Volunteer Roles in Bedfordshire
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for self-motivated and compassionate individuals to help deliver our Helpline service and make a difference to the lives of anyone affected by cancer.
The Helpline offers those with cancer a chance to share their feelings and experiences with someone who has empathy for what they are going through. Helpline Volunteers create a safe and welcoming environment, listen, and provide emotional support and signposting individuals onto further information.
No special qualifications are needed for this role, but access to a telephone in a comfortable quiet setting is essential.
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 people from within the serving community? You just need a friendly demeanour, and an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and age groups. If so, please get in touch.
What is a Community Volunteer?
Community Volunteers provide practical help to serving people and their families. Whilst a friendly chat is an important aspect of the role you will also be providing some hands-on support like a lift to a medical appointment or help with shopping.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. 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 find themselves facing illness, bereavement or unexpected financial problems. Day-to-day activities can become difficult without a little help. That’s where you come in. Could you spare a few hours a week to lend a helping hand to a family in your serving community?
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The essential part of the role is visiting beneficiaries, so you will be expected to travel to meet people at home or elsewhere.
Some volunteers will visit more people than others. Whilst you may visit a beneficiary, or family, on a regular basis support is always time-limited.
What would you be doing?
- Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at their home or in a suitable place depending on their needs
- Providing practical help like lifts to appointments, going to the shops, washing-up, running errands etc.
- Providing time limited, relief care for children (additional training is required for those undertaking this type of support).
- Helping people to think about how to access other support if needed and signposting as required
- Reporting any safeguarding concerns in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
- Keeping in touch with your Community Volunteer Coordinator, attending supervision and keeping a record of your visits.
- Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support beneficiaries
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
- Adhering to SSAFA’s policies and procedures at all times, including SSAFA’s: safeguarding; equality, diversity and inclusion; health & safety; data protection; confidentiality
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
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What about training and support?
- One day training course for Community Volunteers. The option to pursue this course further and gain an accredited qualification in community volunteering. Additional training is required for those wishing to undertake the Relief Care Service for Children.
- Support from a local Community Volunteer Coordinator
- Support from SSAFA’s Welfare Team and Volunteer Experience Team based at our Central Office
- Online training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date with how to keep clients, their families and personal information safe
- Refresher training to keep your knowledge and skills up to date
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with good listening skills, patience and empathy
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Understanding of the need to remain within the boundaries of the role with regards to friendship, finances etc.
- Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA’s policies
- Good IT skills e.g. ability to use Outlook – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
- Ability to travel to meet beneficiaries
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.
Minimum Age: 18
Are references required? Yes. Two-character references from people who know you well (not family members).
Is a criminal record check required? Yes* (the cost of this will be covered by SSAFA)
*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands or other information should not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, if required and where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.
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!
Trustee Job Description
Organisation: Walk to Independence (WTI)
About Walk to Independence (WTI):
Walk to Independence (WTI) is an emerging charity committed to bridging the gap in support services for adults with special educational needs (SEN) transitioning out of formal education settings. Our mission is to establish a nurturing environment where SEN individuals can foster independence, empowerment, and community integration. At WTI, we prioritise upholding the rights of individuals with SEN, ensuring their autonomy, dignity, and inclusion in society.
Position Overview:
WTI is in the process of establishment and is actively seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to serve as founding trustees. Trustees play a pivotal role in steering the strategic direction, governance, and oversight of the organisation, particularly in the crucial phase of charity registration.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership: Provide strategic direction and leadership to guide WTI in achieving its mission and objectives.
Governance: Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as governing documents and policies, especially during the charity registration process.
Financial Oversight: Monitor and review financial performance, including budgets, financial statements, and controls, to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Fundraising and Development: Support fundraising efforts and contribute to the development of sustainable funding streams crucial for WTI's activities and growth.
Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks that may affect operations, reputation, or financial stability, particularly during the organisation's infancy.
Advocacy and Networking: Represent WTI externally, advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with SEN, and establish partnerships with stakeholders, funders, and community organisations.
Support and Evaluation: Guide the executive team, staff, and volunteers, and participate in evaluating WTI's programs and services.
Qualifications:
Passion for the mission and values of WTI, including a commitment to the rights and inclusion of individuals with SEN.
Previous experience in governance, leadership, or management roles, preferably within the charity sector or relevant field.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
Ability to think strategically, analyse complex issues, and make informed decisions.
Willingness to dedicate time and effort to fulfil trustee responsibilities effectively, especially during the charity registration process.
Knowledge of fundraising, financial management, or legal matters is desirable but not essential.
Time Commitment: Trustees are expected to attend regular board meetings (approximately 4-6 times per year), participate in committee work or working groups as needed, and engage in occasional ad hoc tasks or events. The time commitment may vary but is estimated to be approximately 5-10 hours per month on average.
Location: The role of trustee is primarily remote, with occasional in-person meetings or events in London as required.
Are you an advocate for an individual’s right to privacy? Do you believe that people should know how their personal information is being used, stored and shared? What about the right to only receive communications that they want?
If so, please get in touch to become a data governance volunteer! At the MS Society we care about issues like ethics, data protection and the rights of individuals privacy. People entrust us with their personal details, and we work hard to keep that trust and respect their wishes.
In this home based volunteer role; you’ll help raise awareness of why this is important and all the things that can be done to keep data safe and secure.
We’ll support you in your volunteering, giving you opportunities to lead positive change, meet and network with other volunteers, and develop your skills through training. We’ll also cover reasonable expenses if you are asked to travel to take part in activities including training.
What the role involves
The role will involve a varied number of administrative tasks. We work behind the scenes supporting volunteering groups, individual volunteers, staff, supporters and service users to exercise their rights and keep the MS Society compliant with data protection regulations. These activities will include:
- Setting up and attending relevant meetings to support staff with providing advice
- Supporting the writing and publishing blogs and data process guidance and policy, such as proof reading, cross reference
- Collaboration in the review of training material and data collection forms and processes
- Populating and reviewing our risk register
- Supporting the team to carry out data protection rights requests on our in-house system (One Trust)
What you need for this role
- Passionate about the MS Society and our mission
- To be passionate about data protection rights as a human right
- An understanding of data protection and a willingness to learn and keep abreast of changes.
- An ability to work well and collaborate with others
- An understanding of Microsoft 365 and databases including Excel
- Access to a PC and the internet
In order to volunteer in this role, you will need to:
- Complete an application
- Have an informal conversation with the Volunteer Manager for this role, to discuss whether becoming a data governance support volunteer is right for you
- Complete your Welcome and Induction Checklist in the back of your ‘Welcome Pack’ (opens in new window).
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Community Action Volunteers needed to manage their own collection tins route.
Training will be provided for the role, and online for GDPR, Fire Safety, and Manual Handling. Certification provided.
Become an integral part of our lifesaving charity, connect with other volunteers, manage your role via the Volunteero app.
Be part of a charity that has 'Investing in Volunteers' standard.
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!
Ensuring that all community fundraising supporters receive an outstanding level of service.
Support our aim to build a strong community network of local fundraisers, committed and inspired to raise money to help us achieve our mission of supporting people with cancer.
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!
Help us flock together!
We are looking for someone to support the members of our local RSPB group in Bedford.
We are a friendly group of birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts who are passionate about nature and its conservation.
We need someone to manage our list of members, collect subscriptions, and help to recruit new people to join our group and to take part in our activities. These include regular indoor meetings and birdwatching trips. To learn more about us and what we do, please click here.
We are looking for someone who is well organised, with good IT skills and, most importantly, someone who is a people person.
If you join us, you will have the opportunity to meet new people, learn more about birds and nature, and help the work of the RSPB, Britain's largest conservation organisation.
If you feel you could help, please get in touch.
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 people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.
What is a Helper?
SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.
What would you be doing?
- Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc
- Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.
- Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups
- Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What could you gain from this volunteering role?
- Support people in your community with a military background
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Local induction
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude
- Good spoken English
- Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.
- Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.
- Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
- Access to transport if needed for your role.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
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!
Family Lives operate a free confidential helpline for anyone experiencing difficulties in their family or relationship.
Our volunteers take calls from parents and carers on a wide range of subjects, whether that might be issues around separation and divorce, isolation, depression, bullying and abuse, dealing with behavioural problems, etc. You can find out more about our services on our website.
We are a national service with home-based call takers county wide and we also have a call centre in Old Hatfield Hertfordshire. Once trained volunteers sign up for a weekly 4-hour shift comprising 3 hours ‘online’ followed by a debrief session with your supervisor which can lasts around half to one hour.
We recruit volunteers with a range of backgrounds and experiences though we ask that volunteers have experience of parenting or working with children and young people, are good listeners and have a willingness to learn. Being remote it will be very important that you have a PC/laptop, plug in headset with microphone, good Wi-Fi and a private place to work from home.
You need to be a UK resident.
Our training programme is excellent and will give you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to offer empathic support and guidance to callers whatever their circumstances; all shifts are overseen by a regular shift supervisor who provides ongoing remote support. We ask our volunteers to make a commitment of 1 year (with time off for holidays), obviously we understand that circumstances sometimes make that an impossibility but can be helpful to know at the outset that is the general expectation.
We have call taker training sessions that run over five sessions and is done remotely connecting you via a Microsoft Teams link.
You would need to be able to attend all five sessions from one of these remote training groups and be available on four occasions to listen into calls, this can be organised remotely.
Remote Call Taker Training Dates:
June Saturday training dates:
Module 1 – Saturday 8th June
Module 2 - Saturday 15th June
Module 3 – Saturday 22nd June
Module 4 – Saturday 29th June
Module 5 – Saturday 6th July
10am to 2pm
Please note that all roles offered are subject to a satisfactory DBS being obtained, you will receive details of documentation required prior to your training and this must all be in no later than the second session of your 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!
MANAGER - VOLUNTEER ROLE
Unlock YOUR Potential is on the lookout for a visionary leader to join our team as our MANAGER in a volunteer capacity. This remote role is pivotal in steering our operations, fostering an exceptional organisational culture, and amplifying our impact.
About Us:
Unlock YOUR Potential is a vibrant, impact-driven startup charity dedicated to uplifting individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are committed to delivering impactful programmes that encompass employment, education, life skills, mentoring, personal development, and comprehensive support. Our goal is to carve out new avenues for those in pursuit of positive transformation.
Role Overview:
As the MANAGER - VOLUNTEER ROLE, you will be instrumental in managing Unlock YOUR Potential. Your leadership will be key in nurturing our team and advancing our strategic objectives. This role is remote, with collaboration conducted via telephone or online platforms like Zoom.
Key Responsibilities:
- Guide the charity, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects.
- Collaborate with the board to set ambitious yet achievable goals and plans.
- Streamline processes to enhance productivity and resource allocation.
- Lead our passionate team, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Implement robust systems to track progress and drive organisational success.
- Work closely with the finance department to safeguard the charity’s financial health.
- Ensure adherence to legal standards and proactive risk mitigation.
- Foster strong relationships with partners, donors, and the community.
- Be an ambassador for Unlock YOUR Potential, advocating for our mission and values.
- Carry out duties that support the running of Unlock YOUR Potnetial and your role as MANAGER.
Qualifications and Experience:
We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, and skill sets to apply. Ideal candidates will possess:
- Proven track record in a management role that drives perfromance and success.
- Demonstrated ability to oversee complex operations and drive strategic initiatives.
- Understanding of financial management principles and budgeting.
- Exceptional ability to communicate and engage with various stakeholders.
- Dedication to the ethos and aspirations of Unlock YOUR Potential.
Time Commitment:
The role requires a commitment of approximately 6-8 hours per week, which can be accommodated during daytimes, evenings and/or weekends, offering fantastic flexibility to fit around your life.
Join Us:
If you’re eager to make a significant contribution, inspire change, and lead with conviction, we welcome your application. Together, let’s unlock potential and enact meaningful change.
Unlock YOUR Potential is proud to be an equal opportunity organisation.
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!
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - VOLUNTEER ROLE
Unlock YOUR Potential is on the lookout for a visionary leader to join our team as our Chief Operating Officer (COO) in a volunteer capacity. This remote role is pivotal in steering our operations, fostering an exceptional organisational culture, and amplifying our impact.
About Us:
Unlock YOUR Potential is a vibrant, impact-driven startup charity dedicated to uplifting individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are committed to delivering impactful programmes that encompass employment, education, life skills, mentoring, personal development, and comprehensive support. Our goal is to carve out new avenues for those in pursuit of positive transformation.
Role Overview:
As the COO - VOLUNTEER ROLE, you will be instrumental in overseeing our operations and ensuring the smooth execution of our mission. Your leadership will be key in nurturing our team and advancing our strategic objectives. This role is remote, with collaboration conducted via telephone or online platforms like Zoom.
Key Responsibilities:
- Guide the charity’s operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects.
- Collaborate with the CEO and board to set ambitious yet achievable goals.
- Streamline processes to enhance productivity and resource allocation.
- Lead our passionate team, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Implement robust systems to track progress and drive organisational success.
- Work closely with the finance department to safeguard the charity’s financial health.
- Ensure adherence to legal standards and proactive risk mitigation.
- Foster strong relationships with partners, donors, and the community.
- Be an ambassador for Unlock YOUR Potential, advocating for our mission and values.
- Carry out of duties that support the running of Unlock YOUR Potnetial and your role as COO.
Qualifications and Experience:
We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, and skill sets to apply. Ideal candidates will possess:
- Proven track record in a management role, preferably within the non-profit sector.
- Demonstrated ability to oversee complex operations and drive strategic initiatives.
- Understanding of financial management principles and budgeting.
- Exceptional ability to communicate and engage with various stakeholders.
- Dedication to the ethos and aspirations of Unlock YOUR Potential.
Time Commitment:
The role requires a commitment of approximately 8-10 hours per week, which can be accommodated during evenings and weekends, offering fantastic flexibility to fit around your life.
Join Us:
If you’re eager to make a significant contribution, inspire change, and lead with conviction, we welcome your application. Together, let’s unlock potential and enact meaningful change.
Unlock YOUR Potential is proud to be an equal opportunity organisation.
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!
Grant Manager
Part time voluntary role – 2 days a week
Moulsoe near Milton Keynes
Adoptionplus is a Therapeutic Adoption Agency with a reputation for innovation and effective practice, rated ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED. We specialise in supporting families caring for children who have experienced trauma and loss, and provide a range of specialist services for adults, children, families and professionals that include therapy and training.
Children have described our service as “flameballtastic” while OFSTED have described us as ‘one of the best in England….where children’s emotional wellbeing improves significantly.’
We are passionate about innovation and learning, working with a number of Universities over recent years as part of national research. Many of our staff are considered experts in their field and between us we have had 13 books published (within our own time).
Although relatively small we have a large reach. A significant proportion of our customers are Local Authorities and we have been commissioned by over 50% of LAs in England.
We have recently transitioned from being not-for-profit to becoming a registered charity and we are now looking for someone who can support us as we move into fundraising.
This can be a home-based role with visits to our Adoptionplus office near Milton Keynes as needed.
For more information please contact Joanne Alper and for an application pack please contact Sophy Osman
Adoptionplus seeks to provide loving families and therapeutic support for children who would otherwise have grown up in the care system.
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 people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just patience, and an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.
What is a Visitor?
SSAFA Visitors provide support to isolated people living at home or in residential care. Whilst a friendly chat about the old days over a cup of tea is an important aspect of the role you will also be able to recognise any other support needs and explore how to link your client into their local community.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
With the gift of time and a listening ear you can improve someone’s quality of life for far longer than the hour or so you might spend with them. We need you to join your local SSAFA team to help us to help more people!
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need a driving licence and access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or elsewhere.
Some volunteers will visit more people than others. Whilst you will visit a client on a regular basis for a period, you will not be developing the kind of relationship where you would provide personal care, handle money or support someone in an emergency. SSAFA can help clients to arrange other types of support if needed.
What would you be doing?
- Contacting clients and arranging to meet them regularly at their home or care home for uninterrupted conversation.
- Letting the divisional secretary know of any concerns for your or the client’s safety.
- Arranging for a SSAFA caseworker to assess the client for other support as required.
- Chatting, making a cup of tea, playing cards, looking at photo albums, military mementos etc
- Helping your client to think about ways to reduce their isolation and support them to put these into practice.
- Keeping in touch with your branch so they know your availability.
- Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and Data Protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What could you gain from this volunteering role?
- Support people in your community with a military background using your patience, time, and empathy.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression.
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, friendship, and befriending. This training would take approx. 4 hours.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Local Induction
- Access to the Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with good listening skills, patience, and a cheerful attitude
- Good spoken English
- Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
- Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to friendship, finances etc.
- Reliable attitude, contact clients promptly, keep regular appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely (within SSAFA policies)
- Willingness to travel by public transport or car to appointments with clients.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer This role requires an enhanced check.
*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.
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 recruiting into a new Lay Advisory Board made up of people with personal experience of living with a brain tumour or a close friend or family member.
- You will work in parallel to our main Scientific Advisory Board, made up of International researchers with expertise in brain tumour biology, oncologists and genetic specialists.
- You will be asked to read through and discuss the lay (plain English) sections of selected applications we receive for funding and provide feedback.
- You could also take part in interview panels for our fellowship schemes and ask questions relevant for brain tumour patients and their families
We are looking for people who are organised, reliable and confident in reading over and understanding sometimes complex documents.
- Good communication skills and confidence in speaking as part of a group.
- Willingness to advocate for the needs of the whole brain tumour community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.