Support Worker Volunteer Roles

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 help blind and partially sighted people in your community? Do you enjoy driving and meeting new people and live in the Edinburgh and Lothian area? If so, we want you to come and join us as a Volunteer Driver.

Our volunteers provide a friendly face and that personal touch to brighten the days for the people they drive. Our drivers can become a regular part of someone’s life and for some their journeys together may be the only chance an RNIB customer has had to get out of their home for some time.

If you are friendly, courteous and reliable then this is the opportunity for you.

*Assist passengers in and out of vehicle; Drive to activities and events; Sighted Guiding.

*Willingness to work independently; Reliable and punctual.

*Understanding Sight Loss Pack; Induction; Expenses; Supervision and help from your Manager.

*This role requires membership of the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Scheme (Children and Adults).

Deafblind UK members have combined sight and hearing loss and many can feel lonely or socially isolated. We offer a free telephone befriending service where we match volunteers with one of our members to have a weekly 30 minute chat together.

We are looking for confident, empathetic and friendly people who can hold a good conversation. You could be chatting about similar interests or learning about each other’s lives. Whatever the conversation you’ll be having a positive impact.

One 30 minute call seems really simple but having someone to talk to and someone to listen, could really make a difference to our members. It could be that you’re the only person they speak to that day, or even that week.

Our members love to chat with people who have had some life experience and stories to tell. You will need good communication skills and be able to strike up a conversation. You will also need to be reliable, patient with a naturally warm and friendly nature.

We will ensure you are supported throughout your journey with us, offering training and support at all times.

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others.

What you’ll be doing

• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand.

• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss.

• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people.

• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals.

What you’ll gain from the role

• An opportunity to give something back.

• A chance to build a strong community.

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make. 

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:

• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers.

• A rewarding experience.

• A great Induction and training.

• A supportive manager.

• Regular updates and catchups.

• Expenses.

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.

We are looking for warm, friendly people who enjoy a bit of a chat!

Here at Deafblind UK, we contact our members on their special day to wish them best wishes on their birthday and are looking for confident, chatty and friendly individuals to join our amazing volunteer team to make calls on a Wednesday and a Friday.

No previous experience is necessary - You just need to be comfortable talking over the phone, engaging, able to instigate conversations and able to commit to regular weekly calls.

Full training is provided along with full support and guidance.

Yes! This is the role for me.....then apply today!

Due to the nature of the group, this opportunity is for men only. The Men’s Health Telephone Group is a chance for blind and partially sighted men to come together and discuss any aspects of men’s health over the telephone once a month. This group is for men to share experiences of any aspect of men’s health including sexual health, contraception, etc. However, the group is not for the sharing of medical advice. You should be someone who is comfortable listening to conversations about men’s health that may include talk of a sexual or personal nature. You will be: Helping to ensure participants feel comfortable and to facilitate discussion. Helping the group participants feel safe to be in the group and to enable them to join in the group discussion month. Looking after participant welfare within the group and flagging any welfare or safeguarding concerns to Talk and Support for follow up. You will also ensure that no medical specific information is given in the group.

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups.  You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups. 

• Delivering talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people

• Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service 

 What you’ll gain from the role: 

• An opportunity to give something back. 

• A chance to build a strong community. 

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people 

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. 

In return for donating your time we will provide: 

• A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience. 

• A rewarding experience. 

• A great Induction and training. 

• A supportive manager. 

• Regular updates and catchups. 

• Expenses. 

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. 

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups.  You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups. 

• Delivering talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people

• Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service 

 What you’ll gain from the role: 

• An opportunity to give something back. 

• A chance to build a strong community. 

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people 

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. 

In return for donating your time we will provide: 

• A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience. 

• A rewarding experience. 

• A great Induction and training. 

• A supportive manager. 

• Regular updates and catchups. 

• Expenses. 

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. 

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups.  You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups. 

• Delivering talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people

• Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service 

 What you’ll gain from the role: 

• An opportunity to give something back. 

• A chance to build a strong community. 

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people 

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. 

In return for donating your time we will provide: 

• A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience. 

• A rewarding experience. 

• A great Induction and training. 

• A supportive manager. 

• Regular updates and catchups. 

• Expenses. 

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. 

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others. 

What you’ll be doing 

• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand. 

• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss. 

• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people. 

• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals. 

What you’ll gain from the role:

• An opportunity to give something back. 

• A chance to build a strong community. 

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people 

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. 

In return for donating your time we will provide: 

• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers. 

• A rewarding experience. 

• A great Induction and training. 

• A supportive manager. 

• Regular updates and catchups. 

• Expenses. 

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. 

In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent. 

Volunteer Driver – collecting and guiding people with sight loss from their homes and into our vision support centres and social clubs  enabling the Visually impaired to meet and socialise in the following areas SOUTHAM

Expenses are paid at 45p per mile.

Enhanced DBS free of charge is needed

2 x references will be requested.

Copy of driving licence, MOT and insurance will be required.

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?

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

About the Project

We received a grant from the Sandwell Council Better Mental Health Strategy Grant Scheme.  The project is designed to comprehensively address the participants' mental health and well-being needs through a multifaceted and person-centred approach. First and foremost, a series of evidence-based workshops and therapeutic sessions will be organised, focusing on teaching coping strategies, stress management techniques, and mindfulness practices. These sessions will equip participants with practical tools to navigate daily challenges, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional resilience. Additionally, art therapy and expressive activities within the drama sessions will provide creative outlets for individuals to process their emotions, fostering self-expression and a sense of emotional release. Through these workshops, participants will gain valuable skills to manage their mental well-being effectively.

Volunteering Role

Do you want to give something back to your local community?  We have an exciting opportunity to be part of an established community of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.

All of our participants are unique and individual, and each volunteer position will be tailored to match the interests of participants and you as a volunteer.

Volunteer role requirements

· Reliable and committed to providing excellent support

· Passionate about making a real difference to people’s lives and supporting them to be as independent, safe, healthy and happy as they possibly can be

· Kind and empathetic. You will need a sense of humour, an approachable manner and the resilience to cope with a busy, challenging and passionate opportunity

Skills required

· Commitment to equality and diversity and a genuine desire to help people with learning disabilities and/or autism

· Ability to work as part of a team

· Excellent time management skills

 Training, support and benefits

· As an Options for Life volunteer, you will be given a full induction when you start.

· A staff member will support you throughout your time as a volunteer.

· We will offer you an opportunity to develop your skills and experience for a worthwhile cause.

· We will look to provide further training where possible.

· We will reimburse travel expenses to and from your volunteering and any journeys during activities with us. We will also reimburse you for lunch for up to £5.00 if you volunteer over lunchtime.

Time commitment

We are looking for a volunteer who will commit to at least 4 hours a week between Monday and Friday.

EqualEdge Seeks Passionate Non-Executive Directors to Join its Board

EqualEdge is a for-profit company with a social mission to enable Manchester-based Disabled Peoples Organisation, Breakthrough UK to provide services to disabled people, to increase their opportunities to be employed and to reduce any social isolation. We're passionate about inclusion and diversity in the workplace, and we're expanding our horizons to revolutionise Workplace Personal Assistants, funded by Access to Work and in the future Personal care services in the UK.

The idea of a Workplace Personal Assistant (WPA) agency was conceived by Breakthrough UK, a disabled people’s organisation majority led by disabled people. Breakthrough UK discovered through lived experience that it was extremely difficult to hire and retain WPA’s in the United Kingdom and so the idea of solving the problem through EqualEdge was born.

EqualEdge believes in a world where disabled people have equal access to meaningful employment, thriving in inclusive work environments, and reaching their professional aspirations. Our mission is to bridge the gap between disabled people and their career goals by offering tailored workplace personal assistance services, fostering inclusion, and enhancing professional opportunities.

To achieve this ambitious vision, we're searching for experienced and enthusiastic non-executive directors with expertise across various sectors to join our board and help us shape the future of our company.

About the Role

As a non-executive director, you will play a vital role in providing strategic guidance and oversight to our executive team. You will also be a champion for our mission of fostering a more equitable landscape and launching innovative personal care services within the UK.

We are particularly interested in candidates with strong experience in:

• Recruitment (HR): You have a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams. You understand the intricacies of talent acquisition, particularly within the recruitment and personal care sector or a similar service industry.
• Marketing: You have a deep understanding of brand development and implementation of successful marketing strategies. You're passionate about reaching new audiences and driving growth in a competitive market.
• Personal Care: You have extensive knowledge of the UK care sector, its regulations, and best practices. You're a visionary leader with a passion for improving the quality of life for those who require personal care services.
• Finance: You have strong financial acumen and experience in overseeing financial performance. You can provide strategic guidance on resource allocation to support both national expansion and the launch of our new service line.

We are also open to applications from experienced professionals in other sectors who share our values of inclusion and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Have a good black book of connections to allow us to build our client base and reach the people who need us most.
• Provide strategic guidance and advice to the executive team on a range of issues, including business development, marketing, and operations, with a specific focus on national expansion and the launch of our personal care services in the UK.
• Oversee the company's financial performance and ensure that we are on track to meet our financial goals, considering the resources needed for national growth and the launch of a new service line.
• Serve as an EqualEdge ambassador and help us build relationships with key stakeholders in new markets and within the UK care sector.
• Attend board meetings and actively participate in discussions, bringing a national perspective and insights relevant to your area of expertise.

You would be a great fit for this role if you have:

• A proven track record of success in a senior leadership role
• A deep understanding of the business landscape, with transferable skills applicable to our areas of focus
• A passion for inclusion and diversity, with a national mindset
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

EqualEdge is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We recruit, select, train and promote personnel based on their skills and abilities.

We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sex, marital status or civil partnership, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, age or disability.

We expect to have board meetings every month for the first year, the meeting is expected to last 1 hour. This is a voluntary role however expenses are paid.

We plan to have interviews by the end of April.

Join us and be part of shaping a more inclusive future for workplaces and revolutionising personal care in the UK!