Emotional support worker volunteer roles

About The Uplift Project

The Uplift Project is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing emotional distress and financial hardship. We deliver peer-led mental health support, wellbeing workshops, and emergency aid to communities across the UK.

About the Project

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.

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

Ideal Candidate Will Have

• A caring, non-judgmental attitude and strong interpersonal skills

• A genuine interest in mental wellbeing and community support

• Good spoken English and ability to listen with empathy

• Awareness of boundaries and ability to escalate concerns appropriately

• Previous experience (formal or informal) supporting people is a plus

Training & Support Provided

• Safeguarding and Mental Health Awareness Training

• Volunteer Induction and Supervision

• Ongoing support from trustees and project coordinators

Visa Compliance Note

This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Temporary Worker – Charity Worker visa route. Applicants requiring sponsorship must meet UKVI eligibility criteria for voluntary charity roles.

This is a callout for an honorary co-facilitator to work 1 day a week in CNWL NHS Trust’s Arts in Health team.

Arts in Health (AiH) is a step-down service for CNWL adult patients who have accessed secondary mental health services, such as the Community Mental Health Hubs (CMHHs), who are looking for creativity and further support after moving on from treatment. AiH participants often have complex emotional needs (CEN), may have experienced trauma or have a diagnosis such as schizophrenia, personality disorder or severe anxiety/depression.

We run a weekly art studio and organise monthly visits to museums and galleries. Our service is non-clinical and sits under the umbrella of creative health, using art for wellbeing. We also organise outreach visits, where we invite select community organisations to visit our studio to share more about their services, acting as a bridging service between CNWL and the community. We have ongoing partnerships with Mind, Westminster Adult Education Service and Community Living Well.

Our aim is to provide participants with a safe space to explore creativity, build confidence, reduce anxiety, promote independence and improve holistic wellness. Participants can attend for up to six months. To learn more about the work we do, please see our public-facing website with information about our service.

Who do we work with?

Participants referred to Arts in Health may feel too anxious to join a regular community group, may not feel as stable as they would like to, or may find it difficult to get out and about. Many have arts backgrounds and feel reassured by attending sessions led by CNWL staff with mental health experience. Some participants may have additional needs including access needs, neurodiversity or English as a second language.

Our aim is that participants build confidence and independence, enabling them to broaden their horizons and engage with their local arts and community offers to support ongoing wellbeing.

Why apply?

Working within creative health is a fascinating and rapidly growing field. We are seeking a co-facilitator with experience supporting adults with mental health challenges, strong interpersonal skills, and the confidence to lead in a group setting.

Our service is non-clinical, and we do not provide therapy. However, this role offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in using art to promote wellbeing in adults with complex needs, working alongside a team of skilled clinicians.

Our team includes arts and integrative psychotherapists who are creatively minded, therapeutically informed, and highly experienced in managing risk and safeguarding. If you are thinking about applying for an MA in the arts psychotherapies (art, music, dance-movement, drama), working at AiH will provide you with a strong foundation.

As part of working at CNWL NHS Trust, you will gain a broader understanding of working in community and healthcare settings and have access to a wide range of NHS training, benefits, and professional development opportunities. This includes mandatory NHS training as well as additional learning to support your growth.

What does the work involve?

We are seeking a co-facilitator to support our weekly sessions, 1 day per week on Thursdays. Currently, our schedule includes three consecutive weeks of art studio sessions and one week of cultural visits, all on Thursdays.

For those interested in office-based tasks only, there is the option to contribute on Mondays, supporting research, communications, and administrative work.

The team works both from home and on-site. On non-delivery days, remote tasks include participatory engagement aligned with your skills and interests, such as enhancing co-production and service user involvement, supporting evaluation and learning, and designing content for facilitation, alongside learning about the administration and internal processes needed to run such a service.

As a valued member of the team, you will benefit from monthly team supervision with an external psychotherapist, access to NHS training, and other CNWL staff benefits.

Who would this role suit?

This role is ideal for someone looking to gain further experience using the arts to support wellbeing, particularly with adults experiencing mental health challenges. Strong interpersonal skills and confidence in a group setting are essential.

You might be:

• A psychology graduate with an arts background
• An artist with experience running groups in healthcare settings
• A professional considering an Arts Psychotherapy MA
• A recent art therapy graduate seeking further NHS experience

It is important that applicants can commit to the role’s timeframe. We recognise the challenges of working on an honorary basis and aim to create a sustainable experience for team members, offering a range of meaningful work opportunities, support, and training.

Onboarding to CNWL

We follow an academic calendar. After interview and HR processes, successful candidates will start a few months in advance of in-person sessions, in order to complete induction and NHS mandatory training over summer, so they are ready to begin working in-person with our group at the start of the new term (Sept 2026).

Essential requirements

• Creative and/or strong interest in the arts
• Experience working in mental health
• Reliable and proactive approach
• Good communication skills
• Confident working with individuals and groups
• Travel to London on delivery days
• Available to work 1 day/week on a Thurs (or Mon if admin only)

Working pattern

• Frequency: 1 day/week
• Days: Mondays (team support only) / Thursdays (facilitation)
• Delivery locations: Central and NW London
• Remote work: From home or community sites (e.g., Woodfield Road W9 / The Exchange W9)
• Start date: Approximately 2 months before a new term (before Easter, September, or January)

Timeframe

Our service follows an academic calendar, with usual breaks for half terms and holidays. Arts in Health honoraries are expected to commit for a minimum of 1 year, ensuring consistency for participants and the team.

• Term 1: Autumn - Sept 2026 to Dec 2026
• Term 2: Winter - Jan 2027 to Mar 2027
• Term 3: Summer - Apr 2027 to Jul 2027

How to apply:

Please email us:

• Your availability (Mon/Thurs)
• Attach your CV (2 pages max)
• Attach answers to the following questions (as a Word doc / PDF)

1. Tell us about yourself, including arts and mental health experience (150 words max)
2. What are your plans for 2026-27? How does AiH fit with these? (150 words max)
3. Share an example of a group facilitation experience and your learnings from it (150 words max)

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility 

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

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

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility 

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

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board! 

Independent Visitor Volunteer 

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development. 

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might: 

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development

• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting

• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust

• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community

• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported 

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability. 

Safeguarding Commitment Statement 

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

ED&I Statement 

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

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

To find out more click “Apply Now”.  

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

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

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

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

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

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children and young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.  The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development 
• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting 
• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust 
• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community 
• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

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

ED&I Statement

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

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

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility 

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

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

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility 

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

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board! 

Independent Visitor Volunteer 

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development. 

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might: 

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development

• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting

• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust

• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community

• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported 

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability. 

Safeguarding Commitment Statement 

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

ED&I Statement 

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

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

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

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. 

Why we need your help

We provide free games and activity sessions with tailored support for children with additional needs and disabilities. We support over 100 children, known as our ‘athletes’, with a wide range of additional needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, non-visible disabilities, and global development delay. At KEEN London, we strive to use fun and games to improve young people's wellbeing, and personal, social and emotional development as well as broadening experiences to increase skills and confidence.

Purpose of the role

Our Volunteer Coaches are the backbone of a KEEN London session! You’ll provide one-to-one support to an athlete, helping them to access all the activities on offer, achieve their personal development goals, and of course have tons of fun! You can expect to get involved with a wide range of playground games, ball games, nature walks, and creative activities. From time to time, we also run trips for our athletes, and previous trips have included trampoline parks, high ropes courses, pedalo boating and slime-making classes.

Tasks and activities

● You’ll support our athletes to engage with the session, and have fun while they’re doing it.

● You’ll help our Service Coordinators develop goals for our athletes, track their progress, and give them lots of encouragement along the way.

● You’ll work with your Service Coordinators and fellow Coaches to come up with new games, develop resources, and plan activities.

● We want our athletes to enjoy being active, making friends, and trying new things - and we want you to join in the activities with them!

● Our athletes love working with energetic and enthusiastic people, and we’ll ensure that all your hard work will be rewarded with a great time.

Please note: To ensure that you are equipped and ready to take on this role, there is a thorough application process which includes but is not limited to: an information session, an in-person onboarding training evening, an enhanced DBS check, reference checks and a safeguarding quiz. All elements of the onboarding process have to be completed satisfactorily before you can start volunteering in this role. 

Why Volunteer with KEEN London?

KEEN London would not be what it is without the volunteers who support our work, and we want to ensure that all our volunteers gain just as much from their volunteering journey as they put into the charity. Here’s what you’ll get in return for supporting us:

● Regular volunteer social events, and opportunities to meet other coaches

● We will provide you with ongoing feedback and support to enable you to reach your full potential at KEEN, you will receive an induction and handbook prior to starting your role and you will receive access to a virtual training portal with additional resources.

● We will give you opportunities to access other roles to help you broaden your skills, such as becoming a Captain or Session Leader.

● Long-term volunteers receive t-shirts, badges, and advance sign-ups to our popular events

● We have a budget set aside to cover volunteer expenses (see Volunteer Agreement below)

● We will provide job/character references to volunteers after a reasonable period of volunteering with us.

Volunteer Agreement

All KEEN London volunteers are asked to observe the Volunteer Agreement. This agreement is binding in honour only, is not intended to be a legally binding contract between us and may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. Neither of us intends any employment relationship to be created either now or at any time in the future.

As a volunteer with KEEN London, you can expect:

● To be a part of a unique and evolving charity that is providing a valuable service to children and young people with additional needs.

● To be introduced to how the organisation works and your role within it.

● A supportive and reciprocal environment that ensures a positive experience for you as a volunteer.

● To be invited to volunteer at special events and fundraising activities.

● Reimbursement of any reasonable travel expenses.

● To be treated fairly and equally with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, age, (dis)ability, religion or sexual orientation.

● A safe and healthy environment for you to volunteer in.

● Any problems or complaints to be investigated quickly and resolved fairly.

● Recognition for your efforts and successes – celebrating achievements and rewarding loyalty and dedication.

● To receive, if required, a reference after a reasonable time of volunteering.

● Access to free Charity Worker Discounts.

Our expectations of volunteers:

● To maintain and uphold the reputation and good name of the charity.

● To treat other volunteers, staff and service users fairly and with dignity, and to respect everyone equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, age, (dis)ability, religion or sexual orientation.

● To ensure appropriate levels of confidentiality and data protection are upheld.

● To uphold our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. This includes ensuring that when out of sight of other adults a ratio of 2 adults to 1 athlete is in place, and that you report any concerns you have about the safety and wellbeing of athletes to the Coordinator as soon as possible.

● To adhere to all health and safety instructions.

● To be punctual and reliable when attending sessions, and inform the coordinator via phone call as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.

● To attend at least 2 sessions per month for at least 6 months.

● To bring energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn to all sessions.

Role Description Internal Ref Number: COACH4