Evidence lead volunteer roles

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

This opportunity will be at both Crook and Durham so volunteers need to be willing to volunteer at both sites.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

While we host the Professional Development Programme (PDP) to support career changers and newcomers to the UK, the Bid Writing department operates as a core strategic function focused on the long-term financial sustainability and growth of the organisation's mission. This role is essential for securing the resources required to tackle discrimination and support equality across all our platforms.

Head of Department (Bid Writing)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing high-stakes fundraising and income-generation strategies within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring the financial sustainability of our mission to empower unheard voices.

Role Purpose

The Head of Department (Bid Writing) sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level income-generation goals into a clear, deliverable bid-submission pipeline. You own the direction, research structure, and delivery control of the department to ensure that all grant applications, tenders, and funding proposals are submitted with high quality, accuracy, and pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Pipeline Planning: Turning Director funding objectives into a practical calendar of bid submissions, including research phases, drafting cycles, and submission deadlines.

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Bid Managers to coordinate research and evidence-gathering effectively, ensuring all proposal components are visible in MeisterTask.

• Assurance & Quality Control: Reducing rework by refining the "case for support" and ensuring all bids are proofed against funder requirements before reaching the final sign-off stage.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on the bid pipeline (submitted, pending, and upcoming), WIP status, and risks to funding timelines.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring all proposals align with Quilombo UK’s tone, values, and professional communication standards.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, PR, and Graphic Design teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support (e.g., legal review of contracts or graphic design for proposal decks).

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Requirements

• Proven experience in bid writing, grant applications, or technical writing.

• A portfolio of successful funding bids, tenders, or professional writing samples / CV.

• Familiarity with research methodologies and project management software (such as MeisterTask).

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of funding streams (trusts, foundations, and government tenders).

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise complex tasks under tight deadlines.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with the ability to lead through others.

• Excellent written communication skills with a keen eye for detail.

• Degree in English, Creative Writing, Business, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

Do you have experence of fundraising reserach and/or writing grants applications? Want to put those skills to use and make  a difference for those whose lives are affected by cancer?

This role would suit those with experience or interest in research, bid writing, charity fundraising, marketing, creative writing, commissioning, public sector tenders or grant assessment who is looking for a meaningful, regular volunteering commitment. Anyone with expertise or transferable skills in the area of research and/or writing compelling proposals/marketing who is interested in volunteering is encouraged to have a chat with us as we can be flexible.

The Mulberry Centre is looking for opportunities to identify and apply for relevant grants, trust and foundations funding in a competitive market. Grant requests will be on average £500-£10,000 for specific services as well as core Centre costs. This Fundraising Volunteer (the role can be undertaken by one volunteer or split into two parts and shared) will work closely with the Fundraising and Engagement Team to help streamline the research and application process. The first part of the role is to research and check grants and trust funding lists and databases for current opportunities and deadlines for applications to determine which are relevant, where we meet the necessary criteria, and how quickly we need to apply. The second part of the role is to draft and adapt application information to inspire and appeal positively to specific funders. 

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum of 2 court days per month attendance requiured. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Curans

We provide an AI virtual patient simulator for clinical reasoning, examination, diagnosis, management, and feedback.

Grant Application Writer

Role Description

At Curans, we exist because medical students and early career doctors need a safe place to practice before they care for real patients.

�� We are building an AI virtual patient simulator that helps learners practice clinical reasoning, history taking, physical examination, diagnosis, management, and communication.

We are now expanding this mission into a new area: helping institutions build fairer and more effective clinical assessment systems. We believe assessment should not only measure performance, but also support learning, reduce harmful bias, and help every learner grow in a fair and transparent way. This direction strongly aligns with current work in medical education calling for more equitable, learner-centered assessment systems in medicine and nursing.

We are looking for a Grant Application Writer who believes in this mission and wants to help us turn strong ideas into strong funding applications. In this role, you will help Curans identify, shape, and write competitive grant applications for opportunities in medical education, digital health, assessment innovation, and fairness in clinical training.
Your work will directly help us build partnerships with universities, design better educational interventions, and secure support for projects that improve how future doctors are trained and assessed. ��

What you will do ✅

You will:

