Volunteer Roles

Role title: Peer Navigator Volunteer X 40 posts

Responsible to: Lived Experience and Community Development Manager

Hours: Available 4 - 15 hours per week (flexible)

Team: The Peer Pathway – The City and Hackney Wellbeing Network

Location: Remote working / 8-10 Tudor Road / 15a Homerton Row options available

We are looking for a volunteer with lived experience of Mental health to use their valuable insights to support other. This role aligns with the visions of Mind CHWF, The Wellbeing Network and Peer Pathway.

You will contact residents who have made a referral to the Wellbeing Network but are not eligible for our core service. This means that more people seeking support will be contacted, leaving less people facing their challenges alone. There will be a focus on supporting people most underserved by mainstream mental health services, including BAPOC & LGBTQ+ people. 

About Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest:

We are a multi-disciplinary provider of specialist mental health services and a part of the Mind Federation.

We promote both recovery from ill health for people with recurrent and enduring mental health difficulties and early intervention for those at risk of developing mental health issues, or who struggle with common mental health conditions.

We currently support around 5,000 people a year through a variety of services focusing on psychological, social, economic and workplace wellbeing, and support minoritised communities.

Our values are:

Connected: Creating a compassionate and supportive community.

Fair:  We strive for equity- no-one's needs should go unmet.

Brave: We walk with people, offering help by doing what works - proven or new

Working with Mind CHWF means you’ll be part of a dedicated, passionate, and professional workforce who cares about the work they do and make a real difference to the lives of the people in the City of London, Hackney, and Waltham Forest.

We are committed to actively becoming anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind CHWF. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation that recognises different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services.

We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

Those with lived experience of Mental Health are encouraged to apply.

Value-based Recruitment:

We know that for various reasons, not everybody who can successfully perform in a role, performs their best under traditional interview/selection procedures. We are therefore seeking ways to breakdown further barriers in our recruitment & selection process.

Shorted-listed candidates will be provided with some questions to help them prepare for the interview.

How to apply:

For more information on the vacancy and how to apply, click the ‘Apply’ button - Please note that we are unable to consider incomplete applications.

The closing date is by 24 May 2024, however, please do not delay applying as this advert may close before the stated deadline if we find a suitable applicant for the role.

Your privacy and the security of your data is our top priority. Please take a moment to read through our applicant’s privacy notice.

South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments, including a Treasurer. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, primarily, but not solely, in counties across the South of England.

SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire and Portsmouth. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.

We work with people from all walks of life and have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.

We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.

The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:

• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of , or working in, diverse or minority communities.

• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services

• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been  victims of hate crime

• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector

• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people

• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills

• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience

• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team

· For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.

Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.

Please note that for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check.

If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Please contact Sarah Gibson for further information on how to apply.

South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments, including a Treasurer. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, primarily, but not solely, in counties across the South of England.

SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire and Portsmouth. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.

We work with people from all walks of life and have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.

We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.

The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:

• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of , or working in, diverse or minority communities.

• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services

• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been  victims of hate crime

• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector

• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people

• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills

• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience

• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team

· For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.

Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.                                                            

Please note that for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check.

If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Please contact Sarah Gibson for further information on how to apply.

Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for adults and children to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?

At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained.

We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.

Engaging in gardening has shown to have both immediate and long-term effects on mental health. Gardening for several hours has been known to reduce depression, stress and anxiety.

What you will be doing:

• Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
• To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
• Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
• Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
• Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
• Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
• Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities

The skills you need:

• A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools
• Calm and patient approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you:

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Could you be a star baker, master chef or perhaps you simply enjoy baking or cooking! We are recruiting for a volunteer to join our team supporting individuals to learn new recipes together as a group.

Baking and cooking helps to relax, get creative and indulge in our senses. Often, it can spark nostalgia and helps us to recreate positive experiences or memories. Inspire and motivate people in our services to do something that brings joy, an opportunity to learn new skills whilst connecting with others over sharing baked goods and delicious meals.

What you will be doing

• Research and plan new recipes for cooking/baking sessions in collaboration with the group each week
• Encourage individuals to participate in the sessions and delegate cooking tasks
• Support individuals to shop for ingredients needed for the session
• Support individuals each week in setting up for the sessions and tidying away afterwards
• Encourage individuals to participate in all aspects of the planning and attendance
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Food Safety Certificate/knowledge or willingness to complete relevant training
• Passion and knowledge of healthy eating and cooking
• Ability to engage, encourage and motivate individuals to participate in sessions
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!

Are you passionate about singing and would like to empower others to use their voices in a choir?

We are recruiting for a Choir Support and Engagement Volunteer at our Dame Gertrude Young House which supports men who have mental health needs. Choirs have shown to reduce stress levels and depression as well as creating a sense of togetherness. We are looking for a volunteer who loves singing and is willing to get involved, whilst also encouraging our service users to participate and sing together! Your role will also involve supporting service users getting to and from the venue.

Volunteering with Hestia will mean that you will play a key role in promoting strategies for positive wellbeing and recovery through music and singing! 

What you will be doing

• Encourage service users to get involved in the choir and sing together.
• Participating in the choir
• Supporting service users with getting to and from the venue

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Interest in singing
• Fun and friendly personality to be able to engage our service users

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

After18 works with local artists and arts organisations to provide a broad range of experiences for young refugees. Our weekly art and photography club provides young people with a safe space to express themselves and have their views heard. Young people tell us that having a regular opportunity to participate in arts groups distracts them from their worries and bad experiences and helps to keep them busy.

We are looking for a volunteer to the club and interact with the young people as they work on their projects each week. This would be a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about creative arts and supporting the wellbeing of young people.

The volunteer must be available on a Monday evening (5:30-7pm) in Leicester city centre.

The volunteer may be involved in:

- Supporting the activity lead to set up the art materials

- Helping to demonstrate skills and techniques

- Talking with the young people one-to-one about their work

Volunteer specifications:

- Passion for the creative arts

- Spoken and written fluency in English

- Compassion and sensitivity to asylum-seeking young people

- Ability to work within After18’s policies and procedures

- Able to commit for at least six months

- Commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children and young people they come into contact with

***This is an unpaid volunteer role***

A crucial volunteer role at the centre, volunteer Centre Assistants help out at least one morning per week to warmly welcome members to the centre, help with queries (in person, by email and over the phone) and direct people to our various activities. This is an active and varied way to volunteer where no two days are the same!

Qualities you need for this role

• Confidence and communication skills in person and over the phone

• Reliable, dependable and a good sense of humour

• Flexibility, happy to support staff as needed

• Able to think on your feet 

• Basic IT skills

When you'll be needed

• A morning per week: volunteers must commit for at least six months

• Monday-Friday between the hours 9:30am – 1:00pm

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

Our photo and video volunteers help source, capture and share engaging photos of cats and other images to promote everything Cats Protection does for cats across the UK. Their photos and images help raise awareness of our fantastic volunteer groups and teams which in turn helps raise funds, raises awareness of adopting a Cats Protection cat, helps promote neutering and encourages people to learn more about great cat welfare.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Communicating with others to obtain photos and videos
• Organising photos and videos provided by others
• Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
• Ensuring that content meets with internal and external policies and guidelines

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by using your creativity to increase awareness of Cats Protection. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Self-motivation
• Photography skills
• Good IT skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills 
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our photo and video volunteers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

After18 runs a weekly group for asylum seeking and refugee young women (including victims of trafficking) on a Friday evening at our Leicester city-centre hub. We aim to increase confidence and reduce isolation by encouraging young women to participate in a range of creative and wellbeing activities chosen and led by them. We also offer homework support for students taking Health and Social Care at college and access to opportunities to help them progress in this field.

We are looking for a volunteer to support this group and interact with the young people as they participate in the activities they have chosen each week. This could include cooking and baking or arts and crafts activities, as well as trips to venues in and around Leicester. This would be a great opportunity for someone who has previously worked or volunteered with young people and is passionate about supporting their wellbeing.

The volunteer must be available on a Friday evening (5-7pm) in Leicester city centre.

The volunteer may be involved in:

- Supporting the activity lead to set up the materials needed for the session

- Helping to demonstrate how to do the activities and encouraging the young women

- Talking to the young women and answering questions they may have about Leicester

- Going on trips or visits in and around Leicester with the group

Volunteer specifications:

- Previous work or volunteering with young people, preferably with young women or girls

- Spoken and written fluency in English

- Compassion and sensitivity to asylum-seeking young people

- Ability to work within After18’s policies and procedures

- Able to commit for at least six months

- Commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children and young people they come into contact with

After18 is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young people we work with. All staff and volunteers are required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check before joining us.

Are you an experienced and qualified nutritionist and would like to inspire others by sharing your knowledge? We are looking for a Nutrition and Exercise Volunteer to share with others their knowledge of how to make healthy meals on a budget and simple exercises. Having a healthy diet has shown to have positive effects on mental health and can reduce inflammation as well as alter neurotransmitters to reduce symptoms of depression.

What you will be doing

• Providing nutritional advise on how to prepare quick healthy meals on a budget
• Answering nutrition-based questions and promoting the benefits of eating healthily
• Providing quick and easy exercise sessions to a small group of people

The skills you need

• Qualified nutritionist/ relevant fitness qualification
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

***This is an unpaid voluntary role***

A crucial volunteer role at the centre, volunteer Reception Helpers help out at least one afternoon per week to warmly welcome members to the centre, help with queries (in person, by email and over the phone) and direct people to our various activities. This is an active and varied way to volunteer where no two days are the same!

Qualities you need for this role

• Confidence and communication skills in person and over the phone
• Reliable, dependable and a good sense of humour
• Flexibility, happy to support staff as needed
• Able to think on your feet 
• Basic IT skills

When you'll be needed

• An afternoon per week: volunteers must commit for at least six months
• Monday-Friday between the hours 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Our playground kiosk is an essential part of the trading team at WWT and provides a much-needed break space for our visitors during a fun day out. By being the friendly face behind the kiosk and providing excellent customer service, you can help make a family’s day go from good to brilliant.

Not only will you helping families, by making the kiosk to run as smoothly and as safely as possible, you will be creating an area where visitors can spend money. Every ice-cream or drink sold generates much needed income for WWT that goes straight into our world leading wetland conservation.

Do you enjoy organising? Would you like to play a key role in making sure things get done!
You will have the opportunity to support staff with a wide range of desk-based and administrative and reception based tasks. These roles provide essential support in ensuring that those who we work with access the support they require to rebuild their lives beyond crisis.

What you will be doing

• To support with administration, texting and emailing information to service users, volunteers, and staff.
• Support with updating and inputting data into spreadsheets.
• Support with making phone calls to follow up and gather needed information.
• To support the team with covering the reception desk, and dealing with enquiries from people arriving at the service/office.

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Good organisation and administrative skills
• Able to maintain good working relationships.
• Basic IT skills, comfortable using spreadsheets and emailing

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Chief of Staff  

Youth Mix is a new start-up young people’s charity that aims to become an award-winning charity that’s about “Inspiring A Generation” empowering young people to be change-makers in their communities, as well as through projects that UNITE communities, EDUCATE on social issues, INSPIRE a generation of leaders and CREATE active citizens. 

ROLE TITLE: 

Volunteer Chief of Staff

HOURS: 

Approx. 6 hours per week 

COMMITMENT PERIOD: 

A minimum of 12 months is needed for this volunteer management role

RESPONSIBLE TO: 

CEO

LOCATION: 

Remote with possible in person meetings in London 

CLOSING DATE: 

TBC 

ROLE SUMMARY 

The Chief of Staff is a brand new position at Youth Mix and plays a crucial and key role in ensuring the smooth running of operational activities by being the liaison between the volunteers and the CEO on all operational matters.

The CEO is currently heavily involved with the operational staff and projects. The team is growing, and the work is expanding. Therefore, we are looking for a self-motivated volunteer who is an excellent communicator, is great with people, a good problem solver to support the CEO and be a crucial link and coordinator between the CEO and the rest of the operational team. 

This is a senior role and reports directly to the CEO. In this new exciting role, you will: 

• Act as a liaison between the staff and the CEO regarding the company’s project updates, processes as well as volunteers’ well-being; 

• Meet with the charity's senior team for business updates, supporting with challenges and escalating to CEO as appropriate; 

• Attendance at bi-monthly trustee meetings if required

• Assist, communicate and support volunteers and Young Leaders throughout the decision-making, program management and initiative implementation stages;

• Continuously improve the company’s ongoing processes and develop procedures to ensure compliance, optimal efficiency and productivity;

• Design, review and improve the organisation’s structure (as appropriate) and address or escalate to the CEO ongoing problems 

• Cover reasonable requests from the CEO 

• Build good relationships with volunteers and Young Leaders

• Work with the CEO on succession planning; and 

• Assist with reporting e.g. gathering multiple projects and progress reports and compiling them into one organisational reporting pack.

Experience and skills requirements  

Essential: 

• Programme management skills,

• Strategic planning and thinking 

• Managing operational volunteers

• Excellent communication

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Be open, transparent and approachable.  

Desirable: 

• Matrix management 

• Management of remote teams

• Experience of working with young people

How to apply  

Email us your CV with the reference COS0124. We will then send you a short application form for you to complete and email back to us. Once your application has been reviewed and if you are successful we will contact you to arrange a telephone interview.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the high number of applications we are expecting to receive for this role, we are not able to respond individually to candidates concerning their applications.

Therefore, if after the application stage of the process, if you do not hear from us 4 weeks from the date of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion