About Browns Community Services

Browns Community Services is a registered Community Interest Company (CIC) that provides support and advice to socially excluded, disadvantaged and vulnerable people aged 18 and over with complex and multiple needs. We work in various locations across South East England.

Our service has individuals at its heart. We work with service users 1:1 to identify their specific needs and set achievable goals. We then provide service users with tailored, holistic and flexible support, empowering them and providing the tools, techniques and self-confidence necessary for increased independence and improved well-being.

Homeless Support Volunteer

Our Intensive Support Service is working in conjunction with The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council to support clients in a small first stage homeless resettlement unit based in Maidenhead.

This role entails supporting eight men in a resettlement unit, that will provide specialist support to clients with multiple disadvantages and a variety of support needs including substance use, mental health difficulties, rough sleeping, criminal justice contact and self-care issues. The service aims to deliver a high quality accommodation-based support service. During their stay, residents are supported by an Intensive Support Worker to address their needs and work towards independence.

We are looking for passionate, committed and insightful volunteers. You will have a passion for working with clients with complex needs, as well as a dynamic and solution-oriented approach to supporting vulnerable people make positive changes in their lives.

We are seeking volunteers from mid-December – March. The resettlement unit will be open seven days a week, and we are seeking volunteers across the following patterns:

Monday – Friday 7.30am – 1pm
Monday – Friday 4.00pm – 9.30pm
Saturday – Sunday 10.00am – 2.00pm

Health & Safety
Browns Community Services is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of its
employees and volunteers. It will, so far as is reasonably practicable, establish procedures and
systems necessary to implement this commitment and to comply with its statutory obligations
on health and safety. It is the responsibility of each employee to familiarise themselves and
comply with the organisation’s procedures and systems on health and safety. Primary
responsibilities are:
• To report all Health & Safety occurrences including potential hazards to line manager
• To comply with Browns Community Services Health & Safety Policy and Regulations
• To adhere to the Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults Policy and Procedures.
• To adhere to the Safer Recruitment & Selection Policy & Procedure.
• To report any safeguarding incidents or concerns immediately to your Designated
Safeguarding Officer or Lead Designated Safeguarding Officer.
• To complete any Safeguarding Awareness training as required by Browns Community
Services CIC
• If required for your post, undertake an enhanced DBS check and maintain annual
membership through the update service.

It is a requirement for this post that an enhanced DBS disclosure check will be undertaken for the successful candidate.

Travel expenses will be paid.

Having just celebrated our 10th anniversary we have been looking back on how things have changed but also looking forward to our plans for the future. We have agreed that we need to strengthen and diversify our Board. Currently our Trustees are predominantly Northern based and this is no longer representative of our organisation. We plan now to establish a Board which can represent both localities and govern the organisation as a whole. In order to achieve this we are seeking to appoint outstanding individuals who can commit to serve on the national board, meeting twice each year in London and supporting either the northern or southern operational team in a regional sub group. Each area will have a regional strategy and clearly defined devolved decision making powers. We are looking for individuals with a wide range of skills and experiences which are detailed later in our recruitment pack.

Good listener seeking a befriending role? Look no further and join us in this engaging one to one befriending role with the over 60s.

Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) service aims to maintain or increase older people’s independence and well-being across the West Lothian Council area for those typically aged 60+. We are looking for volunteer befrienders who can continue to support us with the growing need for the service. Befriending can be face to face or by telephone.

Our volunteers provide a wide variety of support including identifying and helping to connect to local community activities and companionship particularly after bereavement, hospitalisation, or a fall, for example, when building confidence is key to getting out and about again. Volunteers may also just chat and share experiences, helping older people to remain socially connected.

This opportunity covers all of West Lothian.

Who are we?

At Hope at Home, we believe that the survivors of modern-day slavery and human trafficking deserve nurturing and supporting in order to find dignity and rebuild their lives. Supportive hosts and a stable home are a perfect setting for developing independence and resilience. We work with referral agencies and hosts to facilitate voluntary, adult to adult living arrangements between hosts and survivors exiting safe houses. We work in partnership with agencies that support our guests and Hope at Home supports our growing number of awesome hosts around the UK.  We believe that everyone deserves the chance to find a hope and a future.

Our vision is that by 2030, we will ensure that every survivor of modern slavery in the UK has a safe place to live.

Our mission is to see an end to the cycle of human trafficking in the UK, restoring dignity to and helping to rebuild the lives of survivors.

