Volunteer Roles in East Of England

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to bring their experience and knowledge to our board of trustees.  The board is our governing body, providing strategy and direction and ensuring we’re run according to the rules.​

Why become a Trustee? ​

In a recent survey it was reported that over eight in ten of those performing Trustee roles said that it made them happier and over one in five said that they got a promotion as a result of their service. ​

Founded in 1997, we are a charity that provides safe spaces for vulnerable people experiencing homelessness. As the landscape of social and healthcare has changed, our services have adapted and grown, but we’ve always kept the people we help at the centre of all that we do. During 2021 our committed army of incredible staff, trustees and volunteers helped more than 700 people with homelessness, substance misuse, domestic abuse and poor mental & physical health.

Applications are invited from individuals who are looking to take on a Trustee role and are particularly interested in supporting the organisation proactively.

We are looking for people who have experience in at least ONE of the following areas:

• Finance and accounts
• Housing/social/affordable housing sectors
• Fundraising, bid and/or grant application experience
• Subject matter expertise in homelessness or rough sleeping
• Networks and contacts e.g. business networks, academia, public sector organisations (Local Authorities, NHS) or voluntary sector organisations in Bedford 

Commitment required & location of meetings:

Board meetings (4 per year) and, in line with Charity Commission regulations, no payment is made.

In return we can offer you the following:

• Rewarding work in a committed and passionate organisation
• The opportunity to learn new skills, gain different experiences & develop your profession and personal life
• Occasions to meet a diverse range of people and give back to the community and society.

There is an expectation that trustees will wish to become actively involved in the charity which sometimes requires attendance at fundraising and other key events.

Trustees will be appointed for an initial period of 3 years and eligible to serve for one further term of 3 years.

We address the challenges of the lack of unadulterated, gluten-free and allergy free food products in the market, seeing that there are more than 100 000 cases of gluten intolerance per year. We also address the fact that post-harvest loss and knowledge gaps on post-harvest methods exist.

We help to solve those challenges by building a holistic and inclusive African Super-foods value chain to fight food insecurity, hunger and diseases. This is done through capacity building and technical assistance, processing and value addition training as well as access to markets. We partner with community heads and women leaders to identify, profile smallholder farmers, women and youth; we train them on agri-entrepreneural skills, post-harvest methods and techniques, business, financial and marketing skills. For example, we train on different methods of extending the life of staple crops such as plantains, sweet potatoes, etc. by processing them into flours, chips, puree, boiled, fried, pastries and much more. This way we provide beneficiaries with quality education, technical support, reduce post-harvest losses and facilitate market access.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Help us develop and execute strategies to grow the company's business, including identifying new markets; placing products on online marketplaces, creating distribution channels network and identifying new partners; assist us in developing a business model and plan for the next 3 years as well as an impact model.

• Volunteer 5-7 hours per week remotely

VOLUNTEER LEAFLETER delivers our charity's leaflets door to door, usually in the areas where you live. The role is unpaid but we pay pre-authorised travel expenses to get to where you need to go. We deliver the leaflets to you. You deliver to homes and businesses at times and days of your choosing. We ask you only to tell us which roads you have delivered in, for our records. This project is ongoing and is a means to educate the public about our existence and our charitable aims. You are not required to talk to anyone, but with knowledge we will be happy if you explain our aims to others - i.e. spread the word. In the future we may allow you to collect money.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Why we need your help

The Marie Curie Dementia Befriending service is provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness that have dementia 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.

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

What we need you to do

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

• Complete all initial mandatory Dementia Befriender volunteer training, as well as any refresher training whilst you are a Marie Curie volunteer
• 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, for example in a family’s home, in a care home or out in the community.
• Provide one to one companionship and support. For example - Offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in everyday conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Accompanying them to an appointment, social groups or taking short trips out. Helping with small daily tasks eg making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. Signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested.

(This list is only an outline as support will vary according to the needs of those using the service. Dementia Befriender volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)

• Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (eg to chemotherapy appointments or day therapy at the hospice)
• Follow all mandatory procedures that form part of the Dementia Befriending service. Examples include submitting written report forms, identifying and briefing a lone worker Buddy, and following procedures for lone worker safety.
• 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
• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support
• Attend group events and training sessions for Marie Curie Dementia Befriender volunteers
• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator as required
• Represent the Marie Curie Dementia Befriending service positively to those using the service
• Support with Advanced Care Planning for clients

What skills or experience do you need?

• Commitment and reliability - able to keep appointments and volunteer for approximately 3 hours a week
• Patience, empathy and emotional stability
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality
• Willing to be flexible to the needs of the individual
• Ability to operate within the boundaries of the role
• A friendly and sensitive approach
• Excellent listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others Respect for individuals, regardless of their race, gender, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation and marital status

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 US

Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and  6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left. 

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

Help us develop exciting and engaging resources so we can achieve our aim of making maths relevant, physically active and raising attainment.

Description

Numberfit is a social enterprise that works to make Maths learning fun and engaging for children across all age groups. We are looking to grow our reach, and with this our team.

We would like the volunteer to assist us in developing exciting new primary and early years Maths resources for use in schools and in the home.

Some of the tasks we are looking for Maths Resource Development and Checking volunteers to help us with are:

• Worksheet checking using our question checking interface

• Maths resource creation

• Video script checking and updating

• Script creation for new educational videos

• Video checking

You will be working with our Maths facilitators who will provide training and support

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for a volunteer who has experience in:

• Good Maths ability

• Ability to engage with children

• Attention to detail

The volunteer should also have/be:

• Accuracy and attention to detail 

• Ability to quickly understand the needs of our team / organisation / users

• Can ask key questions to enable us to clarify requirements

• Understands the resource constraints of a small organisation and is able to work with these

• Efficient

What difference will you make? 

Your input will ensure the highest quality resources are used by children taking part in our programmes. 

With your help we’ll be able to continue raising the profile of mathematics, enjoyable learning and children's wellbeing.

What’s in it for you?

Through this role you will work alongside a small central team, get a feel of our Maths materials across all ages, with the opportunity to feed back on our resources that once checked we will be able to start using.

What skills should you have? 

• Time keeping 

• Maths

• Attention to detail 

What skills will you gain?

• Teamwork

• Resource checking 

• Attention to detail

Requirements:

• Good level of Maths

• Own computer or secure access to one

• At least 3 hours a week + for a minimum period of 3 months 

WALKING FUNDRAISER is a special Fundraising person who educates the public while walking into venues to raise funds for 17billion charity. Venues include social clubs, sports clubs (tennis, bowls etc.), institutions, companies, pubs and clubs as appropriate. 

WALKING FUNDRAISERS are provided with a mobile card reader such as FLEXIMOVE 5000, that scan cards, but may also collect cheques and cash from donors. They may also talk about legacies and larger donations that may be made in the future.

After appointment you will be allocated a geographical area to 'work', rather like a sales 'patch' for a travelling sales person.

In venues you will speak to groups and individuals about 17bilion and our global aims concerning exponential growth in human population: then seek and take donations mainly using the mobile card reader.

We address the challenges of the lack of unadulterated, gluten-free and allergy free food products in the market, seeing that there are more than 100 000 cases of gluten intolerance per year. We also address the fact that post-harvest loss and knowledge gaps on post-harvest methods exist.

We help to solve those challenges by building a holistic and inclusive African Super-foods value chain to fight food insecurity, hunger and diseases. This is done through capacity building and technical assistance, processing and value addition training as well as access to markets. We partner with community heads and women leaders to identify, profile smallholder farmers, women and youth; we train them on agri-entrepreneural skills, post-harvest methods and techniques, business, financial and marketing skills. For example, we train on different methods of extending the life of staple crops such as plantains, sweet potatoes, etc. by processing them into flours, chips, puree, boiled, fried, pastries and much more. This way we provide beneficiaries with quality education, technical support, reduce post-harvest losses and facilitate market access.

FUNDRAISING

• Help develop and implement fundraising strategies to secure funding for the company’s operations and social impact programs; write grants and organize fundraising events; as well as identify potential donors/funders, create and manage donor database.

