Advocacy Volunteer Roles in Home Based

About DAISY

DAISY is a collection of disability and mental health focused arts organisations which promote and celebrate the great artistic work being created in Surrey. The organisation strives to develop the South East as the lead region in the UK for disability and deaf cultural activity, making Surrey a welcoming and inclusive place for all artists to practise. DAISY works with Disabled Artists and its member organisations to share skills and resources. We work with cultural partners across Surrey to put on exhibitions, create artworks and increase the awareness and status of Disability Arts.

The Role

In this voluntary role, you will be joining our five other Directors - Laura Jones (Co-Artistic Director of Stop Gap), Hayley Bull (CEO of Bloomin’ Arts) and Julie Hoyle (Artist) and Leah Zakss (Freelance Arts and Music Consultant), Cara Flowers (Artistic and Managing Director of DAISY) - to help DAISY to raise awareness of the incredible art being created in Surrey by Disabled Artists.

Having recently launched a number of new initiatives and under different management, DAISY is entering a new phase of its development and growth and as a Non-Executive Director, you will have the chance to make a real difference to the Disabled Artists we work with. We are looking for a number of people to join our board with, ideally, a background or interest in one or more of the following: finance, fundraising, organisational development, governance and the arts. DAISY is currently in the process of transforming from a Community Interest Company (CIC) with a board of Directors to becoming a registered charity (CIO). When this happens, the Directors will then become Trustees.

Potential profile:

● Our priority is to recruit someone with lived experience of a disability, in order to offer diverse perspectives and to represent the people we work with.

● Close connections with the County of Surrey or nearby.

● A passion for the Arts, ideally Disability Arts and/or Social Justice

● A clear understanding and alignment to our values of equality and inclusivity for all

● A big picture thinker with a collaborative approach who will understand the challenges of operating as part of a unified Board

As a Director of the DAISY board, you will be expected to meet every few months for an online meeting to discuss future decisions. Other tasks may be required as deemed appropriate but to date these have been fairly light-touch. In order to ensure we are the right fit for you, we ask that you attend at least one Directors meeting with a review before officially becoming a DAISY Director. We will endeavour to provide you with a welcome pack to ensure you have all the information you need to make that decision.

We are keen to hear from applicants with lived experience of disability. As a disability arts organisation it is important to be able to represent the people we work with.

If you are excited by the potential of working as part of our Board and helping us to realise our ambitions, then we look forward to receiving your application and meeting with you in due course.

To apply

Please send us a letter (no more than 1 page) outlining why you want to join our board and what you can add. We don’t need a career history but please include this if relevant. You can send a video submission if preferred.

Why we need your help

Marie Curie is piloting a Companions in the Community Service in partnership with Langport Surgery to support those in their last year of life.

The Service will compliment the support already provided by the Surgery Team, and local community service, providing end of life expertise to patients and their circle of support. Whilst clinical and care professionals provide hugely important services, we want to ensure that those who have a life limiting condition and/or experiencing health decline have all the support they need to help navigate the practical and emotional journey.

What we need you to do

Companions will be trained in a variety of end-of-life support needs, to allow the person to choose what they need, when they need it. This will include topics such as: Compassionate Conversations, Advance Care Planning, Unconscious Bias, Community Services and Connection, what to expect at the End of Life and Bereavement Support.

Support provided could be a one off activity such as completing an Advance Care Plan or supporting them to access Carer’s Support Allowance, or it could be an going engagement providing different aspects of support over a longer period of time.

What skills or experience do you need?

willingness to support others during death, dying and bereavement.
Interest in supporting people face to face, including their personal homes, care homes and community.
Access to IT equipment and basic IT skills e.g. typing on word and email attachments
Passionate individuals who are keen to support us in making this pilot a success, to benefit the people we support and the Langport Surgery Team
Patience, empathy, and emotional awareness
Excellent active listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others.
Commitment and reliability
Inclusive and respectful values
Willingness to learn and operate within Marie Curie processes and boundaries.
 

        What we can offer you
An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment
An induction, training, support and supervision in your role
Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
 

What we ask of you
To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role
To keep to all the charity’s policies and guidelines 
To complete an induction and any training related to the role
 

Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect.  We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment.  We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users.

