199 Volunteer roles for the Mental Health sector

Do you enjoying talking with people and helping them based on your life experiences?

Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?

Yes? We’d love to hear from you.

What is knus?

knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.

What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.

Here’s some further information on what’s needed:

Are you over 18 and living in the UK?

You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.

Do you have a laptop?

A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.

How much time can you give?

A minimum of 2+ hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.

Do you like to learn?

We provide training for all volunteers that join us. Our peer support training is accredited.  20-25 hours of volunteering training is required and is self led online.

If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.

Please note - all successful volunteers are required to donate the cost price of £22.60 for an Enhanced DBS check.  If you've got a current Enhanced DBS on the update service, this cost will not apply.

You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.

Are you passionate about improving health and wellbeing outcomes, especially for older people?

Do you value the “magic dust” of real human relationship?

Claremont Project is a mental health, arts and wellbeing charity based in Angel, Islington. We are seeking a Treasurer Trustee to strengthen our charity as we step into our next chapter.
 

About us

Claremont has been around since 1819 and serves mostly older people through a powerful blend of social prescribing, low-cost psychotherapy and a programme of arts and wellbeing activities.

Claremont is a place of innovation and creativity, underpinned by a Relational Approach which emphasises real listening, self-awareness and an awareness of how we are being in relation to other people. We were the UK’s first Wellbeing Centre long before the term was ubiquitous; and in the 1920s and 30s we ran programmes that became models for the Welfare State.

At our beautiful and well-loved building at 24–27 White Lion Street, we nurture a vibrant, inclusive community, underpinned by our conviction that everybody matters.

About the role

The Treasurer is a key member of the Board of Trustees, helping to ensure Claremont’s financial health, sustainability and good governance.

Working closely with the Chair, CEO and bookkeeper, the Treasurer supports the Board in overseeing the charity’s financial affairs and ensuring appropriate financial stewardship.

The Treasurer will:

• Support the Board in fulfilling its financial governance responsibilities.
• Help ensure that effective financial controls and reporting systems are in place.
• Provide oversight and constructive challenge regarding budgets, forecasts and financial planning.
• Assist the Board in understanding Claremont’s financial position and long-term sustainability.
• Support compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House financial requirements.
• Chair or participate in finance-related committee meetings where appropriate.
• Contribute strategically to the future development of the organisation.

As set out by the Charity Commission, Trustees at Claremont are collectively responsible for:

• Advancing the charitable purposes of Claremont and ensuring we carry out our purposes for public benefit.
• Ensuring Claremont complies with its governing document and the law.
• Acting in Claremont’s best interests.
• Managing Claremont’s resources responsibly.
• Acting with reasonable care and skill.
• Ensuring that Claremont is accountable as a charity.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking someone who:

• Has financial expertise, accountancy qualifications and/or senior financial management experience.
• Understands governance and financial oversight within charities or not-for-profits.
• Can think strategically and communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.
• Shares Claremont’s mission, values and relational approach.
• Brings warmth, emotional intelligence and collaborative working.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would also be valuable:

• Charity finance and fundraising
• Property or buildings management
• Income generation and lettings

Alongside technical expertise, we are looking for a certain “Claremontiness” — aspirational and personal qualities that embody a genuine relational approach to life.

Time commitment

Quarterly Board meetings (held in the evenings), plus preparation, emails and committee work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Claremont is a community where people from all backgrounds are loved and wanted, and which is diverse in terms of characteristics like race and ethnicity, gender, disability and socioeconomic status. We seek to ensure that our Board represents the people we serve and welcome applications from candidates coming from backgrounds that have historically been underrepresented on charity boards.
 

How to apply

Please send a CV and covering letter describing why you are interested in the role and summarising the expertise you bring.

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 30th September

Please note:

• You must be 18 or over and must not be disqualified from acting as a Trustee.
• Trustees are required to declare any conflict of interest while carrying out their duties.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Fancy combining a Saturday kick-about with actually changing someone's week? We're looking for volunteers to help kick off Route to Roots, a new football and lunch club for asylum-seeking men in Bethnal Green. You'll help welcome people, grab the pizzas, chat over lunch and join in the football if you fancy it – but no skill or sports required, just a friendly face.

About Globe Community Project

Globe Community Project is a grassroots charity working in Tower Hamlets, one of London's most diverse boroughs, for over 20 years. Our mission is to transform loneliness into connection among isolated people and under-served groups. Whoever we're working with, we want to create spaces of joy, friendship and belonging. Our two established programmes, Well Old and Touching Safe Ground, support older people and refugee women and their children. Route to Roots is a brand new project for men who've recently arrived in the UK seeking sanctuary.

About Route to Roots

We’re looking for volunteers of any gender to support this new football and lunch project for male sanctuary seekers in Bethnal Green. We'll bring together 12–14 men each Saturday for an informal kick-about, followed by lunch together. The aim is simply to create a welcoming space where people can connect, build community and enjoy some time together.

What you'll be doing

Your job is to welcome participants to the venue and help create a warm, relaxed space. One lucky person gets to collect the pizzas from a local restaurant. Volunteers will also be chatting with people over lunch, and giving people chance to practice their English. You can join in the football - if you fancy it! No footballing skills or sports action required though - just a friendly face and a bit of time to give.

Dates

Saturday 5 September, 11.00-13:30 | Saturday 12 September, 11.00-13:30 | Saturday 19 September, 10:00-12:30 | Saturday 26 September, 11:00-13:30 | Saturday 3rd October, 11:00-13:30 | Saturday 10th October, 11:00-13:30 | Saturday 17th October, 11:00-13:30 | Saturday 24th October, 11:00-13:30 | 

It’s ok if you can’t make every date - just come to as many sessions as you're able (and let us know).

Who we're looking for

We welcome volunteers of any gender and any background. You don't need previous experience working with refugees or people seeking asylum - just warmth, patience, and a genuine interest in getting to know new people. You'll need to be 18 or over.

Through volunteering with us, you'll meet new people from your local community, learn more about the realities faced by people seeking asylum, be part of a friendly, welcoming team from day one, and help shape a brand new project from its very first sessions.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.

Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem. 

About the volunteer role

To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:

• Stock preparation volunteer
• Volunteer shop sales assistant
• Volunteer stock generation assistant
• Volunteer window dresser/Merchandiser
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
• Housekeeping volunteer

Key tasks

There is a variety of tasks within the above mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers with their purchases, providing them with great customer service and a delightful shopping experience
• Receiving donated items from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
• Creating visually appealing window and in-store displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, clean and coordinated
• Processing sales and serving at the till
• Signing up gift aid donors
• Stock rotation
• Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock

About you

• Passionate about customer service 
• Good communication skills 
• Friendly and helpful
• Respectful of others and their diversity

Experience & skills you will gain

• Experience of working as part of a team
• Retail experience 
• Stock organisation
• Selling skills 
• Customer service skills 

Our Commitment

We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.

Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem. 

About the volunteer role

To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:

• Stock preparation volunteer
• Volunteer shop sales assistant
• Volunteer stock generation assistant
• Volunteer window dresser/Merchandiser
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
• Housekeeping volunteer

Key tasks

There is a variety of tasks within the above mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers with their purchases, providing them with great customer service and a delightful shopping experience
• Receiving donated items from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
• Creating visually appealing window and in-store displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, clean and coordinated
• Processing sales and serving at the till
• Signing up gift aid donors
• Stock rotation
• Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock

About you

• Passionate about customer service 
• Good communication skills 
• Friendly and helpful
• Respectful of others and their diversity

Experience & skills you will gain

• Experience of working as part of a team
• Retail experience 
• Stock organisation
• Selling skills 
• Customer service skills 

Our Commitment

We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

Job Title:        Social Media Lead

Job Type:         Voluntary

Hours: 14 hours per week

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Home Working/fully remote

Who we are:

ARFID Awareness UK are the UK’s only charity dedicated to raising awareness and furthering information about Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). A not-for-profit; we work to provide individuals, parents and medical professionals with up-to-date relevant information, research and support.

Can you help us?

ARFID Awareness UK are looking for a passionate and innovative Media and Communications Officer to join our dedicated team.  In this role, you will be at the forefront of our efforts to raise awareness and understanding of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) through compelling storytelling and strategic communication. We seek an individual who is not only skilled in media relations and digital communication but also deeply committed to our mission of supporting individuals and families affected by ARFID. If you have a flair for creative content creation, a strategic mindset, and a desire to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to be a part of our journey in transforming lives and fostering awareness.

The role:

Content Creation:

• Develop engaging and informative content for various platforms, including websites, newsletters, blogs, and social media to promote awareness of ARFID.
• Create multimedia materials, including graphics, videos, and infographics, to effectively communicate our message and reach diverse audiences

Social Media Management:

• Manage and oversee all social media accounts, including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn, to enhance our online presence and engage with followers.
• Respond to queries, comments, and messages across all social media platforms promptly and professionally, fostering positive interactions and building community

Media Relations:

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, bloggers, and influencers to promote ARFID Awareness UK and its initiatives through earned media coverage.
• Draft press releases, media kits, and other materials to effectively communicate news and updates about the organisation as required

Strategic Communication:

• Collaborate with the leadership team to develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the organisation’s goals and objectives.
• Monitor and analyse media coverage and social media engagement to assess the effectiveness of communication efforts and make data-driven improvements

Event Promotion:

• Support the planning and promotion of events, workshops, and campaigns, ensuring effective communication and outreach to target audiences.
• Create promotional materials and outreach strategies to maximize participation and engagement for events

Crisis Communication:

• Assist in managing crisis communication by developing timely and appropriate responses to issues or inquiries that may arise in the media or on social media

Experience:

• Proven experience in a media, communications, or public relations role, preferably within the non-profit or healthcare sector.
• Demonstrated experience in managing social media platforms and engaging with diverse audiences effectively.
• Experience in content creation, including writing press releases, articles, and digital content for various channels.
• Previous involvement in organising and promoting events or campaigns is advantageous

Person Specification:

• Successful candidates must demonstrate a significant number of the following:
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to various audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a friendly and approachable demeanour for engaging with the community and media.
• Excellent organisational abilities, with a keen eye for detail and the capacity to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• A creative thinker who can generate innovative ideas for content and campaigns, with a passion for storytelling.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also demonstrating initiative and independence when required.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills
• A genuine interest in and understanding of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and its impact on individuals and families.
• Proficiency in using design software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) for creating visuals, as well as skills in video editing tools.
• Familiarity with analytics tools to measure the effectiveness of social media campaigns and communication efforts

Qualifications:

• Relevant certifications in social media management, digital marketing, or public relations would be an advantage.
• Continuous professional development in communications and media trends

Join our team and contribute to driving the mission of AFRID Awareness UK forward, ensuring that our message reaches those who need it most while fostering a supportive community around ARFID.

Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Volunteer Assistant to support our organisation's initiatives and community outreach programmes. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about public health, fundraising, and community engagement. As a Volunteer Assistant, you will play a vital role in assisting with various projects, educating the community, and helping to manage social media efforts to promote our mission.

Duties

• Assist in the planning and execution of community outreach events and fundraising activities.

• Support project management tasks by coordinating schedules, resources, and volunteer efforts.

• Educate community members about public health initiatives and available resources.

• Supervise volunteers during events to ensure smooth operations and provide guidance as needed.

• Manage social media accounts by creating engaging content to market our programmes and events.

• Perform administrative tasks such as data entry, record keeping, and maintaining volunteer schedules.

• Collaborate with team members to develop strategies for effective community engagement.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in public health or related fields is advantageous but not mandatory.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and supervise a team of volunteers.

• Excellent project management skills with an organised approach to task completion.

• Proficient in social media management and marketing techniques to enhance outreach efforts.

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to educate diverse audiences.

• A proactive attitude with a willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment.

Join us in making a difference in the community while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment!

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Benefits:

• Casual dress

• Discounted or free food

• Employee discount

• Flexitime

• Free or subsidised travel

• Free parking

• Store discount

Work Location: In person

Are you a proactive, ideas-driven person with a talent for spotting opportunities and bringing people together?

We are looking for a Volunteer Community Fundraiser to help Kingston Women’s Centre grow its community fundraising activity.

Kingston Women’s Centre provides affordable counselling and mental health support for women in our local community. At a time of rising demand for mental health services and increasing cost of living pressures, we believe access to support should never be a luxury, it should be available when it is needed most.

As a small charity with limited fundraising capacity, we are looking for someone who can bring creativity, initiative, and energy to help us identify and develop new community fundraising opportunities.

DofE Program Leader

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a UK charity that makes a difference to young people’s lives and prepares them for life and work. Young people from every possible background take part in the DofE programme each year to broaden their horizons, develop their leadership skills, learn to work with others, volunteer in their local communities, increase their employability, and prove to themselves they can succeed at a serious challenge. 

The DofE Leaders perform a vital role on behalf of the DofE and CAG. They are the adult leaders responsible for the management and training of a DofE group which could be at Bronze, Silver or Gold level. They lead, guide, train and support young people, agree their program choices, sign off their completed sections and approve their eDofE evidence.

Description

We are looking for someone to lead and train our DofE groups to a successful conclusion and take home an award to be proud of.

To get the most out of this role, you’ll probably have worked with young people before and have a love of the great outdoors and maybe into paddling, cycling, mountain biking or walking. You’ll be comfortable with the skills needed to complete expeditions (e.g. navigation, route planning, map reading, using a compass, campcraft) and be able to cope with changing and challenging situations. 

Formal qualifications in outdoor leadership (e.g. BEL or ML awards) or other skills (e.g.canoeing) are welcomed but not essential. CAG can provide training opportunities to the right person.

Key Tasks

Young people

• Ensure the delivery of high quality programs to young people in the DofE group.

• Manage the provision of a safe and enjoyable DofE programme for participants in the DofE group.

• Support participants to decide on their program choices and set their timescales and goals.

• Regularly encourage and review participation in chosen activities by participants.

• Train teams to undertake expeditions.

• Support expedition team(s) with their expedition planning.

• Coordinate with other CAG team members for the successful planning and completion of expeditions.

• Encourage the use of eDofE by participants, regularly approve uploaded evidence and agree the completion of sections.

• Celebrate achievements as often as possible.

CAG - the Licensed Organisation

• Keep in regular contact with the DofE Program Manager and CAG Trips Coordinator.

• Respond to requests from CAG in a timely manner.

General

• Regularly communicate with parents about DofE group plans / meetings etc.

• Use eDofE to measure the performance of the DofE group and to keep abreast of participation.

In addition DofE Leaders must undertake the e-induction and Introduction to the DofE courses.

Further training may be undertaken by completing the DofE Leadership Programme.

Ideally you should have / be:

• An ability to communicate with adults and young people, both verbally and in writing.

• An ability to organise and plan effectively.

• Office software literate.

• Able to provide inspirational leadership and motivate young people.

• Experience of working with young people.

• Build, maintain and facilitate effective working relationships with a wide range of people.

• Plan, manage and monitor your own tasks and time.

In addition you will need:

• Integrity.

• Committed to ensuring high standards.

• Commitment to DofE’s guiding principles & CAG ethos.

• Flexible approach.

• Self-motivated.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check, either a current or new application that can be made through CAG.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the running of CAG as well as securing its future.  This role puts you in a real position to support young people in developing their skills in expedition activities. You will play an invaluable part of the quality checking process of the expeditions. If you’re thinking of a career in teaching, youth work or outdoor education, or wish  to further your experience as an expedition expert, this role will give you invaluable experience.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.   You will also have some fun, support a good  cause, gain skills and experience, and support the DofE. 

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer can do some of the work remotely, for instance, access eDofE from home and contact participants via online messaging services.  However, most of your time will be spent working in close contact with the DofE participants at our unit in Bickenhill on Tuesday meeting nights or on some weekends away on training and practice expeditions.

Travel Limit

• Some remote work but mainly on Tuesday nights at our meeting place in Bickenhill, Solihull.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Mostly Tuesday evenings (CAG’s meeting night 7pm - 9pm during term time).

• Expeditions happen several times a year, in locations locally and further afield so you will need to be available for some weekends away for expedition training and practice - for instance in the Derbyshire Peak District, Shropshire etc.

Estimate of time commitment

• 0 - 4 hours / week and some weekends - the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish.

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Application details

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.

Volunteer Role: Peer Mentor

Location: 25 Victoria Street, Rochester, ME1 1XJ and other locations in the surrounding community. Unfortunately, this service does not have step-free access. 

Do you...

• Have lived experience of substance misuse, supported living, or rough sleeping?
• Found ways to overcome challenges in your life that you could share with others?
• Have experience accessing treatment or support services?
• Been free from illicit drug use or problematic alcohol use for the past 3-6 months?

If you’ve said yes to all of the above, there are people going through a similar experience that need your help in their recovery. You will be fully trained and supported by our Peer Outreach Coordinator throughout your time with the project.

About the Role

Our Peer Mentors support clients to engage with treatment services through supporting access to these services in a variety of ways including, through taking people to appointments, sharing of their own experiences, making referrals into drug and alcohol treatment services and proactively encouraging clients to access harm reduction interventions and treatment services.

The clients that you will be working with will either be experiencing rough sleeping or who are at risk of experiencing rough-sleeping.

What is the Commitment?

We are looking for volunteers who can commit to giving 1-5 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Volunteering at our service usually takes place Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm. We are very flexible and happy to work around your availability where we can.

What You Can Expect From Us

A mandatory training course will be provided which will cover all aspects of Peer Mentoring including covering boundaries, safeguarding, confidentiality and personal safety. This course will be undertaken in partnership with the NHS peer mentor training scheme. Ongoing supervision and support will be provided throughout the whole process by the Pathways Peer Outreach Coordinator.

You can expect that we will:

• Work with you to find a volunteering arrangement that works for you and for the service. We will be as flexible as we can!
• Reimburse you for agreed expenses relating to your volunteering.
• Welcome you warmly into our team and support you to get the most from your experience.
• Recognise and celebrate your contribution to the team! We can provide references to confirm your achievements and contributions upon request.
• Provide regular supervision and opportunities to provide feedback on your experience.
• You will be eligible to register with Blue Light Discount Card. 

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

This role may close early, for a better chance to be considered, we recommend applying as soon as possible as we screen on an ongoing basis. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds

The Africa Health Organisation (AHO) seeks to engage in bidding and tendering to deliver health and social care services effectively.  Our goal is to ensure sustainability and positively impact the lives of more people.  We want assistance in developing an ambitious strategy.

What will you be doing?

We are excited to announce an incredible opportunity for a talented Head of Bids and tenders to join our passionate team at the Africa Health Organisation (AHO)!  Since 1999, we've been dedicated to delivering health and social care to millions across Africa and the Diaspora, and now we're ready to further elevate our impact.

This year, we're embarking on a mission to broaden our funding strategy by incorporating bid and tender submissions.  Our goal is to engage with governments in Africa and the UK, the public sector, and the public, providing essential, practical, and emotional support to those facing chronic conditions.  We need a visionary like you to help us achieve our goals.

We're seeking a dynamic, experienced Head of Bids to develop and execute a winning strategy to secure the necessary financial backing.  There are numerous exciting possibilities ahead, including central government tenders, local and statutory opportunities.  We're eager to explore them all.

In this pivotal role, you'll plan and execute our bids and tender writing efforts, ensuring that our bid proposals not only shine but also come to life in meaningful ways.  If you're a bid writer who thrives on creativity and collaboration, we want to hear from you!  Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to inspire and mentor volunteers within our bid and tender team, making a positive impact together.  Join us on this exciting journey!

Key Duties and Responsibilities will include:

• Overall responsibility for delivering high-quality, accurate, compliant and commercially sound proposals on time, to budget, with inputs from key stakeholders.
• Responsible for the coordination and management of all Bid activities, for ensuring that Bid Plans are put in place and that all internal inputs are received promptly to meet Bid submission timescales.
• Responsible for the receipt, management, control and coordination of all external and internal information and documentation with respect to the enquiry and for the team acting as custodian for Bid documents, including all approved internal documentation signed by the Organisation.
• Responsible for compliance with all internal Bid policies and procedures and for passing internal and external audits.
• Contribute to the overall Bid strategy alongside other stakeholders.
• Responsible for the overall leadership of the team and ensuring that individuals within the team are given appropriate opportunities to grow and develop, and that the team maximises performance by creating and fostering a positive, can-do attitude and outlook on an ongoing basis.
• Responsibility to ensure that improvements are identified and those agreed upon are implemented continuously to support the growth and development of the team and those within it.
• There is a need to keep good records and to create and measure metrics on bidding performance to both review performance and drive continuous improvement in a key area of the business.
• Responsible for mentoring and training Bid Managers and Bid Writers to ensure they are up to date with bid requirements and improve their competence.

What are we looking for?

Education, Skills and Experience: Requirements

Essential:

• At least three years of experience in successfully leading teams within a bid environment.
• Proven track record of improvement and achievement - processes and people
• Keen understanding of numbers, spreadsheets, VOP/invoices, rates, cash flow, milestones, negotiations, and pricing audits.
• Ability to write strong proposals and experience as an estimator
• Excellent communicator (written and verbal) with local and international customers, and with an appreciation of cultural differences
• Ability to persuade and influence others
• Ability to lead team by example, with the ability to foster and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Strong business/commercial acumen
• Keen attention to detail
• Commercially sound judgement
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Strong financial skills

Desirable:

• Leadership qualification (CMI or ILM)
• Experience with an integrated project management / ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning)
• Experience in bidding roles in the Medical, Biochemistry, Biomedical, Public Services, Global Health, Humanitarian, NGOs, Public Health and Social Care industry
• MBA, Professional Qualification or formal leadership Qualification (CMI, ILM)

What difference will you make?

In this exciting role, you will lead the strategic process for winning new business through competitive bids, tenders, and proposals, ultimately elevating AHO's success. Your specialised knowledge of bids will enhance our win rates and maximise revenue by bringing clarity, quality, and coordination to what can be a complex, high-stakes journey.

Your primary mission is to boost AHO's tender win rates and strengthen our strategic advantage.  By diligently overseeing each step of the bidding process—from initial evaluation to final submission—you will significantly improve the quality and persuasion of our proposals, directly increasing our chances of securing valuable contracts.

You'll provide key insights to help AHO target the most promising opportunities by implementing a thoughtful "bid/no-bid" process.  This approach will ensure we focus only on lucrative and winnable contracts that closely align with our strategic goals, ultimately saving time and resources and allowing us to prioritise high-potential projects.

In this role, you will orchestrate a well-coordinated process that drives operational efficiency.  As the central point of contact, you will gather input from diverse internal teams—sales, finance, legal, and technical—ensuring everyone collaborates smoothly to meet critical deadlines.

As a leader, you'll elevate the quality of our bid content.  By overseeing the creation of compelling, polished materials, you'll ensure our final submissions are professional, cohesive, and error-free.  You will utilise a centralised content library containing valuable resources, such as case studies and CVs, to streamline efforts and enhance our proposals.

You will keep projects on track by developing detailed project plans and timelines, ensuring all tasks are completed on time—especially critical in the fast-paced environment of tender submissions.  Your effective management will ease colleagues' workloads, allowing the entire team to shine.

To foster long-term business growth, you'll create a wealth of knowledge around our tenders and bids. By conducting insightful post-submission debriefs and analysing feedback, you will capture invaluable lessons from both successes and setbacks.  This ongoing improvement process will enhance our bidding capabilities for future opportunities.

You also have the opportunity to enhance AHO's brand reputation by submitting well-organised, accurate, and compliant bids.  By doing so, you'll showcase our professionalism and reliability to clients, building trust and solidifying our credible standing in the market.

Strategic alignment is vital for sustaining consistent, stable business growth.  Together, we can make a remarkable impact on development.

We're keen to hear from you if you'd like to share your experiences as a blind and partially sighted person and help build a world which understands the impact of living with sight loss.

In this role, you will be:

• Delivering talks to groups of sighted people about your lived experience of sight loss to challenge their perceptions and behaviours. Audiences will vary but may include local businesses, community, faith and voluntary groups.

• Making links with your own existing groups and networks in your local community that may want to be involved in reducing barriers to blind and partially sighted people.
• Building relationships with people or local businesses you know.
• Taking part in and sharing information about specific campaigns and initiatives to help remove barriers to blind and partially sighted people.
• Delivering talks on behalf of RNIB’s Social Action Team.

What you'll gain from the role:
• A chance to make a difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people with a sense of achievement.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people.
• To make an impact by speaking to groups of people.
• An opportunity to develop your role into delivering talks independently as your confidence and skills grow.
• An opportunity to improve public understanding, helping change perceptions and behaviours, building a world which understands sight loss.
• An opportunity to explore different volunteer roles within our organisation and have access to internal employment opportunities.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• Induction to the role and organisation.
• Training in public speaking and telling your story.
• A supportive volunteer manager.
• Regular catch-ups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 3 Hours per Action

Key requirements

• One reference

Location

Region

• North East, South West, Yorkshire and the Humber, North West

Additional location information

• This role will be based at home and in your local area.

Who this opportunity will suit

• This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people. • Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your story, or a willingness to try with our support. • Effective communication skills. • An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people. • Confidence in using a smart phone and email and engaging in meetings via video calls.

We're keen to hear from you if you'd like to share your experiences as a blind and partially sighted person and help build a world which understands the impact of living with sight loss.

In this role, you will be:

• Delivering talks to groups of sighted people about your lived experience of sight loss to challenge their perceptions and behaviours. Audiences will vary but may include local businesses, community, faith and voluntary groups.

• Making links with your own existing groups and networks in your local community that may want to be involved in reducing barriers to blind and partially sighted people.
• Building relationships with people or local businesses you know.
• Taking part in and sharing information about specific campaigns and initiatives to help remove barriers to blind and partially sighted people.
• Delivering talks on behalf of RNIB’s Social Action Team.

What you'll gain from the role:
• A chance to make a difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people with a sense of achievement.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people.
• To make an impact by speaking to groups of people.
• An opportunity to develop your role into delivering talks independently as your confidence and skills grow.
• An opportunity to improve public understanding, helping change perceptions and behaviours, building a world which understands sight loss.
• An opportunity to explore different volunteer roles within our organisation and have access to internal employment opportunities.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• Induction to the role and organisation.
• Training in public speaking and telling your story.
• A supportive volunteer manager.
• Regular catch-ups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 3 Hours per Action

Key requirements

• One reference

Location

Region

• South West

Additional location information

• This role will be based at home and in your local area.

Who this opportunity will suit

• This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people. • Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your story, or a willingness to try with our support. • Effective communication skills. • An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people. • Confidence in using a smart phone and email and engaging in meetings via video calls.