Mental Health Volunteer Roles

This is an opportunity to lead the Board of a rapidly growing children’s mental health charity, significantly impacting the lives, mental health and well-being of our children and young people through the provision of award-winning mental health services. Play your part in leading Kids Inspire as they grow in scale and geography and further their impact.

Applications close on: Monday 10th June 2024.

Location: Essex and Suffolk (with meetings in Chelmsford)

Time commitment: c.2 days per month

About Kids Inspire

Kids Inspire was founded in 2007 by our Chief Executive, Sue Bell OBE, to fill gaps in mental health provision for children and young people. Today, Kids Inspire has a track record of success, providing specialist mental health services for children, young people and families.

We have a highly ambitious executive team and an engaged board of trustees. Together, we are determined and driven to make a sustainable difference in the lives of children, young people, and families by ensuring they get the support they need to recover from trauma and thrive.

We provide a range of therapeutic and community services which are suited to each child’s needs. Our holistic specialist services empower children, young people and their families affected by trauma or negative experiences to make positive choices and reclaim their lives.

Our services are informed by the latest developments in research and practice of neuroscience, trauma, and therapy. We believe the best outcomes are achieved when the adults around the child are included in the support, keeping the child at the centre.

Uniquely, therefore, since our inception we have provided ‘family inclusive’ specialist services to children and young people affected by negative experiences or trauma. This approach is one of the critical differentiators that enable us to make a positive impact in young people’s lives.

We are experiencing ever-increasing demands for mental health support. As a society, we are navigating post-pandemic challenges alongside the cost-of-living crisis and its effects.

The global uncertainty puts pressure on everyone, and we know children and young people are sensitive to the well-being and emotional capacity of their parents and/or adults who care for them.

Alongside this, we have seen an increase in the complexity of how our young people present and what concerns them. We need to ensure young people have access to support as we face an emerging and growing mental health crisis.

We know that children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds have, on average, weaker social and emotional learning skills at all ages than their peers. This is linked to poor mental health, lower academic attainment, and poorer employment outcomes. However, evidence suggests that developing social and emotional skills can improve young people’s lives.

A recent partnership with Impetus who supports and funds ‘high potential charities,’ has enabled us to reflect on and refine our theory of change and create a rigorous and robust strategy for the next three years of growth. The partnership also gave us access to pro bono support from Bain and Company who pressure-tested our strategy and created a comprehensive implementation plan which is already underway.

We work across Essex and are rapidly growing into Thurrock and Suffolk, with ambitious plans to continue to grow sustainably and have a bigger impact on the lives of children and young people.

We are on the cusp of our next stage of development, from local charity to countrywide provider, and, as we embark on our new business plan, this is a great time to join and lead our board as Chair.

About the role

As our current Chair, Simon Carpenter, is due to step down later this year, we are looking for a new Chair to lead our board at this pivotal time of growth, scaling and development for our organisation.

Who we are looking for

Our new Chair will:

• Bring governance experience and strong commercial acumen, with entrepreneurial experience in scaling and growing organisations.
• Together with our Chief Executive, Sue Bell, help to develop and drive our strategy, creating a bigger impact.
• Have experience leading organisations through growth and change and bringing a business focus.
• Understand the distinctive culture of the charity sector.
• Challenge and support our board and executive team alongside a strategic, open, calm, diplomatic and inclusive approach.
• Join our ambitious and engaged board and collaborate with the executive team to ensure our organisation grows sustainably.
• Share our vision and values and have a passion for supporting children’s and young people’s mental health and well-being.

We want to ensure that all voices are heard across our organisation, and our Chair will work closely with our Chief Executive and team to ensure that young people are at the core of how we work.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Monday 10th June 2024.

Become a GamCare Online Peer Supporter

Make a difference by using your own experiences

For over 25 years, GamCare has been there for people experiencing gambling harms, whether that be people who gamble themselves or someone impacted by someone else’s gambling. We offer support over the phone, face-to-face or online and our treatment is free, flexible and confidential.

We are currently recruiting for Online Peer Supporters, to provide one-to-one and group support to both individuals who gamble and those affected by someone else’s gambling. Using their own experiences of gambling-related harms, volunteers will support others digitally as part of our Online Support Services and will include email support as well as facilitating our Forum and Chatrooms.

Full training and ongoing support will be provided to enable you to use your lived experience to work with our team as an Online Peer Supporter, providing support to all of those affected by gambling.

We believe that peer support is essential in the recovery journey. It provides:

• Shared understanding
• Reduces stigma
• A non-judgemental environment
• Practical insights and tools
• Continued motivation and hope

Our online platforms are designed to provide social connection to those who could be isolated or feel they have no one else to talk to. People accessing our services have identified that receiving support from someone who has had similar experiences can really benefit them when overcoming the challenges they may face on their recovery journey. It also provides a sense of community and belonging and contributes to the long-term support of those accessing these services.

Training

A comprehensive training programme will be delivered by our Lived Experience Volunteering team to provide you with the skills and confidence to use your experiences to support others while protecting your own recovery. Training includes:

• Safeguarding
• Motivational interviewing
• Facilitation skills

Role Responsibilities

Online Peer Supporters will:

• Navigate and guide contacts through existing services at GamCare and the National Gambling Support Network.
• Use motivational interviewing skills while drawing from their own lived experience to provide a supportive, non-judgemental space for those affected by gambling harms.
• Facilitate discussions via our online support services, including:

Email – you will be paired with an individual for regular email correspondence (up to 3 emails per week for 6 months)
Chatrooms – you will facilitate group discussions and supporting conversation between people at various stages of recovery
Forum – you will initiate discussions, respond to posts, and provide encouragement, signposting and support to forum users

• Help individuals set aims and goals to move to a more positive, sustained recovery whilst also providing resources to support people with these plans.
• Recognise the purpose and remit of our service and signposting to other internal and external support where appropriate.

What can I expect from GamCare?

In return, GamCare will:

• Provide a full, comprehensive induction and training programme
• Give you access to a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator
• Offer and arrange 1:1 and group supervision
• Fully support your own wellbeing and recovery journey
• Give ongoing training and development opportunities
• Provide access to some internal job opportunities within our services team
• Provide a reference after 3 months of regular volunteering

Role Requirements

For any of our volunteering roles we ask that you have lived experience of gambling-related harms. This includes being affected by someone else’s gambling (friend or family member).

We ask that you’ve been in positive, sustained recovery for at least one year before volunteering with us.

This role is completely remote, so you’ll need access to a reliable internet connection, a computer and a confidential space.

For full role requirements, please see the Role Profile on our website.

Please note that this role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please do not let that deter you from applying as all applications will be considered.

Availability & Commitment

We ask that you have availability at a regular time for around 1-2 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Before volunteering with us, you will need to complete a mixture of self-directed online training and live online group training sessions delivered by our Volunteer Coordinators over a period of approximately 4 weeks.

Full details of the induction, including the next available dates will be sent to you by a member of the team within one week of receiving your application.

• Role: provide financial oversight, analysis and strategic guidance to the CEO and board
• Liaises with: Chair, CEO, trustees, committees, external supporters
• Location: Cambridgeshire area/remote
• Voluntary role: reasonable expenses paid
• Term: negotiable, e.g. interim/three years/extendable by re-election
• Application closing date: 31 May 2024

Evolve Counselling is a long-established charitable social enterprise, providing low cost, affordable or funded mental health counselling to adults in Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. Our professional counselling community is made up of 50 – 60 qualified self-employed practitioners, working part-time to deliver talking therapies both online and in person.

We deliver around 500 counselling sessions per month to a broad range of individuals, many of whom would not otherwise be able to access therapeutic support. Evolve also provides supervision, reflective practice, critical incident support, and mental health awareness and related training to organisations and businesses large and small.

We are searching for an experienced treasurer/finance specialist who can support our board, committees, and the CEO as we move through our next strategic stage of consolidation, then growth. Although long-established and successful, Evolve is reshaping itself and your financial expertise will be instrumental in positioning our charity to successfully meet the ever-growing demands and opportunities for supporting good mental health in our communities. Please note, a background in counselling is NOT a prerequisite for this role.

Including quarterly board meetings, committee sessions (at present virtual), a face-to-face AGM event, away days, and regular meetings with our CEO and the trustees, we anticipate a flexible time commitment of around 2 - 5 days per month.

For further information or an informal discussion of interest, please contact Kevin Bottrell, Chair of Trustees.

Application process: Expressions of interest in the first instance by email to Kevin Bottrell, Chair of Trustees.

Our Chair will review and assess expressions of interest and will then call for applications in the form of a CV and letter setting out the applicant’s motivations, which will be assessed by a panel of trustees under conditions that maximise our commitment to EDI principles. Applicants may be asked to interview, and appointment will be made at a meeting of the board of trustees and ratified by the membership at AGM.

New Horizons are looking for a new Treasurer to join their dedicated and friendly Board of Trustees.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a finance professional to join a committed and experienced team. We are a small charity which makes a meaningful contribution to the community.

Being a trustee is also a chance for you to give something back to your community, by using your skills and experience, you will be contributing to the strategic management of the charity, so we can continue providing activities which promote good mental health, whilst challenging the stigma around mental health issues and helping improve our services for the benefit of the residents of Cwm Taf Morgannwg.

Role Summary

Your role is paramount for the sustainability of our charity. You will support our charity’s financial management and thus help us make well informed decisions and plan accordingly, so we can effectively tackle the different challenges we face as a small organisation.

The Treasurer will help trustees to carry out their financial responsibilities and this involves working with the Director and Chair to -

• present financial reports to the board in a format that helps the board understand the charity’s financial position
• advise the board on how to carry out its financial responsibilities
• work with professional advisors including the accountant
• work with the Director, Chair and accountant to oversee the preparation and scrutiny of annual accounts
• work with the Director to help prepare budgets and financial reports.

Who are we looking for?

• Demonstrated financial/commercial awareness and knowledge
• Good communication and leadership skills
• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders
• Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement
• Competent use of IT skills
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Strong interest in mental health issues
• Senior strategic management and leadership experience

Desirable:

• Dedicated to the organisation’s cause and objectives and willing to act as the charity’s ambassador to external bodies, charities and companies.
• An understanding of the UK charity sector, relevant legislations and statutory requirements.

Time commitment

Up to 5 hours a month. The Board meet every other month.The Treasurer would ideally step in as Chair of the Funding & Business Planning sub group which also meets bimonthly.

We are looking for someone with web skills (preferably with knowledge of WordPress) who can update and refresh our website.

Ideally the successful candidate will also have some understanding of social media sites and content.

The role will require some attendance at our office in Normandy near Guildford, but remote working should also be possible.

SANE is looking for an Administration Volunteer to help with sending out fundraising event materials, franking, updating stationary and supporting the team.  You will be part of the Fundraising & Marketing team a professional team that manages the full spectrum of fundraising, marketing, website and social media activities.  This is a key role helping the team to work efficiently to raise awareness and much needed income to keep the charity running helping tens of thousands of people per year.

There are opportunities to develop your administration and organisation skills as well as learn how a charity.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Clinical Trustee to join our friendly team of Trustees.

Essential qualities and experience

• An experienced professionally trained therapist (such as a Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, Family Therapist, Psychotherapist)
• Ideally have some background and/or training in safeguarding and child protection to provide support to the Children and Young People's Co-ordinator on the unusual times when such concerns are raised.
• Will enjoy innovation, critical thinking and progress.

As a volunteer group coordinator, you will set up or coordinate an activity group in your local area.

You will coordinate activity-based groups for people aged 75 and over in community centres, pubs or church spaces. Groups will host activity guests, along with our volunteer drivers who pick up and drop off our activity guests.

Activities can vary from chair fitness, dancing, yoga and boules to singing, Tai-Chi or coming up with your own activity to get people moving. Groups meet for around two hours on a monthly or fortnightly basis and activities must be inclusive for all activity guests.

You will be required to complete a DBS check for this role, for which Re-engage will cover the cost.

Tasks include:

• Setting up and coordinating a monthly or fortnightly activity group, with the support of Re-engage.
• Contacting volunteers and contacting activity guests prior to each activity group.
• Arranging the activities for the group. Activities must have an element of light physical activity.
• Keeping in regular contact with your group of volunteers and sharing any updates from Re-engage that are relevant to them.
• Following the guidance in your training modules to ensure that your group activity sessions are enjoyable, appropriate and in line with our charitable aims.

This is a voluntary role that will require you to organise the monthly or fortnightly activity groups which usually take place in the same venue.

If you are setting up a new group in your area, it is your role to support setting up these groups, sourcing a venue, arranging an activity, and ensuring activity guests and volunteers are contacted prior to the monthly or fortnightly group activities.

Attendance is not essential at every group but is expected periodically throughout the year. You will need to confirm attendance with our volunteer drivers and activity leads who will arrange pick-ups.

This is a long-term voluntary role, so we are ideally looking for individuals who can commit to volunteering with us for at least 12 months. 

We are looking for group coordinators with the following skills and attributes: 

• Well organised 
• Good conversation skills 
• An enthusiasm for making genuine connections with older people in your community 
• A friendly, empathetic approach 
• The ability to really listen to people 
• Patience 
• A good sense of humour 
• A passion for improving the lives of lonely and isolated older people
• The ability to volunteer with others 
• Basic computer literacy (including the ability to use email)
•  
•  
• As one of our valued volunteers, you will receive training, support from Re-engage, and regular communications from the charity.

• This is a fulfilling and enjoyable role which will enable you to develop your leadership skills, gain valuable experience with a national charity and, most importantly, connect with lonely older people and make a real and lasting difference to their lives. 

Become an activity lead

As a volunteer activity lead you will run a local Re-engage group who meet on a monthly or fortnightly basis. You will deliver or facilitate regular physical activity sessions for people aged 75 and over in community centres, pubs or church spaces.

This is a flexible role and each group will host activity guests, along with our volunteer drivers who pick up and drop off our activity guests.

Activities can vary from boules and skittles, dancing or singing, or coming up with your own activity to get people moving. In some groups we may have another person coming in to run a specific class so we would ask you to facilitate this and support the activity guests who are attending on the day.

You will be required to complete a DBS check for this role, for which Re-engage will cover the cost.

 Tasks include:

• Facilitating or delivering an inclusive activity with the focus on physical health and social wellbeing.
• Making activity guests feel welcome to the groups and ensuring people can participate in the activities. Activity groups are coordinated by a volunteer group coordinator.
• Following the guidance in your training to ensure that your group sessions are enjoyable, appropriate and in line with our charitable aims.

Your role as an activity lead will be to plan and deliver a session that is achievable for all the activity guests attending. Your session should be inclusive, fun and safely delivered to activity guests. Group activities can stay the same or change on a monthly or fortnightly basis.

This is a long-term voluntary role, so we are ideally looking for individuals who can commit to volunteering with us for at least 12 months.

We are looking for activity leads with the following skills and attributes: 

• Well organised 
• Good conversation skills 
• An enthusiasm for making genuine connections with older people in your community 
• A friendly, empathetic approach 
• The ability to really listen to people 
• Patience 
• A good sense of humour 
• A passion for improving the lives of lonely and isolated older people.  
• The ability to volunteer with others 
• Basic computer literacy (including the ability to use email) 
• As one of our valued volunteers, you’ll receive training from Re-engage, and support and regular communications from your group coordinator. This is a fun and rewarding role which will enable you to connect with lonely older people and make a real and lasting difference to their life.

Dove Lane is a 24 hour residential care service for adults with Learning Disabilities. We currently have 5 residents, male and female.

We have a volunteer opportunity available at Dove Lane, Harrold, Bedfordshire. We are located in Harrold, and as we are a rural area with limited public transport, if you are a car driver with access to your own vehicle you may find it easier to travel to us, we have onsite parking available. We are flexible on the days and times for your volunteering sessions.

We are looking for volunteers to deliver fun and engaging activity sessions. If you have a particular skill, or a general enthusiasm for all things arts and crafts we’d love to hear from you! The sessions can include board games, baking sessions, knitting clubs, music lessons, origami, gardening, our residents are keen to get involved!

There are other ways to volunteer too, our service has a lovely garden and we’d love help to build a sensory garden and really make the most of the space. You would be helping a member of staff to create an area where our residents can enjoy the outdoors during the spring and summer months.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom. Together we can make a difference!

Suggested Time Commitment: 4 hours a week

Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organisation. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Silver award. We actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and cultures.

SUMMARY

To provide a receptionist service for Mind in Somerset.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Role: Volunteer Receptionist 

Project: Core 

Supervisor: Donna Waddleton

Location: Yeovil

Hours/Days available:  We are seeking to cover the following hours: Monday (full day),Thursday (full day). We would be happy to split into am/pm roles instead of full days.

Mind in Somerset have the expectation that all who Volunteer for us always live our organisations Values at all times, we ask that you be; 

Collaborative – work better together 

Respectful – treat people how we like to be treated 

Accountable – are responsible for own actions 

Inclusive – respect everyone’s uniqueness 

Compassionate – empathise, care and support 

Main Purpose of the role: To provide a reception service for Mind in Somerset. 

Key tasks: 

To be the first point of contact for the Mind in Somerset reception function.

Greet all, welcome and help navigate visitors within our offices.

Supply refreshments if people need to wait.

Answer the telephone and support with general administration including responding to e-mail queries. 

Providing service users with a signposting and information 

Basic administrative support as required e.g. photocopying, scanning, making phone calls, booking venues for training or events, booking rooms. 

Liaising with fellow volunteer receptionists to ensure rota is covered 

Effectively take and distribute messages to relevant project leads 

Dealing with Post and Deliveries 

To attend the organisation update meeting 

Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues 

To adhere to all volunteer policies of the organisation. 

There may be other duties required of our volunteers from time to time. 

Person Specification 

Essential: 

Positive team-working skills 

Flexible approach

Demonstrable IT knowledge/experience using Microsoft Packages 

Willingness to learn (including independently) to extend their knowledge 

Desirable: 

Understanding of the need for good record keeping and GDPR 

Equal Opportunities:

Mind in Somerset is fully committed to the principle of equal opportunities in employment and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination, direct or indirect. All employees and volunteers are expected to promote and work fully in line with the company’s Equal Opportunities Policy. Mind in Somerset is a Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from disabled people. If disabled applicants meet the minimum criteria for the job, they can request and will be offered a guaranteed interview. Should applicants require reasonable adjustment support for the interview/Volunteer meeting, please contact Mind in Somerset.

Our Leicester services would love to have some Volunteers join our team. We are looking for Activities Assistant volunteers to provide fun and interesting sessions for our service users. The sessions can be arts and crafts, music lessons, or board games. Our service users will be involved in deciding the types of activity sessions we hold, and you will be helping us to provide opportunities for people to relax, try new activities, to meet new people and much more. We are looking for people with enthusiasm, willing to try new things, the ability to be patient and show empathy, and to provide non-judgemental support.

We support our volunteers with an Induction, training for the role, a named volunteer supervisor, a monthly newsletter and a monthly online peer support group.

· Setting up for the activity, moving tables and chairs if necessary.

· Assisting with the activity

· Coming up with ideas for new sessions.

· Clearing away at the end of the session.

· Helping to promote the sessions to service users.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer’s peer support group.

Together we can make a difference.

We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.

The Creative Support Disco in Stockton is a popular weekly social night for adults with support needs. 

We are looking for Volunteers to help us at the weekly Stockton disco held at The Oxbridge. We would like support with selling tickets on the door, running the tuck shop, handing out the refreshments, and helping to set up the room.

The disco has a core group of service users who help out on the night, your role will be to support the service users in completing activities, and helping Creative Support staff to make sure the event runs smoothly.

To support you in your role you will be offered training and regular supervisions with an assigned volunteer supervisor.

Volunteer Duties:

· Help with duties on the night including setting up tables and chairs.

· Selling tickets on the door

· Helping run the tuck shop and handing out refreshments

· To follow Health and Safety guidelines and alert staff to any concerns.

Suggested Time Commitment: Tuesday 6:30pm till 9pm

Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organisation. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Silver award. We actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and cultures.

We can only accept applications from candidates who are located in and eligible to work within the UK.

Our service users love to go out walking and we’d like to set up a weekly walking group. We are looking for a volunteer to act as leader for the group and map out interesting local routes to enjoy some fresh air around the parks of Hinckley and the surrounding area.

As part of your role you will plan the route of the walk, ensuring comfort breaks are included. Make sure that the walk is accessible for all by adapting the pace when necessary so that all participants enjoy the walk and are able to join in. Include health and safety and risk assessments in your planning. You will also help to promote the walking group to service users by encouraging people to attend, and motivating people to attend.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.

Bosworth House is a supported living service for adults with mental health needs, we currently have eight tenants with thirteen flats. Bosworth House is centrally located in Hinckley and has good transport links.

We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.