Mental health volunteer roles in Shrewsbury, shropshire

Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH) is looking for a motivated and socially-committed finance professional to serve as the legal-focused trustee on PLH’s trustee board

About Parenting for Lifelong Health

Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH) aims to empower parents to improve child development, reduce family violence, and promote mental health. We give parents the support they need, the skills that work, and trusted advice they can count on to protect and support their children’s health, safety and development.

Our parenting courses are developed with families, powered by low-cost and accessible technology, backed by rigorous evidence, and delivered within systems. Originally founded as an initiative in 2012 in collaboration with UNICEF and the WHO, Parenting for Lifelong Health was established as a UK charity in 2022 and since then has reached over 8 million families in more than 40 countries. 

PLH is seeking a new trustee with expertise in financial management, particularly for UK-based charities, to strengthen its board. This voluntary position is an opportunity to contribute expertise to an organisation committed to improving the lives of children and families worldwide. 

This is also a particularly exciting time to join PLH’s trustee board. Our organisation is pursuing a bold ambition to reach over 15 million parents and 25 million children by 2030, delivering a 40% increase in parental engagement in child development, 45% reduction in family violence, and 30% improvement in mental health.

Role

The Finance Trustee will provide expert advice on PLH’s financial management, ensuring financial sustainability, compliance, and robust financial governance. Our leadership team is keen to shape the role with the trustee’s input; examples of support the Finance Trustee could provide include: 

• Overseeing financial strategy, budgeting, and long-term financial planning.
• Ensuring compliance with financial regulations, reporting standards, and auditing requirements.
• Providing oversight of financial reporting, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and transparency.
• Supporting income diversification strategies and sustainability planning.
• Reviewing financial risks, internal controls, and risk management processes.
• Working closely with the PLH Leadership Team to ensure robust financial policies and procedures are in place.
• Providing guidance on investment and funding allocation decisions.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that PLH complies with its governing document, UK charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Contribute to the strategic direction of PLH and support its mission and values.
• Oversee financial stability and ensure responsible resource management.
• Provide scrutiny and oversight of PLH’s operations, ensuring accountability and transparency.
• Act as an ambassador for PLH, promoting its work and building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Attend and actively participate in board meetings, contributing to effective decision-making.
• Support risk management by identifying and addressing potential finance and regulatory challenges.
• For more information on the role of trustees in the UK, please see the Charity Commission and Companies House guidance. 

Desired Qualifications

• Finance professional with qualifications (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CPA) or significant experience in financial management.
• Experience in UK charity finance, risk assessment, and financial sustainability.
• Ability to interpret financial reports and guide financial strategy.
• Commitment to PLH’s mission and governance responsibilities.

Time Commitment

• Trustees are expected to attend quarterly board meetings (virtual or in-person) and contribute additional time for strategic planning, committee meetings, and advisory support as needed.
• The estimated commitment is 6-10 hours per month.

Term & Remuneration

• The term is up to three years, renewable for an additional term.
• This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Period Reality fight for gender equity through system-level change by educating about and advocating for living in sync with your cycle.

Period Reality aims to address period related issues and stories by sharing the real life stories from girls and women globally. Although half the population experiences a menstrual cycle, the stark contrast in the different realities of girls and women is very real and through storytelling we aim to educate and provide relatable content.

Through sharing stories from girls and women focused on their common humanities. Even though our realities might be very different depending on many factors (physical, geographical, socio-economical, mental etc.) we all share a lot of the same questions, worries, dreams, anxieties, ambitious etc. Making these stories relatable and accessible will educate and inspire and create a movement of girls and women being able to first and foremost understand their own cycle, in order to be kind to themselves.

Why this role matters

Mental health is deeply connected to how people experience their bodies, their cycles and their work environments. We want someone who can bring depth, care and clarity to how mental wellbeing is understood and supported across everything we do at Period Reality.

What you’ll do

• Take the lead on shaping and guiding our mental health approach across Period Reality’s work.

• Advise on how mental health intersects with menstrual health, workplace wellbeing and daily life.

• Shape content that speaks to emotional wellbeing, stress, burnout, and mental health with nuance and sensitivity.

• Suggest tools, frameworks, and resources that support both individuals and organisations.

• Contribute to trainings, workshops, and internal discussions to ensure mental health is thoughtfully integrated.

• Help us embed psychologically safe and supportive practices across our work and community.

What we’re looking for

• A therapist, psychologist, counsellor, or mental health professional.

• Someone with lived and/or professional experience supporting mental wellbeing.

• Strong understanding of topics like stress, burnout, emotional regulation and workplace mental health.

• A thoughtful communicator who can balance expertise with empathy and accessibility.

• Someone aligned with our mission and comfortable working in a collaborative, impact-driven environment.

• Someone who is proactive, self-driven and has time to commit consistently in a way that is sustainable for them.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Do you enjoying talking with people and helping them based on your life experiences?

Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?

Yes? We’d love to hear from you.

What is knus?

knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.

What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.

Here’s some further information on what’s needed:

Are you over 18 and living in the UK?

You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.

Do you have a laptop?

A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.

How much time can you give?

A minimum of 2+ hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.

Do you like to learn?

We provide training for all volunteers that join us. Our peer support training is accredited.  20-25 hours of volunteering training is required and is self led online.

If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.

Please note - all successful volunteers are required to donate the cost price of £22.60 for an Enhanced DBS check.  If you've got a current Enhanced DBS on the update service, this cost will not apply.

You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.

Do you enjoy organising things and making this happen?

Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?

Yes? We’d love to hear from you.

We’re looking for admin volunteers to help with our daily operations.  We have a variety of ways you can get involved:

• Responding to client requests and enquiries
• Fundrasing and partnership management
• Managing and updating company databases
• Keeping track of partnership enquiries
• Maintaining internal, volunteer, and client records
• Drafting and mailing client correspondence and newsletters
• Organising events, scheduling meetings, and making travel arrangements
• Providing administrative support to other departments or projects as needed
• Performing other duties as agreed in advance

We’ve designed our volunteering programme to be flexible and adaptive to you.  All volunteering is 100% remote and you’re supported fully by our team.  You control what you do and how many hours per week you want to volunteer.  Some roles may require an Enhanced DBS check. If your application is successful, we will ask for a donation towards the cost of your enhanced DBS check if it's required for your role. This cost is £22.60.

Here’s some further information on what’s needed:

Are you over 18 and living in the UK?

You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.  You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.

Do you have a laptop?

A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.

How much time can you give?

A minimum of 2 hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.

Training

We provide accredited training with 3 short courses needing to be completed prior starting your volunteer role.  After, you’ll have access to over 90 accredited courses should you want to study further.

Chair of Trustees / Millimetres 2 Mountains Foundation CIO

About Us:

Millimetres 2 Mountains Foundation (M2M) is a charity dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their lives after experiencing physical or emotional trauma. Founded by former professional rugby player Ed Jackson and his wife, Lois, following Ed’s life-changing spinal injury, M2M uses the power of adventure, nature, and community to support people on their journey of recovery. 

At the heart of the charity lies the M2M Development Programme - a bespoke, holistic support system tailored to each beneficiary’s unique recovery journey. Through one-to-one mentorship, a nurturing community, and the transformative power of the outdoors (culminating in life-changing mountain expeditions abroad), M2M empowers individuals to rediscover purpose, rebuild confidence, and move forward with lasting resilience. We take on eight new beneficiaries each year, supporting up to 24 individuals at any one time. Guided by our ‘inch-wide, mile-deep’ philosophy, we focus on depth of impact over scale, ensuring each person receives the tools, encouragement, and care needed to create life-long change. This includes access to grants for physiotherapy, psychotherapy, job retraining, and any other support essential to their growth. Everyone is met exactly where they are, with a personalised plan that reflects their goals, challenges, and potential.

Alongside our core programmes, M2M runs Together Outdoors -  a community-based initiative that harnesses the healing power of nature and connection through mental health walks led by trained volunteers and Life Coaches, offering safe, inclusive spaces for honest conversation, emotional support, and personal growth. In 2026, growing and deepening the Together Outdoors community and network is at the heart of everything we're building - and this year we've taken a significant step forward with the launch of a new one-year support pathway, designed for individuals rebuilding their mental health after significant physical or psychological trauma. 

M2M is an inclusive, people first organisation. A core part of achieving our mission is that our workforce is diverse and reflective of the community that we serve. There will be no discrimination in our recruitment and selection processes, nor when considering pay and benefits.

Remuneration: The role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed 

Time commitment: 4-6 Trustee meetings per year (virtual & in-person in London or Bath). The Chair is also expected to have regular meetings with the Co-Founder & Charity Manager, and also represent the Charity at various events and meetings with key stakeholders. 

Reporting to: Board of Trustees (Executive Committee) 

Job Description

The Chair will hold the Trustee Board and Executive Team to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also support, and, where appropriate, challenge the Co-Founder & Charity Manager and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with leadership within the charity to achieve agreed objectives. He or she will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the Co-Founder & Charity Manager. Help us to build out a patron-pathway to maintain and grow our wider base of support in a meaningful way for our donors, sponsors and partners.

Principal responsibilities: 

Strategic leadership 

• Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries and wider community.

• Ensure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the Charity 

• Ensure that the Board operates within its charitable objectives, and provides a clear strategic direction for the Charity 

• Ensure that the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities, and manage and mitigate the risks 

• Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability 

Governance 

• Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity 

• Develop the knowledge and capability of the Board of Trustees 

• Encourage positive change where appropriate - address and resolve any conflicts within the Board 

• Appraise the performance of the Trustees and the Board on an annual basis 

• Ensure that the Board of Trustees is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively, and which also reflects the wider population 

• Work within any agreed policies adopted by the charity 

External Relations 

• Act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity 

• Maintain close relationships with key stakeholders and with key influences 

• Act as a spokesperson for the organisation when appropriate 

• Represent the charity at external functions, meetings and events 

• Facilitate change and address any potential conflict with external stakeholders 

Efficiency and effectiveness 

• Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision making process 

• Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership 

• Foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees 

• Work closely with the Co-Founder & Charity Manager to give direction to Board policy-making and to ensure that meetings are well planned, meaningful and reflect the responsibilities of trustees 

• Monitor that decisions taken at meetings are implemented. 

Relationship with the Co-Founder & Charity Manager 

• Establish and build a strong, effective and a constructive working relationship with the Co-Founder & Charity Manager, ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives 

• Support the Co-Founder & Charity Manager, whilst respecting the boundaries which exist between the roles 

• Ensure regular contact with the Co-Founder & Charity Manager and develop and maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns, worries and challenges 

• Liaise with the Co-Founder & Charity Manager to maintain an overview of the Charity’s affairs, providing support as necessary 

• Conduct an annual appraisal and remuneration review for the Co-Founder & Charity Manager in consultation with other Trustees 

• Ensure that the Co-Founder & Charity Manager has the opportunity for professional development and has appropriate external professional support 

Additional information

The above list is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Chair will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role. 

Chair of Trustees - Millimetres 2 Mountains Foundation CIO

Person Specification 

In addition to the qualities required of a Trustee of the charity, the Chair must also meet the following requirements:

Personal Qualities 

• Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause 

• Personal gravitas to lead a significant growing organisation 

• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role 

• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively 

• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity 

• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment 

• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours 

Experience 

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation 

• Successful track record of achievement through their career 

• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees 

• Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders 

• Significant experience of chairing meetings and events 

Knowledge and skills 

• Broad knowledge and understanding of the voluntary sector and current issues affecting it 

• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together 

• Financial management expertise and a broad understanding of charity finance issues 

• Good understanding of charity governance issues 

Terms 

The charity’s Chair (and trustee board members) will serve a three-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.

Would you like to lead an innovative health think tank - enabling it to achieve more of its potential and encouraging a more preventative approach to mental and physical ill-health in the UK?

As Chair you’ll:

• Help Health Action Research Group develop more of its potential as an independent health think tank, on a sustainable basis

• Ensure effective governance, including chairing Trustees’ meetings and leading the recruitment and induction of new Trustees

• Represent Health Action Research Group, where appropriate, at external meetings and events

We'd like to hear from you, if you have:

• Experience of being a Trustee

• Experience of helping organisations grow and develop

• At least five years relevant UK experience of health research, health policy and/or health interventions - with a focus on preventing (as opposed to treating) ill-health

• Enthusiasm for our guiding principle that prevention is better than cure and that health in the UK should be more than a postcode lottery.

• The ability to build relationships and advocate for and champion our work.

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you

Job Title: Volunteer Co-Chief Executive Officer

Organisation: I Am Somebody’s Child Soldier (IAMSCS)

Industry: Non-Profit Organisation Specialising in The Advancement of Mental Health, Digital Literacy and Children Empowerment of rescued child soldiers and child victims of war in Northern Uganda.

Hours: Part-time (15 hours per week, job share)

Contract: 2-year term

Location: Flexible Working / Remote Working Opportunity

Start Date: 5th May 2026

Interview Date: Wednesday 15th April

About the Organisation

I am Somebody’s Child Soldier (IAMSCS) is dedicated to empowering and advocating for the rights of rescued child soldiers and child victims of war suffering from post war trauma and financial instability and displacement from education system.

Our focus is on providing access to mental health, rehabilitation programs, sustainable livelihood initiatives, as well as education opportunities to children, young people and people with disabilities within Northern Uganda.

About Us:

I am Somebody’s Child Soldier (IamSCS) works to empower war-affected individuals and populations through improved wellbeing and strengthened community inclusion. It does this through its current strategic goal of working with local communities in northern Uganda to enhance the lives of formerly abducted children and the communities they live in. With the specific objectives of improving the mental health of up to 1000 war-affected individuals, facilitating the creation of an environment that is conducive to the sustainable (re)integration of war-affected individuals, and supporting local government in northern Uganda to provide a clear prioritisation in addressing the needs of war-affected individuals. As part of its programme activities, IamSCS works with Laroo ADRA school in Gulu, northern Uganda to support its work with war-affected children. Many of the children attending this school come from impoverished backgrounds and have encountered extreme hardship in their lives with some being hearing-impaired as a result of their exposure to the Lord’s Resistance Army conflict.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Co-CEO to join our leadership team in a voluntary, part-time capacity. This role will work in partnership with the existing leadership and Board of Trustees to drive strategic growth, oversee project delivery, and strengthen organisational impact.

The Scope of leadership role is detailed below:

1)Project Support & Management:

Working with our Executive Assistant (EA) to ensure the successful delivery of our annual projects and making sure we are hitting the targets of each project. This could include:

• Ensuring the right number of partners/schools are onboarded.

• Ensuring we are meeting the predicted beneficiary numbers in the project application. • Ensuring we are meeting the predicted impact statistics.

• Supporting our EA when challenges arise.

• Deciding whether projects match with our organisation values and making key decisions whether to pursue 2nd round funding for projects.

• Writing and preparing post-project reports for funders, stakeholders and partners. • Collaborating with program director to design and implement scalable versions of our programmes – striving towards financial sustainability and increased impact.

2)Organisational Growth & Income Generation:

• Reviewing our 3-year strategic plan and identifying any new potential areas of expansion. • Leading the strategic growth of the organisation by 200%-400% over the first nine months– in terms of annual income and impact.

• Working towards financial sustainability for the organisation and its projects. • Identifying new grants/government tenders/corporate sponsorships that are relevant to our vision/mission and leading funding applications and project bids.

3)Team Management:

• Reporting into our Board of Trustees, keeping them up to date on our activities, policies and procedures.

• Line-managing our team and volunteers whilst supporting their projects as and when necessary or when challenges arise.

• Writing and managing our annual budgets – ensuring we are not overspending, flagging, and responding to financial risks as and when they appear.

• Leading recruitment activity as and when needed – recruiting new facilitators and volunteers when needed.

• Creating, applying, and updating our policies, ensuring our HR processes, safeguarding and other vital policies are robust.

• Having monthly meetings with our Trustee Board and actioning suggested changes to our projects/programmes made by the Board.

4)Growing our Network & Reach:

• Growing our relationships and networks of schools/local authorities/youth organisations to increase our work inside and outside of Uganda – identifying target areas to focus. • Using these networks to pilot and scale new/national interventions.

• Growing our relationships with local councils in Uganda and the UK.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead organisational strategy and growth

- Oversee project delivery and impact targets

- Support fundraising and income generation

- Manage teams and volunteers

- Report to the Board of Trustees

- Build partnerships and networks

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in leading and growing charitable organisations.

• Experience in education/charitable organisations or social justice.

• Demonstrated ability in team motivation and management.

• Financial literacy and experience in good governance practices.

• Successful track record in growing networks of stakeholders.

• Successful track record of income generation and managing government, trust, and foundation-funded projects.

• Experience in developing and scaling interventions.

• Passionate about social justice.

FriendnPal

We detect emotional distress early through AI analysis to connect people with timely mental health care.

Growth & Partnership Manager

The Growth & Partnership Manager will lead FriendnPal’s expansion strategy by driving user growth, securing strategic partnerships, and deepening relationships with corporates, research institutions, NGOs, governments, and ecosystem partners.
This is a key leadership role for a results-driven, purpose-led professional who thrives at the intersection of tech, social innovation, and impact partnerships.

Key Responsibilities
Growth Strategy & Execution
Design and execute growth strategies to scale FriendnPal
Identify and optimize growth channels (digital, partnerships, community, and referral).
Collaborate with the Product and Marketing teams to improve user acquisition, activation, and retention.
Identify, negotiate, and manage strategic partnerships with corporates, NGOs, healthcare providers, and governments.
Develop CSR, wellness, and innovation collaborations that align with FriendnPal’s mission and the UN SDGs.
Drive integration partnerships with tech platforms (e.g., telcos, digital health, recycling networks).
Represent FriendnPal in ecosystem events, accelerators, and policy dialogues to strengthen visibility and credibility.
Work with the finance team to forecast, track, and report partnership performance and ROI.
Position FriendnPal as a thought leader in digital wellness, inclusion, and AI for good.
Co-develop storytelling and pitch materials for potential investors, partners, and CSR sponsors.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Autistic Parents UK is seeking dedicated volunteers to join our incredible team. We are a fully user-led registered charity, offering peer support, webinars, training, signposting and resources on lived Autistic parenthood. 

​

We welcome anyone who would like to offer their time alongside us in our aim to support people at whatever stage they are at with their understanding of Autism and being Autistic. We strive to treat all people with understanding, respect and compassion and are dedicated to being inclusive of ALL Autistic parents and of the needs of our volunteers and beneficiaries. 

We want to proactively address all factors that cause barriers to entry for those involved in the running of APUK and those who access support. By joining Autistic Parents UK as a volunteer, you will be part of a compassionate and diverse community that strives to empower Autistic families.

This role involves supporting small, topic-based video peer support groups for Autistic parents . Volunteers work alongside a lead peer supporter, acting as a second group supporter to help sessions run smoothly and ensure participants feel welcomed, supported, and able to take part.

The role focuses on peer support, shared experience, and gentle co-facilitation, rather than leading or moderating the group.

Key Responsibilities:

• Attend scheduled video peer support group sessions alongside a lead peer supporter.

• Support the facilitation of group discussions by encouraging participation and helping conversations flow naturally.

• Help create a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment where participants feel safe to share.

• Offer empathetic peer support and appropriate contributions based on lived experience, where relevant.

• Provide light technical support during sessions where needed (for example, helping participants with audio, video, or platform features).

• Support group structure by helping to keep discussions aligned with the session topic and time boundaries.

• Raise any wellbeing, safeguarding, or technical concerns to the lead peer supporter or staff member as appropriate.

What We Are Looking For:

• Good listening and communication skills.

• A calm, supportive, and non-judgemental approach.

• Confidence using video meeting platforms (such as Zoom/Google Meet or similar), or willingness to learn.

• An interest in supporting Autistic parents .

• Lived experience of being an Autistic Parent .

• Reliability and ability to work collaboratively with a lead peer supporter.

Support and Matching:
You will be supported by a lead peer supporter during sessions, with training, guidance, and ongoing support provided. We aim to match volunteers with group topics that align with their interests and experiences wherever possible. Groups include EHCP's and Working with professionals, Parenting Teens, 0-5's. We are particularly keen to hear from people who would be able to support a group for those who identify as "Dad's and Father's"

This is a flexible, remote volunteering opportunity. Volunteers are asked to attend agreed video sessions, with regular or occasional commitment discussed in advance. Expected time commitment 1-2 hours a month.

Full training and support will be given. Regular oppourtunities for reflection with our Volunteer Coordinator 

The Wren Project is a volunteer-led charity that provides free, remote, one-to-one, ongoing listening support for people in distress and living with autoimmune disease. There are over 120 autoimmune diseases currently diagnosed by the NHS and these include Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn's disease- they are all chronic illnesses which can have life altering impacts.

Volunteers at the Wren Project provide emotional listening support to people with autoimmune disease (our Wrens). In appointments, volunteers offer listening support, where Wrens can talk about how autoimmune disease is impacting their life, without giving advice or offering solutions. Volunteers join a regular fortnightly shift during which they meet with up to 2 Wrens in two 50-minute appointments. 

Volunteers do not need to have qualifications or any knowledge or experience of autoimmune disease. We are looking for warm, empathetic, caring and resilient individuals who want to help others and have the time to offer ongoing, non-judgemental, listening support. 

We are the only charity in the UK who provide support for all autoimmune diseases. Our vision is to build support and community for all four million people in the UK diagnosed with autoimmune disease. Our service would not be possible without the commitment, empathy and support of our volunteers.

WHAT VOLUNTEERING FOR US INVOLVES:

Application and training process:

• Send an application form via our website;

• Attend a group information and discovery conversation where you will learn more about the Wren Project and the listening role 

• Applicants will be invited to participate in a remote, 5-week training programme focusing on listening skills, courageous inquiry, turning towards difficulty and living with autoimmune disease;

• A final one-to-one assessment of readiness before being matched with a Wren.

• Please note, we access an applicant’s suitability for the role throughout the process.

The role:

• Join a regular fortnightly shift, whereby you will support two Wrens in two separate, one-to-one sessions of 50 minutes via telephone/video call/online.

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development supported by staff-led reflective practice sessions. Monthly attendance required for the initial six months.

• Access to ongoing support from other volunteers and the Operations team;

• Opportunities to support the charity in a variety of additional roles.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN VOLUNTEERS:

• A desire to support people in times of distress.

• An empathetic and understanding attitude.

• A commitment to offering ongoing support to those in distress and to reflect upon the experience.

• A quiet and private space to conduct appointments.

• Access to a computer, telephone and a reliable internet connection.

• Confidentiality, professionalism and reliability.

• The commitment to volunteer at the Wren Project for at least one year.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR VOLUNTEERS:

• Lifelong skills in deep listening.

• Extensive training in empathetic listening and supporting distress.

• An excellent opportunity to engage in ongoing personal reflection and development in a supportive charity environment.

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development.

• An insight into life with chronic illness and mental health.

We are currently seeking passionate and committed individuals to join the founding Trustees for NAYI RAH (Network for Advance Youth Influence Representation Holistic Wellbeing). Trustees will help shape the strategic direction of the organisation and support the development of a youth-led initiative focused on empowerment, participation and wellbeing.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the early development of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to strengthening youth voice and influence.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic oversight and guidance for the organisation.
Ensure the organisation operates in line with its charitable objectives and legal responsibilities.
Support the development of partnerships, programmes and fundraising opportunities.
Promote strong governance, accountability and transparency.
Champion youth voice and participation in the organisation’s work.

Skills and Experience
We welcome applications from individuals with experience in areas such as:
Youth development or community empowerment
Mental health and wellbeing
Charity governance
Fundraising and partnerships
Finance and financial oversight
International development or work related to Pakistan
Policy, advocacy or research
We are particularly interested in candidates who share a strong commitment to youth empowerment, inclusion and social change.

Time Commitment
Approximately 4 to 6 board meetings per year plus occasional advisory support.
Location
The charity will be registered in the United Kingdom with programmes focused on Pakistan. Board meetings can be held online.
Remuneration
This is a voluntary trustee position. Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed.
How to Apply
If you are interested in helping shape the future of youth empowerment and participation, please send a short expression of interest and a brief profile or CV

Description

You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:

• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.

What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.

We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Action

Key requirements

• One reference 

• Additional location information

  • Home and local area.

Will you share your counselling or psychotherapy skills as a child & young person's (CYP) counsellor or therapist to join an online counselling service for young patients with a pain condition (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)? We’re supporting patients, relatives, partners and carers affected by a debilitating condition; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

We're looking for qualified paediatric/child &/or young person counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists ideally with some experience of working with chronic pain patients, who may want to volunteer their skills supporting our young service users and help develop a psychological support service. 

As a Volunteer Child and/or young person's Counsellor/Therapist you’ll be providing remote online counselling/therapy support services to young people aged 5 to 18 who are vulnerable, many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health services. You’ll be providing one-to-one counselling sessions online or by phone. With your recognised counselling qualifications and experience you will be an asset to our small charity and to our young services users. 

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, volunteer child counsellors / therapists provide person centred counselling (general talking counselling), integrative, pluralistic including or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ACT and EMDR for young CRPS patients.

We are needing to expand this service to support our young clients as it has rapidly received a high number of referrals. People can be referred both by health or legal professionals as well as having parents/guardians referring them to the service.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your paediatric counselling skills, organisation, communication and team working skills. If you have experience in younger children please do get in touch.

Most importantly, you’ll provide essential services that ensure no one has to face CRPS alone. Be the hope for CRPS.

What the role involves

This role may vary depending on needs, but is likely to include:

• Undertake child client general assessments, followed by therapy (via Zoom or phone) to our clients, offering up to 20 one hour (or 45 mins age dependant) sessions for each client plus 4 assessments

• Providing one-to-one therapy sessions to young patients aged 5-18 (we will consider therapists who can only support primary or secondary school age)

• Update our database with the client’s basic information and session attendance

• Maintain succinct, relevant session notes and store these securely

• Attending and participating in meetings
• Project monitoring, creating, reporting and outcomes evaluation procedures

• Attend CPD training to ensure your knowledge stays current

• Participating in regular meetings with the Clinical Lead
• Maintaining client confidentiality, upholding data protection and equal opportunities principle

• Attend monthly internal group Supervision to ensure safe working practices

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, including an induction. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you need for this role

Essential

• Be a member of one of the recognised organisations (see below)
• Level 4 Diploma level qualifications as a minimum, Degree or Masters in Paediatric Counselling, Counselling/Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Play Therapy, Dance & Movement Psychotherapy or Art Therapy 
• Minimum of 100 hours supervised
• Proof of professional indemnity insurance annually - we may consider paying this as an expense but a commitment to the charity is required
• A valid DBS certificate (enhanced version), which is less than three years old and renewed every three years (the charity can provide where necessary)
• Able to keep people’s personal data safe

• Willing and able to provide counselling via Zoom from a private location with a stable WiFi connection

• Able to support a minimum of 3 child or young clients a week, being three hours of your time for counselling sessions plus time for administration. We ideally hope you to offer the charity a commitment of six months.

Desirable

• Personal or professional Knowledge or experience of chronic pain or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Previous experience as a chronic pain or CRPS paediatric counsellor or psychologist 
• Committed to our values
• Willing to develop skills and experience
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Effective administration skills, planning and organisation skills
• Approachable, presentable, enthusiastic

We welcome trained paediatric counsellors, child therapists and counselling/clinical psychologists who are willing to give their time to support our valuable work.

Once we’ve assessed your application, you may be invited for interview. If you are successful, we will arrange for you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.

Recognised Organisations

• British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
• British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP)
• Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
• General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
• British Society for Clinical Hypnotherapists (BSCH)
• National Council for Hypnotherapists (NCH)
• United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• The National Hypnotherapy Society (HS)
• National Counselling Society (NCS)
• Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP)
• National Register of Hypnotherapists & Psychotherapists (NRHP)

Making a difference

What impact will the opportunity have?

You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period as the service is rapidly expanding and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in not only developing a counselling service for younger clients but also ensure we provide counselling services and mental health support to our young child CRPS patients who are in need of our support and inclusion on a regular basis. With your help we will expand our support and mental health services to ensure our service users receive mental health support that they may not have been offered.

What's in it for you as the volunteer? 

You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people affected by this rare, painful and debilitating chronic pain condition and to provide them with psychological support whether they are patients, their partner, relatives, friends or carers. As this service is continually developing, you would have a key role in developing a young person counselling programme and to complement our support services that we offer. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference in a child's life which is already isolated and painful, who may not have received any psychological support.