Community support manager volunteer volunteer roles
Trustee and Treasurer
Rainbow Migration, the longest-running UK charity dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system, is seeking a trustee who will also serve as the organisation’s Treasurer.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about our vision that LGBTQI+ people can settle in the UK and lead fulfilling lives, and our mission to support LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system and influence policy and practice.
At Rainbow Migration, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it. We particularly encourage applications from people who have sought asylum on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.
The role of trustees and the Treasurer
Being a trustee is a rewarding role. Trustees are volunteers who bring their expertise to shape our strategy and direction, and help ensure we remain an authoritative organisation on LGBTQI+ asylum and immigration. They have overall legal responsibility for the charity, make sure our finances and resources are well used to implement our mission, and are required to participate fully in the governance of the charity. Trustees also play a role as ambassadors for the organisation and our work.
The Treasurer takes a lead role in ensuring Rainbow Migration’s financial affairs are conducted within legal requirements, accounting conventions and good practice to ensure the financial viability and sustainable development of the organisation. A detailed role description for the role of Treasurer is appended.
Time commitment
We are looking for people who can commit to being a trustee for at least three years.
Trustees meet on a weekday evening five times per year. Meetings are usually held on Zoom except in December when we meet in person in London.
Preparation for the meetings involves a time commitment of two to four hours for detailed reading of papers, which are provided several days in advance.
The Treasurer also chairs the Finance Subcommittee, which meets on a weekday evening at the end of each quarter. The present Treasurer prepares the primary financial statements and notes, from the underlying accounting records at the year-end, for inclusion in the Annual Report and Accounts; the successful candidate will need to decide whether to continue with this approach or if there is a suitable alternative.
Key responsibilities
Financial oversight:
- Support the Trustee Board to maintain a clear and timely picture of the financial health of the organisation
- Ensure the Trustee Board and management team fulfil all required fiduciary and regulatory responsibilities
- Keep up to date on developments in charity finance regulations and best practice
- Chair the Finance Subcommittee to oversee Rainbow Migration’s financial management, ensuring robust processes and controls are in place
- Ensure the committee develops a long-term financial strategy (including a reserves policy) for the organisation, with objectives which can be monitored
- Advise the Board on financial strategy, risk management and resource allocation
- Support the Executive Director and Operations and Office Manager to develop and improve financial policies and procedures
- Work with the Executive Director, Operations and Office Manager and Fundraising Manager to monitor budgets, cash flow and financial performance
- Oversee the production of clear and accessible financial reports to the Board and its sub-committees by Rainbow Migration staff, and lead discussions during meetings
Reporting:
- Ensure regular financial reports (i.e. management accounts, annual budgets, cash flow projections, etc) are accurate, comprehensible, timely, correctly formatted, and properly discussed and understood by the Trustee Board (as required by law)
- Ensure the timely preparation of annual accounts in accordance with charity regulations (UK SORP)
- Oversee the appointment of the Independent Examiner or auditors and provide overall oversight of the annual examination or audit process
Systems and controls:
- Ensure the charity has proper systems in place for budgeting, financial control, insurance, and reporting
- Ensure compliance with all HMRC tax requirements, as appropriate
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public.
Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported. Activities include:
· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
· Keeping financial records from fundraising events
· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events
You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. You will be supported and guided 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.
We're looking for someone with the following:
· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
· Excellent organisational skills
· The ability to prioritise and delegate
· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+
Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
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 come into contact with as part of our activities.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If you already have some fundraising experience that would be great too but it’s not essential.
What is a Fundraising Coordinator?
As Fundraising Coordinator, you would work with your local SSAFA branch to develop a Fundraising Plan. You would be central to delivering this local plan to raise funds through a range of local sources including grants, trusts, appeals, collections, and events.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
SSAFA branches rely on a regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent needs. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community. We’d love to hear from you if you could help by coordinating this vital aspect of your local SSAFA branch.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. You would also be out and about at events and meetings. This role would suit someone looking to give a regular time commitment to SSAFA although when and where would be flexible to suit you.
What would you be doing?
