Communications and events volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

Purpose of the Role

This volunteer role supports the delivery of a wellbeing project for male asylum seekers accommodated in hotels in Ealing. The service aims to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and provide culturally sensitive mental health support for individuals who may be experiencing stress, trauma, and uncertainty due to displacement.

Volunteers will support the delivery of group activities and informal support sessions that promote social connection, emotional wellbeing, and engagement with services. The role involves building rapport with residents, supporting activities, and helping individuals access support where needed.

Volunteers will work alongside the Mental Health (Asylum Seekers) Coordinator to create a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment where residents feel comfortable participating in activities and seeking support.

Main Responsibilities

To support the Mental Health (Asylum Seekers) Coordinator in engaging residents and facilitating group activities that promote wellbeing, social connection, and access to support services.

Responsibilities include:

• Engage with asylum seeker residents in a friendly, respectful, and culturally sensitive manner
• Introduce residents to the wellbeing service and encourage participation in activities
• Help build rapport and trust with residents through informal conversation and engagement
• Support the onboarding of participants by assisting with forms and explaining the service
• Assist with facilitating group activities such as board games, expressive and creative activities.
• Encourage participation and inclusion during group activities
• Provide informal emotional support through active listening and supportive conversation
• Help create a welcoming and safe space for participants during sessions
• Support the preparation and organisation of activity materials and resources
• Assist with setting up and packing down activity spaces
• Identify and report any safeguarding concerns or welfare issues to the coordinator
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and follow guidance from staff when supporting residents

The type of person we are looking for:

• Friendly, approachable, and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathetic and non-judgemental attitude
• Interest in supporting people experiencing mental health challenges or social isolation
• Ability to work respectfully with people from different cultural backgrounds
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow guidance from staff
• Reliable and able to commit to the agreed volunteering hours
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding

HFEH Mind value equal opportunities; and are proud to foster a workforce of volunteers and employees that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

WL Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Providing a confidential non-judgemental listening ear to Residents and Staff. Supporting those wishing to develop their spiritual journey from a Christian perspective. The role will be based across one of our hostels in Watford, Borehamwood, Bishop's Stortford, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield or High Wycombe, 

Activities include:

• Proactively engaging with Residents and staff to build safe relationships and trust
• Offering a ‘listening ear’ to all and giving emotional support
• Sensitively discerning when to offer prayer and support from a Christian perspective, and when to use faith based language
• Be inclusive and welcoming to people of all religious faiths and none, referring people to other faith communities as appropriate
• Working alongside support staff, volunteers & local agencies
• Maintaining records of support and feeding back concerns about Resident welfare to Staff/Line Manager.
• Attend regular volunteer team meetings
• Being proactive in seeking spiritual and emotional support for your own benefit as this is a challenging role.

Additional activities could include:

• Facilitating group work for example: Retreat Programme, Bible Study, prayer or Mental Health Support.
• Welcoming new Residents by phone or in person
• Leading or helping with Chaplaincy lead events: Easter/Christmas activities, Remembrance Services
• Being an ambassador for YMCA’s mission in local Churches

Skills/Qualities/Experience:

• Be a good and active listener who can support others
• Be of a friendly, welcoming and cheerful disposition
• Self-motivated, reliable and punctual
• Sensitivity and courage to care for people experiencing a range of distressing situations including: grief, trauma, poor mental health, substance misuse, suicidal thoughts.
• A commitment to your own spiritual development
• A good understanding of the Christian faith, as well as some understanding of other faith traditions
• Ability to use both faith and non-faith based language, as appropriate
• Good communication skills in English; in person & over the phone
• A willingness to learn new things and get stuck in
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Respect the Christian ethos of the YMCA and uphold its values
• Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have

Training Support:

• A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided
• A one day ‘Chaplaincy Essentials’ training, plus a menu of additional training will be made available
• Online training: Safeguarding (Adults & Young People), Fire Awareness, Manual Handling
• Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line-manager
• Team meetings and social events
• Mileage and expenses may be payable

You will need 2 x references and a DBS (we will apply for and fund this). 

