Social care trainer volunteer roles in Swanscombe, kent

About IRMO

IRMO works to enable the development, agency, and participation of Latin Americans and other Spanish and Portuguese speakers, by responding to both immediate needs and structural inequalities. We do this by offering high-quality information and advice services, opportunities for development and training, and a platform to seek social and systemic change. Our work is organised across three main operational areas - Advice and Casework; Education, Training and Employment; Children and Young People - and a cross-cutting area - Advocacy, Research, Policy Mapping and Campaigning. 

About our Education, Training and Employment Programme

Our comprehensive Education, Training and Employment (ETE) programme runs various activities to improve our beneficiaries' social and cultural integration in the UK. These activities include 12-week English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses for adults and online conversation classes. 

We also deliver one-to-one employment support, mentoring, vocational training, and workshops on a range of topics to support the Latin American community in navigating the UK system. Additionally, our volunteer scheme provides volunteers with valuable work experience to enter London’s competitive job market. As well as being integral to the smooth running of our organisation, the scheme helps volunteers to develop their skills by working in a multicultural, collaborative and inspiring environment.

About the role

We are looking for a motivated and organised volunteer to support the ETE Programme Assistant in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the programme. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in administration, programme coordination, and community services.

The volunteer will play a key role in helping the ETE team stay organised, efficient, and responsive to the needs of service users and staff. This role supports the ETE Programme Assistant in delivering high-quality services, contributing to the overall impact and effectiveness of the programme.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Assist with general day-to-day administrative tasks to support the organisation of ESOL classes, level assessments and events

• Communicate with service users, including responding to and monitoring general enquiries via WhatsApp and email

• Send reminder messages for classes, assessments, or events

• Support with data entry as well as managing and updating databases, including attendance registers and service user contact information

• Support outreach activities, including distributing flyers, posters and informative material both online via social media and in-person to key community hubs such as libraries, shops, cafés and churches

• Assist with updating, uploading and printing materials related to ETE activities

• Help with any other tasks requested by the ETE Programme Assistant

We are looking for

• Fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken); knowledge of Portuguese is an advantage

• A flexible and enthusiastic person who is confident in working in a multicultural and multilingual environment

• Good IT skills, including in using Microsoft and Google suite packages, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and databases

• Good interpersonal and communication skills with attention to detail

• A caring, sensitive and non-judgemental manner

• Knowledge of how to deal with sensitive and confidential information

• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to CRM systems

• Good organisational and time management skills

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, without constant supervision 

• Interest in education, employment support, or community work

• Understanding of issues facing Latin American migrants in the UK 

Additional requirements

• Two references from current/previous employers

• Basic DBS Check (completed through IRMO)

• Safeguarding Level 1 certificate (completed through IRMO)

• One month trial period

Benefits of volunteering at IRMO

• You will get the opportunity to help others and to give back

• You will learn new skills and gain experience working in a multicultural, cooperative and inspiring environment

• You will contribute to the Latin American Community and increase your knowledge of the situation of Latin American migrants in the UK

• You will gain valuable experience and strengthen previous skills to help prepare yourself for the UK’s competitive job market

• You will enhance your CV and get references (after a 3-month period) for further support with employability

• You will have the opportunity to participate in training sessions with high-quality learning outcomes (in-house and external) in areas related to the role

• You will receive regular supervision and support

At IRMO, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We actively encourage applications from individuals with protected characteristics, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and age. 

We particularly invite Latin Americans, those who identify as members of underrepresented and marginalised communities, and individuals with lived experience of the immigration and asylum system, to reflect the community we serve. 

We are dedicated to ensuring accessibility in our recruitment process and volunteer opportunities. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know, and we will make necessary accommodations.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

About us: 

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C is a pioneering Podcast/Youtube Channel and healing membership organisation. We provide a platform for survivors and whistleblowers  to share their lived experiences, highlight systemic frustrations and offer solutions rooted in culturally trauma-informed care.

Our membership offers young people and survivors a path to heal, learn digital skills and interactively participate in our Alchemic 369 Book Club, where members engage in weekly interactive discussions, debates and critical analysis of African, Caribbean and world history, Ifa, classics and political thought. Members will sharpen their reading, reasoning and imagination skills, with opportunities to discuss works directly with authors, highly subsidised plant-based transformative retreats and join a community designed to empower and educate.

We are a mission-driven, collective-focused C.I.C building a movement that combines healing, re-education and empowerment.

Our content focuses on:

• Survivors of CSA, RSA, CT, CA stories

• Whistleblowers and retired experts

• Generational trauma and healing

• Youth empowerment and education

• Community transformation through honest storytelling

Our mission is to challenge generational cycles, expose hidden truths, fight for justice and create a platform rooted in authenticity, deep healing, and transformation.

Job Purpose:

To identify, engage, and build trust with online and offline communities where survivors are already voluntarily sharing or expressing interest in telling their story.

About the role:

These coordinators manage daily outreach across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook groups, forums, survivor networks, and advocacy spaces.

They:

• Share safe content invitations

• Build community trust over time

• Respond to inbound interest

• Direct individuals to safe intake processes

• Support anonymous entry pathways

Ideal Candidate

• Highly emotionally intelligent and respectful communicator

• Experienced in community building or social impact outreach

• Comfortable discussing sensitive topics with care

• Strong understanding of boundaries and non-intrusive engagement

Experience

• Social media community management OR NGO outreach

• Experience working with vulnerable communities

• Basic trauma awareness training preferred

• Strong written communication skills

What You Will Gain

• Real-world hosting and interviewing experience

• Opportunity to build a public profile and media presence

• Portfolio-building opportunities across podcasting and storytelling

• Networking and relationship-building opportunities

• Experience working within a growing media and advocacy platform

• Creative freedom and personal growth opportunities

• Leadership and media mentorship

• Opportunity to develop your own audience and storytelling identity

• Potential future paid opportunities and long-term media career pathways

• Direct pathway into a future paid role

• The chance to help build a nationally recognised media and survivor-support platform

• COS opportunities for top performing staff members 

This role is designed as a long-term pathway opportunity to a paid position and lifestyle transformation.

We don’t operate on individualism—we build through collectivism, meaning:
  As the platform grows, your role, influence, and opportunities grow with it

Are you passionate about helping women build their lives beyond crisis? We are recruiting for volunteers to support victims of Domestic Abuse on a 1 to 1 basis. This is a chance to empower other inspirational women by building their confidence and teaching them new Educational and employment skills in order to achieve their ambitions and goals. You will be supporting women and children to rebuild their lives free from fear!

What you will be doing

• To develop and promote a positive relationship with the service user through regular F2F meetings and phone calls, and facilitate their journey to achieve their goals that align with the aims of the Economic, Empowerment and Security Project.
• To support the service user in developing their educational and vocational aspirations, applying to university, translating previously held qualifications, helping with UCAS applications, researching relevant courses and colleges, helping with English and developing language skills OR/AND,
• To support the service user in developing their career goals and employment skills, including CV building, interviewing skills, work experience and job search.
• To encourage the service user to attend Economic, Empowerment and Security events ran by Hestia’s volunteering team.
• To encourage the service user to engage in further external and internal educational training and activities and supporting them in doing so.
• Manage appropriate boundaries

The skills you need

• Compassionate, caring and patient nature
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Knowledge on educational opportunities in the UK, where to look, what is available.
• Knowledge on useful employment and job search skills
• Good communication skills

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 and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

Are you a looking for experience in Communications? Do you have a passion for social media? 
 
Join us as a Volunteer Communications Assistant! 

We are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to support our Community Connections Officer and the People we support in Wales.If you’re looking for Communications experience or you love to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity to get involved! 
 
Activities will include 

Supporting our Facebook and social media presence. This includes:

• Assisting with poster creation and promotional materials 

• Using Canva to create visual content and graphics 

• Creating content and engaging with Dimensions Wales Facebook group members 

• Networking with community social media groups 

• Liaising with Dimensions Community Connections Officer 

About you 

We are looking for someone who is: 

• Interested in communications, marketing, or social media 

• Experienced in using Canva and confident with social media 

• Creative with good written communication skills 

• Friendly, enthusiastic and interested in others

• Passionate about supporting people to live better lives 

• Reliable/dependable and willing to volunteer regularly

What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer:    

Dimensions provide support for autistic people and people with learning disabilities across the UK.   

Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:    

•  Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)    

• Comprehensive support from professional and friendly Dimensions staff    

• Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed at manager’s discretion     

• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector    

Want to apply for this role? 

If you’d like to be a Dimensions volunteer, please get in touch!

Become an Independent Visitor to be matched one to one with a young person in care. You will meet once or twice a month to take them out to do fun activities together. This is an opportunity for our young people to develop a healthy relationship with a trusted adult, have fun and share their worries and feelings if they are ready to do so.

We'll provide full training, all your expenses and ongoing support from dedicated staff. 

This is an opportunity for you to build skills and knowledge within social care and test yourself with real life experience of a young person in care.

We're looking for enthusiastic, committed people to bring their experience, skills and positivity to the lives of young people who have been through tough times. We will be providing training on the following subjects.

Session 1 Introduction to IV and the Care system
Session 2 Trauma, Attachment and Growth
Session 3 Safeguarding
Session 4 Communications and Boundaries
Session 5 The Role Of The IV

We are looking for volunteer befrienders to spend some time with our clients  in and around Central London or  to speak to them over the phone.  Our current needs are in Tulse Hill, Stockwell, Annerley, and Stepney Green.Locations change as new referrals come in, so if you are interested in befriending and want to make positive difference to  an older persons emotional well being, please contact us, we may have a client in your area!  

Befriending is a simple way to make a positive difference to someone who feels alone, or is socially isolated.  Your gift of time and companionship will give them, and you, something to look forward to. As one of our volunteers once said,“this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”  

Meetings are regular, usually weekly or fortnightly, for at least six months although most of our volunteers stay involved for  longer, only because they enjoy what they do!  Phone calls can me made from any quiet space at your home or workplace. 

You might visit a client in their home, or meet them in the community, chatting in coffee shops or talking while you walk - this really depends on what our client wants to do.  Our clients are  older Scots (60 plus) who simply want to do some of the activities that most of us take for granted.

We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters. 

This could be an ideal opportunity gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting, or for anyonewho enjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter.

Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must live in or around the London area for meetings, or in the UK for phone calls. 

Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!

Skills & characteristics required for befriending are:

• Good communication and listening skills, English speaking
• Friendly, warm and non-judgemental 
• Honest, reliable and committed
• Empathy 
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries (covered in training) 

An enhanced DBS check will be processed  for successful applicants and two references are required. 

About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.

Our Summer Project
Wed 22nd – Sun 26th July 9:30am – 5:30pm in North London.

We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers, to join us on our fantastic fun-filled Summer Social Development Project.

Volunteers and our members who have disabilities get to know each other as they take part in fun and challenging workshops including sports & games, arts & crafts, cooking and enjoying a day out in London.

What you'll do
On the project you and a fellow volunteer will be paired with one of our members with a learning disability or autism. You'll support and encourage them to take part in a wide range of activities led by professional therapists and workshop leaders.

Our core activities are sports & games, arts & crafts, drama and music. Previous additional workshops have also included photography, football and cooking and you’ll plan your own exciting outing around London with a fellow volunteer and the Kith & Kids member you're linked with.

Not only is it a time full of fun and games for you and our members, you are a vital part in supporting them to develop their social skills in a day-to-day environment.

Come along and get involved!

Male volunteers especially welcome (we need more)!!

Requirements

What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 18.

How much time?
The project runs for 5 days, Wed 22nd – Sun 26th July, 9:30am – 5:30pm  in North London.

Everyone gets the most out of the project if you come for the full ten days as you'll build a close relationship with the member you'll have been supporting and will create the most impact.

What we can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses and provide a delicious lunch each day.
We'll also provide excellent training before the project, and lots of helpful support.

By volunteering on our project, you'll also:

• Use and develop your skills.
• Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others.
• Increase your confidence.
• Meet new people and make friends.
• Gain experience for (other) work
• Give something back to the community.
• Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time.
• Challenge yourself.
   

What about training?
Volunteers must attend training and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.

This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and also gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.

Topics we cover include:

• Communication
• Autism
• Supporting emotions
• Safeguarding
• Creativity & Participation
• Epilepsy
   

When do I need to come?

We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting on the 17th  May with lots of other dates to choose from.

In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online from the end of April.  

Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.  

About us: 

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C is a pioneering Podcast/YouTube Channel and healing membership organisation. We provide a platform for survivors and whistleblowers to share their lived experiences, highlight systemic frustrations and offer solutions rooted in culturally trauma-informed care.

Our membership offers young people and survivors a path to heal, learn digital skills and interactively participate in our Alchemic 369 Book Club, where members engage in weekly interactive discussions, debates and critical analysis of African, Caribbean and world history, Ifa, classics and political thought. Members will sharpen their reading, reasoning and imagination skills, with opportunities to discuss works directly with authors, highly subsidised plant-based transformative retreats and join a community designed to empower and educate.

We are a mission-driven, collective-focused C.I.C building a movement that combines healing, re-education and empowerment.

Our content focuses on:

• Survivors of CSA, RSA, CT, CA stories

• Whistleblowers and retired experts

• Generational trauma and healing

• Youth empowerment and education

• Community transformation through honest storytelling

Our mission is to challenge generational cycles, expose hidden truths, fight for justice and create a platform rooted in authenticity, deep healing, and transformation.

Job Purpose:

To design and oversee a safe, ethical, and structured outreach system for engaging potential CSA survivors who may want to share their stories publicly or anonymously.

About the role:

This role leads the entire outreach strategy for survivor engagement across social media, podcasts, referrals, and community networks. They ensure all communication is trauma-informed, consent-led, and does not exploit or pressure vulnerable individuals.

They create safe entry points for survivors to self-identify interest in sharing their story and establish referral pathways into the production team.

They also act as the final gatekeeper before any survivor is contacted for interview consideration.

Ideal Candidate

• Experience working with trauma survivors, advocacy groups, or social impact organisations

• Deep understanding of safeguarding principles

• Emotionally mature, calm, non-reactive communicator

• Experience in ethical storytelling or documentary/podcast environments

• Comfortable working in sensitive, high-emotion subject matter

Experience

• Trauma-informed care training or equivalent lived/professional experience

• Background in NGOs, survivor support organisations, or advocacy

• Experience in safeguarding frameworks (children/adults at risk)

• Media or communications experience in sensitive storytelling

What You Will Gain

• Real-world hosting and interviewing experience

• Opportunity to build a public profile and media presence

• Portfolio-building opportunities across podcasting and storytelling

• Networking and relationship-building opportunities

• Experience working within a growing media and advocacy platform

• Creative freedom and personal growth opportunities

• Leadership and media mentorship

• Opportunity to develop your own audience and storytelling identity

• Potential future paid opportunities and long-term media career pathways

• Direct pathway into a future paid role

• The chance to help build a nationally recognised media and survivor-support platform

• COS opportunities for top performing staff members 

This role is designed as a long-term pathway opportunity to a paid position and lifestyle transformation.

We don’t operate on individualism—we build through collectivism, meaning:
  As the platform grows, your role, influence, and opportunities grow with it

Location

A range of volunteer opportunities across Bexley and Dartford, designed to fit your schedule.

Current Elderberries Vintage Tea Rooms Locations

Monday 12 pm - 3 pm​

Wilmington Community Church, Wilmington,

Broad Lane, DA2 7AQ

​​

Tuesday 10.30 am - 1.30 pm

Wolsley House, Wolsley Close,

Crayford, DA1 4BE​

​

Thursday 10.30 am - 1.00 pm

8th Bexleyheath Scout Group

32 Westbrooke Road

Welling, DA16 1PR

​​

Friday 2 pm - 4 pm

Baldwyns Park Baptist Church,

Bexley, DA5 2AT​

Time Commitment

Flexible and agreed in advance according to the location needs. This role includes regular support sessions and occasional cover for the Cook during planned or unplanned absence.

Role Summary

The volunteer kitchen support (deputy cook) supports the delivery of Evergreen Care UK’s community café services. You will work alongside the Cook and wider team to help create a welcoming, well-run environment where people feel connected and included.

A key part of this role is providing occasional cover for the Cook, helping ensure the café can continue to run smoothly. You will be supported by the wider team when doing so.

This role is designed to provide additional support and occasional cover. The overall responsibility for service delivery remains with Evergreen Care UK staff.

This is a practical, hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys cooking, being part of a team, and contributing to a positive community space.

About Evergreen Care UK

Evergreen Care UK is a charity rooted in a Christian ethos, guided by our values of Compassion, Dignity, Connection, and Trust. We welcome and serve people of all faiths and none.

Our services support people in later life to live independently, reduce loneliness, and remain connected to their communities. Our cafés play an important role in bringing people together, creating opportunities for connection through shared meals and conversation.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Support:
- Support the Cook in preparing and serving nutritious, home-cooked meals
- Assist with food preparation, cooking, and service
- Help maintain a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment

Kitchen Cover:
- Provide cover for the Cook when required, supporting the preparation and serving of meals
- Help ensure the kitchen continues to run safely and smoothly, with support from the team

Environment & Experience:
- Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive café environment
- Engage positively with guests, supporting a friendly and relaxed atmosphere
- Work alongside volunteers and team members to create a strong sense of community

Standards & Safety:
- Follow Food Hygiene and Health & Safety guidance
- Support good kitchen practices and cleanliness
- Be aware of safeguarding and raise any concerns appropriately

Volunteer Support

- Work alongside other volunteers in a supportive and collaborative way
- Help create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued
- Share knowledge and support others where appropriate

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who:
- Enjoys cooking and working as part of a team
- Is reliable and able to offer a degree of flexibility
- Feels confident supporting kitchen tasks and stepping in when needed
- Has a positive and approachable manner
- Is motivated by contributing to a meaningful community service

Experience in cooking for groups or a café setting is helpful but not essential. Training and support will be provided where needed.

Our Values in Action

- Compassion – creating a welcoming and supportive environment
- Dignity – treating every person with respect
- Connection – helping build a sense of belonging
- Trust – being dependable and supportive within the team

What You Can Expect

- To be part of a welcoming and supportive team
- To contribute to a service that makes a real difference in the community
- Opportunities to build confidence, skills, and experience
- Reimbursement of reasonable expenses in line with Evergreen policies

Safeguarding and Support

Evergreen Care UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of those we support.

Volunteers will be supported to understand their role in safeguarding and are expected to raise any concerns appropriately.

An enhanced DBS check may be required depending on the nature of the role.

Flexibility

This role description outlines the main aspects of the volunteer role but is not exhaustive. As a small, values-driven organisation, flexibility and teamwork are important.

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.

About Youth Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games. We also work in partnership with a range of organisations to run a rich programme of workshops within our youth club. Some of these have included creative visual arts, drama, music and workshops on rights and entitlements of young asylum seekers. We also cook a hot meal from time to time and offer a range of snacks each week. Our casework team are also on-site to support young people with a range of advice and signposting needs, usually by-appointment.

Youth club takes place at Furzedown Youth Centre. Welham Rd, London SW16 6TJ

About the role:

As a Youth Club volunteer, you would be helping young people to feel welcome, join in with activities and be a great role model.

Youth Club takes place every Wednesday at 6.00-8.30pm. We ask for a commitment of at least 2 sessions per month for a minimum of 6 months.

Tasks and responsibilities:

· To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur 15 minutes after each session.

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.

· To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.

· To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.

· To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.

· To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

To be 18 years or older;

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Wednesday evenings for a minimum of six months;

· Current resident of the UK;

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm - 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon - 2pm once every 3 months.

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.

Desirable:

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

The Befriender 'In Home' Volunteer will play an important role by providing companionship to someone we support at our supported living service by spending time with them, visiting them in the home and doing activities they enjoy. These might include chatting over a cup of tea, reading books, playing board games, etc.

Skills Required

· To be kind, empathetic and friendly

· To have a good sense of humour and love to chat

· To be punctual and reliable

· To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

· Safeguarding

· H&S

· Manual Handling

· How to be Eye Care Aware

· Fire Safety

· Infection Control

· Data Security and Confidentiality

· First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

· This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others. 

· Befriending is a great way to keep active and meet new people.

· SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills.

· Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time. SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

What Our Young People and Volunteers Say

·“I look forward to my monthly visits, its time just for me, I choose my activity and we have fun together.”

·“I like how my Independent Visitor isn’t anything to do with social services and is here to support me, not to judge.”

·“They have boosted my confidence. Now I feel like when I go places I can just relax and have fun.”

·“My young person always looks forward to me coming. They have had such a disjointed life; I am a stable figure in their life and this has to be important for them as everything else changes around them a lot.”

We Need A Volunteers in:  FOREST GATE

Could You Be the Difference?

·Have fun on outings –Coffee and a chat, zoo, museums, bowling, trampoline park………..

·Share hobbies or interests – Arts and crafts, football, animals, theatre………..

·Be a positive role model

·Listen, support, and help build confidence

What We Provide

·Full training

·Ongoing support

·Expenses reimbursed (to an agreed limit)

No special qualifications needed. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life who are reliable, caring, and committed.

About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents, and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.

Our Employability Project
10am to 3pm, Monday and/or Friday during term-time

Our Employment & Life Skills Project (ELSP) helps adults with learning disabilities or autism to access further education, work experience and visits to mainstream community opportunities. 

What you’ll do
You’ll act as a mentor to the members of the group.  You’ll be helping the group(s) develop a range of life skills, things that many of us take for granted.  These include Maths and English skills, independent living, the use of public transport, social skills and even the sourcing of employment. 

For the people in these groups, these things can be very difficult to develop and achieve without regular support. Through regular support and meetings, members and volunteers develop greater trust, skills, and confidence together.

Come along and get involved!

Requirements

What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 20.

How much time?
The project runs from 10am to 3pm, Mondays and/or Fridays during term-time.
Everyone gets the most out of the project if you come every week for at least a term as you'll build a close relationship with the members you'll have been supporting and will create the most impact.

What we can offer you
ELSP represents a fantastic opportunity for you to share your knowledge and experience built up through a lifetime to a group that is continuing to develop and achieve their targets.

We’ll reimburse your travel expenses and will provide excellent training and lots of helpful support.

By volunteering on our project you'll also:

• Use and develop your skills: time-management, working within a team, problem-solving and adaptability.
• Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others.
• Increase your confidence.
• Meet like-minded people and make friends.
• Gain experience for (other) work
• Give something back to the community.
• Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
• Challenge yourself. 

What about training?
Volunteers must attend training and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.

This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and also gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.

Topics we cover include:

• Autism
• Safeguarding
• Creativity & Participation
• Negotiation & Boundaries
   

When do I need to come?

Volunteers must attend training and complete a DBS check before taking part.

We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting on the 15th February with lots of other dates to choose from.

In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online from mid-January.

Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.

Just sign up and you'll receive details of what to do next.

We’re looking for a patient and kind volunteer to support an active and energetic man in Streatham. He’ll take some time to get to know you, so you’re first few visits will likely be spent going for walks around the local area with a member of his support team. This gentleman is non-verbal and will communicate with you through sounds, gestures and movements.

He takes a little while to warm up to new people, so you will need to be patient while he takes his time becoming comfortable with you. It would be great if his new volunteer had some experience with people with learning disabilities, though this isn’t at all necessary as long as you have a positive attitude. It’s important to know that his care team would always be on hand, and that his not-so-secret kryptonite is chocolate!

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is a Stop and Stay visit role, meaning that the person you’ll be visiting might have some verbal communication skills or they use sounds and/or facial/body expressions to communicate with you. The person you visit might choose to take part in simple activities or watch you doing the activities. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tend to be around half an hour to an hour long.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• A craft activity at home
• Reading a book/magazine together

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.