About BelEve UK

BelEve engages with girls and young women to support them in gaining skills, confidence, and self-belief to fulfil their potential, despite barriers in their lives that might suggest otherwise.

Through carefully crafted programmes, mentoring, events, and campaigns, bringing individuals and groups together helps to motivate them, reduce isolation, combat differences, and build strength across communities from the girls who are at the centre of these. Through the programmes, beneficiaries improve their social mobility, as well as their life and career prospects.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Chair who can lead our Board and support our Chief Executive to drive our charity’s long-term success, sustainability, and impactful growth.

Our new Chair will be an ambitious and visionary leader with a strong track record of governing complex organisations through change.

We are open to your professional background if you bring effective governance experience, strategic thinking and a good understanding of issues affecting the lives of girls and young women.

We are looking for a Chair with experience and expertise in the following areas:

• Experience of being a Chair
• Track record of relationship building, with stakeholders, partners, decision-makers, team, and Board
• Governance and organisational leadership experience
• Experience in creating strong partnerships with stakeholders and successfully influencing decision-makers
• Understanding of risk management and mitigation
• Ability to encourage positive change and innovation where appropriate.
• An understanding of the key challenges the organisation aims to tackle from issues impacting various communities of young women and girls
• Extrovert, Fun, Dynamic, and Engaging
• Values Led

For more information, please access the attached recruitment pack, our contact information can be located there.

How to Apply

If this role is of interest, please submit your CV and supporting statement via the link below.

Your statement should be up to 2 pages long (no more than 900 words), addressing the following statements:

• Please outline your demonstrable commitment to BelEve UK's mission and purpose and your motivation for applying.​
• Detail your previous experience and capabilities which you believe make you suitable for this Chair role.

Closing Date: Sunday 19th May 2024 at 23.59hrs

Our Commitment

BelEve is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people from all sections of the community. We would like to encourage applicants from black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and those with disabilities.

We are looking forward to welcoming up to three new trustees to our board. The Trustees are jointly responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals. This is an opportunity to be part of a regenerating charity with a key role in the town focused on alleviating poverty locally.

We have identified that our organisation will particularly benefit from skills in fundraising, marketing, finance and an understanding of the challenges around the running of a small charity that is growing.  We are also fully committed to increasing the diversity of our board.

The duties and responsibilities of our trustees are as follows:

· Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

· Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. the trust deed, constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law, employment law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

· Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public

· Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

· Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation

· Ensuring the effective and efficient administration and governance of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

· Understanding the responsibilities and liabilities of being a trustee

· Undertaking induction and relevant training as identified for the role

· Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation

· Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

· Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive

· In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, supporting working groups, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Person Specification:

• A commitment to the organisation

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• A willingness to listen to others and share your views and opinions

• Strategic vision

• Good, independent judgement

• An ability to think creatively

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• ROLE TITLE:             Trustee of the Board of Directors
• SPECIALISM:            Finance / Treasurer  
• LOCATION:               Grimsby 
• HOURS OF WORK:4 - 6 hours per month.
• MEETINGS:               6 Board Meetings and 6 Sub-Committee Meetings per year.   

All Trustees are expected to make an active and dynamic contribution to the Board, the organisation and to supporting our work. Trustees have wide-ranging skills, knowledge, and experience appropriate to governance and strategy.

The overall role of the Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the Charity’s affairs, our strategic planning and to provide guidance to help ensure financial viability and support the requirements underpinning proper financial governance and procedures.

This key role will provide assurance to the Board that the financial resources of YMCA Humber meet its present and future needs, working with the CEO to ensure the Charity complies with relevant legislations, through efficient administration and best practice in good governance.

The ideal candidate will possess: 

• Strategic vision, and a solid understanding and acceptance of the legal responsibilities of Trusteeship.
• Financial or accountancy experience. 
• Good independent judgment, and a high level of credibility within the community.
• Strong leadership skills and a commitment to the work of the Charity.
• Open and transparent approach.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Knowledge of Charity finance or housing association finance.
• Skills to analyse proposals and examine the financial consequences.