We are looking for volunteer befrienders to spend some time with our clients  in and around Central London or  to speak to them over the phone.  Our current needs are in Tulse Hill, Stockwell, Annerley, and Stepney Green.Locations change as new referrals come in, so if you are interested in befriending and want to make positive difference to  an older persons emotional well being, please contact us, we may have a client in your area!  

Befriending is a simple way to make a positive difference to someone who feels alone, or is socially isolated.  Your gift of time and companionship will give them, and you, something to look forward to. As one of our volunteers once said,“this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”  

Meetings are regular, usually weekly or fortnightly, for at least six months although most of our volunteers stay involved for  longer, only because they enjoy what they do!  Phone calls can me made from any quiet space at your home or workplace. 

You might visit a client in their home, or meet them in the community, chatting in coffee shops or talking while you walk - this really depends on what our client wants to do.  Our clients are  older Scots (60 plus) who simply want to do some of the activities that most of us take for granted.

We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters. 

This could be an ideal opportunity gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting, or for anyonewho enjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter.

Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must live in or around the London area for meetings, or in the UK for phone calls. 

Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!

Skills & characteristics required for befriending are:

• Good communication and listening skills, English speaking
• Friendly, warm and non-judgemental 
• Honest, reliable and committed
• Empathy 
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries (covered in training) 

An enhanced DBS check will be processed  for successful applicants and two references are required. 

We’re looking for a warm, British Sign Language Volunteer to provide in house support to Deaf women living in our refuge. This role is all about connection, inclusion and helping women feel fully involved in day to day life within the service.

As a BSL Volunteer, you’ll support communication between service users and staff, help women engage in activities, and be a friendly, reassuring presence in the house.

What you will be doing

• Providing British Sign Language support to Deaf service users within the refuge
• Supporting women to take part in activities
• Helping women communicate their needs to staff
• Offering support with appointments, as and when needed

The skills you need

• Fluent or confident British Sign Language users
• Friendly, patient, and inclusive, with a genuine interest in supporting women
• Able to communicate professionally and sensitively within a refuge setting

What's in it for you

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

Help cats in the Inverness and Nairn areas!

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!

It is a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

o face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.

o online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.

o bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.

o engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

o Sympathy to cats and our values

o Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.

o Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities

o Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising

o Good communication and team player

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you

Are you looking to get involved in the local community or perhaps have an interest in mental health? Volunteering in our mental health services is a rewarding and varied opportunity for someone who is interested in working in this field. You will support by offering a listening ear and will offer individuals tailored mental health support, alongside our team of trained workers. We are looking for a volunteer to facilitate a Men’s group. The group provides a safe, welcoming place for people to meet, share experiences and support each other’s growth. We’d love to find a resident in Haringey, but this is not essential for the role.

What you will be doing

• Facilitate discussions
• Create a supportive environment for men to connect, share experiences, and empower each other
• Prepare hot drinks and snacks
• To negotiate/facilitate conflicts or disagreements that may arise during group meetings.

The skills you need

• Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participants’ thoughts and feelings are valued, and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect
• Experience of facilitating groups.
• Strong listening and communication skills

What's in it for you

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

Are you a qualified Yoga Instructor who would enjoy facilitating weekly sessions to help individuals with their general well-being. This is an opportunity for you to share techniques with others.

Practicing yoga has been shown to increase mindfulness not just in class session, but in other areas of a person's life.

What you will be doing

• Design session plans enabling all group members to increase fitness, suppleness and help them relax
• Teach the group yoga postures and breathing techniques which allow a range of mixed ages and abilities to participate
• Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group activities where possible and encourage the group to help design future sessions
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Skilled and qualified Yoga Instructor
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you

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

Help cats in the Glasgow area and beyond!

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!

It is a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

o face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.

o online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.

o bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.

o engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

o Sympathy to cats and our values

o Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.

o Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities

o Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising

o Good communication and team player

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

Summary

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces at our sites across Hertfordshire and Bucks including

Brindle Court, Watford
Northgate End, Bishop's Stortford
Our smaller sites in Stevenage, Hoddesdon and Hemel Hempstead 
Crest Rd, High Wycombe

Detailed description

Having access to a secure garden or outdoor area can be crucial for providing opportunities to socialise and relax, which can be invaluable for the mental well-being of our residents.

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces, including:

·Weeding

·Sweeping

·Pruning

·Clearing leaves and large twigs

·Watering plants

·Planting bulbs and tidying up flower beds

We would love for this to be an opportunity to involve our residents and potentially lead a gardening activity with them, equipping them with knowledge and skills to maintain their own green spaces in the future. 

You will need:

• Enjoy working outside in all weathers.
• An interest/basic knowledge of gardening
• Role requires some degree of physical work and lifting/manual handling
• To work under your own initiative.
• Good communication skills
• Opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills

A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided as well as access to training and events throughout the year!

Some sites have basic tools however any additional tools and material required can be discussed with your volunteer manager .

What volunteers need:
You will be required to under go a Disclosure and Barring Service check and provide details of 2 x referees

What we will provide to volunteers:

• Reimbursement of costs
• Full training and induction
• Access to events and celebrations throughout the year 

Help support cats in the North East of Scotland!

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!

It is a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

o face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.

o online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.

o bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.

o engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

o Sympathy to cats and our values

o Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.

o Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities

o Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising

o Good communication and team player

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

We have an elderly client in Luton, LU1 who would like someone to visit her at home once a week, or perhaps fortnighly with a phone call in between visits. She moved to Luton from Scotland many years ago and spends most of her days alone at home which understandably gets her down.  She has a supportive daughter who works full time and a friend who drops by when she can. 

As her befriender, you will provide companionship: friendly conversation and a non-judgemental listen ear, to help make her day a little brighter. Your gift of time, and your companionship will help to break the monotomy of sitting alone at home and will give her something to look forward to. Meetings will be in her flat, or in the communal garden when the weather allows. 

You need to be reliable, friendly and caring,English speaking and a good listener for easy conversations.  You should also be able to commit to befriending for at least 6 months.  Its worth noting that most of our volunteers stay involved for longer, only because they enjoy what they do. 

Befriending is a very easy way to help someone who is struggling and can be very rewarding, in fact you might both look forward to your meetings . It can also provide a great opportunity to gain practical experience of working with older adults in the community for anyone who is considering social or care work as a career. 

We provide training before you start and ongoing support once you are matched, we also reimburse expenses for travel and refreshments. Two references are required and an enhanced DBS check will be processed. 

If you live in or around Luton and have one or two hours to spare on a regular basis, please get in touch. 

We’re looking for a warm, British Sign Language Volunteer to provide in house support to Deaf women living in our refuge. This role is all about connection, inclusion and helping women feel fully involved in day to day life within the service. As a BSL Volunteer, you’ll support communication between service users and staff, help women engage in activities, and be a friendly, reassuring presence in the house.

What you will be doing

• Providing British Sign Language support to Deaf service users within the refuge
• Supporting women to take part in activities
• Helping women communicate their needs to staff
• Offering support with appointments, as and when needed

The skills you need

• Fluent or confident British Sign Language users
• Friendly, patient, and inclusive, with a genuine interest in supporting women
• Able to communicate professionally and sensitively within a refuge setting

What's in it for you

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

Get involved today and join our amazing team of volunteers who are offering a lifeline to some of the most isolated people across London and the southeast. The digital world has changed at such a fast-paced leaving many feeling disconnected due to the lack of technical ability and knowledge. Help people to stay connected, improve their financial health, employability, and learn how to access much needed services and resources online! We’d love to find a resident in Haringey, but this is not essential for the role.

What you will be doing

• Supporting people to gain digital skills and knowledge on a computer, tablet and smart phone via one to one or in small group sessions
• Supporting people to use digital apps, emails, search the internet, online shopping and set up online accounts
• Supporting people to learn the skills to keep in touch with family and friends, such a video call and messaging
• Support individuals to agree and aspire on the steps/ goals they would like to achieve in the sessions
• Lead on the logistics and organisation of the sessions alongside the staff team
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Confident using digital skills
• Willingness and interest in facilitating one to one and group session on basic digital skills
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

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