The library volunteer roles in Harlow, essex

Description

Do you have an interest in how technology can enable people with sight loss to live connected, independent lives? We'd love you to get involved in our regional hubs, working with our technology service coordinators to help people with sight loss develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to use everyday technology.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference.

Additional location information

• Barking Central library Barking Learning Centre 2 Town Square Barking IG11 7NB

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 16 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Good communication skills
• Patient approach to training
• Natural tech user

Communications Assistant

Are you a creative communicator who’s passionate about making a difference? Our charity is seeking one or more volunteer Communications Assistants to help us share our story, raise awareness, and engage supporters through a variety of channels.

In this role you would help to advise our board on developing strategies and take on a choice of responsibilities such as

Digital Content & Social Media: Managing day-to-day operations of social media channels (Twitter/X, Facebook, LinkedIn), updating the website, and producing digital content like e-newsletters.

Campaign Support: Planning and executing marketing and communication campaigns that promote fundraising events and awareness-raising activities.

Brand & Internal Communications: Ensuring all communications maintain a consistent brand voice and tone, including internal communications with staff and volunteers.

Monitoring & Evaluation: Managing media monitoring platforms, analyzing social media analytics, and reporting on the effectiveness of communication efforts.

Support & Administration: Assisting with the creation of printed materials (leaflets, posters) and organizing photo libraries.

Healthwatch Islington is led by local people interested in making health and care services as good as they can be.

We speak to local residents about their experiences of accessing health and care services to understand patient experience across the borough. We use this information to influence health and care commissioning in and around Islington and to provide residents with information about local services and their rights to access them. We are part of the Healthwatch network across England.

We are looking for people with a connection to Islington who would like to join our exciting volunteer team.

The role of a volunteer Health Champion:

We are looking for people who are friendly, patient and confident talking to new people to help us hear about local people’s experiences of health and care services.

This Health Champion role can include:

• Attending information stands in the community as part of our team and talking to local residents

• Supporting health information workshops or community meetings (notetaking, participant feedback etc.)

• Providing health information about specific campaigns (e.g. cancer awareness, heart health; training will be provided)

All Healthwatch Islington volunteers must attend an induction session and appropriate training before volunteering with us.

Role Description:

Talk to residents and listen to their experiences at health Information stalls and events. These will mainly be in the daytime, Monday-Friday. These activities take place across the borough and require the ability to travel.

As we work with a wide range of residents across our diverse ethnic minority communities, we welcome applications from people with diverse language skills.

Person specification:

· Ability to work well with others

· Ability to explain things clearly and listen without judgment

· Confidence approaching and talking to new people

· Understanding of confidentiality, respecting this at all times

· Availability to participate regularly, often during 9 to 5

Benefits of the role:

· Access to Healthwatch Islington training

· Supervision and support in the role

· We can provide a reference after 6 months of volunteering if you have met the requirements listed above

· Tempo Time Credits for hours spent volunteering with us

Commitment required:

· A flexible commitment of at least one session each month

· Availability for a two-day training prior to the first session

· At least six months' commitment to the role.

This friendship group was started to provide opportunities for people with learning disabilities to make friends, go on monthly trips and overall have a lot of fun. You can help us make that happen!

An opportunity is available to volunteer at a friendship group for adults with learning disabilities No prior experience is required. Enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and a supportive attitude are what matter most.

Projects You May Support

Volunteers can choose to help with one or both projects:

1. Friendship Group

• When: Every Tuesday during term time, 1:30pm–4:30pm
• Where: Canning Town Library

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting participants during various activities (e.g., reading tasks).
• Encouraging communication and helping build friendships.
• Boosting confidence through positive interaction.
• Assisting with setting up and packing away activities.
• Helping individuals get refreshments.
• Building trust through calm, kind engagement.
• Reporting any concerns, incidents, or disclosures to staff.

2. Joy Hub

• When: Usually the last Tuesday of each month during term time (timings may vary; activities announced up to 4 months in advance).
• Purpose: Monthly free outings planned by the Friendship Group—examples include bowling, cinema, theatre, and museum visits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensuring everyone feels included.
• Encouraging individuals to participate and build confidence.
• Helping with practical tasks such as navigating meeting points, refreshments, and transitions between activities.
• Building rapport through supportive, calm interactions.
• Reporting any concerns or incidents to staff.

Skills You’ll Develop

• Communication: Adapting language, using non-verbal cues, and practising active listening.
• Empathy & Patience: Understanding diverse needs and responding calmly.
• Teamwork: Working collaboratively with staff and volunteers.
• Leadership: Taking initiative while supporting individuals with varying needs.
• Problem-Solving: Managing challenges in a person-centred environment.
• Composure: Staying calm in potentially challenging situations.

Useful Experience (Not Essential)

• Disability awareness
• Knowledge of safeguarding, confidentiality, and disclosure
• Experience supporting vulnerable individuals
• Understanding of neurodiversity and person-centred approaches

Enthusiastic learners are encouraged to apply even without direct experience!

DBS will be provided!

Please note this is a volunteer role:

Bridge the Gap Ending Digital Poverty C.I.C is a community interest organisation based in Hackney, dedicated to supporting families, children, and the wider community. We strive to provide an inclusive, non-discriminatory service where everyone feels welcome. We invite you to join our friendly team as a Volunteer Digital Skills Champion and help shape our future. This role will be based in our community hubs, this could be job centres, food banks, libraries etc. If you have 3-6 hours to spare per week, are tech-savvy, and live in or near Hackney, don't miss the chance to support those in need and make a difference!

Role Description

• Must live in or be local to Hackney
• To support residents in basic tech knowledge using digital devices such as Laptops, tablets /Ipads or phones
• To support/guide participants to navigate through their devices safely
• To support residents on a one to one basis weekly
• To Develop and maintain positive relationships with residents enabling them to build confidence
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times
• To support residents to give feedback on what they have learnt
• Understand safeguarding or willing to undertake training
• Knowledge of basic first aid

Commitment

The role requires a weekly commitment of around 3-6 hours on a weekly basis.

Bridge the gap ending digital Poverty C.I.C are committed to achieving an inclusive environment which provides equality of opportunity and freedom from unlawful discrimination for everyone who works within and accesses our organisation and services.

Benefits

• work in a supportive team
• company events
• Training
• volunteer Travel/lunch reimbursed
• opportunity to grow within BTG
• DBS
• And many more

Ready to apply?

All applications are completed online. You’ll answer some simple questions and upload your CV/Cover letter.

If applicants need support they will not be negatively assessed, instead helped through the process. Please get in touch.

Job Type: Part-time/Volunteer

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Free or subsidised travel
• Store discount

Application question(s):

• Do you have safeguarding training
• Do you have Basic first aid training?
• Are you flexible throughout the week to supporting the community hub sessions?

Experience:

• Computer literacy: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person