Events volunteer roles

The Dementia Services supports people to live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love. The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia.

We offer clients from the Dementia Services (befriending and wellbeing) a short performance or creative activity delivered by a volunteer visual artist, musician, dancer, actor, performer, and other creative artforms. You may choose to share a creative hobby or an art form you practice professionally.

What does the role involve? 

·Share your creative talent or hobby with older people living with dementia by delivering a short performance to an older person at home or providing an opportunity for them to participate in a creative activity.

·Visit a minimum of 4 times per year for up to 1.5 hours each time, including 20/30 minutes for the performance/activity.

·Provide opportunities for connection with older people during your visit through conversation and engagement.

• Liaise with service coordinators to link with clients who have asked to receive these visits/calls.
• Provide feedback after every performance, including positive impact, improvements to the delivery of visits or concerns regarding the client. 

What will you get out of it?

·An opportunity to create meaningful experiences for all

·Be part of something rewarding and fulfilling

·Training in dementia awareness, safeguarding and more

·Supervision and support

·Reimbursement of expenses

·Opportunities to meet other volunteers

What are the benefits for people living with dementia?

 Many of the clients we support in this service are housebound or do not have the confidence or opportunity to attend events. Some clients may be artists, performers and creatives in their own right who do not get an opportunity to engage with or experience this aspect of their lives anymore.

Giving people who are living with memory loss an opportunity to be part of creative activities is a stimulating, fun way of putting them in touch with memories, other people and the wider community.

Bringing your artform into peoples’ homes can have a huge impact on reducing isolation, encouraging connection and bring a sprinkle of joy to those living with dementia.

We are looking for people who have:

• An interest in sharing or performing their creative, artistic skill whether you are a hobbyist or a professional: 
• Singing

·Playing a musical instrument

·Visual art activity

·Poetry/acting

·Dancing

·Culture-specific art/music/dance/poetry

These are just a handful of examples, but we will consider applications from a variety of artists/musicians/ performers and are open to suggestions.

What other attributes do you need?

• Good verbal and written skills in English 

• Enjoy conversation.
• A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history
• Consistency and reliability 
• An ability to empathise and understand the needs and experiences of an individual with dementia and memory loss.
• Understanding of confidentiality
• Patience and sensitivity
• Confidence to deal with emergencies
• Requirement to undertake induction training and follow guidelines and policies of Age UK Camden

Volunteering Hours 

Performances/activities:Usually approx. 20 -30 minutes but 1-1.5hrs are assigned to the visit

 Minimum of 4 - 6 visits a year (you can opt to do more). 

Visits will be a time agreed between you and the older person you are matched with.

Please note, early morning and late evenings are generally not suitable times for visits. 

Training and induction are provided for the role and includes: 

• Online Dementia Awareness course 
• Age UK Camden organisational induction 
• Induction to Dementia Befriending and Dementia Wellbeing Services and relationships, how to deliver a performer visit
• Safeguarding Adults online course
• Data Awareness online course

We will give you:

• Ongoing support including regular supervision by the coordinator of the service.
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses 
• Access to Volunteer Forum events

 If you are interested, we will ask you to: 

• Complete an application form

• Meet with Dementia Services staff member
• Provide details of two Referees
• Complete an Enhanced DBS check (we arrange this with you)
• Induction and training (as laid out above)

We understand that completing the various steps takes time, and we support and keep in touch with you through the process. 

As this role brings our volunteers into regular contact with vulnerable older people, we make sure that all volunteers understand their role and have completed our recruitment procedures to both our and their satisfaction. 

Within CPSL Mind's serives, our trainined Peer Mentor "walk alongside" individuals on thier recovery journey as they work towards specific personal goals through 1:1 work or group support. This service is offered Monday to Friday between office hours. 

