Voluntary Volunteer Roles in Berkshire

Period Reality
 

 Fight for gender equity through system-level change by educating about and advocating for living in sync with your cycle.

Period Reality aims to address period related issues and stories by sharing the real life stories from girls and women globally. Although half the population experiences a menstrual cycle, the stark contrast in the different realities of girls and women is very real and through storytelling we aim to educate and provide relatable content.

Through sharing stories from girls and women focused on their common humanities. Even though our realities might be very different depending on many factors (physical, geographical, socio-economical, mental etc.) we all share a lot of the same questions, worries, dreams, anxieties, ambitious etc. Making these stories relatable and accessible will educate and inspire and create a movement of girls and women being able to first and foremost understand their own cycle, in order to be kind to themselves.

Responsibilites
 

• They are looking for a VOLUNTEER Marketing & Communication Coordinator

• Are you passionate about engaging a global community? Do you know your way around platforms? Do you have a vision on how we can inspire and motivate global changemakers? Join our Social Media team! You will have a lot of ownership of the full process, from mapping out a content calendar to analysing the engagement data; you will be gaining lots of experience in all areas! Any experience in copy / content writing is highly appreciated as well as any previous knowledge / experience around the SDGs. As Coordinator 8+ hours a week, as part of the team 4-8 hours per week.

• Volunteer 4-6 hours per week remotely for 6+ months ��

Period Reality
Fight for gender equity through system-level change by educating about and advocating for living in sync with your cycle.

Period Reality aims to address period related issues and stories by sharing the real life stories from girls and women globally. Although half the population experiences a menstrual cycle, the stark contrast in the different realities of girls and women is very real and through storytelling we aim to educate and provide relatable content.

Through sharing stories from girls and women focused on their common humanities. Even though our realities might be very different depending on many factors (physical, geographical, socio-economical, mental etc.) we all share a lot of the same questions, worries, dreams, anxieties, ambitious etc. Making these stories relatable and accessible will educate and inspire and create a movement of girls and women being able to first and foremost understand their own cycle, in order to be kind to themselves.

Responsibilities

• They are looking for a VOLUNTEER Curriculum Design

• Are you amazing at creating curricula that are impactful, innovative and full of heart? Do you resonate with their mission and vision to bring advocacy and education around this particular element of women's health that is rarely talked about? Do you want to help break down taboos? As part of the Education Team, you will be essential in creating the curriculum and educational programs in countries around the world. If so, the Education Team here at Period Reality wants you to join their international team of passionate educators and curriculum designers!

• Volunteer 4-6 hours per week remotely for 6+ months ��

Spher
 

Their goal is to give women the power over the city and online safety. Therefore they are building an app based community. They believe women and allies have to come together and speak up. The leaders of the cities can't ignore voices and data.

In their app women will be able to not only help each other and their loved ones stay safe, but even more importantly speak up and turn their concerns into actionable data. Which is very hard to ignore.

If you truly want a world where you, your mum/sister/girlfriend are safer in. Then join them!

Responsibilities
 

• They are looking for a VOLUNTEER Community Launcher 

• Spearhead the growth of communities within their app by either creating your own vibrant space or rallying existing communities to transition to their platform. Reach out to women, both known and unknown, to invite them to join or create communities within their app, showcasing the benefits of their platform for fostering meaningful connections and support networks. Act as a catalyst for community building, inspiring women to embrace the power of collective strength and solidarity within our digital ecosystem. Qualifications: Passion for women's safety and a commitment to fostering inclusive communities. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and motivate others, whether in person or through digital channels. Proactive mindset with the ability to take initiative and drive community growth independently. Experience in community building, social networking, or grassroots organizing is a plus but not required. Enthusiasm for leveraging technology to facilitate meaningful connections and empower women worldwide. Benefits: Joining a mission-driven startup at the forefront of social innovation. Flexible hours and remote work options, with approximately 8 hours per week commitment. Opportunity to make a tangible impact by shaping the communities that will support and empower women on our platform. Dynamic and collaborative team environment dedicated to driving positive change. If you're passionate about empowering women through community building and ready to take on the challenge of launching vibrant digital spaces within our app, they want to hear from you!

• Volunteer 7-9 hours per week remotely for 3-5  months ��

Spher
Their goal is to give women the power over the city and online safety. Therefore they are building an app based community. They believe women and allies have to come together and speak up. The leaders of the cities can't ignore voices and data.

In their app women will be able to not only help each other and their loved ones stay safe, but even more importantly speak up and turn their concerns into actionable data. Which is very hard to ignore.

If you truly want a world where you, your mum/sister/girlfriend are safer in. Then join them!

Responsibilities
 

• They are looking for a VOLUNTEER PR Manager 

• Develop a comprehensive PR strategy to generate buzz and media attention around their app launch. Execute the PR strategy, leveraging creativity and resourcefulness to maximize exposure with minimal budget. Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of PR efforts and adapt strategies based on insights and feedback. Take ownership of day-to-day PR activities, making autonomous decisions while keeping the team informed. Embrace a proactive approach to management, embodying mission command principles to drive results. Qualifications: A passion for women's safety and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a knack for crafting compelling messages. Fluent in either English or Spanish, with proficiency in both languages being a plus. Comfortable engaging with reporters and influencers, with a fearless attitude towards drawing attention to our cause. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, balancing the needs of the team with the autonomy to take decisive action. Willingness to take calculated risks and learn from m
  istakes, prioritizing action over seeking permission. Benefits: Joining a mission-driven startup with the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the world. Flexibility to work remotely with approximately 8 hours per week commitment. Hands-on experience in PR strategy development and execution, ideal for individuals looking to build their portfolio or gain real-world experience. The chance to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to innovation and social impact. If you're passionate about women's safety and ready to take on the challenge of driving PR initiatives for a groundbreaking app, they want to hear from you!

• Volunteer 7-9 hours per week remotely for 3-5  months ��

The Honorary Treasurer is a director of Healthwatch Bucks with specific responsibilities to:

1. Lead the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to protect the financial integrity of Healthwatch Bucks.

2. Provide support and guidance on financial matters to the Chief Executive and their Team.

3. Represent Healthwatch Bucks with key stakeholders as required.

Financial Integrity

The Honorary Treasurer leads the Board in protecting the financial integrity of Healthwatch Bucks by:

● Chairing the Finance Committee and, on its behalf, making recommendations to the Board.

● Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities, ensuring understanding of financial planning and budgeting and current and forecast finances.

● Monitoring and reporting the organisation’s financial health regularly to the Board in line with best practice, complying with its Articles of Association, financial legislation, statutory requirements, contractual obligations and necessary insurance cover.

● Ensuring that the organisation has and complies with up-to-date financial policies and processes including Risk Management, Reserves, Business Continuity and Financial Management & Internal Controls.

● Monitoring cash flow to ensure financial sustainability.

● Ensuring that financial transactions and reporting meet the conditions of contractual and other agreements with commissioners, funders, partners and sub-contractors.

● Acting as signatory or co-signatory in accordance with the scheme of delegation in the Financial Management and Internal Control processes.

● Presenting the financial accounts at the Annual General Meeting and overseeing the preparation of the accounts for statutory submission.

Support & Guidance

The Honorary Treasurer shares the duty of all Board Members to ensure effective policy making, strategic planning and monitoring of the performance of Healthwatch Bucks. Additionally, the Treasurer has specific responsibilities supporting the Chief Executive to ensure that:

● Financial planning processes are maintained and that available financial resources are appropriate to the aims of the organisation.

● Healthwatch Bucks has an effective strategy for generating and accounting for commissioned and donated income to achieve its objectives and manage its expenditure.

● The Board receives all necessary advice on the financial implications of strategic plans and projects.

● The Board is presented with budget statements, management accounts and financial information at all key points in the planning and budget cycle and that issues are outlined in a coherent and easily understandable way.

The Financial Management and Control Policy is kept up-to-date and implemented throughout the organisation.

● Proper procedures are followed for preparing, presenting and filing the annual financial statements.

● The recommendations of external financial advisors are reported to the Board and acted upon.

● Equipment and assets are appropriately recorded, depreciated, maintained and insured.

Representation

The Honorary Treasurer will, as appropriate:

1. Liaise with staff and contractors responsible for the financial activities of the organisation.

2. Represent Healthwatch Bucks with commissioners and sub - contractors, partners, Healthwatch England, bankers and members.

3. Act as a spokesperson or signatory for the organisation.

4. Liaise with the independent examiner on the annual management letter and related Board representation.

Role: Trustee – several roles available

About the opportunity

The Community Foundation for Surrey is an independent charitable foundation that turns private money into community money by matching local donors with local charities and community groups doing excellent work. 

We believe in a stronger, fairer Surrey, enabling everyone to support organisations who are making a positive difference to our communities so that no one is left behind.

We are building a strong movement of local philanthropists, with a unique place-based giving approach to support local people. We engage the generosity of a broad Donor base within Surrey, connecting them with those providing positive solutions within our local communities. Using our unique knowledge of the community and voluntary sector in our area, we come together to ensure a fairer county for all.

We work with individuals, families, businesses, and charitable trusts who want to make a real and lasting difference within Surrey, by connecting them with charitable projects that are providing vital support and reaching those most in need. Local Donors can establish a bespoke Fund with the Foundation, or contribute to one of our Collective Funds, supporting a growing programme of grant-making. We are proud to manage more than £17M in invested endowments and provide meaningful support to over 400 community projects each year.

Last year we awarded around £2m in grants, but our work has only just begun. In recent years, applications for grants related to poverty and disadvantage have increased by over 600% and applications for projects to support those suffering from mental ill-health have risen by 260%. 

2025 will be our 20th anniversary year and our ambition is to grow our annual grant giving as we are currently over ten times over-subscribed. Significant growth is essential if we are to fulfil our role in ensuring that no one in Surrey is left behind. 

As Trustee you will help us to set the strategic direction and fundraising priorities of the Foundation, ensuring that we function within the legal and regulatory framework of the sector and make the best possible impact on the lives of those living in our county. You will join us at a time when our communities are experiencing more disparity of advantage than ever before in our county.

The primary purpose of a Board Trustee is to work with the Chair, the Chief Executive, and the other Trustees to ensure that the Community Foundation fulfils its objectives and performance targets. To that end, he or she is required to contribute to the effective running of the Board as a governing body.

What are we looking for? Specific skills and experience.

We believe that it is vitally important to work in partnership in our county, to support those most in need in our communities. To that end we are seeking to recruit a number of trustees as follows: 

1. A Trustee who could bring governance interest or experience to join our Personnel & Governance Committee.
   1. Could be someone with HR interest and background OR
   2. Someone with risk management or legal experience
2. A Trustee who has knowledge of Corporate Social Responsibility, Social value or Community Engagement.
3. A Trustee with wealth management or investment management experience to join our Finance & Development Committee.
4. A Trustee who will take the lead for the Board on our Funder Plus programme – this is the provision of pro bono support by business professionals to help charities with their business and financial planning. It is a relatively new programme for CFSurrey and we would like to grow and develop it to add real value to our grants programmes.
5. A trustee who will take the lead for the Board on our exciting new Arts, Culture & Heritage Social Impact Fund. Someone who is passionate about the life-changing impact that arts, culture and heritage can have on people and can help us grow a new fund in this area.

For all the Trustee roles:

• The Trustee role is a voluntary position, open to all applicants, prior trustee experience is not required and a full induction programme will be provided.
• We are particularly looking for Trustees who can help us to ensure that our Board is as diverse as the local community that it serves in order to ensure a range of opinions and lived experience on our Board.
• Minimum engagement equivalent to one full day per month (typically spread out).
• Trustees must be able to attend 4 Board meetings per year (2-3 hours each). Offices are in Woking, and all meetings are hybrid to support remote attendance.
• And attend annual Board Away Day.
• And Trustees are also encouraged to participate in a minimum of one Board Sub-Committee (2-6 meetings per year depending on the committee).
• Trustees should also be able to commit to attending occasional Donor development events and/or visit grant recipient events from time to time.  
• Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term of office, after which they may be re-elected for a further 2 consecutive terms of three years.
• Trustees are voluntary positions, but expenses incurred in their duties may be reclaimed from the Foundation with the approval of the Chair and Chief Executive.

To apply: Please send a CV and covering letter indicating why you are interested in this opportunity, and what you would bring to the role. Application deadline 7th June 2024.

For an informal discussion about the role contact the CEO of the Community Foundation for Surrey, Rebecca Bowden.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

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.

Marie Curie Companion is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.

Companion Volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support.

Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, eg family home, a care home or in the community.
• Provide one-to-one companionship and support. 

For example: offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (e.g. to medical appointments) or taking short trips out. Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. You may be supporting your client’s family or carers before or during bereavement.  This may involve offering emotional support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested 

(This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companion volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)

• Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone 
• Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required 
• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support
• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required 
• Represent the Marie Curie Companion service positively to those using the service

QMC Capoeira is looking for a Volunteer Video Editor who would love to support a community organisation undertake an international martial arts tournament and Brazilian Cultural Festival Project related work. The role is to start ASAP and finish mid – late November.

QMC Capoeira is a martial arts school based in London that has been running since 2006, has academy in Canada and the Dominican Republic and is the most awarded Capoeira School in the UK.

 The objective of the role is to:

• Work on highlights videos from events, workshops, and classes, promo videos, mini-documentaries, and micro shorts.
• Videos will be about Capoeira, martial arts, sports, and fitness, and an interest in any or all of these things is desirable.
• Knowledge and experience in creating videos for social media, particularly for Instagram and TikTok, are also desirable.

This role is fully remote.

 Skills and attributes:

· Demonstrate experience with Adobe Premier

· Demonstrate some experience with Final Cut (not essential, but an advantage)

· Demonstrate some video production experience 

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills 

· Focused, organized and able to prioritize and execute tasks independently 

· Passion in martial arts is preferable, although not a must.

• Show professionalism at all levels and in all 
• environments 
• Be a strong team player
• Well organized, pro-active, self-starter and able to deliver tasks efficiently.Good time-management skills

· Ability to commit to volunteering 12 hours a week for 16 weeks (covering form pre–event to post–event period)

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

Voluntary Business Development Officer (part time)

ETS is a growing UK based Christian charity, which is looking to expand its discipleship and evangelism training throughout the UK and the English-speaking nations.

We are looking for a person of faith who can identify with our aims and has some experience with business development or sales. Although this is a voluntary position, we anticipate that this role will be salaried at some point in the future.

This role will be our first contact to many Pastors and Leaders in both the UK and to other English-speaking Nations. The role will involve reaching out to Churches to promote our discipleship and evangelism training. This will be by targeted emails, letters, and phone calls, which will be backed up and supported by our Social Media and Fundraising Officers.

ETS is based in Peterborough, and we expect any applicant to work from home/remote (hybrid) along with attending meetings over zoom. We will only interview applicants who are UK based. There may be occasional team meetings at Allia Business Centre, Peterborough, but traveling costs will be reimbursed, along with phone calls and other approved expenses.

Salary: This is a voluntary role and you are expected to pay your own taxes (if applicable)

Hours of work: This is a part-time role of 2 days per week (10 hours) but can be carried out at different times during the week.

We expect a commitment of one year, with the possibility of extension

Safeguarding: Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

The administrative assistant will be assisting in general administrative support. They will have a close dialogue with key stakeholders, funders and donors to create relationships to help the organisation move forward.

The requirements for the job is basic office and communicating skills.

The administrative assistant should be keen on learning and developing new skills within the Organisation.

There will be opportunities to develop skills within several different units of the organisation such as; Marketing, Funding, Finance, HR and Legal.

The position will give the volunteer the opportunity to get insight into these different units, and the choice to develop oneself within the one (or several) that becomes of most interest, while at the same time getting versatile, transferable skills that can be applied throughout the organisation.

Main Tasks:

• Contact and communicate with stakeholders - explaining the organisational aims of the organisation and creating relationships and collaboration with other organisations.

• Assisting other volunteers in positions such as Marketing, Funding, Finance, HR and Legal.

• Administrative duties.

Required Skills:

• Microsoft word (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

• Communication skills

• Team-working skills

• Delivers work of quality in a timely manner

• Self-driven

• Obtains a professional attitude

Training and Support Available:

• Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

• Development within desired department

The volunteering program with QMC School requires a minimum of 16 weeks of commitment. We are looking for someone who can offer 12 hours a week, Monday - Friday.

Please note that this is a volunteering role

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. 

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace. 

Ready for an adventure? Dive into the heart of Quilombo UK by exploring our website and videos! Explore the values that guide our  mission, values and the impactful work we do to make a difference in our community.

Join us in leading positive change!

Role Description:

As a Personal Assistant within the Directors' Support Team, you will play a pivotal role in facilitating the efficient functioning of the Directorship. This is a volunteer position, requiring a commitment to our mission and a keen desire to contribute to the success of Quilombo UK.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of taking briefings, translating them into actionable outcomes, and contributing to the overall success of the organisation.

 Main Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive research on various topics relevant to Quilombo UK's mission and initiatives.

• Analyse and synthesise information to provide insightful reports and recommendations to the Directors.

• Work closely with the Directors to understand their priorities and preferences.

• Assist in the preparation of briefings and communications, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with organisational objectives.

• Receive and interpret directives from the Directors, translating them into actionable tasks.

• Collaborate with relevant teams to drive outcomes and ensure timely completion of tasks.

• Manage the Directors' schedules, appointments, and travel arrangements.

• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Essential:

• Experience in a similar role, preferably supporting senior executives or Directors.

• Proven ability to conduct thorough research, analyse data, and present findings in a clear and concise manner.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft professional and articulate documents.

• Demonstrated experience in taking directives, converting them into actions, and delivering outcomes.

• Proactive mindset with the ability to anticipate needs and take initiative in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team and contribute to a positive working environment.

• Willingness to volunteer time and effort to support the mission and goals of Quilombo UK.

• Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Desirable:

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

• Can work without much supervision

What we offer:

• Online placement

• Opportunity for professional growth and development in PA. 

• A collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and innovation.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

Borderline Support UK CIC are a small non-profit organisation made up entirely of volunteers. We work to support people with borderline personality disorder through peer support groups, signposting, and more.

Lived experience isn’t necessary for this post, but it would be an advantage.

We are currently looking for enthusiastic and passionate Research Assistants who can dedicate a few hours a month to work on projects with Borderline Support UK. We aren’t looking for people with buckets of experience (although please apply if you do!), so no matter your experience we’d like to hear from you. The more Lived Experience voices we have on our team, the better!

Some of the projects we’re running at the moment are as follows:

• Under 18’s Resource Creation
• 18+ Resource Creation
• Social Media Content
• Support Services across the UK
• Lived Experience data collection

There will be scope to work on larger scale research projects in the future.

Who are Midland Mencap?

Midland Mencap is a charity which works and campaigns for accessible and inclusive services and a better quality of life for everyone with experience of learning disabilities and additional needs.

Purpose of the role.

To connect people wanting to cycle more with volunteer Bike Buddies who want to help them. We have people from many different backgrounds wanting support with their cycling for many reasons.  

For example:

· Coming back to cycling after time off

· Disability or ill health

· Finding quiet roads and cycle paths around the neighbourhood

· Building up confidence on busy roads

· Sharing experiences of things like cycling at night or what clothes to wear

· Checking bikes together before a ride

Bike Buddies provide crucial support and motivation to help people to participate in inclusive and adapted outdoor cycling. Volunteers support cyclists to achieve their fitness goals and enjoy cycling in our community.

Our Bike Buddies are great ambassadors for cycling, sharing their expertise of local routes and giving others the confidence to get around by bike.

If you feel confident cycling on the road or in a park with someone else, and are wanting to give back to others, this is the role for you.

What would I be doing?

You’ll need to find out what they want to do and where they want to go. Some people want to explore quiet streets locally or plan a longer journey. You may ride to the park or show them local routes – quiet ways, new cycle lanes and off-road paths are popular.

They may want to try out junctions or crossing busy roads – think about how to ride those safely. You may support a person at one of our pre-arranged Parkride cycle meetings and help them to develop the skills and confidence to cycle safely and independently.

What do I need?

This role will require:

· A roadworthy bike and riding equipment.

· Experience of regular cycling

· Some experience of cycle maintenance

·       A cycling competence session with parkride staff

· Friendly, calm, and patient

· A good listener & happy to chat

· Accepting of people who may be different to you

· Willing to learn and act within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap

· Good time management skills, reliability

· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.

When and where do you need me?

Either at organised events or 1-2-1 within your local area.

Ideally you can meet once or twice a month for approx. 2 hours.

We have parkride sessions running throughout the week including evenings and weekends.

What’s in it for me?

As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:

• The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with disabilities and their family carers

• An induction and settling in period

• Any training and development that is needed

• The chance to develop your skills and gain experience

• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team

• Support within your role

• Any out-of-pocket travel expenses

• Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

• Positive wellbeing from doing something great

• Improve career opportunities by adding your volunteer role to a CV