Volunteer volunteer roles in wombourne, staffordshire

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that have been bereaved.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
• Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
• Are a good listener
• Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
• Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

Requirements of a Befriender include:

• Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
• Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
• Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
• Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

Benefits of this role may include:

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
• Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Support and training provided:

• Omega Chatterbox induction program
• Safeguarding training
• Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
• Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
• Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

Location of the role:

• Home-based

When are you needed:

• Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

The Senior Researcher in an Initial Research Team is the operational lead for one
particular project at a time, they will work with the Research Manager and within
the Initial Research Framework in order to plan and execute the research. At the
conclusion of research projects the Senior Researcher is responsible for providing
an accurate research report which allows for consideration as to what happens
next with the research inline with our organisation's purpose.The role of Senior
Researcher is key in our organisation's progress and overall positive output as it is
the starting point for all of our work. It is therefore important Senior Researchers
are committed and capable.

Responsibilities may include:

• To oversee and take part in the planning and execution of initial research projects

• To supervise a team of approximately 4 research volunteers, delegating and creating tasks according to the research plan

• To work with and support the Research Manager, ensuring task coordination across platforms such as ClickUp and a high level of communication across the team 

• To ensure outputs such as literature reviews and surveys are completed to the highest standard possible, in line with ethical considerations if relevant

• To comply with and advise on using the OSCOLA referencing system

• To organise analysis of Freedom of Information request data sets

• To collaborate with the rest of the team and the RM to provide an internal research report at the end of the research project, including a summary and key recommendations for next steps

• To conduct 1-1s and lead team meetings where necessary

• To regularly communicate with team members about their task progress, welfare and support needs

Required experience and qualifications:

• To have experience in supervising or managing a group of people

• Clear communication skills and a demonstrable level of academic writing to a high standard 

• In depth knowledge of qualitative research methods and secondary data analysis, quantitative experience a plus

• To have knowledge on children’s human rights in the UK and other related areas

• To have an undergraduate degree, master’s degree a plus, in a related subject

A Little About Us!

Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, un incorporated un registered charitable organization. We use a research-led approach to protect the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work, research, services, events. We promote and empower change.

Why we need you!

Youth Advantage UK are in our early stages but are growing and looking for volunteers to help achieve our aims to become a registered charitable organization. Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. Without our volunteers we cannot grow and appreciate those who apply with us!

What we offer!

Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to apply for one of our volunteering positions. We will speak to you about what your aims are to ensure that the volunteering position you are applying for is suitable. By volunteering you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organization who is looking to help young people in the UK.

Location: Remote
Job type: Volunteer
Hours: Approx 6 per week

What will you be doing?

Join us as a Volunteer Content Editor & Community Storyteller at Long Covid Support. You’ll shape clear, compassionate messages that empower thousands of people living with Long Covid-right from your home. With your strong editing and writing skills, you’ll make a direct contribution to our cause by refining how we inform, support, and inspire both our community and the wider public. You’ll edit, proofread, and occasionally draft a variety of content, including website pages, blogs, newsletters, reports, policy briefings, and campaign materials.

What are we looking for?

You’re a confident writer and editor with a keen eye for detail, able to adapt tone and style to suit diverse audiences. You thrive on meeting deadlines and managing your own time remotely, and you’re passionate about using clear, inclusive language to support our community. Ideally, you’ll bring experience from health related charities or a lived-experience led setting, though this is desirable rather than essential.

What difference will you make:

By volunteering with Long Covid Support, you will directly influence public understanding of Long Covid. Your work will help thousands find reliable information, connect with peers, and ensure their voices shape research and services.

Key Responsibilities:

* Edit and refine newsletters, website copy, reports, policy briefings, and campaign materials so they’re accurate, engaging and accessible

* Write short blogs, community updates, and summaries that bring our stories to life

* Maintain and share editorial guidelines to keep our tone consistent and inclusive

* Collaborate with our teams to ensure every message supports our mission and values

Application Process:

Please submit a CV, and a brief writing sample demonstrating how you meet the criteria.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We actively encourage applications from all individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of Long Covid.

Ready to use your editing expertise for a cause that matters? Make your mark on a vital cause and apply today!

Could you use your social media, marketing and communications experience to raise the profile of a small charity? Help us to increase our social media presence and engagement, generate greatr content and help promote existing activities.

Our charity delivers a range of awareness campaigns and support services to patients, relatives, partners and carers who have been affected by a poorly understood pain condition; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). We are looking for 2 experienced social media and communications volunteers who are able to develop posts and campaigns from design to inception, create fresh and engaging content, increase engagement and to increase awareness of the charity and of the condition we represent.

Even though we are a small organisation we have big ideas and would like to draw on your experience in the communications world to help the charity deliver engaging content and communications to help us spread our aims and message to all our audience.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Engagement: Help increase engagement, improve the number of followers/likes, create & execute a content calendar
• Content Creation: Produce fresh, branded and engaging content for our social media channels 
• Graphics: Prepare graphics and text for sharing across channels 
• Engage with our followers and encourage interaction 
• Manage and maintain social media channels on a regular basis
• Support charity campaigns, marketing, events and fundraising activities by promoting them on our social media feeds
• Use your creative skills to support strategies to engage, grow, and widen our target audiences
• Develop publicity materials and communication techniques for social media to raise awareness of our chronic condition 

You will be with a small team of volunteers who will provide an overview of our existing social media content, our brand and how we have approached our social media content to date. 

Experience
We are looking for a volunteer who has experience in:

• Different types of marketing and communications media, including electronic and social media
• Writing and editing marketing content for social media platforms including Facebook, X, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn (especially TikTok, Instagram Reels & posts and YouTube)
• Building strategies to increase social media following and /or build fundraising or awareness campaigns
• Developing a coherent brand voice for social media, from content creation to community interactions
• Using and setting up tools such as Buffer, Canva etc
• Creating and executing content calendars to help plan social media activity 

Skills Required

• Excellent written communication skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail 
• Creative writing and design abilities
• Good computer and digital skills
• Enthusiasm for communications and marketing and willingness to learn
• Ability to quickly understand the needs of our team / organisation / users
• Ability to transform small snippets of information into interesting and engaging stories suitable for X, Facebook, Instagram etc.
• Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these
• Open to feedback 
• An interest in helping Burning Nights CRPS Support achieve its aims
• Good organisational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and able to work as part of a team

What Difference You Will Make
You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in ensuring we can maintain our support services and become a sustainable charity to allow us to fulfil our aims.

Benefits

You would be a part of our small, friendly and forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people who may not have heard about the charity or about the condition. You would have a key role in developing a socoal media strategy for a small charity. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference to a rare condition.
You will further develop your communication skills, gain PR and marketing experience and develop your social media skills.

This is a remote volunteering role, volunteering from your own home.

Length of Placement: ongoing

Join Long Covid Support and play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of people affected by Long Covid. This volunteer role gives you the chance to lead our digital infrastructure, using Microsoft 365 tools to improve how we operate and collaborate. You’ll build your IT coordination experience within a mission-driven charity, enjoying flexible remote working and joining a supportive, values-led community that truly values your contribution.

What will you be doing (role overview)?:

You will lead the setup and management of Microsoft 365 services, including SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook. You’ll manage IT onboarding and offboarding for volunteers, provide approachable support for IT queries, and migrate data from legacy cloud platforms. Additionally, you will develop clear user guides, ensure compliance with UK GDPR and cybersecurity standards, and offer strategic advice on IT procurement to help improve our operational efficiency.

What are we looking for (about you)?

You are confident administering Microsoft 365 and handling cloud data migration, with solid knowledge of data protection and cybersecurity. You communicate clearly and enjoy supporting non-technical users. You’re organised, proactive, self-motivated, and passionate about applying your IT skills to a meaningful cause. Experience in volunteering or working with non-profits is a plus/

What difference will you make:

Your expertise will strengthen our charity’s digital capabilities, enabling smooth collaboration across teams and volunteers. This will directly improve our ability to deliver vital support to people living with Long Covid.

Key Responsibilities:

· Manage Microsoft 365 infrastructure and services

· Coordinate volunteer IT onboarding/offboarding and provide ongoing support

· Migrate files and data from existing cloud drives

· Develop and maintain IT policies and user guides aligned with data protection standards

· Ensure digital security and compliance

· Provide strategic IT advice and support procurement decisions

Application Process:

Please submit a cover letter and CV, demonstrating how you meet the criteria.

Equal ops statement:

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We actively encourage applications from all individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of Long Covid.

Closing statement:

Volunteering with Long Covid Support offers you the flexibility to work remotely at times that suit you, making it easy to fit into your lifestyle. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience managing IT for a growing charity, while developing important leadership and digital transformation skills. Beyond that, you’ll become part of a compassionate and inclusive community that is dedicated to making a real, positive difference in people’s lives. Your contribution will be recognised with professional references to support your future goals, all while making a tangible impact for those living with Long Covid.

Ready to use your IT skills to make a real difference? Apply now and help us build the digital foundation that supports thousands living with Long Covid every day.

Volunteer General Manager - Mindset Charity

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for mental well-being and a desire to make a tangible impact? Mindset Charity is seeking a dedicated and experienced Volunteer General Manager to lead our exciting new start-up and help us empower men across the UK.

About Mindset Charity:

Mindset is a brand new UK charity committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where men can talk openly, learn vital life skills, and build the resilience needed to thrive. We believe that true strength lies not in silence, but in connection, personal growth, and the courage to seek and offer support. Our unique approach focuses on proactive mental well-being and holistic self-improvement, offering practical workshops, peer support groups, and a vibrant community.

Our Vision:

A society where every man feels empowered to openly address his mental health, pursue personal growth, and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

The Opportunity:

This is an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic individual to take the helm of a new charity, shaping its strategic direction, operations, and growth from the ground up. As our Volunteer General Manager, you will be instrumental in bringing Mindset's vision to life, building a strong foundation, and reaching men who need our support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the charity's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with our mission and vision.

• Operational Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations, including programme delivery, volunteer management, and resource allocation.

• Fundraising & Development: Drive fundraising initiatives, seek out grant opportunities, and build relationships with donors and partners.

• Financial Oversight: Manage the charity's budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.

• Governance & Compliance: Ensure the charity operates in full compliance with all regulatory requirements and best practices.

• Team Building & Management: Recruit, motivate, and manage a team of dedicated volunteers, fostering a positive and collaborative environment.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with beneficiaries, volunteers, partners, and the wider community.

• Advocacy & Awareness: Represent Mindset Charity externally, raising awareness of men's mental health and our unique approach.

Who We Are Looking For:

• Proven Leadership Experience: Demonstrated experience in a senior management or leadership role, ideally within the charity or non-profit sector (though commercial experience with a strong transferable skillset will be considered).

• Strategic Thinker: Ability to develop and execute strategic plans, with a clear vision for growth and impact.

• Operational Excellence: Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage diverse operations effectively.

• Financial Acumen: Experience in budget management and fundraising.

• Excellent Communicator: Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Passionate & Committed: A genuine passion for men's mental health and a deep commitment to Mindset Charity's mission and values.

• Proactive & Resourceful: A self-starter who can navigate the challenges of a start-up environment with initiative and problem-solving skills.

• Team Player: Ability to inspire, motivate, and work collaboratively with a volunteer team.

Time Commitment:

This is a significant volunteer role, requiring a substantial time commitment (e.g., 10-15 hours per week, flexible depending on needs and agreed upon schedule). We are seeking someone who can dedicate the necessary time to drive the charity forward.

Why Volunteer with Mindset?

• Shape a New Charity: Play a pivotal role in establishing and growing a vital new organisation.

• Make a Real Difference: Directly impact the lives of men across the UK by improving mental well-being and fostering personal growth.

• Leadership Opportunity: Gain invaluable experience leading a charity at a strategic level.

