Support Worker Volunteer Roles

Why volunteer with Brendoncare Clubs?

Brendoncare aims to improve the quality of life for those who are more isolated in our communities. Brendoncare operates social and activity clubs, community services and online clubs. They enable our members to develop relationship networks and each service aims to respond to the interests, needs, aspirations and choices of each individual.

Brendoncare Community Allotments is an ambitious project which aims to produce fantastic home grown delights, grown for the community by the community. All of our services are run by fantastic teams of volunteers and we’re currently looking for more people to get involved in your local area.

Who are you?

Brendoncare are looking for happy, enthusiastic individuals to help at our fantastic new community allotments. Ideally, you will be a team player, happy to get involved, and ready to make a difference! You might be green fingered or a total beginner, Brendoncare provides training and support throughout your volunteering.

What is required?

Volunteering at our community allotment will involve getting stuck in with some gardening, an average session might involve: assisting with preparing seedlings, looking after the plot (pruning, tidying, and watering), and safe light maintenance. We also host planning meetings which you will be encouraged to get involved in to help shape the direction of the allotment.

We ask for two satisfactory references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check from all our volunteers.

What are the benefits for you?

Our allotment helper role allows you to expand and develop at your own pace. We provide you with an induction, ongoing training, support and reimbursement of out of pocket/travel expenses.

This is a fantastic opportunity to give something back to the community and to experience the positive impact your volunteering can have to help improve the lives of older people in your area.

Volunteer with Rahab and be part of transforming women’s lives 

Do you have a desire to help vulnerable women grow into a life in which they feel safe, free, whole and capable? 

At Rahab we work towards seeing the lives of at risk and vulnerable women affected by prostitution and trafficking transformed, supporting those who are sexually exploited with unconditional acceptance, compassion and dignity to rebuild their lives and achieve their own identity and freedom. We provide learning and development opportunities for women to engage in and offer a supportive environment as they explore ways to self-determine their onward journey.

We are a dedicated team of professionals, facilitating casework support, counselling, wellbeing and learning. As a Rahab volunteer, you will gain valuable and unique insight into not only our work but also some of the wider factors that contribute to the exploitation and abuse of women in and across London. But most importantly you will play a part in the transformation we work towards in the lives of individual women.  Find out more about us and our work on our website

Your contribution 

We are looking for Volunteers for a range of activities including befriending, pastoral care, outreach, teaching ESL, casework, admin and counselling. It’s an exciting time to join our team as we are implementing steps to expand our work to support more women.

We need volunteers who are willing to help, with a caring approach and sensitivity to the challenges involved in this work. All volunteers will receive training. Volunteer Counsellors must be qualified to a minimum of Level 5 Diploma or Degree level and be a member of the ACC, BACP or UKCP, and will receive supervision.

Please note that commencement of volunteer activities is dependent on placement and necessary onboarding for specific roles. 

Time committment will vary for each placement, dependent on requirements, but generally this would be between 5 to 10 hours per month.

How to apply 

We are also happy to have an informal chat if you are interested and would like to know more about the range of our activities and how best you can be involved as a volunteer. Please be in touch with us and we can answer your questions or arrange to speak. 

Why we need your help

• To enable us to provide a rehabilitation and enablement service to patients in their own homes.

• To promote independence and support to help someone to achieve their goal

• Increase patients’ self-confidence and ability to self-manage their difficulties or symptoms.

What activities will you be involved in as part of this volunteer role?

You will be providing rehabilitation for patients in their own home. This may include;

· Helping with exercises that may make things easier for them at home (for example standing from a chair)

· Supporting people to manage their breathlessness

· Helping a patient to put some techniques into practice that may help with day to day activities.

· Helping someone to mobilise

Other activities include;

· Attending a joint visit with the therapist to be introduced to the patient and the exercises they will be doing.

· Dealing sensitively and politely with patients that you visit at home.

· Respect that you are in someone’s home and acting appropriately.

· Arranging further visits as agreed with the patient and the therapist within agreed hours.

· Promoting rehabilitation in all of your interactions with both patients and their families.

· Contacting the Living Well at Home team prior to and directly after a visit to ensure your safety at all times.

· Complete the visit report and submit it to the Living Well at Home team on the same day as the visit.

You will not be involved in the following;

· Toileting or personal care.

What you can gain from volunteering in this role

• Know you are helping dying people in your local community have access to care and support, whenever and wherever they need it.

• Experience of rehabilitation and really helping to make a difference to someone’s quality of life

• Opportunity to meet and work with interesting and diverse people

• Join an enthusiastic team, meet new people and get more involved in your local community

• Use and develop your skills, enhancing your CV if that is important to you

• Know you are helping dying people in your local community have access to care and support, whenever and wherever they need it.

Training and support provided

• An Introduction to Supporting People at End of Life training, date to be confirmed.

• Staff and volunteer induction training (covering all mandatory training)

• Living Well at Home Project training. Up to 1 day, at the Sydenham site or by zoom, depending on your availability. (Training is flexible at present and we will try and fit in with your availability)

• Ongoing informal training specific to the patient that you are visiting

• Monthly supervision sessions with the Living Well at Home team.

• Contact with the Living Well at Home team for support or questions regarding the patient/family at any time during working hours.

• Reasonable travel expenses will be paid

• Support from the Volunteering team including a regular e-newsletter

• Volunteer handbook and volunteer workbook

• Regular updates and training through MyImpact

We are looking for someone who is

· Approachable and friendly and able to get on well with people of many different backgrounds

· Caring and committed to help improve the quality of life for our patients

· Able to work in a professional manner with patients who have a terminal illness

· Capable of completing entries in patient files and updating other written documents as instructed

· Enthusiastic about learning and keen to develop new skills

· Reliable and can be flexible in the offer of time

• Able to follow our policies and procedures to keep you, our staff, our patients and our customers safe

• Able to represent St Christopher’s and our values positively.

Anything else you need to know

• There is a short settling in period to see if the role is right for you

• This role will require pre-volunteering checks, which will include a DBS Check. Having a criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from volunteering with us. Every situation is assessed on an individual basis.

• At St Christopher’s we believe that no volunteer should be out of pocket because of their volunteering. The reimbursement of reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering will help ensure volunteering is accessible.

Commitment to volunteering

Signing up to be a volunteer with St Christopher’s Hospice is a big commitment and requires lots of training and support from the organisation. With this in mind, ideally you would be able to volunteer with us for a minimum of a year. We would also ask that you to inform your manager if you are unable to attend your shift with as much notice as possible.

Equality and diversity

St Christopher’s recognises the qualities and strengths that a diverse group of volunteers bring to the organisation and we therefore particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups within the local communities and from a range of different cultures and backgrounds.

Project Overview:

The Z House is an overnight accommodation for young people (18-25) at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The project aims to provide stable overnight accommodation for young people as they work towards a move-on goal. The project will work with the young people staying there to help them build skills necessary for maintaining independence beyond the project.

Specifics of the role

Hours: 20.00 - 08.00

Responsible to: Z House Project Coordinators

Location: 3 Pritchard St, St Paul's, Bristol BS2 8RH

Conditions: Happy interacting with guests Please note: This is a voluntary role

Role description:

This role is key in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment overnight at the Z House. Overnight duties involve interacting with the young people in the communal space if they want to, doing any necessary house duties, and responding to any emergencies should they occur (guidance will be given and you will never be left alone to deal with incidents!). It also includes providing a hand-over to the staff at the end of the shift. You will form part of a pair of volunteers, and there will always be a Caring it Bristol staff member on-call. A typical shift runs: · Arrive at the house at 20.00

· Letting in any guests who arrive late (before the 22.00 curfew)

· Checking in with the guests

· Conducting any house duties

· The shift is a sleep-in shift - You are allowed to sleep in the volunteer area during this shift, though remaining available to respond to incidents and emergencies should they occur

· Record any incidents or safeguarding concerns and include this in your handover – you will be trained in the procedure of what to do if this occurs

· Create a comprehensive handover for next the set of volunteers on shift and for the Z House project coordinators.

Person Specification:

· Be a good communicator.

· Be friendly and have an open demeanour

· Be Reliable and good at timekeeping

· Be expected to undertake one volunteer shift every month

· Have a willingness to learn about safeguarding, record keeping etc.

· Have a willingness to uphold CiB values and work towards its overall mission · Be committed to ongoing/in house training which will be organised by CiB

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Why we need your help

Coping with bereavement involves painful feelings, coming to terms with loss and making adjustments in life. We are looking for a volunteer counsellor to provide counselling support to relatives, carers and friends of patients who are terminally ill or who have died. We are looking for volunteer qualified and trainee counsellors to provide counselling support to individuals impacted by terminal illness.

What we need you to do

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

• Provide 2-4 counselling sessions per week for in-patients, day services and community services 
• Identify when the level of support may be beyond the scope of counselling and that other professional help may be needed 
• Identify and agree desired outcomes with the person being counselled and how these will be reviewed / achieved 
• To be supervised by a qualified external supervisor 
• Provide statistical records on a weekly basis to the hospice administration team 
• To follow Marie Curie policies, standards and procedures

What skills or experience do you need?

• Diploma in Counselling from a recognised body or a final year student working towards this
• The ability to deal sensitively with people facing or experiencing loss 
• To be emotionally balanced and self-aware as this is a demanding role 
• To keep up-to-date with professional developments in counselling and specialist palliative care 
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the actions required when working with people who may at risk to themselves or others 
• Supervision from an external supervisor and an ability to raise any concerns quickly 
• A sense of humour

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

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Coping with a diagnosis of a terminal or life-limiting illness involves painful feelings, coming to terms with loss and making adjustments in life. 

We are looking for volunteers to offer emotional and/or bereavement support either in a group setting through facilitation of support groups, or on one to one individual basis. You will be helping people to explore their feelings and adapt to their new life after a diagnosis or the death of a loved one. 

This role is supporting patients and families who are over 18 only.

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

• Provide emotional and/or bereavement support either in the hospice, in a small group setting, over the phone or at the person’s home, according to local resources.
• Actively listen to clients and explore their feelings around the diagnosis/loss with empathy 
• Pass on appropriate information to your line manager.
• Complete appropriate documentation as required in line with our confidentiality (service user) policy.
• Assist staff in the Patient and Family Support team when necessary 
• Adhere to hospice record keeping procedures 
• Assist with other related tasks when necessary

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Coping with a diagnosis of a terminal or life-limiting illness involves painful feelings, coming to terms with loss and making adjustments in life. 

We are looking for volunteers to offer emotional and/or bereavement support either in a group setting through facilitation of support groups, or on one to one individual basis. You will be helping people to explore their feelings and adapt to their new life after a diagnosis or the death of a loved one. 

This role is supporting patients and families who are over 18 only.

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

• Provide emotional and/or bereavement support either in the hospice, in a small group setting, over the phone or at the person’s home, according to local resources.
• Actively listen to clients and explore their feelings around the diagnosis/loss with empathy 
• Pass on appropriate information to your line manager.
• Complete appropriate documentation as required in line with our confidentiality (service user) policy.
• Assist staff in the Patient and Family Support team when necessary 
• Adhere to hospice record keeping procedures 
• Assist with other related tasks when necessary

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.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Support Volunteer for the Lambeth and Southwark Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need.

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Support Volunteer for the Croydon Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need.

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Listening volunteers are there for anyone who needs support. By giving a few hours a week to speak to someone in distress, you can change the course of someone's life. In total Samaritan volunteers give over 1 million hours per year, join the Bradford Samaritans Hub and be part of our mission to provide support, hope, and encouragement to those who need it most

About Us

At Bradford Samaritans Hub, we provide vital emotional support to those going through difficult times. Our non-judgmental and confidential service is available 24/7, allowing individuals to talk openly about their feelings, thoughts, and concerns. We believe that everyone deserves to be heard, understood, and supported, regardless of their background. 

We launched in summer 2022 and currently have around 30 volunteers who help deliver our service: 

• Our listening volunteers are available day and night to respond to our callers 

• Our support volunteers help with all aspects of running the hub 

Why Volunteer with Us? 

• Make a Difference: As a listening volunteer, you have the power to positively impact someone's life. Your compassionate ear and understanding can provide solace and hope to those who need it most. 

• Embrace Diversity: Bradford is a vibrant and diverse community, and we strive to reflect this diversity in our team. We welcome volunteers from all cultural backgrounds and walks of life. By joining us, you'll be part of a team that celebrates and respects the unique experiences and perspectives of our community. 

• Training and Support: We provide comprehensive training to equip you with the necessary skills to support individuals in crisis. Our experienced volunteers and staff will guide you through every step of your journey, ensuring you feel confident and capable in your role. 

• Volunteering that fits with your schedule: We understand that your time is valuable, so we offer a range of shifts that can fit in with your schedule. Your contribution will make a significant impact. 

• Personal Growth: Volunteering with Samaritans is a transformative experience. As you support others, you'll develop invaluable listening and communication skills, enhance your empathy and emotional intelligence, and grow as an individual. 

Who are Midland Mencap?

Midland Mencap is a charity which works and campaigns for accessible and inclusive services and a better quality of life for everyone with experience of learning disabilities and additional needs.

Purpose of the role.

To connect people wanting to cycle more with volunteer Bike Buddies who want to help them. We have people from many different backgrounds wanting support with their cycling for many reasons.  

For example:

· Coming back to cycling after time off

· Disability or ill health

· Finding quiet roads and cycle paths around the neighbourhood

· Building up confidence on busy roads

· Sharing experiences of things like cycling at night or what clothes to wear

· Checking bikes together before a ride

Bike Buddies provide crucial support and motivation to help people to participate in inclusive and adapted outdoor cycling. Volunteers support cyclists to achieve their fitness goals and enjoy cycling in our community.

Our Bike Buddies are great ambassadors for cycling, sharing their expertise of local routes and giving others the confidence to get around by bike.

If you feel confident cycling on the road or in a park with someone else, and are wanting to give back to others, this is the role for you.

What would I be doing?

You’ll need to find out what they want to do and where they want to go. Some people want to explore quiet streets locally or plan a longer journey. You may ride to the park or show them local routes – quiet ways, new cycle lanes and off-road paths are popular.

They may want to try out junctions or crossing busy roads – think about how to ride those safely. You may support a person at one of our pre-arranged Parkride cycle meetings and help them to develop the skills and confidence to cycle safely and independently.

What do I need?

This role will require:

· A roadworthy bike and riding equipment.

· Experience of regular cycling

· Some experience of cycle maintenance

·       A cycling competence session with parkride staff

· Friendly, calm, and patient

· A good listener & happy to chat

· Accepting of people who may be different to you

· Willing to learn and act within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap

· Good time management skills, reliability

· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.

When and where do you need me?

Either at organised events or 1-2-1 within your local area.

Ideally you can meet once or twice a month for approx. 2 hours.

We have parkride sessions running throughout the week including evenings and weekends.

What’s in it for me?

As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:

• The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with disabilities and their family carers

• An induction and settling in period

• Any training and development that is needed

• The chance to develop your skills and gain experience

• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team

• Support within your role

• Any out-of-pocket travel expenses

• Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

• Positive wellbeing from doing something great

• Improve career opportunities by adding your volunteer role to a CV

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Support Volunteer for the Trafford and South West Manchester Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need.

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

We are a volunteer-run organisation whose aim is to ensure that everybody impacted by borderline personality disorder is supported in their recovery. 

Peer support is about sharing your lived experience of mental health struggles with other people with the hope of providing, support, encouragement, and validation that you understand what they are going through, that they are not alone in their feelings and circumstance. We believe that peer support is an important part of the recovery journey, as it provides a space for support, shared understanding, helps reduce stigma and fosters motivation and hope. 

We run several online peer support groups each month for people living with borderline personality disorder and are seeking compassionate and empathetic people to co-facilitate the groups. All groups are facilitated by two peer support workers, and follow a semi-structured pattern. 

As a volunteer, you will receive comprehensive training, accessible online. We also provide ongoing supervision, support to ensure that you can effectively support others while prioritizing your own recovery. The training covers various areas such as peer support, communication, safeguarding, and facilitation skills.

Role description

• to co-facilitate a support group of 10-15 people on a fortnightly/monthly basis
• to provide support in a group peer support setting
• to share own experiences without taking away from the others persons current feelings and situation
• to use active listening and personal experiences to reassure and validate group members
• to enable and encourage service users to find out resources and local services
• to encourage wellbeing and recovery

Person specification

• Lived experience of mental health 
• Able to use own experiences openly while maintaining strong boundaries
• Access to a reliable internet connection, a computer with webcam, and a confidential space.
• Commitment to our aims and mission

Availability and Committment

We ask that you have availability 2-3 hours per month for a minimum of 6 months. Our groups are held on mid-week evenings and Sunday evenings. 

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter with your application, detailing your relevant experience. Please also indicate which specific group you are interested in co-facilitating if you have a preference. 

Diversity Statement

We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills and views. The more inclusive we are, the more people we can support. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds. 

Please note that you must be a UK resident with the right to live and work in the UK. This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check