Social Care/Development Volunteer Roles

Are you a qualified in hairstyling, including Afro and straight hair? Would like to share your skills with others? We have an exciting opportunity to teach older people the skills needed to style their hair. Hair care is an essential to looking after oneself and providing confidence.

What you will be doing:
Planning hair styling workshops on a 1:1 basis or in a small group

Sharing skills and techniques
Encouraging others to get involved in learning and discussions about hair care

The skills you need:
A skilled and qualified Hair stylist
Calm and patient approach
Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you:
Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get

We are looking for a volunteer who would like to play a role in building others confidence. Would you be interested in supporting an individual to improve their numeracy abilities and prepare for their Math Level 1 exams?

What you will be doing
To support people who are not confident with numeracy to develop these skills through tutoring sessions over a video call
Agree a mutual agreeable time and frequency that works for both parties 2 to 3 days a week.
Engage in conversation, problem solving examples, maths based support To keep records of conversations and update the support worker on progress of sessions
The skills you need
Interest in supporting people to develop their math skills. Background in teaching maths/numeracy is desirable
Good communication skills
Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
A tutoring qualification is desirable but not essential Mathematics qualification is essential
What's in it for you
Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have

 access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your Volunteering. 

Do you have the passion and commitment to support women experiencing Domestic Abuse to reach a place of safety? We are recruiting volunteers to support our Refuge Referral Line team, which supports women and children experiencing domestic abuse to find a safe, secure, and suitable refuge space across London.

What you will be doing

• Taking calls to assess the risks and needs of the women fleeing from domestic abuse whilst under supervision/guidance of the Referral Line Worker and the Service Manager
• To use a range of skills and tools to make phone conversations with women effective and empowering
• To provide women with knowledge of how to access refuge space and other types of support with the aid of a trained staff team
• General admin support: typing, taking notes, filing, scanning documents, keeping accurate records on our digitalised client management syste
• To develop positive relationships with staff members and women whilst promoting self-care
• Engage, support, and interact with women from a diverse range of needs and backgrounds

The skills you need

• A desire to provide support to women who are in crisis due to domestic abuse
• Always maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Calm, patient approach with empathy and a willingness to listen without judgement
• To have a willingness to learn about supporting women impacted by domestic abuse with a diverse range of needs/ backgrounds
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Good time-management
• Experience of using email, internet, and other digital IT skills

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

New Dawn New Day is a longstanding Leicester based women’s charity. A key focus of our work is supporting women who have come into contact with Criminal Justice Services or are at risk of offending, delivering a range of practical and emotional support designed to meet their multiple and complex needs.

If you have a commitment to, but not necessarily experience of working in the women’s sector, this role is a great opportunity to use your experience and leadership skills to help drive forward our work and build on our excellent reputation.

We are looking for a Chair to lead the Board, oversee our strategic direction ensure effective governance & inspire us.

Key Responsibilities

Ensuring effective governance

• Providing support and leadership to ensure trustees fulfil their duties and contribute to strategic decision-making
• Maintain a supportive team culture among trustees, leveraging their varied experiences and networks for the charity's benefit
• Supporting new trustees to develop their participation and contribution
• Oversee the plan for trustee recruitment to ensure succession, diversity & relevant skills

Development of the charity’s long-term strategy

• Working in collaboration with trustees, the CEO, and the Senior Executive Team to oversee the development of the long-term strategic plan
• Review  delivery of the annual plan to achieve funding & project objectives
• Research broader networks, potential partnerships & stakeholders to support the charity's strategic goals and funding requirements

Working with the CEO

• Develop a productive working relationship
• Agree their annual objectives and provide support and oversight to deliver them

Acting as a representative of the charity

• Be an ambassador, developing our network with decision makers and other stakeholders as appropriate

 For more details on the role & candidate requirements please find attached our Candidate pack for more details

Seeking Passionate Trustees to Drive Financial Equity

Are you ready to make a tangible impact in your community? Talking Money invites passionate individuals to join as Trustees, driving forward their mission to empower those facing financial hardship. As a Trustee, you’ll wield independent control and legal responsibility, shaping the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring alignment with their core purpose.

About Talking Money:

Talking Money is a Bristol-based charity dedicated to empowering individuals facing financial hardship. With a focus on inclusivity and equity, they provide essential support and guidance to those in need, regardless of background or circumstance. Their mission is to alleviate financial stress and promote long-term stability by offering tailored advice, practical assistance, and advocacy services.

Driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to financial education and support, Talking Money delivers a range of programmes and initiatives designed to address diverse needs within the community.

The role:
We are looking for people who care about supporting local people in financial hardship and reducing inequality, who are willing to bring energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking and perspective on the board. Whether you bring expertise in housing, disability, mental health, or fundraising, your unique perspective would be invaluable to the Talking Money board.

We particularly welcome applications from people with direct or indirect (for example though a family member or friend) lived experience of the kinds of issues our clients face (e.g., poverty, financial hardship, over-indebtedness, homelessness).

Personal skills and qualities:

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Creative thinking and strategic acumen to drive organisational growth.
• Effective communication skills and a collaborative spirit.
• A strong alignment with our vision and mission.

Responsibilities:

As a trustee, you’ll play a pivotal role in:

• Overseeing organisational strategy and financial plans.
• Providing support and challenge to our executive team.
• Ensuring compliance with governing documents and legal obligations.
• Promoting and protecting the interests of Talking Money.

Time commitment and expenses:

• This is a voluntary position with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
• Minimum commitment of 17 hours per year, including board meetings and team events.
• Opportunities for professional development and training sessions

Terms of appointment:

• Initial 5-year term, with the possibility of renewal. Potential for progression to Chair of the Board.

The impact a volunteer telephone befriender can have on a lonely individual is amazing and for many of our service users our volunteer telephone befrienders are the only people in their lives who can offer quality time for a nice chat. With just one hour of your time per week you can help provide companionship and support for someone suffering from chronic loneliness. 

You will have to complete a DBS check and an Adult’s Safeguarding training, both covered by our organisation.

For this role volunteers will gain: 

• Confidence using the telephone.

• Develop interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Free Safeguarding and DBS check

Time Commitment 

Volunteers can give a minimum of 1 hour per week and must commit to a minimum of 3 months. However, the longer you commit to this role the more you will benefit. 

Training

• Level 2 Safeguarding adults 

We offer ongoing supervision and regular catch ups with team members. The volunteer has the opportunity to meet with fellow volunteers for monthly or bimonthly zoom events. 

Is a DBS Check required? 

• We require all applicants to provide two references. DBS is required for this role, but the cost will be provided by the Dialogue Society

Personal Requirements 

• Engage with a client to provide support on a weekly basis or schedule a specific time with the client. 

• For this role you will need a clear and polite telephone manner.

• The ability to actively listen, empathise and promote conversation.

• Adhere to the appropriate guidelines while communicating with the clients, preserving the reputation of the organisation. 

• To identify if a person may be at risk and alert a supervisor.

• To maintain confidentiality. 

• To work within a team of volunteers and staff.

• To work within Dialogue Society’s policies and procedures

• A non-discriminatory and a non-judgemental attitude 

• Reliable 

Help tackle loneliness and isolation in your Community. As a Volunteer Befriender, you will visit an older person in their own home once a week for a chat and to provide companionship. 

Our Befriending service supports older adults by alleviating loneliness and isolation, supporting independence, and increasing self-confidence, by making weekly or fortnightly visits to a client living in the borough of Croydon.

We place emphasis on making the right match for you and the client to ensure an enjoyable and rewarding experience. One of the befriending team will work closely with you during the match process and accompany you on your first visit to introduce you to the client.

You will be assigned a line manager who will support and encourage you. We provide a befriending induction along with training and ongoing support to ensure that you are fully equiped and ready for what will be a rewarding and positive experience. Feedback from our clients and volunteers show the huge impact on wellbeing that an hour a week can make.

What will I be doing?

• Visiting an older person in their own home once a week maybe for a cup of tea and a chat.
• Providing companionship.
• Other activities mutually agreed by the Client and the Volunteer such as reading together and puzzles.

What we ask for:

• Good listening skills.
• An open-minded and non-judgemental attitude.
• An ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Realiability.
• Willingness to adhere to Age UK Croydon's policies and procedures

Do you want to join a Board with an ambitious strategy to grow the amount of care we provide to people with complex disabilities, within a well established care organisation? At Vision Homes, we are seeking to recruit passionate and committed new trustees to our Board to help shape future strategy and growth.

We are seeking Trustees to bring additional knowledge and input to our Board. It is an opportunity for those that who are keen to use their skills and experience, whether professional or personal, to make sure Vision Homes can continue to serve and to grow the excellent care that it provides to people with complex needs such as sensory impairment with acquired brain injury. Those in our care range in age, and have differing needs, and we aim to offer personalised care so that everyone can live the best life that they can. 

We’re particularly interested to hear from you if have direct experience of adult care services (care homes or home care) or experience in the supported housing sector. We also have a need to add to our skills and diversity, as a Board, in areas such as charity, governance, strategic management, or experience as a Chartered Surveyor. No prior experience of sitting on a board is necessary as we offer induction and training.

Autism Together is looking to recruit two new Trustees to its board. If you are an enthusiastic professional with senior level experience, preferably at Board level, in areas including social care, finance and accountancy, human resources, fundraising, health & safety, and audit & risk, then we would like to hear from you.

Successful applicants will be joining the board of one of the UK’s leading specialist service providers, a charitable organisation which directly supports over 450 autistic individuals, and a staff group of over 800 main staff and 100 relief workers.

Founded in Wirral in 1968, Autism Together is a complex, stimulating, award-winning organisation with an annual turnover of £26m and a substantial property portfolio. The charity provides Residential care, Supported Living, Day Services, and Respite for autistic adults, alongside a range of support for young people and their families.

Our Trustees contribute significantly to the strategic planning and direction of Autism Together and successful candidates will need to demonstrate experience in governance, good communication and an ability to conform to our Trustee Code.

The Board recognises that diversity of Trustees is vital if we are to operate with excellence, and we warmly welcome applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Trustees are expected to attend 8 board meetings per year, become actively involved in at least one quarterly sub-committee, and to familiarise themselves with all aspects of the charity’s work.

We are seeking Trustees who will bring relevant skills and experience in one of the following areas:

⦿ Community-led development and action.

⦿ Financial management.

⦿ Legal and HR experience in the field of commercial and charity law.

⦿ Communication experience particularly in the area of social media.

⦿ IT and governance structures.

⦿ Property and Estates.

⦿ Governance and/or knowledge of quality assurance.

Beyond technical and strategic abilities, we are looking for individuals who are committed to our mission and values, with strong interpersonal skills to constructively challenge the Board and the Executives in the best interests of the people we support.

For more details about this role, please download the Trustee Application Pack below.

You can apply directly via this site, or via our website, or by post at the following address:

Autism Together, Oak House, 6 Tebay Road, Bromborough, Wirral CH62 3PA

Reg. Charity No: 1007878

Purpose of the role?

People with a learning disability or additional needs are often isolated and excluded from mainstream leisure and social activities. We believe that EVERYONE has the right to have fun and feel safe.

Our adult citizens want to enjoy social & leisure activities with their friends, and by giving just a little time each month, you can help them do that.

What would I be doing?

You will help us to support a small group of people to enjoy a variety of activities including:

· Going to a local café or browsing the shops

· Going to the pub, restaurant, or cinema

· Activities such ten-pin bowling, visiting a park or attending a local event.

This is a nice, light touch way to make a difference, have fun and gain valuable experience. Expenses are reimbursed.

What do I need?

To be a volunteer you need to be

· Friendly

· Calm and patient

· A good listener

· Accepting of people who may be different to you

· Happy to chat

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

· An enhanced DBS check and references will be required

.       No experience of support work is needed.

When and where do you need me?

· Once or twice a month in the Coventry area

· Days and times to be arranged with the group (may include 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 learning disabilities

and their family carers

• 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

• Agreed out-of-pocket 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

Who are Acorns Children's Hospice?

A parent never imagines their child will be diagnosed with a life limiting or life threatening condition. But when the unimaginable happens, Acorns Children’s Hospice steps in. Our dedicated teams provide specialist tailored care, including complex medical care, short breaks and emotional and practical support for babies, children and young people and their families, at our three hospices in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester as well as in the community. 

Why we need you 

At Acorns we know that children and young people growing up with a poorly brother or sister often have less attention from parents and more worries and responsibilities than their peers. Acorns has a dedicated Sibling Support Team who run Sibling Group sessions to provide fun experiences for young people and allow them to meet others who may be in a similar situation to them. Sibling activities include arts and crafts, games, sporting activities and fun trips out. 

What you'll be doing

• Volunteering alongside our Sibling Support team
• Attending a Sibling Group planning session with our Sibling Support team every couple of months to hear about plans for forthcoming activities.
• Attend a Siblings Group session once a month, joining in with the activities.

Our Sibling Group sessions for the Gloucester area, usually take place at Hartpury Village Hall.  Although you may be asked to join us at our Worcester Hospice for initial training and have the opportunity to visit the hospice again when we have siblings visiting or staying with us.

How much time will it take?

Sibling Volunteers complete our online basic training modules and our in-person sibling training session which together take 4-5 hours to complete. Once trained, volunteering with us is flexible but we ask for a commitment of one Sibling Group session per month and hospice-based sibling volunteering on an adhoc basis. 

Am I right for the role? 

• Be sensitive to the needs of our children, young people and families
• Be a good communicator 
• Enjoy spending time with children, who may have a range of emotional or educational additional needs
• Be warm and friendly 
• Be willing to learn about the importance of confidentiality, boundaries and safeguarding within Acorns

Why volunteer at Acorns? 

• Make a difference to the work we do and help to improve the lives of families of children with life limiting or life threatening conditions 
• Enable our siblings to enjoy activities together and help them feel they’re not alone
• Connect with like-minded people and make new friends 
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining valuable experience We’ll give you a reference for future work or volunteering Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and awards 
• Access to our free online training to support and develop your volunteering 
• Travel expenses available

Volunteers are required to complete an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check, which we will pay for and process for you. 

At Equal Lives we care about breaking down barriers for people with lived disabilities, we want to create more opportunities for a fairer, more accessible world.  Our Benefits Advisers provide essential support to those who lack the skills or kknowledge to deal with benefits claims or appeals on their own, the people in our community who rely on this vital support in order to live as normal a life as possible.  Together with your help we can extend our support to more vulnerable people within the local community and ensure they get the help they so rightfully deserve.

Our volunteer Benefits Advisers support clients with disabilities in Norwich (NR1-NR7 postcodes). This is a great opportunity for you to learn all about PIP benefits, from finding out about conditions of entitlement to learning how to make the best case for a client. Whether you already have some knowledge and you want to make use of this to help others, or if you have no experience and are keen to learn, this role could provide you with an interesting and challenging volunteering opportunity.                                    

The Benefits Adviser role will involve assisting our clients with the following:

• Assisting them to make claims, including support with form filling 

• Offering information by telephone or email 

• Signposting or referring clients on to other organisations where appropriate. 

• Keeping accurate and up to date case notes

• Ongoing learning to ensure knowledge is kept up to date and accurate 

Full training is available to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to carry out this.

Do you have experience in working with children? We are recruiting for a Childrens Support Volunteer to provide supervision for approximately 1-4 children of varying ages during our monthly co-production meetings at Head Office. Parents and staff will be just next door for support if this is needed at any time. As we will have more than 2 volunteers supporting and only 2 are needed to help during these sessions, you will be taking turns with the other volunteers to support each month.

Your support will have a massive impact and enable clients to feed into the service we provide and make sure their voice is heard!

What you will be doing

• Providing supervision for children during 2-hour meetings once a month at head office
• Keeping the children entertained with provided toys and small activities such as colouring and reading etc..
• Ensuring the safety of the children
• Maintaining strict confidentiality

The skills you need

• Calm and patient approach
• Experience in childcare is preferred
• Working knowledge of child safeguarding preferred
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Good communication skills

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Do you enjoy meeting people and supporting them, do you have skills you would like to share? We are looking for volunteers to support service users living in community who struggle with mental health - with community engagement support within Haringey. You can support service users in number of meaningful ways of your choice.

What you will be doing

• Supporting service users with attendance of local resources
• Supporting service users with digital inclusion
• Supporting the service by researching and updating database (excel) with local resources available in Haringey
• Supporting staff with facilitation of groups or organise your own activity.

The skills you need

• Calm and patient approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun