Community support workers volunteer roles

Warm Hearts 2026 Community Impact Programme (Volunteer Cohort)

Warm Hearts Community Support is seeking passionate and committed volunteers to support our 2026 community programmes focused on food outreach, mental wellbeing, and digital upskilling.

This is an opportunity to be part of a purpose-driven organisation supporting individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, emotional challenges, and barriers to employment. 

About The Role

As a volunteer, you will contribute directly to delivering structured community support initiatives designed to restore dignity, build confidence, and create pathways toward independence.

You will work alongside a dedicated team to support individuals at different stages of their journey — from immediate support to long-term empowerment.
 

Key Programme Areas You Will Support
1. Community Food Support & Outreach

• Supporting food distribution events
• Engaging with community members in a respectful and supportive manner
• Assisting with logistics, coordination, and setup of outreach activities

2. Mental Wellbeing & Community Support Sessions

• Supporting safe and welcoming environments for wellbeing sessions
• Assisting with coordination of group discussions and activities
• Signposting individuals to relevant support services where needed

3. IT Upskilling & Back-to-Work Support

• Assisting participants with basic digital skills (email, job applications, CVs)
• Supporting training sessions and one-to-one guidance
• Encouraging confidence and engagement during learning sessions

What We Are Looking For

We welcome individuals who are:

• Compassionate and community-driven
• Reliable and committed
• Good communicators with a respectful approach
• Willing to support individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Interested in community development, wellbeing, or employability support
• Experience is helpful but not essential.

What You Will Gain

By volunteering with Warm Hearts, you will gain:

• Practical experience in community outreach and support services
• Exposure to structured charity programme delivery
• Opportunities to develop communication, facilitation, and leadership skills
• Experience supporting vulnerable individuals in real-world settings
• A chance to contribute to meaningful, measurable community impact

Note

Warm Hearts Community Support is a registered organisation that may, where appropriate and subject to eligibility and organisational requirements, support applications under the UK Charity Worker visa route.

Please note that visa sponsorship is not guaranteed and is dependent on role requirements, compliance criteria, and availability of Certificates of Sponsorship.

Commitment

• Flexible volunteering opportunities are available, including weekday and community event-based sessions.
• Volunteers are expected to demonstrate consistency, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to supporting others.

Call to Action

If you are passionate about making a real difference and want to be part of a growing community-focused organisation, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now to join Warm Hearts Community Support and help us create lasting impact in our communities.

Chair of Trustees role:

You will be chairing the Board of Trustees, ensuring that we have minimum representation required for decisions to be made, keeping the board aligned in decision-making, ensuring all minutes are recorded and that all decisions by trustees are made with the appropriate context provided.

This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction.

Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.

Who are we looking for?

• Previous chairing experience
• Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Good, independent judgement
• The ability to challenge and ask questions
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

NB: We are looking for both a Chair of Trustees and additional Trustees (particularly those with a finance background, but other functions are also welcome). If you are interested in a Trustee role instead of the Chair role, please mention this in your covering letter when applying. 

Both the Chair and Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

About Self Help UK

Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK

• Peer support
• Long-term health conditions
• Cancer diagnoses and prevention
• Voluntary sector support
• Health inequalities (including the deaf community)
• Under-served communities

Outreach Worker

Through your outreach, you’ll provide advice, advocacy and direct frontline support to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship. You will connect them with survival essentials, safe accommodation and guide them toward vital services that improve wellbeing and independence.

What will you be doing?

You’ll carry out outreach across the community, building trust with people experiencing homelessness or crisis. The role includes distributing essential items, offering advice and signposting around housing, benefits, healthcare and employment, and supporting access to education and training. You’ll also assist with project coordination, fundraising activities and help promote our work and values through social media and community engagement.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for compassionate, reliable people who are comfortable working hands-on in the community and are enthusiastic about supporting vulnerable individuals. You’ll be a good listener and communicator, able to build positive relationships and offer guidance with empathy and respect. A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused mindset is important. Experience in outreach or working with vulnerable groups is not essential; the right attitude and caring nature matter the most.

What difference will you make?

Your input will have a direct impact on people’s lives and help reduce homelessness in Birmingham. You’ll support individuals to build confidence, resilience and self-worth, helping them regain control by removing barriers that can hold people back and supporting them towards a more secure and hopeful future.

About Children With Voices

Children With Voices (CWV) is a grassroots charity supporting children, young people, and families through alternative education, life-skills programmes, wellbeing activities, and community food hubs.
Our mission is to empower children with confidence, resilience, and the tools they need to thrive. We work closely with local schools, families, and partners to create safe, supportive learning environments where every child is valued and heard.

Role: Youth Mentor / Support Worker

Location: Community sites / schools
Hours: 2–4 hours per week (flexible)
Contract: Volunteer
Reports to: Head of Programmes & Education

Role Overview

As a Youth Mentor, you will provide emotional, practical and wellbeing support to young people who need a positive role model. You will help build resilience, confidence, and healthy life-skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 mentoring and group support

• Encourage positive behaviour, engagement and wellbeing

• Support workshops, activities and trips

• Build safe, trusting relationships with young people

• Report safeguarding concerns appropriately

• Log basic session notes and progress

Person Specification

Essential:

• Empathy, patience, and strong listening skills

• Experience supporting young people (formal or informal)

• Commitment to safeguarding and boundaries

Desirable:

• Experience in youth work, coaching or education

Benefits

• Safeguarding, mentoring and youth-work training

• Flexible volunteering

• Excellent experience for education, youth work, or social care careers

• Meaningful impact on young people’s lives

About us:

H4All is working to advance the health and wellbeing of residents in the London Borough of Hillingdon.

This is done through our Community Champions programme, which is an initiative made up of organisations and local volunteers who promote positive wellbeing messaging and share healthcare information.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for committed volunteers who are interested in public health and meeting people in the community. As a Community Champion, you’ll be conducting community outreach, making new connections and supporting us with Community Health projects.

This is a meaningful opportunity to reduce health and social inequalities in the borough of Hillingdon, while gaining practical experience and benefiting from free training.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with the public as part of community outreach efforts, including attending our roadshow events and speaking with residents about health programs and activities. This role will take place at different locations and venues across the London Borough of Hillingdon.
• Support the community by providing information on health services, resources and support networks.
• Complete a monthly log detailing any health outreach undertaken.
• Assist in survey data collection.

Benefits for you:

• Free, specialised training and mentoring provided, enhancing personal and professional skills.
• Hands-on experience in health outreach and community engagement.
• Networking opportunities with healthcare professionals, community organisations and other volunteers.
• A chance to demonstrate your commitment to community health.

Training and support given:

Mandatory training:

• Online Safeguarding and Suicide Prevention courses
• Current healthcare messaging
• NHS blood pressure testing

Throughout your time volunteering with us, there will be additional online and in-person training that will be offered (depending on interest and projects we are running).

Expenses:

We can provide expenses for travel and parking at events or training.

Skills and attributes required:

• Strong desire to make a difference in the London Borough of Hillingdon and improve the local community’s health.
• Confidence in speaking with the public and engaging with diverse communities.
• Respectful of confidentiality and procedures.
• Empathetic and understanding of others’ cultures, beliefs and backgrounds.

Desirable:

• Ability to speak a community language [e.g. Somali, Punjabi, Polish, Arabic, Urdu, Bengali, Mandarin, Spanish] would be beneficial.
• Previous experience in community health or outreach would be beneficial.

Commitment required:

• Full induction and Mandatory online courses, as well as Blood pressure checks training before starting your volunteering.
• Attend relevant training when offered.
• We ask for a commitment of 6 months due to free training and individual support/development offered to our volunteers.
• This is a flexible role, and you can select which outreach events or projects to join based on your commitments. We accept however much time you can spare.

Reporting to: Health and Wellbeing Programme Officer

Documents Required:

• In your application form, you will be asked for 2 references who have known you for at least a year. They can be from a professional, a friend, a support worker etc.
• A basic DBS check is required for public-facing roles.

To apply for this role:

A H4ALL application form must be completed. 

 As an Outreach & Hub Support Volunteer you will make a difference by supporting clients to engage with us in different ways including providing hands on street outreach in line with our assertive outreach approach, and supporting clients in our Hub.

Charity Outreach Worker

Uplift Circles – Local Emotional Resilience Hubs is a 12-month in-house wellbeing initiative that delivers weekly, non-clinical support sessions across Derbyshire and South Yorkshire. The programme creates safe spaces for community members to share, connect, and build resilience through guided group discussions, one-to-one emotional check-ins, and resource sharing.About the Project

Role Overview

We are looking for compassionate and committed Charity Outreach Workers to support the delivery of Uplift Circles. You will help facilitate wellbeing sessions, support participants emotionally, and contribute to the smooth running of the programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Support weekly peer-led wellbeing sessions in local community venues

• Offer one-to-one emotional check-ins and signposting support

• Help distribute self-care and wellbeing resources

• Assist with session set-up, attendance tracking, and reporting

• Uphold safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection standards

What We Are Looking For

We welcome individuals who are:

• Compassionate and community-driven

• Reliable and committed
• Good communicators with a respectful approach
• Willing to support individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Interested in community development, wellbeing, or employability support
• Experience is helpful but not essential.

Training & Support Provided

• Safeguarding and Mental Health Awareness Training

• Volunteer Induction and Supervision

• Ongoing support from trustees and project coordinators

Visa Compliance Note

The Uplift Project is currently in the process of applying for a UK sponsor licence under the Temporary Worker – Charity Worker route.

Subject to approval and organisational requirements, the charity may in the future be able to support eligible volunteer placements under this route.

Please note that visa sponsorship is not currently available and would be subject to licence approval, role suitability, and compliance with UK immigration requirements.

Commitment

• Flexible volunteering opportunities are available, including weekday and community-based sessions.
• Volunteers are expected to demonstrate consistency, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to supporting others.

Call to Action

If you are passionate about making a real difference and want to be part of a growing community-focused organisation, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now to join The Uplift Project and help us create lasting impact in our communities.

Position Title: VLT member
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team (VLT) - Volunteer Lead
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR)
Location: Sevenoaks Town and surrounding areas within the district council area
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)
Background to the charity
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is a local charity formed in March 2017. We are a small and growing charity, whose volunteers and supporters have come together to welcome and help support the refugees who have fled the fighting and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and are now resettling in our community.
Starting with just one refugee family, we have expanded our efforts over the years and are proud to have supported about 50 families as they settle and rebuild their lives in our community.
Purpose of Role:
Would you like to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of refugee families as they settle into life in Britain—supporting them to achieve independence and integrate confidently into their new communities?
As a member of the SWR Voluntary Leadership Team (VLT), you will contribute to the effective delivery of core services for refugees and help support and coordinate our valued volunteers.
Our work spans general support with settling in, integration, building independence, language learning, educational guidance, and assistance in accessing suitable employment. In this role, you’ll work closely with other VLT members, with a particular focus on the general support function, collaborating with volunteer teams and ensuring they are well-informed, resourced, and confident in providing person-centred support.
This is a chance to contribute meaningfully within a growing, well-regarded charity, alongside a dedicated and compassionate team of volunteers who share your passion for helping others.
Key Responsibilities:
● Support communication between lead volunteers and central SWR services to help source equipment or assistance for families.
● Help oversee the changing needs of families, recognising that support levels will gradually reduce as independence builds.
● Collaborate with local authority support workers where families are still receiving formal assistance.
● Assist in developing and tracking Path to Independence Plans for families.
● Liaise with team leads across Education, Language, and Employment functions.
● Keep the Volunteer Lead and wider VLT informed as appropriate.
Skills & Qualities Needed
You should be:
● Compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental
● A good communicator, both in writing and in person
● Organised, with strong attention to detail
● Flexible and culturally sensitive to varying family needs
● Reasonably confident with IT tools (email, shared files, online forms, etc.)
Experience in teaching, social care, or charity work is useful, but not essential. A genuine interest in helping others and working collaboratively is most important.
Support & Training Provided
All SWR volunteers are expected to complete an induction, including mandatory safeguarding training. We also provide training on cultural awareness to help volunteers support families sensitively and effectively.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to highlight any specific adjustments that would enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Role Title: Charity Youth Volunteer Worker
Organisation: Morning Star International Church (MSIC)
Location: Croydon, United Kingdom
Compensation: Voluntary (no salary). Reasonable accommodation and subsistence support may be provided in accordance with charity guidelines.

ABOUT MORNING STAR INTERNATIONAL CHURCH (MSIC)

Morning Star International Church (MSIC) is a Christ-centred Pentecostal church based in Croydon, United Kingdom. The church serves a diverse, multi-ethnic and multi-generational congregation and is committed to sharing the love of Christ through worship, discipleship, community outreach, and pastoral support.

As part of our charitable mission, the church provides programmes that encourage spiritual growth, youth engagement, and community support.

Morning Star International Church is seeking Charity Youth Volunteer Workers who feel called to support the ministry’s day-to-day activities and assist in youth-focused programmes on a temporary voluntary basis.

SUMMARY OF ROLE

The Charity Youth Volunteer Worker will support the ministry by assisting with non-pastoral, non-salaried, and supportive duties within the church.

Working under the supervision of the ministry leadership team, the volunteer will assist with youth activities and help facilitate a welcoming and supportive environment during church programmes and events.

This role is designed to support the charitable objectives of the church while providing the volunteer with meaningful experience in ministry and community service.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Charity Youth Volunteer Worker will support the church through the following voluntary activities:

• Helping create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment for young people attending church programmes.
• Supporting youth during group discussions, activities, and fellowship sessions.
• Assisting in organising and preparing youth meetings, events, and church gatherings.
• Encouraging participation and engagement among young attendees.
• Providing general support to church leaders and volunteers during services and ministry activities.
• Assisting with practical arrangements during church gatherings to ensure a smooth and positive experience for attendees.

All duties will be carried out under supervision of the church leadership team.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Attributes

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A genuine heart to serve others with humility and dedication.
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith and the mission of the church.
• Willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team and under supervision.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• A flexible and adaptable approach to volunteering.

Desirable Attributes

The following qualities would be advantageous:

• Previous experience in church, ministry, or community volunteering.
• Familiarity with Pentecostal worship practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (spoken and written).
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of additional languages (e.g., Swahili) would be an asset.

Important Notes

• This is a voluntary position and does not constitute employment.
• No salary or wages will be paid.
• The role is intended to support the charitable and religious objectives of Morning Star International Church.
• Volunteers may receive reasonable accommodation or subsistence support, where applicable, in line with charity regulations and policies.
• All volunteers are expected to adhere to the church’s safeguarding policies and code of conduct.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested applicants should submit the following documents:

• A current CV
• A cover letter outlining their interest in the role and availability
• Two references (preferably from church or ministry leaders)

Please include the following reference code in your application:

Reference Code: MSIC/CYW26

Position Title: Deputy Volunteer Lead
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team (VLT) - Volunteer Lead
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR) 
Location: Sevenoaks Town and surrounding areas within the district council area
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)

Background to the charity
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is a local charity formed in March 2017. We are a small and growing charity, whose volunteers and supporters have come together to welcome and help support the refugees who have fled the fighting and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and are now resettling in our community.
Starting with just one refugee family, we have expanded our efforts over the years and are proud to have supported about 50 families as they settle and rebuild their lives in our community.

Purpose of Role:
Would you like to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of refugee families as they settle into life in Britain—supporting them to achieve independence and integrate confidently into their new communities?
As Deputy Volunteer Lead, you will be an integral part of the SWR Voluntary Leadership Team (VLT), which oversees both our core services for refugees and the coordination and welfare of our valued volunteers.
Our work spans general support with settling in, integration, building independence, language learning, educational guidance, and assistance in accessing suitable employment. You will work closely with the Volunteer Lead on the VLT, with a particular focus on the general support function.
Each refugee family is supported by a small group of volunteers, led by a designated lead volunteer. In this role, you’ll collaborate directly with these volunteer teams, ensuring they are supported, informed, and empowered to deliver high-impact, person-centred support.
This is an opportunity to join a growing, well-regarded, and professional charity, working alongside dedicated and compassionate volunteers who share your passion for helping others.
Key Responsibilities: ● Act as a bridge between the lead volunteers and central SWR services to source the equipment and help needed by the families. ● See over the welfare and requirements of the families which will change incrementally over time. The level of support should gradually diminish as the families become more independent. ● Liaise with local government support workers where families are still receiving support from them. ● Help establish and monitor the family Path to Independence Plans. ● Liaise with Education, Language and Employment specialities. ● Keep the VLT and Volunteer Lead up to date as needed.
Skills & Qualities Needed
You need to be:
● compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental
● good at communication
● organized with good attention to detail.
● flexible and adaptable to different family needs and cultural backgrounds.
● reasonably IT literate
It would help if you had an employment background of teaching, social services or other service related charities - BUT it is not essential.
Support & Training Provided
All SWR volunteers are expected to complete an induction, including mandatory safeguarding training. We also provide training on cultural awareness to help volunteers support families sensitively and effectively.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to highlight any specific adjustments that would enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process.

About The Big House

The Big House Multibank exists to improve lives and build a more sustainable Scotland by reducing waste, maximising resources, and supporting families facing hardship. We do this by redistributing surplus goods from corporate partners to frontline organisations, schools, social workers, health visitors and community groups who support families in crisis.

Based in Fife, with satellite hubs in Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh, and expanding across Scotland, we combine environmental action, social justice and community partnership to tackle poverty, reduce pollution and strengthen local support systems.

Our work supports families to stay together, children to thrive, and communities to flourish while diverting significant volumes of surplus goods from landfill.

Our Ambition
Our 2026 Business Plan sets out an ambitious growth agenda, including: 

• Doubling the volume of goods distributed 
• Expanding into the Glasgow City Region 
• Introducing digital inventory and tracking systems 
• Embedding wrap-around care pathways for families 

Strengthening our circular economy and environmental impact 

Increasing fundraising, communications and corporate partnerships 

To deliver this, we are strengthening our Board to ensure excellent governance, strategic leadership, and a clear focus on impact, purpose and people. 

Purpose of the Role

To provide strategic leadership and governance, ensuring The Big House fulfils its charitable objectives, operates effectively, and remains sustainable, accountable and impactful.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and uphold the strategic direction of the charity
• Ensure legal, regulatory and financial compliance
• Provide oversight of risk, safeguarding and organisational performance
• Support and challenge the executive team constructively
• Act as an ambassador and advocate for The Big House

Legal Duties

Trustees share collective responsibility for:

• Acting in the best interests of the charity
• Managing resources responsibly
• Ensuring accountability and transparency
• Complying with charity law and governance best practice

Skills & Experience We Are Seeking 

We are seeking individuals with senior-level expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

• Safeguarding & Social Care - senior experience in social work, education, health, early years or family support services, with strong safeguarding expertise. 
• Supply Chain, Logistics & Warehousing - experience in logistics, operations, warehousing, fulfilment, or supply chain transformation. 
• Digital Transformation & Data Governance - experience delivering digital systems, data governance, cyber security or operational technology. 
• Circular Economy & Environmental Leadership - background in sustainability, reuse, recycling, environmental strategy or circular economy innovation. 
• Corporate Retail, FMCG & Surplus Partnerships - senior experience within retail, manufacturing or FMCG, particularly in surplus, ESG or supply chain partnerships. 
• Social Enterprise & Scale-Up Leadership - experience growing mission-led organisations, trading models or hybrid charities. 

