Support worker volunteer volunteer roles

Age UK Bucks ‘Age Better Bucks’ volunteers will support local older people to achieve personal goals – by helping them navigate and take advantage of a Support Plan devised by as community worker, that is designed to help them meet the challenges of older age.

This could be by phoning them to provide encouragement, explanation and support, and to check on progress, and also to help them with attendance at appointments and going to new groups or activities.

What do Age Better Bucks Volunteers do?

• Work with the Community Support Connector from Age UK Bucks to accept a client and understand their goals and support plan – and which services they have been referred to for support
• Contact the client to introduce yourself, and explain what you can help them with and if that’s OK with them
• Agree how your support is best provided – e.g. weekly calls for progress and encouragement, or help with something specific on their plan. That could be a home visit (if appropriate) to help them make a call or prepare for an appointment; attend a group or activity with them; or help them take a bus etc.
• Report back to the Community Support Connector if there are any issues or concerns and agree when your support can stop
• Ideally, you’d support a few clients each week or month, depending on how much time you have

The role is to support and help the client to access the referrals and support put in place for them – and not to support them with care or specific needs yourself. Referrals might be to local care services, to local groups or clubs, or to an occupational therapist for home adaptations, other voluntary organisations and support groups etc.

Our Age Better Bucks Service

Age Better Bucks supports over 65s who could benefit from extra support to manage their well being and remain independent. It is for older people experiencing challenges or need extra support to stay independent and well – for example increasing loneliness/isolation; bereavement; health/mobility decline; mood change.

Our team of support workers will assess their needs and circumstances specific to them, and develop an action plan with them to ensure more support and help can be arranged. We check in with the client after 6 weeks to see how they are getting on, and after 6 months to see how they are and check if anything has changed, got worse or improved.

The service is designed to give people the tools, contacts and support to make positive changes and especially to tackle the impact of loneliness and isolation.

An action plan, or support plan, will be devised with all clients, identifying their main goals based on their individual needs and challenges, and referring them, with their consent only, to other services and support we agree can help. At this stage we’ll assess if a volunteer like you can help then take full advantage of this support.

What you will get out of it

• Join an enthusiastic team of people who want to make a difference
• It's a great way to support older people making a real difference to their lives
• You'll be giving something back to your community
• You get to be part of Age UK Buckinghamshire's volunteer team
• We will reimburse reasonable, approved out of pocket expenses
• Volunteers tell us they find Volunteering really rewarding and get lots out of it themselves
• You will be fully supported by our Team and wider Age UK Buckinghamshire support.

What is expected of me?

We tell you about each client and ask if you’d like to take it up. You would then arrange and complete the call or visit when convenient. The work you do is conducted in line with guidance we provide and you must comply with necessary procedures including Data Protection/Confidentiality and Personal Safety.

After the visit/contact you will complete and submit a contact form. Volunteers complete relevant training, provide references and complete a DBS check.

Key skills and requirements

• Good listener, clear communicator and able to maintain confidentiality. A good conversationalist!
• Ability to lead the conversation, provide feedback to the team and summarise the conversation.
• Non-judgmental. Able to respect others’ differences and choices
• Patient, flexible and reliable
• Able to work independently with guidance and support
• Ability to travel around the area to visit people
• A regular commitment to give 1-2 hours a week would be appreciated but the role is flexible, you can work from home, do visits, only make calls, whatever works for you.
• An interest in helping older people live the lives they want

About the Role

We are looking for a compassionate and reliable volunteer to support unpaid carers who may be experiencing financial hardship or other personal challenges. The role involves providing basic information and advice, signposting to appropriate services, and assisting clients with completing benefit application forms.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys helping others, has good communication skills, and wants to make a positive difference in the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide friendly and non-judgemental information and advice support 

• Assist clients to complete benefit application forms and related paperwork 

• Help individuals understand letters, forms, and official correspondence 

• Signpost or refer clients to appropriate services and agencies 

• Maintain accurate and confidential records 

• Offer practical support in a respectful and empathetic manner 

• Work alongside staff and other volunteers to support service users 

Skills and Qualities

• Good listening and communication skills 

• Patience, empathy, and understanding 

• Basic IT and literacy skills 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries 

• Organised and reliable 

• Experience in advice work, including claiming benefits 

What We Offer

• Full induction and ongoing training 

• Support and supervision from experienced staff 

• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives 

Join Vault Youth Zone as a Volunteer Youth Worker and help create a fun, welcoming, and engaging space for young people aged 8–19 (up to 25 for young people with additional needs). Volunteers support the Recreation & Engagement team in delivering activities such as pool, table tennis, board games, challenges, group discussions, themed projects, and social activities.

As a volunteer, you will help young people build confidence, make friends, develop new skills, and feel part of a positive community. You will encourage participation, promote our values, and act as a positive role model while working alongside our team of youth workers.

No previous youth work experience is required. Ongoing support and training will be provided.

Help young people feel safe, supported, and inspired. Build confidence, resilience, and social connections among young people. Create positive experiences that encourage personal development and wellbeing. Support an inclusive environment where young people can have fun, express themselves, and develop life skills.

You will need to have the following skills in order to participate:

• Positive and friendly attitude
• Good communication and listening skills
• Ability to engage and encourage young people
• Teamwork and reliability
• Enthusiasm for creating fun and inclusive activities
• Respect for diversity and inclusion
• Willingness to undertake training and follow safeguarding procedures

Vault Youth Zone is accessible by local bus and train services.

Public parking is available locally. Full directions will be provided upon successful application.

Befriending Volunteer 

Would you like to offer companionship to someone who feels lonely, help them rebuild confidence, reconnect with their community, or simply brighten their week with a friendly chat? 

What do Befriending Volunteers do?

Our volunteers support older people (50+) who may be feeling lonely, isolated, or cut off from their usual activities. Volunteers help clients rebuild confidence, reconnect socially, and enjoy meaningful conversation. 

Support can take different forms depending on the client’s needs: 

Short-term Face-to-Face Support (up to 6 months) 

• Visiting someone regularly to help them work towards personal goals 

• Encouraging confidence to get out and about again 

• Supporting them to re-engage with interests, community groups, or social activities 

Long-term Befriending (for those most isolated) 

• Providing stable, ongoing social support 

• Regular facetoface or telephone companionship 

• Building a consistent and trusting relationship 

National Telephone Befriending 

• Offering friendly conversation over the phone 

• Providing regular social contact for people unable to meet in person 

This is a rewarding and varied volunteer role where every person you meet will be different — and you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful difference to their wellbeing. 

What you will get out of it

• A chance to support older people and make a real positive impact 

• A meaningful role where relationships grow and confidence returns 

• Opportunities to meet new people and experience new things 

• Being part of Age UK Buckinghamshire’s volunteer team 

• Full training, ongoing support, and guidance from your Outreach Support Worker 

Our volunteers tell us they find befriending incredibly fulfilling and often get as much from the relationship as the client does 

What is expected of me?

• We will talk you through each potential match before you decide to take it on 

• Most volunteers commit around 1–2 hours a week 

• Shortterm matches typically last up to 6 months; longterm befriending is ongoing 

• Time may be spent visiting someone at home, accompanying them to a local activity, or chatting with them by phone 

• Volunteers complete a short online training program and provide references 

• A DBS check will be required (provided at no cost) 

Who can volunteer?

If you are warm, friendly, patient, and enjoy chatting with people, this could be the role for you. You do not need any formal qualifications, just a desire to support someone who is feeling vulnerable or alone. 

Support young people to explore music through performance, songwriting, recording, production, and creative projects. Volunteers will encourage participation, support learning opportunities, and help create an inclusive environment where young people can develop confidence and express themselves through music.

Encourage creativity and self-expression Build confidence and communication skills Support personal and social development Help young people discover and develop musical talents

The skills you'll need

• Interest in music, performance, or production
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to encourage and motivate young people
• Creativity and patience
• Teamwork and reliability

Vault Youth Zone is accessible by local bus and train services.

Limited local parking may be available. Full directions will be provided upon successful application.

Support climbing sessions by helping create an encouraging and welcoming environment where young people can challenge themselves, build confidence, and develop resilience. Volunteers will assist qualified staff with participant engagement, encouragement, and session support.

Help young people develop confidence and self-belief Encourage resilience and problem-solving skills Promote healthy lifestyles and positive risk-taking Support personal achievement and goal setting

You will need to have the following skills in order to participate:

• Interest in climbing or outdoor activities (experience desirable but not essential)
• Positive and encouraging attitude
• Good communication skills
• Ability to support and motivate young people
• Reliability and teamwork
• Willingness to follow health and safety procedures
• Directions - public transport

Vault Youth Zone is accessible by local bus and train services.

Limited local parking may be available. Full directions will be provided upon successful application.

Summary

Supporting young people in leading activities and mentoring support by providing a listening ear and practical support and guidance.

Detailed description

You’ll find plenty of ways to use your listening skills as well as being a first point of advice for practical concerns that young people face or for supporting them in fun and exciting activities and games. We have our Youth Sessions based in Watford, Hatfield and Cheshunt.

Tuesdays (Watford, Orbital Community Centre)

4.30pm to 6.30pm (Juniors)

6.30pm to 8pm (Seniors)

Wednesdays

The Hive @ Jim McDonald Centre

Seniors - 4.30pm to 6pm

Thursdays

St John' Youth Centre

Juniors - 4.30pm to 6pm

Project Group - 6.30 to 7.30

You will be:

Supporting youth work activities and workshops

Supervising young people in discussion sessions

Building positive relationships with young people

Working with other staff to plan and evaluate activities by gaining feedback

The application process is simple - please submit an initial enquiries form by clicking on the below link with your details and ensure you let us know that you saw our advert on the CharityJob website and we will get in touch to discuss next steps. Following a brief discussion we will ask you to fill in a few more details, carry out an informal interview and apply for a DBS check as well as requesting details of two referees.

We also provide full training and support throughout your journey and you will have access to events and celebrations throughout the year!

We look forward to welcoming you to be a part of the One YMCA Family!

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Location

Multiple locations available across:

· Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)

· Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)

· Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)

· Wales (RAF Valley)

· Wiltshire (MOD Boscombe Down)

· Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

· Cornwall (RAF St Mawgan)

· West Midlands (RAF Cosford)

· Shropshire (RAF Shawbury)

·       Hampshire (RAF Odiham)​

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required

Caritas Young Parents’ Service offers accommodation-based support to young parents and their children who have experienced chaotic and/or unsafe lifestyles. We aim to keep families together and equip them with the tools they need to move on to independent living. We provide a safe space for parents to confidently parent their child.

We show parents how to play with their babies and toddlers to help them to develop new skills through guided play sessions and story times. We run skills and wellbeing sessions for the parents to help them develop independent living skills, such as how to cook on a budget.

We are excited to advertise for a new volunteer that can help deliver these activities, so if you have any skills that you are not utilising, you might be just who we are looking for.

What you will be doing

• Supporting the staff-led delivery of creative age-appropriate activities for the children, wellbeing-focused sessions for the parents and getting involved with the activities and sessions organised by staff.
• Supporting staff led activities focused on day-to-day tasks that will increase confidence, such as basic cookery sessions
• Empathising with young people experiencing parenthood for the first time.
• Volunteers are required to follow all Caritas safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries policies at all times. Any concerns about the welfare of any of the children or adults who use the services must be acted upon in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy.
• Volunteers be responsible to the Service Manager who would organise their induction and ongoing supervision.
• Volunteers would be expected to ensure the confidentiality of the people who use the service, and not share any information relating to them outside of the service team.
• Volunteers will be working alongside a member of staff - either the service manager or a project worker. Once a volunteer is confident and the manager is happy with their approach then they may be left to complete a play session, for example, but they would not be working alone in the building.
• This role requires a commitment of 5 to 10 hours per week. The role is open ended not fixed term.

The skills you need

• Empathy
• Good listener
• Good communication skills
• Patience
• Respect
• Some residents may have experienced trauma, homelessness, abuse or family breakdown. Volunteers should be comfortable working in a sensitive and supportive environment.

What's in it for you

• Opportunity to use your experience and skills to support people in your communities to whom your support matters.
• Growing confidence and esteem
• Full induction and training
• Further training opportunities

Disclaimer

Please read before applying: As part of the safer recruitment process, we will be requesting an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two references for this role. Having a criminal record is not necessarily a bar to volunteering within the organisation. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and the background of the offences. Prior to starting with us you will be required to complete mandatory online training modules.

Volunteer Role: Volunteer- Connect Service

Location: Across Wales

Frequency: Approximately six to ten hours per month 

Reporting to: Children and Young Peoples Service Manager 

Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS

What you will be doing

As a volunteer with the Connect Service, you will work with the Lead Workers to support delivery of the Children and Young People Service, across South Wales. You will support the Lead Workers to maintain agreed levels of contact with young people and their adoptive family during their registered time with the service and support other Connect activities as agreed with you.

During the monthly sessions you will help with general tasks such as room set up, refreshments and general duties involved with group sessions as well as supporting the children and young people to engage in the group activities/workshops.

In between the monthly sessions it will be important to keep up to date with adoptive parenting issues through reading Adoption Today, Adoption UK publications and information, and other relevant background material. 

As a Volunteer with the Connect Service, you will attend volunteer induction training and ongoing training and development. As well as talking to, or meeting with, relevant Adoption UK staff for the purpose of supervision and review. It will be essential to comply with Adoption UK’s health and safety, equal opportunities, child protection and vulnerable adult, data protection, confidentiality and other policies. 

The Skills and Experience you need 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

• Ability to relate to children and young people 

• Ability to work as part of a team 

• The capacity to understand and to empathise with the issues of concern for adopted children and young people and their parents 

• Awareness of, and dedicated to, anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities 

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and an understanding of the aims and objectives of Adoption UK. 

• Ability to respect and understand the need for confidentiality 

• Flexible and adaptable approach to work 

• Positive and motivated attitude to work 

• Professional approach 

• The ability to speak Welsh is desirable and respect for the Welsh language is essential 

What’s in it for you

• Meet new people and be part of helping adopted young people to thrive  

• Access to the online family members area and the opportunity to attend relevant training and development opportunities  

• Use and develop your communication, organisational and people skills  

• Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out the role and agreed out-of-pocket expenses  

Safeguarding role requirements: All applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Multiple locations available across:

· Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)

· Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)

· Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)

· Wales (RAF Valley)

· Wiltshire (MOD Boscombe Down)

· Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

· Cornwall (RAF St Mawgan)

· West Midlands (RAF Cosford)

· Shropshire (RAF Shawbury)

·       Hampshire (RAF Odiham)​

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required
 

Do you love the outdoors and hands on exploring? We are looking for the 'practical hands' to help our families reclaim their childhood. Help children build dens, discover wildlife and reconnect with nature in joyful, confidence boosting outdoor sessions! You will be helping us to create a safe space for joy to return! This role is great for anyone who thrives outdoors and wants to bring mini adventures to life. This role will take place every other Friday.

We are seeking a diverse, proactive team of volunteers to support a 6-week summer programme (July 20 – Aug 28) across three refuge houses. Our mission is to rebuild parent-child bonds and bring joy back into childhood for families recovering from domestic abuse. You will be volunteering alongside the Children Family workers throughout the summer, and will be invited to join an end of summer party.

Support activities that promote healthy lifestyles, emotional wellbeing, personal development, and positive mental health. Volunteers will help create a supportive environment where young people can participate in wellbeing activities, build resilience, and access positive opportunities for growth and development.

Promote positive mental health and wellbeing Encourage healthy habits and self-care Support confidence, resilience, and self-esteem Help young people feel safe, valued, and supported

You will need to have the following skills in order to participate:

• Empathy and good listening skills
• Positive and supportive attitude
• Ability to build positive relationships with young people
• Good communication skills
• Respect for diversity and inclusion
• Commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing

Vault Youth Zone is accessible by local bus and train services.

Limited local parking may be available. Full directions will be provided upon successful application.

SNAAP is a charity based in Herne Bay, Kent which provides disabled children and their families with clubs and days out throughout the year. Children are aged 0-25 and disabilities range depending on the club:

Chill-in Youth Club - ages 11-25 years - less complex needs. Every other Tuesday 4.30-7.30 in Herne Bay. Young people who attend like to chill on bean bags, help cook their dinner, do gaming, play sporting games or just sit at a table and do craft or chat. There will be someone you can help! And you are an important mentor to these young people as they learn key independance skills. You can really make a difference to a young person and your attendance helps us take even more young people as this club is run at capacity.

Buzz Club - ages 8-13 years - less complex needs. 1 day a week during school holidays 9.30-2.30 in Herne Bay. Children love to make slime, do crafts, enjoy outside play and games, bake cakes and much more! This can be a lively session, depending on which children book on, so your help is much needed so we can keep an eye on all the different areas. 

Family Days out - families with all needs. These are held during all school holidays and range from a day at the beach or pool, diggerland, bowling or Mote Park. Providing support from staff and volunteers enables many families to attend, so your support is crucial. Play with children, provide an extra pair of hands at the beach to keep children safe, or create fun games at the park. 

Join us and make a big difference to the lives of disabled children and their families, as well as being part of a fab team! Also, Volunteering with us often leads to employment as a Play Support Worker.