Volunteer volunteer roles in tooting, greater london
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
CHARITY SHOP ASSISTANT
Charity Shop Assistant (North Finchley - RSPCA Finchley & District Branch)
Our charity shop in the heart of North Finchley is looking for a friendly volunteer to join our team and help make our shop a huge success. Make new friends, have fun, and help us help more animals!
Overview of opportunity
As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team working with the shop managers and other volunteers to help make it a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare.
About the RSPCA
Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.
About Our Charity Shop in North Finchley
The shop is part of the RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch and plays an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community and funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work. Our shops sell a mixture of donated items, including clothes & accessories, books, bric-a-brac, electricals and collectables.
We have positions available on the shop floor and in our stock room or you could
volunteer to do a mixture of both.
Volunteer Charity Shop Assistant responsibilities
- Helping customers in the shop find what they need.
- Accepting donations of items and money from the public.
- Processing sales through the till and card machine, including Gift Aid.
- Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell.
- Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging items.
- Merchandising stock on the shop floor.
- Creating attractive shop window displays.
What we are looking for in a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant
- Friendly volunteers who are confident talking to people.
- Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given.
- We are ideally aiming for someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment predominately on set days each week based on your availability.
- Good communication and numeracy skills.
- You will need to be aged 18 or over.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant
- A way to meet new people and make new friends in your local area.
- A place where you will learn excellent new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service, multi-tasking, merchandising, and many more.
- An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role.
- The opportunity to make a huge difference to the welfare of animals.
- Reimbursement for any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us.
If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!
Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Social Media Content Producer
Location: Haggerston and other SCT sites in East London
Time Commitment: Flexible
Reports to: Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications/Digital Marketing and Communications Manager.
About Us
Based in East London, we have supported people affected by homelessness and addiction for sixty years. We provide a residential addictions treatment programme and counselling, a training and development service, supported housing, and a Housing First service.
Our approach is trauma-informed, holistic and compassionate. We enable people to build strong foundations for the future and discover new skills, improve confidence and self-esteem, and improve physical health and mental well-being. All are vital to establishing a lasting recovery from homelessness and addiction and creating a more fulfilling life.
Our nine charity shops and two social enterprises, put us in the heart of communities across East London.
Role Overview
We are seeking a creative and enthusiastic Volunteer Social Media Content Producer to help us craft engaging, mission-driven content for our social media platforms. This is a great opportunity for someone who loves storytelling, creating digital content and wants to use their skills to support a meaningful cause.
Key Responsibilities
As part of the Fundraising, Marketing and Communications team, key responsibilities include:
· Developing original content for platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.
· Creating graphics, short videos, reels, stories, and written posts that align with our brand and messaging.
· Collaborating with teams across SCT, including SCT retail, to plan and execute content calendars and campaigns.
· Repurposing existing materials into social media-friendly formats.
· Staying informed about social media trends and suggesting creative ways to increase engagement.
Skills & Experience
· Experience in content creation for social media (personal, academic, or professional).
· Proficiency with tools like Canva, Meta, CapCut, or similar.
· Strong visual storytelling and writing skills.
· Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
· Passion for social impact and a good understanding of social media platforms.
What We Offer
· A chance to make a real difference through your creative work.
· Opportunities to build your portfolio and gain experience in nonprofit communications.
· A reference or recommendation upon successful completion of the role.
· Flexible hours and a supportive, collaborative team environment.
Rebuilding lives affected by homelessness, addictions, unemployment, mental illness, and the criminal justice system.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoying talking with people and helping them based on your life experiences?
Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?
Yes? We’d love to hear from you.
What is knus?
knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.
What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.
Here’s some further information on what’s needed:
Are you over 18 and living in the UK?
You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
Do you have a laptop?
A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.
How much time can you give?
A minimum of 3+ hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.
Do you like to learn?
We provide training for all volunteers that join us. Our peer support training is CPD accredited. 20-25 hours of volunteering training is required and is self led online.
If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.
Please note - all successful volunteers are required to donate the cost price of £20.60 for an Enhanced DBS check. If you've got a current Enhanced DBS on the update service, this cost will not apply.
You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.
To always be ‘by your side’ when you need mental health peer support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Link Age Southwark is a vibrant local charity providing support to over 800 older people in Southwark who are feeling lonely or isolated. Our vision is for friendly local communities where older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia can thrive in their later years.
All our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around.
One of the greatest challenges for many older people is access to suitable transport. As we age, our mobility decreases and sometimes we can lose confidence in our ability to leave the house independently.
Our network of volunteer drivers provide a vital lifeline to many older people to help them get out and about and keep them connected with their local community.
We are able to provide transport to and from Link Age Southwark social groups. This role is all about providing an unhurried door-to-door service on either a regular or one-off basis.
This role requires:
- owning a car with a full and clean driving license and suitable insurance cover (most insurance companies are charity friendly - we can help verify your car use if required)
- ensuring the vehicle you are driving is safe and legal
- sufficient fitness to drive - please inform us if there are any issues that may affect your driving ability
- patience and understanding towards the needs of older people, particularly those with mobility issues
- attendance at a volunteer induction and other relevant training opportunities
- completion of a full Disclosure Barring Service and character reference check
- a commitment to working within the policies of Link Age Southwark, in particular health and safety, confidentiality, safeguarding and equality & diversity
Becoming a volunteer with Link Age Southwark is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and get to know more about your local community.
We cover all reasonable expenses and we are happy to provide references for volunteers who have completed 6 months of volunteering with us.
Please note that all our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The British Society for Heart Failure (BSH) is seeking a qualified finance professional to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer - a vital role to join the eminent Heart Failure clinical experts that make up our Board, in our mission to reduce heart failure mortality and improve patient care across the UK.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee and Treasurer of the British Society for Heart Failure (BSH), the leading UK charity dedicated to improving care for people living with heart failure. Our work supports education, research, collaboration, and national awareness - all aimed at improving outcomes for the nearly 1 million people in the UK living with this serious condition and the further 400,000 estimated to be undiagnosed.
We’re at an exciting stage of growth, with a new team, a new strategy in development, and bold plans for the future.
As Treasurer, you will provide strategic financial oversight to a respected national charity with an annual income of £1.5 million. You will also support our flagship campaign, 25in25, which aims to reduce deaths from heart failure by 25% over the next 25 years.
We are seeking an experienced, qualified finance professional (e.g. ACCA, CIMA) with strong financial leadership credentials. Excellent communication and board-level decision-making skills are essential. Experience in charity finance is desirable but not required.
BSH is a registered charity and professional membership organisation governed by a Board of Trustees, mostly elected from our 1,300 members - heart failure clinicians including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. The Treasurer is a co-opted trustee, appointed for their financial expertise.
Our team is small and mostly remote, with access to offices next to Hyde Park in London. The Board consists of 9 volunteers and is supported by over 50 active committee members working across education, research, and regulatory affairs.
Our Values
- Collaborative - we work closely with clinicians, health organisations, and patients.
- Evidence-based - we ground our work in research and lived experience.
- Professional and member-led - we are guided by expert members devoted to improving heart failure care.
Trustee Duties
All Trustees are expected to:
- Uphold BSH’s mission, values, and governance.
- Act in the charity’s best interests, ensuring compliance and minimising risk.
- Participate in Board meetings and contribute to at least one committee.
- Use personal expertise to add value and support innovation.
- Seek professional advice when necessary.
Additional Treasurer Responsibilities
- Monitor financial health and ensure timely, accurate reporting.
- Advise on financial implications of plans and strategy.
- Support annual budgeting and ensure alignment with objectives.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting standards.
- Maintain and review the reserves policy.
- Liaise with the Finance Director and CEO to present reports to the Board.
- Oversee the annual audit and coordinate with external auditors.
- Ensure statutory accounts are correctly prepared and disclosed.
- Identify and manage financial risks through appropriate controls.
This is a voluntary, unremunerated position. The Board meets 4-5 times per year (2 in-person, in London). Average time commitment is 1-2 days per month. Trustees serve a three-year term, renewable once. Travel expenses are reimbursed, and full induction provided.
The Treasurer also becomes a Director of BSH Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary.
To apply, please provide:
-
Your CV (max 3 pages, including 2 referees)
-
A supporting statement (max 2 pages), outlining your motivation for applying and confirming that you meet the requirements in Part 1 of the Person Specification and detailing how you meet the criteria in Part 2 of the Person Specification
Timetable:
- Closing date: 11:59pm, Sunday 14 September 2025
- Final interviews: Late Sept/early Oct, in person (London)
- Start of term: Nov/Dec 2025
- Induction: Morning of 5 December 2025
- First Board Meeting: 9 January 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Role: Head of Local Operations (Scotland & Northern Ireland)
Job Description:
Youth Advantage UK is seeking a volunteer Head of Local Operations to lead the launch and on-going delivery of its commissioned research projects in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The focus of these projects will be obtaining and analysing primary and secondary data in order to help smaller community organisations improve their ways of working and effectively report on their impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring their teams deliver these projects within the agreed time-scales and in line with the goals agreed with the commissioning organisations, growing Youth Advantage’s reputation and reach.
Working closely with the Departmental Director, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to effectively contribute to the organisation’s ability to enable evidence-based, positive local change. They should have excellent leadership, writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.
This role reports directly to the Director of Local Operations.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Become a Trustee at Union Grove Community Nursery – Help Shape a Brighter Start for Local Children
Role: Trustee (Voluntary Position)
Location: Union Grove Community Nursery, Lambeth, London
Commitment: Approx. 1 hour per month; online or occasionally in person
Start Date: Ongoing
About Us
Union Grove Community Nursery is a warm, welcoming, not-for-profit nursery rooted in community values. Run by a small, passionate team and guided by a dedicated board of trustees, our nursery offers high-quality, affordable early years education in a nurturing, play-based environment.
We believe that early childhood is a precious time – full of exploration, creativity, and connection. As a community-led nursery, we work hand in hand with families to ensure that every child is seen, heard, and supported to thrive.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for new Trustees to join our friendly Management Committee. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute your skills and passion to a truly meaningful cause – supporting young children and their families at the very start of their journey.
As a trustee, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of the nursery, helping us remain sustainable, inclusive, and community-focused. You don’t need previous trustee experience – just a willingness to learn and a desire to make a difference.
Your Role as a Trustee
● Provide strategic direction and oversight to help the nursery flourish
● Support decision-making around finances, governance, staffing, and long-term planning
● Act as an ambassador for the nursery in the wider community
● Champion our values of inclusion, play, creativity, and child-led learning
● Work collaboratively with other trustees, staff, and parents
We’re Especially Keen to Hear From People With Skills or Experience In:
● Early years education or child development
● Child nutrition and exercise
● Finance or accountancy
● HR, legal, or safeguarding
● Fundraising or community engagement
● Charity governance or management
● Communications and marketing
But if you don’t tick these boxes and still feel you have something to offer – please reach out! Lived experience, passion for early years, or being part of the local community is just as valuable.
What You'll Gain
✨A deeply rewarding role supporting children’s growth and well-being
✨ A chance to develop leadership and governance skills
✨ Connections with a warm, values-driven team of staff and volunteers
✨Opportunities for training and learning
✨ A direct impact on your local community
How to Get Involved
Interested? We’d love to have a conversation with you. Please send a brief email telling us a little about yourself and why you're interested in the trustee role. Don’t worry about formal CVs – we’re all about people, not paperwork.
Union Grove Community Nursery celebrates diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Whether you're a seasoned trustee or completely new to governance, we’ll support you every step of the way. We can only accept applicants who are residents of the UK with a valid right to work.
Let’s grow something special together.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fight for Home Champion [London]
Do you have great communication skills that you’d like to put to good use?
Information about the role
In this role you’ll be representing Shelter at local events and functions, speaking about our work and encouraging more people to support our movement for change. You’ll also promote our local Shelter services and our campaigning work to tackle the root causes of the housing emergency.
Location: London (various)
Suggested contribution: Ideally at least once month, but it’s up to you.
Availability: This is a flexible opportunity, with meetings and events that might take place in evenings and weekends.
The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.
Main activities may include:
· Delivering talks to local community groups, schools and faith groups about the work of Shelter and the ways in which your audience could help us achieve our goals.
· Raising awareness of Shelter and our work through talking to friends, family and on social media
· Attending cheque presentations on behalf of Shelter to thank people and say a few words about how the money raised could be used to tackle homelessness
· Supporting our campaigns to tackle the root cause of the housing emergency by encouraging people to sign petitions and spreading the word in your community
This role fights the housing emergency by raising funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support and campaigning for change. The events you’ll be attending are also great for raising awareness of the housing emergency and how people can get involved to help tackle it.
Benefits of volunteering with Shelter
Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.
We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.
Your skills and experience
For this role it’s important you’re willing to speak in front of an audience, but it doesn’t matter if you have experience in this area or not. The most important thing is that you are passionate about joining our fight for home!
Supporting you
· You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.
· The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.
· You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.
· You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.
Next steps
You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us.
We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.
Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the role
We are a charity providing loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. We provide care in our Homes and have also developed services to support people in their own homes.
