Lived Experience Coordination Volunteer

Do you want to help shape services that really work for the people who need them most?

Information about the role

As our Lived Experience Coordination Volunteer, you will help run our lived experience groups, support the everyday admin that keeps our programmes going, and help communicate with participants in a genuine, informed way. This is a flexible, varied role shaped around your strengths and availability.

Location: Hub/community/home based location, London.

Suggested contribution: Approximately 7 - 14 hours per month, flexible and to be agreed together  

Availability: Volunteering will take place at a time that suits you, within Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now or read on more for details. 

Main activities may include:

• Helping to establish and schedule regular group meetings across our lived experience groups. You are welcome to be involved in whichever group or groups feel right for you.

• Helping with room bookings, invoicing, and session logistics, including shopping for supplies and collecting and disseminating vouchers for participants.

• Keeping the attendance and payment spreadsheet up to date after sessions.

• Helping to write and design reports and newsletters that reflect the groups’ work and impact.

• Identifying and sharing free learning and development opportunities for participants.

• Accompanying the Lived Experience Coordinator to external meetings, such as with the council, when helpful.

This role fights the housing emergency by putting lived experience at the heart of how services are designed and delivered. Your involvement ensures that people most affected by housing insecurity have a real voice in our work, helping us build programmes that are more effective, more inclusive, and more human.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Your skills and experience 

This opportunity is open to anyone, but we particularly welcome applicants who have lived experience of the housing emergency. It would also be great if you are comfortable with basic tools like email or spreadsheets, or open to giving them a go. As well as an interest in event planning, support and coordination. The most important thing is that you are enthusiastic about tackling the housing emergency and want to help make a difference.

Supporting you

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences. 

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance. 

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

• Regular reflective conversations and support if any aspect of the role becomes challenging.

• We will work together to identify areas where you would like to take a lead role and areas where you would prefer to support.

Next steps

You can apply online for this role now or if you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us to see what options are available.

We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.