• Identify grant opportunities relevant to Curans in medical education, assessment, simulation, and digital health
• Help write letters of intent, concept notes, and full grant applications
• Translate Curans’ mission, product, and evidence into clear and persuasive grant language
• Support applications focused on fairness in clinical assessment, learner feedback, competency-based education, and educational innovation
• Work with the founder and team to collect the information needed for proposals, including problem statements, project aims, methodology, timelines, partnerships, and budgets
• Help shape project ideas so they align with funder priorities
• Review grant guidelines and make sure submissions meet all requirements
• Help prepare supporting materials such as summaries, workplans, evaluation plans, and institutional collaboration language
• Strengthen applications by making them more structured, clearer, and more convincing
• Suggest improvements that make our proposals stronger, more realistic, and more fundable
•  

Who fits this role ��

You are:

• A strong writer with experience in grant writing, academic writing, proposal development, or research support
• Interested in medical education, health innovation, digital health, or education equity
• Comfortable turning big ideas into clear, well-structured applications
• Detail oriented and good at following application requirements carefully
• Able to understand both the educational and strategic side of a project
• Comfortable working with founders, educators, and clinicians

It is a big plus if you have experience in:

• Medical education
• Public health
• Health professions education
• Research methods
• Evaluation planning
• Nonprofit or startup fundraising
• Writing grants for universities, foundations, or health programs ⭐

Why this role matters ❤️

This role will help Curans move from a strong product vision to funded implementation. Your writing can help unlock partnerships, research, and educational projects that improve how medical students are assessed and supported.
This is not just grant writing. This is helping build fairer, safer, and more meaningful ways for future doctors and health professionals to learn. ��

What you will gain ��

• Work on a meaningful medical education project
• Help shape real grant applications with real institutional potential
• Gain experience at the intersection of AI, medical education, and funding strategy
• Work closely with a founder-led team
• Build experience in educational innovation and health-focused partnerships
• Contribute ideas that may directly shape future funded programs

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

1-2 months

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

Production plays a critical role in our Professional Development Programme (PDP) and Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP). As Head of Department, you will lead the creation of high-quality media assets that document the learner journey, showcase professional growth, and provide the visual and auditory evidence required to bridge employment gaps for career changers and newcomers to the UK. This is a unique opportunity to deliver tangible community impact by ensuring our participants have the professional media presence needed to tackle discrimination in the job market.

Head of Department (Production)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing end-to-end media operations—spanning pre-production planning to post-production delivery—within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring our storytelling is technically seamless and emotionally resonant.

Role Purpose

The Head of Department (Production) sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level media objectives (such as podcasts, documentaries, or training videos) into clear, deliverable department plans. You own the direction, technical structure, and delivery control of the Production department to ensure pace, reliability, and high-quality output.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Turning Director objectives into practical production schedules, covering both pre-production (storyboarding, scripting, logistics) and post-production (editing, sound design, colour grading).

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Production Managers to run projects effectively, ensuring all media assets are tracked and visible in MeisterTask.

• Assurance & Rework Control: Reducing technical rework by improving initial brief clarity and ensuring time is built into plans for iterative reviews.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on production milestones, WIP, and technical risks, offering clear recommendations for strategic choices.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring the department aligns with Quilombo UK’s communication standards and maintains a professional environment for all contributors.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, PR, and Graphic Design teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support.

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Financial Incentives: Profit Sharing & Commission

• Project Commission: To recognise the transition toward paid work, a commission structure is in place for any paid work carried out.

• Head of Department Share: The HoD receives a 15% share of the commission for work carried out. This percentage is shared between all individuals at the HoD level working on a specific task.

• Business Development Bonus: If work is brought in by the HoD (rather than a Quilombo UK director), the HoD will receive an additional 10% commission on top of their standard share.

• Payment Terms: Commission is paid upon project completion and after payment is received from the client.

Requirements

• Proven experience in media production management (Pre and Post Production).

• A portfolio of video, audio, or multimedia projects / CV.

• Familiarity with production software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, or DaVinci Resolve).

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of tasks across different media formats.

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise and execute production workflows independently.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with a focus on collaborative storytelling.

• A keen eye for technical detail and aesthetic consistency.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Degree in Media Production, Film, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

We're looking for 2-3 detail-oriented and strategic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Specialist Volunteers to help optimise our online presence and ensure our campaigns and content reach the communities that need them most and increase the charity’s search engine results rankings. The SEO Specialist Volunteers will play a key role in enhancing the visibility and searchability of Burning Nights CRPS Support’s website and digital content.