- Developing an ethical fundraising plan based on the needs of the branch and choosing a mix of sources.
- Working with the branch secretary and Regional Fundraising Manager, recruit a team of fundraising volunteers to support events, appeals and collections.
- Working with the Regional Fundraising Manager, support national fundraising campaigns.
- Working with the Branch Publicity Officer, develop opportunities to combine awareness and fundraising.
- Planning and running local appeals, collections, and events
- Identifying and submitting applications to appropriate trusts and grant funding organisations
- Working with Marketing staff at central office check that all fundraising materials meet SSAFA branding style and current key messages.
- Liaise with Regional Fundraising Manager when pursuing opportunities beyond local sources e.g., corporates.
- Evaluate fundraising activities and provide reports and information for the branch.
- Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA including all sections of the community in awareness raising
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - Fundraising workshops.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
- Fundraising Manager (per region)
- Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with good communication skills including written and spoken English.
- Confident to deal with the public, potential clients, volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues – face-to-face, by phone, email or via social media.
- Experience of running events and or submitting funding applications would be welcome but not essential.
- Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
- Ability to make enquires about fundraising opportunities by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms
- Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
- Access to public transport or a car to get to meetings and events.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Trustee vacancies. Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that the charity achieves its core objects as set out in the governing documents. They oversee the overall management, finances and administration of Dove Cottage and ensure that the charity is successfully implementing a clear strategy in line with our vision. Trustees are also there to support and constructively challenge the senior staff team (the Dove Cottage Manager and Income Generation and Marketing Manager).
The trustees of Dove Cottage have a responsibility to:
· Support and provide advice on Dove Cottage’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
· Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
· Oversee Dove Cottage’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
· Provide leadership to the board and to ensure that trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of the charity.
· Support and, where appropriate, provide constructive challenge to the executive manager.
· Ensure that the board as a whole works well and in partnership with key staff.
· Ensure the effective administration of the charity.
· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled.
· Review and approve Dove Cottage’s financial statements.
· Provide support and challenge to senior staff, specifically the Dove Cottage Manager and the Income Generation and Marketing Manager in the exercise of their delegated authority and responsibilities.
· Keep abreast of changes in Dove Cottage’s operating environment.
· Contribute to regular reviews of Dove Cottage’s governance arrangements.
· Attend board meetings, well prepared to contribute to discussions.
· Exercise independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to protect Dove Cottage’s interest, to the exclusion of your own/third-party interests.
· Ensure appropriate accountability to LOROS as sole member.
· Contribute to the promotion of Dove Cottage’s objects, aims and reputation through the application of your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.
Working hours/commitment
All trustees are required to:
· Attend at least four board meetings each year, although trustees may together decide to change the frequency of meetings.
· Attend the charity’s Annual General Meeting and any extraordinary general meetings should these be required.
Meetings will usually be held in person at the hospice in Stathern. There will be times when trustees need to be actively involved beyond board meetings. This may involve visiting the hospice, tea room and shops, helping out at events, scrutinising papers, leading discussions, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, responding to complaints and concerns, and getting involved in various matters about which they have a special expertise.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Medaille Trust is one of the leading providers of support to survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK. We are working to provide refuge and freedom for survivors and fighting to see slavery in all its forms become a thing of the past. The need for this work has never been higher, there are more than 50 million estimated victims of modern slavery worldwide, and over 120,000 potential victims in the UK.
We operate ten safe houses and five outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year. We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.
This role is based in the Hampshire area.
We are looking for Volunteers to help support us with coordinating and delivering activities, tasks will include:
•Organising and delivering activities for service user participation, which may include craft, arts, exercise/sport, education, wellbeing activities.
•Consulting service users to gain their feedback about what activities they would like to participate in.
•Helping to create a varied programme of activities.
•Offering a safe and comfortable experience for all service user, showing awareness of service users’ varying physical and mental well-being needs.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations for wanting to volunteer with us. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.
This role requires maturity, and an ability to engage with adults in a trauma informed way, while working alongside staff members to deliver the activities in line with agreed procedures and systems
Volunteers need to:
•Be at least 18 years old
•Be able to get to the venue in Southampton
•Be computer literate to be able to complete any online training
•Be able to regularly commit to volunteer monthly
•Be willing to have an enhanced DBS check
•Have knowledge and understanding of human trafficking issues or willingness to learn
•Have knowledge and understanding of mental health conditions or willingness to learn
•Have an understanding of the importance of professional boundaries in the role
•Have the ability to maintain confidentiality
This position is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.
This role is restricted for females under the Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 and is subject to satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service checks.
Medaille Trust's mission is to provide refuge & freedom from modern slavery. One of UK's leading providers of support for survivors of modern slavery.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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).
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.
Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.
About the role:
As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring.
Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world.
We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.
No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops.
Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.
Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer
You’ll spend time doing a range of activities, including:
- Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
- Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
- Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
- Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
- Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
- Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.
Key responsibilities: Till volunteer
Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:
- Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
- Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
- Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.
If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.
Key responsibilities: Key volunteer
Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:
- Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
- Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
- Opening and closing the shop when needed.
- Cashing up at the end of the day.
If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.
Skills and qualities:
This role would suit you if you’re:
- Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
- Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
- A team player who enjoys working with others.
- Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
- Respectful of others.
What we offer you:
As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:
- Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
- A chance to meet new people.
- A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
- The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
- A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
- Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it.
Our values:
Everything we do is underpinned by five core values. These values shape the way we work every day. Our values are:
- We include
- We collaborate
- We find a way
- We challenge
- We celebrate
We believe that every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.
Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.
About the role:
As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring.
Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world.
We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.
No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops.
Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.
Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer
You’ll spend time doing a range of activities, including:
- Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
- Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
- Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
- Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
- Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
- Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.
Key responsibilities: Till volunteer
Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:
- Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
- Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
- Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.
If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.
Key responsibilities: Key volunteer
Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:
- Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
- Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
- Opening and closing the shop when needed.
- Cashing up at the end of the day.
If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.
Skills and qualities:
This role would suit you if you’re:
- Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
- Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
- A team player who enjoys working with others.
- Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
- Respectful of others.
What we offer you:
As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:
- Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
- A chance to meet new people.
- A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
- The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
- A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
- Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it.
Our values:
Everything we do is underpinned by five core values. These values shape the way we work every day. Our values are:
- We include
- We collaborate
- We find a way
- We challenge
- We celebrate
We believe that every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Position Title: Event Volunteer (Dewsbury area)
Location: Dewsbury and Surrounding Areas
Reports To: Event Coordinator/Volunteer Manager
About Us
Suicide Awareness Prevention UK (SAPUK) is a dedicated, non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), established in 2016, focused on providing support to individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Our goal is to guide people from distress toward hope, helping them regain the strength to live their lives to the fullest.
Job Summary:
As an Event Volunteer, you will assist in the smooth execution of [Event Name], ensuring all participants, attendees, and staff have a positive experience. This role is crucial to the success of the event and will involve a variety of tasks, including guest assistance, setup, and teardown, registration support, and crowd management.
Key Responsibilities:
Event Setup:
Help with setting up event spaces, booths, and signage.
Assist in arranging furniture, decorations, and equipment.
Guest Registration:
Welcome attendees and check them in at the registration desk.
Distribute event materials, such as badges, programs, or giveaways.
Assisting Attendees:
Provide directions and information to event participants.
Help guests find their way to sessions, presentations, or activities.
Crowd Control & Monitoring:
Help manage the flow of people during the event, ensuring safety and order.
Monitor the event space to ensure cleanliness and organization.
Support Event Staff:
Assist the event team with any other tasks as needed (e.g., coordinating speakers, distributing materials).
Event Teardown:
Assist with the breakdown of event spaces and equipment.
Help in packing and organizing materials after the event concludes.
Skills & Qualifications:
Positive attitude and strong communication skills.
Ability to work in a team and take direction.
Punctual and reliable.
Flexible and adaptable to changes or last-minute requests.
Previous experience with events (preferred but not required).
Benefits for Volunteers:
Gain experience in event coordination and hospitality.
Free event entry and access to specific event activities.
Certificate of appreciation or volunteer hours (if applicable).
Networking opportunities with professionals and participants.
Training and development
Benefits Package
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Many older people in our communities face significant challenges - from loneliness, isolation, and frailty to financial hardship and managing lifechanging conditions like Dementia. The work we do is vital in ensuring they have access to the support and care they deserve.
Our team is deeply passionate about this mission. Many of us have personal experience supporting older relatives through similar challenges, and these lived experiences fuel our commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate services.
Following our successful merger in August 2023, our organisation is now moving forward with greater ambition and a renewed focus on expanding our reach. As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in shaping that future - helping us to serve more people, strengthen our services, and advocate for the needs of older people across Maidstone, Sevenoaks, and Tonbridge.
We are looking for people from a financial background to help with oversight of our budgeting, planning, forecasting, investments, governance, reporting and financial decision-making. This is a great opportunity to work closely with organisational leaders to ensure every penny makes a difference.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear form you.
What is a caseworker?
Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.
What would you be doing?
- Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
- Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
- Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
- Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system
- Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
- Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
- Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
- Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
- Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
- Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
- Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
- Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
- Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
- Good communication skills both written and verbally.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
- Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
- Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
- Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
- Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)
*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Caseworker?
Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.
What would you be doing?
- Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
- Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
- Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
- Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system
- Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
- Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
- Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
- Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
- Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
- Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
- Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
- Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
- Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
- Good communication skills both written and verbally.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
- Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
- Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
- Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
- Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)
*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear form you.
What is a caseworker?
Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.
What would you be doing?
- Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
- Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
- Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
- Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system
- Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
- Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
- Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
- Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
- Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
- Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
- Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
- Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
- Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
- Good communication skills both written and verbally.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
- Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
- Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
- Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
- Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)
*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Caseworker?
Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.
What would you be doing?
- Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
- Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
- Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
- Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system
- Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
- Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
- Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
- Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
- Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
- Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
- Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
- Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
- Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
- Good communication skills both written and verbally.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
- Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
- Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
- Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
- Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)
*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you!
As a Puppy Raiser, you'll provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.
There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.
What you'll be doing:
- Engaging with our world-class training programme to prepare your puppy for the next stages of becoming a guide dog.
- Providing care and support for your puppy at home e.g., loving, grooming and feeding him or her.
- Socialising your puppy and introducing him or her to a variety of environments to increase confidence – this can be as simple as taking your puppy with you to the shops, office or park as you go about your everyday life.
- Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone - gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of four hours.
- Taking your puppy to monthly puppy classes, and interacting with other puppy raisers in your community whilst refreshing your training and sharing tips.
- Meeting with your volunteer manager as frequently as needed to discuss any changes or issues with your puppy.
- Completing short questionnaires about your puppy’s development.
You'll ideally have:
- A loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training). If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these.
- Someone at home who is physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
- Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling.
- The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in the property if you rent your home.
- A safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet.
What you'll get:
- The satisfaction of knowing you're supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
- The rewarding feeling of watching a mischievous puppy learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
- The opportunity to participate in our bespoke world-class training programme – this can help you train your own dogs or advance a future career in dog handling.
- The opportunity to have a loveable, canine companion, proven to reduce feelings of stress and improve fitness – you’ll be out walking rain or shine!
- The chance to be part of the inspirational Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people and interacting with a community of puppy raisers in your area.
- A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.
s a volunteer you'll have access to our world-class training programme, to implement with your puppy in training, a great bonus for any dog owner! This is delivered in an interactive and engaging manner, using a mixture of different learning techniques virtually e.g., videos, documents and e-learning modules. Examples of the modules you'll have access to include:
- Food manners
- Greeting new visitors
- Being home alone
- Settling in new environments
You'll receive plenty of support from your volunteer manager who will help you work through these training modules with your puppy. We also offer puppy classes for puppy raisers in the local area to get together, share stories and provide refreshers on training techniques.
Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs for the puppy and other materials needed for the puppy’s training. We will also pay an optional allowance of up to £100 a year to offset additional costs, and we have working agreements with certain bus and train operating companies, letting you take your puppy on short training journeys free of charge.
Minimum age of applicant: 18.
To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities.