Social Care/Development Volunteer Roles

We are looking for individuals with professional or lived experience of working with children. Our volunteer playworkers are passionate about play and providing a welcoming and safe space for all children.

About the Role

As a volunteer play worker, you will work in partnership with the Sessional Play Worker in the planning and delivery of play sessions. Most children will be between the ages of 2-5 years.

Playworker volunteers will lead and assist a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, games, etc. to engage and support the children’s emotional wellbeing and enhance their confidence and resilience. Activity sessions will be carried out in the refuges, supported by the Sessional Play worker.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking volunteers who have:

• Shared vision, mission and values of Solace Women’s Aid
• Professional and/or lived experience of working with children
• Understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people
• Ability to communicate effectively with children aged 0-5, parents and staff
• Basic knowledge of child development
• Organisation and time management skills

Although not essential, we would welcome applications from volunteers who have a formal qualification in working with children, young people and families, or who have knowledge of trauma-informed approaches to working with children and young people.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

Volunteers will gain:

• Experience of facilitating play sessions for children in recovery from domestic abuse
• An insight into the experiences of children in recovery from domestic abuse.
• Experience in working in partnership with Sessional Play Workers in the planning, delivery and evaluation of play sessions in a refuge/community setting.
• Opportunity to attend training and social events with other Solace Women’s Aid volunteers.
• Being part of a supportive team who aim to build on the strengths and skills of all our members.

We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand, and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the level 3 Understanding Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

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.

As a Volunteer cook you will work with others in the kitchen to help prepare a light breakfast for our older members. Our clubs are social occasions where you will enjoy the conversations and laughs, and soon become part of our family, and of course eat with us.  You will help to plan the menus and you’ll get feedback from the older members about what they would like to eat at future activities.

Along with other volunteers you will prepare food, keep the kitchen clean and to the hygiene and health and safety standards and tidy away afterwards.

Are you interested in giving back to your local community?  Then we coudl have the volunteering opportunity for you!

We are recruiting trustee members with:

• Excellent critical thinkning and problem-solving skills.
• An interest in social care and / or epilepsy.
• Good knowledge of business risks, trends and practices.
• A passion for continuous improvement.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and are committed to equality and diversity. 

To register your interest in becoming a trustee, please contact Catherine Agca, Operations Manager. 

Would you like to support those feeling socially isolated and lonely within the local serving community? Could you spare a few hours a week to organise group activities that bring people together?

If so, we would love to hear from you!

What is a Community Connection Champion?

The aim of the role is to promote connection by developing and facilitating social groups and activities within the local serving community.

Tasks will include planning group activities that are sociable and of interest to the community. It also involves coordinating and delivering sessions. You will receive training and have support from a dedicated project officer as you establish a variety of groups.

What difference will you make?

Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people can find themselves feeling lonely or socially isolated, they may struggle to meet and connect with new people due to their confidence, work commitments or because they don’t live in Service Family Accommodation.

Community Connection Champions will play a vital role in tackling these challenges by creating welcoming, engaging group opportunities that bring people together.

What will you be doing?

Although every SSAFA Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Community Connection Champion:

• Creating and Planning: Working with the Project Officer to plan, develop and organise groups and activities that are best suited to their local serving community.
• Communication and Teamwork: Keeping in touch with the local Community Volunteer Coordinator and attending s meetings.
• Networking and Engagement: Reaching out with those who are interested in attending activities, providing support and encouragement for them to attend, including those who face barriers to attending.
• Facilitating group sessions: Delivering group activities in line with agreed plans, signposting attendees to external support as required and in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Recording and reporting on activities: Sharing activity plans with the SSAFA Project Team, tracking attendance, and encouraging attendees to complete the relevant paperwork to support Project reporting and development.

What about training and support?

• Volunteers will need to complete E-learning courses covering topics including GDPR and safeguarding plus a 1.5hr webinar which focuses on understanding the impact of loneliness and social isolation, what helps to reduce those feelings and the skills needed to develop and facilitate groups.
• Support from a dedicated Project Officer who will work with you to plan and develop the groups and activities.
• Support from your local Community Volunteer Coordinator and SSAFA’s Regional and Central Volunteer Operations colleagues.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Give back to the serving community
• Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience, helping them to build local connections.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
• Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews, such as planning sessions, organising activities and group facilitation.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with great communication skills.
• Excellent understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
• Non-judgemental approach and alignment with SSAFA’s values
• Some experience of delivering groups sessions or team leadership is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.

This role would suit someone who would like to make a regular weekly commitment of a couple of hours.

As this is a new initiative, we are keen to understand what works to support the local serving community. We expect groups to run in the evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.

A typical group might run once weekly for a 6-week period. Face to face sessions are likely to run in community venues such as community centres but we also want to explore how virtual groups can be used to support those who can’t access face to face sessions.

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment. 

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.

Would you like to help end food poverty and tackle climate change and CO2 emissions in Greater Manchester, whilst at the same time gaining valuable CV-enhancing experience and skills?

What we offer you

• Induction, training and support from the staff of FareShare and its parent charity, EMERGE 3Rs.

• Practical experience and transferable skills in warehousing and food redistribution.

• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses  – up to £5.80 for travel and up to £3 for lunch, upon completion of a 4 hour shift. (We can also provide you with lunch if you don't bring your own).

• A reference after 2 months with us.

• An understanding of warehousing and logistics, and the importance of food surplus and recycling initiatives to both the community and the environment.

As a sustainability charity, we take surplus food that's donated to us by manufacturers and retailers and redistribute it to people in need across the city region. The front line initiatives we support include food banks, schools, community groups and charities who, in turn, help people who are disadvantaged by poverty.

Our vital work supports people experiencing extreme hardship and prevents perfectly good food going to landfill, where it would otherwise contribute to climate warming. 

We need helping hands in our busy warehouse to receive and catalogue supplies, to load and unload vans, and to prepare orders for delivery. In return we offer training and support to help you obtain skills and experience to boost your CV if you are seeking work. If you're not aiming for employment, volunteering with is is rewarding in many other ways; offering an opportunity to make new friends, keep physically active and 

This role is vital to the work of FareShare, ensuring that the food delivered to our warehouse is correctly sorted, labelled and organised into orders placed by our charities and community groups, (who we call Community Food Members).

It is perfect for someone who is:

a) Looking for a practical activity.

b) Looking for experience and skills to gain employment in the food industry, warehousing and customer service.

c) Wanting to help their community and/or help tackle global warming.

d) Wanting to make new friends.

e) Wanting to keep busy and/or physically fit.

Our volunteer opportunities are available Monday to Friday, for a whole or half day, with shifts between 8:30-am - 12:30pm and 12:30 - 4:30pm. Volunteers are typically involved for one day a week.

What will I be doing?

Receiving, sorting, cataloguing and storing chilled and ambient surplus food in a warehouse, and preparing orders for delivery. You’ll also assist customers when they come to pick up their orders.

• Ensuring food quality and safety by checking ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates.

• Sorting and unpacking deliveries, categorising and recording food.

• Assembling food orders placed by charities and community groups.

• Assisting our Community Food Members with their food order collections. 

• Maintaining health and safety and food hygiene standards. 

• Helping with cleaning and other tasks as identified by warehouse staff.

Person Specification 

• Must be physically fit to carry out tasks including lifting and loading.

• Have a good command of English in order to understand and follow instructions and health and safety rules. 

• Have basic literacy and numeracy skills to record quantities and types of food donated.

• Able to work in a manner that respects Health and Safety standards.

• Be happy to complete tasks independently according to instruction.

• Be positive, friendly and enthusiastic about tackling food waste and food poverty.

Must be reliable and able to commit to an agreed session/day.

We are located in our brand new depot at Maynard House, New Smithfield Market, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2WJ.

Driver

Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?

Where?

Milton Keynes (Peartree Bridge and/or Stantonbury Fields)

What you will be doing?

Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.

What skills and experience are needed?

· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual

· Willingness to work independently

· Full Driver’s License

· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance

What will you gain from the role?

· A chance to make a difference

· Sense of purpose

· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing

· Working with people with sight loss

What support will be given?

· Induction

· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding

· Ongoing training and development opportunities

· Expenses

· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.

Criminal Record Check Information/DBS

This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.

Driver

Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?

Where?

Chesham

What you will be doing?

Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.

What skills and experience are needed?

· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual

· Willingness to work independently

· Full Driver’s License

· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance

What will you gain from the role?

· A chance to make a difference

· Sense of purpose

· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing

· Working with people with sight loss

What support will be given?

· Induction

· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding

· Ongoing training and development opportunities

· Expenses

· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.

Criminal Record Check Information/DBS

This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.

Driver

Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?

Where?

Princess Risborough  

What you will be doing?

Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.

What skills and experience are needed?

· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual

· Willingness to work independently

· Full Driver’s License

· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance

What will you gain from the role?

· A chance to make a difference

· Sense of purpose

· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing

· Working with people with sight loss

What support will be given?

· Induction

· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding

· Ongoing training and development opportunities

· Expenses

· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.

Criminal Record Check Information/DBS

This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.

Driver

Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?

Where?

Chalfont St Giles Memorial Hall

What you will be doing?

Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.

What skills and experience are needed?

· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual

· Willingness to work independently

· Full Driver’s License

· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance

What will you gain from the role?

· A chance to make a difference

· Sense of purpose

· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing

· Working with people with sight loss

What support will be given?

· Induction

· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding

· Ongoing training and development opportunities

· Expenses

· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.

Criminal Record Check Information/DBS

This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.

Driver

Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?

Where?

Marlow

What you will be doing?

Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.

What skills and experience are needed?

· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual

· Willingness to work independently

· Full Driver’s License

· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance

What will you gain from the role?

· A chance to make a difference

· Sense of purpose

· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing

· Working with people with sight loss

What support will be given?

· Induction

· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding

· Ongoing training and development opportunities

· Expenses

· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.

Criminal Record Check Information/DBS

This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.

Driver

Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?

Where?

Aylesbury, driving members to their weekly bowls meeting and social clubs

What you will be doing?

Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.

What skills and experience are needed?

· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual

· Willingness to work independently

· Full Driver’s License

· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance

What will you gain from the role?

· A chance to make a difference

· Sense of purpose

· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing

· Working with people with sight loss

What support will be given?

· Induction

· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding

· Ongoing training and development opportunities

· Expenses

· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.

Criminal Record Check Information/DBS

This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.

Are you passionate about making a positive impact to the lives of individuals with severe and complex disabilities? Do you believe in the power of storytelling to unlock imaginations and challenge limitations?

Since 1993, Bag Books has been on a mission to bring joy and connection to individuals with severe and complex learning disabilities through the magic of multi-sensory books and multi-sensory storytelling. Our work is multifaceted: we hand-craft unique multi-sensory "books in our London-based workshop," host captivating storytelling sessions led by our dedicated team of storytellers across the UK, and empower others by teaching the art of multi-sensory storytelling technique (MSST) to parents, carers, librarians, and teachers.

Bag Books are currently in search of individuals to join our board as trustees. Trustees, serving as voluntary board members, play a crucial role in charting the course of our charity, ensuring its alignment with its founding mission. You would be joining Bag Books at an exciting time when our impact has never been higher, and the board is working to grow and strengthen the charity.

As a Trustee, you will have the opportunity to contribute to our strategic direction and ensure effective governance for the continued growth and success of Bag Books. Your diverse background and expertise will be instrumental in shaping the future of our organisation.

We want to appoint up to four new trustees. Our new trustees will have the following skills, knowledge or experience (we don’t expect to find all these skills in one person):

• Special Needs Education especially working with people with severe and complex learning disabilities (SLD and PMLD)

• Business Development /Change Management

• Small Scale Manufacturing/Production

• Craft Work

• Health and Social Care

You do not need to have been a trustee before as support and training is provided.

Bag Books is an equal opportunities employer and organisation welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Following an audit of our board, we are particularly keen to hear from younger applicants, people of colour, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people.

Time commitment: Trustee meetings are held four times a year and are a mix of in-person (based at our workshop in London SW8) and online meetings.

How to apply: Please submit a cover letter (of no more than two sides of A4) and a CV (which can detail volunteering and/or employment experience) through CharityJobs or by email to Lucy Barrett - lucy[at]bagbooks[dot]org