Volunteering Projects Support Office Volunteer Roles
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Prison-based volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work (FCW). Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.
Prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as providing groups information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills will vary from prison to prison.
Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work requires ideally a good level of needlework skill (or a willingness to learn), some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively. As a prison volunteer you will:
- Developing skills and confidence
- Teach prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
- Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
- Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects
- Teaching prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
- Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
- Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects
It is essential for volunteers to support FCW ethos, believe in rehabilitation, be an excellent teamworker, observe personal boundaries, be reliable and patient to ensure cell groups run smoothly, and have record-keeping skills and have at knowledge of tapestry/needlework. .
Volunteers work in prisons around the UK dependant on where groups are based, therefore it is requred that volunteers will be able to travel to the relevant prisons. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.
Please take some time to read the role description to find put more details about the role and what we offer to our volunteers.
At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in FCW’s workforce.
These include applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, and male identifying applicants as these are currently under-represented in our volunteers groups.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people?
We are offering 1 young person aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer for up to 11 months with the French Red Cross in Lille. The programme will run from September 2024 – August 2025.
You will be working on a range of projects, which will give you the chance to explore the different kinds of social action that the French Red Cross undertake in Lille. This is a great opportunity to get involved in these projects and find out what you are interested in. For more details on the role and the projects available, have a look at the role description. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement!
The French Red Cross operates a project called “Mobile support programme for migrants” (DMSE) along the shores of northern France. This programme aims to “go towards” migrants and provide them support directly in the makeshift camps. The project offers three main services: access to care, maintaining and restoring family links and supporting unaccompanied children. The successful volunteer will likely spend 2 days a week in the field supporting migrants, 1 day in the office providing administrative and logistical support and 1 day will be dedicated to their individual Element project, a chance for the volunteer to develop their own project or cultural exchange activity. The remaining day will be treated flexibly and could see the successful volunteer supporting the French Red Cross on their other projects such as helping the FRC in launching first aid training for migrants.
Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role. We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 1 May 2024.
Successful applicants will ideally satisfy any one of the following criteria:
- Low household income (under £26,000).
- Are carers/have experience in the care system.
- Have accessed free school meals.
- Are a refugee.
- Are currently seeking asylum.
- Are disabled or have additional needs.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
ABOUT THE ROLE
As part of our Community Support team, you will play a key role in ensuring the fulfilment of our users' needs by sharing information about our services, projects, and activities; this takes place in person, through our digital channels and helpline. Additionally, you will be responsible for keeping up to date information about other services and partner organisations. The primary challenge faced by the Latin American community is the language barrier, which hinders their comprehension of the UK system and their entitlements. Taking part in the Community Interpreting service, you will support service users in navigating these obstacles, enabling them to establish a more integrated life in the UK. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to better understand the challenges faced by the Latin American community in London; use their language skills in a positive and impactful way; and develop valuable administrative and customer service skills in a multicultural, fast-paced organisation.
MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
● Connecting service users to our services, projects and activities in person or by answering phone calls and emails
● Supporting users with general enquiries, referring them to relevant services within our organisation as well as signposting and referring to external services
● Registering users on our database and keeping accurate records of services offered
● Monitoring internal calendars and appointments
● Sharing useful, up-to-date information with users as instructed by other team members
● Ensuring internal communications, flyers and handouts are up to date
● Interpreting calls for service users and supporting with non-official translations
● Supporting community members with basic application forms
● Liaising with staff in other departments and with external contacts
PERSON SPECIFICATION
● Good verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish and/or Portuguese
● Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and with a diverse population of service users, staff and partners
● A caring, sensitive and non-judgemental approach
● Ability to cope with stressful and emotionally challenging issues
● Professionalism to handle sensitive and confidential information
● Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to multitask
● Ability to set their own work priorities, take initiatives and work with minimal supervision
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Prison-based volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work (FCW). Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.
Prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as providing groups information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills will vary from prison to prison.
Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work requires ideally a good level of needlework skill (or a willingness to learn), some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively.
This document describes the role of prison volunteering teams as a whole. Individuals who do not have all the skills described below may find a role alongside other volunteers who do.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you looking to volunteer in a small and friendly office team? We're looking for someone to help us with our membership admin, including assembling membership packs, preparing resources for mailings, helping us prepare for membership events and lots more - no admin day will be the same and there is always plenty of tea and coffee on tap and biscuits available!
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is one the region’s largest and oldest charities managing over 100 nature reserves and works with many other land managers assisting them to improve wildlife. The Trust works to involve people in nature conservation through events, environmental education and community involvement.
The supporter services team is part of the Fundraising and Engagement Directorate which includes the Membership, Events, Communications and Fundraising team. As part of their work, the Supporter Services team process all new membership and are looking for a volunteer to help pack our mailing of welcome packs and other post. Ideally our volunteer will also help keep both our literature and events storeroom tidy.
What you'll be supporting us with:
- Assembling membership welcome packs for new Yorkshire Wildlife Trust members
- Packing membership packs ready for the Friday mailing
- Putting together other regular mailings to new and existing members
- Filing of confidential information
- Keeping the storeroom tidy and in order.
- Discarding any out-of-date literature.
- Putting away stock after events.
- Informing staff of low supplies.
- Help gather equipment for events.
- Help take in deliveries.
- Helping with other tasks as required.
What's in it for you?
This is a great opportunity to volunteer for a successful wildlife and environmental charity with a friendly team. Our team is very busy and we greatly value the help of our volunteers. Hot drinks and biscuits are always available!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
SLDAS OCN Accredited Volunteer Training Programme
SLDAS is a local organisation working in South Liverpool. We support women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse. We are a small team and are busier than ever and we need volunteers to help us reach all the women who we support. Have you got some time to give us?
All volunteers complete our Open College Network training programme that is accredited with Open Awards. Our aim is to provide trainee volunteers with the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to enable them to work with women who are currently experiencing domestic abuse or have experienced it in the past.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Projects Coordinator
Working to support disadvantaged young people or trekking the Inca Trail? Why not do both?!
Get the best of both worlds for a volunteering opportunity where you give your skills, rather than your money.
Are you looking for a break from 9-5? Or are you looking to do a year abroad as part of your studies, or even before you start your studies, in an exciting and challenging environment? When volunteering with LAFF your skills will be put to good use. You will have the opportunity to work directly with beneficiaries and gain valuable field experience and an increased awareness of international development issues. Based in beautiful Peru, on the doorstep of Machu Picchu, this is also a great chance to improve your Spanish fluency.
Location: Cusco
Employment Type: Full-time unpaid volunteering positions of minimum 7 hours per day are preferable, though applications for part time roles are also considered.
Leave: 2 days per month
Duration: 3 months
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Given that LAFF is a small volunteer-led charity, the Internal Projects Coordinator provides support to the Programme Manager in all aspects of LAFF’s internal operations programme planning, reporting, budgeting and delivery. This is a diverse role that encompasses all facets of NGO management.
Objectives of this Role
Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Projects Coordinator will be expected to carry out the following tasks:
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Collaborate with the Programme Manager to ensure that LAFF’s strategic and annual work plan are being implemented
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Provide administrative and logistical support
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Maintain and update LAFF’s recruitment platforms and database
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Organise, schedule and take part in meetings, interviews and events when necessary
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Draft documents, contracts, agreements and reports
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Ensure that all data and policies are consistent, thorough and accessible
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Identify partners/beneficiaries needs and provide technical support when relevant
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Provide support in the monitoring of LAFF’s internal programmes
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Represent LAFF when necessary and expand its local network in Cusco
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Visit projects to follow up progress on capacity building projects
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Contribute towards the internal development of LAFF
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Provide support carrying out tasks of other volunteer roles when they are not filled
Skills and Qualifications
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Undergraduate degree in a related field (Communications, Languages, International Relations) or experience working in a communications role.
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6 months of volunteering experience and/or work experience in the NGO sector highly desirable.
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Proficiency in written and spoken English required, intermediate level Spanish desired.
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A strong passion to develop skills related to the not-profit sector.
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Solid report-writing skills.
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Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
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Interest in acquiring communications and International Development experience.
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Highly organized, flexible, independent, culturally sensitive and detail oriented with the ability to multitask.
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Extensive knowledge of MS Office.
Personal Qualities
We are looking for a motivated individual who is able to work individually and as part of a team. The Projects Coordinator position requires a proactive attitude and attention to detail to ensure LAFF functions smoothly and reaches its full potential. The Projects Coordinator must be ready to take on a wide range of tasks and responsibilities in order to support LAFF’s activities.
About Latin American Foundation for the Future
The Latin American foundation for the Future (LAFF) is a UK-based charity supporting marginalised children and young people in Peru. We work through local partner organisations in Cusco and support activities and projects in the areas of formal education; vocational skills and personal development; sustainability, including income generation, cost reduction and capacity building. We strive to empower our beneficiaries enabling them to become independent and sustainable.
To apply:
Complete and submit a response to our volunteer application form and highlight ‘Projects Coordinator’ as your area under the ‘Coordinator Positions’ section.
Please note this position is unpaid. Successful applicants will be contacted to arrange an online interview.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising Volunteer – Office based
We're looking for a friendly and enthusiastic person to support the Fundraising Team
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity and membership association for limbless serving and ex-service men and women and their dependants.
We help all wounded servicemen and women who have lost limbs, the use of limbs or eyes, to rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support.
We are looking for a Volunteer to help the Fundraising Team with office tasks. You will be providing practical, administrative and research support across the team. We’re a small and friendly team operating at a national level. Your work will help provide excellent donor care to our supporters, as well as assisting with the smooth running of our office and fundraising activities.
By volunteering with us, you will have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of volunteering for a charity and will contribute to our work supporting injured veterans and their families.
Application process
Please send a covering letter of no more than 500 words explaining why you’re interested in the role, outlining any relevant skills and experience.
If your application is successful, we will contact you and invite you to a brief interview (this could be online or in person)
We look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your interest in Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
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About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in South West London, and helps them to play their full part in the community. Arriving as an asylum seeker in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives.
We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background, providing them the tools they need to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for adults include currently include: ESOL classes; sports; women’s creative writing; women’s coffee morning, and casework.
About the CARAS Adult Team:
In the post-pandemic environment, CARAS is responding to the role of digital literacies in our programme delivery to learners of asylum-seeking and refugee background. In contrast to the UK essential Digital skills framework, we have built in language inclusion to create a participatory learning course for Essential Digital Literacies for learners who are new to reading and writing in English. The individuals joining CARAS are highly diverse, with different countries of origin, linguistic and educational backgrounds. We have observed over the last year that many CARAS community members have limited digital skills, particularly in regard to using computers. Community members have highlighted that computers are important for many individuals to achieve their educational and employment goals, whilst increasing confidence and independence. We have co-designed a digital skills program in partnership with CARAS community members to improve computer literacy and skills, focusing on basic computer literacy.
About the Role:
We are seeking two volunteers based in London to teach our lively computer classes in Tooting every Monday 9:00-11:00. Volunteers will lead the sessions with guidance from the CARAS ESOL Teacher and will work closely with our community members to build their skills and confidence using computers. The Digital Literacies course at CARAS is built around Pre-entry to Entry 2 levels in English. Volunteers will be supporting individuals with tasks such as: getting to know how to use a computer, using the internet, setting up an email address, and using Microsoft office. We intend to fold employability sessions, including CV writing and job searching, into these sessions.
Volunteer Tasks and responsibilities:
· Lead on the delivery of sessions with support from CARAS’s Essential Digital Skills Teacher.
· Assist with the logistical set up of the sessions, supporting CARAS staff where needed.
· Work collaboratively as a team and assisting to shape the project.
· Create class registers and records as required.
· To attend and contribute to volunteer pre- and de-briefs at each session.
· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering.
· Support people to develop their knowledge and skills and encourage and inspire participants to reach their full potential.
· To assist participants to both, recognise and celebrate their achievements.
· To challenge negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manor.
· Advocate for the rights of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants with not for them.
· Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
· To be non-judgemental, and able and willing to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
· To be female identifying.
· Have a good understanding of how to use a computer.
· To be reliable and punctual.
· Excellent presentation and communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English.
· Commitment to support people seeking asylum to take control of their asylum journey.
· Ability to volunteer every Friday for a minimum of three months.
· Current resident in the UK.
· Ability to work in Tooting SW17.
· To provide five years’ worth of addresses and be willing to undergo a DBS check.
· To attend CARAS General and Safeguarding Training sessions.
· To be 18 years or older.
Through volunteering with us you will:
· Meet new members of your local community
· Learn about different cultures
· 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:
To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.
Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS staff team. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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We are looking for dedicated Outreach Volunteers in the London Boroughs of Kingston, Richmond and Wandsworth. We would particularly like to hear from you if you live in or near the above boroughs.
The Outreach teams encounter people on their first steps from homelessness to independence – providing pathways and support to assist people off the streets.
We work with people who are rough sleeping and we do shifts late at night, and early in the morning, to find these individuals. SPEAR then works with people on a housing pathway and assists them to link into various support services, tailored to the challenges an individual might face.
SPEAR is looking for self-motivated, outgoing, and empathic people who could volunteer to provide support to vulnerably housed, rough sleepers, or anyone using homelessness services in the London boroughs of Richmond, Wandsworth and Kingston.
The volunteer will enjoy developing positive relationships with new people and will be willing to work outside of their own comfort zone providing support and assistance to the Outreach Teams clients. The volunteer must have an enhanced DBS background check (SPEAR will apply for this on your behalf.)
It would be desirable if you had a driving license.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Choice International is a UK based not-for-profit international development organisation that seeks to address inequality issues both overseas and within the UK. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion via researching, developing and implementing development projects for disabled people and other disadvantaged communities in the UK and overseas.
In view of upcoming development projects, we are seeking applications for a Project Development & Marketing Volunteer to work from our office in East London. There is opportunity for working from home after the first month.
This is an exciting position that offers plenty of scope to make a real difference in support of equality and diversity. We are currently delivering disability sports projects and events in India and in London.
The role is to assist the organisation with the development of national and international programmes for disability and equality rights and other related projects through research, administration and writing proposals, emails and reports.
The main responsibilities will be:
• To research potential partnerships and assist in the development of project proposals
• To research funding opportunities and assist in the development of grant proposals
• To assist in the organisation and management of Choice International activities and events
• To represent Choice International at conferences, exhibitions and seminars, as necessary
• To support other administrative tasks, as necessary.
Applicants should have a positive, can-do attitude, be reliable and trustworthy. If you are passionate about equality diversity and international development and keen to gain valuable, hands-on experience, then we would like to hear from you.
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid position. However, depending on funding available we may be able to contribute to the cost of travel from your home to the office.
Please note due to the number of applications we receive we are unable to respond to all applicants hence only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer - Homeline’s tele-befriending service!
Do you have an hour to spare each week? Want a simple remote volunteer role you can fit around your busy life?
Look no further! Homeline is a befriending project for older people in Hammersmith and Fulham.
We are looking for volunteers to remotely call a few isolated older adults per week. These calls make such a difference and are often the only phone call a person will receive all week!
A flexible role ideal for volunteers who work during the week and have less time to commit. Join our friendly team and enjoy the benefits of full role training, DBS and continued support.
Get in touch, join our friendly team and enjoy the benefits of full role training, DBS and continued support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Many people struggle to enjoy cycling, and some families often find the cost of adapted bikes mean that they cannot share fun times together.
Parkride is a fun and flexible inclusive cycling project using a range of adapted and standard bikes that provides anyone, regardless of age, ability or need, with the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors through cycling.
We require a volunteer van driver to help us deliver our custom-made bikes and trikes to locations such as parks and community centers around the West Midlands.
We’ve got the van; we just need you!
What would I be doing?
· You will be a vital link between us and the families we support, helping us to get the team and bikes to where they’re needed for arranged sessions.
· You’ll be the friendly face of Parkride, interacting with the families and ensuring the bikes are kept safe and secure whilst the team are out riding.
· Working with staff to load/unload the van before and after sessions.
What do I need?
· Minimum age 25
· Experience of driving a large van with a suitable driving licence
· A full and clean driving licence (held for a minimum of 5 years)
· Some lifting will be required and so a basic level of fitness is needed.
· Being approachable and friendly with good communication skills
· Accepting of others who might be different to you and the ability to work as part of a diverse team
· A willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap
· Honesty, integrity and trustworthy
· Good time management skills, reliability
· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.
When and where do you need me?
· The van is based at our head office in Woodgate Valley – B32 3BZ.
· We have several parkride sessions running throughout the week including evenings and weekends. Sessions vary from 2-4 hours (plus travel).
· We run sessions throughout the Midlands, including Birmingham (all areas), Dudley, Sandwell, Coventry, and Sutton Coldfield. You can choose which sessions you wish to attend.
· All sessions are weather dependent; however, we only cancel sessions in extreme weather. We would advise having a warm waterproof coat and suitable shoes.
What’s in it for me?
As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:
· The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers
· Improved physical and mental wellbeing from keeping active
· An induction and settling in period
· Any training and development that is needed
· The chance to develop your skills and gain experience
· The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team
· Support within your role
· Agreed out-of-pocket travel expenses
· Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution
To campaign for and deliver accessible and inclusive community health and wellbeing support services for individuals, families, and carers.
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Volunteer Role Volunteer Driver
Receives Support from Volunteer Coordinator (Groups) / Volunteer Manager / Other Cam Sight staff
Location of volunteering Community venues across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
Taster Session Individual/ by arrangement
About Cam Sight
Cam Sight is a Cambridgeshire charity that supports local people of all ages living with low vision and blindness to live the lives they choose. We work to enhance independence, improve well-being, and improve inclusion. We work within our framework of 5 values, which are that we are person-centred, empowering, friendly, collaborative, and accountable.
About Volunteer Driving at Cam Sight
Our clients affected by sight loss are often reliant on friends and family, or community transport to help them get out and about. With Cambridgeshire being a rural county, and funding or service provision limited in both areas, some of our clients struggle still to get to their appointments, and to our peer support groups. We have received funding to support the development of our community transport scheme offering our clients greater access to services and social events. Our team of volunteer drivers, using their own or our eco-friendly vehicles, help get clients to where they need to be, thus reducing isolation and improving their social connections and wellbeing.
Purpose of role
Using your own vehicle, you would collect our client from their home and take them to their peer support group or other appointment. If driving a client to one of our monthly Peer Support Groups you could be taking several clients who live close together. You would be responsible for guiding them to and from the vehicle, settling them in comfortably (we will give you training on how to be a sighted guide) and completing vehicle checks before you start your collections that day. You are welcome to stay at the group (approx. 2 hours) while it takes place – some volunteers like to take on both roles and help at the group, but that is not expected.
Tasks:
If volunteering in this role, we’d ask you to;
- Liaise with Volunteer Coordinator (Groups) and/ or your regular clients before the meeting to confirm who you will be transporting.
- Be a sighted guide to ensure the clients you collect can safely and comfortably move to and from the vehicle. (Training will be provided at General Induction).
- Be good at timekeeping. You’ll ensure the clients you are transporting arrive on time and be there to take them home at the end of the meeting.
- Talk to/listen to your clients, making them feel comfortable in your company.
- Ensure that safety and basic maintenance checks of the vehicle are undertaken before the vehicle is taken out on the road.
- Be happy to report to us your volunteer hours and mileage driven so we can share this with our funders and track success of the project.
We are looking for:
- Someone happy to follow procedures around checking of the vehicle at the start of the volunteer duty (these are normally visual checks).
- You will have a current and legal driving license.
- You will have an approachable manner and ensure whomever you interact with at any time feels comfortable around you.
- Always maintain strict confidentiality.
- Ability to work with volunteers and others as a part of a team.
To consider:
- Clients may bring their Guide Dogs with them - something to consider if you have allergies or a fear of dogs, please talk to us about this, as we will look to match you with someone that doesn’t need a guide dog.
- Most groups are two hours in duration. You are welcome to stay for the group or come back to collect the clients that you are transporting.
- Groups are held monthly in the same venue and at the same time.
Recruitment and Induction Process:
Fill in an application form and we’ll call you for a chat on the phone. If the situation looks beneficial to us both, as is most often the case, we’ll look to invite you to the next meeting so you can see the building, meet the Volunteer Coordinator and the other volunteers. If mutually happy then we’ll continue to Cam Sight’s general induction process.
After this there will then be a role-specific induction for you, where we will go over the specific items that relate to your role (including Health and Safety).
Checks
Our volunteer roles are subject to a DBS check (the level of check depends on your volunteer role and is risk assessed). We also ask for two references before you get started with volunteering. For our volunteer drivers we will also look to conduct a check of your driver’s licence.
At general induction you can expect:
- More information about Cam Sight, who we are, what we do and the services we provide.
- Information about policies relating to volunteering such as volunteer expenses (you will also receive your volunteer handbook/ e-access).
- General GDPR and Safeguarding training.
- Information about Cam Sight’s on-going support and training for volunteers.
What you will gain:
- (We hope) a sense of satisfaction from helping others.
- Greater understanding of sight loss and how that effects people.
- Knowledge of a range of eye conditions.
- CV skills and after 6 months a reference should you choose to move on
- Friendship and entry into a community of supportive and friendly people, motivated by helping others.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.