We also welcome candidates with strengths in: 

• Finance, audit and risk 
• Fundraising and philanthropy 
• Communications, brand and public affairs 

We are seeking Trustees who demonstrate: 

• Strategic thinking and sound judgement 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills 
• Integrity, empathy and emotional intelligence 
• Commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability 
• Willingness to contribute time, expertise and energy 
• Ability to challenge constructively and support collaboratively 

We particularly welcome applications from individuals who: 

• Bring lived experience of poverty or inequality 
• Are underrepresented in charity governance 
• Are at an earlier stage of their Board career 

Timeline: 

• We are recruiting Trustees on a rolling basis to allow flexibility and to ensure we appoint the right people at the right time as the organisation continues to grow. 
• Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with interviews scheduled throughout the year. 
• Appointments will be made on a rolling basis, with new Trustees formally ratified at the next appropriate Board meeting or Annual General Meeting (AGM), in line with our constitution. 
• While we anticipate a number of appointments during 2026, we encourage early applications and expressions of interest at any point. 

For more information, please download the job description attached in this advert. 

A Touch of Gentleness is a non-profit CIC shaping a more compassionate culture by putting gentleness, presence, and human connection back at the heart of society, organisations, and everyday life

Please note the locations mentioned are a guide only. This role will require some remote work, and some in-person work around East Sussex.

Role Purpose

This is a wonderfully social and meaningful role that includes:

• Being a point of contact and support for volunteers,
• Nurturing a sense of community for volunteers in the local area.
• Representing A Touch of Gentleness at network meetings online and in person,

The role provides a beautiful opportunity to nurture community, connection, and gentle leadership in action.

Key Responsibilities

• Reporting to and liaising with the CEO and local Events Co-Ordinator’s
• Contacting  and supporting newly qualified volunteers
• Fostering a Culture of Care amongst volunteers
• Organising occasional coffee meet-ups for volunteers in local areas,
• Networking online and in person with other organisations and charities as an ambassador for A Touch of Gentleness

Skills Essential

• Strong communication, listening and people skills
• A warm and open disposition
• Organised, reliable, responsive and solution-orientated
• Basic IT skills (email, google forms, WhatsApp)
• Ability to work independently while being part of a wider team
• Passion for human connection, inclusion and gentle presence
• A desire to serve others
• Preferably a car driver

Skills Desirable

• Familiarity with networking
• Ability to organise small local fund-raising events.

About A Touch of Gentleness CIC

A Touch of Gentleness is a heart-led not for profit CIC (community interest company ) offering free hand massage and gentle listening presence to individuals in the community and in organisations. With over 150 trained volunteers, we aim to bring more connection through touch and active listening. Through this service we helping to shape a more compassionate culture. One that is grounded in generosity, gentleness, joy and peace. 

What We Offer

• Connection with a growing and compassionate network
• Flexibility to work around your life and community
• Supportive team environment and regular check-ins
• Training and development opportunities as we grow

HOW TO APPLY

If this feels like work you would be proud to do, please send a short covering letter to Helen detailing your suitability for the role and reasons behind your application along with your CV.

We review applications as they arrive and aim to respond within two weeks.

Position Title: Family Liaison
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team - Family Support Lead
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR)
Location: Swanley or able to travel to Swanley
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)

Organisation Overview
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is a local charity formed in March 2017. We are a small and growing charity, whose volunteers and supporters have come together to welcome and help support the refugees who have fled the fighting and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and are now resettling in our community.
Starting with just one refugee family, we have expanded our efforts over the years and are proud to have supported about 50 families as they settle and rebuild their lives in our community.

Purpose of Role:
Would you like to make a crucial difference for the better to the life and welfare of a refugee family as they settle into life in Britain helping them to achieve independence and social integration in their new surroundings? As a Family Liaison, you will be a vital friendly link and mentor for the family to help them navigate through difficulties that they may encounter on their path to independent living in our district. It is a very important and rewarding role.
Key Responsibilities: ● Where the family is new, help them to settle in and pass on requests for help and equipment. ● See over the welfare and requirements of the family which will change incrementally over time. The level of support should gradually diminish as the family becomes more independent. ● Liaise with local government support workers (Refugee Council) as needed while the family is still receiving support from them. ● Liaise with the team around the family - general support, language and education - so that they work together; moderate a Whatsapp group for all volunteers supporting the family, whatever their role. ● Encourage and monitor the family’s path to independence ● Liaise with Education, Language and Employment specialities.
● Keep the Volunteer Leadership Team (VLT) Family Support Lead up to date as needed.
Skills & Qualities Needed

You need to be:
● compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental
● good at communication
● organized with good attention to detail.
● flexible and adaptable to different family needs and cultural backgrounds.
● reasonably IT literate
It would help if you had a background in health, teaching, social services or other service related charities - BUT it is not essential, a practical attitude is needed.

Time and location
The weekly commitment might be 1-2 hours particularly initially, tapering down as the families become more independent. This is not an online job and the family is located in Swanley.

Support & Training Provided As well as general training for SWR volunteers on the essentials such as safeguarding and cultural awareness, we run workshops to find out more about how we can help children in their path through education, language learning and other matters that may be relevant. The VLT will ensure that the Family Liaison has support and backup as required and a mentor will be appointed to help a new Family Liaison in the initial stages of taking up the role.

The Role

Our Lotus Community works alongside the City of Edinburgh Council to provide accommodation for 14 young people (aged 16-18), who are unaccompanied asylum-seekers. They come from a variety of different countries.

The community is a step towards independent living, whilst they await a decision about their ‘leave to remain’ in the country. The asylum procedure can be a long, complicated, overwhelming and challenging process. We support the young people in the best way during this stressful time (and after). They are supported by social workers and a guardianship service as well.

What will you do as a volunteer?

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who work well independently, are proactive and can get involved in community activities. You will support the residents of the community and help look after your shared spaces in the flats. Most of the residents have basic living skills, including cooking, cleaning and budgeting. We offer further support where needed.

We can also help them gain confidence and knowledge of the local area. This is to enable them to take further steps towards independence and integration in the local community. This is also with the purpose of them moving on to accommodation that better suits their needs in the future.

Depending on the season, and interests and abilities of the residents, your tasks can include:

• Being a peer mentor and staying in touch with the residents via WhatsApp
• Organise our monthly community meeting
• Organise activities, which can be walks, cycling, board games night, karaoke, tea and cake (whatever your interests) for the residents to come along.
• Reporting issues with the flat, repairs etc.
• Making sure that all rooms always have the equipment needed (cleaning products, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, condoms etc).
• Updating your (online) calendar for the week, so everyone knows when you are volunteering and not.
• Working together with your fellow volunteer(s) to organise activities and arrange rota.

What you get:

Location: You will live in a studio bedroom in the flat alongside the young residents. You will not pay for rent or bills (including internet).

Time: 20 hours per week for minimum 6 months. These are during the evening and weekends, with exception for a few hours spent in meetings and alike.

You can volunteer and work part time at the same time. You will organise your volunteering hours with the other volunteer.

We will provide support and training needed for you to engage with the tasks and young people in a safe manner. Support, supervision and team meetings are every month.