Independent mental health advocate volunteer roles in Birmingham, west midlands

About us

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.

About the role?

Our Trustees play a critical role in the organisation, helping set the strategy and review progress in relation to it, providing support, challenge and expertise to the Chief Executive and Directors.

A Trustee plays an essential role in seeking to maximise VoiceAbility’s positive impact as well as to stretch and hold to account the Chief Executive.

The role also has ultimate responsibility for the compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as ensuring that the organisation acts in line with its charitable objectives and is financially stable. Trustees work as a team, applying good judgement and taking collective responsibility.

About you

We are looking for a Trustee with sound independent judgement, strategic vision and the ability to think creatively.  You will embody the organisations values and act in the best interests of the charity at all times. 

You will be engaged and motivated by the work of VoiceAbility and be able to build strong relationships and have experience of working as a non-Executive director or Trustee; however, lived experience is equally important.

We are seeking to recruit Trustees who bring Expertise in Finance, Safeguarding, Human Resources, Commercial and Operational Delivery.

Time commitment

Approximately one day per month.  Please note that this time commitment will be spread across multiple days and is likely to be cyclical.

There are four board meetings per annum.  Board meetings tend to be online, but face-to-face, or hybrid meetings may take place from time to time.  There would also be a commitment of two to four committee meetings per annum, a board strategy or development day and site visits.  Each trustee will also belong to at least one committee.

Equality and Diversity

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 HR for further options.

How to apply

Please follow the link to our latest vacancy page

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications: 

28 February 2026

 Interviews to be held: ongoing

Could you help shape Mind in Kingston’s future and support more people with mental health needs?

We’re a passionate, independent local charity working across the Royal Borough of Kingston, affiliated with national Mind. Our vision? A world where everyone experiencing a mental health problem receives the support and respect they deserve — and we won’t stop until that happens.

We’re now looking for new Trustees to help lead us forward. We’re looking for people who can:

•  Think strategically and creatively
•  Lead the organisation towards fully achieving its commitment and ambition
•  Scrutinise the impact we’re having
•  Communicate clearly and sensitively in large group discussions
•  Use independent judgement to make decisions on behalf of the organisation
•  Be committed to our mission, vision and values.

Role Highlights:

•  Time Commitment: 4–8 hours per month (meetings held online)
•  Voluntary role with expenses paid
•  Trustees receive: Induction, training, expenses, and skill-building opportunities.

How to Apply:

To find out more about both roles and how to apply, please visit our website:
Mind in Kingston – Current Volunteer Opportunities

Charity Trustee

You and Me Counselling are currently recruiting volunteer trustees to complement the committee members already in their role.

This is a home working role and will be for immediate start.

Our charity

You and Me Counselling is a charitable organisation established in 2011. We are a counselling and psychotherapy service based in Hornchurch, Essex that works with children, young people, adults, and their families in the boroughs of Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest. Our counsellors and therapists work both within schools and from our counselling rooms located in Hornchurch and Ilford.

You and Me Counselling are an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). This means we are fully governed by the BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

Job Description

As a trustee you will need to:

• Acknowledge emails at least once a day.
• Give a minimum of one hour per week to the role.
• Attend quarterly trustee meetings online.
• Ensure that You and Me Counselling pursues its stated objectives
• Ensure there is regular review of changes that might affect the organisation (political, financial, demographic, etc.)
• Ensure that the charity complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Monitor finance to ensure that the charity applies its resources exclusively for its charitable objectives.
• Uphold the good name and values of You and Me Counselling.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Supervise, support and appraise the chief executive officer.
• Hold the chief executive officer to account for the management and administration of the charity.
• Ensure that the organisation acts in accordance with employment law and exercises a duty of care to its employees.
• Identify major risks to the organisation and put systems in place to mitigate or minimise the risks.
• Ensure that the organisation has a governance structure that is appropriate to a charity of its size/complexity, stage of development, and its charitable objectives
• Regularly review your own training needs and create an expectation of continuous professional development throughout the organisation.
• Ensure that trustees have an agreed code of conduct and comply with it, and that there are mechanisms for the removal of trustees who do not abide by the principles stated therein.

