Safeguarding volunteer volunteer roles

Why we want you

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

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

What you will be doing

· Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time

· Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances

· Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance

· Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support

· Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

· Friendly and approachable

· Great written and verbal communication skills

· Non-judgemental

· Reliable

· Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

· Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others

· Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team

· Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

· Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

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

Are you someone who listens well, offers steady support, and cares deeply about Justice and Dignity within the Church?

The Discrimination and Abuse Response Service (DARS) is an important part of the Justice, Dignity and Solidarity strategy. It exists to support people who experience discrimination within the Methodist Church and to strengthen confidence that these concerns are taken seriously.

We are seeking voluntary Accompanists to walk alongside individuals as they navigate Church processes.

What We Offer:

• Training and ongoing supervision
• Support from the DARS Coordinator and Connexional Team
• A flexible time commitment, typically a few hours per month
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and related expenses

If you feel called to support a Church where dignity is valued and people are listened to with care, we warmly encourage you to apply.

Closing Date: 20 March 2026 at 5pm

Shortlisting date: 25 March 2026

Interview Date (online): 14 April 2026

This is a great opportunity to get involved and make a real difference by providing valuable administrative support at our Head Office in Newmarket. We are looking for a reliable and enthusiastic volunteer who would like to use their existing admin skills and experience to support a dynamic charity at the heart of the racing industry.
If you’re organised, proactive and enjoy being part of a friendly team, we would love to hear from you!

As a Volunteer Administrator, you'll bring your office experience and IT skills to support Racing Welfare’s daily operations. You’ll be comfortable using Microsoft Office programmes like Outlook, Word, and Excel and able to work independently with flexibility. All volunteers must maintain confidentiality and follow Racing Welfare's confidentiality policy and procedures.

Time Commitment: Approximately 1 day per week, flexible based on availability.

Key Responsibilities:
• Photocopying and scanning documents
• Responding to general enquiries via email and telephone
• Contacting external organisations/suppliers for quotes
• Processing card payments over the phone, including donations
• Sending letters and cards
• Compiling attendance lists/ coach registers for events
• Maintaining accurate, up-to-date records according to organisational guidelines and procedures
• Participating in supervision and ongoing training as required
• Helping with other miscellaneous office duties such as tidying/sorting the offices, stock checks and stationary orders etc.
• Taking telephone messages

Required Skills and Attributes:
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Office programmes, including mail merge.
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent written, verbal, and face-to-face communication skills
• Reliability, punctuality and a professional attitude
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to collect, review, and disseminate information effectively
• Ability to work well within a team and establish effective working relationships

Support and Training:
We will provide all necessary materials and training, including safeguarding training, health and safety and data protection. You will receive continuous support and guidance from a dedicated member of staff throughout your volunteering role.

Benefits of Volunteering with Racing Welfare:
• Be part of a friendly, dedicated team and meet new people
• Continued development of your administrative and communications skills
• Experience the reward of supporting your local and national community
• Gain valuable skills and experience to enhance your CV
• Claim previously agreed out-of-pocket travel expenses

Important Information
• Safeguarding Training: Must be completed before starting the role.
• DBS Check Required: This role is subject to a Basic DBS check, which will be organised and paid for by the charity.
• Two references: Must be completed before starting the role
• Access to Transport Required: No, however, it may be needed if not local to the head office in Newmarket.
• Age Requirement: 18 years or above.

Interested?
For more information, or to apply, please contact use via email outlining your skills and experience and providing a short summary of how you meet the role description.
If you’re shortlisted, we will invite you to our Head Office for an interview. After that, there will be an informal face-to-face chat with a few members of the team, so you can get to know us and we can get to know you a little better. Volunteers join us for an initial six-month trial period, with continuation based on mutual agreement and shared expectations. 

To learn more about what we do visit our website.

Volunteer - Travel expenses only

Flexible - Monday to Friday

West Midlands Area – based around local treatment services - Bloxwich, Bournville, Coventry, Oldbury, Perry Barr, Stechford and Wolverhampton

Closing date: Monday, 30th March 2026 at 9.00am

Interview date: Rolling Basis

Are you a proactive, collaborative and compassionate individual with proven experience of working positively with adults to engage successfully despite ‘challenging’ behaviour?  Do you have the ability to be a positive role model, demonstrating the virtues of engaging with treatment support services?

If so, St Giles is looking for a Lived Experienced Peer Volunteer to join our team and provide interventions and build meaningful, peer-led relationships with service users to encourage them to engage in drug and alcohol treatment following arrest.

About St Giles Trust
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need.  Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

About this key role

As a Peer Volunteer, you will increase client engagement with drug and alcohol treatment services by providing vital peer-led support and building trust and motivation among a client group that has been historically disengaged/not offered support previously.  You will provide holistic, short-term intervention to bridge the gap between referral and full treatment engagement, capture client experiences and barriers to improve service design and accessibility and develop a strong service user voice to inform future service improvements.

Areas of support from Peer Volunteers may also include initial engagement and motivation such as welcome calls, check-ins, peer-led conversations and motivational chats over coffee.  You may also offer practical support such as appointment reminders, transport assistance and paperwork support, plus help to build positive routines such as activity-based engagement and supporting small lifestyle changes, including meal planning, budgeting, and time management.

What we are looking for

• Personal experience of the criminal justice system or lived experience of the issues facing this client group (i.e. experience of substance misuse and recovery)
• Proven experience of working in a high intensity environment, being self-motivating, with an ability to effectively manage your own wellbeing
• Knowledge of the issues facing those arrested for potential criminal offences
• Knowledge of, and commitment to, safeguarding practices and policies
• The ability to use monitoring systems to record all aspects of the work
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, verbal and written.

Please note:  as an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients and successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Child Workforce with Child Barred list DBS.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

To apply visit our website via the apply button.

Closing date: Monday, 30th March 2026 at 9.00am

Interview date: Rolling Basis

We will be reviewing applications as they are received and reserve the right to close this advert early if a suitable candidate is appointed. We therefore strongly encourage early applications to avoid any disappointment.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

• Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc
• Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.
• Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups
• Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to transport if needed for your role.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

This position is a Trustee role, sitting on Hidayah's board. The IT/Tech This role will oversee Hidayah’s IT infrastructure to ensure suitability and sustainability of charitable activities.

What are the responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

● To ensure Hidayah’s IT operating systems and equipment are fit for purpose

● To drive the delivery and improvement of data protection procedures, using technology to improve the operations of the charity

● To keep the website updated, refreshed and ensure plug-ins and links are valid. This will include creating new pages, updating SEO and ensuring hosting agents are compliant with GDPR

● To take the lead in evaluating IT related proposals for the Board of Trustees

● To provide strategic oversight of implementation and project manage any IT related projects

● To assist with documentation of processes and delivery of specific tech training for volunteers

● Manage and moderate the Hidayah Discord server

● Operate as Hidayah’s Google Workspace administrator

● Work with the wider Digital Team to facilitate the technical development of Hidayah as an organization

How much commitment is required? 

We are flexible around your own schedule. However, the following commitments are in place for all members of the Hidayah Board:

● To be able to attend all Trustee meetings and to deliver a comprehensive report to the Trustee each meeting with updates and to completed actions as and when they appear

● To aim to attend all other planning meetings as necessary when close to Hidayah events as well as the events themselves (where possible due to geography)

● To help to fundraise for, and advertise, any Hidayah events and fundraising drives

● To be part of a communications group to keep up to date with Hidayah developments

● To contribute toward and to maintain the administration of our file sharing system ‘Google Drive’ so it is always up to date with clear records, templates and forms

● To check emails and to respond when needed

● Enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah

● To contribute toward the Annual Report once a year

● To be in post until the next AGM

● The role is subject to a 6 months probationary period.

What do we expect from a Trustee: IT Tech Officer

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Knowledge: 

● Educated to degree level or experience which demonstrates equivalent technical role

● Knowledge of Wordpress / Frontend development skills (Currently using Breakdance for our website)

● Adept knowledge of Discord as a communications platform and server management

● Knowledge of Google Workspace

Personal Skills:

● Ability to understand confidentiality, equality and diversity and safeguarding procedures;

● Ability to respond to resolving conflict situations if needed;

● Someone who can behave with professionalism.

Administration Skills:

● To regularly check, maintain and keep up to date Hidayah administration and data handling systems such as using Google Drive to store information

● A high degree of literacy of Microsoft Office and IT Applications

● To be part of a communications text group to keep up to date with Hidayah developments and to inform the Board Members of any developments;

● To read, understand and agree with the constitution of Hidayah (available on website).

Additional:

● To help to fundraise for, and advertise, any Hidayah events and fundraising drives.

Ensure you do not have a conflict of interest with your current role and check this prior to applying for this role.

This Role Brings People Together to Fund Change

At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., our events are more than fundraising, they are experiences that build community, raise awareness and mobilise support. The Fundraising Events Coordinator ensures that every event, from small community gatherings to large-scale campaigns, is organised, compelling, and aligned with C.I.C values. You will manage planning, logistics, partnerships, and execution, creating spaces where donors, volunteers, and community members can connect, engage, and contribute.

This is not a casual party-planning role, it is strategic, operational, and central to our movement-building work.

About the role:

To plan, organise, and deliver fundraising events and community initiatives that engage supporters, generate income, and strengthen relationships while ensuring alignment with C.I.C values, safeguarding, and operational standards.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Strong Experience planning, coordinating, and delivering events, campaigns, or community initiatives.
• Familiarity with fundraising or donor-focused events.
• Budgeting and financial tracking for events.
• Experience coordinating volunteers or small teams.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, logistics, and stakeholders.
• Competence in using spreadsheets, event management tools, or CRM systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for engaging donors, volunteers, and partners.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, GDPR, and health & safety considerations for events.
• Ability to evaluate event success and provide actionable recommendations.
• Experience producing promotional or campaign content in collaboration with communications teams.

Desirable / Can Be Developed

• Experience with digital or hybrid event platforms.
• Understanding of donor engagement strategies and campaign alignment.
• Experience working in volunteer-led or grassroots organisations.
• Familiarity with sponsorship acquisition and management.
• Skills in post-event reporting and data analysis for donor retention.

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications not required, but desirable 
• Equivalent, essential professional experience in events, fundraising, or project coordination is highly mandatory.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising events, campaigns, and community initiatives, both in-person and virtual.
• Develop event concepts and strategies aligned with the C.I.C’s mission, fundraising goals, and target audiences.
• Manage all event logistics, including venues, suppliers, volunteers, schedules, and budgets.
• Collaborate with the Fundraising Director to ensure events support broader fundraising strategies and income targets.
• Work with Content and Donor Communication Specialists to create promotional materials, event invitations, and campaign messaging.
• Coordinate with the Finance Liaison Officer and Data and Donor Relations Officer to track sponsorships, ticket sales, donations, and in-kind contributions.
• Ensure all events comply with safeguarding, health and safety, GDPR, and C.I.C policies.
• Recruit, brief, and manage volunteers supporting events, providing guidance and supervision as needed.
• Oversee post-event follow-up, including donor acknowledgement, surveys, and reporting to leadership.
• Monitor and evaluate event performance, providing recommendations for improvement and lessons learned for future activities.
• Maintain clear records of event budgets, attendance, outcomes, and feedback.
• Support community engagement and participation, ensuring events are inclusive, accessible, and reflective of C.I.C values.
• Act as the point of contact for external partners, sponsors, and stakeholders involved in events.
• Contribute to long-term planning for recurring or annual fundraising initiatives.

This role is not suitable if you:

• Prefer low-responsibility volunteer work
• Avoid hands-on or logistical challenges
• Are seeking immediate paid employment
• Are uncomfortable managing sensitive, trauma-informed, or high-profile events

Important to Be Clear:

• This is a volunteer role during the C.I.C’s build phase
• It carries real responsibility for planning and delivering impactful events
• Paid roles will emerge as funding and sustainability allow

Formal qualifications are not required, but desirable.
Essential equivalent experience mandatory.

Next Steps:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about event planning, coordination, and execution

If you believe that well-organised, purposeful events can change communities, and that experiences inspire action, this role is for you.

A Final Word
Events bring people together.
Safety keeps them coming back.

If you know that:
Inclusive spaces protect dignity. Planning is part of safeguarding. Care creates community. 

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a VS Community Engagement Volunteer, you will help us reach more victims of crime. 

Why volunteer with us?  

• Make a difference – you will use your local knowledge to share what we do and how we can help.
• Gain skills and experience – you will learn the skills to effectively present and engage.
• Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.
• Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

 Volunteering with Victim Support in Staffordshire

As a Volunteer in Staffordshire your role will include:

• Making a real impact by helping people affected by crime feel safer, supported, and empowered.
• Building valuable skills and confidence through specialist training in safeguarding, risk assessment, and supporting victims of crime.
• Representing Victim Support at local events and community activities, raising awareness and connecting with people who need help.
• Networking with local organisations and community partners, gaining insight into multi-agency working and referral pathways.

What we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Community Engagement Volunteer, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or over.
• Be able to volunteer for at least 3 hours per month, for at least 3 months.
• Complete a 3-day workbook.
• Undertake an enhanced DBS check where required
• Be able to provide two satisfactory references.
• Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

• All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

• VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
• VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
• We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

Are you looking for a meaningful, flexible way to support others? Join the Talking Bubble Project and help tackle loneliness through the power of a simple phone call.

Since the pandemic, many befriending services have wound down—but Talking Bubble remains one of the few projects still offering regular, phone-based companionship to those who need it most. Demand for this kind of support remains high, and we’re actively looking for kind, compassionate English-speaking volunteers to help meet this growing need.

What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎︎ It’s a phone-based befriending service that connects volunteers with older adults and vulnerable individuals across the UK who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation. By committing just a little time each week, you can offer someone the warmth of conversation and a regular point of connection.

Why Volunteer With Us?

✔ Make a genuine impact on someone's life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours from the comfort of your home
✔ Receive full training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your sense of purpose and community

What You’ll Need

✅ No experience required—just a kind heart, a listening ear, and a willingness to talk
✅ Volunteers must complete Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check—we cover the cost of both
✅ Must be a UK resident

How to Get Involved

Apply now via the CharityJob website, or contact us directly for more information. Together, we can keep connection alive—one call at a time.

Join The Kids Network to Support Children in Your Southwark Community! 

Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or spend your time in a meaningful way? The Kids Network gives you the chance to make a real difference in a child’s life while developing your own skills and building connections. Support a Little Londoner in Southwark by helping them grow in confidence. Set aside a little time each week to get creative, have fun, and make a lasting impact!

If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.

Why Choose The Kids Network?

• Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
• Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
• Proven Impact: With 100% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring.

Impact on Mentees

• Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
• Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Connection

• Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
• Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
• Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.

 Join Us Today

Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.

For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website

Would you like to help tackle loneliness, one conversation at a time?

Loneliness and isolation can have devastating effects on a person’s mental and physical health. We are a registered charity providing a pathway of support to alleviate the hurt and distress, and the impact on mental and physical health, caused by loneliness and social isolation. 

We are looking for Group Volunteers to join our existing team of fantastic volunteers and help with running our supportive social groups which provide a monthly opportunity to meet in Oxford or Abingdon. We are also setting up a new service in Bnabury with a group. 

These groups offer a welcoming, safe and supportive environment in which Archway Friends can meet with and gain confidence in relating to others, develop new friendships and ultimately engage with people and activities in their local community. Volunteers attend one group a month (or more if they would like!) and meet and greet Friends (what we call people who come to our groups and use our services) as well as helping to facilitate the group with activities, moving around the group, helping with refreshments and actively listening to the people who attend.

We ask volunteers to think of this as a longer term volunteer role due to the training and time we take in order to give our volunteers, and Friends, the very best service. You will also need to consider occasional time spent in training for your role and for continuous development. 

For all our roles:

Due to our Safeguarding regulations, unfortunately we are only able to accept applications from UK residents. 

Enhanced DBS checks for working with vulnerable adults (formerly called criminal records bureau checks)  which we will organise (no cost to this) and two references are required.

For any roles involving driving Archway Friends, we will need to see evidence of insurance and driving license as well as MOT and tax documents for the vehicle to be used.

We will happily cover out of pocket expenses (eg mileage or costs or bus fare). 

We provide training relevant to the roles as well as ongoing supervision, guidance and support for all volunteers.

Many of the men we support experience isolation, low confidence, and barriers to engaging with community life. As a befriender volunteer, you’ll build a consistent, trust based relationship that encourages social connection, helps set and pursue personal goals, and supports wellbeing and independence.

What you will be doing

• Offer regular one-to-one befriending - meeting for a walk, coffee, or a planned activity to reduce isolation and build confidence.
• Provide light, goal focused mentoring - agree simple goals (e.g., joining a group, practicing a routine, building life skills) and check progress together.
• Encourage safe community participation - libraries, local groups, leisure activities, volunteering, or learning opportunities.
• Share clear information and signpost to staff or local services where appropriate
• Accompany to non clinical community appointments, help read/understand letters, complete wellbeing “welfare check ins,” and promote general engagement in the community.
• Keep brief session notes or a simple check in with your supervisor and escalate any concerns immediately in line with safeguarding guidance.

The skills you need

• Warm, patient and non judgemental approach; able to build rapport with adult men from diverse backgrounds.
• Good listening, clear communication and reliability
• Respect for confidentiality and professional boundaries; comfortable following guidance and asking for support.

What's in it for you

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

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

• Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc
• Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.
• Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups
• Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to transport if needed for your role.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Providing a confidential non-judgemental listening ear to Residents and Staff. Supporting those wishing to develop their spiritual journey from a Christian perspective. The role will be based across one of our hostels in Watford, Borehamwood, Bishop's Stortford, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield or High Wycombe, 

Activities include:

• Proactively engaging with Residents and staff to build safe relationships and trust
• Offering a ‘listening ear’ to all and giving emotional support
• Sensitively discerning when to offer prayer and support from a Christian perspective, and when to use faith based language
• Be inclusive and welcoming to people of all religious faiths and none, referring people to other faith communities as appropriate
• Working alongside support staff, volunteers & local agencies
• Maintaining records of support and feeding back concerns about Resident welfare to Staff/Line Manager.
• Attend regular volunteer team meetings
• Being proactive in seeking spiritual and emotional support for your own benefit as this is a challenging role.

Additional activities could include:

• Facilitating group work for example: Retreat Programme, Bible Study, prayer or Mental Health Support.
• Welcoming new Residents by phone or in person
• Leading or helping with Chaplaincy lead events: Easter/Christmas activities, Remembrance Services
• Being an ambassador for YMCA’s mission in local Churches

Skills/Qualities/Experience:

• Be a good and active listener who can support others
• Be of a friendly, welcoming and cheerful disposition
• Self-motivated, reliable and punctual
• Sensitivity and courage to care for people experiencing a range of distressing situations including: grief, trauma, poor mental health, substance misuse, suicidal thoughts.
• A commitment to your own spiritual development
• A good understanding of the Christian faith, as well as some understanding of other faith traditions
• Ability to use both faith and non-faith based language, as appropriate
• Good communication skills in English; in person & over the phone
• A willingness to learn new things and get stuck in
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Respect the Christian ethos of the YMCA and uphold its values
• Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have

Training Support:

• A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided
• A one day ‘Chaplaincy Essentials’ training, plus a menu of additional training will be made available
• Online training: Safeguarding (Adults & Young People), Fire Awareness, Manual Handling
• Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line-manager
• Team meetings and social events
• Mileage and expenses may be payable

You will need 2 x references and a DBS (we will apply for and fund this).