It should be noted that the focus of this Trustee role is strategic, and the Treasurer will not be managing the organisation’s finances on a day-to-day basis; however, regular contact and liaison with the Chief Executive Officer and Head of Finance is expected.

Are you passionate about mental health support and peer advocacy? Do you possess financial expertise and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others? If so, we invite you to become our Treasurer/Finance Trustee at The Anthony Seddon Fund!

At The Anthony Seddon Fund, we are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and receive peer-driven mental health support. Our mission is to empower individuals on their journey towards mental wellness, and as Treasurer/Finance Trustee, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of our organisation.

Why Join Us?

· Meaningful Impact: Your financial oversight will directly contribute to the continued growth and effectiveness of our peer support programmes, positively impacting the lives of those we serve.

· Flexible Commitment: With an approximate time commitment of 8-10 hours per month, this role offers flexibility to accommodate your schedule while still making a significant difference in our organisation.

· Collaborative Environment: Work alongside dedicated peers and volunteers who share your passion for mental health advocacy and support.

Key Responsibilities

· Financial Management: Oversee the financial operations of The Anthony Seddon Fund, including budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal planning.

· Budget Oversight: Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and monitor annual budgets, ensuring alignment with our mission and strategic goals.

· Fundraising Support: Assist in developing fundraising strategies and initiatives to support our programmes and services, including grant applications and donor stewardship.

· Compliance and Governance: Ensure compliance with financial regulations and best practices for nonprofit organisations, providing guidance on financial policies and procedures.

Qualifications

· Financial Expertise: Demonstrated experience in financial management, accounting, or related fields.

· Commitment: Willingness to dedicate approximately 8-10 hours per month to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.

· Team Player: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with fellow trustees, staff, and volunteers.

· Passion for Mental Health: A genuine commitment to our mission of promoting mental wellness and peer support.

How to Apply

If you are ready to contribute your financial expertise to support our peer-driven mental health initiatives, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a brief statement of interest outlining your relevant experience and why you are passionate about joining our team.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals living with mental health challenges! Together, we can create a community of support and empowerment.

We are hiring! Trustee vacancy

• Time Commitment: typically, 4 hours per month, for a term of 3 years (initial 12-month period)
• Location: Board meetings are held 4 times per year, and we work to find times that are accessible for Board members, which could include evenings and weekends. We meet twice a year in person in Oxford, and twice a year via Teams
• Renumeration: this is a voluntary role and reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed

About Us

An independent charity, The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare (CSH) has been leading efforts to incorporate the values of environmental sustainability into the health sector since its establishment in 2008. Our work is underpinned by CSH’s Principles of Sustainable Clinical Practice: prevention; patient empowerment; lean care systems; low carbon alternatives.   

CSH has a particular focus on:    

• engaging those on the front line of patient care and promoting the concept of ‘sustainable clinical practice’ 
• enabling the use of the natural environment at NHS settings to be used as ‘nature-based solutions’ in healthcare.    

As a trustee of our charity, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in shaping our organisation's future direction. The Board culture is friendly and lively, with an openness to creative ideas and input. There is a focus on core mission and values to inform decision making processes.  The meetings will be focused, effective and inspiring, and led in line with CSH’s overarching aim to transform healthcare for a sustainable future.  The Board values diversity and welcomes applicants from a range of backgrounds.  

About You

We particularly welcome new trustees who could bring skills and experience in financial management or legal and IP transfer. Though please do not be put off from applying if you do not have any of these skills or if you have never been a Trustee before.

How To Apply

For an informal conversation about the opportunity, please contact us. 

To apply, please send an up-to-date CV (or Linkedin profile) and simple covering letter answering two questions:

• why you’re interested in supporting CSH
• what you hope to bring to the Board

Or if you prefer to record your cover letter, verbally or with video, that’s also welcomed. Please contact us if you have any other accessibility needs or if you would like help with applying.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee of Christians Against Poverty (CAP). Trustees play a vital role in guiding and shaping the future of our organisation, ensuring that we continue to fulfil our purpose and make a positive impact in the UK.

