Vocational/Services Volunteer Roles

Do you have time to support our patients and families? Join the ellenor family and help provide an essential service for our patients.

Location: ellenor Northfleet, local community and The Manor Hotel
Hours: Approximately 2 hours, as many days as you can spare
Times: Drop off times are 10:30am and 3pm for group activities. Therefore availability around these times is required.
Days: You can have a set day, or work on a more flexible basis, whatever you can spare. 

Role

You will be picking up patients and bringing them in to ellenor for our Therapeutic Activity groups. We require patients to be brought in to the Hospice or to The Manor Hotel by 10:30am and returned to their own home at 3pm. You are not required to stay for the duration of the activity. 

You may drive either your own vehicle or we will provide training to drive a company mini bus. 

We also require driver escorts to help on the minibus too, who will assist patients on and off the bus for these activities. 

Due to building works at the Hospice Northfleet, patients are currently attending the Best Western Manor Hotel, Gravesend.

Skills

Positive attitude and great people skills.

Full clean driving licence, if using your own vehicle you will need to produce documents for verification eg: MOT, Insurance.

If you wish to use the minibus, training will be provided by KCC, expenses for this will be covered but flexibility to attend will be required. 

A DBS certificate will also be required for this role. 

Online mandatory training will need to be completed.

Role Description

The Volunteer Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of meals in our kitchen. This includes following recipes, ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are met, and adapting menus to meet dietary requirements as needed. In this role, you’ll work as part of a team to ensure the smooth preparation of lunch for approximately 30-40 visitors at our centre, who have a variety of dietary needs. This role requires a commitment of 3 months.

Lunch preparation starts at 9:45am and lunch is served at 12pm on Mondays and Thursdays.

Person Specification

Essential

• Ability to work efficiently as part of a team.
• Good time management and organisational skills.
• Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately
• Willingness to adapt to changing menus and kitchen needs
• Familiarity with food hygiene and safety regulations (preferred but training will be provided)

Desirable

• Experience as a cook in a similar environment
• Experience working or volunteering with refugees or asylum seekers

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for this role please email a completed copy of the Volunteer Application Form

As a Host, you will be the first point of contact for patients, their guests, and other visitors to the hospice. Always wearing a friendly smile, you’ll be there to greet and guide, lend a listening ear and be on-hand to carry out support tasks. No day is ever the same!

As a Host, you will also be able to serve patients and customers at our Café. This is a great opportunity to start your volunteering journey at ellenor.

Some key traits you will need as a Host:

• Are you, sociable, approachable, calm, cheerful, courteous, observant, and welcoming?
• If you feel you this is something for you, fill in our application form.
• In return we offer a supportive working environment with on-going training and personal development opportunities.

Purpose and Aims of the role: 

We are looking for volunteers who can provide a strong foundation to help strengthen their communities by helping Care Experienced children and young people engage in activities to build their skills and confidence and to be included, understood, respected, and valued in their communities.

The Group Work Volunteer role will work alongside our innovative and energetic Edinburgh project team, supporting to raise awareness of Care Experience and supporting activities for young people, providing supportive adults to ensure all children and young people can thrive, bringing communities together.

This role will involve interacting with young people aged 5-17 through supporting and leading on a variety of activities e.g. arts/crafts/sports/general youth work at our fortnightly/monthly sessions as well as at our National events that happen throughout the year. This role will help build community strengths for Care Experienced people and provide social networks to help build resilience and positive outcomes for children and young people.

Who Cares? Scotland is a people organisation. We invest in our people, our relationships and in a positive working culture. It’s important to us that our volunteer team is included, involved and motivated to change society. 

We aim to recruit people with excellent qualities from a wide variety of backgrounds who share in our mission. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with care experience. 

What will I be doing? 

• Supporting staff to undertake activities 

• Leading on activities 

• Supporting young people’s sense of belonging and connection 

• Building community ties, ensuring Care Experienced people are welcomed within communities.

• Helping children and young people to have fun 

• Building children and young people’s confidence and self esteem 

• Being a positive role model 

What skills can I bring to this role? 

• A knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Care Experienced people. 

• Ability to work well in a team. 

• Good communication and listening skills. 

• Ability to encourage and motivate others to participate in activities. 

What qualities do I need? 

• To have a non-judgemental approach to people, have empathy. 

• Be enthusiastic, flexible and committed. 

• Reliable and approachable. 

• Friendly, helpful and understanding. 

• A commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner. 

• To have a good value base, be open minded and level-headed. 

ROLE SUMMARY:

To support artists and the Zest Medway Coordinator in the delivery of creative sessions for people living with dementia, their family, friends and carers.

To work directly with participants with complex needs, enabling them to engage with each session.

ABOUT US:

Bright Shadow’s mission is to enable people living with dementia, and those affected by it, to live well and to thrive. We are experts in creative activities designed specifically for people with dementia to enable self-expression, social interaction and active participation. We do this in a number of ways, including our trademark Zest sessions for people living with dementia in the community.

We offer a range of volunteer opportunities, and are particularly looking for someone to work with our Zest group in Medway, which is launching in April 2024. This role is a wonderful opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of our participants by enabling those with more complex needs to engage with this group. Our Medway Zest group is one of four Zest groups that meet; Deal, Hythe and Whitstable are already established groups who have been running for many years.

You will become part of a friendly team offering support and guidance, so your positive attitude is more important to us than specific experience. We offer all volunteers dementia awareness and safeguarding training, as well as requiring an enhanced DBS certificate.

Established in 2009, Bright Shadow is passionate about a brighter quality of care, which is invigorating, mood boosting and enhances relationships. We are adamant that life and fun shouldn’t stop once you reach a certain age or receive a diagnosis of dementia. In all of our work we celebrate the here and now, ensuring that people with dementia enjoy a bright today and a bright tomorrow.

POST REPORTS TO: Volunteer Coordinator and Zest Medway Coordinator 

LOCATION: Sunlight Centre, Richmond Road, Gillingham, ME7 1LX 

POSITION TYPE: Volunteer

HOURS REQUIRED: Tuesdays 9:45am - 12:15pm. We are equally looking for those who can commit on a regular basis, as well as those who would want to offer their time on a fixed basis (such as one month, 6 weeks etc).

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Understanding of or willingness to learn about living with dementia, including completing provided dementia awareness training

2. Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and empathy

3. Enthusiasm to join in with performance and arts activities such as singing, movement and story making wherever possible and assisting participants to engage fully

4. Work closely with Zest Medway Coordinator to deliver a safe and high quality experience

5. Help Zest Medway Coordinator to prepare the room before sessions and clear up at the end where necessary

6. Help Zest Medway Coordinator to prepare refreshments for participants

7. Help the Zest Medway Coordinator with the collection of evaluation information 

8. Assist in documenting the sessions using photography, recording and/or film on equipment provided where necessary 

9. Work within all Bright Shadow policies, including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Covid-19, Equality and GDPR compliance. This role is subject to the volunteer having an up to date enhanced DBS check carried out.

Competencies

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and empathy

• Sensitive to people’s needs and the safeguarding of vulnerable adults

• Good initiative and ability to work independently

• To undertake an enhanced DBS check

Desirable

• Previous experience working with older adults

• Experience of working for an arts organisation

• Competent IT skills, including social media

• Knowledge/understanding of dementia

Our volunteers play an important part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will making a big difference, then join us here at RJ4ALL

About The Community Fridge Service

The RJ4All Community Fridge provides quality food to communities in South East London while simultaneously preventing food waste. Our Community Fridge is a social space that does not only meet the food needs of community members but also provide a space to connect with others

What will you be doing as a Food Waste Hero ?

• Collect surplus food from Tesco Surrey Quays on Sundays 4-6pm or Tesco Express Southwark Park Rd on Tuesdays at 8pm
• Collect surplus food in the locality on other days and times that fit in with your schedule.
• Assist with staff at the centre
• Meet new people and make connections

Who would this role fit? 

• You will be 18+
• You will live in SE16
• A car would be useful
• Flexible

Who are we?

Restorative Justice for All  (RJ4All) is a charitable, user-led international institute that was set up in 2013 by Theo Gavrielides with a mission to address poverty and advance community cohesion and human rights. 

Age restrictions - 16+

Why we need your help

Clinical staff in our hospices provide a range of activities for patients and their families, which would not be possible without the support of our volunteers. We are looking for Activities Coordinators to help support clinical staff in the hospice by providing a welcoming and safe environment for men affected by terminal illness and by coordinating activity sessions.

What we need you to do

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

• Provide a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere which is appropriate for activities
• Welcome and chat to patients, carers and widowers
• Plan and deliver a programme of sessions for Men's Shed attendees for the group you are leading 
• Promote the Men's Shed within the hospice and the local community
• Identify equipment and material needs for activities and discuss with volunteer line manager
• Help with other related tasks as necessary 

What skills or experience do you need?

• Enthusiastic and outgoing with good people skills
• Well organised and confident using your own initiative
• An understanding of the needs of those affected by end-of-life care issues
• Able to be creative with limited resources
• Committed to high standards and to providing a quality service
• Flexible and willing to be part of a team
• A solid understanding of the importance of confidentiality

What we can offer you

• An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment
• An induction, training, support and supervision in your role
• Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses

In the online application we only need your basic information (name, address, phone number and email address), an emergency contact, and 2 references that we can contact. 

What we ask of you

• To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role
• To keep to all the charity’s policies and guidelines 
• To complete an induction and any training related to the role

Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect.  We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment.  We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users.

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.

Age restrictions - 16+

Marie Curie is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment for our patients and their families. We’re looking for volunteers to help us ensure hospice gardens and grounds are kept tidy and look beautiful with attractive flowers, tree and shrubs.

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

• Potting up and planting, depending on the season
• Sweeping, watering, weeding, pruning and remove dead heads
• Lifting and clearing garden rubbish
• Cutting grass
• Help with other related tasks when necessary

In the online application we only need your basic information (name, address, phone number and email address), an emergency contact, 2 references, and a parental consent form if you are under 18. 

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.

Purpose and Aims of the role: 

We are looking for volunteers who can provide a strong foundation to help strengthen their communities by helping Care Experienced children and young people engage in activities to build their skills and confidence and to be included, understood, respected, and valued in their communities.

The Group Work Volunteer role will work alongside our innovative and energetic East Lothian project team, supporting the delivery of the fortnightly East Lothian Champions Board groups. The group allows Care Experienced children and young people to build connections with others and provides a platform for them to raise their views and experiences to promote change.

This role will involve interacting with young people aged 12-17 through supporting and leading on a variety of activities e.g. arts/crafts/sports/general youth work at our fortnightly sessions as well as at our National events that happen throughout the year. This role will help build connection and belonging for Care Experienced young people and provide a platform to allow them to influence positive change. Providing transport to young people to and from the fortnightly sessions is a key need for the group.

Who Cares? Scotland is a people organisation. We invest in our people, our relationships and in a positive working culture. It’s important to us that our volunteer team is included, involved and motivated to change society. 

We aim to recruit people with excellent qualities from a wide variety of backgrounds who share in our mission. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with care experience. 

What will I be doing? 

• Supporting staff to undertake activities 

• Leading on activities 

• Supporting young people’s sense of belonging and connection 

• Building community ties, ensuring Care Experienced people are welcomed within communities.

• Helping children and young people to have fun 

• Building children and young people’s confidence and self esteem 

• Being a positive role model 

What skills can I bring to this role? 

• A knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Care Experienced people. 

• Ability to work well in a team. 

• Good communication and listening skills. 

• Ability to encourage and motivate others to participate in activities. 

What qualities do I need? 

• To have a non-judgemental approach to people, have empathy. 

• Be enthusiastic, flexible and committed. 

• Reliable and approachable. 

• Friendly, helpful and understanding. 

• A commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner. 

• To have a good value base, be open minded and level-headed. 

ROLE SUMMARY:

To support artists and the Zest Hythe Coordinator in the delivery of creative sessions for people living with dementia, their family, friends and carers.

To work directly with participants with complex needs, enabling them to engage with each session.

ABOUT US:

Bright Shadow’s mission is to enable people living with dementia, and those affected by it, to live well and to thrive. We are experts in creative activities designed specifically for people with dementia to enable self-expression, social interaction and active participation. We do this in a number of ways, including our trademark Zest sessions for people living with dementia in the community.

We offer a range of volunteer opportunities, and are particularly looking for someone to work with our Zest group in Hythe. This role is a wonderful opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of our participants by enabling those with more complex needs to continue engaging with this close-knit group. 

You will become part of a friendly team offering support and guidance, so your positive attitude is more important to us than specific experience. We offer all volunteers dementia awareness and safeguarding training, as well as requiring an enhanced DBS certificate.

Established in 2009, Bright Shadow is passionate about a brighter quality of care, which is invigorating, mood boosting and enhances relationships. We are adamant that life and fun shouldn’t stop once you reach a certain age or receive a diagnosis of dementia. In all of our work we celebrate the here and now, ensuring that people with dementia enjoy a bright today and a bright tomorrow.

POST REPORTS TO: Project Manager and Zest Hythe Coordinator 

LOCATION: Hythe Sports Pavilion, 2 South Road, Hythe, CT21 6AR

POSITION TYPE: Volunteer

HOURS REQUIRED: Thursdays 1:45-4:15pm

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Understanding of or willingness to learn about living with dementia, including completing provided dementia awareness training

2. Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and empathy

3. Enthusiasm to join in with performance and arts activities such as singing, movement and story making wherever possible and assisting participants to engage fully

4. Work closely with Zest Hythe Coordinator to deliver a safe and high quality experience

5. Help Zest Hythe Coordinator to prepare the room before sessions and clear up at the end where necessary

6. Help Zest Hythe Coordinator to prepare refreshments for participants

7. Help the Zest Hythe Coordinator with the collection of evaluation information

8. Assist in documenting the sessions using photography, recording and/or film on equipment provided where necessary 

9. Work within all Bright Shadow policies, including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Covid-19, Equality and GDPR compliance. This role is subject to the volunteer having an up to date enhanced DBS check carried out.

Competencies

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and empathy

• Sensitive to people’s needs and the safeguarding of vulnerable adults

• Good initiative and ability to work independently

• To undertake an enhanced DBS check

Desirable

• Previous experience working with older adults

• Experience of working for an arts organisation

• Competent IT skills, including social media

• Knowledge/understanding of dementia

• To deliver complementary therapies to patients, their carers and people who are bereaved
• To provide therapy within an outpatient setting in a fit for purpose clinic room
• To provide therapy on the inpatient ward at ellenor

ROLE SUMMARY:

• To support artists and the Zest Whitstable Coordinator in the delivery of creative sessions for people living with dementia, their family, friends and carers.
• To work directly with participants with complex needs, enabling them to engage with each session.

ABOUT US:

Bright Shadow’s mission is to enable people living with dementia, and those affected by it, to live well and to thrive. We are experts in creative activities designed specifically for people with dementia to enable self-expression, social interaction and active participation. We do this in a number of ways, including our trademark Zest sessions for people living with dementia in the community.

We offer a range of volunteer opportunities, and are particularly looking for someone to work with our Zest group in Whitstable. This role is a wonderful opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of our participants by enabling those with more complex needs to continue engaging with this close-knit group. 

You will become part of a friendly team offering support and guidance, so your positive attitude is more important to us than specific experience. We offer all volunteers dementia awareness and safeguarding training, as well as requiring an enhanced DBS certificate.

Established in 2009, Bright Shadow is passionate about a brighter quality of care, which is invigorating, mood boosting and enhances relationships. We are adamant that life and fun shouldn’t stop once you reach a certain age or receive a diagnosis of dementia. In all of our work we celebrate the here and now, ensuring that people with dementia enjoy a bright today and a bright tomorrow.

POST REPORTS TO: Project & Admin Coordinator and Zest Whitstable Coordinator 

LOCATION: Whitstable Umbrella Centre, Oxford Street, Whitstable, CT5 1DD

POSITION TYPE: Volunteer

HOURS REQUIRED: Tuesdays 1:45-4:15pm

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Understanding of or willingness to learn about living with dementia, including completing provided dementia awareness training

2. Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and empathy

3. Enthusiasm to join in with performance and arts activities such as singing, movement and story making wherever possible and assisting participants to engage fully

4. Work closely with Zest Whitstable Coordinator to deliver a safe and high quality experience

5. Help Zest Whitstable Coordinator to prepare the room before sessions and clear up at the end where necessary

6. Help Zest Whitstable Coordinator to prepare refreshments for participants

7. Help the Zest Whitstable Coordinator with the collection of evaluation information 

8. Assist in documenting the sessions using photography, recording and/or film on equipment provided where necessary 

9. Work within all Bright Shadow policies, including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Covid-19, Equality and GDPR compliance. This role is subject to the volunteer having an up to date enhanced DBS check carried out.

Person Specification

Zest Communities Session Volunteer

The person specification states the knowledge; skills and experience helpful in volunteering with us and is used for both short-listing volunteers for informal interview and to identify the areas to explore in this interview. 

Competencies

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and empathy

• Sensitive to people’s needs and the safeguarding of vulnerable adults

• Good initiative and ability to work independently

• To undertake an enhanced DBS check

Desirable

• Previous experience working with older adults

• Experience of working for an arts organisation

• Competent IT skills, including social media

• Knowledge/understanding of dementia

ROLE SUMMARY:

To support artists and the Zest Deal Coordinator in the delivery of creative sessions for people living with dementia, their family, friends and carers.

To work directly with participants with complex needs, enabling them to engage with each session.

ABOUT US:

Bright Shadow’s mission is to enable people living with dementia, and those affected by it, to live well and to thrive. We are experts in creative activities designed specifically for people with dementia to enable self-expression, social interaction and active participation. We do this in a number of ways, including our trademark Zest sessions for people living with dementia in the community.

We offer a range of volunteer opportunities and are particularly looking for someone to work with our Zest group in Deal. This role is a wonderful opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of our participants by enabling those with more complex needs to continue engaging with this close-knit group. 

You will become part of a friendly team offering support and guidance, so your positive attitude is more important to us than specific experience. We offer all volunteers dementia awareness and safeguarding training, as well as requiring an enhanced DBS certificate.

Established in 2009, Bright Shadow is passionate about a brighter quality of care, which is invigorating, mood boosting and enhances relationships. We are adamant that life and fun shouldn’t stop once you reach a certain age or receive a diagnosis of dementia. In all of our work we celebrate the here and now, ensuring that people with dementia enjoy a bright today and a bright tomorrow.

POST REPORTS TO: Project Manager and Zest Deal Coordinator

LOCATION: The Astor Theatre, Stanhope Road, Deal, CT14 6AB 

POSITION TYPE: Volunteer

HOURS REQUIRED: Thursdays 9:45am-12:15pm

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Understanding of or willingness to learn about living with dementia, including completing provided dementia awareness training

2. Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and empathy

3. Enthusiasm to join in with performance and arts activities such as singing, movement and story making wherever possible and assisting participants to engage fully

4. Work closely with Zest Deal Coordinator to deliver a safe and high quality experience

5. Help Zest Deal Coordinator to prepare the room before sessions and clear up at the end where necessary

6. Help Zest Deal Coordinator to prepare refreshments for participants

7. Help the Zest Deal Coordinator with the collection of evaluation information

8. Assist in documenting the sessions using photography, recording and/or film on equipment provided where necessary 

9. Work within all Bright Shadow policies, including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Covid-19, Equality and GDPR compliance. This role is subject to the volunteer having an up to date enhanced DBS check carried out.

Competencies

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and empathy

• Sensitive to people’s needs and the safeguarding of vulnerable adults

• Good initiative and ability to work independently

• To undertake an enhanced DBS check

Desirable

• Previous experience working with older adults

• Experience of working for an arts organisation

• Competent IT skills, including social media

• Knowledge/understanding of dementia

• Greet patients as they arrive and help them to get settled – make them feel welcome by engaging in conversation
• Help to welcome and integrate new patients by ‘showing them the ropes’
• Refreshment provision to patients throughout the day as required – hot and cold drinks
• Keep the kitchen area clean and tidy throughout the day, including use of the dishwasher (training provided)
• Encourage patient involvement in Therapeutic Activity Groups, social, and recreational activities, and assist the person in participating in these
• Work with patients in a 1 to 1 setting as directed by the Therapy Team
• Conversations with patients and carers
• Share information with ellenor staff relating to patients wellbeing

• Be available for a pre-shift briefing from the Therapy staff – discuss any special needs of patients and the day’s proposed programme
• Act as a ‘buddy’ for new volunteers, familiarising them with the daily routine and local procedures