Social Work Volunteer Roles

Volunteer - Homeline’s tele-befriending service!

Do you have an hour to spare each week? Want a simple remote volunteer role you can fit around your busy life?

Look no further! Homeline is a befriending project for older people in Hammersmith and Fulham.

We are looking for volunteers to remotely call a few isolated older adults per week. These calls make such a difference and are often the only phone call a person will receive all week!

A flexible role ideal for volunteers who work during the week and have less time to commit. Join our friendly team and enjoy the benefits of full role training, DBS and continued support.

Get in touch, join our friendly team and enjoy the benefits of full role training, DBS and continued support.

Healthwatch Advisory Committee Member with Social Work Experience

What is Healthwatch? 

Healthwatch Hounslow is an independent organisation set up to champion the views of health and social care service users. It strives to make sure that health and social care services are meeting local needs and to ensure that the public’s voice is heard regarding how local services are run. Healthwatch also makes sure that the public is informed on any plans to change those services, and in identifying gaps in services.

About the role 

Your Voice in Health and Social Care (YVHSC) are looking for local residents interested in becoming part of Healthwatch. We are looking for people to join our Advisory Committee with local knowledge, experience and passion for promoting better health and social care for local people. 

The committee acts as an advisory group supporting the local staff team with projects and monitoring the progress of the service. The Healthwatch Hounslow Advisory Committee also plays important representational and public relations roles working with local communities and key partners to drive influence and impact, and improve health and social care services for residents. 

Overall governance, responsibility, and all liabilities rest with YVHSC Board of Directors. 

Tasks 

• Oversee delivery of Healthwatch Hounslow projects and services, working with your fellow committee members and the committee chair.

• Attend committee meetings and additional project meetings where required. 

• Contribute to the monitoring and scrutiny of health and social care services in the Borough of Hounslow on behalf of patients, service users, carers and residents. 

• Identify, approve and oversee a range of projects through evaluation of impact and publishing of reports.

• To be involved, as the outward face of Healthwatch Hounslow at community events and strategic meetings, demonstrating leadership and taking an active role in community and stakeholder engagement, and through this work ensuring that Healthwatch is reaching and representing the diverse communities of the borough. 

• Provide appropriate advice, support and challenge to the Healthwatch Hounslow staff. 

• Build and maintain good relationships with key stakeholders, including members of the public, patients, service users, carers, community and voluntary sector organisations, Healthwatch England, Care Quality Commission, NHS funded providers, Integrated Care Board, Health & Wellbeing Board, and the Local Authority. 

• Ensure that Healthwatch Hounslow is represented on the Health and Wellbeing Board and plays a proactive role in decisions relating to the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, planning, commissioning and delivery of health and social care. 

Is this the right role for me? 

Applicants must Live in Hounslow

Requirements of Committee Members: 

• Flexible schedule - Time commitment varies between 3-10 hours a month on a flexible schedule. Committee meetings vary but are roughly once every two months. There may be other events and meetings that you are requested to attend. 

• Experience of the health and social care sector in the Borough of Hounslow, for example medical students & practitioners, third sector workers, those with experience working with the Local Authority or the Integrated Care System at large.. 

• Must be good at working as part of a collaborative team. 

• Must be willing to commit to self-development – Committee members are encouraged to identify personal training and development needs, and seek opportunities for development, attending training events as required.

• Diligence and attention to detail - Committee members are expected to prepare adequately for meetings they attend, making sure they read through reports and other documents. 

Benefits of volunteering 

• Enjoy the experience of volunteering as part of a friendly team and meeting new people 

• Increase your confidence and learn new skills 

• Use your experience with Healthwatch Hounslow to develop your CV and seek work in health and social care or other fields of employment 

• In-house training opportunities including call handling and safeguarding. 

• Reasonable travel and expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Policy 

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are committed to preventing sexual abuse to form circles in the West Midlands area. Circles reflect the communities they work in and we welcome volunteers from all kinds of backgrounds.

About you

• You must be over the age of 18 
• We will support you to apply for an Enhanced DBS check. There are some convictions which would preclude you from volunteering so; please speak to the Circles Coordinator for more information 
• We will provide training before you start volunteering, which usually takes  place over 2 weekend days or 4 evenings. 

Volunteer, and you won’t just do something amazing to prevent sexual abuse, but you will also develop your skills.  Our volunteers are also eligible for volunteer discounts, covering everything from fashion, holidays, meals out and gym membership.

What are Circles of Support and Accountability

Circles of Support and Accountability aim to rehabilitate people who have committed sexual offences against children, and help them to not offend again.

Each circle includes 4 to 6 trained volunteers from the local community who help to support one person who has sexually offended. The volunteers commit to meeting with the core member for 12 to 18 months. 

The circle provides practical skills and support to the Core Member according to their needs, which might include social skills, finding work or hobbies, or looking for suitable accommodation. They will also receive disclosure about the core members offending behaviour, and support them to recognise unhelpful thoughts, feelings and patterns of behaviour which might link to their risk of offending, and encourage them to develop more healthy strategies.

The core member will be subject to probation oversight within the criminal justice system. Volunteers are supported by a professional Circle Coordinator, who liaises with other key professionals working with the core member, including police and probation.

What areas do we cover?

Our Circles project covers the West Midlands including:

• Herefordshire
• Shropshire
• Staffordshire
• Worcestershire
• Warwickshire

Volunteer will work in mental health, Gender Equality and Health Education Environment Project.

Work Activities 

Research and Development 

Making Questionnaire 

Survey

Fundraising 

Organize workshop in schools 

Social Media Content Creation

Communication with CSR 

Purpose of role:

With an ageing population, more and more older people are at risk of isolation and loneliness as partners and friends pass away, family members move away and the community around them changes at a fast pace.  As a Befriender, you will become part of the solution to tackling the issues of isolation and loneliness by developing strong relationships with clients and encouraging them to engage in a variety of ways.

Main activities/tasks:

• Visit or call an older person once a week for around an hour
• Spend time getting to know them and understand what things they may like to do at home (e.g. chess, knitting, reading)
• Offer healthy and fun conversation and encourage them to talk
• Give support to enable them to get out in the community and encourage participation in activities
• Promote healthy living and wellbeing
• Accompany them on visits out of the home e.g. going for a walk, shopping
• Support them to find information
• Make monthly reports on visits carried out

Who are we? 

Survivors Can Shine  is a community interest company working to empower and protect children and young people by providing platforms to celebrate and amplify their voices. Bringing communities together to change perceptions around child abuse and create young Ambassadors for Change.

This year's Ambassadors for Change Community event will be held on Saturday May 25th in celebration of International Family Day. We are bringing together children, young people, local youth services and the wider community in collective strength in a positive movement for change. 

'Ambassadors for Change are positive leaders and role models to their peers and an inspiration to the community'. 

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers for The Ambassadors for Change Community Event, supported by BBC Children in Need, taking place on the iconic Hampstead Heath on Saturday, May 25th. We’ll need volunteers to help make the day a success by helping manage the crowds, supporting the local community, answering any queries, and just generally representing Survivors Can Shine. 

Why Volunteer with Survivors Can Shine? 

By volunteering for us, you are part of a positive movement for change that is uplifting children and young people through the power of music. You’ll be part of an uplifting event to mark International Family Day, providing our young people with the opportunity to perform the creative pieces they've been working on and have their voices heard by public figures, the wider community & the Mayor of London who will also be in attendance to hand out the Ambassadors for Change Awards.

You will receive a free enhanced DBS check and Volunteer Safeguarding training that’ll be virtual for 2 hours.

There’s a variety of different tasks to get involved with and it’ll look great on your CV!   

Skills needed: 

• Enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in 
• Interpersonal skills 
• Punctuality and reliability

What roles do we need?

• Distribute event materials such as leaflets in your local area 
• Stewards to help control crowds 
• Welcoming & signposting attendees and providing information 
• Act as a Charity ambassador by promoting the event among your friends, family and colleagues 
• Security and first aid 
• Set up and pack down of event 
• Selling raffle tickets

Where and when?

