Supporter care volunteer roles

Be the Spark in Someone’s Month

Do you love a good chat, enjoy meeting new people, and want to make a real difference in someone’s life? Come and be part of something special!

We’re looking for friendly, outgoing volunteers to help at our monthly social group meetings. These gatherings are a lifeline for many of our members living with combined sight and hearing loss — offering connection, laughter, and a safe space to make new friends.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Group Volunteer, you’ll be the welcoming face that makes our members feel at home. Your role might include:

• Greeting members with a warm smile

• Helping with lunch and refreshments

• Spending time chatting and socialising

• Supporting members with mobility or guiding, if needed

Our Wrexham group meets every second Thursday of the month from 10.30am to 12.30pm

Got a Talent? Share It!

Whether you’re a quiz master, a crafty creator, a musical marvel, or have a few magic tricks up your sleeve — we’d love to see what you can bring! Your unique skills could add that extra sparkle to our sessions.

What You’ll Get

• Full training and 1:1 support

• Opportunities to learn and grow in your role

• The joy of knowing you’ve made a real difference

All you need is a friendly, welcoming manner and a willingness to help. We’ll take care of the rest.

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

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

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
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

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

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

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

You’ll be:

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Actingas an ambassador for Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better  with cats.

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

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

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
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

The branch are looking for indoor fosterers so any applicants would need to have a suitable spare room.

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on the Cats Protection website

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter

Network meetings weekly on Tuesday 20:00 - 21:30
 

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

Welcome Event Thursday 23/04/26 19:00 - 21:00

Interviews to be held Saturday 11th April 2026
Training for role - Date, time and location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 09/04/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. 

As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows. 

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. 

What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter. 

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on one of the two dates - 5th or 12th of September 2026 with more details to be confirmed. 

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates: Welcome Event (Induction) - will take place between in October 2026. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30th August 2026 If you’d like to know more about volunteering or would just like to chat to someone who does, get in touch. 

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter

We are recruiting Community First Aiders in the North Nottinghamshire area, covering Worksop, Retford, Tuxford, Warsop, Ollerton, South Normanton, Mansfield, Sutton In Ashfield, Kirkby in Ashfield, Bilsthorpe, Farnsfield, Hucknall, Eastwood, Kimberley
 

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - 26/07/2026 time and location to be advised
Training for role - date, time and location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/05/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

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

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

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

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

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

Minimum Age: 18

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

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

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered. 

Calling all animal lovers! We're looking for passionate volunteers to join Team Teckels at our charity shop in Stroud.

Teckels rescue, rehabilitate and rehome hundreds of vulnerable cats and dogs every year. Your support in our charity shop will make a massive impact on their lives, helping to raise valuable funds towards their care.

We have customer facing and non-customer facing roles available, so there is something to suit everyone. You could be welcoming customers, helping them with their purchases and putting sales through the till. Or helping out the back preparing donations ready for sale, merchandising, and making sure everything looks its best.

We welcome volunteers whenever the shop is open between 9am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday. Most volunteers do a morning 9am-1pm or afternoon 1pm-5pm shift, but we can be flexible to suit you and your other committments.

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers? No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us. Full training is provided. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community. Our Cadet programme gives young people aged to 11-18 years, to get involved in: • learning first aid • volunteering at local and national events • engaging in social action and helping their local community • learning about health and wellbeing • developing confidence and communication skills through Cadet leadership training • enjoying a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities. We currently have vacancies in the following areas: Bilsthorpe on Monday evenings Hucknall on Tuesday evenings Mansfield and Worksop on Wednesday evenings.

As a youth helper there is a requirement for you to attend weekly meetings, at least 2 per month, during term time. Relevant training for the role will be given. The cadet group meets on Monday evenings in term time.

Pursuing the role

We are looking to run a volunteering interview selection session, dates and venue to be confirmed

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role, dates, time & venue to be confirmed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 
31/05/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

As part of the role, successful volunteers would need to attend a six-day training course (over three weekends), and maintain CPD by completing a minimum of 100 operational hours (as an Emergency Responder at events). Volunteers would also be expected to attend network meetings on a regular basis.

We will be running a number of information events locally and these will be shared after selection of your application.

Interviews will be held in Mid-April at our Liverpool HQ. The selection centre will include an informal conversation with some of our volunteers, double checking of details and the opportunity to have a go at some lifesaving skills.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) -01st September 2026, details of times, venue to follow. Induction will be partly done during network meetings supported by a wider SJA introduction day, once screening for role is completed.
• Training for role -  There will be a number of training courses available across the country, and these will likely be in the autumn. Details of course including dates, time & venue TBC. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 18th April 2026; Selection and Interview Dates will commence 19th April till 09th May 2026. 

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Time Commitment:

• Four Board meetings per year (two in person, two remote).
• Additional flexible, primarily remote support to trustees and museum staff.

Term: Up to four years.

Help Shape the Future of a Nationally Significant Regimental Museum

HorsePower, The Museum of The King’s Royal Hussars, is entering a pivotal and exciting new chapter. With a bold five-year strategy underway, the Museum is reimagining how over 300 years of regimental history is interpreted and shared, creating a “Museum of the Future” that is engaging, relevant and accessible to new and diverse audiences.

To support this transformation, we are seeking a Brand and Communications Trustee with the vision, experience and creativity to help elevate the Museum’s profile, sharpen its voice and strengthen its impact.

This is a high-impact voluntary role at board level, offering the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to a distinctive heritage organisation at a moment of real change.

About HorsePower

Located at Peninsula Barracks in Winchester, HorsePower tells the story of The King’s Royal Hussars from 1715 to the present day, spanning India, Waterloo, the World Wars and modern conflict. The Museum cares for a rich and nationally important collection, including unique archives, uniforms, medals and personal stories.

As part of its new strategic plan, the Museum is focused on increasing relevance, reach and resilience, broadening audiences, strengthening income streams and establishing itself as one of the most vibrant and accessible small military museums in the South of England.

The Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees are the custodians of the Regiment’s heritage and the long-term stewards of the Museum. All trustees serve in a voluntary capacity and bring a wide range of senior-level experience, including strategic leadership, operations, finance, HR, legal, commercial and military expertise.

As the Museum moves into its next phase, the Board recognises that strategic brand and communications leadership is essential to delivering its ambitions, and this is where you come in.

The Role

This is a newly created role with real scope to influence both strategy and delivery. Working closely with the Chair, the Strategy Working Group and the Assistant Curator (Marketing and Communications), you will help shape how the Museum presents itself to the world. Key areas of focus include:

• Developing clear and inspiring brand guidelines that bring coherence and confidence to the Museum’s identity, rooted in its values and regimental heritage
• Identifying and articulating the Museum’s unique differentiators, ensuring it stands out in a competitive cultural and heritage landscape
• Leading the development of a Strategic Communications Plan, with a compelling narrative that supports audience growth, partnerships and fundraising
• Supporting the creation and delivery of a Marketing and Communications Plan to raise profile, increase footfall and broaden engagement
• Acting as a trusted advisor to trustees and staff on communications, messaging and brand-related decision-making

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys building something of lasting value and making a tangible difference in a small, ambitious organisation.

About You

Essential:

• Proven experience in branding, marketing or communications at a strategic level.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear. persuasive narratives
• Confidence working collaboratively with trustees, senior stakeholders and professional staff.

Desirable:

• Experience in museums, heritage, culture or the not-for-profit sector.
• An interest in military history or storytelling.
• A creative, entrepreneurial mindset, particularly in relation to audience development and income generation.

We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate relevant transferable skills gained through professional or life experience.

Why Join Us?

• A rare opportunity to help shape a museum redevelopment from the ground up.
• A meaningful trustee role where your expertise will have visible, lasting impact.
• The chance to work with a committed Board and passionate staff team.
• The satisfaction of contributing your skills to a nationally significant heritage cause.

Closing date: 25 March 2026
Interviews: Late March/early April 2026

HorsePower is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. 

Do you have a passion for African and Diaspora history and a vision for empowering communities through knowledge?

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a Volunteer African & Diaspora Book Club Coordinator to join our founding volunteer team. This role focuses on creating a welcoming learning space where community members can explore African and Diaspora history, literature and ideas together.

As Book Club Coordinator, you will organise and facilitate a book club programme that encourages reflection, discussion and shared learning. Working with the Membership Director and Community Engagement team, you will help create meaningful conversations that build knowledge, cultural pride and collective understanding.

This role blends facilitation, coordination and community engagement to support a learning space rooted in respect, curiosity and cultural awareness.

Experience, Qualifications and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Knowledge or strong interest in African and Diaspora history, literature, and cultural movements

• Experience facilitating discussions, learning groups, or community programmes

• Strong communication and group facilitation skills

• Ability to create inclusive spaces for respectful and meaningful discussion

• Confidence guiding conversations about history, identity, power and social change

• Good organisational skills for planning sessions and coordinating participants

• Commitment to community learning and cultural awareness

• Reliability and a collaborative approach to working with others

Desirable

• Experience using digital tools for online meetings, shared documents, or community platforms
   

Qualifications

Formal qualifications in history, education, cultural studies or related fields are welcome but not required. Relevant experience, community knowledge, or lived experience are equally valued.

Key Responsibilities (Reduced)

• Select books and reading materials focused on African and Diaspora history and culture.

• Plan and facilitate regular book club discussions online or in person.

• Encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations about the readings.

• Support participants to reflect on historical and contemporary themes.

• Invite guest speakers or contributors when appropriate.

• Share discussion materials and resources with participants.

• Capture key insights and feedback to help improve future sessions.

• Work with the team to align the book club with wider community programmes.

What This Role Offers You

• Leadership experience facilitating a community learning programme

• Opportunity to help people connect with African and Diaspora history and culture

• Personal growth through dialogue, reflection and cultural education

• The chance to shape a meaningful learning space within a values-led CIC

What This Role Is Not For

• Individuals seeking purely administrative work without facilitating discussions

• Those unwilling to guide conversations that explore complex historical and social themes

• People expecting rigid structures without creativity or community engagement

A Final Word

Learning is about people, not just books.

Trust grows through thoughtful facilitation, care and intellectual honesty.
Respectful handling of stories, histories and lived experiences is a responsibility.
Listening deeply and honouring diverse voices keeps learning communities strong.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces?  You don’t need a military background, just the ability to listen, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English.  If so, this could be the role for you.

Our Branch provides lifelong support to anyone who has ever served, in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and their dependants. We also give support to those who has been in the Merchant Navy, Seafarers, Fishermen and their dependants, and British Airways staff past and present. Our main role is seeking welfare benevolent grants on behalf of clients who reside in the 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland. They can arrange anything from household goods, funeral costs, mobility aids or other general needs. Legal fees are not considered. We would advise clients to seek state and local benefits by signposting them to the relevant agencies.

What is a caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of help they need, this might be funds for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit.  Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.  Our trained volunteers listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help people navigate life in and beyond military service.  We need you to join your local SSAFA team to help us achieve this.

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

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. Our volunteers are based at home with a yearly AGM invite.

What does this role involve?

• Contacting clients and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time

• Meeting clients and completing a form to assess their circumstances

• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice

• Keeping in touch with your branch so they know your availability

• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients

• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser

• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the

Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background and their dependents

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

• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community

• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support will you receive?

• On-line or face to face instructor led training and e-learning modules, to prepare you for your voluntary role.

• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.

• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact. •

• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.

• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

What skills or experience do you need?

• Good listening and communication skills including written and spoken English

• Respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues

• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills.  Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role  

• Ability to make enquires on behalf of clients by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms

• If required, willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the caseworker training course)

• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice

• Reliable attitude, contact clients promptly, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability 

• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients

• Friendly and approachable with some experience of coordinating people and admin

•       Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies. 

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

Minimum Age: 18  

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

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives)

Is a criminal record check required?  Yes, Garda Vetting, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer.