Advice and information manager volunteer roles

We're keen to hear from you if you'd like to share your experiences as a blind and partially sighted person and help build a world which understands the impact of living with sight loss.

In this role, you will be:

• Delivering talks to groups of sighted people about your lived experience of sight loss to challenge their perceptions and behaviours. Audiences will vary but may include local businesses, community, faith and voluntary groups.

• Making links with your own existing groups and networks in your local community that may want to be involved in reducing barriers to blind and partially sighted people.
• Building relationships with people or local businesses you know.
• Taking part in and sharing information about specific campaigns and initiatives to help remove barriers to blind and partially sighted people.
• Delivering talks on behalf of RNIB’s Social Action Team.

What you'll gain from the role:
• A chance to make a difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people with a sense of achievement.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people.
• To make an impact by speaking to groups of people.
• An opportunity to develop your role into delivering talks independently as your confidence and skills grow.
• An opportunity to improve public understanding, helping change perceptions and behaviours, building a world which understands sight loss.
• An opportunity to explore different volunteer roles within our organisation and have access to internal employment opportunities.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• Induction to the role and organisation.
• Training in public speaking and telling your story.
• A supportive volunteer manager.
• Regular catch-ups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

Independent Chair and Non-Executive Director Recruitment

Somerset Skills & Learning CIC (SS&L)
Voluntary roles | Somerset / Hybrid

Changing lives through learning

Somerset Skills & Learning (SS&L) is a thriving Community Interest Company delivering education and skills to around 4,000 learners each year. Working with over 145 employers, we improve confidence, wellbeing, employability and life chances across Somerset and beyond.

We are now seeking two Independent Non-Executive Directors to join our Board at an exciting and pivotal time.

Following seven successful years on the Board, our Chair will step down in November 2026. As part of this recruitment, we will identify our next Non-Executive Chair, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of a values-driven organisation making a tangible difference.

The Opportunities

Non-Executive Director – Finance & Sustainability

You will bring senior financial leadership experience to help guide SS&L’s long-term sustainability.

You will contribute to:

• Financial strategy, oversight and resilience
• Risk management, audit and governance
• Supporting sustainable, values-led growth

Non-Executive Director – Further Education Quality & Impact

You will bring expertise from the further education or skills sector to help ensure high-quality outcomes.

You will contribute to:

• Quality assurance and continuous improvement
• Learner outcomes and progression
• Strategic curriculum development aligned to community need

About the Roles

As a Board member, you will:

• Provide strategic oversight, challenge and support
• Help shape organisational direction and impact
• Work collaboratively with fellow Directors and the Executive team

From these appointments, we are particularly interested in individuals with the capability and interest to step into the Chair role.

Commitment

• Approximately 4–5 hours per month
• Four Board meetings per year (hybrid)
• Participation in sub-committees
• Voluntary roles (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About You

We are looking for individuals who:

• Bring senior leadership or Board-level experience
• Can offer constructive challenge and strategic insight
• Share our commitment to inclusion, learning and community impact

We particularly welcome applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
 

How to Apply

Full details about this opportunity in the attached brief. For a confidential discussion, please contact Anna Jay, Managing Director, Public Leaders Appointments

Closing date for applications: Midday, 21st May 2026. Interviews 10th or 11th June 2026.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to help shape an organisation that is transforming lives through learning, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer roles currently available in Cheshire East

Hospital Visitor Volunteer 

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.

As a hospital volunteer, you might: 

• hold drop-in sessions

• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities

• share information

• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might:

• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support
• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes
• Raise concerns
• Keep detailed notes and records
• Make a real difference to someone’s life

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued.  The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Community Development Volunteer

Our Community Development Volunteers undertake an administrative role that provides support to our Community Development Co-ordinator in a variety of ways.

As a Community Development Volunteer in England, you might:

• conduct online research
• contact local community groups to build relationships with them and understand their needs
• attend events to raise awareness or present our work
• engage with project participants on social media
• deliver promotional material in a variety of locations

Most volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK.  Please note that there is very limited opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

We are particularly keen to build connections with marginalised communities in Manchester, and so ideally we are looking for volunteers who are already part of, or happy to get involved with, local groups

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services.  All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Description

You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:

• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.

What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.

We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Action

Key requirements

• One reference

• Additional location information

  • Home and local area.

About The Role

At WWT we shape unforgettable experiences. We are a warm, welcoming and genuine charity that protects and restores Wetlands. WWT Martin Mere has 600 acres of amazing wetland scenery which is home to such an assortment of wildlife. 

We are looking for volunteers who can support our team in our Café and shop to ensure we offer excellent customer service to our visitors.

By providing excellent customer care in our shop, you will be encouraging our visitors to support the wider conservation work of WWT. The money that is taken in retail is instrumental to the conservation work that WWT can afford to carry out.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us, or give us a call and  leave us a message with your name and number.  

About You

Who are we looking for?

This role would suit you if:

• Have an enthusiastic and friendly manner
• Have an eye for detail and creativity
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• A confident attitude and / or experience in successful face-to-face contact with the public
• Commitment to excellent customer service
• Are happy using a computer/till
• Like working in a busy environment
• An interest in birding and optics equipment (if you’d like to get involved in promoting and selling our optics)

We are particularly looking for people to help on Mondays, Thursdays or Fridays. 

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.  

  We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility 

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way! 

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board! 

Voluntary positions currently available in Hampshire 

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care. 

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might: 

• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support 

• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes 

• Raise concerns

• Keep detailed notes and records 

• Make a real difference to someone’s life 

Hospital Visitor Volunteer 

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake. 

As a hospital volunteer, you might:

• hold drop-in sessions
• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
• share information
• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

Please note that if you wish to volunteer in a hospital setting you would be required to travel to Elmleigh Hospital on a weekly basis. 

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening. 

Safeguarding Commitment Statement 

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice. 

ED&I Statement 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options. 

To find out more click “Apply Now”.  

We're keen to hear from you if you'd like to share your experiences as a blind and partially sighted person and help build a world which understands the impact of living with sight loss.

In this role, you will be:

• Delivering talks to groups of sighted people about your lived experience of sight loss to challenge their perceptions and behaviours. Audiences will vary but may include local businesses, community, faith and voluntary groups.

• Making links with your own existing groups and networks in your local community that may want to be involved in reducing barriers to blind and partially sighted people.
• Building relationships with people or local businesses you know.
• Taking part in and sharing information about specific campaigns and initiatives to help remove barriers to blind and partially sighted people.
• Delivering talks on behalf of RNIB’s Social Action Team.

What you'll gain from the role:
• A chance to make a difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people with a sense of achievement.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people.
• To make an impact by speaking to groups of people.
• An opportunity to develop your role into delivering talks independently as your confidence and skills grow.
• An opportunity to improve public understanding, helping change perceptions and behaviours, building a world which understands sight loss.
• An opportunity to explore different volunteer roles within our organisation and have access to internal employment opportunities.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• Induction to the role and organisation.
• Training in public speaking and telling your story.
• A supportive volunteer manager.
• Regular catch-ups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

We're keen to hear from you if you'd like to share your experiences as a blind and partially sighted person and help build a world which understands the impact of living with sight loss.

In this role, you will be:

• Delivering talks to groups of sighted people about your lived experience of sight loss to challenge their perceptions and behaviours. Audiences will vary but may include local businesses, community, faith and voluntary groups.

• Making links with your own existing groups and networks in your local community that may want to be involved in reducing barriers to blind and partially sighted people.
• Building relationships with people or local businesses you know.
• Taking part in and sharing information about specific campaigns and initiatives to help remove barriers to blind and partially sighted people.
• Delivering talks on behalf of RNIB’s Social Action Team.

What you'll gain from the role:
• A chance to make a difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people with a sense of achievement.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people.
• To make an impact by speaking to groups of people.
• An opportunity to develop your role into delivering talks independently as your confidence and skills grow.
• An opportunity to improve public understanding, helping change perceptions and behaviours, building a world which understands sight loss.
• An opportunity to explore different volunteer roles within our organisation and have access to internal employment opportunities.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• Induction to the role and organisation.
• Training in public speaking and telling your story.
• A supportive volunteer manager.
• Regular catch-ups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

We're keen to hear from you if you'd like to share your experiences as a blind and partially sighted person and help build a world which understands the impact of living with sight loss.

In this role, you will be:

• Delivering talks to groups of sighted people about your lived experience of sight loss to challenge their perceptions and behaviours. Audiences will vary but may include local businesses, community, faith and voluntary groups.

• Making links with your own existing groups and networks in your local community that may want to be involved in reducing barriers to blind and partially sighted people.
• Building relationships with people or local businesses you know.
• Taking part in and sharing information about specific campaigns and initiatives to help remove barriers to blind and partially sighted people.
• Delivering talks on behalf of RNIB’s Social Action Team.

What you'll gain from the role:
• A chance to make a difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people with a sense of achievement.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people.
• To make an impact by speaking to groups of people.
• An opportunity to develop your role into delivering talks independently as your confidence and skills grow.
• An opportunity to improve public understanding, helping change perceptions and behaviours, building a world which understands sight loss.
• An opportunity to explore different volunteer roles within our organisation and have access to internal employment opportunities.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• Induction to the role and organisation.
• Training in public speaking and telling your story.
• A supportive volunteer manager.
• Regular catch-ups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

Description

You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:

• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.

What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.

We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Action

Key requirements

• One reference

Location

Additional location information

• Home and local area.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Positive attitude towards blind and partially sighted people. • Effective communication skills. • An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people. • A willingness and ability to complete the Microsoft feedback form.

Description

You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:

• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.

What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.

We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Action

Key requirements

• One reference

Location

Additional location information

• Home and local area.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Positive attitude towards blind and partially sighted people. • Effective communication skills. • An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people. • A willingness and ability to complete the Microsoft feedback form.

Role summary

The use of complementary therapies in palliative care has become an increasingly significant feature of health care and evidence shows that therapies can support the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing of patients and their families and carers, and those facing loss and bereavement. This role will give you the unique opportunity to use your incredible skills, qualities, and knowledge to gain experience in specialised healthcare for end of life and bereavement. This will enable you to build confidence and ability to provide care and wellbeing in an integrated hospice environment. Research has shown that its use alongside conventional medicine can help enhance relaxation and well-being, and relieve stress and anxiety, as well as help with the management of specific issues such as symptom control of fatigue, breathlessness, nausea, and pain.

An enhanced adult & child DBS check is required for this role. 

Main duties of the role

• Provide therapies in accordance with the complementary therapy policy and procedure, as well as the code of ethics and practice.

• Assess and plan patients’ treatment and documentation of given treatment and patient response.

• Report any concerns you may have about a patient’s/client’s health or welfare (or anything the patient may have said that is of concern) to the IPU team or CT team lead

• Uphold the confidentiality guidance in all matters relating to the patient or their family.

• Be generally aware of patients’ needs and always ensure the dignity of the patients.

• Maintain good infection control practices at all times

• Prepare the complementary therapy treatment areas before and after a treatment

• Adhere to the dress code requirements.

• Seek support and advice when needed.

• To adhere to the CT code of conduct and ethics

• Provide feedback, including reports of any adverse effects, to the Complementary Therapy Lead.

• To undertake any other tasks as requested/deemed appropriate with the nature of the role.

• Complete all paperwork and feedback clearly and objectively

• Adhere to relevant and current protocols for the practice of the specific therapy or therapies.

All complementary therapies are characterised by treating the whole person, considering the mental, emotional and physical factors associated with the challenges they face. Complementary therapies work with the total care given, to promote comfort and support for both patients and their families/carers. We also support those who access our bereavement services. 

Training & supervision

We will provide you with practice into palliative and bereavement care by extending the opportunities for you to gain valuable hands-on experience that will affirm your vocational knowledge and skills. Other training includes:

• There will be an induction to the hospice and all volunteers must undertake mandatory health and safety training. In addition, all volunteer complementary therapists have to undergo an enhanced DBS check, undertake safeguarding, accessing personal information (medical record information) and lone working training

• To undertake an induction into the complementary therapy service, this may include shadowing another volunteer therapist, as appropriate.

• To attend meetings/supervision and training in palliative needs. 

Experience & qualifications required

• You will need to be qualified and hold the appropriate certifications in the relevant practice:

o L3+ Aromatherapy

o L3+ Massage therapy

o L3+ Reflexology

o L3+ Holistic therapy

o L2/L3+ Beauty therapy (with facial and massage/aromatherapy units)

o Qualified in the HEARTS PROCESS

o Degree2/3+ Reiki plus one of the above qualifications (not a stand alone Reiki qualification)

o L4+ Shiatsu

• Relevant professional qualifications essential from an accredited awarding body, such as C&G, VTCT, ITEC - which meets recognised UK Occupational Standards.

• Membership of a recognised Complementary Therapy Regulatory Body, e.g. CNHC, FHT, AOR or other voluntary recognised association or organisation, and hold up to date professional insurance, or be prepared to join prior to volunteering

• You must have current work experience and up to date skills which meet relevant competencies, e.g. CPD records and skills development.

Personal attributes

• Ability to work independently, and show flexibility by learning the ‘think on your feet’ and not to proceed if unsure and seek clarification

• Have the ability to keep the patient/client central to the treatment plan and make the required adjustments accordingly

• Be compassionate and empathtic, demonstrating sensitivity to patient/ client physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs and wellbeing

• Ability to use initiative and be innovative

• Respectful of other’s differences and choices

• Reliable, organised honest and punctual

• Maintain confidentiality and GDPR at all times

• Be emotionally resilient to work in this type of care setting

• Recognise own boundaries in the therapeutic relationship and limitations of the role and seek support when needed

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.

About Youth Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games. We also work in partnership with a range of organisations to run a rich programme of workshops within our youth club. Some of these have included creative visual arts, drama, music and workshops on rights and entitlements of young asylum seekers. We also cook a hot meal from time to time and offer a range of snacks each week. Our casework team are also on-site to support young people with a range of advice and signposting needs, usually by-appointment.

Youth club takes place at Furzedown Youth Centre. Welham Rd, London SW16 6TJ

About the role:

As a Youth Club volunteer, you would be helping young people to feel welcome, join in with activities and be a great role model.

Youth Club takes place every Wednesday at 6.00-8.30pm. We ask for a commitment of at least 2 sessions per month for a minimum of 6 months.

Tasks and responsibilities:

· To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur 15 minutes after each session.

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.

· To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.

· To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.

· To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.

· To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

To be 18 years or older;

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Wednesday evenings for a minimum of six months;

· Current resident of the UK;

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm - 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon - 2pm once every 3 months.

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.

Desirable:

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;