Social Welfare Volunteer Roles

TRUSTEE - VOLUNTEER ROLE

We are looking for volunteers to join us at Unlock YOUR Potential in the volunteer role of TRUSTEE (Remote), where you will attend regular quarterly Trustee meetings via Zoom and be able to commit to 3 hours per month as part of the TRUSTEE duties.

About Us:

Unlock YOUR Potential is a dynamic and impact-focused startup charity committed to empowering individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our mission is to provide meaningful programmes that span employment, education, life skills, mentoring, personal development, and holistic support. We believe in building new pathways for those seeking positive change.

Role Overview:

As a Volunteer, Trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction and governance of our new startup social mobility charity. Your expertise and commitment will contribute to our mission of unlocking potential and transforming lives. This is a remote position with meetings taking place via Zoom.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Support Unlock YOUR Potential by carrying out essential Trustee duties.
2. Collaborate with fellow trustees to develop and review long-term strategies, policies and plans.
3. Uphold effective governance practices.
4. Actively engage in board meetings and decision-making.
5. Represent Unlock YOUR Potential externally. Cultivate relationships with stakeholders and partners.
6. Carry out regular Trustee duties within your 3 hours per month.
7. Support, advise and assist the CEO and Team, ensuring they have all the needed resources to carry out their roles.
8. Assist and in some cases lead on income generation, such as grant/bid writing.

Qualifications and Attributes:

We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds. While specific qualifications are not mandatory, we value the following attributes:

• Passion for Social Impact: You believe in creating opportunities for those facing socio-economic challenges.
• Collaborative Approach: You appreciate teamwork and value diverse perspectives.
• Strategic Thinker: You can envision long-term goals and contribute to effective planning.
• Excellent Communication: You can articulate our mission compellingly to various audiences.

Time Commitment:

Approximately 3 hours per month. This includes quarterly board meetings and additional tasks as needed. Trustees are appointed for an initial 1-year term, with the option of renewal after the term comes up.

Join Us:

If you are passionate about making a difference, ready to contribute your skills, and eager to serve our community, we invite you to apply. Together, we can unlock potential and create positive change.

Unlock YOUR Potential is an equal opportunity organisation.

Trustees (Voluntary) – Family Lives

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact as part of a dedicated and active team overseeing the vital work of a leading family support charity?

About the charity

At Family Lives, we recognize the challenges that families face, addressing issues ranging from parenting skills and family breakdown to challenging relationships, bullying, debt, and overall emotional, physical, and mental well-being.

We are committed to ensuring families have access to a range of family support when they need it, in particular in the early years and to connecting families to their wider communities.

About the candidate

We are actively seeking new trustees who share our values and are passionate about supporting parents, carers and families. While considering all candidates, we are particularly interested to hear from individuals skills or experience in:

• Proven experience in leading and implementing digital transformation initiatives,

• Knowledge and experience in family law or policy development,

• Understanding and experience in child safeguarding, social work and parent support,

• Track record in engaging and understanding in local authority commissioning processes,

• Knowledge of governance structures and practices within charitable organisations,

• Financial acumen including budget oversight and financial strategy development,

• Expertise in fundraising, cultivating donor relationships and diversifying funding streams,

• Background in academic or research settings contributing to evidence-based decision making.

About the role

As a Trustee you will:

• Understand the mission, priorities, and strategic objectives of Family Lives.

• Play an active role in developing and guiding strategy.

• Provide supportive leadership to the Chief Executive.

• Monitor the performance of the Chief Executive and the organization.

• Evaluate current and future risks, taking action to minimize them.

• Contribute to debates and discussions.

• Attend at least four Board meetings a year and the Board Away Day.

• Bring your area of interest/expertise/awareness relevant to the organization’s work.

Join us in creating a positive impact on families' lives and be a crucial part of our mission to build better family lives together.

The Board meets 6 times a year either virtually, in central London, or at Family Lives’ offices in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, and there is an annual Away Day. In addition, there are committees to which you will be invited to join. Trusteeship is unpaid, however expenses incurred can be reimbursed.

Advice for applicants:

Please visit our website  to obtain the job description, full person specification, and the link to apply using our online system.

Deadline for applications: Sunday, 28th April 2024

Interview date: to be held in May/June.

About CARAS:

CARAS is a leading refugee charity in Southwest London, providing firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives. Arriving as an asylum seeker in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives.

We provide person-centred educational, social and casework support to over 600 young people and adults across South London each year, recognising the moment of arrival as one of opportunity. Our work provides individuals with essential support to build language and employability skills, develop social networks and friendships, and access essential services such as legal and mental health services. Our work has multi-generational impact, providing forced migrants with early interventions to support language and skill acquisition, tackling the root causes of socio-economic marginalisation by supporting social inclusion and future labour market access.

Volunteering with CARAS – our Community of Welcome:

CARAS has a proud history of volunteers helping us deliver our charitable aims. Volunteers are an essential part of the CARAS community, bringing skills, insights, experience, different languages, and enthusiasm to the roles. Community members tell us the welcome by volunteers is so important in an often hostile world. It helps them feel safe and wanted. Community is at the heart of all we do, and we could not deliver the projects we do without the enormous contribution that volunteers bring.

About CARAS Adult Programme:

Alongside educational and casework support, CARAS has a thriving social program of weekly activities, from women’s yoga, to creative coffee afternoons, sports sessions and workshops, designed and built in collaboration with our community, volunteers and local partners. Most people we work with in the adult team are waiting for a decision on their asylum claim, are accommodated in cramped and inadequate hotels contracted by the Home Office for up to – and sometimes more than – 2 years whilst they wait for a decision on their asylum claim. During this time, they are eligible for only £8.86 per week and are prohibited from working. This is an incredibly stressful and disempowering period for those seeking asylum. Against this backdrop, our social activities exist as spaces of welcome, for people to come and make meaningful connections, build confidence and importantly – have fun!

About the Trips and Holiday Activities Project:

Alongside our weekly timetable of term time activities, we run trips across London during the school holidays. These are always chosen and planned together with our community members, and so far have included trips to famous parks, museums, galleries, and the theatre. We know from our community members how important these trips are; they are a chance to explore parts of the city that would otherwise be inaccessible, and to feel more at home in the city. As one community member told us, ‘to discover new places…this makes us feel included’. They are an opportunity to learn something new with others, to meet new people, relax and have fun.

About the Role:

To support us with these trips and holiday activities, we are looking for friendly, welcoming, enthusiastic and proactive volunteers. You will support us practically to ensure the trips run smoothly and on time, but also will be an essential part of our community of welcome – to chat and get to know our community members, and make sure everyone feels included and is having a good time.

We intend to hold 2 trips in the Easter holidays, and up to 5 trips in the summer holidays. These will all be in locations across London, most likely during daytime hours. We will also run a combination of adult-only and child-friendly trips across the year – this is what our community have told us they want! We usually have a group of 10-20 community members and will always have at least one CARAS staff member present too.

Ideally, we are looking for volunteers who are flexible during school holidays and can attend at least 3 trips throughout the year, though we may consider those who might only be able to volunteer on a one-off basis.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

To attend CARAS trips as and when you are available to do so.

To support with the logistics of travelling to and from the trip location.

To keep an eye on the general health and wellbeing of our Community Members and report any concerns to the CARAS staff member present.

To encourage positive connections between people and the places we are visiting, opening up conversations to learn about each other.

On family-friendly trips, to assist where needed with the supervision of children present (alongside parents)

Requirements – Essential:

To be 18 years or older;

To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

To be reliable and punctual;

To be welcoming, friendly part of the group, and to make sure our community members have the best and most fruitful time possible at the locations we visit.

Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

Current resident of the UK;

Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

Able to complete compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding via 2 self-paced induction training webinars prior to the start of role;

Requirements – Desirable:

Knowledge of community languages, such as Farsi, Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Somali and Spanish.

Through volunteering with us you will gain:

An opportunity to connect with and learn from a vibrant and diverse community of people who are new to the city;

A chance to share your knowledge of the city and places of interest with our community;

A deeper understanding of the experiences, challenges, and strengths of those seeking asylum here;

A deeper understanding of language-inclusive practices in multi-lingual groups;

Develop your skills and competencies;

Carers Trust Hillingdon is the leading charity in the London Borough of Hillingdon and we are looking for enthusiastic and caring individuals to provide a warm and friendly welcome to all our visitors and support the staff in a variety of administrative tasks.

Our vision is to be recognised as the gateway to a better life for all unpaid carers in Hillingdon.

Main purpose of volunteering role

To provide a warm and friendly welcome to all our visitors and support the staff  with a variety of administrative tasks.

Availability

The role is required on Mondays and/or Wednesdays, 10am – 4pm.

Location

Based at Carers Trust Hillingdon offices on Uxbridge High Street, UB8 1JT.

Key responsibilities

· Work on your own in the Advice Centre welcoming visitors

· Be patient and empathetic to any visitors and call for an appropriate staff member to deal with the concern

· Answer incoming calls and transferring to appropriate member of staff

· Make calls on behalf of the staff, inviting carers to activities etc.

· Various administrative tasks such as photocopying and inputting data

· Input data onto charity log

· Help support outreach activity

· Help support fund raising activities

Specialist skills/training/knowledge

· Good communication and interpersonal skills to be able to talk to clients

· Good telephone and computer skills

· Show high standards of professional behaviour and appearance

· Be able to reach the venue via public transport or own transport (expenses will be paid)

Our Trustees are the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run. Being a Trustee at Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland means making decisions that will impact on people’s lives.

As a Trustee, you will make a difference to your local community. You’ll have a key role assisting in the overall management and development of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland ensuring that all organisational and legal requirements are adhered to.

In particular, we are looking for Trustees with professional backgrounds and experience in the following areas:

• Health
• Social Care
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• IT & Technology

We are partnering with the Social Interest Group (‘SIG’) to appoint new Trustees to join their board.  SIG brings charities together to work under one umbrella focusing on delivering good quality social and health care services.  They support people who are in the criminal justice system, stepping down from hospital recovering from mental ill health and those moving away from periods of homelessness, recovering from substance and alcohol issues.

Their Mission is to create powerful partnerships and solutions that bridge the gaps in local health and social care so people can live happy, healthy, productive and fulfilled lives.

SIG (the parent company), their subsidiaries SIG Penrose, SIG Housing Trust, SIG Equinox, SIG Pathways to Independence and SIG Safe Ground, work to tackle social and health care inequalities and fill gaps in service provision in order to ensure that people in our society have every opportunity to live fulfilled, healthy and constructive lives.

Through their values they are committed to:

• Delivering excellence and innovation
• Promoting equality and mutual respect
• A belief that positive change is possible
• Involving and consulting service users
• Active citizenship and community involvement
• Valuing staff, harnessing their full potential

They are keen to have an inclusive board, therefore backgrounds and experience is less important as the need for the passion, ambition and interest to help SIG fulfil its mission is the primary requirement. 

As mentioned, your background is less important but if you are in IT, Public Relations & Marketing, Operations, (maybe you have or are a COO) engaged in the medical profession with an emphasis on mental health, a service user or carer is of interest to the current board.

The successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A clear commitment to the mission and values of the Group
• The capacity to participate actively and from an informed position.
• A willingness to use personal networks and resources of relevance to their charitable purpose.
• A passion for their work, and to promoting SIG and its subsidiaries as an organisation.
• A firm understanding and respect for the Nolan Principles of Public Life

Meetings are held in the evening at their head office in the Angel/Highbury & Islington area or virtually; there are 4 meetings plus one ‘away day’ each year. The total time commitment is in the region of eight hours per month.

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Closing date for applications: 6 May 2024

Interviews: TBC

As a mentor on our young peoples programmes, your support will:

• Empower your mentee to help them achieve and identify goals to get them where they want to be, through encouraging your mentee to consider future options and assist them in developing strategies to attain their goals.
• Develop a trusting, supportive and non-judgemental relationship, to support them through their challenges by providing emotional, social and practical support to boost confidence and independence.
• Support your mentee to make social connections with their local community, services or groups and refer and signpost them to other organisations providing more specialist support if needed.

What impact will this have?

• By becoming a mentor with Unfold, you will be supporting those who often face exclusion, this as, although we are open to everyone, 93% of our service users are from racialised groups, 60% of our referrals come from other supporting service and we have also adapted our services to support Afghan evacuees
• With the opportunity to be a mentor for a young person on our Asylum Seeker programme, you will be a welcoming and reliable person of support in often difficult and challenging times, supporting the navigation of achieving goals in new environment. 
• With 89% of the young people we work with saying that having a mentor has improved their life, your skills and experiences are needed and will have a positive impact.

Commitment

• We ask volunteers to commit to delivering mentoring1–2-hour a week, over a period of 24 sessions. Through mentee and mentor testimonies we have seen the positive impact holding sessions in person vs online has, and so we would ask any perspective volunteers to be prepared to be available for all in person session should this be the required need of your mentee.
• Attend monthly online group supervisions held weekday evenings. Supervisions are a great place to meet other mentors, share skills and ideas around mentoring, hear from organisation who can enhance your mentoring experience as well get support with the challenges you may face.

Training

• We provide training based in positive psychology building skills that are transferrable, such as empathic leadership, coaching-style approaches, the growth mindset, mentoring, inclusion and more and an additional 1 hour training for mentors supporting asylum seekers. 
• Throughout your mentoring journey, we’re always on hand to help, with ongoing support from a designated Programme Officer, as well as a range of tailored resources.

Background checks

• A DBS check is required.

Mentors for Women provide emotional, social and practical support to women with children aged 5 and up, either online or face to face.
Asa mentor you will 

• Empower women to identify changes they wish to make and goals they wish to achieve. 
• Over 12 to 24 weekly sessions, offer coaching style support to women to help them achieve their goals and get them where they want to be. 
• Provide a listening ear and talk thorough the challenges women face. 
• Support women to make social connections with their local community or groups, refer and signpost them to other organisations providing more specialist support if needed.

What impact will this have?

Your mentoring will help women break cycles of social isolation, improve family cohesion, and wellbeing by providing support in a wide range of issues.
By being part of the Unfold mentor family you will be helping us to have greater reach in making a positive impact in the lives of many vulnerable families and young people, living in Westminster.

Commitment

• We ask volunteers to commit to delivering mentoring for  1–2-hours a week, over a period of 24 in person sessions. Although occasionally session are held online, through mentee and mentor testimonies we have seen the positive impact holding sessions in person vs online has, and so we would ask any perspective volunteers to be prepared to be available for all in person session should this be the required need of your mentee. 
• Attending monthly group online meetings, which is a great opportunity for all the mentors to come together discuss challenges, successes and further develop mentoring skills. 

Training

Through our comprehensive training and ongoing support, you will develop skills in positive psychology and coaching style techniques, cover topics including safeguarding, confidentiality, the person-centred approach and the growth mindset all of which will help you to effectively support someone to making steps towards positive change.

Mentors have a designated Programme Officer, offering 1-2-1 support when you need it. 

What else do I need to know?

• A DBS check is required
•  Due to the nature of our users of this programme, we are only accepting female volunteers for this role.
• In person session will take place near to where your mentee lives, within Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea boroughs.
• We especially welcome mentors over the age of 50, for our Women2Women: Sharing Wisdom, Sharing Lives sub programme. This is a great opportunity if you are looking to bridge a gap in your CV and get back into work. We provide references and development opportunities through training.

• Mentors for Refugees will empower women to overcome challenging circumstances and help them find ways to connect and integrate with their local community.
• Mentors will support women to make social connections with the local community and groups, refer and signpost them to other organisations providing more specialist support if needed.
• Mentors will provide a safe space to discuss the challenges women face. Through encouragement and active listening, mentors will support their mentees’ mental wellbeing.

What impact will this have?

• Mentors will help women break cycles of social isolation, improve family cohesion and wellbeing.
• By being part of the Unfold mentor family you will be helping us to have greater reach in making a positive impact on the lives of many vulnerable women, living in Westminster.
• By becoming a mentor with Unfold you will be supporting one of the most vulnerable groups in our communities. We aim to break the barriers that keep refugee women excluded from mainstream services.

Training

Through our comprehensive training and ongoing support, you will develop skills in positive psychology and coaching style techniques, cover topics including safeguarding, confidentiality, the person-centred approach and the growth mindset, all of which will help you to effectively support someone to making steps towards positive change.

Commitment

• We ask volunteers to commit to delivering mentoring for  1–2-hours a week, over a period of 24 in person sessions. Although occasionally session are held online, through mentee and mentor testimonies we have seen the positive impact holding sessions in person vs online has, and so we would ask any perspective volunteers to be prepared to be available for all in person session should this be the required need of your mentee. 
• Attending monthly group online meetings, which is a great opportunity for all the mentors to come together discuss challenges, successes and further develop mentoring skills. 

What else do I need to know?

• A DBS check is required
•  Due to the nature of our users of this programme, we are only accepting female volunteers for this role.
• In person session will take place near to where your mentee lives, within Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea boroughs.
• We especially welcome mentors over the age of 50, for our Women2Women: Sharing Wisdom, Sharing Lives sub programme. This is a great opportunity if you are looking to bridge a gap in your CV and get back into work. We provide references and development opportunities through training.

About the Role

We are looking for a Volunteer to assist in the running of our new Wednesday Evening Service programme of activities at Headway East London. The Evening Service is a new opportunity for people living with brain injury in the East London area to join our community. 

Volunteering with us, you’ll get involved in the fun and creative activities going on at our Evening Service. Every week is different: you could help in our art studio, assist in the kitchen or take part in a music session. You’ll be supporting our members one-to-one and in groups. You don’t need any special skills or knowledge, we’ll give you the induction you need, and support is always on hand, with regular volunteer meetings, training sessions and supervision.

Main Duties

• To help Headway staff manage the activity programme for each member by offering one-to-one support or in small groups.
• To assist members with specific activities that prove challenging for them i.e., using computers, cooking, engaging in art activities.
• To initiate discussion, games or activities and encourage members to take part.
• To help floor staff around dinner time (food preps. setting up tables, dishing out and serving food).
• To assist with keeping the Headway centre safe, clean, and tidy all times by taking on tasks such as collecting and washing cups, tidying up resources' shelves, wiping tables before lunch etc…
• To inform floor staff about activities undertaken with members and any significant changes in mood or behaviour. To take members to social events and outings and being able to assist individuals needing to use a wheelchair.
• To undergo training as required and attend volunteer debriefs and supervision. To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.

Person Specification

• Aged 18 or over.
• Experience working with people clear and sensitive communication.
• Ability to relate well to people on a one-to-one basis and be sympathetic to others’ situations.
• Willing to participate in a variety of activities appropriate for our members.
• Prepared to lead an activity with a small group of members.
• Committed to the values, vision, and objectives of Headway East London.
• Committed to equal opportunity and able to maintain confidentiality.

Commitment

The role requires a minimum commitment of at least 4 months, every Wednesday from 3.30pm to 8.30pm. Volunteers need to sign a volunteer agreement and confidentiality form.

Training/Support

Each volunteer is given an induction which includes information on health & safety, fire precautions, confidentiality, equal opportunities, and a brief outline of the long-term effects of head injury.

As part of this role, you will receive ongoing support and you will have the opportunity to gain experience in Health and Social Care.

• To fully support our volunteers in their role we provide: regular volunteer meetings.
• Training sessions delivered by our specialist staff a regular debrief session.
• One to one supervision starting after the first 4 months and yearly appraisal meetings.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered. 

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear form you.

What is a caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered. 

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just patience, and an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Visitor?

SSAFA Visitors provide support to isolated people living at home or in residential care. Whilst a friendly chat about the old days over a cup of tea is an important aspect of the role you will also be able to recognise any other support needs and explore how to link your client into their local community.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

With the gift of time and a listening ear you can improve someone’s quality of life for far longer than the hour or so you might spend with them. We need you to join your local SSAFA team to help us to help more people!

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need a driving licence and access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or elsewhere.

Some volunteers will visit more people than others. Whilst you will visit a client on a regular basis for a period, you will not be developing the kind of relationship where you would provide personal care, handle money or support someone in an emergency. SSAFA can help clients to arrange other types of support if needed.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting clients and arranging to meet them regularly at their home or care home for uninterrupted conversation.
• Letting the divisional secretary know of any concerns for your or the client’s safety.
• Arranging for a SSAFA caseworker to assess the client for other support as required.
• Chatting, making a cup of tea, playing cards, looking at photo albums, military mementos etc
• Helping your client to think about ways to reduce their isolation and support them to put these into practice.
• Keeping in touch with your branch so they know your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and Data Protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background using your patience, time, and empathy.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression.

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, friendship, and befriending. This training would take approx. 4 hours.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local Induction
• Access to the Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good listening skills, patience, and a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to friendship, finances etc.
• Reliable attitude, contact clients promptly, keep regular appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely (within SSAFA policies)
• Willingness to travel by public transport or car to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer This role requires an enhanced check.

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.

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.