Social Care Development Volunteer Roles

Are you always ready with a smile?

Are you a "people person"?

Then why not join our fun and friendly Coventry volunteer team ?

Purpose of the role?

People with a learning disability or additional needs are often isolated and excluded from mainstream leisure and social activities.  Our adult citizens want to enjoy social & leisure activities with their friends, and by giving just a little time each month, you can help them do that.

What would I be doing?

You will help us to support a small group of people to enjoy a variety of activities including:

· Going to a local café or browsing the shops

· Going to the pub, restaurant, or cinema

· Activities such ten-pin bowling, visiting a park or attending a local event.

This is a nice, light touch way to make a difference, have fun and gain valuable experience. Expenses are reimbursed.

What do I need?

To be a volunteer you need to be

· Friendly

· Calm and patient

· A good listener

· Accepting of people who may be different to you

· Happy to chat

· Willing to learn and act within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap

· An enhanced DBS check and references will be required

.       No experience of support work is needed.

When and where do you need me?

· Once or twice a month in the Coventry area

· Days and times to be arranged with the group (may include evenings and weekends)

What’s in it for me?

As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:

• The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities

and their family carers

• Any training and development that is needed

• The chance to develop your skills and gain experience

• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team

• Support within your role

• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses

• Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

• Positive wellbeing from doing something great

• Improve career opportunities by adding your volunteer role to a CV

Volunteers wanted for our vibrant Friday Club for adults with learning disabilities/difficulties.

With around 60-70 members attending each week, we are in need of enthusiastic volunteers to help support our evening and provide our members with a smooth and trouble free evening from start to finish.

Usually entertainment ranges from disco evenings/live music/ karaoke/bingo and raffles in our main hall and more laid back activities in our small hall such as crafting, yoga or tai chi.

No formal experience/training required but an understanding of learning difficulties would be useful.

DBS checks will be carried out for all volunteers.

Please get in touch for more details.

Our partner promotes and supports people across Buckinghamshire to be more involved in how health and social care services are planned and delivered in their communities, with a view to improving local people’s experiences.

They are seeking a new Treasurer to lead the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to protect the financial integrity of the organisation, and to provide support and guidance on financial matters to the Chief Executive and their team.

The role requires proven experience in financial planning, management and reporting and the ability to plan, prepare and chair effective meetings of the Finance Committee. Successful candidates should have some experience of the voluntary and/or charity sector, and have a passion for promoting better outcomes in health and social care for all.

Board members are asked to commit between eight and twelve hours each month to Board matters, including travelling to different locations within Buckinghamshire for quarterly Board meetings.

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For more Trustee & Treasurer roles, please visit the AfID website.

Creative Support is a national social care and supported housing provider with charitable status. We offer high quality, personalised care and support services for younger adults and older people with a wide range of needs, including learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and physical disabilities. We also deliver innovative preventative services for people at risk of homelessness and social exclusion. We support people to overcome challenges and live their best lives.

Creative Support is one of the largest not-for-profit providers of social care in the UK. We are proud to have been providing great services since 1991. We currently support over 6,000 people a year in 70 local authorities across England and employ around 5,000 dedicated staff. Creative Support has an annual turnover of over £160 million. We are registered as a provider of social housing, with a supported housing portfolio of over 1,000 homes. We own significant housing assets, all of which are dedicated to providing great homes for the people we support.

We have recently completed an extensive external governance review which concluded that ‘Creative Support is a high performing and effective organisation which is well led by the Board and the Executive.’ We are embarking on a new 3 year strategic plan to build on our success and further develop our activities.

We are now seeking to recruit new trustees to the Board. We are seeking well motivated people who have an enthusiasm for our work and can offer a commitment to our charitable purpose, person-centred values and to co-production with the people we support. We require trustees who can demonstrate vision, knowledge, skills and relevant experience. Prior experience in a trustee or governance role is not essential as we will provide personalised training as required.

We are particularly keen to attract applicants who have senior operational management experience in social care. We are also pleased to receive applications from people from other professional backgrounds or with personal or family experience of using support services and we welcome applications from people with transferable skills and experience gained in the charitable, public or private sectors.

You will contribute to the effective governance and oversight of our organisation and to developing our strategic direction. This will involve attending at least 6 evening Board meetings per annum (held bi-monthly), the Annual General Meeting and occasional planning days.

You will be expected to contribute to a committee relevant to your area of interest and expertise (currently these are Finance & Audit, Housing, People & Performance and Quality & Practice Development). Committee Meetings are also held bi-monthly. Board meetings are held in our Head Office in Stockport, situated close to the mainline train station, whilst committee meetings currently take place on-line.

You will be encouraged to attend events, visit services and to meet with our staff, our tenants and the people we support.

In return for your valuable time and expertise we can offer you the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding role and to contribute to the future success of a thriving national charitable social care organisation with a strong person-centred purpose and ethos.

Creative Support is an Investor in People ‘Gold’ employer and Stonewall Diversity Champion. We are a welcoming and inclusive organisation, committed to increasing the representation on the Board of people from BAME and LGBTQ+ groups and those with a disability. We have zero tolerance for racism and discrimination.

The role of trustee is a voluntary position for which we pay reasonable expenses. We also support trustees with induction and on-going training.

We can send you a copy of our most recent Annual Report & Accounts - available via the FCA Mutuals Website, type in Creative Support and search under ‘documents’. You will find all previous annual reports and accounts listed and these can be viewed or downloaded at no cost. 

Please note that Creative Support is a Community Benefit Society with charitable status registered with the FCA, not a company or registered charity so you will not be able to access information about Creative Support via Companies House or the Charity Commission.

Applications will be considered when they are received.

Our Mission

Creative Support promotes independence, inclusion, and wellbeing. We do this by working with the people we support, their families and others to meet individual needs and aspirations in a person-centred way. We provide high quality homes and support, enabling people to say:

· I live my best life in a place I call home

· I feel listened to, respected and valued

· I enjoy choices and rights and have control over my life

· I am supported to feel safe

· I am doing the things that matter to me

· I enjoy relationships with others

· I am connected to my community

· I am supported with my wellbeing

· I feel able to reach my full potential

We Care Values

Our We Care values underpin everything we do at Creative Support. We are:

Welcoming
Empowering

Compassionate

Aspirational

Respectful

Effective

About the opportunity

We are seeking committed vegetarians and vegans to join our volunteer board of trustees.

Vegetarian for Life (VfL) is the only UK charity specifically dedicated to supporting older vegetarians and vegans. If you share our belief that all older people should be enabled to maintain their chosen diet and lifestyle, have access to trusted information on healthy eating and rights, and enjoy good quality food wherever they live, this role may be of interest to you.

Our trustees work with the CEO of VfL and its operational team to ensure good governance and realise the strategic aims and development of this unique charity. VfL has experienced sustained growth and impact since it was formed in 2007 and is highly respected for the breadth and quality of its work across care, advocacy, and catering sectors.

We are a small board who regularly review skills and experience across our membership to ensure we optimise our effectiveness in supporting the charity. In anticipation of members completing their tenure in 2025, including our present chair/vice-chair, we seek new trustees to sustain VfL’s success and progress in the years ahead. While interested in diverse backgrounds, we would be especially keen to hear from those with specific experience in any of the following:

• Working in health, nutrition, social care relating to older people (voluntary or statutory sector).
• Previous or existing role as trustee of a charity or organisation connected to supporting older people.
• Roles relating to capacity building or business development.

The role of trustee is a voluntary one although expenses are paid when incurred in connection with the role. The board meets quarterly, mainly via video conferencing but with at least one meeting a year in Manchester where VfL is based. Full board meetings are held on a Saturday. Some communications occur between meetings (usually by WhatsApp or email) and occasionally additional (short) meetings are required to make decisions timeously – these will always be scheduled by arrangement with members.

To be considered for this role 

You should have the skills and experience outlined above and be committed to the aims of VfL. You should be able to articulate the contribution you believe you can make to furthering these aims.

Our Vision for 2025

Business Development

• 1 in 6 UK care homes will be a member of VfL’s UK List. 1 in 100 will be VfL accredited. The first port-of-call for help and advice for those supporting older veg*ns.

Research and Policy

• A key voice in the 'choice and dignity' debate about care homes and their residents.

Supporter Services

• Responsive to the wishes, hopes and aspirations of all veg*ns in later life across the UK. Their first port-of-call for help and advice. Actively supporting the trends for reduction in meat consumption across all age groups.

To apply 
Please send a covering letter along with a CV of no more than 2 pages FAO Chair, Dr Barbara Sharp. We usually offer an informal chat about the role to applicants in the first instance prior to a formal recruitment process including interview.

Are you always ready to smile ?

Are you a "people person" ?

Then join our friendly volunteer team and help others to have fun whilst you have fun.

Purpose of the role?