The event takes places on Saturday May 25th from 1:30pm – 4:30pm, meaning that we need volunteers from 9am – 5:30pm (there are various slots throughout the day - you don't need to be available for the whole day!)

Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hills Fields, NW5 1QR 

All volunteers will need to be over 18.

Are you looking to impact a young person’s life and make a difference in the community?

Well come and join us today at The Kids Network!

What is the role

• The Kids Network is looking for committed, fun and passionate volunteers who live in or near to Southwark to make a difference to the children of London.
• Our structured mentoring programme supports 8-11 year old's, based across London, to support with their social and emotional development before they transition into secondary school.
• As a mentor, you will hold weekly one on one sessions of 1 -3 hours. You will help to build confidence, resilience and help your mentee to manage feelings through a series of fun and positive experiences and activities.
• The weekly sessions can be flexible between weekdays and weekends.
• You will also get to meet fellow adults in your community through our peer network.
• All volunteers will go benefit from two days of in-person  where you'll gain skills and knowledge to support you as a mentor. (Many mentors share that the skills developed support their progression in the workplace, especially those seeking to gain experience working with children and young people)

What impact will this have?

• Help build resilience and confidence in a child in your local community.
• Learn from fellow mentors with our amazing peer network.
• Help a child as they transition from primary to secondary school.

Currently recruiting mentors who are:

·Looking to give back to their communities and make an impact on little londoners.

Expenses

• Volunteers have a budget of £30 per month. We are also able to cover travel expenses.

Training​

• Our induction training will provide you with all the skills and knowledge to support your mentee, including safeguarding, health and safety, child-led mentoring and understanding your role.
• We offer additional training throughout the year to in anti-oppression, trauma-informed practice and lots more to help enhance your mentoring journey and your personal and professional development.

A DBS check is required but is organised and paid for by The Kids Network.

Are you looking to impact a young person’s life and make a difference in the Hammersmith & Fulham?

Well come and join us today at The Kids Network!

What is the role

• The Kids Network is looking for committed, fun and passionate volunteers who live in or near to Hammersmith & Fulham to make a difference to the children of London.
• Our structured mentoring programme supports 8-11 year old's, based across London, to support with their social and emotional development before they transition into secondary school.
• As a mentor, you will hold weekly one on one sessions of 1 -3 hours. You will help to build confidence, resilience and help your mentee to manage feelings through a series of fun and positive experiences and activities.
• The weekly sessions can be flexible between weekdays and weekends.
• You will also get to meet fellow adults in your community through our peer network.
• All volunteers will go benefit from two days of in-person  where you'll gain skills and knowledge to support you as a mentor. (Many mentors share that the skills developed support their progression in the workplace, especially those seeking to gain experience working with children and young people)

What impact will this have?

• Help build resilience and confidence in a child in your local community.
• Learn from fellow mentors with our amazing peer network.
• Help a child as they transition from primary to secondary school.

Currently recruiting mentors who are:

·Looking to give back to their communities and make an impact on little londoners.

Expenses

• Volunteers have a budget of £30 per month for in-session activities. We are also able to cover travel expenses.

Training​

• Our induction training will provide you with all the skills and knowledge to support your mentee, including safeguarding, health and safety, child-led mentoring and understanding your role.
• We offer additional training throughout the year to in anti-oppression, trauma-informed practice and lots more to help enhance your mentoring journey and your personal and professional development.

A DBS check is required but is organised and paid for by The Kids Network.

NNRF is seeking a new Chair to work in partnership with our members and trustee board to lead the organisation into its next phase of development. We are seeking someone with excellent leadership skills and governance experience, who is passionate about the needs of refugees and asylum seekers. 

Established in 2000, we are an independent registered charity set up to work with and for refugees and asylum seekers in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Our Vision is a society where asylum seekers and refugees are welcomed, receive fair and compassionate treatment and the support to rebuild their lives. 

NNRF currently employs 50 staff members and has a Trustee Board of 12 who ensure the charity runs according to its constitution and statutory obligations. Board meetings are held in person, bi-monthly. Most trustees also sit on one or more sub-committees reporting to the Board. 
Key Duties and Responsibilities of the Chair of NNRF 

The Chair along with the other board members has the primary function of holding the management team to account, ensuring they work effectively to promote the charity’s objectives. 

To this end you will provide inclusive leadership, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also support the Director and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire workforce, including volunteers, to achieve agreed objectives. You will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the Director. 

Six Board meetings are held per year. The Chair is supported by an active Board and is expected to have regular meetings with the vice chair, the treasurer, and the director. The chair may be called upon to represent the Charity at occasional events with key stakeholders. The Chair sits on the finance and human resource committees which meet monthly, and is supported by the treasurer, vice-chair and secretary to the Board.

Process of selection

All trustees are elected by our membership at the annual general meeting in November. The current board will nominate candidates for election following an interview with the Chair and Vice-chair. The nomination would require the prospective Chair to attend board meetings as a co-opted member prior to the AGM. 
If elected as a board member, the new Chair will be mentored by the current Chair in the first few six months of the role. The Board will review the Chair’s appointment after six months.

Become an activity lead

As a volunteer activity lead you will run a local Re-engage group who meet on a monthly or fortnightly basis. You will deliver or facilitate regular physical activity sessions for people aged 75 and over in community centres, pubs or church spaces.

This is a flexible role and each group will host activity guests, along with our volunteer drivers who pick up and drop off our activity guests.

Activities can vary from boules and skittles, dancing or singing, or coming up with your own activity to get people moving. In some groups we may have another person coming in to run a specific class so we would ask you to facilitate this and support the activity guests who are attending on the day.

You will be required to complete a DBS check for this role, for which Re-engage will cover the cost.

 Tasks include:

• Facilitating or delivering an inclusive activity with the focus on physical health and social wellbeing.
• Making activity guests feel welcome to the groups and ensuring people can participate in the activities. Activity groups are coordinated by a volunteer group coordinator.
• Following the guidance in your training to ensure that your group sessions are enjoyable, appropriate and in line with our charitable aims.

Your role as an activity lead will be to plan and deliver a session that is achievable for all the activity guests attending. Your session should be inclusive, fun and safely delivered to activity guests. Group activities can stay the same or change on a monthly or fortnightly basis.

This is a long-term voluntary role, so we are ideally looking for individuals who can commit to volunteering with us for at least 12 months.

We are looking for activity leads with the following skills and attributes: 

• Well organised 
• Good conversation skills 
• An enthusiasm for making genuine connections with older people in your community 
• A friendly, empathetic approach 
• The ability to really listen to people 
• Patience 
• A good sense of humour 
• A passion for improving the lives of lonely and isolated older people.  
• The ability to volunteer with others 
• Basic computer literacy (including the ability to use email) 
• As one of our valued volunteers, you’ll receive training from Re-engage, and support and regular communications from your group coordinator. This is a fun and rewarding role which will enable you to connect with lonely older people and make a real and lasting difference to their life.

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

Background to the RJ4All Internships 

RJ4All was originally set up by volunteers, and it would not exist without their involvement and continued support. Therefore, RJ4All recognises their significant contribution. The vast majority of our interns are young people most of whom are faced with challenges let those be social, financial, migration or refugee status etc.

The RJ4All internships are not paid, but offered on a volunteering basis. This is because we believe that volunteering is an important way to make a positive contribution to our communities and is of particular benefit to young people who are often forgotten or marginalised. Nevertheless, volunteering with RJ4All does not mean standing outside of tube stations wearing bunny suits to raise funds! It involves high quality project activity, engaging with social project and policy issues, and making a real difference where it matters. It also means doing youth-led work, organising events and running user-led training workshops. All out of pocket expenses are paid (see Volunteer Policy for more detail).

