Wellbeing volunteer roles

“Queer Space” is a support group is for adults who identify as LGBTQ+ and who have experience of mental health challenges. It is a peer-led space with a focus on empowerment, community, expression and joy. Above all, the space is led by the community it serves.

We are seeking a Volunteer Group Facilitator is to provide peer support and facilitate a group with the guidance of a coordinator, whilst creating a welcoming environment and sharing their own knowledge/experience of living with mental health difficulties. The role will also entail the planning of groups and assisting with other peer support administrative duties.

We will be running two groups, daytime and evening; you are welcome to apply for both or just one.

The group offers:

• A safe space to talk openly and honestly about mental health, Queerness and identity
• Peer support from people who have walked a similar path
• Real talk: honest discussions led by peer group facilitators who have been there
• Fun! A space to express, explore and create to understand ourselves, our identities and our place in the world better.

What we’re looking for:

• Enthusiasm for supporting and engaging people in group settings, helping to create an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• A willingness to draw on your own personal lived experience and share to inspire hope and connection.
• Strong communication and listening skills, with the ability to offer empathy, encouragement and appropriate support.
• A collaborative team player who can work effectively with colleagues and volunteers and carry out basic administrative tasks.
• Commitment to promoting wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone feels respected and valued.
• A reliable and professional individual who can represent South East London Mind positively and commit to volunteering regularly over the long term.

Benefits of volunteering with us:  

• Gain frontline experience
• Expenses paid in line with volunteering policy
• Opportunities to progress within organisation
• Regular training and development opportunities
• Ongoing supervision and support
• An opportunity to be part of a team
• An opportunity to help people within the local community
• Volunteering Week celebrations
• In-depth induction training which includes active listening skills, group dynamics, mental health awareness, and EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)

Interested in the role? Next steps:

• Complete a Volunteer Application Form using role person specification as a guide
• Interview and reference check
• Undergo an Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service check
• Complete our volunteer training programme

Queer space is a peer-led service. As such, the successful candidate should have lived experience of the LGBTQ+ community, with their own experience of mental health issues.

We recognise the importance of having a diverse and inclusive work force, and would therefore particularly welcome applications from the following, currently under-represented, groups:

SEL Mind is committed to meeting the reasonable adjustments of disabled people and always welcomes applications from people with lived experience of mental health problems.

How to apply

Please find our application form and details of how to apply on our website.

Project overview: 

Alfriston Outreach Service is dedicated to helping older and vulnerable people in Kingston. We provide services such as Hot Lunch delivery, Shopping, and Laundry delivered into people’s homes, with our aim to support older people to remain independent in their own homes. 

About us:

Mind in Kingston supports people with mental health issues and raises awareness within Kingston and surrounding areas. We provide training, supervision, and opportunities for career development. 

Volunteers are extremely valued within our team and a vital part of our service delivery. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, including those who may have personal or professional experience of mental health. While lived experience can bring valuable perspective, it is not a requirement for volunteering with us. Our focus is on providing volunteers with the training, guidance and supervision they need to feel confident in their roles and to develop their skills. Volunteers are supported to succeed and offered opportunities to connect with trustees, staff and other volunteers both professionally and socially. Above all, we value the contribution volunteers make to our community and are committed to recognising their achievements. 

Main purpose of the role: 

• Support and assist the Lunch Delivery. 

• Deliver the Hot Lunches into people’s homes. 

• Report any observations or concerns about service users’ wellbeing to the supervisor.

Tasks will include: 

• Supporting the Driver on the Lunch Delivery. 

• Carrying Hot Meals into Service Users Homes. 

• Using Key Safes to open doors where necessary. 

• Delivering Laundry and Shopping to some Service Users. 

• Provide a point of contact for Service Users. 

• Reporting on changes in Service Users well-being. 

• Reporting back any safeguarding concerns immediately to the supervisor. 

• Maintain regular contact with the supervisor. 

• Attend meetings and supervision sessions. 

What you will receive in return: 

• Training in Safeguarding. 

• Training in Food Handling. 

• Training for any other skills as identified by yourself and your supervisor. 

• Regular check-in with your supervisor, reflective supervision, and managerial support. 

• An opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones while being a part of a supportive team at Mind in Kingston. 

• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses. 

• Professional references upon completion. 

• *Alfriston volunteers only: access to a discounted lunch (£5 per lunch, subject to availability). A minimum of 24 hours’ notice must be given. 

What we expect from you: 

• Commitment for at least six months. 

• Completion of required training. 

• Adherence to Mind in Kingston’s policies (e.g., confidentiality, safeguarding). 

• Proactive engagement with your supervisor for support. 

