Social Care/Development Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you use your skills to support women in recovery by facilitating a workshop in our Haringey Women’s Group?
This role involves assisting the team of an established drugs and alcohol recovery service to support people who are in recovery in group settings. The aim of these groups is to build networks of support and build upon recovery and the skills and resilience to sustain it.
The Women’s Group runs every Friday from 10.00 – 11.30 at Haringey Recovery Service. This space is accessible only by women within the services or new to the service, no male clients can access the building during this time to allow for a safe space for vulnerable female clients. The aim is to create a safe space for women to openly discuss, learn and share information and experiences, to empower and inspire positive change.
A staff member will always be present in the group alongside the volunteer.
Details of the role:
What will I be doing?
- Delivering a 1–2-hour workshop / session / talk as part of the Women’s Group. Some topics or skills that we’d love Volunteers to offer could include:
Creative writing / Storytelling
Nutrition for Wellbeing
Natural cosmetics / beauty
Self-Esteem / confidence coaching
Mindfulness / Meditation
Art and Crafts, e.g. Collage, Photography
Drama
Sessions could be one-off sessions or a series of sessions
- Planning the content for the session / sessions – if resources are needed, to liaise with staff regarding the budget
- Adhering to policies related to areas such as safeguarding, information governance and health and safety
- Evaluating the session and sharing with staff
We would love you to bring to this role:
- A particular interest, knowledge, or skill that you are keen to share with women accessing the Women’s Space
- Clear verbal/written communication skills
- A confident and friendly approach
- An understanding of the importance of guidelines and procedures relating to key areas such as safeguarding and information governance
- Be respectful and non-judgemental
What volunteers can expect from us:
- Support from staff who oversee the Women’s Space and the regional Volunteer Team Lead
- To learn and practice new skills within a teamwork setting
- To feel that your volunteering activity is worthwhile and to be provided with feedback
- Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed with proof of journey
Our workplace values are:
- Honest: we are open and realistic, building trusted relationships in which we challenge, collaborate and change.
- Committed: we are passionate about being the best that we can be, and we do this by keeping people at the heart of everything that we do.
- Inventive: we are ambitious, drawing together skills and resources to innovate and adapt in determined pursuit of our mission.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Be rewarded and have new experiences, volunteer with us as a Child and Family Support Volunteer.
Key Details
- Based across South Lakeland, Cumbria.
- We are looking for a commitment of about half a day per week. Location, time and day will vary depending on current needs, and we can work with you to match you to appropriate opportunities.
- Currently, many of our groups run between 4-6pm on week days.
Can you:
- Provide motivational support, a listening ear, a friendly face, and a positive attitude to parents, carers, children and young people?
- Build trusting relationships, empathise, and communicate clearly?
- Be reliable?
- Be a positive role model?
- Be non-judgemental and respectful, while not accepting of behaviours that are damaging to others?
- Respect confidentiality?
- Work alongside staff to support families, based on individual need?
- Embody Action for Children’s values, and adhere to our code of conduct?
What you can expect:
- To work with families to support them to make and sustain positive changes through structured group programmes. An example is the very successful Decider Skills programme which teaches CBT techniques in an accessible and interactive way.
- To assist practitioners with running the group, providing a safe and nurturing space for families, and supporting all participants to engage in the activities.
- At times, we may have opportunities to play with children while their parents work with a practitioner on targeted support.
- To receive regular support and supervision from staff.
- To report any safeguarding or wellbeing concerns you may have as soon as possible.
What we can offer:
- Feel the satisfaction of supporting families to lead healthier, happier and safer lives.
- Full induction, training and support package. Ongoing training will be available to expand on your skills and knowledge.
- Gain valuable experience of working with children, young people and their families to provide early help and support.
- Be part of a fun and friendly team.
- Agreed travel expenses paid.
- Improve your confidence, CV, and employability. We can provide references to support your career development.
- Access to Action for Children's wellbeing resources.
- Feel recognised, supported and proud to donate your time and experience to help vulnerable children and young people.
If you would like an informal chat, have any further questions about the role, or need assistance with the application form, then please contact Kay Cheer on ( 015 39 734 456 )
Action for Children is passionate about promoting equality, valuing diversity and working inclusively. We welcome applications from all persons particularly those who identify as Male, people with Disabilities, and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants, as these groups are currently under-represented in our organisation.
Action for Children are Passionate, Ambitious, Collaborative and Inclusive. We aspire for every child and young person in the country to have a safe and happy childhood and the foundations they need to thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Be rewarded and have new experiences, join us as an Activities Assistant.
Key Details:
- Locations throughout South Lakeland (Cumbria), including Kendal, Ulverston, and elsewhere.
- Activities may be weekly on set days, or ad hoc by arrangement.
Can you:
- Be friendly and have a good sense of humour?
- Understand of the needs of young children and their families?
- Have a non-judgemental attitude?
- Be reliable?
What you can expect:
- Support play between the children and carers using the group.
- Promote the learning opportunities associated with activities offered.
- Signpost carers to appropriate members of staff for support and advice.
- Help staff to set up and clear away play activities and clean the room afterwards.
- Examples of activities you may get involved in, depending on your interests and availability:
- Rhymetime (sharing a love of stories and songs with preschool age children);
- Baby Beginnings (exploring the senses through play);
- Craft and Messy Play (child led play and development for preschool age children);
- Smile4Life (supporting learning about dental health with primary school age children);
- Active Play (fun family sessions incorporating physical movement);
- Family Walks (outdoors activities and adventures for all the family);
- Events (preparing, setting up, and running our stall);
- Pop Up Play sessions at playgroups across the district;
- Foodshares and cook-a-longs (preparing and sharing healthy meal recipe packs with families).
What we can offer:
- Feel the satisfaction of supporting parents / carers to enjoy time with their children.
- Experience of working with children and families.
- Be part of a fun and friendly team.
- Full induction, training and support package.
- Feel recognised, supported and proud to donate your time and experience to help vulnerable children and young people.
If you would like an informal chat about opportunities, have any further questions about the role, or need assistance with application form, please contact Kay Cheer ( 01539 734 456 ).
Action for Children is passionate about promoting equality, valuing diversity and working inclusively. We welcome applications from all persons particularly people with Disabilities and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants, as these groups are currently under-represented in our organisation.
Action for Children are Passionate, Ambitious, Collaborative and Inclusive. We aspire for every child and young person in the country to have a safe and happy childhood and the foundations they need to thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
GT Scholars mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for Ambassadors that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!
As an Ambassador your duty would be to contribute anything to help with the growth of GT Scholars:
Events: Participate at our events by greeting parents and seating scholars: work closely with the programme manager to set up events and work collaboratively with workshop facilitators, venue owners, volunteers, parents and young people to ensure that each event is successfully executed.
Getting more volunteers: Reaching out to your network and spreading the word about GT Scholars and the work we do. This is to attract more volunteers and potential sponsors to support the cause.
Fundraising: Use your network or skills to reach more sponsors and potential partners who want to improve social mobility.
Corporate contacts: Use your network or skills to spread the word about GT Scholars and reach more volunteers and potential sponsors.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About CARAS:
CARAS is a leading refugee charity in Southwest London, providing firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives. Arriving as an asylum seeker in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives.
We provide person-centred educational, social and casework support to over 600 young people and adults across South London each year, recognising the moment of arrival as one of opportunity. Our work provides individuals with essential support to build language and employability skills, develop social networks and friendships, and access essential services such as legal and mental health services. Our work has multi-generational impact, providing forced migrants with early interventions to support language and skill acquisition, tackling the root causes of socio-economic marginalisation by supporting social inclusion and future labour market access.
Volunteering with CARAS – our Community of Welcome:
CARAS has a proud history of volunteers helping us deliver our charitable aims. Volunteers are an essential part of the CARAS community, bringing skills, insights, experience, different languages, and enthusiasm to the roles. Community members tell us the welcome by volunteers is so important in an often hostile world. It helps them feel safe and wanted. Community is at the heart of all we do, and we could not deliver the projects we do without the enormous contribution that volunteers bring.
About CARAS Adult Programme:
Alongside educational and casework support, CARAS has a thriving social program of weekly activities, from women’s yoga, to creative coffee afternoons, sports sessions and workshops, designed and built in collaboration with our community, volunteers and local partners. Most people we work with in the adult team are waiting for a decision on their asylum claim, are accommodated in cramped and inadequate hotels contracted by the Home Office for up to – and sometimes more than – 2 years whilst they wait for a decision on their asylum claim. During this time, they are eligible for only £8.86 per week and are prohibited from working. This is an incredibly stressful and disempowering period for those seeking asylum. Against this backdrop, our social activities exist as spaces of welcome, for people to come and make meaningful connections, build confidence and importantly – have fun!
About the Trips and Holiday Activities Project:
Alongside our weekly timetable of term time activities, we run trips across London during the school holidays. These are always chosen and planned together with our community members, and so far have included trips to famous parks, museums, galleries, and the theatre. We know from our community members how important these trips are; they are a chance to explore parts of the city that would otherwise be inaccessible, and to feel more at home in the city. As one community member told us, ‘to discover new places…this makes us feel included’. They are an opportunity to learn something new with others, to meet new people, relax and have fun.
About the Role:
To support us with these trips and holiday activities, we are looking for friendly, welcoming, enthusiastic and proactive volunteers. You will support us practically to ensure the trips run smoothly and on time, but also will be an essential part of our community of welcome – to chat and get to know our community members, and make sure everyone feels included and is having a good time.
We intend to hold 2 trips in the Easter holidays, and up to 5 trips in the summer holidays. These will all be in locations across London, most likely during daytime hours. We will also run a combination of adult-only and child-friendly trips across the year – this is what our community have told us they want! We usually have a group of 10-20 community members and will always have at least one CARAS staff member present too.
Ideally, we are looking for volunteers who are flexible during school holidays and can attend at least 3 trips throughout the year, though we may consider those who might only be able to volunteer on a one-off basis.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
To attend CARAS trips as and when you are available to do so.
To support with the logistics of travelling to and from the trip location.
To keep an eye on the general health and wellbeing of our Community Members and report any concerns to the CARAS staff member present.
To encourage positive connections between people and the places we are visiting, opening up conversations to learn about each other.
On family-friendly trips, to assist where needed with the supervision of children present (alongside parents)
Requirements – Essential:
To be 18 years or older;
To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;
To be reliable and punctual;
To be welcoming, friendly part of the group, and to make sure our community members have the best and most fruitful time possible at the locations we visit.
Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;
Current resident of the UK;
Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;
Able to complete compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding via 2 self-paced induction training webinars prior to the start of role;
Requirements – Desirable:
Knowledge of community languages, such as Farsi, Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Somali and Spanish.
Through volunteering with us you will gain:
An opportunity to connect with and learn from a vibrant and diverse community of people who are new to the city;
A chance to share your knowledge of the city and places of interest with our community;
A deeper understanding of the experiences, challenges, and strengths of those seeking asylum here;
A deeper understanding of language-inclusive practices in multi-lingual groups;
Develop your skills and competencies;
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.
About Youth Club:
Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games.
Youth club takes place at Tooting Hub- Beechcroft Road, Tooting, SW17 7BU.
About Sports Programme:
We work in partnership with Fulham Kicks to run a football session every Monday. We provide 1:1 sports advice to help build confidence and remove barriers by supporting young people to plan their journeys and accompanying them to join their first sessions. We find new sessions for young people at youth clubs, gyms and other sports providers. We arrange frequent trips to offer new sports to our young people including: boxing, yoga, trampolining and hopefully to go-karting.
We will also deliver a research project to sports providers, local authorities, support networks and other young people. The project will detail: (1) the accessibility barriers to sports faced by young people, (2) methods of best practice on including young refugees and asylum seekers, (3) funding and support options available from local authorities, and (4) what participatory 1:1 support looks like for young people.
About the role:
As a sports program volunteer, you would be helping young people to travel safely around London, to feel welcome in the city, to join in with sports activities where possible and to inspire young people to take part in sports. You will need to go on group trips to external sports providers and to attend our youth club occasionally. We welcome volunteers with any level of sporting ability, the only thing necessary is to be willing to give some sports a go when it is possible. Please note, some sessions you attend will be only for under 18’s, and so you will not always be allowed to take part, and then your role will only be to accompany. We are very happy to be flexible regarding which sessions you attend according to your interests.
We ask for a commitment of at least 1-2 sports sessions or youth club evenings every month. Our youth club runs every Wednesday from 6.00-8.00pm, the external sports trips will usually be weekday evenings. We are able to be flexible according to your schedule.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur after each session/trip.
- Providing feedback of your experience to contribute to the research project.
- To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.
- To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.
- To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.
- To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.
- To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.
- To occasionally research local sports providers to find sessions for our young people.
Requirements:
Essential:
To be 18 years or older;
- To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;
- To be reliable and punctual;
- Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;
- To be passionate about sports and helping young people to access sports.
- Current resident of the UK;
- Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;
- Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role
Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm – 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon – 2pm once every 3 months.
Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish.
Through volunteering with us you will:
- Meet new members of your local community;
- Learn about different cultures;
- Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum and their ability to access sports in London;
- Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
- Develop your skills and competencies;
- Be able to access relevant training;
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to support those feeling socially isolated and lonely within the local serving community? Could you spare a few hours a week to organise group activities that bring people together?
If so, we would love to hear from you!
What is a Community Connection Champion?
The aim of the role is to promote connection by developing and facilitating social groups and activities within the local serving community.
Tasks will include planning group activities that are sociable and of interest to the community. It also involves coordinating and delivering sessions. You will receive training and have support from a dedicated project officer as you establish a variety of groups.
What difference will you make?
Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people can find themselves feeling lonely or socially isolated, they may struggle to meet and connect with new people due to their confidence, work commitments or because they don’t live in Service Family Accommodation.
Community Connection Champions will play a vital role in tackling these challenges by creating welcoming, engaging group opportunities that bring people together.
What will you be doing?
Although every SSAFA Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Community Connection Champion:
- Creating and Planning: Working with the Project Officer to plan, develop and organise groups and activities that are best suited to their local serving community.
- Communication and Teamwork: Keeping in touch with the local Community Volunteer Coordinator and attending s meetings.
- Networking and Engagement: Reaching out with those who are interested in attending activities, providing support and encouragement for them to attend, including those who face barriers to attending.
- Facilitating group sessions: Delivering group activities in line with agreed plans, signposting attendees to external support as required and in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
- Recording and reporting on activities: Sharing activity plans with the SSAFA Project Team, tracking attendance, and encouraging attendees to complete the relevant paperwork to support Project reporting and development.
What about training and support?
- Volunteers will need to complete E-learning courses covering topics including GDPR and safeguarding plus a 1.5hr webinar which focuses on understanding the impact of loneliness and social isolation, what helps to reduce those feelings and the skills needed to develop and facilitate groups.
- Support from a dedicated Project Officer who will work with you to plan and develop the groups and activities.
- Support from your local Community Volunteer Coordinator and SSAFA’s Regional and Central Volunteer Operations colleagues.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Give back to the serving community
- Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience, helping them to build local connections.
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
- Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews, such as planning sessions, organising activities and group facilitation.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with great communication skills.
- Excellent understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
- Non-judgemental approach and alignment with SSAFA’s values
- Some experience of delivering groups sessions or team leadership is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
This role would suit someone who would like to make a regular weekly commitment of a couple of hours.
As this is a new initiative, we are keen to understand what works to support the local serving community. We expect groups to run in the evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.
A typical group might run once weekly for a 6-week period. Face to face sessions are likely to run in community venues such as community centres but we also want to explore how virtual groups can be used to support those who can’t access face to face sessions.
Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to support those feeling socially isolated and lonely within the local serving community? Could you spare a few hours a week to organise group activities that bring people together?
If so, we would love to hear from you!
What is a Community Connection Champion?
The aim of the role is to promote connection by developing and facilitating social groups and activities within the local serving community.
Tasks will include planning group activities that are sociable and of interest to the community. It also involves coordinating and delivering sessions. You will receive training and have support from a dedicated project officer as you establish a variety of groups.
What difference will you make?
Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people can find themselves feeling lonely or socially isolated, they may struggle to meet and connect with new people due to their confidence, work commitments or because they don’t live in Service Family Accommodation.
Community Connection Champions will play a vital role in tackling these challenges by creating welcoming, engaging group opportunities that bring people together.
What will you be doing?
Although every SSAFA Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Community Connection Champion:
- Creating and Planning: Working with the Project Officer to plan, develop and organise groups and activities that are best suited to their local serving community.
- Communication and Teamwork: Keeping in touch with the local Community Volunteer Coordinator and attending s meetings.
- Networking and Engagement: Reaching out with those who are interested in attending activities, providing support and encouragement for them to attend, including those who face barriers to attending.
- Facilitating group sessions: Delivering group activities in line with agreed plans, signposting attendees to external support as required and in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
- Recording and reporting on activities: Sharing activity plans with the SSAFA Project Team, tracking attendance, and encouraging attendees to complete the relevant paperwork to support Project reporting and development.
What about training and support?
- Volunteers will need to complete E-learning courses covering topics including GDPR and safeguarding plus a 1.5hr webinar which focuses on understanding the impact of loneliness and social isolation, what helps to reduce those feelings and the skills needed to develop and facilitate groups.
- Support from a dedicated Project Officer who will work with you to plan and develop the groups and activities.
- Support from your local Community Volunteer Coordinator and SSAFA’s Regional and Central Volunteer Operations colleagues.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Give back to the serving community
- Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience, helping them to build local connections.
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
- Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews, such as planning sessions, organising activities and group facilitation.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with great communication skills.
- Excellent understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
- Non-judgemental approach and alignment with SSAFA’s values
- Some experience of delivering groups sessions or team leadership is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
This role would suit someone who would like to make a regular weekly commitment of a couple of hours.
As this is a new initiative, we are keen to understand what works to support the local serving community. We expect groups to run in the evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.
A typical group might run once weekly for a 6-week period. Face to face sessions are likely to run in community venues such as community centres but we also want to explore how virtual groups can be used to support those who can’t access face to face sessions.
Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to support those feeling socially isolated and lonely within the local serving community? Could you spare a few hours a week to organise group activities that bring people together?
If so, we would love to hear from you!
What is a Community Connection Champion?
The aim of the role is to promote connection by developing and facilitating social groups and activities within the local serving community.
Tasks will include planning group activities that are sociable and of interest to the community. It also involves coordinating and delivering sessions. You will receive training and have support from a dedicated project officer as you establish a variety of groups.
What difference will you make?
Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people can find themselves feeling lonely or socially isolated, they may struggle to meet and connect with new people due to their confidence, work commitments or because they don’t live in Service Family Accommodation.
Community Connection Champions will play a vital role in tackling these challenges by creating welcoming, engaging group opportunities that bring people together.
What will you be doing?
Although every SSAFA Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Community Connection Champion:
- Creating and Planning: Working with the Project Officer to plan, develop and organise groups and activities that are best suited to their local serving community.
- Communication and Teamwork: Keeping in touch with the local Community Volunteer Coordinator and attending s meetings.
- Networking and Engagement: Reaching out with those who are interested in attending activities, providing support and encouragement for them to attend, including those who face barriers to attending.
- Facilitating group sessions: Delivering group activities in line with agreed plans, signposting attendees to external support as required and in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
- Recording and reporting on activities: Sharing activity plans with the SSAFA Project Team, tracking attendance, and encouraging attendees to complete the relevant paperwork to support Project reporting and development.
What about training and support?
- Volunteers will need to complete E-learning courses covering topics including GDPR and safeguarding plus a 1.5hr webinar which focuses on understanding the impact of loneliness and social isolation, what helps to reduce those feelings and the skills needed to develop and facilitate groups.
- Support from a dedicated Project Officer who will work with you to plan and develop the groups and activities.
- Support from your local Community Volunteer Coordinator and SSAFA’s Regional and Central Volunteer Operations colleagues.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Give back to the serving community
- Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience, helping them to build local connections.
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
- Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews, such as planning sessions, organising activities and group facilitation.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with great communication skills.
- Excellent understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
- Non-judgemental approach and alignment with SSAFA’s values
- Some experience of delivering groups sessions or team leadership is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
This role would suit someone who would like to make a regular weekly commitment of a couple of hours.
As this is a new initiative, we are keen to understand what works to support the local serving community. We expect groups to run in the evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.
A typical group might run once weekly for a 6-week period. Face to face sessions are likely to run in community venues such as community centres but we also want to explore how virtual groups can be used to support those who can’t access face to face sessions.
Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the Role
We are looking for a Volunteer to assist in the running of the daily programme of activities at Headway East London. The Day Service is a new opportunity for people living with brain injury in the East London area to join our community.
Volunteering with us, you’ll get involved in the fun and creative activities going on at our Day Service. Every week is different: you could help in our art studio, assist in the kitchen or take part in a music session. You’ll be supporting our members one-to-one and in groups. You don’t need any special skills or knowledge, we’ll give you the induction you need, and support is always on hand, with regular volunteer meetings, training sessions and supervision.
Main Duties
- To help Headway staff manage the activity programme for each member by offering one-to-one support or in small groups.
- To assist members with specific activities that prove challenging for them i.e., using computers, cooking, engaging in art activities.
- To initiate discussion, games or activities and encourage members to take part.
- To help floor staff around lunch time (food preps. setting up tables, dishing out and serving food).
- To assist with keeping the Headway centre safe, clean, and tidy all times by taking on tasks such as collecting and washing cups, tidying up resources' shelves, wiping tables before lunch etc…
- To inform floor staff about activities undertaken with members and any significant changes in mood or behaviour. To take members to social events and outings and being able to assist individuals needing to use a wheelchair.
- To undergo training as required and attend volunteer debriefs and supervision. To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.
Person Specification
- Aged 18 or over.
- Experience working with people clear and sensitive communication.
- Ability to relate well to people on a one-to-one basis and be sympathetic to others’ situations.
- Willing to participate in a variety of activities appropriate for our members.
- Prepared to lead an activity with a small group of members.
- Committed to the values, vision, and objectives of Headway East London.
- Committed to equal opportunity and able to maintain confidentiality.
Commitment
The role requires a minimum commitment of at least 4 months,anyday from Monday to Friday between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Volunteers need to sign a volunteer agreement and confidentiality form.
Training/Support
Each volunteer is given an induction which includes information on health & safety, fire precautions, confidentiality, equal opportunities, and a brief outline of the long-term effects of head injury.
As part of this role, you will receive ongoing support and you will have the opportunity to gain experience in Health and Social Care.
- To fully support our volunteers in their role we provide: regular volunteer meetings.
- Training sessions delivered by our specialist staff a regular debrief session.
- One to one supervision starting after the first 4 months and yearly appraisal meetings.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the Role
We are looking for a Volunteer to assist in the running of our new Wednesday Evening Service programme of activities at Headway East London. The Evening Service is a new opportunity for people living with brain injury in the East London area to join our community.
Volunteering with us, you’ll get involved in the fun and creative activities going on at our Evening Service. Every week is different: you could help in our art studio, assist in the kitchen or take part in a music session. You’ll be supporting our members one-to-one and in groups. You don’t need any special skills or knowledge, we’ll give you the induction you need, and support is always on hand, with regular volunteer meetings, training sessions and supervision.
Main Duties
- To help Headway staff manage the activity programme for each member by offering one-to-one support or in small groups.
- To assist members with specific activities that prove challenging for them i.e., using computers, cooking, engaging in art activities.
- To initiate discussion, games or activities and encourage members to take part.
- To help floor staff around dinner time (food preps. setting up tables, dishing out and serving food).
- To assist with keeping the Headway centre safe, clean, and tidy all times by taking on tasks such as collecting and washing cups, tidying up resources' shelves, wiping tables before lunch etc…
- To inform floor staff about activities undertaken with members and any significant changes in mood or behaviour. To take members to social events and outings and being able to assist individuals needing to use a wheelchair.
- To undergo training as required and attend volunteer debriefs and supervision. To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.
Person Specification
- Aged 18 or over.
- Experience working with people clear and sensitive communication.
- Ability to relate well to people on a one-to-one basis and be sympathetic to others’ situations.
- Willing to participate in a variety of activities appropriate for our members.
- Prepared to lead an activity with a small group of members.
- Committed to the values, vision, and objectives of Headway East London.
- Committed to equal opportunity and able to maintain confidentiality.
Commitment
The role requires a minimum commitment of at least 4 months, every Wednesday from 3.30pm to 8.30pm. Volunteers need to sign a volunteer agreement and confidentiality form.
Training/Support
Each volunteer is given an induction which includes information on health & safety, fire precautions, confidentiality, equal opportunities, and a brief outline of the long-term effects of head injury.
As part of this role, you will receive ongoing support and you will have the opportunity to gain experience in Health and Social Care.
- To fully support our volunteers in their role we provide: regular volunteer meetings.
- Training sessions delivered by our specialist staff a regular debrief session.
- One to one supervision starting after the first 4 months and yearly appraisal meetings.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
GOT groups are a growing division of Sense that cater for children between 6 and 16 with complex needs. We provide a 4 hour social setting which caters for children and families who need respite. We offer activities such as games, puzzles, arts and crafts, experiments, cookery and sensory play. We aim to tailor sessions to the needs, interests and abilities of the children we support and put pupil voice at the center of all we do.
As a volunteer you'll make sure that everyone has a great time and can make the most of the activities on offer. You'll need lots of energy, a warm and welcoming personality and to be happy getting stuck in to a wide range of tasks and activities, all of which make sure that everyone has the best day they can together.
What your role will involve
- Taking part in activities alongside disabled young people. You could be joining creative activities, movement or sports session, trips out in to the local community or seasonal themed activities.
- Helping to set up the activities at the start of the day, clear away at the end and keep activities safe, clean and running smoothly throughout.
- Helping to welcome young people to the group, find their way around and between activities, enjoy breaks and lunchtime and generally have a great day with the team and Sense.
A basic / enhanced Disclosure & Barring check will be required for this volunteer role.
Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:
- Fun and friendly and confident to meet and spend time with disabled young people.
- Willing to develop the knowledge and skills to communicate with young people who have multi sensory impairments and who may use a wide range of communication methods
- Able to work well in a team and be flexible about the role you play during the day depending on what’s needed by individuals and activities
- Reliable and punctual.
- Committed to providing support in a way that offers choice, independence and dignity
- We welcome volunteers of all ages to this role who are able to create an inclusive and welcoming peer environment for everyone involved in the group.
What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?
- Induction information to prepare you for your role, a briefing at the start of each event, and lots of on-site support and guidance from our experienced staff team who will be running the day
- Agreed out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed, in line with Sense policy
- The chance to get to know new people, try new activities in your local community and to have lots of fun taking part together
- To develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with children and young people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairment
- To know you’re part of a passionate and committed team making a big difference to how young people are able to get the most out of both new and favourite activities and to have a great time together.
- If you are 16 or 17 we will ask to make contact with a parent or other appropriate adult to share details of your volunteering role, timings and contact / emergency information.
About us
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you love arts & culture? Passionate about combatting loneliness & isolation in care homes? Arts at Home is looking for volunteers to bring joy and pleasure to residents in care homes by delivering art sessions.
Volunteers (in pairs) will lead a one-hour engaging and participatory sessions discussing works of art with a group of residents and care staff.
There are several places in London where you can volunteer with us, including Battersea, Dalston, Limehouse, Bow, Shepherd's Bush, St. James's Park, Surrey Quays, Tottenham Hale.
Why You'll Love It:
- You will connect with your local community - especially isolated older residents.
- You will learn how to deliver arts sessions with an engaging, conversation-led approach using our 'Arts at Home' toolkit.
- You will become part of Art Explora's volunteer network.
- You will witness how arts and culture supports people's mental health and well-being.
What You'll Learn:
- How to deliver arts sessions in a care home enivronment using an engaging, conversation led approach.
- Skills around communication and dementia.
- Arts education tools.
- About the UK adult social care sector.
- Hows arts and culture supports mental health and well-being.
What We're Looking For:
- Passionate about arts and culture.
- Friendly and confident talking to people of all ages.
- Strong communication skills.
- Interest in arts education.
- Teamworking skills.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Trustee – Role Description
Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Together for Short Lives achieves its core purpose – to ensure every child, and their family, has high quality children’s palliative and end of life care, when and where they need it.
They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Together for Short Lives has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable the charity to deliver its work.
Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.
Duties:
· Support and provide advice on Together for Short Lives’ purpose, vision, strategy and activities.
· Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
· Oversee Together for Short Lives’ financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
· Review and approve the charity’s financial statements.
· Provide support and challenge to the Chief Executive and Leadership Team in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
· Keep abreast of changes in Together for Short Lives’ operating environment.
· Contribute to regular reviews of the charity’s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
· Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect the interests of Together for Short Lives, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
· Contribute to the broader promotion of the charity’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.
There will also be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
What we are looking for
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.
Personal skills and qualities
· 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.
· Leadership experience and knowledge
· Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
· A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
· Personal commitment and enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
· Willingness to lead according to our values - Putting children and families at the heart of everything we do; Ambitious; Collaborative and Inclusive and Open.
Terms of appointment
Terms of office
· Trustees are appointed for a three year term of office, renewal for a further term of three years.
· This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
Time commitment
· Attending a minimum of four Board meetings a year.
· Attending an annual strategy and planning day
· Participating in one of our sub-Committees as appropriate
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.