Aims of the service is to:

• Reduce loneliness and social isolation among adults
• Improve mental wellbeing and confidence through regualar social contact
• Encourage informal physical activity, including walking, gentle exercise and community particiaption 
• Strengthen resilience by supporting individuals to access public services, groups and wider community provision
• Reduce reliance on statutory support 

Volunteer Workshop Support

What you’ll be doing

Workshop Support Volunteer

• Welcome and support participants during workshops
• Help with activities, discussions and group participation
• Assist staff with setting up resources and workshop materials
• Support a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment
• Help gather feedback and pack away after sessions
• Support online sessions where needed

or Workshop Co-Facilitator Support

You may also support workshop delivery by:

• Assisting the lead facilitator during sessions
• Helping guide discussions and group activities
• Supporting positive group dynamics and equal participation
• Encouraging confidence, engagement and peer support
• Helping participants feel comfortable contributing and sharing ideas
• Assisting with online facilitation tools such as breakout rooms and chat functions

What we’re looking for

You don’t need professional experience — just the right attitude:

• Friendly, reliable and approachable
• Good listener and communicator
• Empathetic and non-judgemental
• Comfortable working with people from different backgrounds
• Positive, organised and supportive
• Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries

Experience in group work, coaching, mentoring or wellbeing support is helpful but not essential.

What you’ll get

• Full training and ongoing support
• Experience in workshop facilitation and community support
• Opportunity to build confidence and develop new skills
• Meet new people and be part of a supportive team
• The chance to make a real difference in your local community

Time commitment

• Around 3 hours per week during workshop courses
• Opportunity to support multiple courses over time

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Volunteering Opportunity 

Group Activities Mentor

What You’ll Do

Support a small group of older people aged 65+ to become more active and improve their wellbeing. You'll facilitate discussions, encourage participation, and help the group work towards shared goals during a 12-week programme.

You will:

· Support a group of up to 6 participants

· Help the group identify a shared wellbeing or physical activity goal

· Facilitate weekly group sessions

· Encourage participation and positive peer support

· Monitor progress towards agreed goals

· Introduce ideas and activities that support healthy ageing and wellbeing

· Maintain attendance and session records

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Group facilitation

· Communication and leadership

· Motivation and coaching skills

· Confidence managing group discussions

· Organisation and planning

· Problem-solving and teamwork

Time Commitment

Minimum 2 hours per week

Flexible weekdays between 9:00am and 5:00pm

Location: Community locations around Enfield

Reports to: Communities in Motion Manager

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it to us. (Email address included in the application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Position: Volunteer Urban Ranger
Responsible to: Urban Ranger
Location: Various outdoor spaces across BD3, BD4 and BD5
Hours: Anything from two hours here and there, to two days a week.
Expenses: Travel expenses will be reimbursed for bus tickets, train tickets or car mileage

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At Better Place Bradford, our mission is to identify and oversee improvements to local parks and outdoor spaces with the aim of providing a healthier and happier environment for babies, young children and families. We work across larger parks, pocket parks, community centres, streets and green spaces across BD3, BD4 and BD5.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, passionate, and highly motivated individual, who is looking to gain some practical landscape maintenance experience.

As a Volunteer Urban Ranger, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the upkeep of our sites, regularly checking that each site is safe, inviting, and free from rubbish — noting any issues that arise.

Duties include: Litter clearance, sweeping sand back into the sand pits, weeding, planting, watering plants, affixing signs, checking in on the Little Free Library boxes, strimming, raking leaves, supporting at event days, promoting responsible use and enjoyment of our sites.

This role is for you if you;

• Enjoy being outdoors (in all weather)
• Are not afraid of physical work
• Want to make a difference in your local area
• Are comfortable getting to sites across BD3/BD4/BD5
• Enjoy interacting with members of the public
• Want to gain practical landscape maintenance experience
• Are looking for an intro into the environmental / conservation / ranger sectors

Volunteers must be in the UK already.

Make a Smile is seeking a motivated and organised Chapter President to lead one of our local Chapters. This is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing committee operations, supporting volunteers, and ensuring the smooth running of all Chapter activities.

About Make a Smile

Make a Smile is a charity dedicated to bringing joy to children through character visits, events, and community engagement. Each Chapter is run by a volunteer committee, and the President plays a central role in guiding and supporting that team.

Role Overview

The Chapter President is responsible for the overall management, development, and compliance of their Chapter. You will lead the committee, coordinate activities, and act as the main link between your Chapter and the national Board of Trustees.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leading teams, solving problems, and making a meaningful impact in their community.

Key Responsibilities

• Local Leadership
• Oversee the day‑to‑day running of the Chapter and support committee members in their roles.
• Provide direction, guidance, and oversight across volunteer recruitment, events, fundraisers, and costume management.
• Chair committee meetings and ensure tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
• Identify when committee members need support and step in with advice, delegation, or hands‑on help.
• Complete and maintain the Chapter Development Plan and work towards improving Chapter performance each year.
• Ensure all activities comply with the charity’s constitution, handbook, and legal requirements.

National Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact between your Chapter and the Board of Trustees.
• Submit a monthly report on Chapter progress, challenges, and key decisions.
• Attend the monthly Charity Leadership Meeting to share updates and contribute to national planning.
• Implement national guidance and changes communicated by Trustees.
• Manage your Chapter’s allocated budget and support fundraising targets.
• Ensure all required paperwork is kept up‑to‑date, including logs, finances, and post‑event forms.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to motivate and support a team.
• Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Confident decision‑maker with a collaborative approach.
• Passionate about Make a Smile’s mission and working with volunteers.
• No prior charity leadership experience required — full training and guidance provided.

What You’ll Gain

• Leadership and management experience.
• Opportunities to develop strategic planning and organisational skills.
• A chance to make a real difference in your community.
• Experience working closely with a national charity board.
• A rewarding role where you help create magical experiences for children.

Summary

As Chapter President, you will:

• Lead and support your committee.
• Ensure effective operations and compliance.
• Drive Chapter development and improvement.
• Represent your Chapter at national level.
• Lead by example and uphold the values of Make a Smile

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 6 September 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 7 and 18 September 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 8 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 15 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 22 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 12 November 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are reimbursed
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.

Shape the UK’s leading independent voice for R&D. CaSE is seeking a Chair who will channel their passion for science, engineering and wider R&D into the role, and bring fresh perspectives to CaSE’s exciting programme of work.

About CaSE

Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) exists to advocate for UK R&D, for the benefit of lives and livelihoods.

We are a charity and the leading independent voice for UK R&D, supported by a diverse membership of businesses, universities, professional bodies, research charities and individuals. Our members span discovery research, science, engineering and innovation across the public, private, and charitable sectors. 

We collaborate with our members, partners and the public to lend our expert voice to decisions about R&D and develop non-partisan solutions that can help R&D to thrive. 

CaSE is a small organisation that has a big impact. Recent projects include a horizon-scanning exercise to map the trade-offs facing policymakers and R&D organisations, an innovative campaign to raise political awareness of R&D during the Holyrood and Senedd elections, and a landmark national tracker study to monitor public attitude to R&D. CaSE also maintains an active media presence and hosts events, such as our flagship Annual Lecture.

The opportunity

As Chair, you will be tasked with getting the most out of CaSE’s talented Board members and strategically channelling this to support CaSE’s small but highly productive team.

While the role is not remunerated, trustees can claim reasonable travel expenses.

The appointment would run for three years from November 2026 (when the current Chair reaches the end of their term), with the option of a second term. 

The expected time commitment is ~10 hours per month, including quarterly Board meetings, committee work and external representation.

The role

CaSE is entering an exciting new phase, with plans to further expand its impact, profile and income. The Chair leads the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its fiduciary, statutory, strategic, and advocacy responsibilities. 

While candidates will be expected to have a broad range of relevant skills, the deep expertise and commitment of the wider CaSE Board offers space for in-role development to strengthen any specific skills gaps.

Please see CaSE's website for a full list of responsibilities for the role

Who we’re seeking

Successful candidates can come from any background or sector, but will be able to demonstrate:

• Passion for science, engineering and wider R&D, and the benefits this activity can bring to lives and livelihoods across the UK.
• High integrity, independence of judgment, and a commitment to supporting CaSE to maximise the organisation’s impact against its mission.
• A record of ambitious and supportive and leadership in a complex organisation.
• Proven experience chairing a governing board or similar governance forum, and exceptional facilitation skills that can channel diverse views towards consensus.
• Personal profile and connections at the highest levels with communities that can help CaSE fund and achieve its mission, including R&D and political audiences.
• Appetite, capacity and credibility to be an ambassador for CaSE at events and meetings, the majority of which occur in London.

Application process

CaSE believes that a diverse Board is a more effective Board. With this in mind, we particularly welcome applications from groups underrepresented on our Board.

To apply, please follow the instructions on the CaSE website - submitting by 23:59 on Tuesday 1 September 2026.

Our vision is to help build communities that save lives and serve each other through volunteering for health and first aid.

Young people play a crucial role in helping us realise this mission. As a volunteer with our youth teams, you’ll be trained to provide our young people with both life skills and lifesaving skills – all while having great fun!

You’ll be working with our brilliant Badgers (aged 7-10) or creative Cadets (aged 11-18). You’ll also have the opportunity to design your own role, whether that involves running fun activities – such as outdoor events, summer camps and mountain adventures – or providing ‘behind-the-scenes’ support.

We’ll offer you the chance to become a fully-fledged Youth Leader, which will mean completing extra courses in First Aid or Adventure to broaden your capacity and experience.

Would you like to volunteer once a week or once a month? That’s entirely up to you. With the constant guidance of a friendly volunteer manager and youth team, you’ll have all the support you need to make bold strides and rediscover your inner ‘big kid’.

This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act and as such as Enhanced DBS check will be obtained.

Closing date for this advert is 06/09/2026

Interviews - Date, Times and Locations to be advised

Training - Date, Times and Locations to be advised

If you are an existing SJA volunteer or employee, please apply here:

If you are external to SJA, please apply below:

Do you have a passion for ballet and want to make a difference? We’re looking for a volunteer to support a beginner on a one-to-one basis. This role may involve a mix of remote and face-to-face sessions!

What you will be doing

• Deliver ballet sessions tailored to the individual’s beginner level
• Encourage and motivate the individual to build confidence and enjoy learning.
• Plan and adapt sessions to suit the individual’s pace and goals.
• Agree on session times and format (in-person or remote).

The skills you need

• Ballet experience required
• Qualification desired but not essential
• Patience and ability to teach beginners.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable and committed to regular sessions.

What's in it for you

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

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone. 

About the role

As a Community Support Volunteer you will: 

As a Community Support Volunteer, you will complete face-to-face befriending activities with service users. You need to be able to travel around the locality in which you live to be able to do this. Ideally, you will be able to commit to a minimum of 1/2 a day (3-4 hours) of volunteering per week on a flexible basis, with the option to increase.

You will be working alongside our team of community link workers.

There may also be the opportunity to also attend different community events to advertise the service.

There will be full training opportunities to ensure that you are successful in your volunteering role, as well as regular check-in meetings.

About the service  

The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire. 

Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

It’s essentials to have the following:

• Lived experience of mental illness, whether that is caring for someone else or yourself.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Flexibility.
• Experience of working with people in some way, whether formally through employment or informally working as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills.
• Reliability and good timekeeping.
• Have a good understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding.

Although it’s not essential, you may also have:

• Experience of supporting someone with ill mental health / mental illness.
• Good knowledge of your local area and organisations. 

How to apply 

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory. 

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion. 

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager: 

Who are we?  

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion    

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

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).