Person Specifications

All trustees should demonstrate the following skills and values:

• A commitment to the organisation.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• A willingness to speak their mind.
• An understanding and acceptance of their legal duties and responsibilities as a trustee
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to evaluate and interpret management information and other data.

Specific Skills

The ideal candidate would have one of more of the following:

• Experience in law and governance
• Experience in charity fundraising
• Knowledge of counselling or psychotherapy (as a therapist or client)
• Experience in accounting or financial management
• A parent of a young person who has experience of mental health issues

Join Us as a Trustee – Help Shape a Safer Future

About the Role
We are seeking passionate and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you’ll play a vital role in helping shape the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring good governance and supporting our leadership team to deliver high-quality, impactful services.

What We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are especially keen to hear from individuals with experience in any of the following areas:

-        Estate and Property Strategy/ Management 

-        Health and Safety 

-        Finance 

You do not need previous board experience—we provide a full induction and support. What matters most is your commitment to our values and your willingness to contribute your time, insights, and passion.

Why Join Us?

• Make a real difference to the lives of clients
• Gain strategic and governance experience
• Be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team
• Help champion equity and amplify the voices of those often unheard

Trustee Duties

• Support and provide advice on Safer Places’ purpose, vision, goals and activities
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation
• Oversee Safer Places’ financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively Review and approve Safer Places’ financial statements
• Keep abreast of changes in the operating environment
• Contribute to regular reviews of Safer Places’ own governance.
• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Safer Places’ interests, to the exclusion of personal and/or any third-party interests
• Contribute to the broader promotion of Safer Places’ objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts

Trustee Role: Clinical Lead for the Board.

Location: Location: Warwick

Role Responsibilities

Safeline are recruiting a new trustee for the Safeline board who will have lead responsibility for supporting and assuring the clinical practices of the charity.  

Trustees work with the Executive team to provide effective governance to the Charity.

Who we are

Established in 1994, Safeline is a leading specialist charity that works to prevent sexual abuse and support those affected to cope and recover.

Our Vision is that everyone affected by or at risk of sexual abuse should feel supported and empowered.

We empower survivors to make choices about the lives they want.

What we do

We provide:

· Prevention/Early Intervention services to help prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation and effective early support to children and young people who are at risk.

· Counselling, Psychotherapy and Art Therapy to survivors of sexual abuse from age 4+, face-to-face, telephone and online

· Independent, non-judgmental emotional and practical support and advocacy to anyone who has experienced historical or recent sexual abuse and wishes to report to the police.

· National Male Survivors Helpline and online support service.

· Specialist education and training to prevent and address sexual abuse.

The Board

Our Board of Trustees are all volunteers drawn from a cross-section of different backgrounds. They are chosen for their skill sets to support Safeline and provide diversity of experience.

The Trustees are responsible for appointing the Chief Executive Officer and ensuring sound management of the professional, ethical, legal, and financial affairs of the Charity. Working in partnership with the executive team and staff, they:

• Set the direction.

• Agree the vision.

• Determine the strategies and policies to fulfil the vision.

• Monitor progress.

• Ensure the outcomes are consistent with the overall strategy.

§  The Board includes a former service user who ensures the people we support are represented in a clear and visible way. This Trustee involves the client’s voice in our work at a strategic level.

§  Trustees are appointed at the Annual General Meeting, they serve a four-year term and are eligible for re-election.

Key Responsibilities

• Governance & Oversight
  • Fulfil all legal duties of a Trustee under the Charities Act and the organisation’s governing document.
  • Ensure the counselling service operates in line with safeguarding, ethical, and clinical governance standards.
  • Provide strategic oversight of service delivery, ensuring quality and accessibility for beneficiaries.
• Support & Challenge
  • Act as a critical friend to the Head of Counselling/Clinical Lead, offering guidance and expertise.
  • Monitor and support the development of counselling provision, including policies, training, and professional standards.
  • Ensure that client feedback and outcomes inform service development.
• Risk & Compliance
  • Help the Board assess and manage risks associated with counselling practice, including safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional conduct.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant legislation (e.g., data protection, safeguarding, mental health regulations) and alignment with BACP professional framework.
• Advocacy & Ambassadorship
  • Champion the importance of counselling within the wider organisation and to external stakeholders.
  • Support fundraising and partnership opportunities that sustain and grow the counselling service
  •  

Essential Criteria for the Clinical Lead:

· Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.

· Understanding of counselling practice and its role in supporting wellbeing (e.g., qualified counsellor, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, or equivalent experience).

· Experience of working in a counselling environment and risk management.

· Knowledge of professional standards and frameworks (e.g., BACP, UKCP, HCPC) and experience of ethical decision making.

· Practice in working with clients who have experienced sexual abuse.

· Ability to think strategically and contribute to Board-level discussion.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to challenge constructively.

· Understanding of governance and willingness to undertake Trustee responsibilities.

Desirable:

· Experience in clinical governance, safeguarding, or service management.

· Prior Trustee or Board-level experience.

· Connections within the counselling, healthcare, or voluntary sector to support partnership development.

Time Commitment

Trustees are required to attend approximately 4 board meetings a year plus additional ad hoc meetings for example at team and fundraising events.

What You Will Gain

• You can make a meaningful impact: Ensuring the charity is run effectively and makes a real difference to its beneficiaries can provide a strong sense of personal satisfaction and fulfilment.
• You will be contributing to a cause that has a substantial impact on the public health and economic wealth of the country.
• The chance to work alongside passionate Trustees, staff, and volunteers committed to making a difference. Broaden your perspective: Engaging with diverse perspectives and social issues can deepen your understanding of the world and enhance empathy and compassion. 
• Gaining board-level experience: Serving as a trustee provides hands-on experience in governance, strategy, and decision-making at the highest level of an organisation, which can be invaluable for career progression.
• Developing new skills: Trustees often develop skills in areas such as financial management, risk management, strategic planning, negotiation, and leadership.
• Using existing skills in a new context to make a real difference to people’s lives.

Overall, while the role is voluntary and comes with legal responsibilities, the rewards of trusteeship in terms of personal growth, skill development, and societal impact are significant.

Do you have experience in digital and social media? Can you help us improve our communications and raise the profile of the work we do?

We are seeking an expert, creative Volunteer Digital and Social Media Lead. You will help us promote our programmes supporting people in prison and young people at risk of entering the justice system, as well as our Community Bike Shop, which funds and strengthens this work.

What you’ll do:

• Design and schedule engaging posts, stories, and reels across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more to grow our audience.

• Develop strategies for viral campaigns and collaborations to boost awareness and donations and share your expertise with our team.

• Analyse metrics (engagement, reach, growth) and refine tactics based on what resonates.

• Create eye-catching visuals using tools like Canva.

• Update our website as required and make suggestions for improvements.

• Work with our expert Trustee to consider how we can use online retail platforms to sell our refurbished bikes.

What we’ll provide:

· Creative freedom within agreed priorities and tone of voice.

· Access to the right tools plus shared photos, stories and impact stats.

· A named contact, light-touch sign-off, and occasional check-ins to remove blockers.

Time commitment: we’ll agree a realistic scope with the right volunteer based on their availability.

Reasonable agreed expenses will be paid.

Thank you

Mark Flannagan
Chief Executive

About us

UpCycle, works with individuals in prisons and young people at risk in marginalised communities.  We use bicycle maintenance workshops to help build life skills, enhance employability, prevent offending and reoffending, and foster social reintegration.  We also offer lead rides, bike fit-it sessions and other ways to engage with vulnerable people.

In prisons

· We delivered 956 un-refurbished bikes and received back 768 refurbished bikes across eight prisons and one Young Offenders Institution, training over 238 individuals.

In the Community

· Over 1034 bikes were donated to our Community Bike Shop, of those we refurbished and distributed more than 612 to underserved communities locally and overseas.

· Workshops in Bradford engaged 361 participants in diverse cycling-related activities across the area.

· "Bike to the Future" and other initiatives reached 220 young people with more complex needs.