 hours per week, during which you will schedule posts to engage our audiences. This is a creative role that will require you to create content based on our brand guidelines, using fresh impact (e.g. quotes, photos, videos) gathered by you or sent to you by our team on the ground, and you'll be able to pitch your own ideas for mini-campaigns and content.

We'd like you to spend some time looking at our audiences, using analytics to understand who our followers are, providing insightful analysis from the data available and seeking out new social media avenues and ways of connecting with audiences. The ideal candidate has a strategic mind and lots of passion and energy for our mission, as well as experience managing social platforms, creating content, and engaging with analytics.

Principal Responsibilities:

· Your principal role will be to promote, develop and maintain our online presence in order to maximise our impact and to promote ourselves as widely as possible to the local community.

Main Duties:

· Help create and maintain a social media plan

· Use social media to promote the activities and achievements of WFRC

· Keeping our social media channels updated on a frequent basis

· Encouraging others to comment on our posts and share them with others

· Ensure that communication reaches a wide range of local stakeholders and a diverse audience

· Develop and manage content for our website and social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, & YouTube.

· Select relevant channels to reach our diverse audiences

· Track the effectiveness of our social media work and recommend ways forward.

· Test content and review its impact.

· Keeping up to date with WFRC events and news, and choosing what to promote through our social media feeds

· Develop publicity materials and communication techniques to target communities that are under-represented

· Visiting our projects and attending our events with a view to writing articles about them on our blog

· To manage the filing and archiving of photographs and videos.
 

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Store discount
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Flexitime
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Work Location: Hybrid in WOLVERHAMPTON

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that 
have been bereaved. 

THIS ROLE COULD BE FOR YOU IF:

- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life

- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call

- Are a good listener

- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature

- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills

- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice

- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

REQUIREMENTS OF A BEFRIENDER INCLUDE:

- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed

- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call

- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others

- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs

- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

BENEFITS OF THE ROLE MAY INCLUDE:

- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life

- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation

- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills

- An opportunity to engage with your community

SUPPORT AND TRAINING PROVIDED:

- Omega Chatterbox induction program

- Safeguarding training

- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support

- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate

- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

LOCATION OF THE ROLE:

- Home-based

WHEN ARE YOU NEEDED:

- Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

We are looking to grow our Board of Trustees to help to increase our reach, enhance our profile, spread our message and continue to develop sustainably.

We are seeking Trustees who will bring creative vision champion the role art plays in public cohesion and transforming people’s lives.We would like to recruit up to three new Trustees during 2026, ideally with experience of Finance, Fundraising or Artistic Programming.Arts at the Old Fire Station (AOFS) is known and respected for its values-led approach and passion for social change, and all Trustees are expected to share that commitment.  

The role in a nutshell:

Age UK Cheshire's Sharing Time Reconnect Befriending service strives to reduce loneliness and isolation by matching our volunteers with older people via a meaningful befriending relationship.

Please note: You must be located within Cheshire to apply for this role

What will you be doing?

You will be working with your befreindee and the Service Coordinator to understand their goals and how you can help them to achieve them. This could involved visiting the befreindee at their home for a chat, a walk, or a coffee in town. Depending on their goals, this could also include supporting and facilitating access to local groups and physical activities e.g. craft groups, coffee mornings, lunch clubs or meeting up for a coffee with other befriendees to form their own friendship group. 

How would you be supported in this role?

Our volunteers receive an initial induction into the work and policies of our charity and then specific training on befriending, health and safety and safeguarding. You will be part of a caring and experienced team and have the support of a dedicated service coordinator. 

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Loneliness among older people is a growing crisis. By volunteering with Age UK Cheshire’s Sharing Time Reconnect project, you will offer more than a regular visit – you will offer a lifeline to older people in your community. 

Befriending visits usually last around between 1 and 2 hours in business hours. They are typically weekly but can be flexible depending on the individual you are supporting and their circumstances. We also appreciate that volunteers may have other commitments, such as caring responsibilities so we will work with you and the individual to agree a pattern which works for everyone.  ​

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

• Patience and a warm and friendly attitude. 
• Active listening skills with the ability to motivate others.
• A wish to support older people in a person- centred manner, taking account of preferences and abilities.
• Awareness of acting in a way that respects equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Willingness to follow guidance to keep yourself and others safe.

Additional information:

• This role is subject to police checking by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
• You will need to be willing and able to travel to your befriendee and travel expenses will be reimbursed.
• We are looking for volunteer befrienders throughout Cheshire.