Application Process: 

• Two recent references are required. 

• An enhanced DBS check is necessary. 

We ask volunteers for two references, one of which must come from someone who has supervised you recently in your work or studies, such as a current or previous employer or a tutor. You will also need to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, as you will be working with vulnerable adults. 

We are looking for enthusiastic Badminton Session Volunteers to help lead and support our weekly badminton sessions!

We are looking for enthusiastic Badminton Session Volunteers to help lead and support our weekly badminton sessions, encouraging residents to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through sport.

Location:

Wycombe Badminton Centre

Crest Road

High Wycombe

Buckinghamshire

Session Times:

• Monday: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
• Wednesday: 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Project Resilience provides easily accessible opportunities for our hostel residents to take part in a variety of social and sporting activities, helping to improve their overall health, wellbeing and confidence.

We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about badminton and enjoy encouraging others to participate in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Planning, preparing and delivering engaging weekly badminton sessions.
• Helping with the set-up and tidying away of equipment.
• Encouraging residents to participate and supporting them to develop their confidence, fitness and badminton skills.
• Working closely with the Project Resilience Coordinator, maintaining open communication and providing feedback.
• Assisting with any related events or friendly tournaments where appropriate.

This role offers a rewarding opportunity to motivate and support vulnerable residents while helping them improve their physical health, mental wellbeing and social connections. You'll gain valuable coaching and leadership experience while making a positive impact within the community.

You will need:

• Previous experience of playing, coaching or leading badminton sessions.
• The ability to work as part of a team as well as on your own initiative.
• An empathetic and understanding approach to working with vulnerable residents who may have varying levels of fitness and sporting ability.
• A recognised sports coaching or fitness qualification is desirable (this does not need to be badminton-specific), or relevant experience leading sports sessions.

What we will provide:

• A full induction to the role and site.
• Mandatory e-learning and access to a range of optional training opportunities.
• Ongoing supervision and support from your line manager.
• Access to organisational events and celebrations throughout the year.

Please note: You will be required to undergo a DBS check, and we will require two references before you begin volunteering.

Are you passionate about health and wellbeing? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others through movement and mindfulness? We’re looking for a Yoga and Fitness Instructor Volunteer to support our service users at Medway Recovery House. This role is a fantastic opportunity to share your skills and promote physical and mental wellbeing in a supportive environment.

What you will be doing

• Leading weekly yoga or fitness sessions tailored to the needs of our residents
• Encouraging participation and creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere
• Supporting individuals in building confidence and improving their physical health

The skills you need

• Experienced and qualified in yoga and fitness
• A friendly, patient, and encouraging approach
• Good communication skills

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Job Description – Volunteer Senior HR Manager

Organisation: Children With Voices

Location: Hackney, London - Hybrid

Job Purpose

The HR Manager plays a vital role in supporting the vision and mission of Children With Voices by ensuring that all HR practices are fair, compliant, and aligned with safeguarding, equity, and community wellbeing. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources, from recruitment and staff development to compliance and wellbeing initiatives. The HR Manager will be instrumental in creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where staff, volunteers, and young people can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading our HR function and setting the standard for how we recruit, support and look after everyone here
• Leading our HR Support and Administration volunteers, giving them direction and helping them develop
• Making sure our policies and practices hold up against UK employment law and safeguarding requirements
• Advising managers on people matters, and telling us plainly when something needs paid professional or legal advice
• Building fair, inclusive and safe recruitment and onboarding across staff and volunteers
• Overseeing HR and volunteer records so they are accurate, secure and compliant with data protection
• Helping us build honest processes for supervision, wellbeing and handling concerns
• Ensure workplace compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Embed safeguarding responsibilities across all HR practices, ensuring no child or vulnerable adult falls through the gaps.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in an HR management role, ideally within the charity or community sector.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, HR compliance, and safeguarding requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust at all levels.
• Experience managing recruitment, onboarding, and training processes.
• Ability to mediate and resolve conflicts in a fair, professional, and sensitive manner.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

Senior HR experience and current knowledge of UK employment law. Real experience of leading a team, because you will have volunteers looking to you. The judgement to know what you can decide and what needs escalating. Absolute discretion, as you will handle confidential information. Charity experience is welcome but not essential.

• CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or equivalent HR certification.
• Experience working with volunteers, young people, or community-focused organisations.
• Knowledge of charity governance and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in developing wellbeing or mental health initiatives.

What you will get from us

Full ownership of a people function you can build the way it should be built. Direct access to our CEO and a real voice in how this charity runs. A team of your own to lead. A personal reference, and the knowledge that everyone here is better looked after because of you.

Do you want to see more happiness and kindness in the world? We’re looking for dynamic Volunteers to be part of creating exactly that!

About the Role:

Our volunteers bring people together for shared online learning experiences, based on positive psychology, that boost the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Our groups and courses can be run online or in-person in your local area.

- The amazing 6-week Happiness Habits Course is designed to be run by pairs of volunteers.  It features expert videos, science-backed exercises and the chance to form meaningful connections. Our course has been specially designed to gather the insights of the world's leading experts on six fundamental aspects of a happy and meaningful life: Gratitude, Self-Care, Relationships, Resilience, Kindness, and Meaning. It is a very impactful (many say life-changing) experience.

- Alternatively, you can get involved by supporting a Monthly Group, bringing like-minded people together to learn evidence-based tools for creating a happier and more meaningful life. Explore the monthly themes and encourage people to set personal actions towards happiness, that support both themselves and others.

Volunteering with Action for Happiness is a path of action that consistently feels like you are making a difference in the world. You don’t have to be an expert - or be happy all the time. If you are a warm and enthusiastic person that is more than enough to get started.

Why Volunteer with Us?

Do something that matters: spreading happiness and witnessing people transform for the better is a huge source of meaning.

Grow your skills: inspiring others, learning together and reinforcing your own happiness skills all contribute to personal growth.

Build community: meeting like-minded people, building lasting friendships and belonging to a global community contributing to a better future for all.

How do I know it’s right for me?

Try out free VOLUNTEER TRAINING via the Action For Happiness website and decide for yourself.

We've designed it especially to help you answer questions like this as it explains thoroughly what being a volunteer involves and helps you reflect on your readiness.

What is the time commitment?

You'll need to set aside a couple of hours for the training initially and a few more for planning your course or group and connecting with your co-volunteer. Then you'll need a couple of hours per session for facilitating (x6 weekly sessions for a course, or x1 session per month for a group). 

- Apply today! Together, we can inspire change that ripples out through people’s lives, communities and the world.
 

Walking Group Volunteers help service users build confidence, improve wellbeing, and reduce social isolation by supporting them to take part in regular group walks in their local community. The role also includes light shopping support—helping individuals access local shops, build independence, and feel more comfortable navigating their community.

What you will be doing

• Encourage conversation, connection, and gentle physical activity in a supportive and friendly environment, helping service users feel safe, included, and confident during walks.
• Create an inclusive, encouraging atmosphere where service users can build social skills, connect with others, and increase self esteem.
• Provide light, practical support with shopping trips, such as visiting local shops before or after walks.
• Help service users plan small shopping tasks (e.g., picking up essentials).
• Lead or co lead regular walking sessions with service users in local parks, streets, and community areas.
• Encourage independence while offering reassurance and support with navigating shops, queues, and payment if needed.
• Assist service users in becoming more familiar with their neighbourhood, including shops, parks, cafes, and community spaces
• Help identify opportunities to take part in local activities that promote independence and wellbeing.
• Report any concerns or changes in a service user’s wellbeing to staff promptly.

The skills you need

• Friendly, patient, and supportive
• Good communication and listening skills
• Empathetic and encouraging
• Reliable and able to maintain professional boundaries

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

About PEP
PEP Enterprise CIC is a Lancashire-based organisation focused on GEM leadership and representation, creating opportunities for voices and communities that are too often missing from the spaces where decisions are made.
We bring people and organisations together, creating powerful partnerships and collaborations that deliver meaningful change for the communities we work alongside. Our work spans leadership, education, employment and wellbeing, but our ambition goes further than delivering projects. We want to influence systems, challenge barriers and create lasting change in representation, opportunity and who gets to lead.
Be Brave. Be Authentic. Be That Change.

About Padel Power
Padel Power – More Than a Game.
Padel Power is PEP Enterprise’s women-focused physical activity and wellbeing initiative, using the rapidly growing sport of padel to bring women together, get them active and create a strong sense of community.
We recognise that women can face very different barriers to becoming active – from confidence, isolation and mental wellbeing to cultural, financial and social barriers. Padel Power creates an accessible and welcoming way for women to get moving, meet others and build confidence. Through beginner programmes, regular games, coaching, events and tournaments, we create pathways for women to start playing, progress and become part of a growing padel community. The padel gets women through the door. The connection, confidence and community are what make it more than a game.

The Role
We're looking for creative volunteers to help us tell our story online. You'll get real responsibility, space to try ideas and the chance to create work for both PEP and the growing Padel Power brand.
 

What You'll Do

• Create posts, graphics, reels and stories for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok.
• Help plan and schedule content.
• Turn our projects, people and events into clear, engaging stories.
• Bring fresh ideas to help grow our online communities.

