Social Work Volunteer Roles

Make a difference – become an Academy Governor

You don’t have to be a parent or member of staff to be an academy governor – applications are appreciated from all with an interest in the local community. Academy governors come from all walks of life and specialist knowledge is not always needed. What IS essential is a desire to get involved in children’s education and make a difference to their lives.

We welcome applications from those with educational, health & safety and safeguarding experience, but academy governors are all volunteers and training and support is provided. The University of Chichester (Multi) Academy Trust partners new governors with a ‘buddy’ – a trusted and more experienced colleague on the governing body – who initially acts as their mentor. Briefing information and assistance is also available through newsletters, websites and helplines provided by the local authority and the Department for Education.

Embark on a rewarding journey as a volunteer Mental Health Coach, where your interest in mental health, passion for helping others, and intelligence are valued, regardless of your background or career aspirations.

We are a registered charity (Charity Number: 1191308), collaborating with WHO and leading global mental health charities. Our mission extends from supporting individuals in developing nations to assisting initiatives in high-income countries.

This could be an ideal position for: people looking to get into the field, recent graduates looking for experience, retirees seeking a new purpose, mothers with time on their hands, and individuals with personal mental health experiences.

Programme Highlights:

• Fully remote - work from the comfort of your own home
• Engage in meaningful work as a Mental Health Coach, providing support and guidance to those in need.
• Gain hands-on experience with clients under supervision, contributing to their well-being and your personal growth.
• Receive training in various therapeutic techniques to enhance your ability to make a positive impact.
• Collaborate with a supportive community of like-minded individuals, prioritising empathy, and compassion.
• Help us recruit more Mental Health Coaches.
• Make a difference globally by assisting a charity dedicated to breaking down barriers to mental health care.

Future Opportunities:

• Explore opportunities for paid involvement with our charity or similar organisations.
• Utilise your newfound skills and experience to support mental health initiatives in your community.
• Enhance your personal growth and sense of fulfilment through meaningful engagement.
• Attain a professional reference to support your future applications to work or study.
• Be an integral part of building a start-up charity.

What We're Seeking:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in mental health and a desire to help others, preferably with some knowledge of interventions.
• Intelligence and a willingness to learn and grow.
• English proficiency.
• Availability for full-time commitment during the 3-month term.
• Financial independence during the 3-month period.
• No prior qualifications or specific career goals are necessary. Your willingness to contribute and make a difference is what matters most to us.

*We take applications on a rolling basis, and have monthly cohorts which begin mid-month. Join us in making a difference in the lives of others.

We are looking for dedicated Outreach Volunteers in the London Boroughs of Kingston, Richmond and Wandsworth. We would particularly like to hear from you if you live in or near the above boroughs.

The Outreach teams encounter people on their first steps from homelessness to independence – providing pathways and support to assist people off the streets.

We work with people who are rough sleeping and we do shifts late at night, and early in the morning, to find these individuals. SPEAR then works with people on a housing pathway and assists them to link into various support services, tailored to the challenges an individual might face.

SPEAR is looking for self-motivated, outgoing, and empathic people who could volunteer to provide support to vulnerably housed, rough sleepers, or anyone using homelessness services in the London boroughs of Richmond, Wandsworth and Kingston.

The volunteer will enjoy developing positive relationships with new people and will be willing to work outside of their own comfort zone providing support and assistance to the Outreach Teams clients. The volunteer must have an enhanced DBS background check (SPEAR will apply for this on your behalf.)
It would be desirable if you had a driving license.

Kent Refugee Action Network are recruiting new Trustee talent to join our dedicated Board of Directors and support our work. This is an exciting and innovative time for KRAN as we develop our future Strategic Plan and navigate recent landmark legislative changes.

We are looking to diversify the wealth of experience and expertise on our Board. In particular, we welcome enquiries from people with skills, experience or expertise in the following areas:

Human Resources and Systems Management

Education, ESOL, primary and secondary management, progression routes and vocational pathways

Lived or learnt experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker

Health and mental health services, Special Educational Needs

For all the details (including how to apply), please go here:

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 8 May 2024.

Our volunteers champion the rights of young people in care and on the edges of care, support them to access advocacy and make their voices heard. Training is provided. Whether you are currently studying, recently graduated, working part-time, retired or between jobs, volunteering with Coram Voice is a great opportunity to make a difference at the same time as gaining experience of working for a national children’s rights charity.

Our Helpline Supervisors will support you to develop valuable advocacy skills and knowledge of children’s rights and we offer specialist training in safeguarding, equality and diversity and advocacy. This training and other resources will help you to prepare for the role. You will be joining a team that provides quality support to young people in a friendly and supportive environment.

Our volunteer team is integral to our service and we could not provide the service we do without them, particularly in terms of the support we offer to homeless children.

We believe this role will be of particular interest to anyone looking to develop a career involving giving advice, advocacy, children’s and human rights, legal work, social work or youth work; or for professionals in those fields who want to use their experience to support the work of a children’s charity.

Please see our candidate information document for more information about our organisation and the training provided.

We ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us in relation to this position. We have chosen to recruit directly as this helps us to minimise our recruitment costs, ensuring that funds are not diverted from the children and young people we help.

We're setting up a new youth charity called REMIX and looking for a volunteer to join us in the role of Head of Programmes and Impact who can help us get REMIX set up and oversee the management of our amazing programmes for young people in London and beyond.

REMIX aims to be a dynamic youth-focused charity passionate and committed to empowering young people from deprived areas and disadvantaged backgrounds across London and beyond by creating opportunities and experiences that address the holistic needs of young people, that EMPOWER young people and INSPIRE change that puts them on a path to TRANSFORM their lives for the better. Our evidence-based programmes will focus on developing essential life skills, fostering healthy lifestyles, and unlocking personal growth by experienced and dedicated positive role models in a safe and non judgemental environment, helping young people discover themselves and the world around them.

We're looking for volunteer Head of Programmes and Impact:

The volunteer role of Head of Programmes and Impact at REMIX is pivotal in shaping and overseeing the charity’s initiatives to ensure they deliver significant social change in young peoples lives. Here are some of the key tasks and duties associated with this role:

1. Design and implement programmes that align with REMIX’s strategic vision, ensuring they are effective and impactful.
2. Develop and apply robust metrics to assess and report on the effectiveness of the programmes, ensuring they achieve the desired outcomes.
3. Work closely with the leadership team to refine and advance REMIX’s programme strategy, contributing to its overall mission and goals.
4. Build and maintain relationships with partners, funders, and young people to enhance programme reach and impact. 
5. Lead and inspire the programmes team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
6. Ensure optimal use of resources for programme delivery and impact maximisation, including managing budgets and staff.
7. Champion the charity’s mission and values, representing the organisation at various forums and engaging with the community.
8. Get involved in other activities that support the work of the charity, always seeking ways to improve and expand our programmes and our reach.

The role requires a commitment to the cause, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead and manage a diverse team. It’s a role that offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people and the community as a whole.

Together, let’s REMIX the narrative of our world!

REMIX

EMPOWER | INSPIRE | TRANSFORM

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

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.

It is fantastic that you would like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. As an Outreach volunteer you will be assisting outreach workers to support Romanes or Romanian speaking clients face-to-face or over the phone. Other tasks involved in this role will include helping clients access support around immigration, employment, reconnections, and accommodation, to have a good understanding of the Roma communities and have knowledge of the UK EUSS requirements while understanding the rights clients have with pre settled statues and settled statues. For this role it is required that you can speak Romanes or Romanian fluently or to a high level.

In this role, you will be supporting us with some or all of the following tasks:

• Assisting outreach workers to support Romanes or Romanian speaking clients face to-face or over the phone.

• Engaging with rough sleepers who have been referred via StreetLink and those known to the team, supporting the key worker with general assessments

• Helping clients access support around immigration, employment and reconnections and accommodation.

• Working together with the outreach worker and divide tasks where appropriate, such as accompanying clients to appointments

• Supporting outreach workers with navigation and note taking.

• Engaging with rough sleeping clients with sensitivity and respect.

• Adhering to St Mungo’s Policies and Procedures at all times.

• Promoting St Mungo’s work in an appropriate manner.

• Actively promoting equality, diversity and inclusion among staff, fellow volunteers and clients.

Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:

• London- Mondays-Friday, between 9:30am-5pm, 4-15 hours per week/ 1-2 days per week. 

We are looking for individuals who are warm and energetic to support our young carer youth club sessions. Carers Trust Hillingdon supports young people aged 5 – 25 who have a caring responsibility. As part of our service we provide weekly youth clubs to enable our young carers to have a break from their often stressful home situations, meet other young people in similar circumstances and to have fun!

Main purpose of role

To encourage young carers to have fun and relax in a safe and welcoming environment.

Availability

The commitment is a minimum of two sessions per month (6 hours in total) for a minimum period of six months to ensure consistency for young carers.

Location

Sessions are located at either Harlington Young People’s Centre, Hayes or South Ruislip Young People’s Centre, Ruislip.

Key responsibilities

1. To provide a warm welcome and friendly service.

2. To be patient, friendly and empathetic to young carers

3. To be an active team member and support the running of sporting, computer/gaming, arts and crafts and other creative activities

4. To treat all young carers, and their families, with respect, dignity and courtesy.

5. To engage in pre and post-session staff meetings

6. Adhere to policies and procedures, in particular confidentiality and safeguarding

Specialist skills/training/ knowledge

1. Good communication and interpersonal skills

2. The ability to engage with young people in a positive and friendly way

3. Kind and calm approach

4. Show high standards of professional behaviour and appearance

5. Be able to reach the agreed venue via public transport or own transport

Tasks

1. Assisting in the set up and set down of the clubs according to procedure as required (including preparation of food, setting up and tidying up of arts and crafts/sports activities).

2. To interact with the young people and encourage them to participate in the activities on offer if they so wish.

3. Maintenance of a tidy and safe environment at all times.

4. To conduct all dealings with young carers in a public area in full view of others.

Sessions

We have a variety of young carers clubs where volunteers are required during the below periods:

What

Frequency

Location and Time

1. Young Carers Saturday Club - Alternate weeks for 10-15yrs olds and 5-9yrs olds at Harlington Young Peoples Centre, Pinkwell Lane, Hayes UB3 1PL , from 10.00am – 1.15pm.
2. Young Carers Tuesday Club (term time) -Alternate weeks for 10-15yr olds and 5-9yrs olds at South Ruislip Young People’s Centre, 543 Victoria Road, Ruislip HA4 0JE, from 3.15pm – 6.15pm
3. Young Adult Carers club (16yrs – 24yrs) Tuesdays, Fortnightly, at  Harlington Young Peoples Centre, Pinkwell Lane, Hayes UB3 1PL 6.15pm – 8.45pm

Please note:  

    All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS criminal record check.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - VOLUNTEER ROLE

Unlock YOUR Potential is on the lookout for a visionary leader to join our team as our Chief Operating Officer (COO) in a volunteer capacity. This remote role is pivotal in steering our operations, fostering an exceptional organisational culture, and amplifying our impact.

About Us:

Unlock YOUR Potential is a vibrant, impact-driven startup charity dedicated to uplifting individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are committed to delivering impactful programmes that encompass employment, education, life skills, mentoring, personal development, and comprehensive support. Our goal is to carve out new avenues for those in pursuit of positive transformation.

Role Overview:

As the COO - VOLUNTEER ROLE, you will be instrumental in overseeing our operations and ensuring the smooth execution of our mission. Your leadership will be key in nurturing our team and advancing our strategic objectives. This role is remote, with collaboration conducted via telephone or online platforms like Zoom.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guide the charity’s operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects.
• Collaborate with the CEO and board to set ambitious yet achievable goals.
• Streamline processes to enhance productivity and resource allocation.
• Lead our passionate team, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Implement robust systems to track progress and drive organisational success.
• Work closely with the finance department to safeguard the charity’s financial health.
• Ensure adherence to legal standards and proactive risk mitigation.
• Foster strong relationships with partners, donors, and the community.
• Be an ambassador for Unlock YOUR Potential, advocating for our mission and values.
• Carry out of duties that support the running of Unlock YOUR Potnetial and your role as COO.

Qualifications and Experience:

We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, and skill sets to apply. Ideal candidates will possess:

• Proven track record in a management role, preferably within the non-profit sector.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee complex operations and drive strategic initiatives.
• Understanding of financial management principles and budgeting.
• Exceptional ability to communicate and engage with various stakeholders.
• Dedication to the ethos and aspirations of Unlock YOUR Potential.

Time Commitment:

The role requires a commitment of approximately 8-10 hours per week, which can be accommodated during evenings and weekends, offering fantastic flexibility to fit around your life.

Join Us:

If you’re eager to make a significant contribution, inspire change, and lead with conviction, we welcome your application. Together, let’s unlock potential and enact meaningful change.

Unlock YOUR Potential is proud to be an equal opportunity organisation.

EqualEdge Seeks Passionate Non-Executive Directors to Join its Board

EqualEdge is a for-profit company with a social mission to enable Manchester-based Disabled Peoples Organisation, Breakthrough UK to provide services to disabled people, to increase their opportunities to be employed and to reduce any social isolation. We're passionate about inclusion and diversity in the workplace, and we're expanding our horizons to revolutionise Workplace Personal Assistants, funded by Access to Work and in the future Personal care services in the UK.

The idea of a Workplace Personal Assistant (WPA) agency was conceived by Breakthrough UK, a disabled people’s organisation majority led by disabled people. Breakthrough UK discovered through lived experience that it was extremely difficult to hire and retain WPA’s in the United Kingdom and so the idea of solving the problem through EqualEdge was born.

EqualEdge believes in a world where disabled people have equal access to meaningful employment, thriving in inclusive work environments, and reaching their professional aspirations. Our mission is to bridge the gap between disabled people and their career goals by offering tailored workplace personal assistance services, fostering inclusion, and enhancing professional opportunities.

To achieve this ambitious vision, we're searching for experienced and enthusiastic non-executive directors with expertise across various sectors to join our board and help us shape the future of our company.

About the Role

As a non-executive director, you will play a vital role in providing strategic guidance and oversight to our executive team. You will also be a champion for our mission of fostering a more equitable landscape and launching innovative personal care services within the UK.

We are particularly interested in candidates with strong experience in:

• Recruitment (HR): You have a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams. You understand the intricacies of talent acquisition, particularly within the recruitment and personal care sector or a similar service industry.
• Marketing: You have a deep understanding of brand development and implementation of successful marketing strategies. You're passionate about reaching new audiences and driving growth in a competitive market.
• Personal Care: You have extensive knowledge of the UK care sector, its regulations, and best practices. You're a visionary leader with a passion for improving the quality of life for those who require personal care services.
• Finance: You have strong financial acumen and experience in overseeing financial performance. You can provide strategic guidance on resource allocation to support both national expansion and the launch of our new service line.

We are also open to applications from experienced professionals in other sectors who share our values of inclusion and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Have a good black book of connections to allow us to build our client base and reach the people who need us most.
• Provide strategic guidance and advice to the executive team on a range of issues, including business development, marketing, and operations, with a specific focus on national expansion and the launch of our personal care services in the UK.
• Oversee the company's financial performance and ensure that we are on track to meet our financial goals, considering the resources needed for national growth and the launch of a new service line.
• Serve as an EqualEdge ambassador and help us build relationships with key stakeholders in new markets and within the UK care sector.
• Attend board meetings and actively participate in discussions, bringing a national perspective and insights relevant to your area of expertise.

You would be a great fit for this role if you have:

• A proven track record of success in a senior leadership role
• A deep understanding of the business landscape, with transferable skills applicable to our areas of focus
• A passion for inclusion and diversity, with a national mindset
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

EqualEdge is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We recruit, select, train and promote personnel based on their skills and abilities.

We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sex, marital status or civil partnership, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, age or disability.

We expect to have board meetings every month for the first year, the meeting is expected to last 1 hour. This is a voluntary role however expenses are paid.

We plan to have interviews by the end of April.

Join us and be part of shaping a more inclusive future for workplaces and revolutionising personal care in the UK!

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

The role is for a Befriender in our Tenancy Sustainment Teams in the London Boroughs of Kingston, Richmond, Sutton, and Wandsworth and we’re now recruiting for volunteers. We would particularly like to hear from you if you live in or near the above boroughs.

The Tenancy Sustainment teams support people on their first steps from homelessness to independence – providing accommodation and support to assist people off the streets.

We work with people who are have experienced rough sleeping and, once accommodated, SPEAR then works with people on a housing pathway and assists them to link into various support services, tailored to the challenges an individual might face.

SPEAR is looking for self-motivated, outgoing, and empathic people who could volunteer to provide support to vulnerably housed, rough sleepers, or anyone using homelessness services in the London boroughs of Richmond, Wandsworth, Sutton, and Kingston.

The volunteer will enjoy developing positive relationships with new people and will be willing to work outside of their own comfort zone providing befriending support to the clients. The volunteer must have an enhanced DBS background check (SPEAR will apply for this on your behalf.)

It would be desirable if you had a driving license.