Our principles 

We are established upon the FREDA underlying values of restorative justice. These stand for Freedom, Respect, Equality, Dignity and Autonomy. Our interns are expected to subscribe to these values as well as that of power sharing. 

RJ4ALL has the Quality Mark of the European Commission’s European Solidarity Corps and has adopted European Solidarity Corps Charter. All principles underlying this Volunteer and Intern Policy are fully aligned with the Mission and Principles of the European Solidarity Corps. Previously, RJ4All was using the EVS principles (European Voluntary Service). 

The role  

This is a supporting role working under the line management of the Community Centre Manager. It is an office-based position at our RJ4All Community Centre in Rotherhithe working across projects and RJ4All services. The post holder will support the organisation to ensure the effective administration of the RJ4All Centre and the delivery of RJ4All programmes through a combination of excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.

Initiative and innovation are attributes that are highly valued at RJ4All. Furthermore, the post holder will be involved in delivering project-related tasks as well as promoting projects, participate and create workshops. 

Volunteering hours under this role are between 9:30am-5:30pm and the placements are usually offered on a minimum of a 3-month engagement. 

Role description 

We want to offer a rounded experience to all our interns and therefore they are engaged in five different areas of work: 

1. Community Project Delivery on one or multiple of our community centre projects (incl. Youth Clubs, Food Bank, Community Fridge, Charity Shop, Sports classes for young people/for people with disabilities, Digital Inclusion workshops), art workshops, Mediation, wellbeing support, etc.).  

1. Research and policy support on our Restorative Justice postcode project.

1. Administrative work such as managing our organisation email account or project monitoring and evaluation

1. Social media such as leading on our Facebook page

1. Writing a blog for our members and our FRED campaign. 

Other tasks may include: 

• Engagement with Service Users, 

• Youth work, 

• Event planning, outreach, and management, 

• Report writing and proofreading, 

• Compiling, formatting, analysing qualitative and quantitative data,

• Conducting stakeholder mapping 

• Writing for the website, blogs and other newsletters, 

Helping with funding applications. 

What support will I be given?  

Interns will be given a full induction and will be supported through one-to-one meetings and daily support. The candidate will benefit from a range of training initiatives.

What benefits can I expect to gain from the experience?  

The position offers a rich and high-quality experience that will enhance future job prospects within the area of community engagement and project delivery within the charity sector as well as social policy and research. We also offer Youth Pass and CPD accreditation where relevant. 

What skills or experience do I need? 

• An interest in community engagement and project delivery within the charitable sector and/or social policy and research

• Excellent written and oral communication skills,

• Excellent organisational skills

• Ability to work as a member of a team and on your own initiative,

• A keen eye for spotting errors, 

• Organised and self-managing, 

• Commitment to the values of dialogue, transparency, non-adversarial methods of conflict resolution and restorative justice, 

• Sympathise with the aims, ethos and organisational culture of RJ4All including its vision, mission and values. 

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

A crucial volunteer role at the centre, volunteer Centre Assistants help out at least one afternoon per week to warmly welcome members to the centre, help with queries (in person, by email and over the phone) and direct people to our various activities. This is an active and varied way to volunteer where no two days are the same!

Qualities you need for this role

• Confidence and communication skills in person and over the phone
• Reliable, dependable and a good sense of humour
• Flexibility, happy to support staff as needed
• Able to think on your feet 
• Basic IT skills

When you'll be needed

• An afternoon per week: volunteers must commit for at least six months
• Monday-Friday between the hours 1:00pm - 5:00pm

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

A crucial volunteer role at the centre, volunteer Reception Helpers help out at least one afternoon per week to warmly welcome members to the centre, help with queries (in person, by email and over the phone) and direct people to our various activities. This is an active and varied way to volunteer where no two days are the same!

Qualities you need for this role

• Confidence and communication skills in person and over the phone
• Reliable, dependable and a good sense of humour
• Flexibility, happy to support staff as needed
• Able to think on your feet 
• Basic IT skills

When you'll be needed

• An afternoon per week: volunteers must commit for at least six months
• Monday-Friday between the hours 1:00pm – 5:00pm