Who We're Looking For
You might be a student, an aspiring marketer, an experienced creative wanting to give something back, or simply someone with a good eye and a willingness to learn.

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience and work for your portfolio.
• Creative ownership rather than just observing.
• A supportive team and a reference upon request.

Commitment & Apply
A few flexible hours each week. This is a volunteer role. To apply, send us your CV or a short introduction and, if you have one, a link to examples of your work.

Could you spare just 1 hour a week to make a real difference in Sandwell?

Age UK Sandwell is looking for a friendly Activity Group Volunteer to help run a weekly social group for older people at Hamstead Library, Great Barr.

• Tuesdays, 2–3pm
• Help people stay active, connected and supported
• Training and support provided

Bring your listening ear, positive attitude and a caring approach then we’ll help with the rest.

For more detailed information, please see below:

About the Service

The Wellbeing Team at Age UK Sandwell supports people aged 50+ to improve their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing through social, physical and community activities. The service helps reduce loneliness and isolation by encouraging community connections, offering one-to-one support, befriending and signposting, and working with volunteers and local partners to help older people stay active, independent and connected.

About the Role

The volunteer for this social group will be responsible for facilitating weekly activity groups for older people. Specific tasks may include:

• To keep a record of attendance
• To facilitate the session on a weekly basis
• To prepare any resources and equipment required to deliver the group
• To report any concerns to your line manager
• To attend team meetings/supervision when required
• To help promote the group and encourage attendance from older people in the community

You will be supported by a staff member in the initial weeks to prepare you to run the group.

Personal qualities and skills most suited to this role

· Good listening and communication skills

· Patient, caring and non-judgemental approach

· Relevant skills, knowledge or interest in the activity

· Commitment to supporting the wellbeing of older people

· Reliable, flexible and positive attitude

Training

· Core training (including Safeguarding, GDPR, Health & Safety, and Equality & Diversity) will be provided digitally or in print as part of your volunteer registration pack.

· Role-specific training will be agreed with your line manager and delivered through a mix of digital and face-to-face sessions.

· You will also complete the Age UK Sandwell induction programme and any additional training relevant to your role.

About Children With Voices

Children With Voices (CWV) is a grassroots charity supporting children, young people, and families through alternative education, life-skills programmes, wellbeing activities, and community food hubs.
Our mission is to empower children with confidence, resilience, and the tools they need to thrive. We work closely with local schools, families, and partners to create safe, supportive learning environments where every child is valued and heard.

Role: Youth Mentor / Support Worker

Location: Community sites / schools
Hours: 2–4 hours per week (flexible)
Contract: Volunteer
Reports to: Head of Programmes & Education

Role Overview

As a Youth Mentor, you will provide emotional, practical and wellbeing support to young people who need a positive role model. You will help build resilience, confidence, and healthy life-skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 mentoring and group support

• Encourage positive behaviour, engagement and wellbeing

• Support workshops, activities and trips

• Build safe, trusting relationships with young people

• Report safeguarding concerns appropriately

• Log basic session notes and progress

Person Specification

Essential:

• Empathy, patience, and strong listening skills

• Experience supporting young people (formal or informal)

• Commitment to safeguarding and boundaries

Desirable:

• Experience in youth work, coaching or education

Benefits

• Safeguarding, mentoring and youth-work training

• Flexible volunteering

• Excellent experience for education, youth work, or social care careers

• Meaningful impact on young people’s lives

About Us

What if mental health support wasn't something people only accessed when things became difficult? What if communities were equipped to care for one another in ways that helped people feel connected, valued and supported throughout their lives?

At Tend Collective Community Interest Company, this is the future we're working towards.

We're creating a sustainable approach to mental health that brings together professional expertise, community knowledge and human connection. We believe that everyone deserves opportunities to experience belonging, purpose and support, and that strong communities are at the heart of good mental health.

Our work is helping to grow a culture where people look out for one another, where support is accessible and relational, and where wellbeing is woven into everyday life. As a Volunteer Administrator, you'll play an important part in making that vision possible, helping us create the foundations that allow this work to flourish.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys organisation, administration and supporting meaningful community work. You will play an important role in helping us run smoothly behind the scenes.

Tasks may include:

• Managing and responding to emails
• Supporting diary and meeting coordination
• Preparing and formatting documents
• Maintaining digital records and filing systems
• Assisting with volunteer and member administration
• Supporting the organisation of events, training and meetings
• Helping update databases and contact lists
• General administrative support as required

We're Looking For Someone Who:

• Is organised and reliable
• Has good written and verbal communication skills
• Is confident using email, Word, Excel and online systems
• Can maintain confidentiality and handle information sensitively
• Is able to work independently and manage their time effectively
• Shares our commitment to community wellbeing, inclusion and compassionate ways of working

Previous administrative experience is highly desireable. We welcome applications from people looking to gain experience, return to work, develop new skills, contribute to their local community, or be part of a growing movement for positive change.

What You'll Gain

• Valuable experience within the voluntary and community sector
• Opportunities to develop administration, organisational and communication skills
• A supportive and welcoming team environment
• References after a period of successful volunteering
• The opportunity to contribute to an innovative approach to community mental health
• The satisfaction of knowing your time and skills are helping create stronger, healthier and more connected communities

Equality and Inclusion

Tend Collective Community Interest Company is committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds, communities and experiences.

Interested?

We would love to hear from you.

Please contact us with a brief introduction about yourself and why you would like to volunteer with Tend Collective Community Interest Company.

About Breck Foundation

Breck Foundation is a UK child online safety charity founded in 2014 in memory of Breck Bednar, a 14-year-old boy who was groomed and murdered by someone he met online. Everything we do is driven by a simple but urgent mission: to prevent this from ever happening again.

Since our founding, we have reached more than 335,000 people in person or on video, including over 276,000 children and young people. Through our school programmes, professional training, parent engagement and policy advocacy, we work across whole communities to build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to keep children safe online.

We are now preparing to launch a new growth strategy, and this is a genuinely exciting moment to be joining us.

About the role

We are looking for an exceptional individual to serve as our new Chair of Trustees, following the stepping down of our current Chair after three years of dedicated service.

As Chair, you will lead the Board of Trustees and work in close partnership with the Chief Executive to provide strategic oversight and governance of the charity. You will play a central role in shaping and delivering our new growth strategy, helping us extend our reach, deepen our impact and grow our influence on the policy landscape.

This is a voluntary role with a time commitment of approximately 1 day per month, to cover quarterly Board meetings, sub-committee involvement, regular contact with the Chief Executive and occasional attendance at Foundation events.

A full recruitment pack, including details of all responsibilities and how to apply, is available to download via the link on this page.

What we are looking for

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. You do not need to have been a Chair before. If you bring the right skills, values and commitment, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, public or private sector, ideally including board or committee experience
• A strong understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities, or a clear and credible commitment to developing this quickly
• Experience of leading organisations through periods of strategic change or growth
• The ability to chair meetings effectively, build consensus and bring out the best in a diverse board
• An understanding of the financial and fundraising challenges facing charitable organisations
• A genuine commitment to children and young people's safety and wellbeing online

Our commitment to diversity

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We would particularly encourage applications from people from LGBTQAI+, Black, Asian or minority ethnic communities.

How to apply

Please download our recruitment pack for full details of the role and application process.

Applications close at 10am on Tuesday 1 September 2026.

Initial video interviews w/c 7th September 2026.

Heartwood House is a unique organisation, working to support and empower young people to engage with education and achieve their potential, free from mainstream system constraints. We are a small, values-driven community, and our trustees play a vital role in guiding our mission and ensuring the long-term sustainability of what we do.

At Heartwood House, we deliver full-time education for students experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA). Our, methodology places wellbeing at the core of students' education, focusing on mental health, personal growth, and positive social interactions alongside academic instruction.

Students have an inherent right to respectful and caring treatment, independent of behaviour or academic performance. As a trustee, you will help uphold and champion our policy of unconditional positive regard, the principle that everyone (staff or student) should always be treated with respect and dignity, no matter the situation.

Education takes place in small groups, with lessons tailored to each student's individual needs and interests. As a trustee, you will gain insight into a genuinely distinctive educational model, and your governance will directly support the staff who build meaningful relationships with every young person in our care.

All staff are invested in and actively participate in student wellbeing, integrating mental health support and personal growth throughout the day, not just in designated sessions. Trustees share responsibility for ensuring this holistic approach is protected and resourced appropriately.

We offer academic instruction from Entry Level to GCSE in subjects aligned with students' interests and future plans. Almost all students study English, Maths, Science, and Art at a minimum, with most pursuing additional subjects at the centre or online. As a trustee, you will help ensure the organisation remains financially and strategically positioned to continue delivering this flexible, student-centred curriculum.

Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.

Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.

The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:

• An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
• Support to prepare for parenthood
• Support to build confidence in parenting skills
• Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
• Support to establish daily and weekly routines
• Support to take time for self-care
• Support to manage the things that are causing stress
• Support to access relevant services
• Support to access local green spaces
• Support to make connections with other parents

No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.