Social Care/Development Volunteer Roles in South West
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
A Wellbeing Buddy is a volunteer who is matched with someone who has been referred to us for support for a period of 12 weeks and volunteers with them in person.
Face-to-face Wellbeing Buddies meet their match each week with an overall aim of helping them to build confidence and improve their quality of life. This might involve going for walks with the person, going on public transport with them, assisting them with food shopping or just offering some company in their normal routine.
The time you give to volunteering can be decided by you, as long as you can commit to at least once a week for 12 weeks with one person.
Please note that at the moment, to become a volunteer with us you will need to have some availability during the working week (9-5 Monday-Friday). Wellbeing Volunteers are not able to do this role during evenings and weekends. This is so that there are staff members available for support.
What do you need to become a Wellbeing Buddy?
You don't necessarily need to have experience in a role like this, but any experience in offering objective support to people would be beneficial. We are mainly looking for kind-hearted, personable, reliable individuals who love to chat and can give a small amount of time each week to help someone who needs it. You will be given training and support from the volunteer coordinator whenever needed.
To volunteer, you must:
- Be over the age of 18
- Be able to travel within your local area, whether by public transport, Beryl bike or driving
- Have access to the internet to use our volunteer database
- Undergo a DBS check (free to you)
- Complete the necessary training
What do you get out of it?
Volunteering with us will give you a chance to develop your skills and experience in empathy and active listening, as well as supporting and safeguarding people. We can offer you a rewarding opportunity to help empower people to live their best possible lives, a way of meeting other volunteers and likeminded people and social events for volunteers. We also offer reimbursement for expenses, access to schemes such as free Beryl Bike minutes and opportunities to attend personalised and tailored training and workshops.
How to join us:
To become a Wellbeing Buddy you will need to complete the application form attached to this opportunity (you can also find this on our website). You will then be invited to a an informal meeting with the volunteer coordinator (in person or online). If successful, you will need to attend a short training session at Beech House in Poole. This opportunity requires you to undergo a DBS check (free of charge to you).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.
With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.
What’s Involved?
As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families via Zoom every week with eBooks to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.
You will:
- Handpick eBooks from our online portals based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
- Join families via Zoom with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions
- Make notes after the session to keep track of how the child/ren are progressing
Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.
When and Where?
You can be based anywhere in the UK to become a Doorstep Library online volunteer.
- Time commitment: One evening a week, or once every 3 weeks as a Stand-In Volunteer
- Hours per week: 2
- Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Skills/Experience Needed
- Be able to make a regular weekly commitment or once every 3 weeks for a Stand-In Volunteer during school term time
- Be compliant with our safeguarding procedures, complete an Enhanced DBS, Child Barred List check, and provide 2 references
- Enjoy spending time with children and believe in education for all
- Have comfortable fluency in English
- Be non-judgmental and respectful of a variety of lifestyles and children’s learning
- Have excellent communication skills – be able to listen to families and communicate effectively with Project Leaders (including via text/emails/calls with Doorstep Library staff)
- Be confident using technology – for connecting with families via Zoom and completing records
- Be organised – be able to multi-task in a multi-faceted role comprising of much more than solely reading to children
- Be reliable – always attending a pre-agreed session and giving plenty of notice in advance of absences
- Be friendly – to build good relationships with families, your volunteer partner and the rest of the team
- Be confident – to lead the session or mentor a new volunteer
- Be patient, persistent and flexible – tailoring your approach to each family’s needs
Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references. Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
BCHA is a dynamic, charitable housing association providing housing, support and employability & skills services to people who are experiencing homeless or other forms of social need. We manage around 1400 short-stay and long-stay homes in Plymouth, Exeter, Yeovil, Wiltshire, Dorset and Bournemouth-Christchurch-Poole with a strong mission to provide accommodation and services for those most in need.
We have just launched our new 5-year Strategic Plan and welcome you to join us work towards our exciting new vision that everyone has a home nd the opportunity to thrive.
We are currently seeking to recruit non-executive board members to fill current and future vacancies. These roles are unpaid.
Along with a passion to make a difference, we are especially looking to attract candidates who have strong experience of any or all of the following:
· Charity/not-for-profit governance
· managing growing organisations
· health and social care commissioning
If have the right motivation and skills to offer and want to join us on our journey in delivering our new Strategic Plan, BCHA would love to hear from you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Companion volunteers support anyone with a terminal or life limiting illness aged 18 or over and their family. Companion volunteers provide companionship, emotional and practical support and short carer respite.
Cintre provides, residential care and supported living for adults with complex mental health needs, learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
We are looking for new Trustees to join our already very talented board.
What will you be doing?
Cintre are a local charity with over 40 years’ experience providing, residential care, supported living and community-based support for adults with complex mental health needs, learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. Cintre delivers services primarily in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
Cintre is a value-based organisation that prides itself on creating a person-centred service where we work in partnership with our service users to offer choice, control and active participation in the service they receive both now and in the future
What we are looking for…
We are looking for a Trustee with Health and Social experience and expertise to join our Board of Trustees.
You will be required:
- To advise and guide the Board on health and social care issues.
Ideally you should have:
- Knowledge and understanding to maintain an oversight on the charity's activities at a strategic level with an interest in advising on health and social care.
- A good current understanding of charity framework in the UK;
- An interest and commitment to Cintre’s mission and objectives; and,
- A willingness to act as the charity’s ambassador to external bodies, charities and companies.
What are we looking for?
- Experience in a Health and Social Care setting would be ideal, specifically in providing guidance to ensure that services can be compliant.
- Experience with working with the Care Quality Commission and an understanding of the regulations.
- Safeguarding Adults experience would be greatly valued, with the ability to share knowledge and provide support to ensure that the vulnerable adults we are responsible for are fully protected.
- Knowledge to assist the charity in delivering Outstanding Care to our Service Users
- An understanding of the challenges faced by our service users who live with Autism or a Learning Disability.
What difference will you make?
This is a voluntary position but by joining the Board at Cintre you will be part of an inclusive and user-led organisation. Your support will help enable us to grow and continue to provide the invaluable support we give to our service users across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Serving as a trustee is an excellent way to support a cause you’re passionate about. Volunteering as a trustee for Cintre will give you the opportunity to make a difference for people living with Autism and Mental Health challenges at a strategic level, using the charity's resources to effectively to tackle the challenges faced by these people.
Before you apply
Please provide a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.
We would welcome a confidential discussion to discuss the role and what would be involved and how your skills would add value to the Board and any other information that you feel is relevant.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in your community? Do you have expertise in finance and a desire to contribute to a cause that positively impacts lives? If so, we invite you to join our team as a Finance Trustee for our esteemed charity which is going through a period of renewal! We are developing a series of social enmterprise hubs across the country.
At Toc H, we are dedicated to serving local people through our social enterprise hubs across the country. Our organisation has been serving the community for over 100 years, providing essential services and support to those in need.
Role Description: As a Finance Trustee, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the financial integrity and sustainability of our charity. Your responsibilities will include:
- Overseeing the financial management and reporting processes.
- Reviewing and approving budgets, financial statements, and financial policies.
- Providing strategic guidance on financial planning, and risk assessment.
- Collaborating with the finance team and fellow trustees to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Representing the charity at finance-related meetings and events.
Qualifications:
- Strong background in finance, accounting, or related field.
- Previous experience serving on a board of trustees or similar governance role preferred.
- Knowledge of nonprofit financial management practices and regulations.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to the mission and values of the charity.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Why Join Us:
- Make a meaningful impact: Your expertise will directly contribute to advancing our mission and helping those in need.
- Professional development: Gain valuable experience and expand your skill set in nonprofit governance and finance.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with fellow trustees, staff members, and community partners who share your passion for making a difference.
- Fulfillment: Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your contributions are making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Join us in our commitment to creating positive change and building a brighter future for our community.
If you are interested in this voluntary position please contact our CEO Paul Hackwood
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you love to support and empower people? We are looking for compassionate champions to join our volunteer mentoring programme. Help mentees build confidence, get established in community and develop independence. The Build mentoring programme supports survivors of modern slavery. A volunteer mentor is paired with a co mentor meeting fortnightly in the community with a mentee; being a friendly support, setting goals, exploring opportunities and life skills. All volunteer mentors are supported and accountable to the Build Coordinators. This role is voluntary and unpaid (costs incurred for refreshments related to the mentor role will be reimbursed).
The Role
- To create a safe, compassionate, and healthy mentoring relationship
- Provide the mentee with tools and techniques to navigate a pathway to achieve things that are important to them
- Provide practical support to the mentee where appropriate (eg signposting)
- Support a mentee to identify and establish goals and life skills that are important to them
- Liaise with the mentee and fellow mentor to arrange safe and suitable meeting places including date and time
- Debrief with your co-mentor after each meeting and provide a brief written record of the discussion for the Mentoring Coordinator
- Work with your co-mentor to model ‘healthy community’
- Manage the trio’s refreshment expenses for reimbursement
Skills you need
- Compassion, empathy and active listening skills
- Ability to be able to help people feel at ease and build confidence
- To help people draw out personal goals and things that are important to them
- Have a passion and desire for wanting to transform and support the lives of people
- Be sensitive to someone who has experienced trauma
- Ability to keep confidence and professional boundaries
- Reliability and good time keeping
- Commitment to safeguarding and a willingness to raise concerns where necessary
- Experience of supporting others navigate and integrate into community
- Access to car/public transport and flexibility around location
What you will get from us
- Online or face to face training prior to working with mentees:
- Volunteer Induction and specialised programme training
- e-learning courses relating to Safeguarding, Data Protection and Equality & Diversity, IT and Data Induction
- Ongoing support sessions from the Build team
- Ongoing training with an emphasis on trauma informed practice Commitment
- 12-month commitment period
- Meet with mentee and co-mentor fortnightly for 1-2 hours
- Commitment to write up debriefs and any relevant actions between meetups
- To able to complete all required training
- To be able to attend a minimum of 4 training sessions per year
All roles within the mentoring programme need:
- Mandatory checks including DBS
- Two satisfactory references
- Completion of induction training
- An informal interview and introductory period
- Have a passion and desire for wanting to help and support people
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you enjoy driving?Would you like to make a difference to the people we support in your community?
We are looking for friendly drivers to join us!
You will meet some amazing people, whilst making a positive impact to their lives by helping them get to the activities they enjoy and appointments that are important.
We are looking for drivers who will be happy to drive our house vehicles or your own vehicle.
Want to apply for this role?
If you’d like to be a Discovery volunteer, please get in touch!
Activities will include:
-
Driving the people we support between their homes and services in a safe manner, in accordance with UK law.
-
Driving around the Cheddar area, which will be the start and end point of the majority of journeys
-
Assisting people we support in and out of vehicles and locations – with assistance from trained Discovery staff.
-
Driving in a manner that is sensitive of physical and emotional requirements of the people we support.
-
Driving vehicles owned by the people we support or your own vehicle
Activities will NOT include: Personal care, medication or financial assistance.
We are looking for drivers who:
-
Are aged 21 or over, with at least 2 years driving experience
-
Hold a full, clean and current UK Driving License (or equivalent)
-
Have the ability to understand verbal and written instructions in relation to journeys
-
Are friendly with the people we support and our support staff
-
Are willing to commit to volunteer regularly (times and days can be discussed)
A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role.
What you’ll gain from being a Discovery volunteer:
Discovery supports people with learning disabilities and autism, helping them to live more independently at home and in the community.
Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:
-
Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)
-
Comprehensive support from professional, friendly and trained Dimensions staff
-
Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed as agreed
-
An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoy driving? Would you like to make a difference to the people we support in your community?
We are looking for friendly drivers to join us!
You will meet some amazing people, whilst making a positive impact to their lives by helping them get to the activities they enjoy and appointments that are important.
We are looking for drivers who will be happy to drive our house vehicles or your own vehicle.
Activities will include:
-
Driving the people we support between their homes and services in a safe manner, in accordance with UK law.
-
Driving around the Castle Cary area, which will be the start and end point of the majority of journeys
-
Assisting people we support in and out of vehicles and locations – with assistance from trained Discovery staff.
-
Driving in a manner that is sensitive of physical and emotional requirements of the people we support.
-
Driving vehicles owned by the people we support or your own vehicle
Activities will NOT include: Personal care, medication or financial assistance.
We are looking for drivers who:
-
Are aged 21 or over, with at least 2 years driving experience
-
Hold a full, clean and current UK Driving License (or equivalent)
-
Have the ability to understand verbal and written instructions in relation to journeys
-
Are friendly with the people we support and our support staff
-
Are willing to commit to volunteer regularly (times and days can be discussed)
A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role.
What you’ll gain from being a Discovery volunteer:
Discovery supports people with learning disabilities and autism, helping them to live more independently at home and in the community.
Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:
-
Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)
-
Comprehensive support from professional, friendly and trained Dimensions staff
-
Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed as agreed
-
An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector
Want to apply for this role?
If you’d like to be a Discovery volunteer, please get in touch!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a good listener? Are you able to manage group conversations and ensure people feel comfortable together and that groups run smoothly? We need you to facilitate our weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others. This is a telephone-based role that you can do from home. You will need access to a landline and/or mobile phone We ask you to commit to a minimum of 3 hours per week to facilitate 3 or more Talk and Support befriending groups per week which will be at the same day and time each week. Each group runs for an hour.
- Effective listening skills
- Good verbal communication skills
- Work with wide range of people
-
Home Based: over the telephone (this role requires you to have a landline or mobile telephone)
- This role requires 2 references
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoy driving? Would you like to make a difference to the people we support in your community?
We are looking for friendly drivers to join us!
You will meet some amazing people, whilst making a positive impact to their lives by helping them get to the activities they enjoy and appointments that are important.
We are looking for drivers who will be happy to drive our house vehicles or your own vehicle.
Activities will include:
-
Driving the people we support between their homes and services in a safe manner, in accordance with UK law.
-
Driving around the Nunney area, which will be the start and end point of the majority of journeys
-
Assisting people we support in and out of vehicles and locations – with assistance from trained Discovery staff.
-
Driving in a manner that is sensitive of physical and emotional requirements of the people we support.
-
Driving vehicles owned by the people we support or your own vehicle
Activities will NOT include: Personal care, medication or financial assistance.
We are looking for drivers who:
-
Are aged 21 or over, with at least 2 years driving experience
-
Hold a full, clean and current UK Driving License (or equivalent)
-
Have the ability to understand verbal and written instructions in relation to journeys
-
Are friendly with the people we support and our support staff
-
Are willing to commit to volunteer regularly (times and days can be discussed)
A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role.
What you’ll gain from being a Discovery volunteer:
Discovery supports people with learning disabilities and autism, helping them to live more independently at home and in the community.
Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:
-
Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)
-
Comprehensive support from professional, friendly and trained Dimensions staff
-
Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed as agreed
-
An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector
Want to apply for this role?
If you’d like to be a Discovery volunteer, please get in touch!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoy driving?Would you like to make a difference to the people we support in your community?
We are looking for friendly drivers to join us!
You will meet some amazing people, whilst making a positive impact to their lives by helping them get to the activities they enjoy and appointments that are important.
We are looking for drivers who will be happy to drive our house vehicles.
Activities will include:
-
Driving the people we support between their homes and services in a safe manner, in accordance with UK law.
-
Driving around the Yeovil area, which will be the start and end point of the majority of journeys
-
Assisting people we support in and out of vehicles and locations – with assistance from trained Discovery staff.
-
Driving in a manner that is sensitive of physical and emotional requirements of the people we support.
-
Driving vehicles owned by the people we support
Activities will NOT include: Personal care, medication or financial assistance.
We are looking for drivers who:
-
Are aged 21 or over, with at least 2 years driving experience
-
Hold a full, clean and current UK Driving License (or equivalent)
-
Have the ability to understand verbal and written instructions in relation to journeys
-
Are friendly with the people we support and our support staff
-
Are willing to commit to volunteer regularly (times and days can be discussed)
A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role.
What you’ll gain from being a Discovery volunteer:
Discovery supports people with learning disabilities and autism, helping them to live more independently at home and in the community.
Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:
-
Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)
-
Comprehensive support from professional, friendly and trained Dimensions staff
-
Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed as agreed
-
An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector
Want to apply for this role?
If you’d like to be a Discovery volunteer, please get in touch!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoy driving? Would you like to make a difference to the people we support in your community?
We are looking for friendly drivers to join us!
You will meet some amazing people, whilst making a positive impact to their lives by helping them get to the activities they enjoy and appointments that are important.
We are looking for drivers who will be happy to drive our house vehicles.
Activities will include:
-
Driving the people we support between their homes and services in a safe manner, in accordance with UK law.
-
Driving around the Crewkerne area, which will be the start and end point of the majority of journeys
-
Assisting people we support in and out of vehicles and locations – with assistance from trained Discovery staff.
-
Driving in a manner that is sensitive of physical and emotional requirements of the people we support.
-
Driving vehicles owned by the people we support
Activities will NOT include: Personal care, medication or financial assistance.
We are looking for drivers who:
-
Are aged 21 or over, with at least 2 years driving experience
-
Hold a full, clean and current UK Driving License (or equivalent)
-
Have the ability to understand verbal and written instructions in relation to journeys
-
Are friendly with the people we support and our support staff
-
Are willing to commit to volunteer regularly (times and days can be discussed)
A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role.
What you’ll gain from being a Discovery volunteer:
Discovery supports people with learning disabilities and autism, helping them to live more independently at home and in the community.
Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:
-
Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)
-
Comprehensive support from professional, friendly and trained Dimensions staff
-
Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed as agreed
-
An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector
Want to apply for this role?
If you’d like to be a Discovery volunteer, please get in touch!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoy running and keeping active?
We are looking for a friendly volunteer to run with a gentlemen we support and help him train for a park run!
“Hi! I live in Shepton Mallet and I am supported by Discovery. I would like a buddy to help me get fit, who enjoys running, and is a happy person to talk to. I am an easy going and friendly chap looking for someone like minded”
If you would like to make a difference and make a great friend along the way, we would love to hear from you!
Activities will include:
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Running with and getting to know your buddy
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Arranging regular runs together, eg weekend park run
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Offering support, enthusiasm and friendly competition when running
-
Providing friendship and fun
Activities will NOT include: Personal care, medication or financial assistance.
We are looking for someone who is:
-
Comfortable with and good at running
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Friendly, chatty and a good listener
-
Comfortable chatting with people with learning disabilities and autism.
-
Reliable/dependable and willing to commit to volunteer regularly
A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role.
What you’ll gain from being a Discovery volunteer:
Discovery supports people with learning disabilities and autism, helping them to live more independently at home and in the community.
Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:
-
Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)
-
Comprehensive support from professional, friendly and trained Dimensions staff
-
Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed as agreed
-
An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector
Want to apply for this role?
If you’d like to be a Discovery volunteer, please get in touch!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a good listener? We need you to facilitate one of our weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others. You will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and the group conversations run smoothly.
We are particularly looking for volunteers to support in the following;
*Craft group – someone with an active interest in any sort of craft e.g. knitting, crochet, embroidery, card making etc
*South Wales Valleys group – someone from or with knowledge /experience of the area
*Powys - someone from or with knowledge /experience of the area