Support Worker Volunteer Roles

*This particular service has an emphasis on empowering female clients and working to improve the experiences of the women that the team work with, which means that we are only looking for volunteers who are female or female identifying. 

In this role, you will be supporting us with all or some of the following tasks:  Accompanying clients to attend appointments at the job centre, GP and other services  Accompanying clients on outings to the library, and other local community activities.  Supporting clients to access services over the phone and online  Supporting clients in a range of practical ways under the guidance of the Housing First worker.  Adhering to St Mungo’s Policies and Procedures at all times.  Promoting St Mungo’s work in an appropriate manner.  Actively promoting equality, diversity and inclusion among staff, fellow volunteers and clients.

Do you enjoying talking with people and helping them based on your life experiences?

Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?

Yes? We’d love to hear from you.

What is knus?

knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.

What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.

Here’s some further information on what’s needed:

Are you over 18 and living in the UK?

You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.

Do you have a laptop?

A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.

How much time can you give?

A minimum of 3+ hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.

Do you like to learn?

We provide training for all volunteers that join us. Our peer support training is CPD accredited.  20-25 hours of volunteering training is required and is self led online.

If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.

Please note - all successful volunteers are required to pay the cost price of £20.60 for an Enhanced DBS check.  If you've got a current Enhanced DBS on the update service, this cost will not apply.

You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.

At Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership, our objective is to provide practical and emotional support, ultimately helping our clients achieve a sustainable position as full members of our society. Many of our clients are destitute, homeless and have no access to assistance from the government. Our mission is to provide access to advice and essential services until statutory services are in place.

Volunteering at the Drop-In centre provides an opportunity for you to help our refugee clients with any issues they might have. We have sessions running every Tuesday between 11am and 1pm at St Mary’s Church, High Street, Watford. The Drop-In provides an opportunity for refugee clients to come and discuss any issues they have and to be listened to by one of our volunteers. Many of our clients are likely to have lived here for a while but an issue or crisis in their lives means that they need to discuss it and seek some help. They may also be in the process of seeking asylum. We can provide advice and sometimes resolve their issue there and then and at other times we refer them to another agency or invite them to come back once their issue has been looked into.

The Drop-In Centre could not function without our team of committed volunteers, and we are always looking for additional help.

Full training given on starting the role as well as regular training sessions and continual support from more experienced volunteers.

Responsibilities:

· Help with filling in forms and interpreting official documents.

· Liaising with statutory and voluntary agencies.

· Referring clients for follow up action by our Case Review Team and linking them with a befriender.

· Referring clients to our partner solicitor who specialises in immigration law and comes to the Drop-In 4th Tuesday of the month.

· Advice on how to access appropriate housing and free food in the area.

· Access to the charity’s other services, such as free English classes.

Requirements:

· Able to attend at least one Tuesday Drop-In a month.

· Complete training as required and attend bi-monthly volunteer support meetings.

Skills:

· An ability to communicate and empathise with people from a variety of backgrounds and needs.

· Basic IT skills.

· Assist clients in accessing essential services such as legal, housing, financial and food.

· Can work well as part of a team.

· Enthusiasm to help refugee clients.

Desirable experience: 

· Previous volunteering experience.

· Previous experience working in a people-facing role.

If you are interested in becoming a Drop-In volunteer please apply via Charity Jobs or contact us and a volunteer coordinator will contact you to discuss this further.

Listening Volunteer - the Wren Project

Remote

Unpaid

Hours - 3 hour voluntary commitment per fortnight, flexible across the working week (shifts are available mornings, afternoons and evenings, Monday - Friday).

WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP

The Wren Project offers free, one-to-one listening support for people in distress as a result of their autoimmune disease diagnosis. The service we provide would not be possible without the commitment, empathy and support of our volunteers.

Volunteers at the Wren Project provide emotional listening support to people living with autoimmune disease (our Wrens). We offer a safe, non-judgmental space for Wrens to talk about how autoimmune disease is impacting their life, without giving advice or offering solutions. Volunteers hold and hear distress in each session and through regular, ongoing appointments, build rapport with Wrens.

Volunteers do not need to have any knowledge of experience of autoimmune disease. What we look for is warmth and empathy.

We are the only charity in the UK who provide support for all autoimmune diseases. Our vision is to build support and community for all four million people in the UK diagnosed with autoimmune disease.

WHAT VOLUNTEERING FOR US INVOLVES:

Application and training process:

• Send an application form via our website;

• Attend an online one-to-one interview to discuss why you want to volunteer with the Wren Project;

• We assess an applicant’s suitability for the role;

• If successful, applicants participate in a remote, 4-week training programme focusing on listening skills, holding and hearing distress and living with autoimmune disease;

• A final one-to-one assessment of readiness before being matched with a Wren.

The role:

• Join a regular fortnightly shift, whereby you will support two Wrens in two separate, one-to-one sessions of 50 minutes via telephone/video call/online.

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development supported by staff-led reflective practice sessions. Monthly attendance required for the initial six months.

• Attend three additional modules of skill-building training in the first 12 months;

• Access to ongoing support from other volunteers and the Operations team;

• Opportunities to support the charity in a variety of additional roles.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN VOLUNTEERS:

• A desire to support people in times of distress;

• An empathetic and understanding attitude;

• A commitment to offering ongoing support to Wrens and to reflect upon the experience;

• A quiet and private space to conduct appointments;

• Access to a computer, telephone and a reliable internet connection;

• Confidentiality, professionalism and reliability;

• The commitment to volunteer at the Wren Project for at least one year.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR VOLUNTEERS:

• Lifelong skills in deep listening;

• Extensive training in empathetic listening and supporting distress;

• An excellent opportunity to engage in ongoing personal reflection and development in a supportive charity environment;

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development;

• An insight into life with autoimmune disease.

Come and make a difference to some young people who really need your input.

Go Beyond are a national UK charity giving children who have been bereaved, abused or bullied, who are living in poverty or caring for loved ones the chance to escape their worries and pressures through free breaks in the countryside. We need volunteers to help us deliver fun, creative and adventurous activities throughout the year.

Go Beyond’s centres on the Cornish coastline and on the edge of the Peak District are where vulnerable young people facing various challenges in their life come for a week of freedom and fun. Running Monday-Friday throughout the year, our breaks give children and young people the chance for time away from the worries of their everyday life, to make friends, try new things, build confidence, and ultimately go home inspired by what the world can offer them and what they, in turn, can offer the world.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

As a breaks volunteer, you will be part of a team, including trained Break Leaders, and will support by being an extra pair of eyes and ears, and a helping hand where needed. You will spend time with the young people attending Go Beyond and help ensure they have a positive week full of experiences and memories that will last a lifetime!

Full training and support will be given throughout. We have a wide variety of volunteer roles available and key responsibilities can include:

• Helping the Break Leaders with day-to-day tasks, such as setting up activities and keeping the centre tidy
• Assisting at mealtimes with preparing, serving, and cleaning
• Leading planned activities based on your skills with support from Break Leaders (such as baking, sports games, gardening, arts and crafts etc.)
• Capturing photos of special moments for the young people (using Go Beyond cameras only)
• Accompanying our driver to collect or drop off groups and supervise behaviour on the buses
• To be a positive role model and lead by example at all times
• To be encouraging and supportive to the young people and take an interest in each child
• To take part in the activities alongside the young people
• To be aware of boundaries and know when it is important to enforce these
• To inform the Break Leaders of any issues or concerns you have relating to the young people or the break experience
• To contribute to personalised messages which the young people receive in their goody bags as a lasting memory of their Go Beyond break
• To read, sign and ensure Safeguarding and Health and Safety Policies and Reporting Procedures are followed, and contribute to Go Beyond Hazard Analysis Critical Control Principles, Risk Assessment and Quality Assurance processes.

Qualities & Skills

• Enthusiasm and a willingness to help
• Good communication skills and a positive, friendly attitude
• Non-judgemental and approachable
• Experience of working with young people
• Willingness to work flexibly, adapting tasks to suit the needs of the group
• Ability to work well as part of a team in a busy, fast-paced environment

What you can gain from volunteering with Go Beyond

• Gain new skills and experience in a professional environment
• Training and personal development opportunities
• Join an enthusiastic team of people who want to make a difference, just like you
• We will happily provide a reference for volunteers who complete training and reach the agreed number of volunteer hours
• Have a rewarding experience making a difference to children living in desperately difficult circumstances across the UK

Time commitment

A break will run Monday to Friday, various weeks throughout the year

Application process

• Complete the application form online
• Two successful references will be required
• A successful DBS check would need to be completed (we pay, but you will need to prove your ID at the Post Office, which cost £12)
• A 30 minute online induction session
• Discussion of which break, where and when.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are committed to preventing sexual abuse to form circles in the West Midlands area. Circles reflect the communities they work in and we welcome volunteers from all kinds of backgrounds.

About you

• You must be over the age of 18 
• We will support you to apply for an Enhanced DBS check. There are some convictions which would preclude you from volunteering so; please speak to the Circles Coordinator for more information 
• We will provide training before you start volunteering, which usually takes  place over 2 weekend days or 4 evenings. 

Volunteer, and you won’t just do something amazing to prevent sexual abuse, but you will also develop your skills.  Our volunteers are also eligible for volunteer discounts, covering everything from fashion, holidays, meals out and gym membership.

What are Circles of Support and Accountability

Circles of Support and Accountability aim to rehabilitate people who have committed sexual offences against children, and help them to not offend again.

Each circle includes 4 to 6 trained volunteers from the local community who help to support one person who has sexually offended. The volunteers commit to meeting with the core member for 12 to 18 months. 

The circle provides practical skills and support to the Core Member according to their needs, which might include social skills, finding work or hobbies, or looking for suitable accommodation. They will also receive disclosure about the core members offending behaviour, and support them to recognise unhelpful thoughts, feelings and patterns of behaviour which might link to their risk of offending, and encourage them to develop more healthy strategies.

The core member will be subject to probation oversight within the criminal justice system. Volunteers are supported by a professional Circle Coordinator, who liaises with other key professionals working with the core member, including police and probation.

What areas do we cover?

Our Circles project covers the West Midlands including:

• Herefordshire
• Shropshire
• Staffordshire
• Worcestershire
• Warwickshire

Role Title:

Music and/or Drama Volunteer

Location:

Huntingdon - Saxongate

Day/Time required:

Flexible. ASAP

Organisation overview:

Papworth Trust is a leading disability charity. Our vision is a world where disabled people are seen for what they can do, and our mission is for disabled people to have equality, choice and independence.

Service overview:

Papworth Trust’s Day Opportunities service provides leisure, learning and work-related activities to more than 300 disabled people. We support customers with physical and learning disabilities ranging from mild to moderate to more complex needs from five locations in the East of England.

We offer a rich and diverse programme of recreational, learning and employment opportunities from our centre’s facilities in Huntingdon.

We’re a very friendly and welcoming service with enthusiastic, skilled and experienced staff and volunteers who support individuals to achieve their personal goals and aspirations.

Description of role:

We are looking for a volunteer to assist our upcoming music and drama activities in Huntingdon, supporting individuals with disabilities. Are you…

· enthusiastic

· respectful of participants

· a good listener

· willing to share their interests and ideas

· happy and confident in leading a group and gathering and encouraging their ideas,

· open minded

· willing to encourage input from all participants and to notice different kinds of input

· happy to perform alongside the participants and support them in their performances

You will work with customers and staff to discover the talents, ideas, songs and stories they want to share. Various elements will be used to support this process to reflect the interests and inspirations of the participants potentially including music, drama and visual art.

Key tasks:

As relationships and consistency are key to the project the same staff/volunteer each week wherever possible should be the aim. These staff/volunteers will be fully involved in the delivery of each session and will need to be available for the following each week:

1. Email contact: Staff/volunteer will need to be able to access emails to read the session plan before the sessions, and be available for limited email liaison for feedback, session planning etc.

2. Team briefing session: Five minutes prior to the arrival of the customers to share the goals and aims for the session and answer any questions about the session plan

3. Session delivery: Sessions will begin with all participants and staff/volunteers together going through the activities for the session.

Benefits of volunteering:

· Become part of a passionate and supportive team.

· Help make a real difference to the lives of disabled and disadvantaged people.

· Gain new experiences and develop skills and confidence.

· Meet new people.

· Spend your time doing something that is worthwhile and rewarding

· Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses

· Certificated training provided to prepare you for your role

· Day to day support from a designated member of staff

· Have fun!

Training available:

1. Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

2. Child Protection in Health and Social Care

3. Equality and Diversity

4. Data Protection in Health and Social Care

5. Local induction

6. Health & Safety

Do you love nature? Do you enjoy meeting people? Why not help support Cumbria Wildlife Trust events in South Cumbria, at Staveley Woodlands & Brown Robin nature reserves.

The role will be based at our Staveley Woodlands & Brown Robin nature reserves and predominantly outdoors. Our events at both locations are varied, so your duties will differ from event to event.

Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers often run events at nearby reserves and sometimes need an extra pair of hands.  We need someone who can help with fetching and carrying, supporting attendees, act as a backmarker on walks and generally help the event run smoothly.

Although no experience is necessary, being able to get along with people from all walks of life is essential, as is an ability to deal with uneven ground.  The benefits are great company and feeling that you’re helping people discover the natural world.

This is a very flexible role. Choose which events you’d like to help with.

Travel costs will be reimbursed and lift sharing can often be arranged on request.

This volunteer role is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Duration: Sessions will be ad hoc but will be planned well in advance, giving you plenty of notice, and may last from two hours to a full day. 

Want to learn more about this Role?

Interested in volunteering with Cumbria Wildlife Trust on the ‘The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery’ project? The Bay is a nature and wellbeing programme of events, offering people living around Morecambe Bay area, the opportunity to get outdoors, connect with nature, and take part in a range of activities. Barrow-in-Furness is at the northernmost point of the Bay project area.

Do you love wildlife? Experience and share the joy of the rich variety of habitats and wild plants and animals that live in The Bay, with event visitors.

Are you a people person? An approachable and friendly manner. Have confidence in talking to members of public, of varying ages and backgrounds.

Becoming a community events volunteer, is a unique opportunity to learn new conservation and people skills. Community event volunteers help to connect people to nature and also help people take action to protect wildlife.

We are looking for volunteers to help set up and support the delivery of events which may include coastal stargazing, UV rock pooling, guided walks, codebreaking, egg case hunts, and craft activities. We also go into organisations such as care homes with our ‘portable rockpool’ to bring a little bit of nature to people who would struggle to get outdoors.

You don’t need to be a wading bird or starfish expert, just have a natural enthusiasm for the all the wildlife that you and event visitors will encounter.

This community focused role is based indoors or outdoors.

This is a very flexible role.

You can choose the events you’d like to help with.

Training, hot brews and support will be provided.

Travel costs will be reimbursed and lift sharing can often be arranged on request.

 Please note DBS (paid by Cumbria Wildlife Trust) may be required. Safeguarding training will also be provided.

Is this for you? Want to learn more about this role? We'd love to hear from you.

Who are we? 

Survivors Can Shine  is a community interest company working to empower and protect children and young people by providing platforms to celebrate and amplify their voices. Bringing communities together to change perceptions around child abuse and create young Ambassadors for Change.

This year's Ambassadors for Change Community event will be held on Saturday May 25th in celebration of International Family Day. We are bringing together children, young people, local youth services and the wider community in collective strength in a positive movement for change. 

'Ambassadors for Change are positive leaders and role models to their peers and an inspiration to the community'. 

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers for The Ambassadors for Change Community Event, supported by BBC Children in Need, taking place on the iconic Hampstead Heath on Saturday, May 25th. We’ll need volunteers to help make the day a success by helping manage the crowds, supporting the local community, answering any queries, and just generally representing Survivors Can Shine. 

Why Volunteer with Survivors Can Shine? 

By volunteering for us, you are part of a positive movement for change that is uplifting children and young people through the power of music. You’ll be part of an uplifting event to mark International Family Day, providing our young people with the opportunity to perform the creative pieces they've been working on and have their voices heard by public figures, the wider community & the Mayor of London who will also be in attendance to hand out the Ambassadors for Change Awards.

You will receive a free enhanced DBS check and Volunteer Safeguarding training that’ll be virtual for 2 hours.

There’s a variety of different tasks to get involved with and it’ll look great on your CV!   

Skills needed: 

• Enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in 
• Interpersonal skills 
• Punctuality and reliability

What roles do we need?

• Distribute event materials such as leaflets in your local area 
• Stewards to help control crowds 
• Welcoming & signposting attendees and providing information 
• Act as a Charity ambassador by promoting the event among your friends, family and colleagues 
• Security and first aid 
• Set up and pack down of event 
• Selling raffle tickets

Where and when?

The event takes places on Saturday May 25th from 1:30pm – 4:30pm, meaning that we need volunteers from 9am – 5:30pm (there are various slots throughout the day - you don't need to be available for the whole day!)

Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hills Fields, NW5 1QR 

All volunteers will need to be over 18.

A Wellbeing Buddy is a volunteer who is matched with someone who has been referred to us for support for a period of 12 weeks and volunteers with them in person.

Face-to-face Wellbeing Buddies meet their match each week with an overall aim of helping them to build confidence and improve their quality of life. This might involve going for walks with the person, going on public transport with them, assisting them with food shopping or just offering some company in their normal routine.

The time you give to volunteering can be decided by you, as long as you can commit to at least once a week for 12 weeks with one person.

Please note that at the moment, to become a volunteer with us you will need to have some availability during the working week (9-5 Monday-Friday). Wellbeing Volunteers are not able to do this role during evenings and weekends. This is so that there are staff members available for support. 

What do you need to become a Wellbeing Buddy?

You don't necessarily need to have experience in a role like this, but any experience in offering objective support to people would be beneficial. We are mainly looking for kind-hearted, personable, reliable individuals who love to chat and can give a small amount of time each week to help someone who needs it. You will be given training and support from the volunteer coordinator whenever needed.

To volunteer, you must:

- Be over the age of 18
- Be able to travel within your local area, whether by public transport, Beryl bike or driving
- Have access to the internet to use our volunteer database
- Undergo a DBS check (free to you)
- Complete the necessary training

What do you get out of it? 

Volunteering with us will give you a chance to develop your skills and experience in empathy and active listening, as well as supporting and safeguarding people. We can offer you a rewarding opportunity to help empower people to live their best possible lives, a way of meeting other volunteers and likeminded people and social events for volunteers. We also offer reimbursement for expenses, access to schemes such as free Beryl Bike minutes and opportunities to attend personalised and tailored training and workshops.

How to join us:

To become a Wellbeing Buddy you will need to complete the application form attached to this opportunity (you can also find this on our website). You will then be invited to a an informal meeting with the volunteer coordinator (in person or online). If successful, you will need to attend a short training session at Beech House in Poole. This opportunity requires you to undergo a DBS check (free of charge to you).

Are you passionate about young people and ensuring everyone has equitable access to opportunities? Do you have a vibrant energy and experience to bring to our families and children? Then we could be looking for you to join our team of volunteers supportung families and young people in the North Kensington community.

As we ease out of lockdown, we are looking for volunteers to help on day trips in and around London to support families in getting back to normality again.

Trips will include anything from horse riding through to the beach, farms and Kew Gardens. This is an opportunity to help families in our community while gaining experience of working with a small, friendly and supportive charity.

Volunteers will help the group leader to accompany groups of parents/guardians and their children on a variety of cultural/fun trips, helping to make them feel welcome. 

Suitable volunteers will be reliable and sociable and enjoy working with children. Volunteers must be available for day trips during school holidays, as this is when most of the trips take place.

Volunteers receive a full induction, and support from the Children and Young People Coordinator. Travel expenses on the outings and any entrance fees are covered, and some further expenses can also be claimed.

Are you looking to impact a young person’s life and make a difference in the community?

Well come and join us today at The Kids Network!

What is the role

• The Kids Network is looking for committed, fun and passionate volunteers who live in or near to Lambeth to make a difference to the children of London.
• Our structured mentoring programme supports 8-11 year old's, based across London, to support with their social and emotional development before they transition into secondary school.
• As a mentor, you will hold weekly one on one sessions of 1 -3 hours. You will help to build confidence, resilience and help your mentee to manage feelings through a series of fun and positive experiences and activities.
• The weekly sessions can be flexible between weekdays and weekends.
• You will also get to meet fellow adults in your community through our peer network.
• All volunteers will go benefit from two days of in-person  where you'll gain skills and knowledge to support you as a mentor. (Many mentors share that the skills developed support their progression in the workplace, especially those seeking to gain experience working with children and young people)

What impact will this have?

• Help build resilience and confidence in a child in your local community.
• Learn from fellow mentors with our amazing peer network.
• Help a child as they transition from primary to secondary school.

Currently recruiting mentors who are:

·Looking to give back to their communities and make an impact on little londoners.

Expenses

• Volunteers have a budget of £30 per month. We are also able to cover travel expenses.

Training​

• Our induction training will provide you with all the skills and knowledge to support your mentee, including safeguarding, health and safety, child-led mentoring and understanding your role.
• We offer additional training throughout the year to in anti-oppression, trauma-informed practice and lots more to help enhance your mentoring journey and your personal and professional development.

A DBS check is required but is organised and paid for by The Kids Network.

Job Description

Role Title:  

Volunteer Information Advice and Guidance Assistant (x 2) 

Where: 

Nova New Opportunities, 2 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL with travel to other locations within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC). 

When:  

April 2023, minimum commitment of 6 months 

2-5 hours weekly

Between 10am-2pm

Monday to Wednesday 

About Nova: 

Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards & those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.  

Reaching 2,500+ people each year, we believe in improving people’s lives one person at a time, helping committed and motivated individuals to achieve their potential by: 

• Developing knowledge, education and confidence

• Connecting diverse groups

• Providing opportunities

Our work, operates on 2 levels:

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  

• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action

Purpose of role:

Support the Nova Information, Advice and Guidance Programme team respond to the challenges and needs of the community enabling them to thrive.

Role Description:

This role will act to assist Advisors delivering support to people helping them improve skills for employment purposes. With the disruption of Covid-19, many households have been thrown into a continuum of health and financial challenges which have in some cases demotivated and reduced self-esteem. In the short-term our aim is to intensively support 30 RBKC individuals rediscover their potential, increase their confidence and assist them in reaching their potential through training, volunteering and longer-term secure meaningful paid employment.

You will:

• Enjoy listening and helping others in a non-judgemental manner 

• Be able to work in a team and seek guidance when needed

• Have a naturally resourceful outlook

• Have a genuine interest in providing Information, Advice and Guidance

• Support advisors to successfully deliver robust services according to client needs

You need to be:

• DBS Checked

• Confident in the use of IT

• Some experience of supporting people 

• Inquisitive

• Committed

• Competent

• Reliable

• Honest

• Punctual

• Patient

• Fair

• Open minded

• Respectful of client information and circumstance 

• Clients may come from various cultural backgrounds and face different challenges. 

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently

Further information:

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

• IAG qualification or experience of community work would be desirable but not essential. 

Main point of contact/supervisor:

Head of IAG / Head of IAG Development and Strategy

How to apply: 

Please email your updated CV and brief covering letter (no more than one A4 page) outlining why you would like to join the IAG team.