Voluntary Support Worker Volunteer Roles in Berkshire

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Marie Curie Helper is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.

Helper volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support.

Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, eg family home, a care home or in the community.
• Provide one-to-one companionship and support. 

For example: offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (e.g. to medical appointments) or taking short trips out. Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. You may be supporting your client’s family or carers before or during bereavement.  This may involve offering emotional support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested 

(This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Helper volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)

• Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone 
• Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required 
• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support
• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required 
• Represent the Marie Curie Helper service positively to those using the service

Pam mae angen eich help arnom

Gwasanaeth proffesiynol yw Cynorthwywyr Marie Curie a ddarperir gan wirfoddolwyr hyfforddedig sy’n cynnig cwmnïaeth a chymorth un-i-un i bobl sydd â salwch terfynol a’u teuluoedd. Ni fyddai’r gwasanaeth yn medru cyrraedd y rhai sydd ei angen fwyaf heb ymroddiad a gwaith caled y gwirfoddolwyr sy’n darparu’r gwasanaeth.

Mae Cynorthwywyr Gwirfoddol yn darparu cwmnïaeth a chymorth emosiynol, cymorth ymarferol, seibiannau byr i ofalwyr a help gyda chyfeirio at wybodaeth a chymorth. 

Beth rydym angen i chi ei wneud

Bydd eich rôl yn cynnwys, ond heb fod yn gyfyngedig i, rhai o’r tasgau canlynol:

• Cynnal ymweliadau wythnosol gyda’r person/pobl rydych chi’n eu cefnogi, fel y cytunwyd gyda’r Cydlynydd Gwirfoddolwyr. Gallai hyn fod mewn amrywiaeth o leoliadau, e.e. cartref teuluol, cartref gofal, neu yn y gymuned.
• Darparu cwmnïaeth a chymorth un-i-un. Er enghraifft:

• Cynnig clust i wrando a threulio amser yn sgwrsio neu wneud gweithgareddau neu hobïau bob dydd gyda'r person yr ydych yn ei gefnogi.
• Gyrru cleientiaid i ofal iechyd neu gymdeithasol a drefnwyd ymlaen llaw (e.e. i apwyntiadau meddygol) neu fynd ar deithiau byr.
• Helpu gyda thasgau bach bob dydd, e.e. gwneud te neu gyrchu’r
• rhyngrwyd.
• Caniatáu i ofalwyr gael seibiant byr.
• Efallai y byddwch yn cefnogi teulu’ch cleient cyn neu yn ystod profedigaeth.  Gallai hyn gynnwys cynnig cymorth emosiynol, cyfeirio at wasanaethau cymorth lleol neu ddod o hyd i wybodaeth yn ôl yr angen

(Amlinelliad yn unig yw hwn gan fydd cymorth yn amrywio yn ôl anghenion unigol. Nid yw cynorthwywyr gwirfoddol yn darparu gofal nyrsio neu bersonol, nac yn cynnig cwnsela na chyngor)

• Rhoi gwybod i’ch rheolwr am unrhyw newidiadau i’r sefyllfa, neu unrhyw ddigwyddiadau arwyddocaol mewn cysylltiad â’r person rydych chi’n ei gefnogi a/neu ei deulu, naill ai wyneb yn wyneb neu dros y ffôn
• Cyflwyno adroddiadau ymweliad i’ch rheolwr yn rheolaidd a diweddaru systemau cyfrifiadur perthnasol yn ôl yr angen
• Bod yn ddibynadwy ac yn ymroddgar i dreulio amser â rhywun a chynnig cymorth yn rheolaidd
• Mynychu sesiynau unigol gyda’ch Cydlynydd Gwirfoddoli, hyfforddiant a sesiynau grŵp yn ôl yr angen
• Cynrychioli’r Gwasanaeth Cynorthwywyr Marie Curie yn bositif i’r rhai sy’n defnyddio’r gwasanaeth

Pa sgiliau neu brofiad sydd eu hangen arnoch?

• Ymroddiad a dibynadwyedd – y gallu i gadw apwyntiadau a gwirfoddoli am tua 3 awr yr wythnos
• Amynedd, empathi a sefydlogrwydd emosiynol
• Dealltwriaeth o bwysigrwydd cyfrinachedd
• Parch tuag at breifatrwydd, urddas ac annibyniaeth unigolyn
• Parodrwydd i fod yn hyblyg i anghenion yr unigolyn
• Y gallu i weithredu o fewn ffiniau’r rôl
• Ymagwedd gyfeillgar a sensitif gyda sgiliau cryf o ran meithrin perthynas ac empathi
• Sgiliau gwrando rhagorol a’r gallu i feithrin perthynas ag eraill
• Parch tuag at unigolion, ni waeth beth fo’u hanabledd, ethnigrwydd, statws priodasol, beichiogrwydd neu famolaeth, rhywedd, cyfeiriadedd rhywiol, crefydd neu ffydd, neu ailbennu rhywedd

ABOUT US

Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and  6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left. 

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

At Staying Well we run a Telephone Befriending Scheme.

If you have up to an hour free once a week for 6 months then this could be the volunteer role for you!

This is what the Befriending Network say about befriending:

“Everyone needs other people, but not everyone has someone. 

Befriending offers supportive, reliable relationships through volunteer befrienders to people who would otherwise be socially isolated. Around the UK, there are befriending projects which organise effective support for children and young people, families, people with mental ill-health, people with learning disabilities and older people, amongst many others.

The results of befriending can be very significant. Befriending often provides people with a new direction in life, opens up a range of activities and leads to increased self-esteem and self confidence. Befriending can also reduce the burden on other services which people may use inappropriately as they seek social contact.”

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.

The Bereaved by Suicide project provides a rapid response and ongoing support service to those affected by suicide. We are looking for Bereavement Volunteers to join us at Cruse to provide up to 6 support sessions for clients by phone or zoom.

We aim to meet the needs of clients as closely as possible, meaning support sessions may be spread out to ensure support is ongoing throughout an inquest for example, and support can sometimes be extended depending on individual circumstances.

We are keen to hear from anyone with experience of working in the field of mental health support, suicide, or relevant social work. The position could suit a counselling student seeking a placement to complete their counselling hours.

Full bereavement training is provided over a six week period with additional bereaved by suicide training. A DBS check is also required.

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!

Marie Curie Companion is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.

Companion Volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support.

Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, eg family home, a care home or in the community.
• Provide one-to-one companionship and support. 

For example: offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. This may involve offering emotional support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested 

(This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companion volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)

• Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone 
• Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required 
• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support
• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required 
• Represent the Marie Curie Companion service positively to those using the service

Our Trustees are a team of volunteers who use their diverse skills, experience, and perspectives to set the strategic direction of the charity and make sure it’s doing what it was set up to do in the best possible way. 

For families facing tough times, a holiday is a much-needed break from the day to day, as well as giving space and time to breathe, think differently. A holiday is essential for building wellbeing and hope for the future, especially when the present is challenging.

About you

You'll have the energy, integrity, passion, and skills to work with the Board of Trustees, our CEO and staff team, and our community, to drive forward a successful and dynamic future for our charity and the families we support.

We’re particularly looking to add the following professional skills and experiences to our team.

• Developing digital products, tools and/or services.
• Directly supporting children and/or families on an ongoing professional basis.
• Fundraising in a charity through voluntary donations or commercial income.

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before, but you do need to be willing to do some training to help you understand the role and the responsibilities that come with it.

We actively encourage applications from under-represented, marginalised and racialised groups, and those with lived experience of any of the barriers families face to having time away together. That’s things like mental or physical ill health, disability, domestic abuse, being a young carer or living on a low income.

We will make adjustments to our schedule and processes to ensure new trustees can be included and supported in the role.

More diverse perspectives on our Board help us make better decisions for families.

What we offer you

The biggest thing we have to offer is the chance to put your skills and experience to good use making the lives of families who are having a tough time better.

You’ll join a team who really care about making a difference and approach it with real openness and drive. Right off the bat we’ll connect you with the other Trustees and staff so you can get to know everyone, and we’ll buddy you up with another Trustee, so you’ve got someone to help you navigate it all as you settle in.

Expenses

You won’t get paid for your time, but we’ll make sure you aren’t out of pocket by covering the cost of your travel to meetings, childcare or other care if you need it, and a range of other expenses you might have while doing the role. We’ll book and/or pay for these in advance if you prefer.

How to apply

When you click 'Quick Apply' you'll find a link to upload your CV and answer a couple of screening questions.

We will make adjustments to the recruitment process wherever possible to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged for any reason. 

• Monday 20th May - Applications close at 9am
• w/c 3rd June and w/c 10th June  -  First interviews with a panel of current trustees 
• w/c 17th June - Second interviews with Jackie our Vice Chair of Trustees

After the interviews we’ll contact anyone we’d like to join the Board with an offer subject to references and checks.

If you accept, we’ll take up your references, do a DBS check and confirm your eligibility to act as a Trustee. If that’s all ok, you’re in! We’ll introduce you to the rest of the Trustees and get started with your induction.

Formal appointment happens at the next Board meeting which is on Thursday 5th August.