• Be Part of a Movement: Join a passionate team dedicated to changing the narrative around men's mental health.

To Apply:

If you are ready to lead and inspire, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are passionate about this opportunity.

Application Deadline: Friday 8th August 2025 before 5:30pm

Join us in building a stronger Mindset for men!

Are you a Ukrainian speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!

Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Ukrainian-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By offering just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference—providing companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.

What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎︎ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular phone calls, you’ll have the opportunity to build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and provide emotional support—especially for those who feel more at ease speaking Ukrainian.

Why volunteer with us?

✔ Support members of the Ukrainian-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a meaningful impact on someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Enhance your own sense of fulfilment and purpose

What’s required?

✔ Completion of an online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training
✔ A DBS check (both fully funded by the organisation)
✔ A kind, compassionate approach and willingness to engage in friendly conversations

How to get involved:

Apply through the CharityJob website—no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.

Help us bring connection and kindness to the Ukrainian-speaking community across the UK!

Brave Core Counselling is a values-driven counselling service offering inclusive, trauma-informed support for individuals navigating life's challenges. We are a small, heart-centred organisation committed to promoting emotional wellbeing and mental health awareness.

We are currently seeking a passionate and proactive Volunteer Director of Fundraising to help secure essential funding through grant writing and creative fundraising strategies. This role is key to helping us sustain and expand our therapeutic services.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify suitable grant opportunities, trust funds, and community funding streams.

• Write compelling, values-aligned funding proposals and grant applications.

• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy aligned with Brave Core’s mission and goals.

• Build relationships with potential funders, sponsors, and supporters.

• Explore and implement other fundraising avenues (e.g. crowdfunding campaigns, donor outreach).

• Keep accurate records of applications submitted and track outcomes.

• Stay informed about developments in the mental health charity funding landscape.

Requirements

• Experience in fundraising, bid writing, or grant applications is highly desirable, but not essential—we welcome motivated learners.

• Strong writing and research skills with attention to clarity, tone, and impact.

• Organised, self-motivated, and able to manage deadlines effectively.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, mission-driven team.

• Alignment with Brave Core’s values of compassion, inclusivity, and integrity.

• A genuine interest in mental health, counselling, or community-based support work.

Benefits

• Gain valuable experience in nonprofit fundraising and strategy.

• Be part of a supportive and purpose-led organisation.

• Contribute to making mental health support more accessible and sustainable.

• Receive mentorship and a reference for your contribution.

• Work remotely and flexibly.

Welcome to Unlock YOUR Potential, a bold new start-up charity on a mission to transform lives and empower individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. As we prepare for our official charity registration, we are laying the groundwork for a movement that will redefine opportunity, inclusion, and personal growth.

About Us

We are a not-for-profit organisation committed to delivering holistic programmes that foster employment, education, life skills, mentoring, and personal development. With the new government's emphasis on getting people back into work and training, this is a pivotal moment to launch a charity that can truly make a difference.

Our Vision

A world where every individual—regardless of background—can unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

Our Mission

To empower, inspire, and support those facing barriers through tailored programmes that build skills, confidence, and networks for success.

Our Values

• Passion: Deep care for the communities we serve.

• Results: Driven by the tangible achievements of our beneficiaries.

• Innovation: Always seeking new ways to enhance impact.

• Collaboration: Inclusive partnerships that amplify change.

• Integrity: Professional, ethical, and transparent operations.

The Role: Chief Executive Officer - VOLUNTEER ROLE

We are seeking a visionary, strategic, and purpose-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead Unlock YOUR Potential through its foundational phase and into a future of transformative impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Shape and drive the charity’s vision, mission, and long-term strategy.

• Operational Oversight: Establish core systems, governance structures, and operational frameworks.

• Team Building: Recruit, inspire, and lead a passionate team of volunteers and future staff.

• Partnership Development: Forge relationships with funders, community leaders, and stakeholders.

• Programme Design: Oversee the development of impactful programmes aligned with our values.

• Fundraising & Sustainability: Lead fundraising efforts, grant applications, and income generation strategies.

• Public Representation: Act as the face of the charity, championing our cause across media, events, and networks.

• Charity Registration & Compliance: Guide the organisation through its registration and ensure ongoing legal and ethical compliance.

Ideal Candidate

• Proven leadership experience ideally in the charity, social enterprise, or start-up sector but not essential.

• Strategic thinker with a passion for social mobility and systemic change.

• Skilled communicator and relationship builder.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a commitment to innovation and impact.

• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and building from the ground up.

Why Volunteer as CEO?

This is a rare opportunity to shape a charity from its inception, embedding your vision and values into its DNA. You’ll gain unparalleled experience in charity leadership, governance, and social innovation—while making a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Join Us

If you believe in breaking barriers and unlocking potential, we invite you to lead this movement.

Together, we can build a future where opportunity is not a privilege, but a right.

Unlock YOUR Potential

• BREAKING BARRIERS
• UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

At CPRE, we’re passionate about making the countryside a better place for everyone to enjoy. This flexible, micro-volunteering role is a great way to stand up for the countryside if you don’t have much time to spare! You’ll take quick and easy online actions to support our campaigns from home (or wherever you have internet access!) at a time that suits you.

We're particularly keen to recruit people aged 18 - 30 (although this role is open to everyone!) as we want to being younger voices into our campaigning work.

This is an excellent opportunity for those looking explore a career in environmental campaigning and advocacy. By taking easy online actions, you’ll help us to champion environmental issues such as the climate emergency, renewable energy, biodiversity and sustainable transport.

We’ll ask you to take and feedback on England based campaigning actions, to inform what we do in the future. Your ideas will shape the way we do our campaigns in the future.

We’re looking to build our team of activists for a series of actions over the next few months. You’ll actively shape the future of this work, and you’ll be testing an exciting new way to volunteer with CPRE! Interested in taking part? Find out more below.

Why we want you

We want to gain the support of people with many different experiences of the countryside to inform what we do so we can work towards a thriving countryside for everyone.

You'll join a group of enthusiastic volunteers taking actions and giving feedback that directly supports our campaigning work. Some actions will take as little as 5 minutes!

Sign up is easy - we just need a few details and then you'll join our activist pool. Please note you must be 18 or over to sign up for this role.

What you will be doing

The types of actions we’ll ask you to take part may include:

• Build our understanding of what motivates you to support our campaigns, what you’d like to see us do in the future and how best you’d like to take part through surveys and feedback
• Sign a petition, send a letter to your MP using a template or take a survey
• Read / share articles & like / share posts / blogs
• Attend an online session / webinar / training eg on lobbying
• Feedback on campaigns content (reports, website, podcasts)

The skills you need

• An interest in the countryside and environmental issues
• Willing to give feedback as part of the role
• Access to a computer, tablet or smartphone with internet
• No experience necessary!

What's in it for you

• Use your enthusiasm, skills and experience to make a positive difference to the countryside
• Opportunity to influence future campaigning asks, and feedback on what works
• Access to online campaigning training and webinars
• Learn new advocacy and campaigning skills

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

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.

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

Overview

This is a Senior Leadership team role.

The Base Camp Manager has responsibility for many of the logistical aspects of the expedition,
including equipment, food, and managing the environmental impact at base camp. You will need to be ready to turn your hand to a range of tasks, acting as the ‘fixer’ for the expedition and supporting the expedition team with all aspects of expedition life.

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Comfortable spending extended periods in remote and sometimes harsh environments.
• Able to commit to all pre-expedition training events. 

As a charity, all Leader positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis and Leaders join for the intrinsic value of adventure, education, and personal development of young people. You do not have to fundraise to lead on our expeditions.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

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.

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

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that have been bereaved.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
• Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
• Are a good listener
• Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
• Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

Requirements of a Befriender include:

• Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
• Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
• Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
• Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

Benefits of this role may include:

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
• Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Support and training provided:

• Omega Chatterbox induction program
• Safeguarding training
• Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
• Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
• Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

Location of the role:

• Home-based

When are you needed:

• Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.