People with a learning disability or additional needs are often isolated and excluded from mainstream leisure and social activities. We believe that EVERYONE has the right to have fun and feel safe.

Our adult citizens want to enjoy social & leisure activities with their friends, and by giving just a little time each month, you can help them do that.

What would I be doing?

We have a regular weekly activity, and also a fun monthly disco - choose the hours that suit you.

At our weekly social night and monthly disco we really want everyone to feel welcome, included and to have a great time.

We need you to be a friendly face for our citizens, chatting and helping them to get involved and have a great time.

 What skills do I need?

· A lively and friendly personality to ensure a happy atmosphere.

· Accepting of people who may be different to you.

· Happy to chat.

· Willing to learn and act within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap.

· Good time management skills, reliability.

· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.

When and where do you need me?

Choose what suits you.

Our weekly social group meets on a Tuesday evening between 6pm - 8pm

Walsall Disability Centre. Lichfield St. WS1 1TU

Our Monthly disco is on the last thursday of the month between 7pm - 9pm

Pelsall Community Centre. Station Rd, Pelsall, Walsall WS3 4BQ

What’s in it for me?

As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:

• The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities

and their family carers

• An induction and settling in period

• Any training and development that is needed

• The chance to develop your skills and gain experience

• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team

• Support within your role

• Any out-of-pocket travel expenses

• Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

• Positive wellbeing from doing something great

• Improve career opportunities by adding your volunteer role to a CV

Do you have a love for organising events? We are looking for passionate volunteers to join us and support us to coordinate events across Hestia! You will be the driving force behind organising and supporting us with the management of our events.

What you will be doing

• Researching event spaces
• Supporting with various tasks related to our events program.
• Help delivering events on event days

The skills you need

• Good communication verbal and written skills
• Good organisational skills
• Willingness and desire to learn about event management
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive environment
• Good IT knowledge and skills

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Do you have the passion and commitment to support women experiencing Domestic Abuse to reach a place of safety? We are recruiting volunteers to support our Refuge Referral Line team, which supports women and children experiencing domestic abuse to find a safe, secure, and suitable refuge space across London.

You will join a team of trained staff and volunteers to support women to make a referral, and ensure they have the knowledge and are informed of the best options to reach safety. You will be supporting women and children to rebuild their lives free from fear!

What you will be doing

• Taking calls to assess the risks and needs of the women fleeing from domestic abuse whilst under supervision/guidance of the Referral Line Worker and the Service Manager
• To use a range of skills and tools to make phone conversations with women effective and empowering
• To provide women with knowledge of how to access refuge space and other types of support with the aid of a trained staff team
• General admin support: typing, taking notes, filing, scanning documents, keeping accurate records on our digitalised client management syste
• To develop positive relationships with staff members and women whilst promoting self-care
• Engage, support, and interact with women from a diverse range of needs and backgrounds

The skills you need

• A desire to provide support to women who are in crisis due to domestic abuse
• Always maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Calm, patient approach with empathy and a willingness to listen without judgement
• To have a willingness to learn about supporting women impacted by domestic abuse with a diverse range of needs/ backgrounds
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Good time-management
• Experience of using email, internet, and other digital IT skills

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Are you an experienced and qualified nutritionist and would like to inspire others by sharing your knowledge? We are looking for a Nutrition and Exercise Volunteer to share with others their knowledge of how to make healthy meals on a budget and simple exercises. Having a healthy diet has shown to have positive effects on mental health and can reduce inflammation as well as alter neurotransmitters to reduce symptoms of depression.

What you will be doing

• Providing nutritional advise on how to prepare quick healthy meals on a budget
• Answering nutrition-based questions and promoting the benefits of eating healthily
• Providing quick and easy exercise sessions to a small group of people

The skills you need

• Qualified nutritionist/ relevant fitness qualification
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing.

You will support individuals who struggle to communicate with others and help them to reconnect with their local community. You will support to relight a spark in a hobby, interest or encourage individuals to explore and participate in new social activities.

Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age or family situation.

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals

The skills you need

• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Willingness to engage in activities in the community
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries
• To be consistent in attendance

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Could you be our Chair of Age International and a Trustee of Age UK?

This unique dual role offers the opportunity to lead both Age International and Age UK in improving the lives of older people around the world, as they work together to achieve our shared vision of a world where every older person is included and valued.

Age International is a charity which responds to the needs, and promotes the rights, of older people, focused on those facing challenging situations in low and middle-income countries. Striving for a world where older people are respected and valued, their voices are heard, their contributions are recognised, their needs are met, and their human rights are realised.

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK, we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations.

Age International and Age UK are leading organisations focussed on older people.

In a rapidly aging world, where the over 55s make up the fastest growing group in society, our shared work on improving attitudes towards older people and their rights is more important than ever. We focus on enabling older people to access health and social care, and a sufficient income for a dignified life, in the UK and across international emergency and long-term development contexts.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who meet the essential criteria and are passionate about our cause. This could be shown through working, or volunteering, in the international development sector or through involvement in advocating for older people’s rights.

Age International has a Board of nine Trustees, who bring a range of relevant skills and experience, including a Vice Chair and Trustees who lead on specialist areas such as Safeguarding. Age UK has a Board of thirteen Trustees, committed professionals with skills spanning advocacy, social care, health policy, fundraising, change management, finance, housing, brand and marketing, international development, digital transformation, strategy and business management.

Please see the attached role description for further information, a full version of the role requirements is also available on the Age International and Age UK websites.

Terms of appointment:

This role will be appointed for a period of two years, after which the role-holder may be re-appointed for a maximum of two further terms of three years. The position is voluntary, but all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed by the charities. Each Board meets four times a year (quarterly), usually in London, and it is possible to join some meetings online. The overall time commitment is anticipated to be, on average, 2 days per month plus preparation time. 

We are only able to consider candidates based in the UK for this opportunity.

Must haves:

• Experience as Chair of a Board of Trustees or as a Trustee
• A commitment to the vision, mission and values of Age International and Age UK
• Commitment to and passion for improving later life in the UK and around the world
• Experience in the UK international development / humanitarian sector
• Capacity to absorb complex information presented orally and in writing
• Capacity for strategic and critical thinking, objectivity, impartiality
• Ability to act as a team player and commitment to debating issues openly and challenging colleagues and executives appropriately
• Ability to recognise and handle appropriately potential conflicts of interest.
• Ability to make high quality decisions based on a clear line of sight into the organisations
• Ability to uphold the highest standards of integrity and probity
• Ability to provide coherent oversight and leadership, including representing the charities and understanding the views of our stakeholders
• Willingness to commit the time required
• Ability to travel to visit the programme work supported by Age International in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

Great to haves:

• Leadership experience in a large organisation
• Previous skills and experience relating to matters impacting older people
• Ability to understand charity finances.

Additional Information: 

All applications will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role with Age International.  Please note that our system is unable to anonymise cover letters, and we would therefore ask that to support the work we are doing on making our recruitment selection process fairer and more unbiased, that you remove any personal information from your cover letter/supporting statement, including your name before uploading this.  All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us once you are invited for an interview.

Age International is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing.

You will support individuals who struggle to communicate with others and help them to reconnect with their local community. You will support to relight a spark in a hobby, interest or encourage individuals to explore and participate in new social activities.

Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age or family situation.

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• To advocate for our Service User if any issues arise with their tenancy or other issues that may need resolving

The skills you need

• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Willingness to engage in activities in the community
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries
• To be consistent in attendance

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

We are looking for experienced volunteers to support with sessions teaching about sewing and designing, touching on things such as pattern cuttings and sewing techniques.

Hestia provides mental health support across 17 London boroughs and in Kent. Last year, Hestia supported more than 6,000 people across our mental health services.

What you will be doing

• To prepare sewing sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their sewing skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities
• Sharing skills for designing such as pattern cutting and sewing techniques.

The skills you need

• Good communications skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Maintain discretion and judgement when dealing with sensitive and/or confidential information

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Do you enjoy walking, meeting others and having a good chat? If so, we have the perfect volunteering role for you?

Facilitating a weekly walking group, you will contribute to a timetable to support people to reduce isolation, improve their physical activity, self-care and create a community for them to come together to build connections and friendships.

Join our team and inspire others to exercise through a weekly walk. You will create an opportunity for people to support each other, provide that additional boost to exercise and go for a walk even when they may not be feeling the motivation. 

What you will be doing

• Coordinate and facilitate weekly walks in local parks to the service alongside other volunteers
• Meet with the walking group weekly
• Hold conversations with people attending the group, checking in on their wellbeing and providing a listening ear/friendly face
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• Meet at a designated point and travel via public transport to a local park

The skills you need

• Inspire and motivate people to attend the walking group
• Ability to identify, manage any possible risks that may arise during the walking group. Training will be provided
• Willing and able to go on a weekly walk lasting approximately 60-90 minutes
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun