Volunteer roles for the Mental Health sector

Fundraising

Are you a dedicated professional with a heart for healing, nature, and community? The Therapy Garden is seeking exceptional individuals with expertise in Horticulture or Fundraising to join our team of Trustees.

About Us: The Therapy Garden is a horticulture and education charity that uses gardening to generate positive change. We work with adults and teenagers with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and mental health challenges and offer school-age teenagers interventional education opportunities.

Based in the village of Normandy, Surrey, the charity was established in 1998 by a local resident, with the aim of using the healing power of horticulture to connect with vulnerable members of our community.

Your Role as a Trustee: As a Trustee, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting the future of The Therapy Garden. Your expertise in Horticulture or Fundraising will be vital as we continue to flourish and offer our services to a growing community.

Responsibilities include:

• Fundraising Mastery: Help secure resources to sustain and expand our offerings, ensuring accessibility to Fundraising, to help us develop and implement Environment: Collaborate with a passionate team that shares your commitment to well-being and community
• Personal Growth: Enhance your leadership skills and expertise by being part of a dynamic team dedicated to making positive change.

Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds.

If you’re ready to align your expertise with a purpose-driven cause, The Therapy Garden invites you to apply as a Trustee. Together, we can cultivate well-being, nurture growth, and provide solace to those in need.

Transform lives through nature.  Apply now to become a Trustee at The Therapy Garden.

TWe are excited to welcome new Trustees who share our passion and vision.

Are you a dedicated professional with a heart for healing, nature, and community? The Therapy Garden is seeking exceptional individuals with expertise in Horticulture or Fundraising to join our team of Trustees.

About Us: The Therapy Garden is a horticulture and education charity that uses gardening to generate positive change. We work with adults and teenagers with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and mental health challenges and offer school-age teenagers interventional education opportunities.

Based in the village of Normandy, Surrey, the charity was established in 1998 by a local resident, with the aim of using the healing power of horticulture to connect with vulnerable members of our community.

Your Role as a Trustee: As a Trustee, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting the future of The Therapy Garden. Your expertise in Horticulture or Fundraising will be vital as we continue to flourish and offer our services to a growing community.

Responsibilities include:

• Horticultural Knowledge: Contribute insights to enhance our garden’s beauty, sustainability, and therapeutic potential

Requirements:

• Horticulturalists: Expertise in horticulture, landscape design or similar fields to enrich our garden’s vitality.

Why join us:

• Meaningful Impact: Make a direct impact on individuals seeking healing and rejuvenation through the power of nature
• Collaborative Environment: Collaborate with a passionate team that shares your commitment to well-being and community

• Personal Growth: Enhance your leadership skills and expertise by being part of a dynamic team dedicated to making positive change.

  Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds.

  If you’re ready to align your expertise with a purpose-driven cause, The Therapy Garden invites you to apply as a Trustee. Together, we can cultivate well-being, nurture growth, and provide solace to those in need.

  Transform lives through nature.  Apply now to become a Trustee at The Therapy Garden.

Do you have 5 hours to spare each week?

Want to help those with challenges in their lives?

We are looking for Client Support Volunteers to assist in the Garden alongside our horticulturists in the supervision of our adult clients and teenagers with a variety of disabilities.

Our volunteers work in the garden with clients, helping them with various tasks such as planting, harvesting, pruning and mowing to name a few, under the guidance of our team of horticulturists. 

As well as general gardening work you will be assisting our clients, both children and adults with the opportunity to achieve a qualification in horticulture.

Other tasks our volunteers help with include general garden maintenance, DIY tasks or craft/cookery activities.

No gardening experience is required, just the ability to get along with others and muck in! This can be a great stepping stone to further education or work opportunities.

At present, we are looking for Volunteers who can offer a regular weekly commitment.

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that have been bereaved.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
• Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
• Are a good listener
• Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
• Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

Requirements of a Befriender include:

• Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
• Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
• Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
• Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

Benefits of this role may include:

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
• Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Support and training provided:

• Omega Chatterbox induction program
• Safeguarding training
• Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
• Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
• Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

Location of the role:

• Home-based

When are you needed:

• Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you

Our Linked Minds Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow due to a diagnosed mental health problem.

This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.

On successful completion of specialist mental health training, the Befriender is matched with someone suitable, by a Co-ordinator who then acts as a (non-clinical) supervisor for the befriending period, which is limited to a year. (Where applicable, this can count towards continuous professional development).

Befriender, client and supervisor make a plan together with a goal to work towards, and the Befriender makes a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea, go out for a walk together, visit a cafe or undertake a local activity. 

These visits make such a difference for the client, increasing their confidence and helping them explore and work towards getting a job, joining a club, meeting other people or whatever their goal may be.

The aim is that, by the end of the year, clients feel better about themselves, more valued, resilient, empowered, more linked to their community and better equipped for their journeys in recovery.

But volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.

As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Barefoot and Free are looking for a creative volunteers who have fresh ideas with the expertise and passion to make them a reality.

What will you be doing?

A wonderful opportunity for vibrant creative individuals to come up with new fundraising ideas and put them into practice.

We would love to hear from anyone who is passionate about fundraising and loves organising events, from cake sales to fun runs. If you feel you are someone who can motivate others, steer new supporters to sign up and support them, to organise their fundraising events and organise our own fundraising charity events then get in touch..... we need your help.

This fundraiser role is an important role, it will help bring in much needed funds to support what we do, your involvement will include

• Research, identify and develop new fundraising opportunities and areas of potential support
• Represent the charity where needed, at other events and functions organised by third parties if/when required
• To cultivate relationships with volunteers, individual supporters and partnerships. Including local businesses, schools and community groups
• Help to deliver presentations to groups and schools in your local community
• Network within the local community to raise awareness of the charity and grow supporters
• Source raffle/auction prizes from existing supporters as well as approaching new / cold leads
• Support the Charity with promotion and sign up for challenges

Experience Required:

• Minimum one year fundraising/events planning experience required
• Enthusiasim for the role

What are we looking for?

We’d love people who are passionate about supporting the families we serve, someone who is creative and can put a plan in action, someone who has had experience in successful fundraising activities, events or online success or individuals that may not have experience but have the drive to succeed in the role. Commitment and professionalism is a must.

What difference will you make?

We are a small charity fighting hard to support our families, as we grow, we need to bring in more unrestricted funding to help with core costs, could you be the person to support us? Are you creative with vibrant ideas that could work to boost our fundraising?

Your support will help us to grow and support more families, our families are extremely important to us, we support amazing children and young people fighting big issues due to neurodiversity or trauma resulting in mental health issues, we work hard as a team to fund staycations so our families can breathe and take a break so they can recuperate to face the challenges they so unfairly face. You will have the chance to make a huge difference to the lives of the vulnerable families we support at Barefoot and Free.

We can’t wait to see what you can do! Please do get in touch.

We are seeking two or three volunteers to join our Board of Trustees.

If you’re passionate about supporting children and young people in Cumbria and have skills or experience in any of the following areas, we’d especially love to hear from you:

• Business Development

• Finance

• General Fundraising

• Law

• Networking & Corporate Fundraising

As a trustee, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Receive induction and training to support you in your role.

• Make strategic decisions and contribute to the charity’s direction.

• Develop new skills and network with other professionals.

• Help improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Cumbria.

Job Title: Volunteer Painter/Decorator

Location: 201-206 Alcester Street, Digbeth, B12 0NQ, Birmingham, UK

Organisation: Better Pathways

About Us: Better Pathways is a leading organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with mental health challenges and disabilities. Our mission is to create a supportive environment that fosters personal growth and development. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve our facilities and create a welcoming space for our participants, we are seeking a skilled Volunteer Painter/Decorator to join our team.

Role Overview: We are looking for a dedicated Volunteer Painter/Decorator to help enhance our facilities. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail, a passion for creating beautiful spaces, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. This role is crucial in helping us maintain a positive and inviting environment for our participants and staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare surfaces for painting, including sanding, filling, and priming as needed.
• Apply paint, varnish, wallpaper, and other finishes to various surfaces.
• Select and mix paints to achieve the desired colour and finish.
• Ensure all work is completed to a high standard with attention to detail.
• Maintain a clean and organised work area, ensuring all tools and materials are used safely.
• Collaborate with staff to prioritise and plan decorating projects.
• Assist with minor repairs and maintenance tasks as needed.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in painting and decorating.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• A positive attitude and a passion for improving community spaces.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to make a significant impact on the environment of a leading community organisation.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities to develop your skills and gain valuable experience.
• Flexible volunteer hours to suit your schedule.

Who are we?

Switchboard LGBTQIA+ exists to provide members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as their friends, family and those supporting them, with a listening service that they can contact via phone, instant message and email between the hours of 10am to 10pm every day.

We are happy to talk to service users about any topic they wish. Topics we often talk to service users about include: sexual health, safer sex, relationships, coming-out, gender identity, transitioning, mental health, experiences of hate crimes, support for meeting other LGBTQIA+ people and making friends, and much more.

However, we want to also be upfront and transparent about the fact that not all of our conversations are positive or constructive. Our volunteers can also be exposed to abuse from the public, manipulative callers, sexual fantasies and safeguarding concerns.

Training for POC volunteers

At Switchboard we are working to ensure that our volunteer membership reflects everyone within the LGBTQIA+ community. We want service users to be able to speak with volunteers who can empathise with their experiences and volunteers to connect with folks from a wide range of different backgrounds, cultures and identities.

To help enable us to do this even more, we have created brand new dedicated training groups for different identities within the LGBTQIA+ community. 

This group training group is specifically set up for people of colour. By joining this group, you'll undertake our Core Acceptance Training programme which equips you with the skills needed to support those contacting us via phone and instant message. Our hope is that this safe space enables you to freely ask questions, put our listening toolkit into practice and discuss approaches to different scenarios in an engaging, enjoyable way.

Who are we looking for?

To ensure we can provide a high quality service to those who contact us, we are looking for volunteers who:

• Simply put, like communicating and chatting with other people (you’re most likely a people-person who feels energised by this type of communication)

• Feel comfortable taking calls and speaking over the phone to people you do not already know

• Are familiar with different instant messaging platforms (such as WhatsApp and other chat tools) and the types of communication they might receive

• Are able to read between the lines to decipher messages

• Are good listeners who let others lead conversations and instead create the space they need

• Are able to ask broad, open questions to keep conversations flowing

• Understand the importance of using the right tone when communicating in writing, and are able to flex their writing style to suit different people

• Have a strong attention to detail, with a particular focus on spelling and grammar

• Are able to evaluate sources of information and identify those that can be trusted, from those that cannot

• Know when to challenge and when to step back

• Have essential digital literacy skills (such as using email tools such as gmail and outlook, search the web for information and copy and paste website URLs)

• Understand and support our mission

• Have an awareness of the challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community

• Are empathetic in nature

• Agree to uphold our values of being non-directive and non-judgemental

Are you committed to improving the mental health and well-being of young people in Warwickshire and Coventry? Young Minds Matter is looking for Volunteer Mentors who have a genuine connection with young people and a strong desire to create positive change. As a Volunteer Mentor, you’ll play a crucial role in supporting and guiding young people towards improved mental health and overall well-being. Join our team and help us cultivate a nurturing community focused on support and personal growth for young individuals.

What do our Mentors do?

Volunteer Mentors at Young Minds Matter engage in weekly 1:1 sessions with young individuals who require support, providing them with a compassionate ear, empathetic listening, and encouragement to navigate challenges by developing effective coping strategies. Serving as positive role models, Mentors empower young people to build resilience and thrive, creating a safe and nurturing environment where young people can explore their strengths, overcome obstacles, and realise their full potential.

Could you be a YMM Mentor? If you live in the West Midlands, want to help young people and are:

– Self-aware

– An excellent listener

– Non judgemental

– Ideally over 25 years old

– Reliable

– Able to use standard office software and have access to a computer

-Able to commit up to 6 hours a week during term time (in one day or possibly split over two days) in a local school

..then you have the ability to become an excellent mentor.

What we provide and what you gain:

– A bespoke induction training programme which will give you the knowledge and practical skills you need to work safely with students

– Ongoing skills development through work shadowing and online courses

– Peer support from our cohort of more experienced mentors

– Opportunities to get involved in other YMM initiatives

– Skills development with ongoing training that can boost your career

– Monthly 1:1 supervision sessions with a fully qualified British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) accredited counsellor, to help you develop your skills and address any emerging needs of the young people you support.

– Reimbursement for travel expenses

– The opportunity to work in a rewarding role

Essex Respite & Care Association (ERCA) are looking for enthusiastic and passionate individuals, who are confident communicators and strategic thinkers who will be motivated by our mission, to join our Board of Trustees.

Our Vision is: For every adult with a mental health diagnosis living in Essex to have a healthy and fulfilling life, and to be able to access support as and when they need it.

ERCA provide support workers for adults who suffer from an acute or chronic mental health diagnosis, or those who may be socoial isolated or suffering from dementia. Our service covers, south, mid and West Essex. 

It is an exciting time to join the charity as you will be able to help us take advantage of a wonderful partnership opportunity to build organisational resilience to grow our charity and create a sustainable future. 

We are keen to welcome trustees who have experience of organisational or business transformation, ideally in a similar field or those with lived experiences of mental health issues.

We are looking for trustees who can bring expertise in the following areas:

• Fundraising / Income generation: Experience in fundraising and market presence development. Successful fundraising experience.
• Health & Social care - some with a background in care, nursing, or social work. 
• Marketing / Strategic Communication – someone with experience of designing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies to build awareness of ERCA’s activities. 

Trustees will be required to attend a monthly Board Meeting (participation can be in person or virtually) and you will be asked to provide ad-hoc support to the management team.

The total time commitment for this role, is not expected to exceed 10 hours per month.

Please note this role is voluntary, but relevant out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

Requirements from applicants:

• Up to date CV;
• Short covering letter outlining how the applicant’s skillset, knowledge and experience match those outlined in the job description and reason for interest in the role;
• Names and contact details of two referees (must have known you for at least 2 years).

Are you a Somali speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!

Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Somali-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By offering just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference by providing companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.

What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎︎ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular phone calls, you’ll have the opportunity to build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and provide much-needed emotional support—especially for those who feel more comfortable speaking Somali.

Why volunteer with us?

✔ Support members of the Somali-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a meaningful impact on someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Enhance your own sense of fulfilment and purpose

How to get involved:

Simply apply through CharityJob’s website or by filling out our online form here: [https://lnkd.in/e36t8zWB]. No previous experience is required—just a friendly, compassionate nature and a willingness to listen.

Open to UK residents only.

Help us spread kindness and connection within the Somali-speaking community across the UK!