Volunteer Support Worker Volunteer Roles

About Us
oin us in making a meaningful impact! East Sussex Hearing, an independent countywide charity based in Eastbourne, has dedicated over two decades to serving the deaf and hard of hearing community across East Sussex. Our mission is to empower individuals with advice and practical support, enabling them to lead vibrant, active lives and be integral members of their community.

The heart of our efforts lies in the events we organise, acting as lifelines to generate crucial income. This income supports and enhances the services we provide for the benefit of the hard of hearing and deaf community. Now, we are on the lookout for a passionate Event Volunteer to join our cause on a voluntary basis

What you'll be doing
As an Event Volunteer, your role is diverse and impactful. From setting up our Gazebo and displaying banners to selling merchandise and collecting donations at events, your contribution makes a significant difference. Picture yourself engaging with the locals in Eastbourne town centre, sharing information about our upcoming events, or manning stalls at community gatherings like the Festival of Transport, an annual weekend event near Hailsham. You could be handing out flyers, offering advice, or simply fostering conversations about our invaluable services.

Our events are scattered throughout the year across East Sussex, with exciting plans for more in 2024! Whether you can commit to helping with one or two events annually or wish to make a more regular commitment. If you are seeking
a hands-on role that lets you support East Sussex Hearing while having a good time, helping at our events is the perfect opportunity! Let's make a difference together, as were ‘Here to Help You Hear.’

Specific Tasks & Responsibilities
• Meet and greet members of the public
• Support the setting up and taking down stalls at events which may include gazebos
• Hand out event flyers at specific locations
• Act as a Charity ambassador by promoting the event among your friends, family and colleagues
• Distribute event materials such as leaflets in your local area
• Provide general hearing loss information and advice, including signposting to other services

What will you gain from volunteering with us
• A chance to meet new people, make new friends
• Develop new skills, take on new challenges and enjoy new experiences
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to East Sussex Hearing and support the deaf and hard of hearing community
• Travel expenses can be claimed
• FREE admission to our BSL Sign Language classes
• FREE admission to our Lipreading classes
• Access to exclusive discounts, cashback & vouchers for charity workers & volunteers.

What we are looking for
• You're friendly, welcoming and enjoy being part of events
• You enjoy engaging with people and being part of a team
• You’re flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks

Training & Support
East Sussex Hearing will provide all relevant training at their Eastbourne centre, and locally.

To apply for this role, you need to be over the age of 16. 

Family Lives operate a free confidential helpline for anyone experiencing difficulties in their family or relationship.

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 we also have 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 lasts 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 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 call taker training sessions that run over five sessions and is done remotely connecting you via a Microsoft Teams link.

You would need to be able to attend all five sessions from one of these remote training groups and be available on four occasions to listen into calls, this can be organised remotely.

Remote Call Taker Training Dates:

June Saturday training dates:

Module 1 – Saturday 8th June

Module 2 - Saturday 15th June

Module 3 – Saturday 22nd June

Module 4 – Saturday 29th June

Module 5 – Saturday 6th July

10am to 2pm

Please note that all roles offered are subject to a satisfactory DBS being obtained, you will receive details of documentation required prior to your training and this must all be in no later than the second session of your training.

We are looking for volunteers to deliver fun and engaging activity sessions. Our service users love to play board games and your role would be to set up a weekly board games session. As a volunteer you will be warm, friendly and approachable and enjoy playing games such as monopoly, cluedo and others.

As part of your volunteer role you will help us by setting up the games ready to play ensuring no pieces are missing, teaching people the rules for the game, and tidying away at the end of the session. You will also promote the board games being played each week to our service users and encourage people to join in.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.

Bosworth House is a supported living service for adults with mental health needs, we currently have eight tenants with thirteen flats. Bosworth House is centrally located in Hinckley and has good transport links.

We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.

Be rewarded and have new experiences, volunteer with us as a Child and Family Support Volunteer. 

Key Details 

• Based across South Lakeland, Cumbria.
• We are looking for a commitment of about half a day per week. Location, time and day will vary depending on current needs, and we can work with you to match you to appropriate opportunities. 
• Currently, many of our groups run between 4-6pm on week days.

Can you:

• Provide motivational support, a listening ear, a friendly face, and a positive attitude to parents, carers, children and young people?
• Build trusting relationships, empathise, and communicate clearly?
• Be reliable?
• Be a positive role model?
• Be non-judgemental and respectful, while not accepting of behaviours that are damaging to others?
• Respect confidentiality?
• Work alongside staff to support families, based on individual need?
• Embody Action for Children’s values, and adhere to our code of conduct?

 What you can expect:

• To work with families to support them to make and sustain positive changes through structured group programmes. An example is the very successful Decider Skills programme which teaches CBT techniques in an accessible and interactive way.
• To assist practitioners with running the group, providing a safe and nurturing space for families, and supporting all participants to engage in the activities.
• At times, we may have opportunities to play with children while their parents work with a practitioner on targeted support.
• To receive regular support and supervision from staff.
• To report any safeguarding or wellbeing concerns you may have as soon as possible.

What we can offer:

• Feel the satisfaction of supporting families to lead healthier, happier and safer lives.
• Full induction, training and support package. Ongoing training will be available to expand on your skills and knowledge.
• Gain valuable experience of working with children, young people and their families to provide early help and support.
• Be part of a fun and friendly team.
• Agreed travel expenses paid.
• Improve your confidence, CV, and employability. We can provide references to support your career development.
• Access to Action for Children's wellbeing resources.
• Feel recognised, supported and proud to donate your time and experience to help vulnerable children and young people.

If you would like an informal chat, have any further questions about the role, or need assistance with the application form, then please contact Kay Cheer on ( 015 39 734 456 ) 

Action for Children is passionate about promoting equality, valuing diversity and working inclusively. We welcome applications from all persons particularly those who identify as Male, people with Disabilities, and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants, as these groups are currently under-represented in our organisation. 

Action for Children are Passionate, Ambitious, Collaborative and Inclusive. We aspire for every child and young person in the country to have a safe and happy childhood and the foundations they need to thrive. 

VOLUNTEER MAN/WOMAN WITH A VAN

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, family circumstances, mental health issues, substance misuse, care leavers, learning disability, age, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Can you be the link between us and our clients, dropping of food and furniture where it’s needed?

• Do you have 1-2 hours a week to give to vulnerable clients needing food, help with a move or furniture picked up, loaded, and dropped off?

• Can we rely and depend on you to commit to a period of up to 12 weeks?

• Can you create and maintain positive, professional, and trusting relationships with a non-judgmental approach?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

• Drivers will need be able to take apart large items of furniture for packing and removal, loading them into your vehicle, securing them safely and driving to a new location to unload them

• Collecting food from food banks and dropping to clients’ homes

• Collecting furniture for clients and dropping to their accommodation

Our weekly art class provides space and opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to express themselves through creative activities. The group has diverse interests and needs, and we are looking for a volunteer to join the sessions to support people to get the most out of each sessions.

Your role could include setting up activity areas, working 121 with individuals, or in small groups. The class is led by an experienced tutor, and some members of the group also receive support from their support workers.

We are based in a multi-purpose community centre near North Dulwich. You will be part of a small and friendly staff and volunteer team that are all committed to supporting adults with learning disabilities to fully participate in the activities that are important to them. 

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.

Remote Family Support Volunteer – Live Chat

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.

Organisational values:

Mission: We build better family lives together.

Vision: Families should have access to active support and understanding. 

Values: Trustworthy, Compassionate and Collaborative

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.

Live chat: is a free confidential service that is accessed via our website. Service users are offered emotional support, information and advice and guidance on a broad range of family issues.

Supervised by: The Shift Supervisor

 Activities: The volunteer will be fully supervised, supported and trained to provide the following activities:

·Provide emotional support to family members via our live chat service

·Use the Family Lives support model and tools to provide an empathic responses

·Ensure that all service users receive a high quality experience

·Sign post users to other agencies for information and additional support

·Complete conversation data records

·Alert the shift supervisor to any difficult situations

 

General: Volunteers should be willing to:

·Attend the relevant volunteer training

·Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the other policies and procedures of the organisation

·Participate in regular support, supervision meetings and learning sessions as agreed

For home based volunteers only:

·Volunteers will need a Laptop/PC, plug in headset with microphone, fast broadband and a private place to work from home

·Volunteers need to be IT/PC literate and confident troubleshooting should they have technical difficulties

 Time: We would be looking for volunteers to commit to one four-hour shift per week, plus attending training and supervision.

Location: working remotely from home

 You need to be a UK resident

Supervision and Support:

·Supervision during shifts

·Debrief after every shift

·1 to 1 supervision every 6 months

·Staff available outside of shift within office hours

·Annual review

 

The Benefits of Volunteering:

·Satisfaction in making a real and lasting difference to families who are struggling

·An opportunity to develop experience for CV and references. Family Lives is committed to helping volunteers develop their own learning and development, gaining new skills, knowledge or work experience

·Being part of a team of Family Lives volunteers and staff

·Personal development

·Opportunities to meet and interact with a wide range of people

·Out of pocket expenses reimbursed to a maximum of £10 per session if working from a centre

·Flexible hours

 

Volunteer Person Specification. We are looking for individuals who:

·Have experience of parenting/being in a parenting role or demonstrable experience of working with parents or children e.g. in their work, previous volunteering or a previous role

·Have an ability to respond empathically to emotional content

·Good written and verbal communication

·Have good keyboard skills and IT skills, with a minimum of 50 wpm

·Can demonstrate a willingness to question their own attitudes e.g. toward different forms of parenting

·Have a fluent, descriptive and expressive use of English

·Can remain open minded and non-judgemental

·Willing to commit to work within Family Lives’ policies, in particular our Confidentiality Policy and Risk of Harm Procedures

·Willing to commit to attending regular supervision and support sessions

·Willing to work as part of a team

·Willing to commit to a mutually agreed period or ideally a 12 months commitment to the organisation.

Typing Task Prior to Application for Live Chat

Prior to you submitting your application for a Live Chat Volunteer, we will require you to do a speed test, we ask for a minimum speed of 50 words per minute. 

Please take a screen shot and send it across with your application

You can have up to 3 attempts and decide which result you would like to forward as part of your application

Typing task

Go to the website typingtest

You are required to take the one minute typing test recording all of the results (speed, number of errors and adjusted speed).

We have remote voluntary call taker training groups the dates are below are you would need to be able to attend all 5 Modules from the training group.

Our next training groups are:

June Saturday training dates:

Module 1 – Saturday 8th June

Module 2 - Saturday 15th June

Module 3 – Saturday 22nd June

Module 4 – Saturday 29th June

Module 5 – Saturday 6th July

10am to 2pm

Please note that all roles offered are subject to a satisfactory DBS being obtained, you will receive details of documentation required prior to your training and this must all be in no later than the second session of your training.

We’re looking for Volunteers aged 16+ who live in and around Hackney to join our crew! 

As a Volunteer Crewmate, you’ll come along to our teacher-led afterschool sessions to help children aged 9 to 13 develop their reading and writing skills. By championing their work and celebrating everything they do, you will help them, one-to-one and in small groups, to become published authors! 

We’re looking for people who are positive about social change and love literacy. No experience working with children or young people is necessary as full training is provided. 

Sessions run during term time Mon-Fri, 3:45-6:45pm. 

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 South West Bucks 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. 

Lead Support Volunteer

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.

About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Lead Support Volunteer for the North Somerset Group. As a Lead Support Volunteer, you will be coordinating the support team, representing the needs of people affected by MS and our services and collate information about relevant local organisations. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

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 have empathetic listening and interpersonal skills and be able to support a team of volunteers.

Apply 

Read through the role description carefully

Apply online 

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

Telephone Support Volunteers play a vital part at The Ealing Older People Floating Support Service as they support Floating Support Workers with well-being calls. Service Users are called on a weekly basis to ensure their welfare and safety. Telephone Volunteers exhibit exceptional listening and communication skills, with the ability to understand the needs of older people and empathise with them.

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in south-west London. We work primarily with people who are newly arrived in the UK, most of whom are living in temporary Home Office accommodation. Arriving as a refugee in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language barriers, accessing services, financial insecurity and ongoing uncertainty are extremely challenging and disempowering. CARAS is here to work collaboratively with community members to support them to build skills, connect meaningfully with their local community, and to build positive futures in the UK. 

CARAS offers a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background. For adults this currently includes: ESOL, digital skills and employability sessions; social and recreational activities and casework. All programs are interlinked and work hand-in-hand with one another. For example, community members can practice their spoken English in Coffee Afternoon, and casework issues might be picked up and referred into the team during an ESOL class. We design and develop our programs through consultation and ongoing conversations with our community members. We aim to have a strong volunteer presence across all our programs, fostering connections between asylum seekers and other Londoners! 

About CARAS’s Adult Programming and Coffee Afternoon:

CARAS has been providing support to adult refugee women since 2005, promoting skills and confidence development that helps women gain more power in their lives. In the aftermath of COVID, we have been able to expand our adult programmes, responding to the shifting demographics of those seeking asylum in the UK. We now run a range of mixed programmes for all genders, as well as some women-only spaces. Our coffee afternoon is a mixed group. 

Our coffee afternoon has been running since May 2022 and is one of our most popular groups. It takes place at TARA Theatre in Earlsfield from 1-2.30PM every Friday. Its primary aim is to reduce isolation amongst those we work with by providing a safe, friendly and welcoming space for people to have fun, learn about themselves and each other, and build connections.

In 2023, we have been running creative sessions during Coffee Afternoon, facilitated by freelance creative practitioners in partnership with TARA Theatre. These range from dance to drama, poetry to puppetry. For sessions without a creative practitioner, we sometimes host workshops on important topics such as healthcare rights or have an open and informal space for games and a chat. There is always coffee and a selection of baked goods! 

For more information on TARA Theatre, our partner and host, please visit their website.

Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• To attend CARAS coffee afternoon’s, every Friday between 1-2.30PM in Earlsfield, South-west London. They take place at TARA Theatre, right opposite Earlsfield Station. Location here- https://maps.app.goo.gl/rXwJiKHRj93YFtLG9 (356 Garratt Ln, London SW18 4ES). 
• If there is a week this is not possible, to tell CARAS staff as far in advance as you are able. 
• To welcome and connect with community members attending, working to ensure everyone at the group feels included. 

• To take part if there is a creative activity happening in that session, and help liaise with CARAS staff and the creative practitioner to ensure the activity runs smoothly. 
• To encourage and inspire community members to feel confident and reach their full potential. 
• To share conversation, and chat informally with our community members.
• To assist community members to both recognise and celebrate their achievements. 
• To challenge negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manor. 
• To adhere to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant. 

Requirements:

• To have interest in working with refugees and asylum seekers. 
• To be non-judgemental, and able and willing to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and differing levels of English. 
• To be reliable and punctual. 
• To be a current resident in the UK. 
• To provide five years’ worth of addresses and be willing to undergo a UK DBS check.
• To attend CARAS General and Safeguarding Training, and any further training as necessary. 
• To be 18 years or older. 

Through volunteering with us you will:

• Meet new members of your local community 
• Learn about different cultures and life experiences from across the world 
• Learn about issues relating to refugee and asylum seekers 
• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team 
• Develop your skills and competencies 
• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding 

To Apply:

Please fill in the volunteer application form and email it to us. Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with the Head of Adult Inclusion and Adult Program Coordinator these meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 

Details for this role are in the description and not mentioned in the application form but please fill in your details in the Volunteer application form attached and send it back to us 

We are looking for passionate people that are ready to make a difference in the lives of children and young people in Cumbria by Volunteering at Kirkby Stephen Youth Centre.

Since 2010 the number of youth centres in the UK has halved and youth crime has increased. We’re here to change that.

73% of employers say they’d employ someone who’s volunteered over someone who hasn’t.

We’re looking for voluntary Youth Workers.

Working with us will help you try new things, meet new people, build new skills, and gain confidence.

Youth Workers

We’re looking for people to facilitate a safe and playful space for our young people to help them discover and develop their vision to create a space in the community that represents them. That may look like playing table tennis or football, crafting, helping with homework or it may be a game that provides space to talk about pressing issues and so many other things. A non-judgemental and flexible approach is vital to allow our young people to flourish.

Our centre will be for the young people, by the young people.

Your job is to empower them to make that possible.

Flexibility

One night a week, once a month, every day we open.

Our Youth Centre is open Monday, Thursday, and Saturday nights from 6pm - 9pm. However much you can help, we are open to finding the way that you and our young people can get the most out of our opportunity.

Passion over Experience

Previous experience is a plus but if you’re passionate about making a difference and keen to learn we would love to work with you. Our experienced team will provide full training and support throughout your time with us and will work with you to shape the right development program for you.

Please apply by sending your CV or if you require any more information, please contact the Youth Centre directly.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.