Training volunteer roles

Looking to Make a Difference? Join Where Next as a Board Trustee!

Are you a passionate professional who wants to make an impact beyond the workplace?

About Where Next
Where Next is a charity based in Redditch, Worcestershire and Studley, Warwickshire providing support to adults with learning disabilities.  Founded over 40 years ago by caring parents it has grown from strengthen to strengthen and now provides day care for 150 clients.  The care and support is centred around horticultural and social activities but it also covers many other activities for the clients ensuring that is a varied and engaging programme of activities, nurturing the potential of everyone who attends Where Next

The charity is led by a Chief Executive and a passionate and experienced Board consisting of an excellent Senior Management team and Trustees.  There are 20 staff in total 

The charity has just commenced a developmental journey which will be looking at redesigning the facilities and services ensuring that the charity continues to be relevant going forward. 

Our webpage provides mor information and insight to the work of the charity

What we are looking for.

The Board are looking to strengthen existing skills and knowledge that currently exists and would like to appointment Trustees with any of the following skills and experiences.

Ø  Parent/ carer of an individual with Learning and Disabilities - living or professional experience – bringing day to day experiences to ensure that the Charities strategy is appropriate from a user’s perspective

Ø  Health and safety contract management – providing expertise in all aspects of safety aspect

Ø  Fund raising and PR/marketing including social media - Bringing innovative ideas to expand our reach and connect more people with our cause.

Ø  Project management – sharing skills to aid strategy of charities developments

Ø  Business planning and/or Business Case development -providing skills for the creation of business cases

Ø  Horticultural management – Bringing leadership to support the activities of the charity

Ø  Education /Training/ skills and personal development - offering insights to help improve and develop our Board and workforce

Why Become a Trustee While Working Full-Time?

• Enhance Your Professional Skills: Gain leadership, governance, and strategic experience that complements your career development.
• Broaden Your Network: Collaborate with like-minded professionals, build relationships across sectors, and expand your influence.
• Flexible Commitment: We understand your time is valuable. Our trustee roles are designed to fit alongside your job, with regular meetings and flexible involvement options.
• Make a Real Difference: Your expertise can shape the future of a charity that empowers individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

What’s Involved?

• Board Meetings: Attend approximately 4 meetings per year (held in person and/or virtually).
• Strategic Guidance: Work with fellow trustees to set the long-term vision and strategy of "Where Next" and oversee its implementation.
• Support & Advice: Provide expertise in your specific area while supporting the leadership team on key decisions and projects.
• Advocacy: Use your professional network to champion our cause and help us grow.

The application process

Applications are welcomed and applicants should send CVs and a supporting statement detailing what has attracted the applicants to Where Next to the Chief Executive. 

The shortlisted applicants will be invited for initial discussion with the chairman and CEO.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Skills & characteristics required for befriending are:

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

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

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 6 September 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 7 and 18 September 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 8 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 15 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 22 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 12 November 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a Service Delivery Volunteer you will provide specialist support services for people affected by crime.

Why volunteer with us?

·  Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and/or alongside staff.

·  Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.

·  Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.

·  Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

 Volunteering with Victim Support in Staffordshire

As a Volunteer in Staffordshire your role will include:

·  Making a real impact by helping people affected by crime feel safer, supported, and empowered.

·  Building valuable skills and confidence through specialist training in safeguarding, risk assessment, and supporting victims of crime.

·  Representing Victim Support at local events and community activities, raising awareness and connecting with people who need help.

·  Networking with local organisations and community partners, gaining insight into multi-agency working and referral pathways.

What do we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Service Delivery Volunteer, you must:

·  Be 18 years of age or over.

·  Be able to volunteer for at least 6 hours per week, for at least 12 months.

·  Undertake training over a 10-week period – this includes 7 virtual training days as well as completing a workbook and online learning modules.

·  Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.

·  Be able to provide two satisfactory references.

·  Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

·  All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

·  VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

·  VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

·  We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Wolverhampton.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process 

Volunteer with the MS Society Help Hub

Do you want to make a real difference to people affected by MS?

Our MS Help Hub is a national service that supports around 20,000 enquiries every year, providing trusted information and emotional support to people living with MS, their families, friends and carers.

We’re looking for compassionate and supportive volunteers to join our national team and help ensure no one has to face MS alone.

As a home based MS Help Hub Volunteer, you’ll provide emotional support and practical information through telephone conversations. You’ll help people access services, resources and support in a welcoming, non-judgemental environment.

You don’t need to have all the answers. Full training, ongoing support and guidance from staff, other volunteers and specialists will be provided throughout your volunteering journey. (Information on training dates can be found below)

Join our passionate volunteer community and help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

Time commitment

This flexible, home-based role involves an agreed commitment of three volunteering hours each week, plus attendance at monthly team meetings.

Preferred cover times are Monday to Friday between 11am and 1pm, although all availability will be considered. The Help Hub operates Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.

Training

Training will consist of online modules, each taking between 30-90 minutes which will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, am and pm, every week during July and August. You must be able to commit to these training times. For more detailed information on training please see the document with further information for details on how to contact us. 

What you’ll be doing

• Offering emotional support and information in a non-judgemental and non-directive way
• Using active listening skills to support a range of conversations
• Signposting people affected by MS to relevant services and support
• Developing awareness of social and medical issues affecting people with MS, including statutory services and welfare benefits
• Recording enquiry information in line with our Data Protection Policy
• Escalating safeguarding concerns and referring complex enquiries when needed
• Attending monthly team meetings and training sessions
• Keeping up to date with MS news and our work across the UK

What we’re looking for

We’d love to hear from people who are:

• Empathetic, supportive and non-judgemental
• Comfortable communicating with a wide range of people
• Willing to learn and develop new skills
• Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Comfortable using digital systems and online resources
• Able to work as part of a team and ask for support when needed

Training and support

You’ll receive:

• A full induction and Help Hub training
• Ongoing support from staff and fellow volunteers
• Access to learning and development opportunities
• Quarterly access to external supervision
• A Volunteer Welcome Pack

Mandatory training includes:

• Data Protection
• Safeguarding
• Shape of Contact
• Role-specific Help Hub training

What you’ll gain

• The opportunity to make a real difference to people affected by MS
• Experience supporting people through meaningful conversations
• Increased confidence and communication skills
• Knowledge of MS and related support services
• Experience working as part of a supportive national team
• Opportunities to influence and contribute to our work
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses related to your role

Volunteer with the MS Society Help Hub

Do you want to make a real difference to people affected by MS? 

Our MS Help Hub is a national service that supports around 20,000 enquiries every year, providing trusted information and emotional support to people living with MS, their families, friends and carers. 

We’re looking for compassionate and supportive volunteers to join our national team and help ensure no one has to face MS alone.

As a home based MS Help Hub Volunteer, you’ll provide emotional support and practical information through telephone conversations. You’ll help people access services, resources and support in a welcoming, non-judgemental environment.

You don’t need to have all the answers. Full training, ongoing support and guidance from staff, other volunteers and specialists will be provided throughout your volunteering journey. (Information on training dates can be found below) 

Join our passionate volunteer community and help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

Time commitment

This flexible, home-based role involves an agreed commitment of three volunteering hours each week, plus attendance at monthly team meetings.

Preferred cover times are Monday to Friday between 11am and 1pm, although all availability will be considered. The Help Hub operates Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.

Training 

Training will consist of online modules, each taking between 30-90 minutes which will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, am and pm, every week during July and August. You must be able to commit to these training times. Please see the longer advertisement on information on how to contact us with questions around training 

What you’ll be doing

• Offering emotional support and information in a non-judgemental and non-directive way 

• Using active listening skills to support a range of conversations 

• Signposting people affected by MS to relevant services and support 

• Developing awareness of social and medical issues affecting people with MS, including statutory services and welfare benefits 

• Recording enquiry information in line with our Data Protection Policy 

• Escalating safeguarding concerns and referring complex enquiries when needed 

• Attending monthly team meetings and training sessions 

• Keeping up to date with MS news and our work across the UK 

What we’re looking for

We’d love to hear from people who are:

• Empathetic, supportive and non-judgemental 

• Comfortable communicating with a wide range of people 

• Willing to learn and develop new skills 

• Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries 

• Comfortable using digital systems and online resources 

• Able to work as part of a team and ask for support when needed 

Training and support

You’ll receive:

• A full induction and Help Hub training 

• Ongoing support from staff and fellow volunteers 

• Access to learning and development opportunities 

• Quarterly access to external supervision 

• A Volunteer Welcome Pack 

Mandatory training includes:

• Data Protection 

• Safeguarding 

• Shape of Contact 

• Role-specific Help Hub training 

What you’ll gain

• The opportunity to make a real difference to people affected by MS 

• Experience supporting people through meaningful conversations 

• Increased confidence and communication skills 

• Knowledge of MS and related support services 

• Experience working as part of a supportive national team 

• Opportunities to influence and contribute to our work 

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses related to your role 

Ealing Carers Partnership offers support services to unpaid family carers aged 18+, living or caring for someone living in the London Borough of Ealing. We work together - and with others - to provide support services and breaks for carers. Our current services include: respite (replacement) care in the home; care worker support to access community groups or services; Carer Cafes in four locations across Ealing; a developing range of wellbeing activities, and; events and social opportunities. We are seeking volunteers to work alongside the team to support our work.

Main purpose of the role

The Carers Community Champions role is to support us in promoting Ealing Carers Partnership’s services by raising awareness of what we offer. We might ask for you to put up leaflets in your neighbourhood and, from time to time, to staff a stall in a community setting. 

Benefits of becoming a Carers Champion:

Becoming a Carer Champion will help you to:

• Experience volunteering in a charity 

• Develop new skills and experience, possibly helping you to find work

• Grow your confidence

• Take part in free training sessions to build your knowledge 

• Meet new people 

• Make a vital difference to the work of Ealing Carers Partnership.

It will give you the satisfaction of:

• Supporting carers and making a big difference in their lives

• Feeling that you have achieved something positive every time you volunteer

• Empowering communities by raising awareness of sources of support

• Being part of an organisation, which has strong values and provides help and support to those most marginalised in society 

• Connecting with other volunteers and local organisations.

General responsibilities 

In order to promote Ealing Carers Partnership’s services and events, we expect that you would be asked to:

• Hand out leaflets or post fliers in supermarkets, doctors’ surgeries, libraries, leisure centres and other community venues with high footfall in your immediate neighbourhood

• Help with setting up of events and staffing stalls 

• Help to pack up after the events 

• Supporting staff at the Carers Cafés and making light refreshments

• Sharing your caring experiences with others if you are a former carer, or just listening to those that need to talk

• Accompanying carers on trips out

• Working with the team to find new ways of publicising services and providing insights about your neighbourhood. 

Skills, experience and personal attributes

Whilst we are happy to provide training as needed, we hope that you will be able to demonstrate:

• A positive attitude towards vulnerable clients who may have a variety of complex needs and those who are caring for them 

• The desire to gain local knowledge about services or a willingness to find out what is available to support local carers 

• A minimum availability of 2/3 hours per week

• Being comfortable in terms of talking to people in groups 

• A knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, although full training will be given. 

Training and support

We will try to offer a good range of training and support to all volunteers but, as a minimum, you can expect to:

• Attend starter training sessions, an induction to the programme and staff

• Undertake a DBS check

• Attend Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Customer Care training

• Attend appropriate team meetings/ briefings so you are up to date on what we are delivering 

• Attend 6-8 weekly checks-ins for support for you and to see how you are doing within your role. 

Expenses

Out of pocket and travel expenses will be reimbursed as agreed upon commencement.

For this role volunteers MUST be aged 18 or over.

About us:

H4All is working to advance the health and wellbeing of residents in the London Borough of Hillingdon.

This is done through our Community Champions programme, which is an initiative made up of organisations and local volunteers who promote positive wellbeing messaging and share healthcare information.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for committed volunteers who are interested in public health and meeting people in the community. As a Community Champion, you’ll be conducting community outreach, making new connections and supporting us with Community Health projects.

This is a meaningful opportunity to reduce health and social inequalities in the borough of Hillingdon, while gaining practical experience and benefiting from free training.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with the public as part of community outreach efforts, including attending events and speaking with residents about health programs and activities. This role will take place at different locations and venues across the London Borough of Hillingdon.
• Support the community by providing information on health services, resources and support networks.
• Complete a monthly log detailing any health outreach undertaken.
• Assist in survey data collection.

Benefits for you:

• Free, specialised training and mentoring provided, enhancing personal and professional skills.
• Hands-on experience in health outreach and community engagement.
• Networking opportunities with healthcare professionals, community organisations and other volunteers.
• A chance to demonstrate your commitment to community health.

Training and support given:

Mandatory training:

• Online Safeguarding and Suicide Prevention courses
• Current healthcare messaging
• NHS blood pressure testing

Throughout your time volunteering with us, there will be additional online and in-person training that will be offered (depending on interest and projects we are running).

Expenses:

We can provide expenses for travel and parking at events or training.

Skills and attributes required:

• Strong desire to make a difference in the London Borough of Hillingdon and improve the local community’s health.
• Confidence in speaking with the public and engaging with diverse communities.
• Respectful of confidentiality and procedures.
• Empathetic and understanding of others’ cultures, beliefs and backgrounds.

Desirable:

• Ability to speak a community language [e.g. Somali, Punjabi, Polish, Arabic, Urdu, Bengali, Mandarin, Spanish] would be beneficial.
• Previous experience in community health or outreach would be beneficial.

Commitment required:

• Full induction and Mandatory online courses, as well as Blood pressure checks training before starting your volunteering.
• Attend relevant training when offered.
• We ask for a commitment of 6 months due to free training and individual support/development offered to our volunteers.
• This is a flexible role, and you can select which outreach events or projects to join based on your commitments. We accept however much time you can spare.

Reporting to: Health and Wellbeing Programme Officer

Documents Required:

• In your application form, you will be asked for 2 references who have known you for at least a year. They can be from a professional, a friend, a support worker etc.

To apply for this role:

A H4ALL application form must be completed. 

AYDA needs help to support the development of young people from all backgrounds, particularly women and girls, through education, training and family programmes.

As a small volunteer-run charity, AYDA does not have the expertise to create an impactful social media presence. This is especially the case with LinkedIn which we believe to be pivotal in identifying and engaging with potential partners across the UK. This would enable our programmes to be rolled out more widely and so gain more traction.

Most urgently we need someone to work directly with the Chair, Lucy Njomo, to create a powerful profile for the charity. LinkedIn does offer support to "not for profit" organisations, but we have neither the knowledge nor the capabilities within the board of trustees to take advantage of this. We are seeking a confident professional who can take on the challenge of projecting AYDA and its critical work much more effectively to like-minded groups who could and should be working with us to tackle VAWG in society.

We also know that networking via LinkedIn will be fundamental in fuelling a separate initiative to build youth education and vocational training centre in Cameroon. Land and official permission have already been acquired so now we need to build the consortium to deliver this critical initiative.

The desired individual should therefore be able to build a powerful profile and the network visibility we need to bring these vital initiatives into the spotlight to attract both funding and delivery partners.

What are we looking for?

The ideal person to help us will be very comfortable in the social media world, particularly the use of LinkedIn to build strong B2B networks and relationships. Ideally they would also have some third sector experience in creating powerful charity profiles. Since this is an unpaid role, it is likely that the individual would have a personal passion for combatting VAWG in all sections of UK society and/or creating youth development opportunities in one of the poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Understanding of the capabilities of LinkedIn as a platform in general and its support structure for charitable organisations is critical.

What difference will you make?

We accept that we do not have the ability to maximise the potential offered by platforms such as LinkedIn. So, although we welcome advice, we urgently need someone to take on the challenge of turning that into positive actions to empower both the UK VAWG and Cameroon youth development initiatives.

Within the UK the specific impact goals are to:

• Create awareness and provide information about various forms of violence against women and girls. Educate target audiences about the prevalence and impact of VAWG on individuals, families and communities.
• Promote gender equality, by challenging harmful gender norms, fostering respectful relationships, and creating safe environments for women and girls.
• Introduce VAWG survivors to local support services such as helplines, shelters, counselling centres and legal aid organisations.
• Provide education and resources to engage men as allies and promote healthy masculinity. Encourage them as to challenge sexist attitudes and behaviours within their communities.
• Explore ways to support and empower survivors of VAWG. This can include trauma-informed approaches, self-care strategies, and opportunities for economic empowerment.
• Collaboration with key stakeholders in building partnerships to enhance communities’ positive response to VAWG. Highlight the significance of collaborations with government agencies, NGOs, law enforcement, health care providers and educational institutions.

For Cameroon the impact will come from opening doors to potential international funding, construction and delivery partners for the vocational training centre.

AYDA is proud of its work to date and now needs a LinkedIn presence that can take us to the next level.

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a Service Delivery Volunteer you will provide specialist support services for people affected by crime.

​

Why volunteer with us?

·  Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and/or alongside staff.

·  Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.

·  Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.

·  Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

 Volunteering with Victim Support in Staffordshire

As a Volunteer in Staffordshire your role will include:

·  Making a real impact by helping people affected by crime feel safer, supported, and empowered.

·  Building valuable skills and confidence through specialist training in safeguarding, risk assessment, and supporting victims of crime.

·  Representing Victim Support at local events and community activities, raising awareness and connecting with people who need help.

·  Networking with local organisations and community partners, gaining insight into multi-agency working and referral pathways.

What do we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Service Delivery Volunteer, you must:

·  Be 18 years of age or over.

·  Be able to volunteer for at least 6 hours per week, for at least 12 months.

·  Undertake training over a 10-week period – this includes 7 virtual training days as well as completing a workbook and online learning modules.

·  Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.

·  Be able to provide two satisfactory references.

·  Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

·  All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

·  VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

·  VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

·  We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.