What we are looking for

Hope at Home understand the positive contribution a board of trustees from differing backgrounds and experiences bring to an organisation. We are a young organisation and are looking for people who are willing to assist us not only with our overall governance, strategy and finance but also individuals who are able to assist us operationally as we work to develop the organisation and deliver services.

We want people who care about our sector, understand and commit to Hope at Home’s role in supporting it and can work with a small leadership team to deliver our objectives. We are currently looking to recruit at least three new trustees to our board. We are seeking to improve, amongst other things, the skill set and competencies of the board, the visible diversity of the board to ensure we more accurately reflect the make-up of the people that we serve.

Trustees are required to attend a minimum of four meetings annually. These meetings take place at the weekends and require a whole day. Ahead of the meetings trustees will be expected to prepare for meeting and to complete any tasks or actions assigned from the meetings.

They are also expected to contribute to operational tasks on an ad hoc basis and as agreed take a lead on issues facing the charity.

For timeframes and how to apply please refer to the Trustees recruitment pack.

Chairty Overview 

Rotary Shelter Bus is more than just a place to lie your head, it’s a home. Our shelters will provide every single tenant a place to sleep, shower and cook, in addition to private consultation facilities that give access to a range of health and advisory services. Every inch of the bus has been designed to maximise available sleeping spaces, whilst maintaining a level of privacy and comfort. Whether it’s one night or several, we aim to create a community that fosters self-improvement and empowerment.

Role Description 

The social media manager will be responsible for maintaining and updating our various social media accounts, to increase visability accross the community and to promote doantions.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintaining and updating our accounts across all major social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and any other accounts deemed necessary by the charity.
• Updating our website postings where appropriate
• Working with the charity to implement a social media strategy and ensuring a consistent message is shared with supporters.
• Maintain a proactive approach to communications on our accounts.
• Compile regular statistics of our accounts.
• Stay informed of upcoming trends and developments within the field of social media.
• Attend any events or launches(where appropriate)

refernce is required.

Leeway Domestic Violence and Abuse Services, based in Norwich, Norfolk, are looking to recruit a Volunteer for the position of Treasurer who can oversee & support the Management Committee, CEO & the Business & Central Services Manager on the financial management aspects of Leeway Domestic Violence and Abuse Services, from supporting with the financial forecasting, budgets & management account analysis, as well as all other financial related tasks and duties that the charity needs.

You must have previous experience in a financial role such as in Accounting and a good understanding of charities. You must be committed and dedicated to the role and the charity, ensuring any deadlines are met.

Job Type: Volunteer Treasurer

Experience:

• Charity Accounting: 2 years (Preferred)
• Accounting: 2 years (Desirable)

Location meeting base - Norwich

Volunteer Treasurer Role Description

The responsibilities of the Treasurer at board level are to:

• Liaise with finance staff and with the organisation’s independent examiner or auditor, in order to ensure that the organisation keeps proper accounts, in compliance with Companies House and Charity Commission regulations.

• Chair the finance sub-committee meetings, who are responsible for: -

• Reviewing the organisation’s financial performance.

• Reviewing policies for finance and investment.

• Ensuring that the organisation has robust and effective financial controls in place.

• Report on financial matters to the management committee.

The treasurer will share these responsibilities with the finance sub-committee, and staff will carry out day to day finance functions.

Emmaus Village Carlton is looking forward to welcoming new trustees to our board.

Emmaus Village Carlton is a homelessness charity based in north Bedfordshire offering active support to formerly homeless people. We provide a real workable alternative to homelessness, offering people a home, as well as meaningful work in our social enterprise.

This is an exciting time to join us as we have recently been achieving above expectations financially and are exploring new avenues for the organisation, to which discussions we will value your contribution.

What will you be doing?

Main purpose of the trustee role:

• Fiduciary responsibility, holding the organisation in trust and ensuring public confidence;
• Overall responsibility for the organisation's strategic direction;
• Ensure that it meets its legal duties, remains solvent and is well run;
• Ensure the organisation delivers its vision, mission and values;
• To provide leadership.

What are we looking for?

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• Marketing, PR & communications
• Legal
• Social services or healthcare
• Homelessness

Trustee person specification:

• Commitment to the charity and willingness to learn about the ethos of Emmaus.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Strategic vision.
• Good, independent judgement.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Willingness to speak their mind.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.
• Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.

What's in it for the volunteer?

The reward for this work is the knowledge that this is a unique model which works well. The companions are the best reward - we see so many flourish. Some choose to stay and make Emmaus their permanent home; others leave once they have found work and accommodation.

Time Commitment

The board meets every other month in Carlton. It is also desirable for trustees to attend the monthly operations committee meeting where possible.

How to apply

Applications should be made via Reach in the first instance. Please provide your CV, along with a covering letter stating why you wish to work with the organisation, how your skills would add value to the board and any additional information.

We would love to have someone help maintain our gardens in a sheltered housing site based in Hengrove.

The tenants enjoy the gardens but need someone to come and help tend them. You do not need to be a whizz, but lovely if you just fancy some time in a garden. Whatever time you can spare would be hugely appreciated.

About the opportunity

"His past means nothing to us; we’re only interested in his future. To accept people as they are, and not as they were. To forgive and forget." - Pat Egan (Bury Me in My Boots by Sally Trench)

The work in The Simon Community is carried out by volunteers and residents living and working together as a community. As a full time volunteer your working week is busy, absorbing and varied.
Our volunteers work both at our outreach services (soup runs, tea runs etc.) and are on hand to support residents who live in our community. Living and working with homeless people is not without challenges, but the experience is rewarding. Often volunteers apply because they are interested in working with homeless people but they lack the experience they need to get a job. One of our full time volunteers said recently:

"I have always been interested in working with homeless people and thought that volunteering full time would be a good way to get that experience. You learn a lot very quickly. Living and working with the residents immerses you into the culture of the community. I think it would have taken me a long time to learn this much in a 9-5 job!"

Though this is unpaid voluntary work, all living expenses (board, food, travel etc.) are provided and all bills paid in a Central London accommodation. Volunteers are entitled to time off away from the residential setting in a separate house. All you need to bring with you is your time and energy.

What should I expect?

To join in, work hard, have fun, learn fast and meet a lot of people! One of our volunteers shared his experience of how the reality differed from his expectations:

“I was really surprised to be staying in a proper house! I thought I was coming to a homeless hostel, that it would be quite chaotic and have loads of people there, but the house is like a proper home. Everyone contributes and works together in a positive communal setting”.

This is an ideal opportunity particularly for people who have studied social sciences, psychology, philosophy etc. and wish to pursue careers in the fields of psychology, social work, charity sector and other related jobs.

How do I know if I will like the work?

If you are interested, you can email us to request an application form. If this is satisfactory we will arrange for you to visit the Community for 72 hours, so we can meet you and you can join in the work of the Community. During this time, you will have a short interview.

Considerations

You must be willing to participate in community life and have empathy for others. You don't need to have prior experience, qualifications or any religious beliefs to join our community.

In order to apply you will need to be able to travel to London for the 72 hour visit and make the journey back again if you are successful.

What is the minimum commitment?
We would like full-time volunteers to commit to work and live in the Community for a period of 12 months. However for some people this may be difficult and so we may consider shorter periods of time.

Compliments of The House are a small, grassroots, charity initiative looking for someone who wants to help us reduce food waste, in turn, contributing positively to environmental impact whilst simultaneously feeding people in need. Alongside this, we run a ‘Back to Work’ scheme which aids our guests in securing employment. We do all of this for FREE and are looking for someone as passionate as us, who would take advantage of an opportunity to increase their skill-set, and gain varied experience in the third sector. 

What will I be doing? 

• Assisting CEO to organise workload

• Diary management 

• General Administration duties

• Liaise with other team members in Marketing, Admin, the Shop, and local businesses.

• Flexible work which will include a variety of tasks

What impact will my work have? 

• Your contribution as support to ‘Compliments of The House’s’ Founder, will allow our organisation to be run, efficiently, and smoothly. It will improve our prospects for the future, as it will aid the CEO in support of their busy workload, and allow them to focus on expansion. 

• Therefore, directly resulting in reducing food waste, helping the environment, feeding people in need, and aiding in guests securing employment. 

What skills do I need?

• Good level of written and spoken English

• Basic numeracy skills

• Basic computer skills

• Self-motivated, organised, has a positive attitude

• Experience desirable, but a quick willingness to learn on the job is vital

What will I gain personally? 

• A role which provides, valuable, varied, experience for today’s job market, in the competitive charity sector

• An opportunity to take part in a grassroots charity initiative that makes a real difference to the community

• A chance to become part of our close-knit community family! Which is full of passionate and dedicated like-minded individuals 

When can I start? 

• Almost Immediately 

• Flexible work hours, a possibility for some home-based 

• 2 days a week 

Volunteer Testimonials 

'COTH provides an amazing service, providing food and support to those in need, whilst encouraging sustainability. Sinead the founder does an incredible job in running coth and is so dedicated. I love volunteering there, over time I have felt a real sense of community between other volunteers and service users, and have grown in confidence. It has been an invaluable experience working with Sinead, and I feel passionate about reducing food waste and our impacts on the environment. Most importantly it is about solidarity, supporting and helping one another, especially in this time of high homelessness and inequality in London.' - Kristen, Kingston University Student

“Ever since I moved to London 2 years ago, I noticed the increasing issue of homelessness. What Sinead [Founder/Director] does is great, my work with RefuAid working with refugees and asylum seekers means we work with a lot of clients who are at risk of homelessness.  So, I understand that these incitatives need to be in place for people, in their time of greatest need. It is such a great programme that reduces food waste, and it is, not just a soup kitchen repurposing food that would be thrown away. It has that social element, supportive of those in the community and with a wider societal impact.” - Niamh, RefuAid Employee

Get in touch, we would love to hear from you! We are keen to make this a great experience for you. If you have any queries, please get in contact and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Equal Opportunities Employer.

Stoll is the lead provider of housing and support services in the Veterans sector.  Founded in 1916, Stoll has provided a sanctuary to help Veterans rebuild their lives for nearly one hundred years.

We are seeking enthusiastic and friendly volunteers with a passion for helping vulnerable adults and veterans to volunteer in the following areas:

• Organising Peer Led Social Events, such as seasonal parties
• Helping out with Coffee Mornings
• Leading clubs such as Cooking or Walking
• Driving our Minibus

For this role you will need:

• An enthusiastic, energetic and positive manner
• The ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
• A passion for the welfare of vulnerable adults and ex-Servicemen and women
• Where applicable, a valid driving licence

Skills you will gain from this role:

• Creativity
• Teamwork
• Organisational and event planning skills
• Experience working with vulnerable people
• Experience of working within the charitable sector

If you would like to get involved and have passion for the veteran community we’d love to hear from you.

Volunteers are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Stoll is the lead provider of housing and support services in the Veterans sector.  Founded in 1916, Stoll has provided a sanctuary to help Veterans rebuild their lives for nearly one hundred years.

We are seeking a passionate and friendly ESOL teacher to teach native Nepalese speakers.

For this role you will need:

• A relevant qualification such as CELTA or TEFL
• The ability to plan and run lessons for different levels of English
• The ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
• Passion for the welfare of vulnerable adults and ex-Servicemen and women
• A positive and friendly manner

Skills you will gain from this role:

• Creativity
• Teamwork
• Organisational and event planning skills
• Experience working with vulnerable people
• Experience of working within the charitable sector

If you would like to get involved and have the skills needed for the role we’d love to hear from you. . 

Want to do something practical to help people experiencing homelessness? Come and volunteer at the GTM Night Shelter and make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people across our city. 

Our night shelter operates throughout the winter, providing shelter, safety and support to people who would otherwise be sleeping rough. 

We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life who can get involved with a variety of shelter tasks. 

We're specifically recruiting for volunteers who can help us with the morning shifts at our shelter locations across Manchester, Salford and Trafford. The morning shift is 6am - 9:30am and involves serving breakfast, packing the beds and equipment away and sending our guests off ready for their appointments or to attend one of our partner agencies. 

Our fantastic team of volunteers provide necessary respite and relaxation from the daily difficulties homeless people face. We engage with people on the edge of society reminding them that they are not alone and are part of a community.

Everything we do centres on hospitality and giving our guests a sense of safety and belonging. 

Why volunteer with Greater Together Manchester?

Our volunteering opportunities are really flexible; we use an online system called TimeCounts that gives you the power to sign up for as many or as few shifts as you would like. 

We look after and support our volunteers, providing core training before you go on your first shift, as well as additional optional training throughout your time volunteering with us. A member of our team will be on hand to answer any questiosn you have, and will check in with you after your first shift to make sure everything has gone okay. 

We aim to have social events throughout the year and a big thank you celebration at the end of the shelter season to say thank you to everyone who has made the shelter possible. 

We also offer the chance for volunteers to take on additional responsibilities by training as a volunteer shift manager.

Must Haves

All members of the GTM Night Shelter family must be willing to uphold the policies and procedures in place. This is for the safety of everyone. 

All our volunteers and staff must have a commitment to supporting the journey of people who would otherwise be sleeping rough. Treating people as equals and with respect at all times is the main part of volunteering with GTMNS.

Everyone is expected to have a 'can do' attitude and the ability to think on your feet. Volunteers must be responsible and reliable.

Responsibilities

GTMNS volunteers are responsible for many different things and the roles can vary widely. We usually ask that volunteers are flexible and help out where needed.

The role could include: cooking, cleaning, socialising, setting up or packing away, laundry, delivery, sorting donations and much more.

Suitable For

The role is suitable for those over the age of 18.

Times are flexible to fit around many people's own commitments, please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Application Process

There is an application process to volunteer with GTMNS and this process must be completed before you can attend your first shift. 

Our team can assist you with any stage of the application process.

1. You will need to complete an online application form via TimeCounts. You will also be asked to set up a TimeCounts account as this is the online scheduling system that our volunteers use to sign up for shifts and duties. As part of the application form you will be asked for the contact details of two references who are not members of your family. 
2. We will contact your references (please let them know in advance to expect an email from us)
3. When we have received satisfactory references, you will be invited to introductory training. 
4. You will then be able to sign up for your first shift in agreement with a member of our team. 
5. After you have completed your first shift you will gain access to the TimeCounts calendar and can sign up for as many future shifts as you would like. 

Want to do something practical to help people experiencing homelessness? Come and volunteer at the GTM Night Shelter and make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people across our city. 

Our night shelter operates throughout the winter, providing shelter, safety and support to people who would otherwise be sleeping rough. 

We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life who can get involved with a variety of shelter tasks.

We're specifically recruiting for volunteers who can help us with the overnight shifts (9:30pm to 6:30am) at our shelter locations across Manchester, Salford and Trafford. 

Our fantastic team of volunteers provide necessary respite and relaxation from the daily difficulties homeless people face. We engage with people on the edge of society reminding them that they are not alone and are part of a community.

Everything we do centres on hospitality and giving our guests a sense of safety and belonging. 

Why volunteer with Greater Together Manchester?

Our volunteering opportunities are really flexible; we use an online system called TimeCounts that gives you the power to sign up for as many or as few shifts as you would like.

We look after and support our volunteers, providing core training before you go on your first shift, as well as additional optional training throughout your time volunteering with us. A member of our team will be on hand to answer any questions you have, and will check in with you after your first shift to make sure everything has gone okay. 

We aim to have social events throughout the year and a big thank you celebration at the end of the shelter season to say thank you to everyone who has made the shelter possible. 

We also offer the chance for volunteers to take on additional responsibilities by training as a volunteer shift manager.

Must Haves

All members of the GTM Night Shelter family must be willing to uphold the policies and procedures in place. This is for the safety of everyone. 

All our volunteers and staff must have a commitment to supporting the journey of people who would otherwise be sleeping rough. Treating people as equals and with respect at all times is the main part of volunteering with GTMNS.

Everyone is expected to have a 'can do' attitude and the ability to think on your feet. Volunteers must be responsible and reliable.

Responsibilities

GTMNS volunteers are responsible for many different things and the roles can vary widely. We usually ask that volunteers are flexible and help out where needed.

The role could include: cooking, cleaning, socialising, setting up or packing away, laundry, delivery, sorting donations and much more.

Suitable For

The role is suitable for those over the age of 18.

Times are flexible to fit around many people's own commitments, please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Application Process

There is an application process to volunteer with GTMNS and this process must be completed before you can attend your first shift. 

Our team can assist you with any stage of the application process.

1. You will need to complete an online application form via TimeCounts. You will also be asked to set up a TimeCounts account as this is the online scheduling system that our volunteers use to sign up for shifts and duties. As part of the application form you will be asked for the contact details of two references who are not members of your family. 
2. We will contact your references (please let them know in advance to expect an email from us)
3. When we have received satisfactory references, you will be invited to introductory training. 
4. You will then be able to sign up for your first shift in agreement with a member of our team. 
5. After you have completed your first shift you will gain access to the TimeCounts calendar and can sign up for as many future shifts as you would like.