Support Worker Volunteer Roles in North East

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.

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. 

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

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!

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. 

Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups. 

What you’ll be doing: 

• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually. 

• Creating a warm and welcoming environment. 

• Supporting group conversations. 

• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate). 

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 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 make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups. 

What you’ll be doing: 

• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually. 

• Creating a warm and welcoming environment. 

• Supporting group conversations. 

• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate). 

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 rewarding experience. 

• A great Induction and training. 

• A supportive manager. 

• Regular updates and catchups. 

• Expenses. 

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. 

Are you a good listener? Are you able to manage group conversations and ensure people feel comfortable together and that groups run smoothly? We need you to facilitate our weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others. This is a telephone-based role that you can do from home. You will need access to a landline and/or mobile phone We ask you to commit to between 1 and 3 hours per week to facilitate Talk and Support befriending groups which will be at the same day and time each week. Each group runs for an hour.

Together we will work to reduce discrimination, injustice and inequality by transforming behaviours, attitudes and misconceptions towards sight loss. By signing up as an RNIB Campaigns Occasional Helper with Sighted Guiding, you could make a real difference by supporting blind and partially sighted people to take action on issues that matter to them. You could help with: • sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals so they can take part in events; • supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities; • awareness-raising and campaigning on issues that affect those living with little or no sight; Gyda’n gilydd byddwn yn gweithio i leihau gwahaniaethu, anghyfiawnder ac anghydraddoldeb trwy drawsnewid ymddygiad, agweddau a chamsyniadau tuag at golled golwg. Drwy gofrestru fel Cynorthwy-ydd Tywys Achlysurol ar gyfer Ymgyrchoedd RNIB, gallech wneud gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol drwy gefnogi pobl ddall ac â golwg rhannol i weithredu ar faterion sydd o bwys iddynt. Gallech chi helpu drwy: • tywys / rhoi cymorth ymarferol i unigolion fel y gallant gymryd rhan mewn digwyddiadau; • cefnogi gwirfoddolwyr gyda cholled golwg gyda'u gweithgareddau gwirfoddoli; • codi ymwybyddiaeth ac ymgyrchu ar faterion sy'n effeithio ar y rhai sy'n byw ag ychydig neu ddim golwg;

With over 14,000 people in the North East living with some form of sight loss, our amazing Community Volunteers play a key role in connecting blind and partially sighted people to each other, their community, and to wider internal and external services. RNIB attends events aimed at providing information and awareness. We need volunteers to help us continue this valuable work. Volunteers are needed to attend events with staff members, help set up equipment, give out leaflets and basic info to the public. Sighted volunteers may also be asked to guide visually impaired volunteers occasionally.