Volunteer roles

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others.

What you’ll be doing
• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand.
• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss.
• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people.
• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Event

Key requirements

• 1 reference

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people • An empathetic and professional manner. • Good communications skills with active listening. • An interest in helping people access the information they need.

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 from 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.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

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.

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.

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

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

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

· Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc

· Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.

· Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups

· Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

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

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

· Support people in your community with a military background

· Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community

· Experience 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?

· 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.

· Local induction

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

· Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

· Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude

· Good spoken English

· Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.

· Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.

· Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.

· Access to transport if needed for your role.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Why we want you: Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. The friendly faces and warm welcome provided by branch volunteers mean attendees get the most from the group, with the activities on offer running smoothly.

What you will be doing: Core to group meetings, you'll help set up the venue, offering a warm welcome to all attendees; assist with fundraising events; getting involved in the activities the group offers - joining in to get the most out of these for you too.

The skills you need: Good communication skills; supportive; able to listen to the needs of people with Parkinson's, and reflect these to the group to shape the support provided; honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group.

What's in it for you: You'll make new friends and meet new people, both in the branch and in the local community; you'll be making a real difference for people affected by Parkinson's in your community; developing valuable organisational and people skills; you'll be part of a movement of people improving the lives of people affected by Parkinson's; you'll be able to take part in the activities of the group.

About volunteering with Rays of Sunshine
We brighten the lives of seriously ill young people by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospital and within the community, but we couldn't do it without our amazing volunteers.
It's more than volunteering with us, it's making magic happen. By joining us, you'll play a crucial role in turning the dreams of seriously ill children into reality. In whatever role you take on - from helping with fundraising, events, or wishes, you'll help create memories that last a lifetime for seriously ill children and for you too.

Purpose of role
We're on a mission to grant magical wishes and create lasting memories for seriously ill children and their families. Our team is best described as small but mighty. For us to have more impact, we need the help of volunteers who can give the gift of their time to help us achieve our goals.
Our wishes are as unique as children themselves. Whether a child wants to be a princess or a fireman for a day, go to Legoland, have a UK break with their family, own an iPad or meet their favourite pop star, Rays of Sunshine works hard to make that wish come true.
Wishes are important because they give a child the chance to forget their illness and do something they could only dream of. Wishes make a child feel extra-special and bring them joy, hope and happiness. They also provide families with treasured memories of happy times to look back on.

What does the role involve?
We are looking for a creative and organized individual to support our wish granting team. You will be responsible for assisting the team with daily tasks and creative projects that support the wish journey and our families.

Duties may include:
• Work with wish team to identify new suppliers that can support with granting wishes (including discounts and gifts in kind)
• Assist with creating bespoke itineraries for our wish children (each child is sent their own itinerary which creatively outlines every aspect of their wish experience)
• Helping to source wish enhancements items for wishes (these are small gifts/toys that are sent to each child ahead of their wish)
• Assist Wish Granters with chasing paperwork from families/medical teams (this could include disclaimers, medical forms, wish forms and form an important part of the wish process)
• Booking in initial calls with families and their wish granters to discuss wishes and start the planning process (these calls are designed to learn more about the child and what their wishes mean to them)

Types of wishes that may require your support include:
• To be wishes (princess for the day, policeman for the day, etc)
• Celebration parties (end of treatment party, birthdays, etc)
• To Go (trips to the theatre, musical venues, exhibitions, etc)
• To Have (to own a laptop, gaming pc, bedroom makeover, etc)
• UK Breaks (4 night/5 day holiday anywhere in the UK, i.e. Centerparcs, Butlins, etc)

What skills do I need to have?
• Friendly, you'll be an ambassador of Rays of Sunshine whilst volunteering with us
• Computer literacy (training will be given on our internal systems, but general knowledge of word, excel, pdf, powerpoint)
• Be comfortable working as part of a team and talking to our beneficiaries (wish families, medical teams, etc)
• Ability to problem solve and manage unexpected situations/last minute requests with a calm and professional manner
• Attention to detail and discretion
• A creative approach and passion for making the child’s experience as magical as possible

Why volunteer with us?
• Make a real difference: Witness the impact of your support firsthand as you spread joy and raise awareness.
• Join a supportive community: Be part of a friendly and passionate team, connecting with people who are driven to make         more wishes happen.
• Gain experience and a great way to see firsthand the impact of a wish
• Meet new people from different backgrounds and networking opportunities with like-minded people and organisations

What training and support will I receive?
• Learn about the work of Rays of Sunshine and the types of wishes you may be supporting•
• The impact of a wish and overview of the day in the life of a wish granter
• All Rays of Sunshine staff and wish volunteers must complete the charity’s Safeguarding Children training (mandatory)
• Only trained Rays of Sunshine team members and volunteers with a current DBS check can work with wish children (mandatory)
• Health and Safety Training (mandatory)
• The opportunity to shadow an experienced member of the Wish team to see a wish in progress.

Rays of Sunshine Values
Our values are at the heart of everything we do and help guide us in our mission to grant more magical wishes for seriously ill children.
• Kindness - We are kind to ourselves and others in everything we do.
• Joy - We work with fun, passion, and a sprinkle of magic
• Empowerment - We work to build confidence and nurture potential.
• Connection - We build strong connections with everyone in our wish community
• Integrity - We are honest and trusted to do the right thing.

Rays of Sunshine is committed to being an equal opportunities organisation; to promoting equal opportunities and preventing discrimination. Rays of Sunshine is also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all service users, volunteers and staff and expects all volunteers and staff to share this commitment.

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 cat admissions volunteers ensure the smooth running of our admissions process, helping our volunteer groups and teams admit cats into our care in the most effective and stress-free way possible for both people and cats. This role is undertaken from your own home. This could be the perfect volunteer role if you have administration experience, a passion for cats, or both!

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.

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:

• Responding to email and telephone enquiries regarding cats coming into care
• Managing the cat waiting list and prioritising accordingly
• Liaising with other volunteers, employees, local vets and members of the public
• Using our administrative systems to record cats coming into care

Why we want you: Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. The friendly faces and warm welcome provided by branch volunteers mean attendees get the most from the group, with the activities on offer running smoothly.

What you will be doing: Core to group meetings, you'll help set up the venue, offering a warm welcome to all attendees; assist with fundraising events; getting involved in the activities the group offers - joining in to get the most out of these for you too.

The skills you need: Good communication skills; supportive; able to listen to the needs of people with Parkinson's, and reflect these to the group to shape the support provided; honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group.

What's in it for you: You'll make new friends and meet new people, both in the branch and in the local community; you'll be making a real difference for people affected by Parkinson's in your community; developing valuable organisational and people skills; you'll be part of a movement of people improving the lives of people affected by Parkinson's; you'll be able to take part in the activities of the group.

Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups.

What you’ll be doing:
• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate).

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• 1 reference Criminal record check

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An interest in group or community work. • A sociable personality. • A commitment to working towards a society where people with sight loss are equal participants.

Could you help SSAFA reach more supporters and raise greater awareness of our services through the magic of social media and digital marketing? You don’t need a military background, just some basic digital skills, the ability to get on with a wide range of people and good written English. If you have I.T or digital marketing experience, that would be great but not essential. We’d love you to get in touch to find out more.

What is a Digital Marketing Volunteer?

There are SSAFA branches and service committees throughout the UK and overseas. We use local microsites and social media to raise awareness of our services, raise funds and find new volunteers. Digital Marketing volunteers help us maximise our message, keep content up to date and increase traffic to our sites.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

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.

Our clients, volunteers and supporters come from all backgrounds and age groups and want to engage with us in different ways too. To offer the best possible service we need to provide seamless communication, consistent messages, and accurate information. We’d love to hear from you if think you could help us grow our on-line presence.

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

As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home.

The role would suit someone looking for a flexible volunteering opportunity as times and days could fit in around work and other commitments to suit you.

