Mental health volunteer roles

Are you passionate about supporting others and making a real difference?
Join our team of volunteers providing confidential emotional support to people affected by self-harm across the UK.

As a volunteer, you’ll:

- Make a meaningful impact by helping others feel heard, understood, and less alone
- Develop valuable skills in active listening, trauma, and mental health
- Receive specialist training, ongoing supervision, and group support
- Connect with a caring community of like-minded people

Our volunteers provide support via text, email, and helpline calls.

Our next training dates for this role are on Monday 24th, Tuesday 25th, Thursday 27th November, and Monday 1st December 2025, 10am-4pm each day. Attendance on all four dates is mandatory to complete the training.

You don’t need previous experience — just empathy, openness, and commitment to learning. Training and DBS checks are provided.

“Volunteering has transformed my life, my mental health, and my career. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.” — Volunteer

Ready to make a difference? Follow the 'redirect to recruiter' link above to apply.

Help shape the future of men’s wellbeing in the UK.

MINDSET Charity is seeking committed volunteer Trustees to guide our mission of transforming men’s mental health and personal growth. As a Trustee, you’ll provide strategic oversight, ensure good governance, and help us build a resilient, impactful charity.

Responsibilities:

• Attend quarterly board meetings (remote).

• Approve policies and oversee safeguarding.

• Support fundraising and outreach strategy.

Skills Needed:

• Experience in governance, finance, mental health, or lived experience.

• Commitment to our values: Resilience, Dignity, Growth, Openness, Community.

Join us. Change your mindset. Change lives.

The Listening Place is a volunteer-led charity aiming to transform how we support people who feel suicidal.  Our trained volunteers are part of a team delivering face-to-face, confidential, ongoing support to thousands of people each year.  They help create the warm and welcoming environment that encourages people struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings to talk openly without being judged or given advice.   

Listening volunteers provide ongoing face-to-face support to visitors on regular, fortnightly 4-hour shifts during which they meet with up to 3 visitors (for up to 50 minutes each). In order to ensure continuity for our visitors we require a one-year minimum commitment from our LVs, as well as three months’ notice of intention to leave.

No experience or qualifications are necessary – we provide full training in active listening.  We look for warmth, empathy and resilience in our volunteers and the ability to be non-judgemental and avoid giving advice.

We are primarily recruiting Listening Volunteers for our Hammersmith and Liverpool Street sites.

Volunteers Facilitators for elop’s Training & Education Service
elop’s Training and Education Service delivers workshops; training programmes; and consultancy to professionals and organisations working with the LGBT+ community. As a specialist in LGBT+ Mental Health and Wellbeing, we want to raise awareness of the challenges faced by our community and help organisations become more LGBT+ inclusive and affirmative. Our training programmes get people talking, thinking and planning for change that makes a real difference to LGBT+ people’s lives.
All our volunteer facilitators must positively identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/ or trans (Schedule
9, Part 1, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010 applies).
We are looking to better represent the diversity of our community and actively encourage
 applications from people that identify as male, trans/ non-binary and/or from Black Asian and
Minority Ethnic Groups.

Training Facilitator Volunteer Role Description
By joining the Training & Education Team you will have the opportunity to:
• Facilitate and co-facilitate workshops and training programmes to a range of external
organisations, including schools
• Design and deliver learning activities and presentations, both online and in-person
• Support organisations to improve their services for LGBT+ people
• Be given relevant training and supervision to ensure your development
• Be part of a dynamic team that offers a range of learning opportunities
Induction training will be provided alongside line management support.
Training Facilitator Volunteer Person Specification
Applicants should:
• have experience of presenting to groups, either online or in-person
• be a confident communicator
• be able to think on their feet and respond to questions that can feel challenging
• have awareness of key issues that LGBT+ people face
• understand the impact of discrimination and stigma on mental health

We’re currently recruiting Outreach, Events & Fundraising Volunteers to join our amazing and dynamic volunteer team at elop!

elop is an award-winning LGBT Mental Health and Wellbeing Charity with 29 years’ experience of supporting LGBT+ communities across London and Essex borders.

Joining our LGBT+ Volunteer team you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who value & appreciate the benefit of giving back to the community and enjoy the opportunity to work with others to raise much needed funds to support our work at elop.

Supported by staff or lead volunteers, our volunteer teams plan & deliver events, organise & host varied fundraising initiatives such as karaoke nights, drag bingo, and comedy events.  If you’re someone who enjoys talking to people and have a friendly disposition, then you’d be well placed to help us reach new audiences, promote our work, and raise money.

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.

Please note: this role covers Herefordshire only. 

An Independent Health Complaints Advocate (IHCA) Volunteer works across Worcestershire or Herefordshire to support adults who want to complain about their NHS care or treatment. This is a free and confidential service independent of the NHS. 

We are seeking people who have:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathetic
• You will have, or be willing to learn, basic computer literacy skills in order to log your contact / work on our database system.
• Organised and resourceful 

Benefits of volunteering with the Adovacy Services

• Be part of a growing charity with ever expanding exciting new projects!
• You are provided with FREE training
• Reimbursed for public transport fair and/ or partial mileage costs
• Get experience in the field of mental health
• References are available from us on request
• Fulfilment in helping your local community
• Meet new and likeminded people - we hold regular volunteer catch ups to have your say and meet other volunteers

Overview of Onside

Onside is an independent charity promoting the rights and interests of people facing disadvantage. We believe that everyone is entitled to fair, equal treatment and opportunity. Our skilled staff and volunteers make a real difference to the lives of over 11,000 people a year across Worcestershire and Herefordshire. 

Purpose of the Role

This volunteer role is a key part of the HFEH Mind team delivering a range of services across Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow. We support clients with mental health with both clinical and non-clinical interventions.

The purpose of the current role is to assist with the planning and delivery of our Adult Co-production services. This includes the Adult Co-production Group, The Shakti Project (wellbeing service for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals) and a new Young Adult Co-Production group working with 18–25-year-olds.

Main Responsibilities

This role involves working closely with service managers and the co-production coordinator to discover new organisations and community events to reach out to establish a presence and promote our co-production services, as well as work in partnership with others to improve our services.

This would include admin tasks such as drafting emails to send to our service users and partners, establishing connections with members of the community and service providers, identifying appropriate locations to distribute posters and promote the service, assisting with the creation of digital content promoting the service both digitally and in-person, helping with the planning and delivery of enrichment trips and outings, co-facilitating online groups (where applicable).

Tasks

· Attending online meetings for the Adult Co-Production Group and/or the Shakti Project

· Promoting the service to members of the South Asian and BAME community (Shakti Project) and 18–25-year-olds (Young Adult Co-Production Group)

· Assisting with admin tasks e.g. drafting up emails to send to service users, updating our co-production newsletters, emailing charity partners and public organisations.

· Assisting with in-person events such as Health Fairs, Career/Volunteer days, cultural events

General Responsibilities

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role.

• Embrace diversity and share in our commitment to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination.

• Share our commitment to safeguarding adults and children at risk of harm. Undertaking safeguarding training.

• Use the charity’s resources efficiently and effectively to ensure that our financial resources are demonstrably used for the benefit of our service users.

• Ensure that information is obtained, used and stored in accordance with our Data Protection and Confidentiality policy.

Type of person we are looking for:

Essential

· Good listener with strong communication skills

· Highly reliable and good time management skills

· Open-minded and non-judgmental approach to having conversations around mental health

· Good knowledge of mental health difficulties and mental health awareness

· Understanding the needs and challenges of the South Asian and BAME community

Desirable

· Good knowledge of services, charities and organisations in Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow

· Previous experience with workshop or advisory group facilitation

· Experience working with young adults aged 18-25 in a variety of settings e.g. careers service, education, inpatient or outpatient mental health services.

Time commitment and expenses:

· 6 hours per week (including a 1-hour lunch break), during our core hours of 10AM – 4 PM.

· We request a minimum commitment of 3 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction.   

· We request a minimum commitment of 6 months of volunteering before reference request.

· We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role. 

HFEH Mind value equal opportunities; and are proud to foster a workforce of volunteers and employees that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Community Volunteers will work alongside our County Representatives to support our Fundraising Team by being the public face of Combat Stress in their local county, and will help build support from individuals and groups by raising awareness and funds. Income generation is key to our continued success and the support of volunteers enables us to raise more funds to support former servicemen and women, so that when a veteran is having a tough time, we’re there to help tackle the past and to help them take on the future. 

• A full induction to Combat Stress and its work, including training an appropriate materials to support you in the role.
• Ongoing support, advice and guidance from the Regional Community Fundraiser.
• Learn and develop fundraising skills
• Meet new people and be actively engaged in your local community.
• Learn new transferable skills & improve your CV.
• Develop self-confidence.
• Receive reimbursement for out of pocket expenses.
• Be part of the UK’s leading Charity for veterans’ mental health.
• Have the reward of knowing you will be making a positive contribution to the lives of UK Veterans and their families.

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.

Purpose of the Role

This volunteer role is a key part of the HFEH Mind team delivering a range of services across Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow. We support clients with mental health with both clinical and non-clinical interventions.

The purpose of the current role is to help promote our Adult Co-production services within the local community, to increase engagement and develop collaboration between various organisations and mental health services. Our current Co-production initiatives include the Adult Co-production Group, The Shakti Project (wellbeing service for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals) and a new Young Adult Co-Production group working with 18–25-year-olds.

Main Responsibilities

This role involves working closely with service managers and the co-production coordinator to discover new organisations and community events to reach out to establish a presence and promote our co-production services, as well as work in partnership with others to improve our services.

This would include identifying appropriate locations to distribute posters and promote the service, assisting with the creation of digital content promoting the service both digitally and in-person, identifying an in-person location that could function as a community hub to host regular meetings (Chai and Chat for the Shakti Project), setting up the community hub on a regular basis prior to meetings, helping with the planning and delivery of enrichment trips and outings, and keeping up to date with important events that can be used to promote our services and engage with the community e.g. Eid, Diwali, Black History Month, Mental Health Awareness week, Health Fairs, Career/ Volunteer Days, Freshers Fair etc.

Tasks

· Promoting the service to members of the South Asian and BAME community (Shakti Project) and 18–25-year-olds (Young Adult Co-Production Group)

· Community outreach: visiting places of worship, events, and communal areas in the tri-borough to promote our projects

· Keeping up to date with online groups and forums that can be used to promote the service

· Assisting in setting up a physical space to host regular Shakti Project group sessions, ensuring accessibility requirements of service users are upheld.

General Responsibilities

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role.

• Embrace diversity and share in our commitment to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination.

• Share our commitment to safeguarding adults and children at risk of harm. Undertaking safeguarding training.

• Use the charity’s resources efficiently and effectively to ensure that our financial resources are demonstrably used for the benefit of our service users.

• Ensure that information is obtained, used and stored in accordance with our Data Protection and Confidentiality policy.

Type of person we are looking for:

Essential

· Good listener with strong communication skills

· Highly reliable and good time management skills

· Open-minded and non-judgmental approach to having conversations around mental health

· Good knowledge of mental health difficulties and mental health awareness

· Understanding the needs and challenges of the South Asian and BAME community

Desirable

· Good knowledge of services, charities and organisations in Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow

· Ability to speak or comprehend an additional language e.g. Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Somali, Arabic, Urdu etc.

Time commitment and expenses:

· 6 hours per week (including a 1-hour lunch break), during our core hours of 10AM – 4 PM.

· We request a minimum commitment of 3 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction.   

· We request a minimum commitment of 6 months of volunteering before reference request.

· We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role. 

HFEH Mind value equal opportunities; and are proud to foster a workforce of volunteers and employees that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Seeking a Trustee Director for The Retreat Clinics.  We have delivered mental health treatment and care for over 200 years, and we are still governed by Quaker Values. We offer psychological therapies and assessments for Autism and ADHD, both online and from our home base in York and our offices in Manchester.

Following major changes in our structure, we are now refreshing our strategy and business plan to better meet the needs of young people and adults through in-person and online assessment and talking therapy, supported by prescribing and shared care.  We hold an NHS contract and also offer privately funded care.

Do you have the experience and skills to shape the future of mental health care? 

Our Trustee team would like to expand, and seek one or more colleagues to support and enhance Board skills with your experience and knowledge base.  Board meetings are held every other month in person in York (approx half a day), with an informal meeting online between.  Trustees with specialist skills may be asked to serve on Committees (Quality & Safety / Finance  etc) and these meetings are all held online. Quakers and people who are happy to work with Quaker Values are warmly invited to apply via CV and accompanying letter

Board positions at Claremont Project (Islington)

Roles available: 1) Chair of the Board; 2) Trustee positions

Are you passionate about improving health and wellbeing outcomes, especially for older people? Do you value the “magic dust” of real human relationship? 

Claremont Project is a mental health, arts and wellbeing charity based in Angel, Islington. We are seeking Trustees and also a Chair of the Board, to strengthen our charity as we step into our next chapter.

About us 

Claremont has been around since 1907 and serves mostly older people through a powerful blend of social prescribing, low-cost psychotherapy and a programme of arts and wellbeing activities. 

Claremont is a place of innovation and creativity, underpinned by a Relational Approach which emphasises real listening, self-awareness and an awareness of how we are being in relation to other people. We were the UK’s first Wellbeing Centre long before the term was ubiquitous; and in 1920s and 30s we ran programmes that became models for the Welfare State. At our beautiful and well-loved building at 24-27 White Lion Street, we nurture a vibrant, inclusive community, underpinned by our conviction that everybody matters.

About the roles

The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for Claremont and ensures the charity is doing what it was set up to do. As set out by the Charity Commission, Trustees at Claremont are responsible for:

·Advancing the charitable purposes of Claremont and ensuring we carry out its purposes for public benefit.

·Ensuring Claremont complies with its governing document and the law.

·Acting in Claremont’s best interests.

·Managing Claremont’s resources responsibly.

·Acting with reasonable care and skill.

·Ensuring that Claremont is accountable as a charity. 

We are seeking to appoint two or three trustees, and also a Chair of the Board. We are seeking board members are passionate about our mission, vision and values; who have governance experience within charities; and who can think strategically as part of a team.

Between them, our Board of Trustees has knowledge, expertise and skills that cover a range of areas. Alongside a broad competence in charity governance, it would be desirable if candidates had skills that could help us fill the following gaps:

·Fundraising

·Psychotherapy (with understanding of an existentialist approach if possible)

·Buildings maintenance and retrofit

·Maximising income from office lettings and halls/room hire

·Public donations and legacies

·Dementia risk reduction and brain health

·Environmental sustainability and climate readiness

Strong candidates will have experience and competence in one or several of these areas, as well as having a certain “Claremontiness” – aspirational and personal qualities which embody a genuine relational approach to life.

Time commitment (Trustee roles):Quarterly Board meetings (held in the evenings), plus emails and optional committee work.

Time commitment (Chair role): In addition to the Trustee duties above, a fortnightly meeting with the CEO during office hours, plus ad hoc phone calls and emails (including during office hours).

Claremont is a community where people from all backgrounds are loved and wanted, and which is diverse in terms of characteristics like race and ethnicity, gender, disability and socioeconomic status. We warmly welcome applications from people coming from all walks of life, particularly those from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented on charity boards.

Please note:

·You must be 18 or over and must not be disqualified from acting or as a Trustee and declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a Trustee.

·This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed

We are seeking at least two new Trustees to oversee our charity. We offer professional, confidential and affordable counselling to individuals in and around SW London. Our team come from local churches and operate within a Christian ethos.

We want to increase the strength of our Board - currently we are overseen by only three Trustees, due to recent departures, but want to increase this to our target of 5-6 trustees. As well as providing support to the team in delivering high quality and accessible counselling services and ensuring the Charity meets its financial responsibilities, we are looking for someone to contribute to strategic oversight and effective governance.

We are seeking someone who:

1) Is passionate about the value and importance of emotional and mental health and wellbeing

2) Has experience or insight in areas such as charity governance, strategic planning, finance

3) Is a committed Christian of any denomination

4) Is willing to dedicate time, wisdom and prayer (approx. 4 meetings a year, plus occasional input)

What impact will you have? 

Our new Trustees will bring complementary skills to our Board. Specifically, we are looking for people with insight into charity governance and development, strategic vision and financial oversight.

Our new Trustees will ensure that our charity is well-governed, that quality is maintained and that those who work in the charity are well-supported. They will ensure that we keep client well-being at the heart of all we do.

They will look at new opportunities for development of the Trust, particularly at how we move on from reliance on a small management team who work voluntarily to a more resilient management model. They will ensure that new opportunities are strategically reviewed and considered.

They will ensure that we remain financially viable and have a sound operating model.

What skills, experience and qualities should you have?

Our new Trustees will bring complementary skills to our Board. Specifically, we are looking for people with skills in one or several of three areas:

1. charity governance and leadership,

2. strategic planning, to take the Trust forward into a new era

3. finance, to ensure our financial management and forward planning is optimised to achieve the objectives of the charity

Our new Trustees will share our values, especially our belief in the value of high-quality counselling with good clinical governance for client benefit. Our Christian ethos underlies who we are and we expect our new Trustees to share that ethos and see good counselling as a way to live out our christian values in our community.

Lived experience of or clinical practice in the field of mental health would be welcomed to enable greater insight into our counselling work.

We are keen to maintain a diverse board that reflects our very diverse local community.