Social Work Volunteer Roles

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.

In this role you will be: 

• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join. 

• Creating a warm and welcoming environment. 

• Supporting group conversations. 

• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group. 

• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate. 

What you’ll gain from the role: 

• An opportunity to give something back. 

• A chance to build a strong community. 

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people 

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. 

In return for donating your time we will provide: 

• A rewarding experience. 

• A great Induction and training. 

• A supportive manager. 

• Regular updates and catchups. 

• Expenses. 

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. 

Are you a good listener?  We need you to facilitate one of our weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others.  You will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and the group conversations run smoothly.

We are particularly looking for volunteers to support in the following;

*Craft group – someone with an active interest in any sort of craft e.g. knitting, crochet, embroidery, card making etc

*South Wales Valleys group – someone from or with knowledge /experience of the area

*Powys - someone from or with knowledge /experience of the area

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.

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!

Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups. 

What you’ll be doing: 

• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually. 

• Creating a warm and welcoming environment. 

• Supporting group conversations. 

• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate). 

What you’ll gain from the role:

• An opportunity to give something back. 

• A chance to build a strong community. 

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people 

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. 

In return for donating your time we will provide: 

• A rewarding experience. 

• A great Induction and training. 

• A supportive manager. 

• Regular updates and catchups. 

• Expenses. 

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. 

How you can make a difference!

Sense Holidays gives children, young people, adults with complex disabilities and their families the opportunity to have fun, meet new people and try new activities. Sense Holidays take place across the UK at a range of venues and vary. Each year we need skilled volunteers to help us deliver this exciting programme. 

We have a few spaces for volunteer drivers on our Beamsley Holiday in Skipton, from the 6th to the 11th August 2024.

The Volunteer Role involves:

• Staying in touch with Sense and your Holiday Leader before and during the Sense Holiday, raising any issues or concerns that may need addressing by the wider team.
• Attending the equivalent of one full day mandatory training which will be delivered virtually. You will also be asked to complete online e-Learning prior to the holiday.
• You will provide hands on support for the people on the holiday to meet their everyday needs. This may involve but is not limited to; supporting them to participate in group activities, making activities accessible to their particular needs, supporting the building of friendships and social communication.
• You may also be required to support holidaymakers with personal care including support with eating and drinking, washing, bathing and toileting. 
• Carry out tasks of daily living, such as cleaning the venue and cooking to maintain a clean and safe living environment.
• For those qualified and willing, you may be asked to complete Driving for Sense and drive an accessible vehicle on the holiday this could be a car, van or minibus depending on the holiday.

Volunteer Role Criteria

Essential criteria: 

• A full driving license and willingness to drive a minibus on a holiday.
• Aged 21 or over.
• Have experience supporting those with additional needs. Please note, we can offer a small number of places to those who are less experienced.
• A skilled communicator.
• Have a positive, can-do attitude.
• Can demonstrate reliability.
• Can demonstrate resilience.

Desirable: 

• Able to use British Sign Language.
• Experience in moving and handling.
• Experience cooking for large groups.

Why Volunteer for Sense?

Sense is a national disability charity supporting everyone who is deafblind or has complex disabilities. We believe everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.

Volunteering on a Sense Holiday requires resilience but offers an incredibly rewarding experience.

Benefits

• All food, drink, accommodation, and activities on the holiday are paid for by Sense Holidays.
• You will receive comprehensive training for your role.
• The chance to practice and use your existing skills to communicate with others. 
• An opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairments. 
• Up to £60 of your travel expense paid. 
• Full support from our team, including induction and training for this role, and regular ongoing support. 

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. 

Role: Support at the drop-in centre on either a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday (12.30-4.30pm) or a Friday (either 10-1pm or 1-4.00pm), either weekly or fortnightly.

We also have a selection of other days open for volunteer opportunitities. 

Purpose: To support adults with a learning disability and/or autism in a social situation to increase confidence and self-esteem, to build independence and to reduce social isolation.

Activities: We provide a range of activities that our members can choose to be involved with, or simply attend to socialise with friends. Volunteers and staff are there to provide support where needed. Please note that this is not a support role and that members who need extra care will attend sessions with their own support/care workers.

Examples of Activities:

• Encourage and support individuals to access and/or engage with activities
• Help facilitate arts and crafts, quizzes, bingo, and other games and activities
• Encourage independence and social skills amongst members by engaging and socialising with them (in accordance with The Hive’s boundaries policy)
• Help in the kitchen to provide refreshments (teas and coffees) as needed

Skills Required: Skills in listening and the ability to communicate with diverse types of people are essential. Patience, enthusiasm, and a non-judgemental mindset are a must. Experience with learning disabilities and/or autism is not a requirement, and full training will be provided to new volunteers.

Hours and Timescale: One session at the drop-in either weekly or fortnightly,, ideally for a minimum of six months. Flexible volunteering can be offered; however, it is essential that volunteers attend sessions that they are scheduled for and notify the session leader if they are unable to attend. This is to ensure the safe running of the drop-in.

Supervision: Volunteers will be supported by their Session Leader, who will provide informal supervision on a regular basis. The Volunteer Coordinator can always be contacted via email if there are any issues.

Benefits: All volunteers receive induction and awareness training on learning disabilities and autism within the first three months of volunteering and have the option to attend additional training offered by The Hive. Full liability insurance is in place. Mileage and out-of-pocket expenses can be claimed if needed. A work record will be kept for each volunteer so that we are able to provide references if requested. Social events, such as skittles, are held regularly for volunteers.

Would you like to play a key role in supporting blind and partially sighted people in your local area? Are you great at communicating, love meeting others and enjoy using your admin and organisational skills? If this sounds like you, you’re the person we’re looking for to support our Solihull Social group meeting. The Solihull Social is a meet up for working age visually impaired people in Solihull and the surrounding area. The aim of the group is to bring together local, like minded visually impaired people who can relate to each other’s local issues around being visually impaired in Solihull, but mainly to have a good time getting to know each other. The group meet once a month in a relaxed informal setting for a drink or bite to eat. We would like your help with: • planning and organising group meetings; • liaising with the venue; • sighted guiding; • helping to ensure that participants feel comfortable and facilitate discussion; • looking after participants welfare within the group and flagging any welfare or safeguarding concerns.

• This role requires an enhanced criminal record check and 2 references.
• The group meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month, 6pm – 7.30pm at the Beech House, 727 Warwick Rd, Solihull, B91 3DA
• Effective listening skills
• Good communication skills
• An understanding of issues affecting blind / partially sighted people
• Ability to digest information

InFocus Charity is looking for trustees to shape its vital work in transforming the lives of young people with vision impairment & complex needs.

We are looking for new trustees who care deeply about transforming the lives of young people with vision impairment and other complex needs. Ideally, you will have a background in SEND, adult care services or experience in charity management or governance.

The role 
As a member of the board of trustees you will oversee the strategic direction of the charity and ensure its effective management. You will also ensure that InFocus Charity has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, you will support and challenge the executive team to enable InFocus Charity to grow and thrive, and through this, to transform the lives of young people with vision impairment and complex needs.

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal skills and qualities:

• A passion for our cause. Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation. Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member. Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Enthusiasm for our vision and mission. Willingness to lead according to our values InFocus Charity. Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Some knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and adult care would be useful but not essential.

How to apply

In the first instance, please contact us to arrange an informal conversation with Jane Bell, Chief Executive Officer. Details can be found on our website.

You may also click on the 'Apply Now' button and we'll be in touch soon.

Choice in Hackney is currently recruiting Volunteer Walking Friends who will accompany our service users on walks to help them feel less isolated.

Job Requirements:

• Available to commit to the project for a minimum of 3 months;
• Open-mindedness and willing to learn;     

​Benefits:

• References for future employers etc. where appropriate
• Flexible commitment (time, geographical area, etc.)
• Regular support from the Volunteer Coordinator (by phone, in person, and by email)
• Out-of-pocket expenses (including safety equipment such ask masks or gloves) reimbursed
• Joining a friendly and supportive volunteer community