Volunteers volunteer roles in bristol

Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Chair?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.

What would you be doing?

• Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
• Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
• Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
• Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
• Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
• Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
• Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. 
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
• Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
• Reliability
• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
• Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
• Good written and spoken English.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Overview:
Lead recruitment, training, and support for CWV’s volunteer workforce, ensuring a positive and empowering experience for everyone involved.

Key Responsibilities:

• Recruit and onboard new volunteers

• Coordinate volunteer schedules and placements

• Deliver training sessions and maintain records

• Develop volunteer engagement and recognition programmes

• Liaise with team leads to match volunteers with appropriate roles

• Support the safeguarding and welfare of all volunteers

Skills & Experience:

• Strong people and organisational skills

• Experience managing or supporting volunteers

• Good communication and record-keeping

• Enthusiastic about community engagement and teamwork

Are you a HR professional? Could you give an hour a week to tackle pregnancy and maternity discrimination? Then we need you!

We’re not going to sugar-coat it, things aren’t great for working parents and pregnant women. It can feel frustrating and a bit depressing at times, but by being part of the Pregnant Then Screwed volunteer team, you get to turn that frustration into something positive. In the last year the fantastic volunteers on our Advice Line have spoken to over 5000 women and parents, collectively providing around 40 hours of free support and advice every week. Hundreds of women and parents call our Advice Line every day, but with a small team of volunteers we are only able to answer a fraction of those calls—this is where you come in.

We are looking for brilliant HR professionals who want to help Pregnant Then Screwed tackle the Motherhood Penalty by becoming a Volunteer HR Advisor.

Our Volunteer Advisors give around 1-2 hours a week of their time to the Advice Line. They use their HR knowledge to offer a kind, empathetic support and advice to help people to identify and challenge pregnancy and maternity discrimination in the workplace.

About the role

Role Title: Volunteer HR Advisor 
Location: Home-based (UK)
Reporting To: Head of Support Services

Time Commitment

The Advice Line is open Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm, with various available shifts during those times. We ask volunteers to give 1-2 hours per week on the Advice Line for a minimum of three months. 

Alternative time commitments can be considered and discussed as part of your application, so please do include any information that might be useful in your application form.

Main Role Purpose

The Advice Line HR Advisors play a vital role in providing support and guidance to working parents facing unfair treatment or discrimination in the workplace via our advice line. Volunteers will offer advice, listen empathetically, and provide information about employee rights and available resources. This role is critical in empowering parents to make informed decisions and navigate workplace challenges effectively.

Essential requirements

• Minimum CIPD level 5 Diploma in People Management with one professional reference.
• Knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and policies related to pregnancy, maternity leave, and discrimination.
• Access to a mobile phone/laptop/tablet to receive calls. You will not be charged for calls and your number will not be shared.
• Access to a reliable and secure WIFI connection. Public WIFI is not suitable for this role.
• Excellent active and empathetic listening skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
• A kind and welcoming telephone manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Comfortable using online communication tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Answer incoming phone calls to the PTS Advice Line from individuals seeking support and advice.
• Listen actively, empathise, and provide HR advice and guidance to support callers with their enquiries.
• Signpost to further information and other support organisations if necessary.
• Make referrals to our legal partner if required.
• Record all details of the call on our CRM system.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions, adhering to all Pregnant Then Screwed guidelines and policies.

What you can expect from PTS

• The opportunity to use your skill set to tackle the Motherhood Penalty and make a meaningful impact.
• An onboarding and induction period which can be completed at your own pace.
• Support from the PTS staff team and volunteer network.
• Access to our Volunteer Training Hub.
• Opportunities to help us further develop and shape our Support Services.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protectio

Joining this role means you'll be at the heart of providing essential support to families facing the unimaginable; caring for their child who's life will be short.

Many families in Wales are unfortunately facing this challenge alone, without support from others.

As a Practical Family Support Volunteer for Tŷ Hafan, you will assist families in need with various light tasks such as cleaning, tidying up and laundry.

Your contribution will go beyond housekeeping; it's about taking some of the pressure off and giving families the breathing space they need to spend more precious time together.

This role offers the satisfaction of knowing you are making a positive impact on families with a child with a life-shortening condition, by helping them create a tidy, clean and safe home environment that reduces their daily stress and worries.

Most importantly, you will be helping us to ensure that no family faces this challenge, alone.

Considerations:

Age requirement: 21+

Location: Across South & West Wales (in your local area)

Time commitment: Flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate your personal schedule. The support plans designed for referred families are typically structured to span a period of six weeks.

Background checks: Enhanced DBS check, 2 references and induction/training course required before starting.

Due to the nature of the role, we are looking for volunteers with some skills, experience and knowledge of gardening, either as a profession or as a hobby.

Activities include:

Activities include helping families with light housekeeping tasks such as; cleaning, dusting, vacuuming and laundry, giving them the space they need to be there for their child who needs them.

We are looking for volunteers who:

•Can empathise with the families you are helping and show them kindness and respect;

•Are reliable and flexible and committed to volunteering on a longer term basis;

•Will follow our health and safety guidelines, policies and procedures and report any issues or concerns to the Family Support Volunteer Manager;

•Are respectful of the privacy, preferences and needs of the families you are supporting;

•Are polite and friendly;

•Can adapt to different situations and challenges;

•Enjoy making a difference in the lives of others

At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.

We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role. 

Training you will receive:

You will receive a comprehensive introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, to include an in-person Induction and Training Programme as well as additional e-learning.

You will be a part of a friendly and supportive team who will assist you with any queries or concerns through regular and ongoing meetings.

Other role and organisation specific training is available including both supplementary and mandatory training.

All volunteers must maintain their mandatory training to continue in their role.

The benefits of becoming a Practical Family Support Volunteer in Family Homes:

•Make a positive difference in the lives of children with life-shortening conditions and their families, by helping them to maintain clean spaces for them to enjoy;

•Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year;

•Meet new people and join a friendly community of volunteers, passionate about helping others;

•Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role.

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered. 

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered. 

Volunteer Role: Trusts and Foundations

We were set up to transform the former Edward Hain hospital, in St Ives, Cornwall, into a community centre for health and wellbeing. The hospital was founded in 1920, with funds from the Cornish Hain Steamship Company. When it closed n 2021, our community, led by the hospital’s League of Friends, came together to save the building for the town. Now it brings together much needed health and wellbeing services, along with social, community and welfare support, all under one roof.

About the role

We are looking for volunteers to help us raise funds from Trusts and Foundations. Grants, such the one we secured from National Lottery, already help keep us open all year. Although previous experience in grant writing would be welcomed, it is absolutely not required. More important are your enthusiasm and desire to help local people. ideally, you will be able to volunteer at least one or two days a month on a regular basis and preferably have access to a computer.

What’s involved?

· Drafting and submitting funding applications with help and support from our team.

· Working with other volunteers and staff to identify new funding opportunities.

· Researching grant-making bodies, trusts, and foundations that can fund the Centre.

The role will suit you if you

· Are comfortable with a computer.

· Have good written communication skills.

· Want to help local residents thrive.

· Can pay attention to detail and follow funder guidelines.

We will support you with

· An induction to volunteering for Edward Hain

· Training and briefings on how trusts and foundations fundraising.

· Coaching on how to draft and submit applications, supported with tools and templates.

• Occasional meetings at the Centre with other volunteers and staff.

We are looking for up to five regular volunteers. There is also an opportunity for significant coaching and development for those interested in pursuing jobs in this field in the longer term and wanting to use this role to develop the necessary skills. For more information contact:

Claire Jefferies Community Hub Officer

Community Engagement Volunteer

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

· Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community

· Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities

· Helping at events

· Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through

· SSAFA’s speaker programme

· Event administration

· Social media marketing

The skills you need

· Friendly and approachable

· Happy to help

· Basic IT skills would be an advantage

What's in it for you

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

· Support in your role from the team at SSAFA

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

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Do you want to see more happiness and kindness in the world? We’re looking for dynamic Volunteers to be part of creating exactly that!

About the Role:

Our volunteers bring people together for shared online learning experiences, based on positive psychology, that boost the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Our groups and courses can be run online or in-person in your local area.

- The amazing 6-week Happiness Habits Course is designed to be run by pairs of volunteers.  It features expert videos, science-backed exercises and the chance to form meaningful connections. Our course has been specially designed to gather the insights of the world's leading experts on six fundamental aspects of a happy and meaningful life: Gratitude, Self-Care, Relationships, Resilience, Kindness, and Meaning. It is a very impactful (many say life-changing) experience.

- Alternatively, you can get involved by supporting a Monthly Group, bringing like-minded people together to learn evidence-based tools for creating a happier and more meaningful life. Explore the monthly themes and encourage people to set personal actions towards happiness, that support both themselves and others.

Volunteering with Action for Happiness is a path of action that consistently feels like you are making a difference in the world. You don’t have to be an expert - or be happy all the time. If you are a warm and enthusiastic person that is more than enough to get started.

Why Volunteer with Us?

Do something that matters: spreading happiness and witnessing people transform for the better is a huge source of meaning.

Grow your skills: inspiring others, learning together and reinforcing your own happiness skills all contribute to personal growth.

Build community: meeting like-minded people, building lasting friendships and belonging to a global community contributing to a better future for all.

How do I know it’s right for me?

Try out free VOLUNTEER TRAINING via the Action For Happiness website and decide for yourself.

We've designed it especially to help you answer questions like this as it explains thoroughly what being a volunteer involves and helps you reflect on your readiness.

What is the time commitment?

You'll need to set aside a couple of hours for the training initially and a few more for planning your course or group and connecting with your co-volunteer. Then you'll need a couple of hours per session for facilitating (x6 weekly sessions for a course, or x1 session per month for a group). 

- Apply today! Together, we can inspire change that ripples out through people’s lives, communities and the world.
 

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunitie

Sooty, the nation’s much-loved bear and a true national treasure, has featured on RNIB’s collection boxes for over 50 years. Thanks to generous public support, these iconic boxes have raised more than £13 million in donations.

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join our network of Sooty Box collectors. In this flexible role, you’ll help place new boxes and collect and bank donations from Sooty Boxes in local shops, cafés and other businesses in your area. Whether you volunteer on your own, with a friend or as part of a group, you’ll be making a real difference in your community.

You can give as much or as little time as you like and fit the role around your other commitments.

Please note: Volunteers are expected to use their own transport and ideally should have access to a car. Mileage or public transport costs will be reimbursed.

How often will I be needed?

• 1 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• Requires 2 references

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland, North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, Greater London, Wales, South West, West Midlands, East of England, South East, Scotland

Additional location information

• We are particularly looking for volunteers in Ayreshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Devon, Derbyshire, Dorset, Essex, Gloucestershire, Gwynedd, Isle of Wight, Jersey, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Norfolk, Northern Ireland, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, South Humberside, Staffordshire, Suffolk, Warwickshire, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Wiltshire

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Good organisational skills • Trustworthy, enthusiastic and self-motivated • Willing to travel in and around your local area • Comfortable working independently • Able to send and receive emails

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.