We are looking for really special individuals to join us as Telephone Friends for our new Telephone Friendship Service. This free service will reach out to veterans and their partners in the community via telephone, offering support and a friendly voice to someone who might be feeling lonely or isolated. We provide full training and support to encourage you on your journey.
We are looking for people who are caring, who always put others first and who show compassion and respect at all times. You will have a passion for embracing life and making it meaningful for yourself and those you support.
Time commitment: Minimum of 1 hour per week. There is no time limit on the length of service, but Telephone Friends are asked to make a commitment for a minimum of 12 months.
We are looking for people who share our values, people with passion and the desire to make a difference to the lives of others.
Job Description:
Youth Advantage UK is seeking a volunteer Head of Local Operations to lead the launch and on-going delivery of its commissioned research projects in England and Wales. The focus of these projects will be obtaining and analysing primary and secondary data in order to help smaller community organisations improve their ways of working and effectively report on their impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring their teams deliver these projects within the agreed time-scales and in line with the goals agreed with the commissioning organisations, growing Youth Advantage’s reputation and reach.
Working closely with the Departmental Director, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to effectively contribute to the organisation’s ability to enable evidence-based, positive local change. They should have excellent leadership, writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.
This role reports directly to the Director of Local Operations.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Family Friends carefully recruit, train, and match volunteers with families in Central-West London. Our volunteer befrienders offer practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two volunteer opportunities - Big Buddies and Parent Buddies.
Volunteers will aim to help parents to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties. Volunteers meet with their match weekly for a period of 6 -12 months.
Activities might include:
- Supporting a parent to take their children on days out.
- Helping to strengthen family relationships.
- Providing a listening ear.
- Helping parents to build confidence in themselves.
Essential Criteria:
- You must be able to commit to the Parent Buddy programme for a minimum of 6 months.
- 18+
- Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years
What we provide in return:
- Full induction training and ongoing training
- DBS check
- Weekly supervision and support
- The chance to learn new skills
- References provided after 6 months' commitment
- Reimbursement of travel and session expenses
We are an equal opportunities charity and value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.
In the first instance, please register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us - you can do that by contacting us here for an application form.
Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for trustees who will offer challenges, experience, and expert knowledge to help us think differently. We are looking for individuals who will take an active role in the governance of the Charity and support our expansion objectives - to remain financially stable whilst actively growing our volunteer network, our geographical coverage and our paid services to increase the number of families and young people we can support each year.
Person specification:
• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision.
• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness and ability to devote the necessary time & effort to the role.
• An understanding of, or interest in, special educational needs and disability affecting children and young people and their families.
• Skills to analyse proposals, examine their strategic consequences and make concise recommendations as part of the Board.
• Ability to cooperatively work with the whole team of trustees, and with employees and volunteers.
• Willingness to speak your mind and appropriately challenge other trustees and employees; but also listen to the views of different people before reaching a decision.
• Secure personal access to digital communication technology with an ability to competently and efficiently use those resources.
• Willingness to be available to employees for advice and enquiries on a scheduled or ad-hoc basis.
The ideal applicant would also possess the following:
• Extensive networks, and a willingness to draw on contacts as appropriate.
• Experience of working at a senior management / leadership level.
We are keen to hear from anyone who has a passion for our cause and feels that their experiences and expertise could be beneficial to our Board.
If you would like to be considered, please contact us for an application form link and provide a copy of your CV.
The application process will comprise of a two-stage interview, followed by referencing. We anticipate that successful applicants will be invited to join the Board in Autumn 2025.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team in this flexible opportunity that puts you at the heart of our work supporting blind and partially sighted people. You’ll make taking part in events and carrying out volunteering easier and more enjoyable for our customers and volunteers with sight loss.
You’ll take some of the stress and anxiety out of getting around and taking part in activities as a blind or partially sighted person. The help you give will encourage people to do more.
What you’ll be doing
• Sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals in and around venues, so they can take part in events.
• Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities which range from facilitating a regular community group to delivering a talk about sight loss to a local business. Your role would involve things like guiding; Meeting and greeting at group activities or creating a welcoming and interesting display stand at events.
In this role you will only be helping individuals in places open to the public, often in a group setting. We will provide training in sighted guiding techniques and understanding sight loss.
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
How often will I be needed?
- 4 Hours per Event
Key requirements
- This role requires one reference.
Location
Region
- Scotland
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people. • An empathetic and professional manner. • The ability to take the supportive and helpful role.
Lead a dynamic, mission-driven charity at a pivotal time in its development. As Chair of Trustees, you’ll play a central role in shaping the future of the Surrey Hills Society – championing one of England’s most treasured National Landscapes.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a passionate and growing charity dedicated to conserving, enhancing and celebrating the Surrey Hills National Landscape. You’ll work closely with trustees, our small team and volunteers to provide strategic direction, strengthen governance, and grow the Society’s reach and impact. Ideal candidates will bring senior leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a collaborative approach to chairing a diverse and committed Board.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Us
My Black Dog is a charity that offers anonymous, peer to peer mental health support through our web-chat service. We are committed to making a positive impact on mental health in the UK as we tackle an epidemic that millions of people face.
We were founded on the motto "talk to someone who gets it". We want to connect people who share lived experiences to provide an empathetic, non-judgmental space where everybody understands how it feels to experience mental health struggles.
Position Overview
Our web-chat service is run by our Volunteer Pack, each of whom have their own lived experience of mental health challenges. In addition, each shift has a 'Leader' and a 'Mentor'. These are Volunteers who carry out specific roles during the shift and, together, ensure its success:
- Leaders - Managers of the shift. There to ensure the shift runs as it should. They support and guide Volunteers through chats and follow safeguarding processes when an alert is raised. They escalate safeguarding alerts to the shift's Designated Safeguarding Lead (a trained professional). They also complete a 'Shift Handover' document once the shift is completed.
- Mentors - There to support and guide Volunteers through chats. Will take over from the Leader if there are safeguarding issues that need the Leader's attention and/or if the Leader needs a break.
As My Black Dog looks to expand our opening hours, we are looking to recruit additional Leaders and Mentors who can run shifts and cover additional shifts as necessary. We are looking to fill the following positions and shifts:
- Leader, Mondays (5pm - 7pm)
- Mentor, Mondays (5pm - 7pm)
- Leader, Thursdays (5pm - 7pm)
- Mentor, Thursdays (5pm - 7pm)
- Mentor, Fridays (7pm - 10pm)
- Leader, Saturdays (TBC*)
- Mentor, Saturdays (TBC*)
- Leader, Sundays (5pm - 7pm)
*We are currently finalising future opening hours on Saturday. Please apply for this particular shift if general availabilty on Saturdays is good.
Leaders and Mentors will be assigned a shift based on your availability and preference. The expectation is that Leaders and Mentors will form a ‘pair’ and, together, will do one shift at the same time each week. This is to provide stability, predictability and to encourage community-building between Volunteers. Shifts are 2-3 hours long. We may ask you to cover another shift when we are short, but you will never do more than 6 hours per week.
Training will be provided and you will be supported on shift by a Designated Safeguarding Lead, who will manage all safeguarding issues.
The work you will do as Leaders and Mentors will ensure we provide the best possible service to our Guests. You will also be helping our Volunteer Pack to do what we do best: helping those in need by speaking to someone who 'gets it'.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for people who have experienced their own journey with mental health and are in a strong position to support others. We ask that our Leaders and Mentors:
- Are strongly committed to helping others
- Have experienced mental health issues in order to relate to those seeking help
- Are collaborative and enjoy working with others
- Are encouraging and supportive
- Are organised and can monitor several things at once
- Can remain calm and focused during busy times and when safeguarding alerts are raised
- Are 18 years and over
- Can commit the time to a regular weekly shift
Role Responsibilities
- Supervise and support Volunteers whilst on shift with general enquiries, positive feedback and signposting.
- Assist with general volunteering enquiries whilst on shift. Provide time for guidance, instruction and de-briefing for Volunteers if required.
- Follow Leaders & Mentors processes including unexpected absence reporting, Volunteer check-in and check-out, and completing Shift Handovers.
- Monitor web-chat conversations and ensure all chats are tagged.
- Maintain ability to listen, remain calm and provide intervention if necessary.
- Be able to have difficult and often complex conversations about mental health, including Guests experiencing crisis and first-stage intervention support.
- If a Leader, work alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) when safeguarding risks are identified and, if a Mentor, take over responsibility for shifts when Leader and DSL have to address a safeguarding crisis.
- Exercise discretion in handling confidential situations and information, conveying sensitive information in a timely manner to necessary individuals.
- Provide written follow up of shifts via handover, ensuring all necessary information is handed over at the end of the shift.
- Adhere to all standards, policies and procedures of My Black Dog.
Please note: An Enhanced DBS Certificate is required for this role. If you do not have one, My Black Dog will arrange the DBS Check for you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.