Volunteering opportunities volunteer roles

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

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. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

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.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, 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.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. 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.

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

Welcome Event (Induction) - dates, times and location to be advised,

Training for role - dates, times and location to be advised,

Closing date for these opportunities is: 05/04/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

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. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

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.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, 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.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. 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.

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

Welcome Event (Induction) - dates, times and location to be advised,

Training for role - dates, times and location to be advised,

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

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

A Touch of Gentleness is a non-profit CIC shaping a more compassionate culture by putting gentleness, presence, and human connection back at the heart of society, organisations, and everyday life

Please note the locations mentioned are a guide only. This role will require some remote work, and some in-person work around East Sussex. You must be based in the UK to fulfill this role.

Role Purpose

This is a wonderfully social and meaningful role that includes:

• Being a point of contact and support for volunteers,
• Nurturing a sense of community for volunteers in the local area.
• Representing A Touch of Gentleness at network meetings online and in person,

The role provides a beautiful opportunity to nurture community, connection, and gentle leadership in action.

Key Responsibilities

• Reporting to and liaising with the CEO and local Events Co-Ordinator’s
• Contacting  and supporting newly qualified volunteers
• Fostering a Culture of Care amongst volunteers
• Organising occasional coffee meet-ups for volunteers in local areas,
• Networking online and in person with other organisations and charities as an ambassador for A Touch of Gentleness

Skills Essential

• Strong communication, listening and people skills
• A warm and open disposition
• Organised, reliable, responsive and solution-orientated
• Basic IT skills (email, google forms, WhatsApp)
• Ability to work independently while being part of a wider team
• Passion for human connection, inclusion and gentle presence
• A desire to serve others
• Preferably a car driver

Skills Desirable

• Familiarity with networking
• Ability to organise small local fund-raising events.

About A Touch of Gentleness CIC

A Touch of Gentleness is a heart-led not for profit CIC (community interest company ) offering free hand massage and gentle listening presence to individuals in the community and in organisations. With over 150 trained volunteers, we aim to bring more connection through touch and active listening. Through this service we helping to shape a more compassionate culture. One that is grounded in generosity, gentleness, joy and peace. 

What We Offer

• Connection with a growing and compassionate network
• Flexibility to work around your life and community
• Supportive team environment and regular check-ins
• Training and development opportunities as we grow

HOW TO APPLY

If this feels like work you would be proud to do, please send a short covering letter to Helen detailing your suitability for the role and reasons behind your application along with your CV.

We review applications as they arrive and aim to respond within two weeks.

Social media volunteer

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

Our social media volunteers use their passion and knowledge of social media to promote the activities of local volunteer teams though various channels. They directly help cats by raising awareness of Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise the funds we need for our work, ensure people know they can adopt a cat from us, help promote neutering and help as many people as possible learn more about feline welfare.

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:

· Promoting the work of Cats Protection through various social media channels, for example, Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter)

· Gathering information from across the organisation and locally within your volunteer team

· Writing and creating social media content, ensuring it complies with policies and guidelines

· Scheduling and posting social media content

· Monitoring activity and responding to comments on social media channels

Time expectation

Our social media volunteers can expect to spend between two to five hours per week in this role. This role is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

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 form 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. 

This position is a Trustee role, sitting on Hidayah's board. The HR & Recruitment Lead provides strategic leadership, governance oversight, and guidance on all human resources and recruitment matters to enable Hidayah to operate effectively and sustainably. This role sits at board level and works collaboratively with fellow Trustees to ensure strong people management practices aligned with Hidayah’s mission, values and legal obligations.

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Lead on the development and oversight of Hidayah’s HR and Recruitment strategy
• Ensure HR policies and procedures are robust, legally compliant, and aligned with best practice within the voluntary sector
• Advise the Board on workforce planning, organisational structure, succession planning and volunteer lifecycle management
• Provide strategic oversight of recruitment processes to ensure fairness, transparency and equality
• Oversee risk management relating to HR and people governance
• Support the preparation of HR-related content for the annual report

Recruitment & Workforce Oversight

• Oversee the creation and approval of role descriptions and recruitment materials
• Provide guidance on recruitment panels and selection processes to ensure consistency and inclusivity
• Monitor and evaluate recruitment effectiveness and retention trends
• Support the development of structured onboarding processes
• Ensure appropriate systems are in place for record-keeping and confidentiality

Organisational Development

• Champion a positive, inclusive and values-driven organisational culture
• Advise on volunteer and staff development frameworks
• Oversee training strategy and learning opportunities
• Support conflict resolution and provide guidance on disciplinary or grievance matters when required

What do we expect from the HR & Recruitment Trustee?

Essential:

· Strong administrative and organisational skills.

· Attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive data responsibly.

· Comfortable using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive).

· Good written and verbal communication skills.

· Commitment to confidentiality and data protection best practices.

· Alignment with the values and mission of Hidayah LGBTQI+.

Desirable:

· Experience using CRM or applicant tracking systems to manage people or processes.

· Previous involvement in recruitment, HR, or volunteer coordination.

· Knowledge of inclusive recruitment and accessibility best practices.

· Understanding of challenges facing LGBTQI+ Muslims and other marginalised groups.

· Experience volunteering or working in a charity or community-based organisation.

Ensure you do not have a conflict of interest with your current role and check this prior to applying for this role.

How much commitment is required? 

We are flexible around your schedule, most roles require 2-4 hours per week depending on the time of year, current priorities etc. However, the following commitments are in place for all members of the Hidayah Board:

• Attend monthly Trustee meetings and provide updates on HR & Recruitment matters
• Attend regular one-to-one check ins with the Chair
• Attend Hidayah events (where geographically possible)
• Check and respond to emails in a timely manner
• Contribute to Trustee communications (via Discord) and remain engaged with organisational developments
• Provide HR-related information, statements and data for the annual report as required
• Stay up to date with organisational changes, governance responsibilities and sector developments

This role is subject to a 6-month probationary period with a 2-month notice period should you wish to resign.

This role remains in place until the next AGM.

What benefits do I get from this role?

·  A feeling of making a difference to LGBTQI+ Muslims and the feeling of being part of an organisation which seeks social justice for LGBTQI+ Muslims. You can be part of that change.

·  Gaining board-level governance experience.

·  A warm and approachable team of volunteers to support you as you work with us at the other end of the phone.

·  Strategic experience and development.

·  Development of professional networking skills.

·  Development of interpersonal skills.

·  A reference for your CV.

Welcome & Reception Volunteer [London] 

Do you want to help people experiencing the housing emergency? 

Information about the role 

You’ll be an essential part of the team, welcoming clients and visitors to the hub. You’ll be providing information and key admin support that enables people to get the help they need with their housing. As well as gathering feedback from clients on their experience of our service.

Location: London Hub, 88 Old Street, London

Suggested contribution: One day per week (can be flexible around your commitments)

Availability: Volunteering will take place at a time that suits you, within Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Deadline to apply: If you are interested, please apply at your earliest opportunity as this role will close once a sufficient number of applications is received. We are aiming to respond to all applicants on Monday 20th April

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

Main activities may include: 

• Covering reception duties and being the first point of contact for the hub. 

• Booking in clients for appointments with our advisors. 

• Responding to general enquiries both in person and over the phone. 

• Triaging clients both in person and over the phone

• Signposting people to other appropriate services. 

• General administrative tasks (such as photocopying, scanning, data entry, filing) 

• Phoning clients around 8-10 weeks after they accessed our services. 

• Asking clients set questions to gather information on their experiences with Shelter and the difference it has made to them.

• Recording the phone calls and the responses given onto our client database (CRM). 

This role fights the housing emergency by enabling people who are struggling with housing or homelessness to get the advice and support they need.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Your skills and experience 

There are no specific skills or experience you need to have for this role though we do welcome the following skills

• Understanding of the housing system

• Speak more than one language we particularly welcome speakers of Arabic, Bengali, French, Urdu. But any additional language can be useful please specify on your application form if you speak more than one language and which language you speak.

Supporting you 

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook. 

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders. 

Next steps 

You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us to see what options are available. 

We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a basic level Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information. 

End of document

Are you a confident driver with a desire to support a great cause behind the scenes? Join us as a Volunteer Fundraising Van Driver and play a vital role in helping our fundraising events run smoothly and successfully.

You’ll be responsible for transporting essential equipment — from banners and tables to raffle prizes and collection buckets — to and from event locations.

You’ll be working closely with our friendly fundraising team and other volunteers, helping to make sure every event is set up for success.

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.

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

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. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

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.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, 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.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. 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.

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

Closing date for these opportunities is: 10/07/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

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. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

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.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, 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.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. 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.

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

Welcome Event (Induction) - dates, times and location to be advised,

Training for role - dates, times and location to be advised,

Closing date for these opportunities is: 20/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces?  You 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.

Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? St Vincent’s Shop in Withington is looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to join our team!

Volunteering with us is a fantastic opportunity to support a great cause while gaining valuable skills, meeting new people, and making a real difference locally. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or more, your time will help us continue providing vital support to those who need it most.

No experience needed; just a warm smile and a willingness to help.

If you’d like to get involved, pop into the shop or get in touch to find out more. We’d love to welcome you to the team!