Training services coordinator volunteer roles

We are looking for volunteers who can spend some time with our clients  in and around Central London, specifically Chelsea, Pimlico, Barnes, Tower Hamlets. and other areas.  Locations change often as new referrals come in, so if this is something that interests you, please get in touch and tell us where you are based as we may have other clients in your area. 

 Meetings are regular weekly or fortnightly, for at least 6 months although most of our volunteers stay involved for much longer than this, only because they enjoy what they do! 

Befriending is a simple way to make a positive difference to someone who spends a lot of time 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!”  

Your meetings could be in the local community, having a chat in a coffee shop, visiting places of interest together, or in our client’s home.Our clients are older Scots, aged 60  plus who simply want to do 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 the ideal opportunity  for you to gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting, or for anyonewho simply enjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter. 

Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must be living in the London area. 

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

Skills & characteristics required for befriending are:

• English speaking, clear communication for coversation
• Listening skills
• Friendly, warm and non-judgemental 
• Honest, reliable and committed
• Empathy 
• Understanding of the need to maintain confidentiality (covered in training) 

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

Could you raise SSAFA’s profile in your local area? You just need patience and the ability to get on with a wide range of people and age groups, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be he role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Publicity Coordinator?

Publicity Coordinators work with other branch volunteers to develop a Publicity Plan to raise awareness of SSAFA that reaches potential beneficiaries, volunteers, and funders.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our beneficiaries come from all walks of life 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. We need to recruit volunteers that reflect our local communities and raise money to fund our work. Could you spare a few hours a week to help us raise awareness?

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.

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

This role is about building awareness so beneficiaries know who we are and how they can benefit from and access support, promoting volunteer opportunities and encourage people to raise finds and celebrate success. This means that on occasions, you might need to be present at events. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can conduct the administration part of this role form home.

What would you be doing?

• Working with other branch volunteers to develop a publicity plan.
• Publicising SSAFA events.
• Work with Marketing/PR staff at central office to develop case studies of clients and volunteers and ensure that SSAFA branding and messaging are consistent.
• Develop and maintain networks with local press, TV and radio outlets through providing press releases, interviews, case studies etc.
• Working with the Digital Team at Central Office to develop and maintain a local on-line presence for the branch via a website and social media channels.
• Keeping a stock of SSAFA publicity materials and distributing them
• Liaising with PR staff at central office or on-call in the event of a PR/press situation.
• Supporting local and national campaigns to recruit new volunteers.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA including all sections of the community in awareness raising
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

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 - communication and marketing workshops.
• 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.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team as well as Marketing and Communication Teams based at our central office.
• 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 people with good communication skills
• Good written and spoken English.
• Confident to deal with the public, potential clients, volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues – face-to-face, by phone, email or via social media
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Reliable attitude
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely in line with SSADA policies.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to meetings and events.

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? No

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

We are looking for a patient and caring volunteer to visit a man in his early 60s who lives in a supported living home in central Coventry. He enjoys going to watch the football, woodwork and crafts, gentle walks, and watching sports and films.

Out and About Role

This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
• Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Can you help with our Collection Tins and Daffodil Boxes?

Distribute and collect our Marie Curie tins or daffodil boxes in your local community - in shops, cafés, pubs, sports and social clubs, pharmacies and other venues.

Availability: 1-2 hours per month required – totally flexible to suit you

Locations: Your hometown and surrounding areas

We welcome applicants aged 18 years or older for this opportunity - if that’s you, we’d love to welcome you to the team! 

What you'll do:

• Distribute and collect collection tins/boxes
• Count and bank donations securely
• Monitor and empty donation boxes regularly
• Identify new venues

Why you'd be a great fit:

• Friendly and bring a positive attitude
• A good organiser
• Comfortable talking to people from all walks of life
• Knowledge of your local area

What you get:

• Essential training delivered
• Ongoing guidance and wellbeing support
• Recognition for your time

Perks:

• Travel and expenses reimbursed
• Access to discounts on shopping, dining, travel and more

Ready to support your local community and make a real difference? 

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a local group Finance Volunteer, you’ll make sure your group gets the most for their money. In this role you’ll be able to develop your financial and communication skills whilst working closely with other members of the group Coordinating Team.

Most importantly, you’ll be part of a team that provides vital support and services to people within your local MS community.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year and, in many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

We’re looking for a kind, patient, and confident volunteer to spend time with a lovely gentleman in his early 60s who lives in Crosby. His previous volunteer has recently retired, and he’d really appreciate some friendly company again.

He has profound and multiple learning disabilities, and while he communicates in his own way, he absolutely lights up around people he trusts. He enjoys good food, classic 80s TV shows, and the comfort of familiar faces. Your visit would be a gentle check-in — sharing a cuppa, a chat, and simply being present.

This is a Check in visit role, meaning that your visits are likely to be short - on average 30 minutes or less. Some of the people we visit may be unable to communicate with words. Sometimes the person might choose not to meet with their visitor. Your visit is however very important, and these are some of the things you could be doing on a visit: • Checking in on their well-being and speak to support staff to get an update on how the person is doing • You might be able to bring a treat that the person enjoys, like chocolates or fruit. • Some people we support enjoy sensory experiences so items that will stimulate their senses can also help you create a sense of connection with the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions.

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Can you help with our Collection Tins and Daffodil Boxes?

Distribute and collect our Marie Curie tins or daffodil boxes in your local community - in shops, cafés, pubs, sports and social clubs, pharmacies and other venues.

Availability: 1-2 hours per month required – totally flexible to suit you

Locations: Your hometown and surrounding areas

We welcome applicants aged 18 years or older for this opportunity - if that’s you, we’d love to welcome you to the team! 

What you'll do:

• Distribute and collect collection tins/boxes
• Count and bank donations securely
• Monitor and empty donation boxes regularly
• Identify new venues

Why you'd be a great fit:

• Friendly and bring a positive attitude
• A good organiser
• Comfortable talking to people from all walks of life
• Knowledge of your local area

What you get:

• Essential training delivered
• Ongoing guidance and wellbeing support
• Recognition for your time

Perks:

• Travel and expenses reimbursed
• Access to discounts on shopping, dining, travel and more

Ready to support your local community and make a real difference? 

Become a Remote Text Service Volunteer 

Self Injury Support has been supporting people affected by self-harm, trauma, and distress for almost 40 years. Our wonderful team of Listening Service Volunteers provide valuable, non-judgemental support that makes an important impact on the lives of those who contact us. 

We’re currently recruiting home-based remote volunteers across the UK for our text service, with the likelihood of the role extending to helpline support in the future, and to become part of our friendly, like-minded community. 

Our next training block will take place remotely over four days: 28th Feb, 1st March, 7th March & 8th March from 10am til 4pm each day. Please note that attendance on all four dates is required to complete the training.

Please carefully read the information below and fill in our short application form to apply. There are limited places available for this round of volunteer recruitment and training, so we recommend getting applications in as soon as possible and before 20th February. If you have any questions about the role, please contact our team, however please note that only applications through our online form will be considered and we are not accepting CV’s via email.

Why volunteer?  

• Develop valuable skills and knowledge in active listening, self-harm, trauma, mental health, and other related areas.  

• Meet supportive, like-minded peers on shift, as well as at our quarterly Volunteer Days where you'll receive additional relevant training.  

• Access support from our coordinators and volunteer team through supervision and reflective practice. 

• Develop a gentle, transformative approach to mental health that can be applied elsewhere in life. 

• Transform the lives of an often overlooked and misunderstood community. 

What's it like being a volunteer?  

When you join our team, you’ll take part in our four-day online training course. The training is an opportunity to meet new people and learn the valuable skills you’ll take with you into the work.  

Working on the service, you’ll answer calls, texts and emails from people impacted by self-harm and offer them confidential, emotional support to understand their own experiences and make decisions that are right for them. 

Every quarter, you’ll meet a group of your peers to discuss volunteering and have a safe and confidential space to reflect on the work. 

Who can volunteer?  

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and life experiences. You may have your own experiences of self-harm or mental health challenges or be keen to learn more about how to support others through these experiences.  

You don’t need previous listening or counselling experience, just an open mind, a commitment to the role, and a willingness to learn.  

We're looking for anyone who wants to offer meaningful support, who can listen with empathy and an understanding that everyone’s situation is unique. We're keen to recruit volunteers who are flexible, adaptable, and open to new learning experiences.  

What happens now?  

After you submit the short form, we'll get in touch to arrange a chat if we feel you'd be the right fit for our services. Due to a high number of applications and limited resources, we are unable to provide feedback and may only be able to respond if your application is successful. There are only 8 places available and we won’t be able to recruit everyone that applies, but do follow us on LinkedIn to look out for future training opportunities later this year.

Practical details:  

• An Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for this role, which will be paid for by Self Injury Support.  

• We ask that volunteers commit to a year on the service after completion of training. If you're looking for a shorter commitment, this may not be the role for you. 

• You'll require access to a laptop, internet and an uninterrupted space during training and all the shifts you attend with us. 

• You must be available on the training dates mentioned above, and available for one evening shift per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays. 

If arts and crafts make you happy, imagine sharing that joy with someone who loves it just as much. As a volunteer visitor, you could spend time painting, drawing, crafting, or exploring creative spaces together building a real friendship while doing what you both enjoy. It’s about more than making art; it’s about connection, confidence, and creating moments that truly matter.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

Watch a video about this volunteer role here

This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
• Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us:

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility 

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

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

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility 

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

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

Support Session Volunteer

You’ll be supporting people over the age of 18 with disabilities, this may include those with poor mental health, learning difficulties, autism and other disabilities.  Your role will include supporting clients to understand and undertake a task on a one-to-one basis.  The task will vary from client to client as will the needs of the individual. 

As a support session volunteer, you might: 

• help people have their say when it matters most
• Helping individuals navigate challenges and ensuring their needs are met
• help people to make complaints and use local services 

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

Safeguarding Commitment Statement 

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

ED&I Statement 

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

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

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
• Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
• Enjoying a walk

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

 Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Children’s and Young People’s Activities Volunteer
Help young carers enjoy safe, fun, worry-free breaks from their caring role.

You support children and young people aged 5 to 25 during trips, club sessions, workshops, and holiday activities. You help them meet others, grow in confidence, and enjoy time for themselves. The role involves travel across Solihull so you can attend events and activities when needed.

Your tasks
• Support the Lead Sessional Worker during planned activities and outings
• Help create a safe, welcoming, inclusive space
• Encourage young carers to join in and feel confident
• Follow safeguarding, risk, and safety guidance
• Attend team check-ins and required training

What you bring
• Experience with children or young people
• Calm, adaptable approach
• Confidence working in busy group settings
• Good communication and teamwork
• Flexible availability for evenings and school holidays

What you gain
• Meaningful impact on young carers
• Training and skill development
• Experience in youth support and group work
• A place in a friendly, supportive volunteer team

Do you enjoy a warm cuppa and a good browse through charity shops? We’re looking for a friendly, reliable volunteer to spend time with an adult with a learning disability—sharing simple outings like visiting a local café and exploring nearby charity shops together.

This is a lovely opportunity to build a meaningful connection, boost someone’s confidence, and help them feel more included in their community.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

Sitting and having a chat Checking in on their well- being Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc. Enjoying a walk

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be: Friendly and approachable Accepting of others who might be different to yourself Reliable and patient Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability. Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed Meet new people Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Become a GamCare Online Peer Supporter

Make a difference by using your own experiences

For over 25 years, GamCare has been there for people experiencing gambling harms, whether that be people who gamble themselves or someone impacted by someone else’s gambling. We offer support over the phone, face-to-face or online and our treatment is free, flexible and confidential.

We are currently recruiting for Online Peer Supporters, to provide one-to-one and group support to both individuals who gamble and those affected by someone else’s gambling. Using their own experiences of gambling-related harms, volunteers will support others digitally as part of our Online Support Services and will include email support as well as facilitating our Forum and Chatrooms.

Full training and ongoing support will be provided to enable you to use your lived experience to work with our team as an Online Peer Supporter, providing support to all of those affected by gambling.

We believe that peer support is essential in the recovery journey. It provides:

• Shared understanding
• Reduces stigma
• A non-judgemental environment
• Practical insights and tools
• Continued motivation and hope

Our online platforms are designed to provide social connection to those who could be isolated or feel they have no one else to talk to. People accessing our services have identified that receiving support from someone who has had similar experiences can really benefit them when overcoming the challenges they may face on their recovery journey. It also provides a sense of community and belonging and contributes to the long-term support of those accessing these services.

Training

A comprehensive training programme will be delivered by our Volunteer Coordinators to provide you with the skills and confidence to use your experiences to support others while protecting your own recovery. Training includes:

• Safeguarding
• Motivational interviewing
• Facilitation skills

Role Responsibilities

Online Peer Supporters will:

• Navigate and guide contacts through existing services at GamCare and the National Gambling Support Network.
• Use motivational interviewing skills while drawing from their own lived experience to provide a supportive, non-judgemental space for those affected by gambling harms.
• Facilitate discussions via our online support services, including:

Email – you will be paired with an individual for regular email correspondence (on average 1-2 emails per week for approximaely 6 months)
Chatrooms – you will facilitate group discussions and supporting conversation between people at various stages of recovery
Forum – you will initiate discussions, respond to posts, and provide encouragement, signposting and support to forum users

• Help individuals set aims and goals to move to a more positive, sustained recovery whilst also providing resources to support people with these plans.
• Recognise the purpose and remit of our service and signposting to other internal and external support where appropriate.

What can I expect from GamCare?

In return, GamCare will:

• Provide a full, comprehensive induction and training programme
• Give you access to a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator
• Offer and arrange 1:1 and group supervision
• Fully support your own wellbeing and recovery journey
• Give ongoing training and development opportunities
• Provide access to some internal job opportunities within our services team
• Provide a reference after 3 months of regular volunteering

Role Requirements

For any of our volunteering roles we ask that you have lived experience of gambling-related harms. This includes being affected by someone else’s gambling (friend or family member).

We ask that you’ve been in positive, sustained recovery for at least one year before volunteering with us.

This role is completely remote, so you’ll need access to a reliable internet connection, a computer and a confidential space.

For full role requirements, please see the Role Profile on our website.

Please note that this role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please do not let that deter you from applying as all applications will be considered.

Availability & Commitment

We ask that you have availability at a regular time for around 1-2 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Before volunteering with us, you will need to complete a mixture of self-directed online training and live online group training sessions delivered by our Volunteer Coordinators over a period of approximately 4 weeks.

Full details of the induction, including the next available dates will be sent to you by a member of the team within one week of receiving your application.