Social Work Volunteer Roles

***This is an unpaid voluntary role***

Perfect for you if you are a people-person, warm and chatty (and love cuppas and biscuits!). Co-host our Friday Coffee Mornings at 10.15 am – 12.15 pm (event runs 10.30 am -12.00 pm), welcome, chat and engage others in conversation. Help us set up and clear away as well to round off the fun!

Qualities you need for this role

• Someone able to chat and engage people in conversations 
• Ability to communicate with people of all different ages and backgrounds, being mindful of any support needs or health conditions people may have
• Reliability and punctuality

When you'll be needed

• Fridays 10:15am – 12:15pm.

***This is an unpaid voluntary role***

Mornings couldn’t be more fun! You’ll be part of a wonderful team of dedicated staff gaining excellent experience in childcare and family support.

Our Children's Services runs creative, fun sessions for under 5s and their parents/carers which offer a nurturing and supportive environment for all children. In these roles you could be assisting with activities like crafts, storytime and songtime, helping children develop skills inline with Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, setting up and clearing away equipment, greeting parents and carers and building relationships with them.

Qualities you need for this role

• Reliable, dependable, and great at timekeeping
• Honest, committed and patient with a good sense of humour!
• Open-minded, respectful, and an excellent team player
• All Children's Service volunteers undergo a DBS check and induction with their manager; they must also submit two references.

When you'll be needed
Drop-ins: Mondays -Thursdays 9.30 am – 12.30 pm and/or 
Creche: Volunteering Monday – Thursdays 12.45pm – 3.15 pm

***This is an unpaid voluntary role***

Tech Buddies is a project with a huge positive impact on social connectedness and mental health among our older neighbours. The aim of Tech Buddies is to inspire and then support older people to get digitally connected and confident, to stay safe online and to use the internet regularly until they are happy to do so on their own. Together, the Tech Buddy volunteer and learner explore what technology can offer.

Wednesdays and/or Saturdays you’ll be helping members aged 60+ get savvy using their smart phones, tablets, and laptops. You could be helping with anything from sending emails to installing apps.

Qualities you need for this role

• Tech Buddy volunteers need to be regular users of technology (e.g. computers/tablets/smartphones) with a genuine desire to share your skills and help older people use technology. 
• Warm and friendly, a good listener
• Reliable and dependable (good timekeeper)
• Non-judgmental, patient with a good sense of humour!
• A good communicator who knows their boundaries and has good spoken English 

When you'll be needed

• Wednesdays 2-4pm (30-60 min sessions) and/or
• 1st Saturday of each month 10:00am – 12:00pm (30-60 min sessions)

***This is an unpaid voluntary role***

Our data entry and admin volunteers keep all the Abbey cogs turning, keeping our various databases and systems up to date which is vital for our monitoring, fundraising and project management. Gain valuable office experience while making a difference to a local community organisation. Help us once a week for up to 2 hours max between 11am and 1pm (minimum 2 month commitment) and we'll shower you with gratitude, cuppas and biscuits! 

Qualities you need for this role 

• This role is suited to you if you enjoy working with data, are meticulous with a good eye for detail 
• Basic IT skills and ability to learn new software 
• Reliability and punctuality 

When you'll be needed
Two hours a week for a minimum of six months.

***This is an unpaid voluntary role***

Make an amazing difference in someone’s life through being a friendly face connecting them with the outside world, reducing isolation and loneliness and bringing a much-needed smile to their day.

Our award-winning Kilburn Good Neighbours scheme has been a lifeline for over 60s in Kilburn and West Hampstead for almost 25 years. Volunteers visit members regularly in their homes, building a relationship with them and working with the Kilburn Good Neighbours lead to communicate any additional needs they have. Some volunteers also support with odd jobs like shopping, escorting the member to the centre or DIY tasks. Training and induction is provided. 

Qualities you need for this role

• Chatty, friendly, open-minded people, preferably living locally
• Able to maintain good boundaries
• Reliable, dependable and great at timekeeping
• This role requires an enhanced DBS check, which we will organise

When you'll be needed

• A minimum of 1 hour per week, for a minimum of 6-12 month

About the program

Our summer camp program is a comprehensive initiative that is designed to provide a safe and engaging environment for children between the ages of 4 to 16 during school breaks.Kasoa is a market community and most of the women and men work as hawkers, shop attenders, petty traders etc which makes them leave home very early in the morning leaving their children to roam about the neighborhood and street.  This is a non residential camp for the children but residential for volunteers.

 The program focuses on preventing child delinquency by offering various fun and educational activities that keep children occupied and engaged.   Our camp offers a variety of activities such as outdoor games, sports, arts and crafts, music, drama, reading, storytelling, French, and other recreational activities that help children develop social skills, improve their self-confidence, and foster positive relationships with others. 

During summer breaks, schools and various institutions organize vacations or summer schools. However, the high cost of attending these programs often makes it impossible for children from poor homes to participate. Consequently, these children end up roaming the streets and engaging in various social vices. The program takes place within the community where children from the slums, streets and poor backgrounds are brought together and taken through indoor and outdoor games and activities.

Our Summer camp is a call to action to provide an opportunity for children to be productive during the school break. The program starts from July through to end of August 2024 every year and volunteers can participate any date within the summer period. Volunteers are allowed to develop and introduce their own indoor and outdoor games. Volunteers who have special activities they want to introduce may want to bring the tools and items they may use since we may not have them. Volunteers are encouraged to come along with some crafts, paper, colors, pencils, paints, etc.

We are looking for volunteers dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in their care. Our summer camp is the perfect place for children to learn, grow, and have fun during their school breaks whilst volunteers also learn the local culture, make new friends, touch lives, and make meaningful contributions to the lives.

What You Can Bring

 Volunteers can bring materials like paints, pencils and pencil colors, crayons, drawing papers, toys, etc. Some of these materials can also be found in the local market for ready purchase. Most importantly you bring a big heart and smile.

What we expect from you

You must be passionate about children and ability to work with children from all kinds of backgrounds and with specific needs and attention.

What you can expect from us

Our staff is available to you 24/7 to give any necessary support. We will assign one staff to take care of your needs.

Who You will Work with

Volunteers work closely with our staff and other volunteers. Volunteers are paired with other volunteers if any to work on similar activities.

How Do I Get to the placement?

For the first day, volunteers will be taken to the center. Our staff will show volunteers how to get to the center, the direction to take, the particular vehicle if any, and the amount to pay for the transportation. This is repeated the next day if the volunteer thinks he still can't make it until the volunteer can make his/her way. The same is done for the return to the homestay from the placement center.

Our wonderful charity team is expanding and we are looking to take on more compassionate, reliable and conscientious volunteers with an interest in walking and helping others. We are looking to take on volunteers across the UK for facilitating in-person events.

One of the most effective support events we provide is in the form of our short walking and talking get togethers for those who are grieving. We are looking to increase our in-person get togethers across the country and are recruiting some volunteers to help us do so.

What does it involve? We meet as a small group, grab a tea/coffee, and mosey along together. This could be in a local park, along a canal, in the countryside, etc. It’s pretty simple but can be hugely cathartic and effective for those who are really struggling with their loss and feeling isolated. We are passionate about offering the best possible care to an often-ignored population.

Walking volunteer roles involve facilitating a social get together / walk for people whose loved ones have died from cancer. This largely involves being the meet and greet person for those attending. Volunteers are welcome to design the get together (choosing a location locally) or we can help you do so. The walks are very informal and relaxed, and are targeted at bringing people together rather than having to cover many miles. Get togethers normally last 1-2 hours.

We will provide full training for the role and supervision, along with continued training opportunities.  We ask for at least a 18-month commitment, which involves facilitating up to 4-6 walks a year.

Please submit a CV and cover letter with your application.

IHF is currently seeking pro-bono Graphic Design Firms and Individual At-Home Volunteers for our Graphic Design Team. 

Overview

The International Humanity Foundation (IHF) is an International non-profit, founded in 2001. For over twenty years we have been globally successful in our two fold mission:  (1) To educate marginalized children—activating their highest potential and nurturing healthy, loving communities around them. Ihf believe the happiness of our world's children rises above all political and religious differences; And equates to the quality of our world's happiness tomorrow. —(2) To educate global citizens through communication and real life experiences, (online and in person), about the realities of marginalized communities; while teaching practical skills in aiding needed efforts, thus giving voice to the voiceless. 

IHF strives to offer children and adults (from young through retirement) venues for learning and safely practicing these leadership skills. 

IHF is a unique organization. It believes in absolute transparency and functions almost entirely through the efforts of its hundreds of unpaid volunteers from all over the world. Our amazing volunteers give their time, skills, energy, and love. 

GRAPHIC DESIGN FIRMS and INDIVIDUALS will collaborate directly with the Director of Fundraising and Marketing. IHF materials are marketed towards multiple geographies, both locally in the communities we work with and on a global platform. 

An At-Home volunteer in this position will:

- Assist our Media Team in visual editing of content for social media platforms or website design. 

- Develop materials for our Fundraising Team such as posters, flyers, infographics etc.

- Create original volunteer recruitment campaign materials

IHF will provide all the necessary background and support for you to be successful in this position.

in Google Suite applications helpful

- Deep empathy for impoverished children and their communities

- A commitment to our Core Values

Video editing experience (specifically Adobe Premiere Pro) is a plus though not required.

In addition to making a notable difference in the lives of the children we serve, you will also be joining a global network of IHF volunteers and enhancing your graphics CV with practical experience working with an international organization encompassing many cultures and norms. 

Eligibility 

IHF is looking for individuals who can commit to a minimum 2-4 hours per month with a passion for visual communication and ‘out of the box’ creativity.

At-Home Volunteers accepted to this position will also have: 

-Experience with Canvas, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator is helpful.

-Confidence using the English language (both spoken and written)

Our wonderful charity team is expanding and we are looking to take on more compassionate, reliable and conscientious volunteers with an interest in walking and helping others. We are looking to take on volunteers across the UK for facilitating in-person events.

One of the most effective support events we provide is in the form of our short walking and talking get togethers for those who are grieving. We are looking to increase our in-person get togethers across the country and are recruiting some volunteers to help us do so.

What does it involve? We meet as a small group, grab a tea/coffee, and mosey along together. This could be in a local park, along a canal, in the countryside, etc. It’s pretty simple but can be hugely cathartic and effective for those who are really struggling with their loss and feeling isolated. We are passionate about offering the best possible care to an often-ignored population.

Walking volunteer roles involve facilitating a social get together / walk for people whose loved ones have died from cancer. This largely involves being the meet and greet person for those attending. Volunteers are welcome to design the get together (choosing a location locally) or we can help you do so. The walks are very informal and relaxed, and are targeted at bringing people together rather than having to cover many miles. Get togethers normally last 1-2 hours.

We will provide full training for the role and supervision, along with continued training opportunities.  We ask for at least a 18-month commitment, which involves facilitating up to 4-6 walks a year.

Please submit a CV and cover letter with your application.

Our Trustees are a team of volunteers who use their diverse skills, experience, and perspectives to set the strategic direction of the charity and make sure it’s doing what it was set up to do in the best possible way. 

For families facing tough times, a holiday is a much-needed break from the day to day, as well as giving space and time to breathe, think differently. A holiday is essential for building wellbeing and hope for the future, especially when the present is challenging.

About you

You'll have the energy, integrity, passion, and skills to work with the Board of Trustees, our CEO and staff team, and our community, to drive forward a successful and dynamic future for our charity and the families we support.

We’re particularly looking to add the following professional skills and experiences to our team.

• Developing digital products, tools and/or services.
• Directly supporting children and/or families on an ongoing professional basis.
• Fundraising in a charity through voluntary donations or commercial income.

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before, but you do need to be willing to do some training to help you understand the role and the responsibilities that come with it.

We actively encourage applications from under-represented, marginalised and racialised groups, and those with lived experience of any of the barriers families face to having time away together. That’s things like mental or physical ill health, disability, domestic abuse, being a young carer or living on a low income.

We will make adjustments to our schedule and processes to ensure new trustees can be included and supported in the role.

More diverse perspectives on our Board help us make better decisions for families.

What we offer you

The biggest thing we have to offer is the chance to put your skills and experience to good use making the lives of families who are having a tough time better.

You’ll join a team who really care about making a difference and approach it with real openness and drive. Right off the bat we’ll connect you with the other Trustees and staff so you can get to know everyone, and we’ll buddy you up with another Trustee, so you’ve got someone to help you navigate it all as you settle in.

Expenses

You won’t get paid for your time, but we’ll make sure you aren’t out of pocket by covering the cost of your travel to meetings, childcare or other care if you need it, and a range of other expenses you might have while doing the role. We’ll book and/or pay for these in advance if you prefer.

How to apply

When you click 'Quick Apply' you'll find a link to upload your CV and answer a couple of screening questions.

We will make adjustments to the recruitment process wherever possible to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged for any reason. 

• Monday 20th May - Applications close at 9am
• w/c 3rd June and w/c 10th June  -  First interviews with a panel of current trustees 
• w/c 17th June - Second interviews with Jackie our Vice Chair of Trustees

After the interviews we’ll contact anyone we’d like to join the Board with an offer subject to references and checks.

If you accept, we’ll take up your references, do a DBS check and confirm your eligibility to act as a Trustee. If that’s all ok, you’re in! We’ll introduce you to the rest of the Trustees and get started with your induction.

Formal appointment happens at the next Board meeting which is on Thursday 5th August.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Solace’s Counselling Team.

About the role

The successful candidate will provide a wrap around, weekly one to one therapeutic support, which can be accessed online, over the phone and in person. You will work within a modal that consists of trauma focused, multi-modal interventions with an objective of optimising resilience, facilitating sustainable recovery and support survivors in their journey in post-traumatic recovery.

Who are we looking for?

The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified dynamic counsellor who has 150 clinical hours, ideally with prior experience in providing direct and dedicated therapeutic support to women (and all genders for LBI counselling) who have experienced domestic abuse, and other forms of VAWG.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Enable service users to access valuable support that assists in their journey towards safe, independent lives, free from abuse.
• Contribute and support a busy and diverse team.
• Play a pivotal role in delivering services.
• Gain hands on experience in a dynamic charity working in the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Sector.
• Work as part of a feminist organisation.

We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand, and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the level 2 Understanding Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office. A volunteering role often leads to some opportunity of applying for a paid employment role within Solace.

Interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis.

Solace Women’s Aid values diversity promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applicants from black minority and ethnic communities.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment, we require all successful candidates will be required to complete a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) disclosure.

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in south-west London. We work primarily with people who are newly arrived in the UK, most of whom are living in temporary Home Office accommodation. Arriving as a refugee in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language barriers, accessing services, financial insecurity and ongoing uncertainty are extremely challenging and disempowering. CARAS is here to work collaboratively with community members to support them to build skills, connect meaningfully with their local community, and to build positive futures in the UK. 

CARAS offers a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background. For adults this currently includes: ESOL, digital skills and employability sessions; social and recreational activities and casework. All programs are interlinked and work hand-in-hand with one another. For example, community members can practice their spoken English in Coffee Afternoon, and casework issues might be picked up and referred into the team during an ESOL class. We design and develop our programs through consultation and ongoing conversations with our community members. We aim to have a strong volunteer presence across all our programs, fostering connections between asylum seekers and other Londoners! 

About CARAS’s Adult Programming and Coffee Afternoon:

CARAS has been providing support to adult refugee women since 2005, promoting skills and confidence development that helps women gain more power in their lives. In the aftermath of COVID, we have been able to expand our adult programmes, responding to the shifting demographics of those seeking asylum in the UK. We now run a range of mixed programmes for all genders, as well as some women-only spaces. Our coffee afternoon is a mixed group. 

Our coffee afternoon has been running since May 2022 and is one of our most popular groups. It takes place at TARA Theatre in Earlsfield from 1-2.30PM every Friday. Its primary aim is to reduce isolation amongst those we work with by providing a safe, friendly and welcoming space for people to have fun, learn about themselves and each other, and build connections.

In 2023, we have been running creative sessions during Coffee Afternoon, facilitated by freelance creative practitioners in partnership with TARA Theatre. These range from dance to drama, poetry to puppetry. For sessions without a creative practitioner, we sometimes host workshops on important topics such as healthcare rights or have an open and informal space for games and a chat. There is always coffee and a selection of baked goods! 

For more information on TARA Theatre, our partner and host, please visit their website.

Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• To attend CARAS coffee afternoon’s, every Friday between 1-2.30PM in Earlsfield, South-west London. They take place at TARA Theatre, right opposite Earlsfield Station. Location here- https://maps.app.goo.gl/rXwJiKHRj93YFtLG9 (356 Garratt Ln, London SW18 4ES). 
• If there is a week this is not possible, to tell CARAS staff as far in advance as you are able. 
• To welcome and connect with community members attending, working to ensure everyone at the group feels included. 

• To take part if there is a creative activity happening in that session, and help liaise with CARAS staff and the creative practitioner to ensure the activity runs smoothly. 
• To encourage and inspire community members to feel confident and reach their full potential. 
• To share conversation, and chat informally with our community members.
• To assist community members to both recognise and celebrate their achievements. 
• To challenge negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manor. 
• To adhere to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant. 

Requirements:

• To have interest in working with refugees and asylum seekers. 
• To be non-judgemental, and able and willing to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and differing levels of English. 
• To be reliable and punctual. 
• To be a current resident in the UK. 
• To provide five years’ worth of addresses and be willing to undergo a UK DBS check.
• To attend CARAS General and Safeguarding Training, and any further training as necessary. 
• To be 18 years or older. 

Through volunteering with us you will:

• Meet new members of your local community 
• Learn about different cultures and life experiences from across the world 
• Learn about issues relating to refugee and asylum seekers 
• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team 
• Develop your skills and competencies 
• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding 

To Apply:

Please fill in the volunteer application form and email it to us. Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with the Head of Adult Inclusion and Adult Program Coordinator these meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 

Details for this role are in the description and not mentioned in the application form but please fill in your details in the Volunteer application form attached and send it back to us 

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.