Community management volunteer roles

Could you spare just 1 hour a week to make a real difference in Sandwell?

Age UK Sandwell is looking for a friendly Activity Group Volunteer to help run a weekly social group for older people at Hamstead Library, Great Barr.

• Tuesdays, 2–3pm
• Help people stay active, connected and supported
• Training and support provided

Bring your listening ear, positive attitude and a caring approach then we’ll help with the rest.

For more detailed information, please see below:

About the Service

The Wellbeing Team at Age UK Sandwell supports people aged 50+ to improve their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing through social, physical and community activities. The service helps reduce loneliness and isolation by encouraging community connections, offering one-to-one support, befriending and signposting, and working with volunteers and local partners to help older people stay active, independent and connected.

About the Role

The volunteer for this social group will be responsible for facilitating weekly activity groups for older people. Specific tasks may include:

• To keep a record of attendance
• To facilitate the session on a weekly basis
• To prepare any resources and equipment required to deliver the group
• To report any concerns to your line manager
• To attend team meetings/supervision when required
• To help promote the group and encourage attendance from older people in the community

You will be supported by a staff member in the initial weeks to prepare you to run the group.

Personal qualities and skills most suited to this role

· Good listening and communication skills

· Patient, caring and non-judgemental approach

· Relevant skills, knowledge or interest in the activity

· Commitment to supporting the wellbeing of older people

· Reliable, flexible and positive attitude

Training

· Core training (including Safeguarding, GDPR, Health & Safety, and Equality & Diversity) will be provided digitally or in print as part of your volunteer registration pack.

· Role-specific training will be agreed with your line manager and delivered through a mix of digital and face-to-face sessions.

· You will also complete the Age UK Sandwell induction programme and any additional training relevant to your role.

Oxfam Till Volunteers Newcastle, Percy Street

Do you enjoy meeting people and chatting?

Then this volunteer opportunity would suit you.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a

difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide

full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a

passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be

looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

When:

· Monday to Saturday and Sundays – Am/Pm – 4 hours or just even 2 hours we are very flexible.

What you will be doing:

· Chatting to Customers - giving great customer service on the till.

· Operating the Till

· Keeping the shop floor clean and tidy

· Accepting donations from members of the public

· Assisting with stocking the shop floor

· Full Training and support are given for this role – no prior experience necessary.

What's in it for you:

· Lunch expenses paid for 5 hours or more volunteered in one shift up to £7.00

· Travel expenses are paid when travelling by bus, parking expenses are paid if driving and petrol expenses are paid at the discretion of the Shop Manager.

· Learn new skills, gain experience, build confidence, and meet new people and make new friends.

Disclaimer: Additional Information

· We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any needs,

please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments.

· We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon

application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please speak to a manager for assistance.

· We do ask for one professional reference, however if this is not possible, we have a Reference Risk Assessment process form you can complete with the Shop Manager instead.

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

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

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

Our shops help raise lots of money for us. It’s always lovely chatting to our customers about the fabulous items we sell and telling them about the fantastic work that we do. As a volunteer you will get the chance to meet new people and make friends, plus be part of an amazing team of volunteers.

There’s so much for you to get stuck into when volunteering in our shops. We have several different positions available.

Stock Sorting Assistant: We get lots of donations so you will be rolling up your sleeves in the back room where you will be receiving, sorting, and pricing donations, predominantly Bric-a-Brac, Books and Clothes, it's always exciting when one of our volunteers spots a real gem.

Furniture Store Assistant: The role will also include assisting with moving furniture around the store, assembling & dismantling beds, and other flat packed furniture, and getting to express your creative side, by making attractive room displays.

It would be ideal if you could volunteer at least one shift a week, which is about four hours but we're also happy to have more flexible times.

No special skills are needed as we will show you what to do and will provide all the training you need. But if you have any experience or particular interest tell us, it may come in useful. It’s really easy to get your volunteering started, if you're over 16 years old, just click on ‘Apply’ and get filling in your details!

We currently need volunteers for Mondays (am/pm), Wednesdays (pm) and Friday (pm). Please get in touch if you would like to become part of our amazing Volunteer Team!

Our shops help raise lots of money for us. It’s always lovely chatting to our customers about the fabulous items we sell and telling them about the fantastic work that we do. As a volunteer you will get the chance to meet new people and make friends, plus be part of an amazing team of volunteers.
There’s so much for you to get stuck into when volunteering in our shops. We get lots of donations so you will be rolling up your sleeves in the back room where you will be receiving, sorting, steaming and pricing donations, it's always exciting when one of our volunteers spots a real gem. 
On the shop floor, as well as welcoming and serving our customers with a smile, you will be using the till (don't worry, we will show you how) and handling money. When people come in to donate items you will also be completing the Gift Aid forms that let their donations help us even more.
It’s really important that our window and shop displays look appealing so people keep visiting our shops, so you'll be wielding a duster and vacuum as well as your imagination to make the shop look its best.
It would be ideal if you could volunteer one shift a week, which is about four hours but we're also happy to have more flexible times. No special skills are needed as we will show you what to do and will provide all the training you need. But if you have any experience or particular interest tell us, it may come in useful. It’s really easy to get your volunteering started, if you're over 16 years old, just click on ‘Apply’ and get filling in your details!

We currently need volunteers every day including weekends- days to be discussed at interview. Please get in touch if you would like to become part of our amazing Volunteer Team!

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do help out. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

Get Out There groups are a growing division of Sense that cater for children between 6 and 16 with complex needs. We provide a 4 hour social setting which caters for children and families who need respite. We offer activities such as games, puzzles, arts and crafts, experiments, cookery and sensory play. We aim to tailor sessions to the needs, interests and abilities of the children we support and put pupil voice at the center of all we do. 

As a volunteer you'll make sure that everyone has a great time and can make the most of the activities on offer. You'll need lots of energy, a warm and welcoming personality and to be happy getting stuck in to a wide range of tasks and activities, all of which make sure that everyone has the best day they can together. 

What your role will involve

• Taking part in activities alongside disabled young people. You could be joining creative activities, movement or sports session, trips out in to the local community or seasonal themed activities.
• Helping to set up the activities at the start of the day, clear away at the end and keep activities safe, clean and running smoothly throughout.
• Helping to welcome young people to the group, find their way around and between activities, enjoy breaks and lunchtime and generally have a great day with the team and Sense.

A basic / enhanced Disclosure & Barring check will be required for this volunteer role. 

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Fun and friendly and confident to meet and spend time with disabled young people.
• Willing to develop the knowledge and skills to communicate with young people who have multi sensory impairments and who may use a wide range of communication methods
• Able to work well in a team and be flexible about the role you play during the day depending on what’s needed by individuals and activities
• Reliable and punctual.
• Committed to providing support in a way that offers choice, independence and dignity
• We welcome volunteers of all ages to this role who are able to create an inclusive and welcoming peer environment for everyone involved in the group. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Induction information to prepare you for your role, a briefing at the start of each event, and lots of on-site support and guidance from our experienced staff team who will be running the day
• Agreed out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed, in line with Sense policy
• The chance to get to know new people, try new activities in your local community and to have lots of fun taking part together
• To develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with children and young people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairment
• To know you’re part of a passionate and committed team making a big difference to how young people are able to get the most out of both new and favourite activities and to have a great time together.
• If you are 16 or 17 we will ask to make contact with a parent or other appropriate adult to share details of your volunteering role, timings and contact / emergency information. 

About us

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life. 

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. 

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do help out. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

Heartwood House is a unique organisation, working to support and empower young people to engage with education and achieve their potential, free from mainstream system constraints. We are a small, values-driven community, and our trustees play a vital role in guiding our mission and ensuring the long-term sustainability of what we do.

At Heartwood House, we deliver full-time education for students experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA). Our, methodology places wellbeing at the core of students' education, focusing on mental health, personal growth, and positive social interactions alongside academic instruction.

Students have an inherent right to respectful and caring treatment, independent of behaviour or academic performance. As a trustee, you will help uphold and champion our policy of unconditional positive regard, the principle that everyone (staff or student) should always be treated with respect and dignity, no matter the situation.

Education takes place in small groups, with lessons tailored to each student's individual needs and interests. As a trustee, you will gain insight into a genuinely distinctive educational model, and your governance will directly support the staff who build meaningful relationships with every young person in our care.

All staff are invested in and actively participate in student wellbeing, integrating mental health support and personal growth throughout the day, not just in designated sessions. Trustees share responsibility for ensuring this holistic approach is protected and resourced appropriately.

We offer academic instruction from Entry Level to GCSE in subjects aligned with students' interests and future plans. Almost all students study English, Maths, Science, and Art at a minimum, with most pursuing additional subjects at the centre or online. As a trustee, you will help ensure the organisation remains financially and strategically positioned to continue delivering this flexible, student-centred curriculum.

About us:

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C is a pioneering Podcast/YouTube Channel and healing membership organisation. We provide a platform for survivors and whistleblowers to share their lived experiences, highlight systemic frustrations and offer solutions rooted in culturally trauma-informed care.

Our membership offers young people and survivors a path to heal, learn digital skills and interactively participate in our Alchemic 369 Book Club, where members engage in weekly interactive discussions, debates and critical analysis of African, Caribbean and world history, Ifa, classics and political thought. Members will sharpen their reading, reasoning and imagination skills, with opportunities to discuss works directly with authors, highly subsidised plant-based transformative retreats and join a community designed to empower and educate.

We are a mission-driven, collective-focused C.I.C building a movement that combines healing, re-education and empowerment.

Our content focuses on:

● Survivors of CSA, RSA, CT, CA stories

● Whistleblowers and retired experts

● Generational trauma and healing

● Youth empowerment and education

● Community transformation through honest storytelling

Our mission is to challenge generational cycles, expose hidden truths, fight for justice and create a platform rooted in authenticity, deep healing, and transformation.

Job Purpose:

To lead the strategic planning and operational design of a world-class IFA Retreat in Nigeria, ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience reflects the values, traditions, spirituality, hospitality, and cultural authenticity of the Yoruba/Ifa traditions. The consultant will develop the operational framework required to transition the retreat from concept stage to a fully functioning retreat destination.

About the role:

As a Founding Volunteer Hospitality Operations Consultant, you will work closely with the leadership team to design the retreat's operational structure before construction and launch.

You will help create the guest journey, accommodation experience, retreat activities, staffing requirements, wellness offerings, cultural experiences, food and beverage operations, maintenance systems, and daily operating procedures.

This role requires a strategic thinker who understands hospitality operations while appreciating the importance of preserving the sacred atmosphere and cultural integrity of an authentic Ifa retreat experience.

The successful candidate will remain involved throughout the development phase and assist in refining systems as the retreat evolves toward full operation.

Ideal Candidate

● Passionate about African heritage, indigenous traditions, spiritual tourism, and cultural preservation.

● Understands or is willing to deeply immerse themselves in Yoruba culture and Ifa traditions.

● Experienced in creating hospitality systems from the ground up.

● Comfortable working within a start-up or development environment.

● Able to think strategically while also creating detailed operational procedures.

● Committed to long-term involvement and continuity.

● Strong leadership and project coordination abilities.

● Comfortable collaborating with international teams and local Nigerian stakeholders.

Experience & Skills

● Experience in hospitality, retreat, resort, eco-lodge, wellness centre, boutique hotel, or tourism operations.

● Experience developing operational manuals, SOPs, and guest service frameworks.

● Understanding of accommodation operations, housekeeping, maintenance, food service, and guest relations.

● Experience creating staffing structures and operational workflows.

● Strong project management and organisational skills.

● Experience in Africa or culturally focused tourism projects is highly desirable.

● Knowledge of Yoruba culture, Ifa tradition, African spirituality, cultural tourism, or heritage preservation is advantageous.

What You Will Gain

● Real-world hosting and interviewing experience

● Opportunity to build a public profile and media presence

● Portfolio-building opportunities across podcasting and storytelling

● Networking and relationship-building opportunities

● Experience working within a growing media and advocacy platform

● Creative freedom and personal growth opportunities

● Leadership and media mentorship

● Opportunity to develop your own audience and storytelling identity

● Potential future paid opportunities and long-term media career pathways

● Direct pathway into a future paid role

● The chance to help build a nationally recognised media and survivor-support platform

● COS opportunities for top performing staff members

This role is designed as a long-term pathway opportunity to a paid position and lifestyle transformation.

We don’t operate on individualism—we build through collectivism, meaning:
  As the platform grows, your role, influence, and opportunities grow with it

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.

Deputy Chief People & Governance Officer (Volunteer)

Remote | Approximately 10 hours per week | Executive Leadership Team | Commission-Based Volunteer Opportunity

Help Build the Future of a Global Charity

Are you a senior HR, People or Governance leader looking to use your expertise to make a meaningful difference?

Project Yananai is seeking an experienced Deputy Chief People & Governance Officer to join our Executive Leadership Team and help shape the future of an ambitious international charity operating across the UK, India, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

This is a unique opportunity to influence organisational strategy, strengthen governance, develop future leaders and help build a high-performing, values-led organisation that is transforming lives through education, skills development and humanitarian programmes.

If you're passionate about leadership, organisational development and creating sustainable social impact, we'd love to hear from you.

About Project Yananai

Project Yananai is a global non-profit headquartered in the United Kingdom, with Affiliate Entities and National Management Teams in India, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Our mission is to inspire and empower individuals and communities by fostering enduring relationships, enhancing sustainable skills, and delivering compassionate humanitarian aid. Rooted in Christian values, we are dedicated to nurturing resilient societies that are self-sufficient, spiritually fulfilled, and equipped to break cycles of poverty. 

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief People & Governance Officer, you will play a key strategic role in shaping our people agenda, strengthening governance and supporting organisational growth.

Working collaboratively with the Executive Leadership Team, you will help ensure Project Yananai continues to attract, develop and retain exceptional people while maintaining the highest standards of governance and organisational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and delivery of Project Yananai's People Strategy.
• Lead the review and enhancement of HR policies, governance frameworks and people processes.
• Drive succession planning and leadership development initiatives.
• Strengthen performance management and employee engagement across the organisation.
• Provide strategic advice on employee relations and organisational development.
• Champion an inclusive, collaborative and values-led culture.
• Use people data and insights to support informed decision-making.
• Contribute to Executive Leadership Team discussions and strategic planning.

About You

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in HR, People, Governance or Organisational Development.
• Strong expertise in succession planning, organisational design and performance management.
• Experience developing HR policies, governance frameworks and people strategies.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to operate strategically while supporting operational delivery.
• A collaborative leadership style and a genuine passion for creating positive social impact.

Experience in the charity sector is welcomed but not essential.

Why Join Us?

As a member of our Executive Leadership Team, you will have the opportunity to:

• Help shape the future of an expanding international charity.
• Influence strategic decisions at executive level.
• Work alongside an experienced and passionate leadership team.
• Apply your professional expertise to a meaningful global cause.
• Expand your executive leadership and governance experience.
• Work flexibly and remotely (approximately 10 hours per week).

This is a commission-based volunteer opportunity.

Diversity & Inclusion

Project Yananai is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and cultures.

Project Yananai is a UK Registered Charity (No. 1209060).

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. 

Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?

Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.

Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.

Our aims are:

To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:

Offering support, friendship and practical assistance

Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected

Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.

Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.

Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.

Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.

Why we want you
As a food bank warehouse team leader, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of the food bank warehouse, supporting volunteers, coordinating activities and being the main point of contact for handling queries for the duration of the session. In this role you can make a real difference to both the people you serve and the volunteers you lead, ensuring a positive experience for all.
 

What you will be doing

• Supervise and motivate a team of volunteers.

• Support the recruitment and induction of new volunteers as required.

• Oversee and delegate tasks to ensure the smooth running of the food bank warehouse.

• Uphold safeguarding, health and safety and hygiene policies, reporting any concerns to your Main Contact.

• Ensure food bank policies and procedures are followed.

• Create a welcoming, caring and friendly atmosphere for volunteers and people coming to the centre.

• Lead a volunteer debrief at the end of each session.

• Attend team leader meetings as required.

• Regularly report to your Main Contact / Food bank Project Manager.

The skills you need

• Strong team player.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Empathetic.

• Organised and self-motivated.

• Strong leadership skills.

• Drivers License (preferable).

What's in it for you

• Using your existing skills to make a difference.

• Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the community.

• Make a real difference to the running of your food bank.