What would you be doing?

· As part of a team of volunteers, maintain branch microsites and social media feeds.

· Look at ways to increase traffic to microsites and improve SSAFA’s digital brand.

· Keep content current and accurate.

· Support and maintain the SSAFA brand by consistently using our brand guidelines and tone of voice.

· Working with the digital marketing team, interpret analytical data to develop local communication plans.

· Working with local SSAFA branches, build social media channels and integrate on-line and off-line activity to best effect.

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

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

· Be a part of our motivated and enthusiastic team.

· Experience, training and skills from a national charity that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

· Use your skills, knowledge, and experience to benefit the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

· Develop contacts, skills and opportunities working with influential people and organisations.

· Improve and develop your digital skills, useful in all aspects of your life.

· Support and friendship in your local area and the wider SSAFA community

· 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?

· 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.

· Support from our Digital Marketing team based at SSAFA Central Office.

· Training on our web platform

· Access to analytical tools and our digital marketing tool kit

· Induction covering all the aspects of SSAFAs services and the difference we can make to people’s lives.

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

· Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

· Friendly and approachable people, possibly with some experience of digital marketing/ IT or social media

· Ability to write in English to a good standard.

· Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, supporters, volunteers, other agencies, and staff.

· Understanding of how social media can be used to engage and influence.

· Ability to use social media applications including adding and editing content.

· Basic understanding of website maintenance, training will be provided.

· Basic understanding of digital analytical tools, training will be provided.

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 disclosure check required? No

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 from 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. 

Join our amazing volunteer team in this flexible opportunity that puts you at the heart of our work supporting blind and partially sighted people. You’ll make taking part in events and carrying out volunteering easier and more enjoyable for our customers and volunteers with sight loss.
You’ll take some of the stress and anxiety out of getting around and taking part in activities as a blind or partially sighted person. The help you give will encourage people to do more.

What you’ll be doing
• Sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals in and around venues, so they can take part in events.
• Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities which range from facilitating a regular community group to delivering a talk about sight loss to a local business. Your role would involve things like guiding; Meeting and greeting at group activities or creating a welcoming and interesting display stand at events.

In this role you will only be helping individuals in places open to the public, often in a group setting. We will provide training in sighted guiding techniques and understanding sight loss.
We would particularly like to recruit support volunteers within the Downpatrick area (last Wednesday of every month)

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Event

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Additional location information

• Particularly looking for Volunteers in Downpatrick area - Last Wednesday of Every month

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people. • An empathetic and professional manner. • The ability to take the supportive and helpful role.

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 from 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. 

Why we want you: Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. The friendly faces and warm welcome provided by branch volunteers mean attendees get the most from the group, with the activities on offer running smoothly.

What you will be doing: Core to group meetings, you'll help set up the venue, offering a warm welcome to all attendees; assist with fundraising events; getting involved in the activities the group offers - joining in to get the most out of these for you too.

The skills you need: Good communication skills; supportive; able to listen to the needs of people with Parkinson's, and reflect these to the group to shape the support provided; honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group.

What's in it for you: You'll make new friends and meet new people, both in the branch and in the local community; you'll be making a real difference for people affected by Parkinson's in your community; developing valuable organisational and people skills; you'll be part of a movement of people improving the lives of people affected by Parkinson's; you'll be able to take part in the activities of the group.

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of the issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sport. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to sports clubs, sporting venues and facilities and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a sporting world without barriers.

What you’ll be doing
1. Talks to sports and physical activity providers to support and encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local leisure centres, sporting venues and sports clubs.
2. Delivering talks to raise awareness of existing sporting and physical activity opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
3. Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service.

What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies

In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training, in particular training in public speaking and story telling will be given.
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires 1 reference.

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

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?

• You’ll ideally have 1. Lived experience in playing, spectating, or delivering sport or physical activity sessions as a blind or partially sighted person. 2. Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sports and physical activity. 3. Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your sporting story, or a willingness to try with our support. 4. Have effective communication skills. 5. An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people