• Volunteer 4-5 hours per week remotely

We need your help creating compelling digital assets and engaging resources.

Description

Numberfit is a social enterprise that works to make Maths learning fun and engaging for children across all age groups. We are looking to grow our reach, and with this our team.

You will be working alongside a small team including our founder and operations team, creating compelling digital assets and resources, including: 

- teaching resources

- teaching equipment

- social media content

- stories and much more

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for a person passionate about children's education who:

• Has graphic design/illustration experience

• Is a visually creative individual with a passion for design

• Can provide ideas

• Has the ability to quickly understand our needs

• Can ask key questions to enable us to clarify requirements

The volunteer should also have/be:

• Value accuracy and attention to detail 

• Open to feedback

What difference will you make? 

Your input will shape how we communicate our creativity and the assets children will engage with.

With your help we’ll be able to continue raising the profile of mathematics, enjoyable learning and children's wellbeing.

What’s in it for you?

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time to make a real difference to the organisation’s ability to provide and deliver enjoyable maths sessions and materials for children across all age groups.

What skills should you have? 

• Graphic design
   

What skills will you gain?

• Teamwork
• Design

Requirements:

• Relevant qualification / training/ experience

• Own computer or secure access to one

• At least 3 hours a week + for a minimum period of 3 months

We address the challenges of the lack of unadulterated, gluten-free and allergy free food products in the market, seeing that there are more than 100 000 cases of gluten intolerance per year. We also address the fact that post-harvest loss and knowledge gaps on post-harvest methods exist.

We help to solve those challenges by building a holistic and inclusive African Super-foods value chain to fight food insecurity, hunger and diseases. This is done through capacity building and technical assistance, processing and value addition training as well as access to markets. We partner with community heads and women leaders to identify, profile smallholder farmers, women and youth; we train them on agri-entrepreneural skills, post-harvest methods and techniques, business, financial and marketing skills. For example, we train on different methods of extending the life of staple crops such as plantains, sweet potatoes, etc. by processing them into flours, chips, puree, boiled, fried, pastries and much more. This way we provide beneficiaries with quality education, technical support, reduce post-harvest losses and facilitate market access.

COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT

• Engage with our social media audience by responding to comments, messages, and inquiries in a timely and friendly manner; initiate conversations and discussions on relevant topics to encourage community engagement and interaction; share information and engaging content; collaborate with content writing team to identify and create community-focused content that resonates with our target audience and also monitor and analyze community feedback and insights to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

• Volunteer 5-8 hours per week remotely

Who we are

Travel Radar provides high quality and relevant industry insight across the Commercial Aviation & Air-Travel sectors. Having grown rapidly since 2015, we've gone on to become one of the leading providers of Aviation News available online, and in 2023 are expanding to become the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. With an ever-growing remote team of over 100 staff, we bring exciting and interesting content 24/7 from around the globe to a reach of over 30 million users per month.

Our mission to change how travel is seen, involves showing people how to make their journeys as fulfilling as possible through providing the latest news and how to improve journey quality. This is supplemented with providing the industry with leading edge visual content, data and job-aggregation. It’s an exciting time to become a part of Travel Radar.

What you’ll be doing

We’re on the lookout for a Social Media Assistants/Content Creators to join our high- performance Social Media Team. We are looking to hire 4 people. We need someone with social media knowledge for Instagram posts or Reels and TikTok. We need two people to work between Facebook, Linkedin and X. That is because they are different type of viewers. One person for Linkedin Twitter and Instagram they share links between them.

Some of the things you’ll be doing week-to-week includes:

•Assisting creating creative and engaging social media strategies for our platforms, and enacting them day to day

•Managing the day-to-day posting of a particular social media channel such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn

•Planning and delivering content across different platforms using scheduling tools such as Buffer and/or Meta Business Suite

•Assisting to develop, launch and manage new competitions and campaigns that promote Travel Radar and the brand

•Forming key relationships with influencers in the aviation and air-travel space across your particular social media platform

•Managing and facilitating social media communities by responding to social media posts and developing discussions, including direct messages and mentions/@’s

•Researching and evaluating the latest trends, techniques and algorithm changes in order to find new and better ways of creating and measuring social media activity.

What skills and experience you’ll bring to us

We’re all about learning and development here at Travel Radar, so we don’t expect you to know everything to apply to us! Whether you’re an undergraduate looking to gain real- world experience, a graduate looking for their first opportunity, looking to gain experience in social media side as well. Or seasoned professionals wanting to change careers or step into management, we will support you in your journey.

Here are some of the skills that’ll be required, and some that’ll be beneficial to have:

Required

Proven social media or content curation experience.

Ability to schedule content weekly.

Expert knowledge in one or more social media platforms.

Strong content curation skills including Canva/Graphic Design

Beneficial

IT proficiency – ideally with Buffer/Hootsuite knowledge

Knowledge of data analysis and social media analytics

A passion for aviation or wider travel industryWho we are

Travel Radar provides high quality and relevant industry insight across the Commercial Aviation & Air-Travel sectors. Having grown rapidly since 2015, we've gone on to become one of the leading providers of Aviation News available online, and in 2023 are expanding to become the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. With an ever-growing remote team of over 100 staff, we bring exciting and interesting content 24/7 from around the globe to a reach of over 30 million users per month.

Our mission to change how travel is seen, involves showing people how to make their journeys as fulfilling as possible through providing the latest news and how to improve journey quality. This is supplemented with providing the industry with leading edge visual content, data and job-aggregation. It’s an exciting time to become a part of Travel Radar.

What you’ll be doing

We’re on the lookout for a Social Media Assistants/Content Creators to join our high- performance Social Media Team. We are looking to hire 4 people. We need someone with social media knowledge for Instagram posts or Reels and TikTok. We need two people to work between Facebook, Linkedin and X. That is because they are different type of viewers. One person for Linkedin Twitter and Instagram they share links between them.

Some of the things you’ll be doing week-to-week includes:

•Assisting creating creative and engaging social media strategies for our platforms, and enacting them day to day

•Managing the day-to-day posting of a particular social media channel such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn

•Planning and delivering content across different platforms using scheduling tools such as Buffer and/or Meta Business Suite

•Assisting to develop, launch and manage new competitions and campaigns that promote Travel Radar and the brand

•Forming key relationships with influencers in the aviation and air-travel space across your particular social media platform

•Managing and facilitating social media communities by responding to social media posts and developing discussions, including direct messages and mentions/@’s

•Researching and evaluating the latest trends, techniques and algorithm changes in order to find new and better ways of creating and measuring social media activity.

What skills and experience you’ll bring to us

We’re all about learning and development here at Travel Radar, so we don’t expect you to know everything to apply to us! Whether you’re an undergraduate looking to gain real- world experience, a graduate looking for their first opportunity, looking to gain experience in social media side as well. Or seasoned professionals wanting to change careers or step into management, we will support you in your journey.

Here are some of the skills that’ll be required, and some that’ll be beneficial to have:

Required

Proven social media or content curation experience.

Ability to schedule content weekly.

Expert knowledge in one or more social media platforms.

Strong content curation skills including Canva/Graphic Design

Beneficial

IT proficiency – ideally with Buffer/Hootsuite knowledge

Knowledge of data analysis and social media analytics

A passion for aviation or wider travel industry

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering, and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

Our social media volunteers use their passion and knowledge of social media to promote the activities of local volunteer groups and teams though various channels. They directly help cats by raising awareness of Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise the funds we need for our work, ensure people know they can adopt a cat from us, help promote neutering and help as many people as possible learn more about feline welfare.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Promoting the work of Cats Protection through various social media channels, for example, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Gathering information from across the organisation and locally within your team or volunteer group
• Writing and creating social media content, ensuring it complies with policies and guidelines
• Scheduling and posting social media content
• Monitoring activity and responding to comments on social media channels
• Promoting and sharing fundraising activities 

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge, and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by raising the profile of Cats Protection through social media. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A passion for social media and experience of using social media channels regularly
• Knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of using social media
• Good IT skills
• Excellent writing skills, including good grammar and spelling
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Willingness to learn a new skill

Time expectation

Our social media volunteers can expect to spend between one to three hours per week in this role. This role is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Treasurer of the Board of Trustees

 Purpose

• Oversee all financial aspects of the Charity on behalf of the Board of Trustees to evaluate our financial position and associated risks
• Assist the Chair, other honorary officers, in ensuring that the Board of Trustees fulfils its duties and responsibilities for the proper financial governance of the charity

Main Responsibilities & Tasks associated with the role

In partnership with the Trustee Board

• Ensure that the charity operates within the financial guidelines set out in current legislation by the Charity Commission, in the Charity’s Constitution and by the Board
• Work with the Trustee Board to update and to test internally our financial management policies and procedures to support strong Governance and financial controls.  Responsibility for governance matters relating to insurance, payroll and pensions and appointment of external Examiner
• Responsibility for the preparation of monthly management accounts, with information fed from bank records
• Co-ordination of Banking arrangements on behalf of the Charity, including arranging payments relating to governance matters
• Identify and bring to the attention of the Board any financial risks facing the Charity
• Ensure the Charity’s financial resources are sufficient to meet current and future needs, advise the Board on the reserves policy, and to ensure that this policy is reviewed and monitored regularly
• Protect and manage the property of the Charity and to ensure the proper investment of the Charity’s funds

• Support the preparation of the proposed annual budget, cash flow forecasts and financial reports and scrutinise the decisions being proposed and advise and guide the Board accordingly
• Review longer term forecasts of capital resources and of income and expenditure, and to review and monitor financial trends within the Charity
• Management of the annual examination process, including communicating with, and meeting as required, the external Examiner
• Chair or be a member of appropriate Board committees and internal working groups, as required
• Attend the Trustee Board meetings, approximately 4 per year, and any Extra- ordinary meetings as required

To assist the Chair and other Trustees

• By ensuring that the Board of Trustees fulfils its duties and responsibilities for the proper financial governance of the Charity
• Keep the Board informed of its financial duties and responsibilities
• Advise the Board on financial implications and operational risks arising from Board decisions, especially the Board’s strategic and policy decisions
• Advise the Board on the financial strategy proposed, and review and monitor the financial strategy on behalf of the Board
• Work with the Board to ensure financial information is presented in a way that facilitates good financial governance, and enables the Board to fulfil its legal and statutory responsibilities

Person Specification - Essential

• A professional accounting background
• Knowledge of financial regulations governing charities.  Experience of working with the charity sector is desirable
• Able to commit sufficient time, (averaging 5 hours per week)
• Ability to think strategically and forward plan
• Ability to digest, present and critically evaluate a range of information, including written reports, statistics, and verbal communications
• Willingness to challenge and engage in a collaborative manner
• A current user of Microsoft Office software and awareness of social media platforms, used to support fundraising activities
• Understand and is committed to diversity issues

Dream Feedback Volunteer

About Dreams Come True: Dreams Come True is a national Children's Charity who exists to create moments of magic for children who have it tough. We are passionate about delivering dreams that have a lasting impact on those who might not even consider having a dream come true. The children we support are living in the highest areas of deprivation in the country, and are living with a disability, a serious illness, or a life-limiting condition. These children need our attention.

Who we support: To ensure we reach the children who deserve our attention the most, we work with children who are living in the highest areas of deprivation in the country, and are living with a disability, serious illness, or life-limiting conditions. What is a Dream? Our dreams create moments of magic with lasting impact and are personal to each child we work with. Our team of dream makers, work closely with children and families to deliver a unique experience, that will provide moments of magic and have a lasting impact long after the dream has come true.

The types of dreams we offer are:

• Home Makeovers: Bedrooms redesigned by our team of dream makers, inspired by each dream child, or garden play equipment to enhance a child's environment

• Getaways: UK holidays and cherished experience days built to inspire a lifetime of memories

• Small change, Big impact Programme: This programme aims to improve the daily lives of isolated children through access to vital equipment and technology.

Our Makeovers, Experience Days and Small change, Big impact Programme can all be delivered on an individual basis or as part of a Community Dream.

Why is this role important? Dream stories are an important part of how we open a dialogue with our audience and keep them engaged with the work that we do. We gather feedback and generate Dream Stories to fundraise, engage donors, provide feedback to funders and referrers, and record the dreams we deliver to mark our history as a charity and improve.

The Role: As Family Feedback volunteer you will speak to families over the phone to gather information about:

• The Dream child, who they are, their personality and interests.

• The child’s medical condition and how that impacts them.

• What the dream was, where the idea came from and why it was important to them.

• Highlights from the dream and how it went.

• The impact of the dream since it came true.

As well as any other information you feel is relevant and would make for a compelling story, that the family are happy for us to use. You will then use this information to create a Dream Story that will be written in line with DCT guidelines and used across the charity. Dreams Come True are required to keep accurate records of the full conversation with the family, so we will also ask the volunteer to provide the notes of the call. You may be required to talk to the Dream Family and/or Dream Child about how they can support the charity if they so wish to, but we never ask families to make donations. You may need to signpost them to someone else within the charity.

Suitable for:

• Those with experience of creative writing; either through work, education, or volunteering

• Those who are excellent communicators both written and verbal (especially over the phone)

• Those wanting to help fulfil the dreams of children and young people who have it tough, living with serious and life-limiting conditions and disabilities in areas of high deprivation.

• Those wanting to work closely with our dream families

• Those able to organise their own time and keep accurate records.

• Those who are aware of active listening skills and can use them confidently • Those who can write clearly, accurately and succinctly.

• Those motivated and excited to work within a small charity

• Those who can respond well in sensitive situations Location of Volunteering

 This volunteer role can be done from home

Are travel expenses reimbursed?  If you need to travel for this volunteer role it will be reimbursed, but it is unlikely as this is a remote working role.

Time Commitment: We would like each volunteer to be able to call two families and write up two dream stories a week. Time commitment and working hours are flexible.

Training & Benefits -Volunteers will:

• Be given a full induction and training • Receive access to a suite of accredited online training courses including equality and diversity, safeguarding and GDPR

• Gain experience working with fundraisers, volunteers and charity professionals

• Have the opportunity to improve their written and verbal communication skills.

• Have the opportunity to work with our Dream Families and/or Dream Children directly • Make a positive difference to the lives of children with serious conditions and disabilities.

Is a DBS Check required?  DBS is required as you will be speaking with Dream families and or Dream Children over the phone

Personal Requirements

• Willingness to work flexibly within a team

• The ability to self-motivate and manage your own time

• Able to contribute ideas, be creative and use innovative skills.

• Show commitment to creating dream stories in full

• Enthusiasm

• Good communication

• Organisational skills

Volunteers like you make it possible for us to create a memorable experience for our incredible supporters during the London Marathon. Please take a look at our roles below and contact us to express your interest. 

We take care of our volunteers by providing snacks and refreshments, and covering certain expenses.

Event: London Marathon 2024

About the race:

As one of the World Marathon Majors and the world's biggest fundraising event, the London Marathon is on many people's bucket lists. It’s a fantastic day to be a part of!

Date: Sunday 21 April 2024

Volunteer Roles:

Cheer Point Volunteer

With approximately 300 runners taking part in the event on behalf of MRF, we can’t do this alone – we need your help! The atmosphere is absolutely electric and a good time is guaranteed at the London Marathon. You would be joining our staff to help them motivate our amazing runners along the route and crucially in the last few miles.

Post-race Event Volunteer

We are looking for volunteers to attend our post-race reception to help us ensure that our incredible runners and their families get to celebrate in style. There are different roles to fill such as greeting runners and escorting them to the venue, cheering for them as they enter, signing people in and booking them for a shower and a massage, etc. Our reception venue is close to the finish line. 

Photographer

Running the London Marathon is a dream for many, and we want to make sure the moment is captured. We need a team of photographers to be divided between our cheer spot and post-race event, to make sure every part of the journey is immortalised.

Please note this role is suitable for individuals with photographic experience, and is designed for those who wish to add this event to their professional portfolio. 

Thank you so much for giving your time to support the work of Meningitis Research Foundation.