This attached pack has been carefully curated to provide you with detailed information about CAP, our purpose, mission, values, and the responsibilities and expectations associated with being a Trustee. We believe that by joining the Board of Trustees, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute your skills, expertise and passion to drive forward our charitable objectives and make a meaningful difference to the lives of those we serve.

We’re looking for individuals who are committed to our cause, who possess diverse skills and experiences, and who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of governance and ethical conduct. Whether you have previous Trustee experience or are considering this role for the first time, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our vision and values.

As you explore the pack, we encourage you to learn more about CAP and the important work we do. Should you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you as a valued member of our Trustee team and working together with you to make a positive difference across the UK.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve as a Trustee of CAP.

Role Description 

Role: Research Assistant (Volunteer, unpaid)

Supported by: Business Development Consultant, Resource and Training Lead, Charity Director 

About White Ribbon Alliance UK: We prioritise the eradication of gender-based violence and the promotion of gender equity in sexual and reproductive health and rights, especially for marginalised and underrepresented communities. We enable access to unbiased and evidenced-based resources, education, and support for women, girls, and trans individuals. We influence healthcare professionals, hospital systems, policy makers, and the public to centre the human rights of women, girls and trans men, intersex, and non-binary people throughout the lifecycle of their sexual health needs. 

Purpose of the Role: The Volunteer Research Assistant will support White Ribbon Alliance UK's efforts to improve maternal and reproductive health by conducting research, analysing data, and contributing to reports and publications. This role is crucial for informing our advocacy and program development. 

Our aspirations for activities the volunteer would perform:

• Assist in designing and implementing research projects, including survey design. 

• Perform desk research, literature reviews, data collection, and analysis. 

• Contribute to research reports, briefs, and presentations. 

• Manage administrative tasks to support research projects. 

• Contribute to the development of research reports, briefs, and presentations. 

• Utilise SharePoint and Microsoft Teams for collaboration and document management. 

• Support the dissemination of research findings through various channels including but not limited to social media, websites, and blogs. 

Ideal skills and qualifications:

• Interest in sexual and reproductive health. 

• Strong understanding of, and passion for intersectional feminism. 

• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Strong analytical, research, and organizational skills. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, or similar platforms. 

• Current enrolment in, or completion of, a relevant university degree program (e.g., public health, mental health, social sciences, midwifery, nursing, social justice, sexual reproductive health, human rights, etc.) 

Why volunteer with us?

• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects in the SRHR space 

• Development of research, analytical, and administrative skills.\Experience working in nationwide non-profit organization. 

• Network with professionals and activists in the field.

• Personal and professional development opportunities.

• Flexible volunteering hours to suit your schedule. 

Diversity and Inclusion: We highly value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals in underrepresented communities, such as Black, Asian, disabled, chronically ill, LGBTQ+, and retired individuals. .

ALL APPLICANTS RESIDING INSIDE OF THE UK must already have the eligibility to work in the United Kingdom. The charity cannot sponsor any visas. We are particularly keen to have volunteers located in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland join the team; however, those residing in England are equally welcome. 

APPLICANTS RESIDING OUTSIDE OF THE UK may volunteer if the laws in your resident country allow you to perform the activities mentioned in this role description and to volunteer outside of your resident country.

We are recruiting volunteers to oversee and help at Pride stalls across the UK.  

It Gets Better UK envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally and know their worthiness and power as individuals. We strive to tell the stories of LGBTQ+ people and to provide positive and reassuring messages to LGBTQ+ youth.

At Pride, we share positive stories from members of the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage attendees to share their story, message to their younger self, or message of support. The conversations we have are uplifting and often emotional. 

What will I be doing? 

• Choose one or more Pride events which you commit to attending with us. 

• Help set up and tidy up stand at beginning/end of event. 

• Welcome people to the stall, invite them to learn about stories from others in the community, and share their own stories.

• Support fundraising and raising awareness with our branded badges. 

• Engage event participants in positive messaging opportunities and story-collecting via our whiteboards: “a message to my younger self”. 

• Get photo consent from participants so that we can share their messages on our platforms. 

• Help produce video messages, recording participants' stories of hope. 

• Promote volunteering roles within It Gets Better and let people know to how to get involved. 

• Signpost people to our resources and how we can support them. 

• Listen to stall attendees’ stories with warmth and respect. 

What skills / experience do I need? 

• A personable and friendly manner 

• Confidence in crowds, speaking to strangers and members of the public

• Sensitivity to, awareness of LGBTQ+ issues 

Which Pride events will It Gets Better UK be at?  

• We have a rolling list - currently we're planning to be at: 

  • Brighton: 3-4 Aug

  • Bristol: 13 July 

  • Cambridge: 15 June

  • Edinburgh: 22 June

  • London: 29 June

  • Trans+ Pride London: 27 July

  • UK Black Pride London: 11 Aug

  • Walsall: 24 Aug

• Don’t see us at a Pride near you? Contact us about becoming an It Gets Better Regional Ambassador and running a stall with our support!

Time commitment: Pride events are usually Saturdays in June, July, August. Full-day or half-day. 

Support for you: You’ll receive our Volunteer Handbook and attend a briefing. Each stall will have multiple volunteers so nobody is alone.

What will I gain? 

• The satisfaction that you are helping to inspire and empower LGBTQ+ youth 

• Being part of an international movement 

• The opportunity to use your existing skills as well as develop and learn new ones 

• It Gets Better UK will act as a referee for you after your successful participation 

• Reimbursement of expenses incurred (with prior agreement) 

How do I apply?  

Please contact us via Charityjob or our website - We’ll then meet online for an introductory conversation, seek a reference, and share our resources for you to read. 

About We Are Family 

We Are Family is an extraordinary peer support community for adopters and prospective adopters. We’re there for parents throughout their adoption journey. Online and in person, our parents’ groups, events, resources, podcasts and talks offer mutual support, information and inspiration to adopters and those considering adoption. We currently operate across Greater London and the Home Counties, with ambitions to scale nationally over the coming years. 

You can find out more about us here. 

The Role

We are looking for new trustees to strengthen and enhance our board. The key responsibilities of the role include, governance, overseeing policy and direction, financial oversight and assisting with the leadership and general promotion of We Are Family to support the organisation’s Vision, Mission, Values and needs.

This is a voluntary opportunity with associated Trustee expenses -  such as travel / childcare -  covered by We Are Family.  Trustees can be based anywhere in the UK. 

Commitment

Trustee capacity to devote the time needed for the following is essential:

• 4 Board meetings per year

• 2 Board away days per year (on a Saturday)

• Membership of at least one sub-committee (which also meet 4 times a year)

We estimate 8-10 hours for the charity per month. The duration of membership for a new Board member is for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of appointment for a further three year term.

Skills and Experience 

All applicants should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Be able to show high levels of professionalism and an ability to work collaboratively with others, including Trustees, our core team and the wider Volunteer network at We Are Family

• Be well-organised, with good written and verbal communication skills.

• Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. A thorough induction, and further trustee training as appropriate, can be provided. 

We are particularly interested candidates with the following experience:

• Working as a professional with or in the adoption sector,

• Advocacy and/or research work;

• Finance/charity finance

• Leadership within a charity

• Education 

• Legal.

Although many of our current trustees are adopters themselves, we are also keen to recruit suitably qualified people who are not, but who can demonstrate a commitment to the values and mission of We Are Family.

One of the great strengths of We Are Family is that we are volunteer and member driven, and we represent a diverse community of adoptive parents. We particularly welcome trustees from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to ensure that the board can benefit from this diversity of experience. We would also welcome single adopters to the board. 

To Apply 

If the opportunity to join an exciting, rapidly growing charity appeals to you as someone able to make a valuable contribution, please get in touch!

Refer to our job ad for the Applications email address and email our team. If you would like an informal conversation about the opportunity, please let us know.

Please note that applications are received and reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore an early application is advised.

Role: Youth ‘GRS’ casework volunteer 

Team: Casework 

Supervised by: Youth caseworker 

Location: Tooting Hub on a Wednesday afternoon (between 12:30-18:00pm) 

Time commitment: 2.5 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months 

About CARAS : 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation, we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About CARAS Casework: 

CARAS works with adults and young people of a refugee and asylum seeker background to find solutions to their problems. There are two separate sub-teams within the Casework team; young people and adults. We support young people to navigate the asylum system, understand their rights and entitlements, access education, connect with services and realise their goals. We are a non-specialist casework and advocacy service, so we work in close partnership with other local organisations to whom we refer people with more complex issues. 

