Safeguarding volunteer roles

Sense College Loughborough is a specialist Further Education (FE) college, supporting students between 16-25, who have a wide range of disabilities. We aim to prepare young people to be as independent as possible and help them to achieve their long term goals. We offer different pathways and work with Loughborough College, to help students gain the skills, experience, knowledge and confidence to achieve these goals. 

Candidates interested in the role of Lay Governor at college must be able to demonstrate commitment to Safeguarding, Strategic leadership and a passion to Further Education particularly Specialist Education. A understanding of issues facing the post 16 specialist education sector would be desirable. If you feel you have the ability to make a positive contribution to meetings and provide constructive challenge to support senior managers at the college we would love to hear from you. We anticipate that the successful candidates will need to commit a minimum of 4 half days per term to the role in relation to meetings and preparation. The ability to attend other ad-hoc college events and visits would also be very welcomed.

The role of members of the Governing Body is to provide strategic leadership, support and constructive challenge to the college senior management team to ensure that Sense College provides an excellent education experience for all students. The Governors will work with the college senior management to ensure the college offers a broad based curriculum to maximise the teaching and learning experiences of all its students, with demonstrable outcomes. Sense College Loughborough Lay Governors will attend 3 full committee meetings a year, plus 3 extra meetings for their chosen sub-committee. Meetings last from 90 minutes for sub-committees and 2 hours 30 minutes for the full committee, Lay Governors will come prepared and engaged, having done the reading the prior and ready to ask any questions they may have. Governors of Sense College have a varied role encompassing a range of duties. Much of this is undertaken through participation in the full Governing Body meetings and Sense College sub-committees according to a governor`s experience and skillset, and through college visits.

Some examples of governor duties are below, noting that these are not exclusive:

• Reviewing, approving and monitoring the implementation of the Sense College 2022-2025 Strategic Plan
• Approving the final Sense College Annual Self-Assessment Report (SAR)
• Reviewing and monitoring progress and outcomes from the Sense College Quality Improvement Plan (QuIP)
• Reviewing students’ progress and achievements through a range of products i.e. case studies, reports and visits to Sense College
• Reviewing college data against Key Performance Indicators and dashboards.
• Participating in Ofsted inspection meetings on governance to support Sense College and the college senior management team
• Monitoring implementation of safeguarding (SfG) procedures, keeping updated with current SfG legislation and governors Prevent responsibilities
• Monitoring college budget performance with the emphasis on new students  referrals funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency
• Attending and participating in governor training events, student celebrations and college visits 

About us 

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

Sense values 

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Join the Board of Trustees at SUNSHINE Charity: Help Us Combat Loneliness!

Are you passionate about making a tangible difference in people's lives? Do you have the vision and expertise to help steer a brand-new UK charity dedicated to fighting loneliness and social isolation?

SUNSHINE Charity is launching, and we're building our inaugural Board of Trustees. This is a unique and incredibly rewarding opportunity to shape our strategic direction, ensure robust governance, and help us bring sunshine, connection, and confidence to individuals experiencing social isolation across the UK.

We are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals for the following key volunteer roles:

1. Vice Chair (Board of Trustees)

• Role: To support the Chair in leading the Board, ensuring effective governance and strategic oversight. You'll deputise for the Chair when needed and help drive key initiatives.

• Skills: Proven leadership experience, excellent communication, strong understanding of good governance, strategic thinking, and a commitment to our mission.

2. Treasurer (Board of Trustees)

• Role: To oversee the charity's financial health, ensure sound financial management, budgeting, reporting, and compliance with charity accounting regulations. You'll be instrumental in establishing our financial processes.

• Skills: Strong financial acumen, accounting qualifications (desirable but not essential), experience with financial management, attention to detail, and a commitment to transparency.

3. Secretary (Board of Trustees)

• Role: To ensure the charity operates legally and ethically, maintaining accurate records, managing board meeting logistics, and overseeing compliance with the Charity Commission and other regulatory bodies.

• Skills: Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, strong administrative capabilities, understanding of legal compliance (especially GDPR and charity law), and good communication.

4. Trustees (General)

• Role: To contribute to the overall governance, strategic planning, and oversight of SUNSHINE Charity. We are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in:

  • Charity Law & Governance

  • Fundraising & Income Generation

  • Marketing & Communications

  • Programme Development & Impact Measurement (especially in social welfare/mental health)

  • Human Resources & Volunteer Management

  • Safeguarding

• Skills: Strategic thinking, a willingness to contribute actively to discussions, a commitment to our beneficiaries, strong communication, and a genuine passion for our cause.

What You'll Bring to the Board:

• A passion for combating loneliness and fostering community connection.

• A strategic mindset and the ability to contribute to high-level decision-making.

• A commitment to good governance, financial prudence, and ethical conduct.

• The ability to dedicate time for board meetings (e.g., quarterly, plus sub-committee work) and preparation.

• Relevant professional experience or expertise that aligns with one of the key areas listed above.

• A willingness to work collaboratively within a new, dynamic team.

What We Offer You:

• The incredible opportunity to be a founding member of a vital new UK charity.

• The chance to directly impact the lives of individuals experiencing social isolation.

• A rewarding and stimulating experience at a strategic level.

• An opportunity to expand your network and work with a dedicated team.

• The satisfaction of creating a lasting positive legacy within your community.

All Trustee roles are voluntary, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and a DBS check.

If you're ready to use your skills and experience to help shape a brighter future for those affected by loneliness, we want to hear from you!

CLOSING DATE: Friday 8th August 2025, at 5pm

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

We are looking for an Education trustee for Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning with senior educational experience.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for an Education Trustees who can contribute to the strategic direction of our small independent school based in Lancaster, Ofsted rated "Good"; attending termly Board meetings required by the independent school standards. 

The Board meetings are usually on a Friday afternoon and can be attended remotely.

Be the trustee presence on the Education Committee (other members of the committee are senior teaching staff), to provide oversight of the School Improvement plan and report back to the board of Trustees on status; attending bi-termly Education Committee Meetings.

The Education Trustee has line manager responsibility of two members of the school senior leadership team, including annual performance reviews.

At least once per term (3 times per year) the Education trustee will be expected to spend at least half day at school to complete lesson observations of direct report.

We are looking to make prompt appointment to better support our school.

What are we looking for?

Commitment to the ethos and values of the school and a willingness to devote time, enthusiasm and effort to the duties and responsibilities of a Trustee.

Specific professional knowledge and strategic experience in at least one of the following:

▪ Leadership experience within a school

▪ Experience of Independent School Standards  

Willingness to attend meetings of the Board and other meetings as required . Willingness to undertake training and participate in evaluation of the Board’s work.

The Charity and schools are committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff to share this commitment.  An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful candidates.      

Conduct as a Trustee is underpinned by the seven principles of public life, as identified by the Nolan Committee:

Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

What difference will you make?

The opportunity carries the responsibility and purpose of ensuring the future viability of a very special school offering alternative education in the Lancaster area.

The school is not running at optimum capacity and strategic direction and support to broker key relationships to ensure student recruitment is operating in a way which reaches the young people most in need of our support is vital to the overall success of the charity and to open up opportunities for future investment and growth.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

· Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time

· Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances

· Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance

· Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support

· Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

· Friendly and approachable

· Great written and verbal communication skills

· Non-judgemental

· Reliable

· Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

· Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others

· Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team

· Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

· Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Background Information

Villa 21 is a large unstable housing settlement South of Buenos Aires. It mostly lacks paved roads and sewerage; many houses are made of perishable materials and have no running water or drainage. The neighborhood faces serious health problems, as it is located on the creek that divides the capital city of the province, and is highly contaminated, causing respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases that primarily affect children. The soup kitchen is visited by approximately 50 people from the neighborhood for lunch every day. The space is also available to support teenagers when there are volunteer teachers willing to help them.

The support from social organizations is fundamental in this very poor neighborhood, mainly because its precarious situation affects families that need to face a lack of infrastructures and serious problems of public sanitation. Indeed, many families live in houses where they have problems with light and where they don't have running water nor a drainage system, in an area which has huge weaknesses in terms of sewer systems and road pavements. Moreover, it is located near a river which is highly contaminated by the chemicals released by nearby factories, and this generates respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases that mainly affect the children. Although faced with this situation, people don't receive any help from the government to improve their standards of living that are now miserable and harmful to their health. There are some housing construction projects in the works but they are slow-coming and displacing the inhabitants that are the most affected by the contamination of the river. In addition to this precariousness, today, ambulances refuse to come into the area.

Why is this project important for the community?

The soup kitchen cooks for the kindergarten and the people from the town. Thus, this organization is based on working with families and children from first to seventh grade, supporting them in their growing and development process, with a team of professionals and social workers. This Community Center was founded in 1994 and began as a soup kitchen until it expanded into a kindergarten with the help of the mothers from the area.

The main goal of the Community Center is to offer the children's families a place of education and integral support. Moreover, the kitchen and center help to compensate these families’ economic situation. It is a place of exchange between teachers, social workers, parents and volunteers from the area and from Voluntario Global that work together for the safe upbringing of the children. It is also a place where the unemployed women from the area are able to have training sessions that take place periodically with professionals.

Role of the Volunteer

From 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, the kitchen prepares breakfast and lunch for the kids in the kindergarten and it also prepares food for the community members. The volunteer will be able to help in many tasks such as assist the women in the kitchen by washing and cutting vegetables, preparing the dessert for the children and help in the cleaning process after everything is served.

What do you learn as a volunteer?

When helping at the Soup Kitchen, you learn to appreciate the value of the small things, how to truly connect with people and the power that these relationships can have on your life and the lives of others, on the communities and the future. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what language you speak, what kind of house you live in or what kind of job you have. In the end, we are all human and we get so mixed up in focussing on other unimportant aspects that we forget that deep down we’re all the same. You will realise that even the smallest thing you do, can make someone else's day.

How does your work impact on the community?

Your help is invaluable for the workers and for the community members because this center is an integral part of their everyday life. Furthermore, the ladies and workers would not be able to participate in this cultural exchange if there aren’t any volunteers willing to help. The women also love helping the volunteers learn a bit of Spanish because they are like family to them. Here, the volunteer can learn so much about the Argentinian culture and see how many traditional dishes are prepared. It’s a place where you can completely feel the support of a community and you never leave the kitchen without a smile on your face.

Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.

We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference.

Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.

Purpose of the role:

To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.

Our volunteers take calls from parents and carers on a wide range of subjects, whether that might be issues around separation and divorce, isolation, depression, bullying and abuse, dealing with behavioural problems, etc. You can find out more about our services on our website. We are a national service with home-based call takers county wide and a call centre in Old Hatfield Hertfordshire.

Once trained volunteers sign up for a weekly 4-hour shift comprising 3 hours ‘online’ followed by a debrief session with your supervisor which can last around half to one hour.

We recruit volunteers with a range of backgrounds and experiences though we ask that volunteers have experience of parenting or working with children and young people, are good listeners and have a willingness to learn. Being remote it will be very important that you have a PC/laptop, plug in headset with microphone, good Wi-Fi and a private place to work from home. You need to be a UK resident.

Our volunteers often tell us how rewarding their time with us is.

You'll be part of a compassionate community and feel a real sense of pride for what you do. You'll meet new people, gain valuable experience, and develop your skillset. We're passionate about helping people to reach their full potential, so we'll offer you full training suitable for the role, supervision from a named member of staff, including help setting personal development goals, and opportunities to increase skills and input into practice via regular Practice Development Groups.

Our training programme is excellent and will give you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to offer empathic support and guidance to callers whatever their circumstances; all shifts are overseen by a regular shift supervisor who provides ongoing remote support.

We ask our volunteers to make a commitment of 1 year (with time off for holidays), obviously we understand that circumstances sometimes make that an impossibility but can be helpful to know at the outset that is the general expectation.

We have remote call taker training sessions that run over five sessions and is done remotely connecting you via a Microsoft Teams link. Our next training is starting in September 2025.

Module One = Tues 16th Sept

Module Two = Wed 24th Sept

Module Three = Weds 1st Oct

Module Four = Weds 8th Oct

Module Five = Wed 15th Oct

10am to 2pm

You would need to be able to attend all five sessions and be available on four occasions to listen into calls, this can be organised remotely. If you are unable to attend the training however are interested, please do apply as we run training throughout the year.

Who they are

Eastbourne Foodbank is a locally based charity dedicated to providing emergency food, toiletries, and baby equipment to individuals experiencing deep poverty and destitution. The organisation also operates an in-house Financial Inclusion team that offers specialist debt and money advice to its clients. This team recovers approximately £1 million annually for clients, effectively helping many to move beyond the need for foodbank support.

In 2024, Eastbourne Foodbank distributed more than 22,000 emergency food parcels, with over one-third of these allocated to children.

The role
Key tasks

• Provide strategic oversight of Eastbourne Foodbank’s finances.

• Chair the finance sub-committee, which meets approximately three times per year.

• Ensure the foodbank maintains robust systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance, and reporting.

• Keep the trustee board fully informed on the organisation’s financial position, overseeing all financial reports submitted to the board to ensure clarity and transparency.

• Guarantee that financial reports are comprehensible, properly discussed at trustee board meetings, submitted in the appropriate format and on time as required by the Charity Commission for England and Wales, and presented annually at the AGM.

• Ensure the appointment of auditors or independent examiners when income exceeds £25,000.

• Collaborate with the CEO and Chair of the People sub-committee to conduct an annual review of salaries.

• Regularly review nominated financial investments.

Objects of the foodbank

• Support the trustee board in developing a long-term strategy for the foodbank with clear, measurable objectives.

• Work alongside the trustee board to ensure that the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically recorded, independently examined (where income exceeds £25,000), and publicly disclosed as required.

• Ensure the foodbank complies with all relevant legislation and good practice, including employment law, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding, and GDPR/data protection regulations.

• Maintain accountability and active compliance with statutory reporting and legal obligations.

• Oversee the development of financial plans for future budgets and manage contractual agreements with external funders supporting core costs and additional projects.

• Promote the organisation widely to potential funders, beneficiaries, and the broader community.

What difference will they make?

By leading the financial strategy of Eastbourne Foodbank, the individual will safeguard the organisation’s financial health, enabling it to continue providing critical support and positively transforming lives within the local community.

Help deliver on WJEC’s strategic ambitions and ensure that we continue to offer genuine public value through our work.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Thursday 4th September 2025

Location: Home-based with occasional in person meetings in Cardiff

Time commitment: 4 board meetings per year

About WJEC

WJEC is a long-established and respected awarding organisation with deep roots in the UK education system. As the largest provider of general and vocational qualifications in Wales and a leading name in England and Northern Ireland, WJEC plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of learners through high-quality qualifications and a steadfast commitment to educational excellence.

About the roles

With a refreshed corporate strategy in place and an eye on the future, this is an exciting time to join WJEC as we continue to innovate and grow.

We are seeking committed and insightful individuals who will strengthen our governance, help deliver on our strategic ambitions and ensure that we continue to offer genuine public value through our work.

Our Board plays a vital role in shaping WJEC’s direction, safeguarding our values, and ensuring that we operate in the best interests of our stakeholders, including learners, educators, and regulators. As a Non-Executive Director, you will provide strategic challenge, independent perspective, and collaborative support to the executive team.

We are proud of our not for profit and charitable status and seek individuals who are aligned with our ethos and committed to acting in the public interest.

You will uphold high standards of governance and ethics while contributing to key discussions around innovation, impact, and sustainability.

Who we are looking for

We seek to appoint three new Non-Executive Directors to join our Board, with expertise in Commercial Strategy, Digital Transformation, and Compliance & Regulation.

While prior board experience is desirable, what matters most is strategic insight, a values-led approach, and a desire to help WJEC continue to thrive.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Thursday 4th September 2025.

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a Service Delivery Volunteer you will provide specialist support services for people affected by crime.

Why volunteer with us?

• Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and/or alongside staff.
• Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.
• Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.
• Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

 Volunteering with Victim Support in West Midlands

As a Volunteer your role will include:

• Contacting services users to conduct a needs assessment, identifying service user needs and services to be delivered
• Deliver the appropriate services consisting of emotional and practical support
• Signpost to other organisations where needed, and complete onward referrals where consent has been obtained from the victim. 
• Advocate for service users with other organisations where appropriate e.g. with the police, housing associations etc.

What do we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Service Delivery Volunteer, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or over.
• Be able to volunteer for at least 3 hours per week, for at least 12 months.
• Undertake training over a 10-week period – this includes five virtual training days as well as completing a workbook and online learning modules.
• Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.
• Be able to provide two satisfactory references.

Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications. 