The SEO Specialist Volunteers will be volunteering within the Communications & Marketing Team to implement SEO best practices, conduct keyword research, improve site structure, and analyse web performance – all to ensure our content reaches a broader audience and amplifies the voice of our charity’s supporters online.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Competitor and Keyword Research: Conduct keyword research to inform website content and campaign strategies.
• On-page optimisation: Optimise existing content for improved search engine ranking (meta tags, meta descriptions, headers, alt text, etc.)
• Monitor and analyse SEO performance using tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEMrush.
• Technical SEO Implementation: Identify technical SEO issues and collaborate with content teams to resolve them.
• Backlink and Off-Page SEO: Assist in developing backlink strategies and improving domain authority.
• Support the content team in creating SEO-optimised articles and pages.
• Provide monthly reports on SEO performance and suggest improvements.
• Stay up to date with SEO trends, Google algorithm updates, and emerging best practices.

Key Skills or Qualifications

• Excellent understanding of SEO principles and search engine algorithms.
• Proven experience in conducting SEO audits, strategy development, and implementation.
• Experience using SEO tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ahrefs, or SEMrush or similar platforms.
• Previous experience in digital marketing, content strategy, or technical SEO.
• Ability to perform keyword research and competitor analysis.
• Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and content management systems (ideally Django framework).
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written communication and reporting skills.
• Evidence of organisational skills, with good attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently, turning recommendations into action without needing constant oversight.
• A passion for using your skills to support patients and families impacted by a debilitating pain condition and help save lives.
• Passion for creating inclusive and accessible digital spaces.
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
• Enthusiastic about supporting a small charity.
• Willing to learn, adapt, and collaborate with a supportive team.

Desirable Experience

• Experience of Google Ads for nonprofits.
• Experience of using Django framework websites.
• Familiarity with accessibility best practices and inclusive web design.
• Experience working with or volunteering for nonprofit / charitable organisations.
• Demonstrable IT skills, particularly Google Drive and Microsoft.
• Good research and information management skills.
• An understanding of the charity sector and/or fundraising.

Key Benefits

• Volunteer as part of a forward-thinking, supportive team.
• Unique opportunity to directly contribute to strategic SEO recommendations, and the implementation of those changes to increase the charity’s visibility.
• At Burning Nights CRPS Support you’ll use your SEO skills for a mission with a real, measurable impact. This is more than just a volunteer role, it’s an opportunity to change and save lives.
• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families impacted by a severe pain condition.
• Building your network and forming connections with like-minded people and organisations.
• Enhance your CV and gain skills that are transferable to a variety of career paths.
• Receive training and ongoing support from our team.
• Experience the personal satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from helping others.

Training and Support

• Full induction to our organisation, as well as check-ins, ongoing training, supervision and support from the Communications & Marketing Lead Volunteer, Volunteer Co-ordinators, Trustees and the Volunteer Team.
• This a remote volunteering opportunity with regular online team check-ins and collaborative sessions with a supportive, creative, and inclusive team environment.
• Relevant and ongoing training for your volunteer role.
• Regular updates on charity activities.
• Support, advice and guidance from Charity team.
• After 3 months volunteering, all volunteers are eligible for additional training courses (reasonable cost).
• Out-of-pocket expenses, approved in advance will be reimbursed.

This Role Turns Digital Campaigns Into Real-World Impact. At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., online fundraising is more than clicks—it’s building a movement.
The Online Fundraising and Campaign Manager ensures that all digital campaigns—from social media drives to crowdfunding initiatives—are strategically designed, executed, and optimised for impact. You will lead online engagement, campaign planning, and donor acquisition strategies, connecting supporters to the CIC’s mission and converting attention into meaningful action. This is not a passive posting role—it is strategic, high-energy, and central to scaling the CIC’s digital impact.

This role exists to:

• Plan, launch, and manage online fundraising campaigns across multiple digital platforms
• Coordinate with Content and Donor Communication Specialists to ensure cohesive messaging
• Analyse campaign performance, adjusting strategies in real time for maximum engagement
• Support the Fundraising Director with digital strategy, reporting, and optimisation
• Ensure campaigns comply with safeguarding, ethical, and CIC standards
• Develop creative fundraising initiatives that engage online communities
• Track donor journeys from awareness to contribution, improving retention and growth

You are the digital architect of campaigns that mobilise supporters and funds.

Why This Role Matters

Online fundraising is critical for the CIC’s sustainability:

• It generates immediate and scalable revenue for programmes
• It grows awareness and community support beyond geographic boundaries
• It empowers supporters to engage meaningfully with the CIC’s mission

Without this role, online campaigns risk low engagement, wasted effort, or lost opportunities. With it, the CIC can reach thousands of supporters efficiently and ethically.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Experience using online fundraising platforms such as JustGiving, GoFundMe, Stripe, Patreon, or similar tools
• Experience in digital campaign planning, execution, and optimisation
• Strong understanding of social media marketing, including platform-specific strategies and analytics
• Experience with email marketing tools and CRM systems for supporter engagement and fundraising
• Ability to monitor, analyse, and interpret performance data to inform decisions
• Experience producing clear reports and insights for non-technical audiences and leadership
• Strong written communication skills, with an ability to craft compelling calls to action
• Creative mindset with the ability to generate and test innovative campaign ideas
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple campaigns and deadlines
• Understanding of ethical fundraising, safeguarding, and data protection principles
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and volunteers
• Confidence working independently in a volunteer role, with proactive problem-solving skills
• Commitment to the organisation’s mission, values, and respectful supporter engagement

Desirable / Can Be Developed

• Basic knowledge of digital design or content tools

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications not required; equivalent professional or voluntary experience is highly valued

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Design and deliver online fundraising campaigns: Plan, implement, and manage end-to-end digital fundraising initiatives across social media, crowdfunding platforms, email marketing, and web-based channels. Ensure campaigns are aligned with organisational goals, audiences, and key fundraising moments.
• Develop innovative engagement strategies: Create and test creative campaign ideas, challenges, peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives, and digital engagement activities that motivate supporters to donate, share, and advocate. Continuously explore new trends and tools in online fundraising.
• Coordinate creative assets: Work collaboratively with Content, Communications, and Donor Engagement teams to develop compelling copy, visuals, videos, and calls to action. Ensure consistent messaging, tone, and branding across all digital channels.
• Campaign optimisation and performance monitoring: Track and analyse campaign metrics such as reach, engagement, conversion rates, donation values, and supporter growth. Use insights to adjust strategies in real time and improve campaign effectiveness.
• Data-driven decision making: Interpret analytics and audience behaviour to refine targeting, messaging, timing, and platform use. Support evidence-based recommendations for future fundraising activity.
• Compliance and ethical standards: Ensure all online fundraising activities comply with relevant regulations, platform terms, safeguarding policies, data protection requirements, and ethical fundraising standards. Promote transparency and donor trust at all stages.
• Reporting and accountability: Prepare clear and timely reports on campaign performance, outcomes, and learning for leadership and stakeholders. Highlight successes, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
• Volunteer collaboration: Engage and coordinate volunteer teams and digital ambassadors to amplify campaigns, encourage peer sharing, and extend reach within communities and networks. Provide guidance and motivation to support consistent messaging.
• Continuous improvement: Contribute to the development of best practices, templates, and processes for online fundraising. Share learning across teams to strengthen organisational digital fundraising capacity. 

Who This Role Is For

This role is suited to someone who:

• Understands online fundraising and digital campaign strategy
• Can plan, execute, and monitor campaigns independently and collaboratively
• Is creative, data-driven, and solution-oriented
• Can translate social media trends into actionable fundraising opportunities
• Values transparency, ethics, and mission-aligned digital engagement

You are a strategic digital leader and campaign innovator.

What You Gain

• Founding-level experience in online fundraising strategy and execution
• Strategic insight into digital engagement and campaign optimisation
• Leadership exposure in managing multi-channel campaigns
• Priority consideration for future paid roles
• Direct contribution to community empowerment and CIC sustainability

This role builds digital strategy, fundraising, and online community leadership skills.

What This Role Is Not For

This role is not suitable if you:

• Prefer low-responsibility volunteer work
• Avoid digital tools, analytics, or campaign strategy
• Are seeking immediate paid employment
• Are uncomfortable managing ethical online engagement and fundraising

Important to Be Clear

• This is a volunteer role during the CIC’s build phase
• It carries real responsibility for digital campaign success and donor engagement
• Paid roles will emerge as funding and sustainability allow

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about campaign strategy, performance, and collaboration

If you believe that digital campaigns can create meaningful impact, and that online engagement is a tool for real-world change, this role is for you.

A Final Word

Fundraising is about people, not just donations.

If you know that:

• Trust is built through transparency, consistency, and care
• Privacy and safeguarding are essential to ethical digital engagement
• Respectful communication strengthens supporter relationships and loyalty

 …then you already understand the heart of effective online fundraising and campaign management.

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

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

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

Our aims are:

To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:

Offering support, friendship and practical assistance

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

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

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

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

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

Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.

Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.

The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:

• An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
• Support to prepare for parenthood
• Support to build confidence in parenting skills
• Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
• Support to establish daily and weekly routines
• Support to take time for self-care
• Support to manage the things that are causing stress
• Support to access relevant services
• Support to access local green spaces
• Support to make connections with other parents

No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.