Library volunteer volunteer roles

Ealing Carers Partnership offers support services to unpaid family carers aged 18+, living or caring for someone living in the London Borough of Ealing. We work together - and with others - to provide support services and breaks for carers. Our current services include: respite (replacement) care in the home; care worker support to access community groups or services; Carer Cafes in four locations across Ealing; a developing range of wellbeing activities, and; events and social opportunities. We are seeking volunteers to work alongside the team to support our work.

Main purpose of the role

The Carers Community Champions role is to support us in promoting Ealing Carers Partnership’s services by raising awareness of what we offer. We might ask for you to put up leaflets in your neighbourhood and, from time to time, to staff a stall in a community setting. 

Benefits of becoming a Carers Champion:

Becoming a Carer Champion will help you to:

• Experience volunteering in a charity 

• Develop new skills and experience, possibly helping you to find work

• Grow your confidence

• Take part in free training sessions to build your knowledge 

• Meet new people 

• Make a vital difference to the work of Ealing Carers Partnership.

It will give you the satisfaction of:

• Supporting carers and making a big difference in their lives

• Feeling that you have achieved something positive every time you volunteer

• Empowering communities by raising awareness of sources of support

• Being part of an organisation, which has strong values and provides help and support to those most marginalised in society 

• Connecting with other volunteers and local organisations.

General responsibilities 

In order to promote Ealing Carers Partnership’s services and events, we expect that you would be asked to:

• Hand out leaflets or post fliers in supermarkets, doctors’ surgeries, libraries, leisure centres and other community venues with high footfall in your immediate neighbourhood

• Help with setting up of events and staffing stalls 

• Help to pack up after the events 

• Supporting staff at the Carers Cafés and making light refreshments

• Sharing your caring experiences with others if you are a former carer, or just listening to those that need to talk

• Accompanying carers on trips out

• Working with the team to find new ways of publicising services and providing insights about your neighbourhood. 

Skills, experience and personal attributes

Whilst we are happy to provide training as needed, we hope that you will be able to demonstrate:

• A positive attitude towards vulnerable clients who may have a variety of complex needs and those who are caring for them 

• The desire to gain local knowledge about services or a willingness to find out what is available to support local carers 

• A minimum availability of 2/3 hours per week

• Being comfortable in terms of talking to people in groups 

• A knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, although full training will be given. 

Training and support

We will try to offer a good range of training and support to all volunteers but, as a minimum, you can expect to:

• Attend starter training sessions, an induction to the programme and staff

• Undertake a DBS check

• Attend Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Customer Care training

• Attend appropriate team meetings/ briefings so you are up to date on what we are delivering 

• Attend 6-8 weekly checks-ins for support for you and to see how you are doing within your role. 

Expenses

Out of pocket and travel expenses will be reimbursed as agreed upon commencement.

For this role volunteers MUST be aged 18 or over.

Role description and purpose:  The role involves offering moral and some practical support to a client of WTRRP.  Any complex needs are addressed by WTRRP Case Workers and professional organisations, not befrienders. Befrienders will give client extra support to combat isolation, extra language support and help them to integrate into UK society and the Watford community. 

How a befriender will be allocated: The Befriending Coordinators and the Volunteers’ Coordinator will allocate a befriender to a client with his/her explicit agreement.  An initial meeting between the client, the befriender and one of the coordinators will be organised to set up parameters and ensure that both parties are happy to continue.  Client support can be terminated at any time by mutual agreement and in consultation with one of the Befriending Coordinators.

Key responsibilities:

· Provide moral support to allocated client.

· Make regular phone calls and visits (in a neutral place such as cafes, libraries, St Mary’s as agreed with the client) – once a week or every other week.

· Listen, encourage and empower clients. (It is important not to create mutual dependency)

· Maintain a friendly but neutral approach.

· Help client integrate into UK society by sharing local knowledge, for example facilitating access to Children Centres, libraries etc.

· Accompany client to social events organised by WTRRP.

· Help client be aware of WTRRP services

· Offer practical help such as lifts to medical appointments (if comfortable with this), finding clothes, furniture, moving (if agreed and organised by WTRR) etc.

· Report to a Befriending Coordinator after each meeting with the client. 

· Identify more complex needs/issues and relay these to the Befriending Coordinators.

· Report any safeguarding concerns immediately as per WTRRP policy. Liaise with the Safeguarding Lead and/or members of the Committee.

· Represent WTRRP and work constructively as part of a WTRRP team.

Other Requirements of the Role:

· Willingness to commit to a 6 months period (an extension may be granted but we would like to see clients become self-reliant)

· Reasonable availability, particularly during weekdays.

· Attend regular Befrienders’ training and volunteers’ training essential.

Skills and personal qualities:

· Strong communicator and interpersonal skills (including ability to convey information in simple English).

· Patience

· Reliability and flexibility

· Awareness of non-verbal communication such as body language.

· Awareness of cultural differences/unconscious bias and their effects on the clients we support.  Training will be given on these.

· Awareness of boundaries.

· Ability to work as part of a team.

· Empathy for the plight of refugees and asylum seekers.

Experience: 

· Previous volunteering experience an advantage

 Volunteering Opportunity 

Day Centre Meet & Greet

What You’ll Do

As a Meet & Greet Volunteer, you’ll be a friendly first point of contact at our day centre, helping to create a safe, welcoming and well-supported environment for people living with dementia, their families, and visitors.

You will:

· Welcome clients, visitors, and family members as they arrive

· Help maintain a safe environment by being present and aware of who is entering and leaving the centre

· Gently support clients to remain within safe areas if needed

· Provide information, leaflets, or signposting to visitors

· Work alongside staff to ensure the day runs smoothly

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Friendly and confident communication

· Awareness, observation, and promoting a safe environment

· Patience, empathy, and understanding of dementia

· Teamwork and following guidance from staff

Time Commitment

4 hours between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm
(Weekdays)

Location: The Mabel Churn Centre, 55b Sunny Road, Enfield, EN3 5EF

Reports to: Day Centre 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!

Volunteering Opportunity

Digital Champion

What You’ll Do

Support people aged 50+ to build confidence with their phones, tablets, or computers. You’ll help them learn basic digital skills so they can stay connected and independent.

You will:

• Provide one-to-one support at Digital sessions
• Help with everyday tasks like email, Zoom, downloading apps
• Guide people to feel confident using their own devices
• Answer questions and troubleshoot problems
• Record support sessions on Charity Log
• Identify common digital needs and refer to extra resources if needed

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

• Confident using smartphones, tablets, and laptops
• Friendly and patient teaching style
• Clear communication
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Good timekeeping and dependability

Time Commitment

Tuesdays 11:00 am – 1:00 pm (Dugdale Arts Centre)

Other weekdays between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location: Dugdale Centre, 39 London Rd, Enfield EN2 6DS

Possibly some community groups across Enfield
Reports to: Digital Inclusion Lead

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!

 Volunteering Opportunity 

Dementia Activity Coordinator

What You’ll Do

Bring joy and stimulation to people living with dementia by planning and running creative, engaging activities at our day care centre, that encourage connection, laughter and participation. You’ll us your skills and imagination to lead sessions centred around an activity area of your choice such as music, movement, theatre, storytelling, arts, cooking or gardening.

You will:

· Plan and deliver fun and inclusive activity sessions for day centre members living with dementia

· Adapt activities to suit individual needs and abilities

· Encourage participation and build confidence among members

· Work alongside staff to ensure sessions run safely and smoothly

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Creativity and the ability to engage people

· Good communication and interpersonal skills

· Patience, empathy, and understanding of dementia

· Organisation and planning skills

· Confidence leading small group activities

Time Commitment

Flexible- ideally a regular session each week between 10:30 am and 3:00 pm (Weekdays)

Location: The Mabel Churn Centre, 55b Sunny Road, Enfield, EN3 5EF

Reports to: Day Centre 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!

Could you spare a little time each week to help older people use smartphones, tablets, laptops, the NHS App, GP online services, email, video calls and more?

Age UK Birmingham is looking for friendly, patient volunteers to support local people with digital skills, online confidence and staying safe from scams.