Expenses

• All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

• VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
• VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
• We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

Want to find out more?

• If you have any questions or would like to find out more about this role, please contact the Volunteer Manager Steven Postans (details can be found on the Victim Support volunteering opportunities webiste)

Download the role description for more details

Volunteer Befriender

Octavia works with people affected by unemployment, ill health, social isolation or low income to connect them with opportunities for positive personal change. Our vision is to build stronger, happier and healthier communities in central and west London to help create an enriched life where we live. Please help us to do this by volunteering to befriend a member of the local community, who is isolated and vulnerable, in Westminster or Kensington and Chelsea.

Reasons to volunteer

Would you like to assist an isolated person in your local area? Would you like to provide them with the emotional support, social skills and confidence that will help them to feel happier in their everyday life?

 You will know that you have helped someone to move on in their life and take part in society
 Full induction, ongoing training and support. This includes training on: communication, empathy, health and safety, confidentiality and safeguarding
 Opportunity to enhance your CV and to learn new skills
 We are able to provide references to employers and/or further education establishments
 Travel costs and out of pocket expenses reimbursed on the provision of receipts*

What would I be doing?

 Meeting once a week with the person you have been matched with, in their own home or an agreed public place, at a mutually agreed time
 Encourage communication on a shared interest or topic
 Arrange activities and listen to your Befriendee with empathy and encouragement
 On occasion you may be asked by your befriendee to accompany/escort them outside on a one to one basis or do some shopping in circumstances where they are unable to

What skills are we looking for?

 Good communication skills
 Understanding of empathy and the needs of people with isolation issues
 Understanding of confidentiality
 Able to use own initiative and work unsupervised, reliable and trustworthy
 We ask that you volunteer for 1 hour per week, for a minimum of 6 months

Sounds great! How do I sign up?

When you aplply, we ask for 2 references but these do not need to be from employers. For instance, they can be character references from college tutors or support workers who know you well. We also carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks on all volunteers, but this would only happen if we both agree that Befriending is the right fit for you.

We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please contact us should you prefer to apply over the phone or via hard copy, for accessibility reasons. If you require any adjustments due to a disability (including: physical, psychological or neurological disease or disorders) in order to get the most out of your time volunteering with us, please do let us know so that we can ideally facilitate this.

After successfuly completing our aplciation, vetting and training process ARCh Reading Helpers visit a local primary school (close to home or workplace) twice a week during the school day (usually early afternoons), spending a 1:1 "happy half hour" each time with three children selected by the school.  These children may be struggling with reading, lack language skills or have little confidence.  The volunteer talks with the child, shares books and plays games supplied by ARCh.  In this way a mentoring relationship is developed over the course of a year.

Volunteers provide a warm, positive experience of reading and with encouragement over a sustained period, reluctant readers gain confidence in their ability and begin to read for pleasure.  This one to one support has a positive effect on all areas of the child''s schoolwork and improves their life prospects.

We need volunteers who can be relied upon to attend their sessions regularly and volunteer with ARCh for a minimum of one school year.

This role would appeal to anyone who enjoys being with children, loves books and wants to make a difference in their local community.

Full training, resources and support provided together with a truly rewarding experience.

We are recruiting for a volunteer who would like to play a role in helping others to express themselves through writing. Would you like to support others to use their imagination to portray a message?

Creative writing is a great way to express yourself using your own creativity and imagination through story telling or poetry. It is an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and put it down on paper. Creative writing has been shown to improve emotional and mental well-being. Through creative writing, we can gain insight into our emotions, develop self-expression and communication skills, cultivate empathy and understanding of others, boost our imagination and creativity.

What you will be doing

• Lead and facilitate a weekly Creative Writing Group, encouraging participants to explore their thoughts and feelings through writing exercises, prompts, and storytelling.
• Guide a subsequent Feelings Forum where participants can share and discuss emotions sparked by the writing session or current experiences in a respectful and supportive atmosphere
• Foster an inclusive, non-judgmental environment where all voices are heard and valued
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the organisation’s safeguarding and mental health protocols
• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants

The skills you need

• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to mental health challenges
• Ability to facilitate group discussions and manage diverse emotional responses constructively
• Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach.
• Training or experience in mental health, counselling, social work, or a related field is advantageous but not essential

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 - 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.