Using the empowerment model, our casework service embodies CARAS’ values of ‘with not for’, always striving to ensure people are armed with the information and resources they need to make decisions and take action for themselves. 

About CARAS GRS: 

CARAS runs a “Get Ready for School” (GRS) programme for newly arrived Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children who are eligible for statutory education but do not yet have a place in school or college. The programme helps young people prepare for mainstream education by offering six hours a week of classroom-based ESOL learning alongside numeracy, digital literacy, and study skills. These sessions take place on a Monday and a Wednesday.  

Under statutory guidelines, a looked-after child in year 11 or below must be placed in full-time education within 20 school days.1 If the young person is out of education for longer than four weeks, they can continue attending Get Ready for School for up to 12 weeks, with CARAS additionally offering the young person and their support network help from our Casework team to ensure that they are accessing full-time education as soon as possible.

About the Role: 

We are currently recruiting for 3 volunteers to join our Youth Casework team as a GRS needs assessment caseworker. 

The purpose of the Youth ‘GRS’ Casework volunteer role is to support young people with a refugee or asylum-seeking background to understand their rights, access information and services, and ultimately, take control of their own lives. You will work with individuals to complete a needs assessment to establish what support they may need alongside GRS. You will work with individuals to address problems they may face relating to, among other issues, asylum information, accessing healthcare and education, accessing support from their local authority, and finding activities and opportunities. There are often supplementary referrals that come out of the GRS needs assessments that will need equal care and attention from volunteers. 

On occasion, you will offer support to the GRS team to support young peoples’ learning journey and develop a wider understanding of the GRS programme. 

You will start from an understanding that individuals are always best placed to solve their own problems, and often need nothing more than to talk out a problem and find the solution themselves. When helpful, you will provide information to clarify and support to take action. 

The GRS volunteer will attend our community space in Tooting Hub on Wednesday afternoons for 2.5 hours between 12:30-18:00pm. Volunteer caseworkers have 1:1 appointments, either in person or by phone, with CARAS members. Volunteers also support administrative tasks such as updating our databases, collating resources, and creating information guides. 

Youth Casework Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities:  

Working in an empowering way with individuals and promoting their independence through goal-setting. 

Supporting people to develop their knowledge of rights and entitlements. 

Assisting with filling out forms. 

Signposting and referring to other services and organisations. 

Gathering information from experts and disseminating information to people in an accessible manner. 

Engaging in collaborative internet and phone research on services, organisations, and grants. 

Flagging safeguarding concerns and other issues where further support is required. 

Keeping accurate case notes. 

Supporting to maintain our signposting database. 

Researching and collating resources. 

Working collaboratively as a team and assisting in shaping the Youth Casework project. 

Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality Policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant. 

Requirements (all experience can be from paid or voluntary roles):  

Essential:  

Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English. 

Confidence in using IT (Microsoft Office, Outlook, Zoom, Google Search, online forms) 

To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds; 

A commitment to confidentiality and data protection 

Thorough with good attention to detail 

Reliable 

A high level of spoken and written English 

Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way 

A calm, friendly, kind, and patient approach 

Enjoyment in speaking to new people 

A commitment to working in an empowering way 

Able to maintain boundaries 

Able to work autonomously 

Currently resident in the UK 

Desirable: 

Experience in doing 1:1 advice work/casework 

Working knowledge or experience of relevant law and policy around asylum support, the asylum process, rights, and entitlements for people seeking asylum. 

Direct experience of the UK immigration system. 

Past experience of working with people seeking asylum. 

Proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu, or Vietnamese. 

We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process. 

Benefits of Volunteering: 

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum. 

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team. 

· Develop your skills and competencies. 

· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

Obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months regular volunteering. 

All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

To Apply: 

Applicants will have an informal meeting with the Youth caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP. 

Successful applicants will be required to complete 2 hours of online general CARAS induction and 2 hours of online safeguarding training and specialist Casework volunteer training before commencing their placement. 

Role: Youth casework volunteer 

Team: Casework 

Supervised by: Youth caseworker 

Location: Tooting Hub on a Wednesday afternoon (13:30-16:00pm or 18:30-21:00pm) 

Time commitment: 2.5 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months 

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation, we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About CARAS Casework: 

CARAS works with adults and young people of a refugee and asylum seeker background to find solutions to their problems. There are two separate sub-teams within the Casework team; young people and adults. We support young people to navigate the asylum system, understand their rights and entitlements, access education, connect with services and realise their goals. We are a non-specialist casework and advocacy service, so we work in close partnership with other local organisations to whom we refer people with more complex issues. 

Using the empowerment model, our casework service embodies CARAS’ values of ‘with not for’, always striving to ensure people are armed with the information and resources they need to make decisions and take action for themselves. 

About the Role: 

We are currently recruiting 3 volunteers to join our Youth Casework team. 

The purpose of the Youth Casework volunteer role is to support young people with a refugee or asylum-seeking background to understand their rights, access information and services, and ultimately, take control of their own lives. You will work with individuals to address problems they may face relating to, among other issues, asylum support, accessing healthcare and education, access to legal advice and finding activities and opportunities. 

You will start from an understanding that individuals are always best placed to solve their own problems, and often need nothing more than to talk out a problem and find the solution themselves. When helpful, you will provide information to clarify and support to take action. 

The Youth Casework team hold a support session at our community space in Tooting Hub on Wednesday afternoons from 13:30-16:00pm and evenings from 18:00-21:00pm. Volunteer caseworkers have 1:1 appointments, either in person or by phone, with CARAS members. These can be related to a range of topics. Currently, our biggest areas of work are around social care, the National Transfer Scheme, access to college, nursery/school places for children, referrals to mental health providers, searches, and signposting to activities, finding solicitors and supporting people to apply for bus passes and ID cards. Volunteers also support administrative tasks such as updating our databases, collating resources, and creating information guides. 

Youth Casework Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities:  

Working in an empowering way with individuals and promoting their independence through goal-setting. 

Supporting people to develop their knowledge of rights and entitlements. 

Assisting with filling out forms. 

Signposting and referring to other services and organisations. 

Gathering information from experts and disseminating information to people in an accessible manner. 

Engaging in collaborative internet and phone research on services, organisations, and grants. 

Flagging safeguarding concerns and other issues where further support is required. 

Keeping accurate case notes. 

Supporting to maintain our signposting database. 

Researching and collating resources. 

Working collaboratively as a team and assisting in shaping the Youth Casework project. 

Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality Policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant. 

Requirements (all experience can be from paid or voluntary roles):  

Essential:  

Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English. 

Confidence in using IT (Microsoft Office, Outlook, Zoom, Google Search, online forms) 

To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds; 

A commitment to confidentiality and data protection 

Thorough with good attention to detail 

Reliable 

A high level of spoken and written English 

Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way 

A calm, friendly, kind, and patient approach 

Enjoyment in speaking to new people 

A commitment to working in an empowering way 

Able to maintain boundaries 

Able to work autonomously 

Currently resident in the UK 

Desirable: 

Experience in doing 1:1 advice work/casework 

Working knowledge or experience of relevant law and policy around asylum support, the asylum process, rights, and entitlements for people seeking asylum. 

Direct experience of the UK immigration system. 

Past experience of working with people seeking asylum. 

Proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu, or Vietnamese. 

We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process. 

Benefits of Volunteering: 

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum. 

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team. 

· Develop your skills and competencies. 

· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

Obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months regular volunteering 

All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

To Apply: 

Applicants will have an informal meeting with the Youth caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP. 

Successful applicants will be required to complete 2 hours of online general CARAS induction and 2 hours of online safeguarding training and specialist Casework volunteer training before commencing their placement. 

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

 

What you will be doing

• Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community
• Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities
• Helping at events
• Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through
• SSAFA’s speaker programme
• Event administration
• Social media marketing

 

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Happy to help
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage

 

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

 

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.