Support at home volunteer volunteer roles

Become a helping hand that makes a house feel like home again. 

Joining this role means stepping into a vital position of practical support for families who are caring for a child whose life will be short. Many families across Wales face this unimaginable situation while juggling the demands of everyday life - Often without the support network they desperately need. 

As a Practical Support at Home Volunteer, you’ll make a meaningful difference by helping families manage the household tasks that can feel overwhelming during such emotional and exhausting times. 

Your time and care will help bring calm, dignity and relief to families going through the toughest moments of their lives. 

What You Need to Know 

• Age: 18+ 

• Location: Across South & West Wales (in your local area) 

• Commitment: Flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate your personal schedule. The support plans designed for referred families are typically structured to span a period of six weeks 

• Checks: Enhanced DBS check, 2 references and induction/training course required before starting. 

What You’ll be Doing 

• Light household cleaning (dusting, wiping surfaces, hoovering) 

• Tidying, decluttering and organising 

• Laundry support (washing, drying, folding) 

• Basic garden maintenance (if interested/experienced) 

• Running small errands locally 

• Supporting with simple household tasks that reduce the family’s mental load. 

We Are Looking For Volunteers Who: 

• Are kind, empathetic and respectful of families’ privacy 

• Are reliable, flexible and able to commit on a regular basis 

• Follow our policies, procedures & health and safety guidelines 

• Can report any concerns promptly 

• Are friendly, polite and able to maintain appropriate boundaries 

• Can adapt to different situations in the home environment 

• Enjoy making a positive difference to families’ lives. 

• Are respectful of the privacy, preferences and needs of the families you are supporting, 

always maintaining confidentiality. 

At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.  

We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role. 

Training You Will Receive 

You will receive a full introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, including an in‑person induction, core training and additional e‑learning. You’ll be supported by a friendly, experienced team who are available to help with any questions through regular check‑ins. 

Role‑specific and organisation‑wide training will also be provided as needed. 

All volunteers are required to keep their mandatory training up to date to 

continue in their role. 

The benefits of becoming a Practical Support at Home Volunteer 

• Make a positive difference in the lives of children with life-shortening conditions and their families, by helping them to maintain clean spaces for them to enjoy 

• Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year 

• Meet new people and join a friendly community of volunteers, passionate about helping others 

• Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role. 

This role is purely voluntary, and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract. 

Providing care and support is something we are only able to do because of the kindness and commitment of our wonderful staff, supporters and volunteers. 

Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.

Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.

The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:

• An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
• Support to prepare for parenthood
• Support to build confidence in parenting skills
• Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
• Support to establish daily and weekly routines
• Support to take time for self-care
• Support to manage the things that are causing stress
• Support to access relevant services
• Support to access local green spaces
• Support to make connections with other parents

No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.

Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?

Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.

Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.

Our aims are:

To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:

Offering support, friendship and practical assistance

Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected

Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.

Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.

Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.

Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.

Events Volunteers are an essential part of our work for reaching and supporting different communities. Our partners in the community hold events across the UK and your support will help ensure they run smoothly, and attendees have a positive experience! You may be on your own, or as part of a team so you’ll need to be enthusiastic and motivated. 

About you 

• Aged 18 years and over 

• Reliable and good at organising your time 

• Good attention to detail 

• Friendly and polite with good communication skills 

• Self-directed and motivated 

When and where 

• Events will vary regionally and may take place during the day, evening, or weekends as a one-off or regular occurrence 

• You’ll decide where and when you’d like to volunteer - we don’t expect anyone to travel far from their home

• We're looking for volunteers in Berkshire, Somerset, and Bristol

What you will do 

Your tasks will depend on who you are supporting and what kind of event they’re running, but they will probably include: 

• Completing agreed tasks on time and responding to any changes on the day 

• Engaging with families and sharing your expertise if appropriate (either professional or lived experience) 

• Supporting with different areas, e.g. signing people in, helping with directions, sharing information 

• Identifying tasks that need doing and any issues that need reporting 

• Using your initiative to respond to situations and help out without being asked 

• Presenting the National Deaf Children’s Society and our community partners in a positive way 

What will you gain from the role? 

Other volunteers have told us that training and volunteering has given them:  

• Increased confidence and new skills   

• A broader understanding of childhood deafness and the issues faced by families  

• A sense of achievement by making a positive difference

Support and training 

You will be provided with: 

• Basic training to help keep yourself, others, and data safe 

• A named point of contact for support 

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses such as travel costs

• Clear information about what to do and who to contact if you are worried about something

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of families, children and young people. You will be asked to complete a Basic disclosure check, provide references, complete a self-disclosure form, and complete our essential training.

Project overview: 

Alfriston Outreach Service is dedicated to helping older and vulnerable people in Kingston. We provide services such as Hot Lunch delivery, Shopping, and Laundry delivered into people’s homes, with our aim to support older people to remain independent in their own homes. 

About us:

Mind in Kingston supports people with mental health issues and raises awareness within Kingston and surrounding areas. We provide training, supervision, and opportunities for career development. 

Volunteers are extremely valued within our team and a vital part of our service delivery. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, including those who may have personal or professional experience of mental health. While lived experience can bring valuable perspective, it is not a requirement for volunteering with us. Our focus is on providing volunteers with the training, guidance and supervision they need to feel confident in their roles and to develop their skills. Volunteers are supported to succeed and offered opportunities to connect with trustees, staff and other volunteers both professionally and socially. Above all, we value the contribution volunteers make to our community and are committed to recognising their achievements. 

Main purpose of the role: 

• Support and assist the Lunch Delivery. 

• Deliver the Hot Lunches into people’s homes. 

• Report any observations or concerns about service users’ wellbeing to the supervisor.

Tasks will include: 

• Supporting the Driver on the Lunch Delivery. 

• Carrying Hot Meals into Service Users Homes. 

• Using Key Safes to open doors where necessary. 

• Delivering Laundry and Shopping to some Service Users. 

• Provide a point of contact for Service Users. 

• Reporting on changes in Service Users well-being. 

• Reporting back any safeguarding concerns immediately to the supervisor. 

• Maintain regular contact with the supervisor. 

• Attend meetings and supervision sessions. 

What you will receive in return: 

• Training in Safeguarding. 

• Training in Food Handling. 

• Training for any other skills as identified by yourself and your supervisor. 

• Regular check-in with your supervisor, reflective supervision, and managerial support. 

• An opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones while being a part of a supportive team at Mind in Kingston. 

• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses. 

• Professional references upon completion. 

• *Alfriston volunteers only: access to a discounted lunch (£5 per lunch, subject to availability). A minimum of 24 hours’ notice must be given. 

What we expect from you: 

• Commitment for at least six months. 

• Completion of required training. 

• Adherence to Mind in Kingston’s policies (e.g., confidentiality, safeguarding). 

• Proactive engagement with your supervisor for support. 

Application Process: 

• Two recent references are required. 

• An enhanced DBS check is necessary. 

We ask volunteers for two references, one of which must come from someone who has supervised you recently in your work or studies, such as a current or previous employer or a tutor. You will also need to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, as you will be working with vulnerable adults. 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might:

· Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support

· Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes

· Raise concerns

· Keep detailed notes and records

· Make a real difference to someone’s life

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer - role in Cheshire West

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might:

• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support
• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes
• Raise concerns
• Keep detailed notes and records
• Make a real difference to someone’s life

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Join us as a Cat Welfare Support volunteer and make a real difference to the lives of cats and their owners. Whether it’s taking cats to the vet, helping to maintain cat welfare standards, or supporting other volunteers to keep everything organised, your support will help us take care of more cats. Help us create a better life for cats and their families with your compassion and dedication.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role. We’ll help you choose what you’d like to get involved with, making sure it benefits both you and the team, for example: 

• supporting the team to maintain high standards of cat welfare
• transporting cats to vet appointments or to new homes
• entering records for cats and cat-related activity to track the impact of the team
• supporting with cat admissions and matching cats with prospective owners
• ordering, collecting and delivering cat-related supplies, for example, food, litter, medical supplies
• communicating with the public, offering support with cat ownership or lost and found cats
• supporting the volunteer neutering team

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Join us as a Cat Welfare Support volunteer and make a real difference to the lives of cats and their owners. Whether it’s taking cats to the vet, helping to maintain cat welfare standards, or supporting other volunteers to keep everything organised, your support will help us take care of more cats. Help us create a better life for cats and their families with your compassion and dedication.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role. We’ll help you choose what you’d like to get involved with, making sure it benefits both you and the team, for example: 

• supporting the team to maintain high standards of cat welfare
• transporting cats to vet appointments or to new homes
• entering records for cats and cat-related activity to track the impact of the team
• supporting with cat admissions and matching cats with prospective owners
• ordering, collecting and delivering cat-related supplies, for example, food, litter, medical supplies
• communicating with the public, offering support with cat ownership or lost and found cats
• supporting the volunteer neutering team

Our Second Home is a youth movement that empowers migrants and refugees to flourish in the place that they call home. Our overnight activity camp for young people aged 14-18 is a chance for young people to come together and have five days of fun and excitement, supported by a dynamic and dedicated team of leaders and staff.

An OSH Leader is a supportive adult, a role model, and someone young people can feel safe being themselves around. It’s about creating a warm, fun, and consistent presence during residentials — helping young people with refugee and migrant backgrounds feel welcomed, included, and at home.

Youth Leaders for this project will be responsible for facilitating the camp, and will be directly in contact with, and responsible for, the participants. During the camp they will be ‘on duty’ full-time, meaning that they will spend the whole time with the participants, including at meals.

THIS ROLE IS ONLY FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE UK. We will arrange Zoom interviews with applicants separately.

Responsibilities:

• Interacting and forming a bond with the participants
• Creating and running fun and engaging activities for the participants
• Looking after the participants’ welfare, and ensuring that they feel cared for and secure
• Managing the participants’ behaviour and setting clear boundaries

Expectations and requirements:

• All applicants must be interviewed and be willing to provide references on request.
• Youth Leaders must set a positive example of behaviour and involvement for all participants, and adhere to the volunteer guidelines.
• Youth Leaders may be required to prepare activities for participants at the camp. If asked, this must be completed in plenty of time to allow any materials or equipment to be sourced.
• Applicants should be aged 20 or above.
• Applicants must be eligible for DBS clearance (no criminal record that prevents applicants from working with children)
• Youth Leaders must raise any safeguarding concerns swiftly and follow safeguarding procedures
• Youth Leaders must follow all Our Second Home policies and procedures of (which will be explained at the Camp training days).
• Anyone attending an OSH residential must test negative for COVID-19 prior to attending the programme, regardless of whether they have received a vaccine or not.

Essential skills:

• Flexibility, adaptability and ability to improvise
• Ability to build connection quickly with peers and young people
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively
• High level of organisation
• High levels of empathy and patience
• Awareness and sensitivity that some participants might be suffering from trauma

Additional desired skills:

• Experience working with and/or caring for young people aged 14-18
• Experience working with refugees and/or asylum seekers
• Experience working with young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities
• Language skills: Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Tigrinya, Somali
• First Aid training
• Creative or artistic abilities
• Sports leadership
• Ability to prepare fun and engaging activities for young people

We particularly encourage applications from those who have lived experience of being a refugee.

Please ensure you are available to come to all the following events - specific dates can be found on the application form:

• Training
• Pre-Residential Prep Day (on site)
• Residential, in full
• Feedback & thank you afternoon

QUOTES:

• “Having the professional [welfare] support made me feel very support and more comfortable with the work” – BT
• “The atmosphere of fun, respect, care, and community is what made the young people so comfortable and connected” – BT
• “The leaders were all awesome – it was incredible to work in a team so full of hard working, intelligent, experienced people” – BT
• “Seeing the kids bursting out of their shells and that being the norm rather than just exceptions was just incredible.” – CA
• “It honestly surpassed anything I could have hoped for” – LK

Structure:

Youth Leaders will be supported by the Welfare Support Lead(s), who will be their main contact in the build to and throughout the camp. The Welfare Support Lead(s) will run team meetings at the end of each day and be on hand to advise and manage the Youth Leaders.

Help deliver library books to people across Wolverhampton who are unable to access library services.

Role Responsibilities:

• Collect library materials from a designated library and deliver them safely to clients’ homes.

• Follow a set delivery route one day per week, with each session lasting a maximum of approximately three hours.

• Report any concerns about a client’s wellbeing to the Coordinator for further assessment.

About You:

• Hold a full, current UK driving licence (maximum 6 penalty points) and have access to your own car (mileage expenses covered).

• Be friendly, approachable, positive, reliable, and punctual.

• Able to work independently and as part of a team.

Commitment:

• Volunteer 1 day per week (hours agreed) for a minimum of 3 months.

• An enhanced DBS check is required (arranged and paid for by the organisation).

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED, FULL TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED
Plus, we'll reimburse your travel expenses (fuel or bus fares, car parking), so volunteering won't cost you anything but your time.

Why Volunteer with Us? 
✨ Valuable Experience: Gain practical skills and a sense of fulfilment with a trusted charity that has over 80 years of experience.
✨ Training and Support: Enjoy comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed.
✨ Social Connection: Meet like-minded individuals and become part of our wonderful team.
✨ Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy of making a real difference in someone's life.
✨ Flexible Hours: We offer flexible volunteering hours to suit your lifestyle.
✨ Health and Wellbeing: We prioritise the wellness of our volunteers, contributing to professional   success.
✨ Professional Development: We're committed to continuous development and growth opportunities.
✨ Diversity and Inclusion: We embrace individuals from all walks of life and encourage authenticity.

�� What Our Volunteers Say:
"Now that I am retired, volunteering at Citizens Advice gives me a purpose in life. I feel I can serve my community and make a difference to local people who are in difficulty. I learn a lot, use my skills and discover new skills as well as having new and varied experiences every day."
-Volunteer Generalist Advisor

"I now feel braver when looking at new job opportunities. I can utilise my skills and experience from volunteering in the hubs."
-Cost of Living Support Hub Volunteer

Ready to make a difference?
�� For further information about the individual roles, please visit our website:
Please download and complete the application form

If you require any of the information in an alternative accessible format, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.

Could you spare some time to accompany a CHEER team member on home assessments? These visits are a key part of our Befriending and Benefits services, helping us reduce loneliness and ensure older residents receive the state benefits they’re entitled to. Your support helps make each visit supportive and truly impactful for the people we meet.

We have volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and communities fulfilling various different roles. We wouldn’t be able to deliver our services without the help of these amazing volunteers who generously give their time, energy and skills to enable us to provide our clients with the services, care and support they deserve. 

Our volunteers form a vital and integral part of the work we do at CHEER. Like you, they’re people who want to make an impact on a local level in their community. By joining us you’ll discover new friends, new skills and be able to share your passion and experience to support local people. No matter how much time you can commit, we can help you find a role that works for you. 

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:                                                           

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

As a Volunteer Community Connector, you will support the Compassionate Communities programme by helping to grow and strengthen community engagement by encouraging discussion around grief and loss.

Your role will involve:

• Supporting and facilitating ‘compassionate conversations’ in the community and promoting social connectedness. This may include signposting to relevant community support or care provision.

• Offering informal, empathetic listening and engagement around topics such as life limiting illness, caregiving, dying and bereavement.

• Helping to support informal sessions or larger events in partnership with community groups, workplaces, clubs and organisations.