We have two locations:

�� Oscott Community Centre — Tuesdays, 12:00–13:30
�� Oldbury Library — Wednesdays, 11:00–13:00

For more detailed information, please see below:

About the Service

The Digital Support service offers free, personalised assistance through one-to-one, group, or virtual sessions, tailored to each individual’s needs and pace. It supports people in getting started with smartphones, tablets, and laptops, setting up and using online services such as shopping platforms and health apps, and staying connected with family and friends through messaging, video calls, and social media. The service also helps individuals build confidence online, protect personal information, and recognise and avoid scams, phishing messages, and fake websites.

Support is available for a wide range of devices, including laptops, tablets (such as iPads), smartphones (Android or iPhone), and other everyday digital technology. Whether someone is completely new to digital or looking to develop their skills, the service helps them get online, set up and manage email accounts, use apps and online services, and explore new digital tools in a simple, friendly, and supportive way.

About the Role

As an Age UK Digital support volunteer, you'll receive training to aid older individuals in improving their digital skills and confidence, with particular focus on digital health. This can include access to the NHS app or local GP surgery online portals. Your role includes understanding their online barriers and helping to overcome them.

Specific tasks may include:

· Work with older people in group sessions to develop their digital skills and confidence online.

· Get to know the older people you support to understand the individual barriers they face.

· Some set-up of the room may be required as well as handing out equipment

Personal qualities and skills most suited to this role

· Strong listener and clear, friendly communicator who adapts to different learners

· Comfortable using smartphones, tablets, and laptops

· Confident with common operating systems (Android, iOS, Windows), though not all are required

· Skilled in everyday online tasks like messaging, email, browsing, video calls and Apps, e.g the NHS App,

· Careful and detail-oriented when handling older people’s information, with awareness of data privacy.

What the role can offer you

• As a digital volunteer, you will be part of creating a supportive project to people who will benefit

• The role is an opportunity to connect with and support your local community

• You will meet with new people who care about the same things

• Build skills to enhance your CV

• You will make a real difference to people’s lives

Additional Information

Full training is provided which will consist of a variety of both online and in-person training. You will receive CORE modules in the form of a training booklet during registration, plus additional training via your line manager once you have started to perform your role safely and effectively.

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode.

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To represent Family Centre Services within local communities and help strengthen the link between families and the centre by promoting services and support available.

Key Responsibilities:

· Promote Hertfordshire Family Centres by attending toddler and parent groups and local activities.

· Distribute leaflets, posters, and other promotional materials in community venues (e.g. libraries, health centres, nurseries, shops).

· Talk to parents, carers, and professionals about the Family Centre offer, signposting them to services and activities.

· Share updates on Family Centre activities through word of mouth, local networks, and community noticeboards.

· Provide feedback to Family Centre staff about local needs, events, and opportunities for engagement.

· Represent the Family Centre in a positive and professional way at all times.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Friendly, approachable, and confident in talking to new people.

· Good communication skills.

· Reliable and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

· Enthusiasm for supporting children, families, and the local community.

· Respectful of diversity and inclusive of all families.

· Knowledge of the local area and networks

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

The groups also provide social activities for all the members and their families - for example, occasional outings and socials plus bowling and other outdoor activities. Free refreshments and items from their resource library are also available at meetings.

Adults' social group

This friendship group for adults and older teenagers generally meets fortnightly (alternating with the Children's and Teenagers' groups) during term time on Tuesdays from 7.00 to 9.00pm Children's and Teenagers' social groups

The Children's and Teenagers' group generally meets fortnightly (alternating with the Adults' group) during term time on Tuesdays from 6.00 to 8.00pm

The Southampton volunteer Group Leader will be responsible for the co-ordination of the NAS South Hampshire branch’s adult and older teens social group and the children and teens social group.

What you will be doing

• Planning sessions, including activities and other ideas, and co-ordinating the other volunteers attending both groups,
• Welcoming the autistic children, young people and adults to each of the sessions
• Interacting with those attending, making sure that everyone can engage in the activities in a safe manner.
• Organising the setting up and clearing away before and after the club activity
• Keeping the branch chair informed of both group’s activities in the upcoming sessions and attending branch committee meetings
• Ensuring your branch complies with NAS policies including risk assessment, data protection and safeguarding.
• Any agreed expenses incurred will be reimbursed by the branch
• You will be supported in your role by the Branch Chair and former group leader.
• You will have access to a dedicated NAS email address for this role
• A criminal record check is a requirement of this role

Could you spare a little time each week to help older people use smartphones, tablets, laptops, the NHS App, GP online services, email, video calls and more?

Age UK Birmingham is looking for friendly, patient volunteers to support local people with digital skills, online confidence and staying safe from scams.

We have two locations:

�� Oscott Community Centre — Tuesdays, 12:00–13:30
�� Oldbury Library — Wednesdays, 11:00–13:00

For more detailed information, please see below:

About the Service

The Digital Support service offers free, personalised assistance through one-to-one, group, or virtual sessions, tailored to each individual’s needs and pace. It supports people in getting started with smartphones, tablets, and laptops, setting up and using online services such as shopping platforms and health apps, and staying connected with family and friends through messaging, video calls, and social media. The service also helps individuals build confidence online, protect personal information, and recognise and avoid scams, phishing messages, and fake websites.

Support is available for a wide range of devices, including laptops, tablets (such as iPads), smartphones (Android or iPhone), and other everyday digital technology. Whether someone is completely new to digital or looking to develop their skills, the service helps them get online, set up and manage email accounts, use apps and online services, and explore new digital tools in a simple, friendly, and supportive way.

About the Role

As an Age UK Digital support volunteer, you'll receive training to aid older individuals in improving their digital skills and confidence, with particular focus on digital health. This can include access to the NHS app or local GP surgery online portals. Your role includes understanding their online barriers and helping to overcome them.

Specific tasks may include:

· Work with older people in group sessions to develop their digital skills and confidence online.

· Get to know the older people you support to understand the individual barriers they face.

· Some set-up of the room may be required as well as handing out equipment

Personal qualities and skills most suited to this role

· Strong listener and clear, friendly communicator who adapts to different learners

· Comfortable using smartphones, tablets, and laptops

· Confident with common operating systems (Android, iOS, Windows), though not all are required

· Skilled in everyday online tasks like messaging, email, browsing, video calls and Apps, e.g the NHS App,

· Careful and detail-oriented when handling older people’s information, with awareness of data privacy.

What the role can offer you

• As a digital volunteer, you will be part of creating a supportive project to people who will benefit

• The role is an opportunity to connect with and support your local community

• You will meet with new people who care about the same things

• Build skills to enhance your CV

•You will make a real difference to people’s lives

Additional Information

Full training is provided which will consist of a variety of both online and in-person training. You will receive CORE modules in the form of a training booklet during registration, plus additional training via your line manager once you have started to perform your role safely and effectively.

Summary of role

We are looking for teachers with a recognised ESOL qualification to support clients on a 1:1 basis with speaking, reading and writing English for an hour or so each week.

How does this role make a difference?

This support provided by volunteers to our clients really helps them progress with their English. Often clients do not have opportunities to learn English outside of the classroom or interact with a British-born person, so this opportunity is invaluable to them. Improving our clients English also enables individuals to access our other services such as, the employment team and digital inclusion, which will in turn, improve their employment prospects and assist in integration in their local community.

Who will you be helping?

Our clients are refugees, migrants and asylum seekers who are unable to afford or access English classes at colleges. We have many clients at the Centre who need one-to-one support with their English, mostly around listening and speaking, fluency and confidence building. We can also offer additional sessions to clients who are accessing external ESOL classes who feel they need additional 1:1 support.

What will you be doing?

We would like you to meet a client for 1 – 2 hours each week, this can be at the Centre or in a public place such as a café or library or where possible on-line. You will provide them with individual support with their English.  

Your responsibilities:

• Be able to commit at least one hour a week to your client for up to six months.
• Create an agreed Individual Learning Plan.
• Meet with your client at an agreed time and place.
• Be able to encourage and motivate your client.
• Be able to plan an hour’s English session based on the client’s ability and need.
• Send a short progress report to the Learning & Employment Manager after every meeting with your client.
• Participate in the Centre induction and safeguarding training.
• Attend quarterly group meetings, at the Centre, with other English Learning Volunteers at an agreed time.

What are we looking for?

• You have a recognised ESOL qualification e.g. CELTA or a Trinity or Cambridge Certificate
• You have excellent listening and clear communication skills.
• You are able to encourage and motivate a person.
• You are friendly, patient and reliable.
• You will have the ability to get on with people from a wide range of backgrounds

We cover travel expenses.

This role presents an opportunity to liaise with businesses and organisations in your local community to find and arrange suitable reading venues for your group. Reading venues are typically in local libraries, churches and other businesses and organisations that can provide places where there is at least one other person in the building, whilst also providing an element of confidentiality, they are never classroom settings.

What you will be doing

● Ensuring there are sufficient suitable venues for reading pairs, in line with the Venue and Lone Worker Policy.

● Managing the relationship between the venues and the group and source new venues as the group grows.

● Finding organisations and businesses willing to offer a room or suitable space on their premises for your reading pairs to use at certain times of the week when it is not in use.

● Ensuring that the premises are suitable for Read Easy by using the Venue Checklist.

● Reporting on the venues arranged to the Management Team to gain their approval.

● Confirming the arrangements in writing with the venue provider.© Read Easy UK 2 June 2023

● Keeping an up-to-date record of venues and regularly review venue arrangements.

● Supporting the Team in finding and booking other venues for Read Easy events.

● Attending Management Team meetings, typically every six to eight weeks.

The skills you will need

● Experience of networking or the confidence to contact local organisations to explain how each venue can support local people to improve their reading.

● Ability to develop strong working relationships with local venue providers.

● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

● Reasonable confidence in using IT.

● The ability to use initiative and work independently.

● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.

● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.

● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.

● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of one hour a week to commit to the role.

What is in it for you?

● Develop networking skills

● Meet and work collaboratively with new people

● Be active and engaged, adding value to your local community.

Interested?

If you think you can offer the time, skills and experience that we are looking for and would be interested in taking up this role, please contact the person who sent you this role description.

Please note: All Read Easy volunteer roles are subject to Safer Recruitment procedures which include verification of identity and two references, and eligibility for Management Team roles in line with Charity Commission regulations for trustees.

Please see the ‘Introduction to Read Easy for potential Management Team volunteers’ to find out more about the structure and responsibilities of the Management Team.

Join Our Board - Help shape the future of Merton’s vibrant voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Merton Connected is seeking two to three new trustees to join us at an exciting time of growth.

Merton's voluntary, community, social enterprise and faith sector is full of energy, ideas and people determined to make a difference. As the borough's infrastructure charity, Merton Connected sits right at the heart of it: connecting, supporting and championing the organisations that support local people every day.

Now we want you to help shape what comes next.

Who we're looking for

We're seeking people who bring curiosity, strategic thinking, and a genuine commitment to inclusive community development. Whether this would be your first governance role or you've supported other boards before, what matters most is your perspective and your willingness to engage.

We're particularly keen to hear from people with insight or experience in:

• Charity management
• Public health, health and social care integration, or partnership working between statutory and VCS organisations
• Marketing and communications
• Digital and AI operations
• Income generation and fundraising
• Impact and performance measurement

We also warmly welcome applicants with diverse lived experience, fresh perspectives, and a strong connection to Merton. There's no single profile we're looking for, and different viewpoints make us stronger.

What you'll be doing

As a trustee, you'll help shape our strategy, strengthen good governance, and champion the voices of local organisations and residents. You'll join a collaborative, supportive board that works closely with our leadership team to ensure Merton's voluntary, community and faith sector continues to thrive.

What you'll gain

• The chance to influence local priorities and make a meaningful difference to people's lives
• Insight into how a well-connected, values-driven infrastructure charity works from the inside
• Opportunities to share your knowledge and develop your own strategic and leadership skills
• A place on a welcoming, inclusive board committed to learning and collective impact

The practical bit

Time commitment: 4–6 meetings per year (including strategy days), with occasional subgroups or events
Support offered: A full induction is provided, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

We are actively seeking to expand our board and hope to make at least two trustee appointments over the next two months.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may appoint additional trustees where their skills and experience complement the board.

Ready to find out more?

Please apply with your CV and a few screening questions