Social Welfare Volunteer Roles
South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments, including a Treasurer. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, primarily, but not solely, in counties across the South of England.
SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire and Portsmouth. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.
We work with people from all walks of life and have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.
We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.
The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.
We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:
• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of , or working in, diverse or minority communities.
• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services
• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been victims of hate crime
• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector
• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people
• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills
• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience
• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team
· For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.
Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.
Please note that for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check.
If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Please contact Sarah Gibson for further information on how to apply.
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!
Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for adults and children to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?
At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained.
We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.
Engaging in gardening has shown to have both immediate and long-term effects on mental health. Gardening for several hours has been known to reduce depression, stress and anxiety.
What you will be doing:
- Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
- To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
- Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
- Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
- Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
- Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
- Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities
The skills you need:
- A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools
- Calm and patient approach
- Good communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you be a star baker, master chef or perhaps you simply enjoy baking or cooking! We are recruiting for a volunteer to join our team supporting individuals to learn new recipes together as a group.
Baking and cooking helps to relax, get creative and indulge in our senses. Often, it can spark nostalgia and helps us to recreate positive experiences or memories. Inspire and motivate people in our services to do something that brings joy, an opportunity to learn new skills whilst connecting with others over sharing baked goods and delicious meals.
What you will be doing
- Research and plan new recipes for cooking/baking sessions in collaboration with the group each week
- Encourage individuals to participate in the sessions and delegate cooking tasks
- Support individuals to shop for ingredients needed for the session
- Support individuals each week in setting up for the sessions and tidying away afterwards
- Encourage individuals to participate in all aspects of the planning and attendance
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team
The skills you need
- Food Safety Certificate/knowledge or willingness to complete relevant training
- Passion and knowledge of healthy eating and cooking
- Ability to engage, encourage and motivate individuals to participate in sessions
- Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
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!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about singing and would like to empower others to use their voices in a choir?
We are recruiting for a Choir Support and Engagement Volunteer at our Dame Gertrude Young House which supports men who have mental health needs. Choirs have shown to reduce stress levels and depression as well as creating a sense of togetherness. We are looking for a volunteer who loves singing and is willing to get involved, whilst also encouraging our service users to participate and sing together! Your role will also involve supporting service users getting to and from the venue.
Volunteering with Hestia will mean that you will play a key role in promoting strategies for positive wellbeing and recovery through music and singing!
What you will be doing
- Encourage service users to get involved in the choir and sing together.
- Participating in the choir
- Supporting service users with getting to and from the venue
The skills you need
- Good communication skills
- Interest in singing
- Fun and friendly personality to be able to engage our service users
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
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
***This is an unpaid volunteer role***
A crucial volunteer role at the centre, volunteer Centre Assistants help out at least one morning 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
• A morning per week: volunteers must commit for at least six months
• Monday-Friday between the hours 9:30am – 1:00pm
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!
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
***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
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!
Do you enjoy organising? Would you like to play a key role in making sure things get done!
You will have the opportunity to support staff with a wide range of desk-based and administrative and reception based tasks. These roles provide essential support in ensuring that those who we work with access the support they require to rebuild their lives beyond crisis.
What you will be doing
- To support with administration, texting and emailing information to service users, volunteers, and staff.
- Support with updating and inputting data into spreadsheets.
- Support with making phone calls to follow up and gather needed information.
- To support the team with covering the reception desk, and dealing with enquiries from people arriving at the service/office.
The skills you need
- Good communication skills
- Good organisation and administrative skills
- Able to maintain good working relationships.
- Basic IT skills, comfortable using spreadsheets and emailing
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
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!
Do you have a music therapy background and would like to support individuals experiencing crisis and find alternative ways to express themselves through music?
You will be working with people who may struggle with communicating their feelings, thoughts, may require support looking at a problem, situation in a new way, explore a difficult or painful experience.
What you will be doing
- Develop and coordinate music therapy sessions weekly, through one to one or small group sessions
- Inspire and motivate individuals to take part in the sessions and take a role in planning/designing upcoming sessions
- Create a safe space and session plans for individuals to express themselves
- In group workshops, encourage members of the group to connect and relate to each other through expression of music
- Work alongside our staff team to set therapeutic objectives, goals and provide feedback on progress
- Encourage individuals to continue independent activities beyond the session
The skills you need
- A qualified music therapist/ relevant qualifications
- A strong knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of psychotherapy and the role art can play in recovery
- Calm and patient approach
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
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.
***This is an unpaid voluntary role***
A crucial volunteer role at the centre, volunteer Reception Helpers help out at least one morning 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
- A morning per week: volunteers must commit for at least six months
- Monday-Friday between the hours 9:30am – 1:00pm
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!
Are you a qualified Yoga Instructor who would enjoy facilitating weekly sessions to help individuals with their general well-being. This is an opportunity for you to share techniques with others.
Practicing yoga has been shown to increase mindfulness not just in class session, but in other areas of a person's life.
What you will be doing
- Design session plans enabling all group members to increase fitness, suppleness and help them relax
- Teach the group yoga postures and breathing techniques which allow a range of mixed ages and abilities to participate
- Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group activities where possible and encourage the group to help design future sessions
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team
The skills you need
- Skilled and qualified Yoga Instructor
- Good communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you have an art therapy background and would like to support individuals experiencing crisis and find alternative ways to express themselves through art?
You will be working with small groups of people who may struggle with communicating their feelings, thoughts, may require support looking at a problem, situation in a new way, explore a difficult or painful experience.
What you will be doing
- Develop and coordinate art therapy sessions weekly, through one to one or group sessions
- Inspire and motivate individuals to take part in the sessions and take a role in planning/designing upcoming sessions
- Create a safe space and session plans for individuals to express themselves
- In group workshops, encourage members of the group to connect and relate to each other through expression of art
- Work alongside our staff team to set therapeutic objectives, goals and provide feedback on progress
- Encourage individuals to continue independent activities beyond the session
The skills you need
- A qualified art therapist with relevant qualifications
- A strong knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of psychotherapy and the role art can play in recovery
- Calm and patient approach
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are recruiting for a volunteer who would like to play a role in helping others to express themselves through writing. Would you like to support others to use their imagination to portray a message?
What you will be doing
- To prepare creative writing sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
- Inspire and motivate individuals to develop and expand their capacity to think creatively, improve their ability to put their thoughts and feelings into writing and allowing others to find their voice
- Encourage individuals to continue independent activities
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team
The skills you need
- Experience of creative writing either in a professional, educational or personal level
- Able to collaborate with individuals to plan creative writing sessions
- A calm and patient manner
- Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
- Good communication 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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoy singing and listening to all genres of music? We have an exciting volunteering role for someone who would like to give back to the community by facilitating a music and singing group!
Research suggests that music can stimulate the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. It can help energise our mood and provide an outlet for us to take control of our feelings. Singing is a powerful tool for bringing people together, reducing stress, and having fun.
Volunteering with Hestia will mean that you will play a key role in promoting strategies for positive wellbeing through music and singing!
What you will be doing:
- Facilitate a weekly singing group
- Provide opportunities for the group to collaborate on agreed themes/ songs for future sessions
- Coordinate and plan group sessions
- Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the sessions
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
The skills you need:
- 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, 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.
***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
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.