Support Worker Volunteer Roles in Berkshire

A bit about this role

If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food– and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Arranging and transporting equipment, litter and cat food
• Transporting cats to and from vets, foster homes and centres
• Transporting equipment to and from events

Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.

Remote Family Support Volunteer – Live Chat

We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference. Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.

Organisational values:

Mission: We build better family lives together.

Vision: Families should have access to active support and understanding. 

Values: Trustworthy, Compassionate and Collaborative

Purpose of the role: To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.

Live chat: is a free confidential service that is accessed via our website. Service users are offered emotional support, information and advice and guidance on a broad range of family issues.

Supervised by: The Shift Supervisor

 Activities: The volunteer will be fully supervised, supported and trained to provide the following activities:

·Provide emotional support to family members via our live chat service

·Use the Family Lives support model and tools to provide an empathic responses

·Ensure that all service users receive a high quality experience

·Sign post users to other agencies for information and additional support

·Complete conversation data records

·Alert the shift supervisor to any difficult situations

 

General: Volunteers should be willing to:

·Attend the relevant volunteer training

·Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the other policies and procedures of the organisation

·Participate in regular support, supervision meetings and learning sessions as agreed

For home based volunteers only:

·Volunteers will need a Laptop/PC, plug in headset with microphone, fast broadband and a private place to work from home

·Volunteers need to be IT/PC literate and confident troubleshooting should they have technical difficulties

 Time: We would be looking for volunteers to commit to one four-hour shift per week, plus attending training and supervision.

Location: working remotely from home

 You need to be a UK resident

Supervision and Support:

·Supervision during shifts

·Debrief after every shift

·1 to 1 supervision every 6 months

·Staff available outside of shift within office hours

·Annual review

 

The Benefits of Volunteering:

·Satisfaction in making a real and lasting difference to families who are struggling

·An opportunity to develop experience for CV and references. Family Lives is committed to helping volunteers develop their own learning and development, gaining new skills, knowledge or work experience

·Being part of a team of Family Lives volunteers and staff

·Personal development

·Opportunities to meet and interact with a wide range of people

·Out of pocket expenses reimbursed to a maximum of £10 per session if working from a centre

·Flexible hours

 

Volunteer Person Specification. We are looking for individuals who:

·Have experience of parenting/being in a parenting role or demonstrable experience of working with parents or children e.g. in their work, previous volunteering or a previous role

·Have an ability to respond empathically to emotional content

·Good written and verbal communication

·Have good keyboard skills and IT skills, with a minimum of 50 wpm

·Can demonstrate a willingness to question their own attitudes e.g. toward different forms of parenting

·Have a fluent, descriptive and expressive use of English

·Can remain open minded and non-judgemental

·Willing to commit to work within Family Lives’ policies, in particular our Confidentiality Policy and Risk of Harm Procedures

·Willing to commit to attending regular supervision and support sessions

·Willing to work as part of a team

·Willing to commit to a mutually agreed period or ideally a 12 months commitment to the organisation.

Typing Task Prior to Application for Live Chat

Prior to you submitting your application for a Live Chat Volunteer, we will require you to do a speed test, we ask for a minimum speed of 50 words per minute. 

Please take a screen shot and send it across with your application

You can have up to 3 attempts and decide which result you would like to forward as part of your application

Typing task

Go to the website typingtest

You are required to take the one minute typing test recording all of the results (speed, number of errors and adjusted speed).

We have remote voluntary call taker training groups the dates are below are you would need to be able to attend all 5 Modules from the training group.

Our next training groups are:

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.

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.

We know that thousands of people in need of bereavement support are waiting to access ongoing bereavement support. We are now recruiting for additional volunteers, if you would like to know more about volunteering for this popular service, we would love to see you at our UYBO Open Day. 

The Understanding your Bereavement (UYBO) Project is managed and delivered remotely, offering one-off bereavement support to clients via Zoom. The sessions are delivered by bereavement volunteers, the service runs alongside other Cruse services such as the National Helpline and Local Cruse Support Services. We offer bereaved people the opportunity to access support promptly, irrespective of the time of bereavement, geography or work/life commitments. By attending a session, a client can learn more about their bereavement and in doing so may not require further support.

You don’t need to have previous experience to become a bereavement volunteer. We look for people who are good listeners, resilient and are empathetic and supportive.

Join us for an Open Day on Monday 13th May 2024 (2:00pm to 4:00pm or 6:00pm to 8:00pm) to learn more, talk to current UYBO volunteers and find out about our training programme and the support we offer volunteers.

Companion volunteers support anyone with a terminal or life limiting illness aged 18 or over and their family. Companion volunteers provide companionship, emotional and practical support and short carer respite.

Bipolar UK was originally formed in the 1980s as a local support system for the community by the community. Our first meeting was held in 1983 and since that day Bipolar UK has supported people living with the condition and their loved ones.  Our aim is to enable everyone affected by bipolar to live well.

Each year we support thousands of individuals through our range of peer support services, which include:

• Peer Support Groups (in-person and online)
• A call-back Peer Support Line
• Our eCommunity

In the years ahead, providing peer support services will remain central to everything we do. This vital work is only possible because of volunteers such as yourself.

How volunteers support us

We couldn’t exist without the amazing support of our dedicated team of volunteers. They help us by giving us key insights from our community. They also provide hands-on support so we can run a significant network of peer support groups and a one-to-one peer support line via telephone and email.

Thanks to the incredible collaboration between our staff team and our volunteers we currently empower approximately 1,000 people a month to stay well, and we have the ambition to reach thousands more.

Our commitment to volunteers:

We want you to get the most out of volunteering with us and we take our responsibility towards you very seriously.

 To support you, we will:

• Provide clear descriptions for our volunteering roles
• Treat volunteers fairly and in accordance with the Bipolar UK Equal Opportunities policy
• Ensure volunteers’ information is kept securely and in accordance with Bipolar UK Privacy policy, the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR
• Keep volunteers informed of relevant changes, including to policies and staff
• Provide appropriate training and support to encourage and develop volunteers in every role
• Work collaboratively with all our volunteers to improve the services we deliver, identifying training needs and providing additional learning
• Ensure our volunteering practices are compliant with current and relevant legislation
• Reimburse agreed out of pocket expenses in line with Bipolar UK’s policy and guidance
• Celebrate and recognise all our volunteers’ successes and ongoing contributions to the charity
• Support aspirations to upskill with relevant training and development

Training and development

All volunteers are given an induction and training relevant to their role before they begin volunteering so they can feel confident to carry out their tasks. Training is an ongoing commitment for both Bipolar UK staff and volunteers. Training sessions are usually held by the Bipolar UK team, although external training will be given whenever relevant and appropriate.

Who can volunteer?

As part of the volunteer recruitment process, we ask you to complete an application form. We will then invite you for an informal phone interview and ask you to provide two referees.

Roles within Bipolar UK are subject to an enhanced DBS check. The information gathered throughout this process helps us to make an informed decision about whether the volunteering role is right for you, as well as following our safeguarding procedures.

Skills and experience

We look for people who:

• Communicate well
• Enjoy teamwork
• Are able to adapt and willing to learn
• Are reliable, punctual and good at time management
• See situations with objectivity and compassion 
• All our volunteers must be 18 or older.

Bipolar UK will make sure that people are judged on their ability and potential, not on their background and situation. We will seek to treat people fairly, regardless of visible and non-visible differences such as mental health, health, gender, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religious beliefs or practices, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability, age, family/marital status, social background, pregnancy or potential pregnancy, caring responsibilities, spent criminal convictions or trade union affiliation.

We appreciate that these differences will contribute to diverse experiences of life, attitudes, values, and ways of thinking and communicating - and that these different perspectives can make a valuable contribution to our work.

What we ask of volunteers:

We ask that all volunteers commit to a minimum of two to four hours a week for our phone/email service or up to 4 hours per month for our support groups, for at least six months wherever possible.

We expect all volunteers to attend regular training as part of role development and progression, and to abide by our policies and guidelines. A commitment to our mission and values is imperative, along with a desire to make a difference to those affected by bipolar.  All volunteers represent the charity and must always remain professional when interacting with the public and external services.

Volunteers should:

• Have personal experience of bipolar if the role requires it
• Display empathy and understanding of the needs of others
• Understand and remain conscious of their own needs, including managing their own wellbeing
• Communicate effectively with the team
• Be always respectful of others, in line with Bipolar UK policies
• Have basic IT skills and computer literacy 

Our volunteering roles:

• Support Group Co-facilitator (online)
• Support Group Co-facilitator (in-person)
• Support Group Administrator
• Peer Support Line Volunteer
• Media Ambassador
• Fundraising Assistant
• Events Assistant

We are looking for a new on-line counselor to join our organisation. This will mean running an email service and even a Skype / zoom service if you wish.

We are looking for someone to replace our current housing advice role as she is having to take time off. If you have expertese in this area please apply!

Do you love to support and empower people? We are looking for compassionate champions to join our volunteer mentoring programme. Help mentees build confidence, get established in community and develop independence. The Build mentoring programme supports survivors of modern slavery. A volunteer mentor is paired with a co mentor meeting fortnightly in the community with a mentee; being a friendly support, setting goals, exploring opportunities and life skills. All volunteer mentors are supported and accountable to the Build Coordinators. This role is voluntary and unpaid (costs incurred for refreshments related to the mentor role will be reimbursed).

The Role

• To create a safe, compassionate, and healthy mentoring relationship
• Provide the mentee with tools and techniques to navigate a pathway to achieve things that are important to them
• Provide practical support to the mentee where appropriate (eg signposting)
• Support a mentee to identify and establish goals and life skills that are important to them
• Liaise with the mentee and fellow mentor to arrange safe and suitable meeting places including date and time
• Debrief with your co-mentor after each meeting and provide a brief written record of the discussion for the Mentoring Coordinator
• Work with your co-mentor to model ‘healthy community’
• Manage the trio’s refreshment expenses for reimbursement

Skills you need

• Compassion, empathy and active listening skills
• Ability to be able to help people feel at ease and build confidence
• To help people draw out personal goals and things that are important to them
• Have a passion and desire for wanting to transform and support the lives of people
• Be sensitive to someone who has experienced trauma
• Ability to keep confidence and professional boundaries
• Reliability and good time keeping
• Commitment to safeguarding and a willingness to raise concerns where necessary
• Experience of supporting others navigate and integrate into community
• Access to car/public transport and flexibility around location 

What you will get from us

• Online or face to face training prior to working with mentees:
• Volunteer Induction and specialised programme training
• e-learning courses relating to Safeguarding, Data Protection and Equality & Diversity, IT and Data Induction
• Ongoing support sessions from the Build team
• Ongoing training with an emphasis on trauma informed practice Commitment
• 12-month commitment period
• Meet with mentee and co-mentor fortnightly for 1-2 hours
• Commitment to write up debriefs and any relevant actions between meetups
• To able to complete all required training
• To be able to attend a minimum of 4 training sessions per year

All roles within the mentoring programme need:

• Mandatory checks including DBS
• Two satisfactory references
• Completion of induction training
• An informal interview and introductory period
• Have a passion and desire for wanting to help and support people

A bit about this role

If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food– and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Arranging and transporting equipment, litter and cat food
• Transporting cats to and from vets, foster homes and centres
• Transporting equipment to and from events

Are you a good listener?  Do you live in the South West? We need you to facilitate one of our weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others from this region.  You will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and the group conversations run smoothly.

*Ability to listen 

*Effective listening skills 

*Good communication skills

*This role requires 2 references

Would you like to make a difference to a local family in your community? By giving just 2hrs a week you can do this.

Our volunteers are all parents themselves or have parenting experience and are carefully selected for their friendliness and understanding. All volunteers complete a preparation course and are DBS and reference checked before being matched with a family. They then take their own individual skills and experience to the families they visit. Our volunteers offer their time and friendship and accept a parent as they are.

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in your community? Do you have expertise in finance and a desire to contribute to a cause that positively impacts lives?  If the answer is yes, then this could be the perfect role for you!

STAMP Revisited is a small but ambitious charity, which provides advocacy and emotional support to those experiencing mental health difficulties. We support them to access vital services they need that they would not be able to access independently.  We have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and respected.

We are currently recruiting a new Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. As a Trustee of STAMP Revisited, you will play a crucial role in setting the strategic direction of the charity and ensuring good governance.  You will contribute to ensuring that the charity fulfils its mission, operates effectively, and remains accountable to those experiencing mental health issues.

In addition to the general duties as Trustee, as Treasurer you will play a pivotal role in securing the financial integrity and sustainability of our charity. You will ensure that effective and appropriate financial measures are put in place and report to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.

If you are interested in finding out more about being a Treasurer and sitting on our Board, we would love to hear from you. Our Board welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, aged 18 or over with a wide range of skills. We are keen to welcome people who have personal experience of mental health challenges, including service users and carers.

Can you spare a few hours a month to support STAMP Revisited, a local mental health charity?

We are, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which has provided advocacy services for the people of Teesside for almost 30 years, and we are currently looking for new Trustees to join our Board.

Our advocates provide advocacy to adults who are experiencing mental health difficulties that impact on their ability to make their voice heard and are unable to independently navigate personal issues such as aspects of their health, finances, or housing needs.

Trustees are essential to the success of a charity, and the Board is the charity’s governing body. Trustees are responsible for ensuring the charity meets its objectives and are responsible for its general administration and control of the charity.

If you are interested in finding out more about being a Trustee and sitting on our Board, we would love to hear from you. Our Board welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, aged 18 or over with a wide range of skills. We are keen to welcome people who have personal experience of mental health challenges, including service users and carers.