Social Care/Development Volunteer Roles in South America

Befriending Volunteer

You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wamdsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents.

Our Be-a-Friend service is one of our longest running services, matching people over 65, who live alone and have limited social contact, with a friendly local volunteer with similar hobbies and interests. The volunteer and their new friend set up a suitable time for them to meet each week for a chat and a cup of tea, which could be during the day, in the evening on the way home from work or even on the weekends . If you would prefer to volunteer from home, you can also be matched with an older person for telephone befriending. For many of our matched pairs, this is the beginning of a firm friendship. 

Befriending Plus

Befriending Plus is an extended version of the Be-a-Friend programme, for individulas needing help with life admin and small tasks as well as companionship. For Befriending Plus pairs, time spent together can include helping to use a phone or tablet, helping the client to organise their file, going out for a coffee or popping to the post office together. This support can help older people to stay independent at home for longer, as well as increasing their confidence to do these tasks when the volunteer is not there.

Men Who Talk is a UK registered charity, running twice monthly online peer-to-peer support groups for men aged 18+ across the UK. The groups take places between 7:00 - 8:30pm during week nights.

Our groups are supportive spaces for men aged 18+ to come and talk openly about what's on their mind. All groups are free to attend and follow the evidence based model of peer support. 

Volunteers are required to be online from 6:45pm to 8:45pm, and are required to facilitate around 1 group per month. Volunteers are asked to commit to an a minimum of 6 months of volunteering in the initial stage. 

All groups are facilitated by 2 facilitators, and follow a semi-structured pattern.

We are looking for passionate men with some experience of groups facilitating or working in mental health settings to come join us as facilitators. Experience in using online platforms such as zoom is essential. 

A degree in psychology is preferred but not an essential requirement.

Why Join MWT? 

Men Who Talk is an exciting, fast growing charity, creating new spaces for men to talk openly about what's on their mind. 

We have a diverse team full of talented and passionate individuals who are committed to changing the face of mens mental health across the UK. 

As well as the opportunity to join the organisation at an exciting stage of it's development, volunteers also have the opportunity to develop their own skills and have regular chances to feed into the creative and strategic development of the organisation. 

PLEASE NOTE: We are only able to accept applications from individuals who already have the right to live and work in the UK. 

Could you help prevent loneliness and isolation for people living with BPD and become a befriender?

• Do you have 1-2 hours a week to give to a service user suffering from BPD and feeling isolated or lonely?
• Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a service users life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
• Will you enable our service users to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

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

• Carry out weekly checks with the service users you are supporting, this may be over the telephone or via Teams.
• Engage the service user and help empower them
• Help service users to rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
• Keep accurate records of calls and sessions
• Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator

Skills required

No qualifications or volunteering experience is required, but the following skills are essential:

• Be aged over 18
• Must have lived in UK for 2+ years
• A non-judgemental approach
• Good listening and communication skills
• Empathetic and compassionate
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Be able to work on own initiative
• Ability to build effective working relationships with service users
• A DBS check and 2 references are required for this role

What we offer

• a comprehensive induction program
• training on safeguarding, confidentiality, health and safety and other training relevant to the role
• ongoing support and supervision
• the chance to meet other volunteers and take part in volunteer events
• reimbursement of pre-agreed expenses

Do you enjoy meeting new people and chatting?

Do you have an hour to spare weekly, chatting to an Older Person on the Telephone?

Are you happy to provide two referees and complete a DBS check, ( free of charge)?

If so, we would love to hear from you?

Methodist Homes (MHA) is seeking Volunteer Telephone Befrienders to support our members and residents in various locations nationwide.

Through specialist care homes, thriving retirement living and vibrant community groups and befriending, we inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life.

With 80 years experience, we put people at the heart of everything we do in all our homes, schemes and community services across Britain.

The ideal individual will have an understanding of the needs of Older People, be kind and compassionate and enjoy the company of Older People.

What training and support will be provided:

• We will provide you with a full induction for the role
• Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training and updating of skills and knowledge relevant to the role as appropriate
• Ongoing support from a named contact
• Dementia Friends online course-(if you wish)
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (as needed)

Times and Commitment

· We ask that you make a minimum of 4-6 months commitment to this role

· We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis, to be agreed with your named contact

We will guide you through an application which takes 2-3 weeks. You will have a dedicated Recruiter, who will meet you on a video call.

Bright Futures UK works with young people who have been forced to take time out from education due to chronic illness. We provide programmes to help stimulate learning in addition to having a social aspect that offers respite to isolation these young people face due to their unfortunate circumstances.

We are urgently looking for a warm and energetic volunteer tutor to provide educational support and a fun, safe space for these young people. Tutoring experience is not essential as full training is given. Our sessions also are all currently online.

We need someone who is able to engage with young people in a positive and friendly way, helping them overcome their experiences and not feel defined by their illness. You would engage with a young person on a one-to-one basis to help catch up on their studies, increase their confidence in their own skills, and have some fun with them in order to help them progress.

The young people we work with have missed so many experiences in school which we take for granted. The time you can offer to help fill in those missed periods is invaluable to their development. Your sessions will be fully supported by Bright Futures UK staff – from questions or queries, resources or materials or just to bounce an idea off the team, we’re here to help.

Volunteering with Bright Futures UK is something that can easily fit into your working day or a busy schedule with commitment starting from as little as 1 hour per week. We are so grateful for any support you might be able to provide, as are our young people.

We’re looking forward to working with you to help our young people reach their true potential! 

Please apply directly using the following link: https://bttr.im/0ukk3 

Practical Considerations:

We cover all expenses and materials used.

We are asking for one hour online a week.

DBS will be provided where needed.

Safeguarding training provided with certification.

Must be 18 or over to volunteer.

Volunteering with ICYE UK is a transformational experience with real impact. Our ethical programmes promote peace, intercultural awareness and equality of opportunity, encouraging young people from around the world to live, learn and work together.

You can apply now to join us on our 6- or 12-month placements starting in either January/February or August, working with locally run NGOs abroad on impactful projects that matter. Examples include:

- Promoting and creating awareness for human rights and women’s rights

- Supporting those with disabilities or affected by HIV/AIDS

- Environmental and wildlife conservation

- Conducting research for development NGOs

- Outreach support and education for street children

- Community development programmes

- And many more!

This experience will allow you to further your personal and professional development and be part of a valuable exchange of cultures and ideas. In addition, you’ll gain transferable skills and experience to put on your CV. 

As a volunteer, you will live in accommodation within the local community, in most cases with a host family. This provides an immersive experience where you can develop your language skills and engage meaningfully with a new culture. To help you with this, 30 hours of language training are also included as part of the programme.

Not sure where you want to volunteer? We currently have places available in over 20 countries across Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa, so no matter where you choose to go, you’ll connect with new people, have new experiences, learn, grow, and make an impact.

ICYE UK doesn’t recruit based on specific skills or qualifications. All we look for are passionate volunteers with a desire to gain cultural, language and work experience while helping a local NGO. 

We know that volunteering overseas can seem daunting, but we’re supportive every step of the way. Before your placement, we offer pre-departure training in intercultural awareness. We also provide extensive pre- and post-trip support, including how to fundraise for your experience if you need to. Plus, our partner organisations abroad will provide a number of further trainings and will be on hand for any additional support you may need while in the host country. 

To make the experience more straight forward, the fee you pay to take part will cover your accommodation and three daily meals for the entire duration of your placement, being matched with a project in the host country, language classes, medical insurance, training and evaluation camps, monthly pocket money, administrative costs, help with organising flights and visas, support with fundraising where needed, and general support throughout.

Get in touch to find out more or to start your adventure!

QuilomboUK is looking for a Bid Writer, who loves to face work challenges; to join their growing team. QuilomboUK works with the objective to promote different arts, sports and cultures to encourage an inter-cultural understanding between different communities and societies; To promote cultural awareness in the community and educate, regardless of nationality or origin, about race diversity and mutual respect; To promote good health and wellbeing; and run a community organisation with a strong focus on individuals, the community and society as a whole.

The Bid Writer/ Coordinator will play a critical role by assisting the manager to prepare the proposal that helps the organization to further develop and establish.

This role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to; gain experience in the Third Sector; love to 'give back to their community'. The role is for you if you are looking for flexibility and autonomy. Where necessary specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set. 

16 weeks contract.

Main Responsibilities

• Apart from writing proposals, you will also be reviewing and editing previously written content wherever necessary.

• Working with other team members to produce bid responses and writings

• Helps in writing funding applications for the varied projects that we run in order to meet our organisational objectives.

• Also helps in presentations and all supporting documentation.·          

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential

• You will need to have good written skills

• Able to write effective, concise and compelling content

• You will be self-starting and willing to research and look for new funding opportunities that match our aims and objectives;

• Ability to work on tight deadlines

• Well organized, proactive and able to deliver tasks efficiently.

• Able to speak confidently with a variety of stakeholders.

• Good time-management skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and excel.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments

• Strong team player

• Ability to work independently and ask for clarification when needed.

Desirable

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

• Accurate and attention to detail

 Can work without much supervision

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

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

Who are Midland Mencap?

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

Purpose of the role.

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

For example:

· Coming back to cycling after time off

· Disability or ill health

· Finding quiet roads and cycle paths around the neighbourhood

· Building up confidence on busy roads

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

· Checking bikes together before a ride

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

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

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

What would I be doing?

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

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

What do I need?

This role will require:

· A roadworthy bike and riding equipment.

· Experience of regular cycling

· Some experience of cycle maintenance

·       A cycling competence session with parkride staff

· Friendly, calm, and patient

· A good listener & happy to chat

· Accepting of people who may be different to you

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

· Good time management skills, reliability

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

When and where do you need me?

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

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

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

What’s in it for me?

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

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

• An induction and settling in period

• Any training and development that is needed

• The chance to develop your skills and gain experience

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

• Support within your role

• Any out-of-pocket travel expenses

• Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

• Positive wellbeing from doing something great

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

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

Purpose of the role

With your friendly attitude and knowledge of the local area, you could be the support a Midland Mencap citizen needs to access and enjoy their local community and make a big difference to their lives.

Some of our citizens may be dealing with a variety of difficulties including depression, isolation, physical and mental health problems, Your role will be to help them to enjoy their local community in the way that they want; this may include activities such as going shopping, attending an event, visiting a park or a local facility – and having fun.

What would I be doing?

·Visit a Midland Mencap citizen

·Accompany them to agreed community locations and activities

·Provide a befriending support role to ensure the citizen enjoys a positive experience

·    To record and maintain basic records as required

·To ensure the activities undertaken complies with safeguarding, equal opportunities, health & safety and other policies and the guidelines provided by Midland Mencap.

What do I need?

· Being approachable and friendly

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge of, and able to travel to local places

· Accepting of others who might be different to you and the ability to work as part of a diverse team

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

· Good time management skills, reliability

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

When and where do you need me?

· A minimum of 2 visits per month

· Days and times are flexible and agreed in advance, but there may be some specific activities the citizen wishes to attend

· In the local community

What’s in it for me?

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

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

· An induction and settling in period

· Any training and development that is needed

· The chance to develop your skills and gain experience

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

· Support within your role

· Any out-of-pocket travel expenses

· Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

· Positive wellbeing from doing something great

· Improve career opportunities by adding your volunteer role to a CV and ask us for a reference

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Companion Volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support. Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

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

• Provide one-to-one companionship and support. 

For example: offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (e.g. to medical appointments) or taking short trips out. Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. You may be supporting your client’s family or carers before or during bereavement.  This may involve offering emotional support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested (This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companion volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)

• Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone 

• Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required 

• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support

• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required 

• Represent the Marie Curie Companion service positively to those using the service

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.

HeadsOut Imago group: Trans, Non-Binary Support Group – Volunteer Co-Facilitator

Imago is a peer support group for trans, non-binary and non-cisgender people offering a safe, identity affirming space for support to improve their mental health, emotional and social well-being and through community connection. Imago aims to support members with shared struggles and challenges that they may commonly face as non-cis people, to help them find and celebrate genuine joy and self-confidence. It meets every Wednesday between 7pm and 8:30 pm, currently online via Microsoft Teams.

This role includes:

· Working alongside a member of the HeadsOut Team

· Co-facilitating the weekly group

· Contributing to planned activities

· Participating in training and reflective practice sessions

Person Specification

· Ability to commit to 6 months of 2 hours a week on Wednesdays from 6.45pm-8.45pm (for the session and a team debrief)

· Experience of supporting people who are experiencing mental distress

· Good active listening skills and empathic engagement

· A non-judgemental approach

· Willingness to take initiative and facilitate a group of diverse individuals

 

Mental Health Volunteers for elop’s HeadsOut Service

HeadsOut is a strengths-based crisis prevention, intervention and wellbeing LGBT+ support service.

Our aim is to enhance people’s wellbeing and functioning by focusing on their strengths and resources, reinforcing resilience and enhancing protective external factors, including creating safe spaces, community connection, a sense of belonging, empowerment and affirmation. 

By joining the HeadsOut Team you will:

· Support people who experience mental distress

· Make a positive contribution to the LGBT+ community

· Be given relevant training and support

MHA is the largest charity care provider for older people in the UK. Our mission is to inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life.

 As a Volunteer Telephone Befriender, you’ll help improve the quality of life for older people who are socially isolated and may feel lonely. You’ll call once a week to have a chat for about half an hour to help the person feel less isolated. You’ll also encourage them to access services and facilities within their community.

 Main tasks and responsibilities: 

• You’ll spend time talking on the phone.
• You’ll establish and build a friendly and open relationship whilst maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• You’ll ensure that the member’s needs are put first within all communication, whilst respecting the members’ privacy and independence.
• You’ll maintain confidentiality, except in reporting back to the person that supports you, or in circumstances that will be discussed in your training.
• You’ll undertake all training, or support meetings, as agreed with the person who supports you.
• You’ll complete basic reporting and administrative tasks associated with the role. (e.g. Record of Calls).
• To be familiar with and to adhere MHA’s Health and Safety Policies and policies relating to your volunteering role.

Benefits for you:

• Help improve the quality of life for older people
• Help reduce loneliness and isolation
• Support your community
• Keep socially active

Skills and qualities needed:

• Good communication and people skills
• Enthusiasm
• Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
• Reliable and punctual
• Clear sense of personal boundaries and ability to maintain confidentiality
• A willingness to engage with training and development

Training, support, and requirements:

• You need to be aged 18 or over
• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two character references are required
• We will provide you with a full induction for the role.Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training relevant to the role
• Ongoing support from a named contact

Times and Commitment:

• 30 minute call per week. Days and times can be flexible.
• We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis for a minimum of six months

*Please note- we can only accept applications from volunteers who currently live in the UK*

About We Are Family 

We Are Family is an extraordinary peer support community for adopters and prospective adopters. We’re there for parents throughout their adoption journey. Online and in person, our parents’ groups, events, resources, podcasts and talks offer mutual support, information and inspiration to adopters and those considering adoption. We currently operate across Greater London and the Home Counties, with ambitions to scale nationally over the coming years. 

The Role

We Are Family is seeking to appoint a committed and motivated Company Secretary who will work closely with the Board of Trustees and play an active part in the governance of the organisation.

This is a voluntary opportunity with associated Trustee expenses -  such as travel / childcare -  covered by We Are Family.  The Company Secretary can be based anywhere in the UK. 

Commitment

• We Are Family typically holds four Board meetings per year

• In addition to being involved in Board meetings, the Secretary should expect to spend 8-10 hours each month on work related to the governance of the charity.

• The normal term of appointment for a Secretary is three years, after which there is the opportunity to renew for a further three-year period. 

Skills and Experience 

In this role you will:

• Work directly with the Chair and Deputy Chair to organise and plan for regular Board meetings, producing agendas and a supporting pack of Board papers

• Ensure minutes are taken at the Trustee Board meetings and circulated in a timely manner

• Take an active role in the governance of the Charity, ensuring that the company complies with its governing document, Charity Law, Charity Commission, and other relevant legislation

• Arrange for filings to be submitted to the Charity Commission in accordance with statutory deadlines

• Liaise with Committee Chairs to collect and distribute Committee meeting notes to the Board of Trustees 

• Maintain and update statutory records including annual returns, report, and accounts, and changes to the trustee membership.

This role would suit an individual with:

• Knowledge and experience of charity governance and management

• Experience in a compliance, risk or business management role

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Organisation skills, with the ability to work to deadlines

• Good IT skills, to include Zoom and Google Suite or MS Office.
   

Although many of our current Board members are adopters themselves, we are also keen to recruit suitably qualified people who are not, but who can demonstrate a commitment to the values and mission of We Are Family.

One of the great strengths of We Are Family is that we are volunteer and member driven, and we represent a diverse community of adoptive parents. We particularly welcome trustees from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to ensure that the board can benefit from this diversity of experience. We would also welcome single adopters to the board. 

To Apply 

If the opportunity to join an exciting, rapidly growing charity appeals to you as someone able to make a valuable contribution, please send us a copy of your CV and we will contact you with our Recruitment Pack.

Please note that applications are received and reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore an early application is advised.