Volunteers volunteer volunteer roles in South east london, greater london

 Welcome to the NHS Retirement Fellowship

Thank you for your interest in becoming the new chair of the NHS Retirement Fellowship. We are halfway through a five-year plan which is transforming the way we operate, how we engage with the NHS and other key stakeholders, and how we support our members currently and in the future. We have already come a long way from where we started and we are now beginning an ambitious plan of doubling our membership and raising awareness so we can continue with our mission of supporting retired and retiring NHS, health and social care staff. We are seeking a dynamic and professional chair with significant senior leadership experience in the NHS (or the broader health and social care sector) and/or extensive experience of governing a charity to work with us to deliver our vision.

Our Board is made up of a variety of professionals from across the NHS and beyond, a number of whom are members of the Fellowship. We work closely with our dynamic senior leadership team, branch officers and volunteers and have fostered an excellent working relationship for the benefit of our members.

The Fellowship has a small executive team of seven part time staff who all work remotely from home.

The potential for the NHS Retirement Fellowship is immense, and I very much look forward to welcoming you and working with you on this exciting journey.

Julia Hickey

Acting Chair

NHS Retirement Fellowship.

About the NHS Retirement Fellowship

“One of things that makes the NHS a special place to work is the sense of togetherness, belonging and family. So, when colleagues come to retirement, the Fellowship is a wonderful way of maintaining these things and allowing colleagues to continue their connection with the service. I think more can be done to help retired colleagues share experiences, perspectives and support and the Fellowship is ideally placed to do this.” Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive, NHS England

Our motto is fun, friendship and fellowship and it sits at the heart of everything we do.

The NHS Retirement Fellowship began in 1978 when retiring nurse Irene James recognised that for significant numbers of retiring NHS staff, their colleagues and friends had also become their family and that those pivotal connections could be lost. Our role has changed during that near 50 years as the NHS has changed and more latterly with the seismic transformation into a digital world. We now have almost 100 branches from the Highlands of Scotland to the north Devon coast and from Swansea in west Wales across to Norwich in East Anglia. About a third of our members are now national members, often choosing to engage on a more remote, digitally based basis. All our members have access to a portfolio of benefits which we offer, including our flagship travel insurance policy, and we are actively pursuing a partnership which would bring a huge range of benefits and discounts to our members. We also have a special fund to support members at a time of need.

Our branches run semi independently from our main charity with their own committees and bank accounts. Volunteers arrange a variety of activities for their members at local and regional level. National members, who choose not to join a specific branch, can join in with local activities and also have access to an increasing number of online based activities. We also hold an annual conference and AGM where the Board, staff and our members can all come together.

We are increasingly working with the NHS and other stakeholders in partnership to see how we can support employers and retain connections, experience and expertise at local level. We’re helping foundation trusts with governors, hospitals with volunteers and NHS charities with supporters. We’re looking to grow so that we are the voice of the retired NHS and wider health service community and see how our members can offer mentoring, support and guidance to the younger generations of NHS staff. 

Our charity is looking to become a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) over the next year.

Our values and mission are unchanged from when Irene James recognised the need to continue to support NHS staff when they retired to enable them to retain links, mutual support and understanding and friendships built over the years in their shared working lives. The NHSRF supports people in retirement to maintain friendships and make new ones, from the NHS, health and social care sectors from a diverse background irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation and to support each other through friendship.

Role description and time commitment

Our Chair will lead the Board in developing and delivering our strategy, working closely with, and providing line management and support to, our chief executive. They will also support our chief operating officer in preparation for Board meetings and our head of communications in the planning of our conference and other duties. Our Chair will also be a key representative of the Fellowship in meeting and liaising with key stakeholders.

Our Board meets remotely three times a year and once a year in person. We also have two strategy days a year and our AGM and conference which takes place over a weekend in October. There is also a standing invitation to our Members Council meetings, which are three times a year remotely and once a year in person.

Timeframes

The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 1 June. Shortlisting will take place in the following week with interviews to take place in London on Thursday 2 July.

Term of office

We are looking to appoint for a three-year period initially. This will take us through 2028 when the NHS will mark its 80th anniversary and the NHS Retirement Fellowship will celebrate its 50th birthday.

Our chair role is unpaid, but we will reimburse you for reasonable travel expenses.

Orpheus is seeking a creative professional to join Level Up, our mentoring programme for young disabled adults beginning their journey in the creative industries.

This role is an opportunity to support an emerging artist to build confidence, develop their creative practice, and navigate the industry. We welcome mentors from all creative backgrounds, including design, fashion, film, animation, theatre, writing, music, dance, and more.  On this occasion we are seeking someone with experience in fashion, retail, styling, and voice performance, particularly those specialising in character driven performances for animation, gaming, audio dramas, and related media.

About the role

You’ll work one‑to‑one with a participant, offering guidance, industry insight, and practical support. You’ll help them set goals, explore opportunities, grow their networks, and develop their creative portfolio. We are looking for someone who understands and values the social model of disability and is committed to inclusive practice.

Who we’re looking for

• Experience working within a creative discipline
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• An interest in mentoring and supporting disabled artists
• Experience of portfolio development and/or networking within the creative industries
• Previous mentoring or teaching experience is welcome but not essential

What you’ll gain

• The chance to support new and underrepresented voices
• Opportunities to develop your mentoring skills
• Flexible working
• The chance to contribute to a more inclusive creative sector

Are you driven by purpose over profit, and motivated to use words responsibly to shape public understanding?

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a Founding Volunteer Creative Copywriter / Campaign Storyteller to help define how our movement speaks — with clarity, courage, and care.

This is not a commercial copywriting role.

It is a truth-led storytelling role.

Our C.I.C. exists to confront and expose the realities of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), centre survivor truth and accountability, support young people into economic empowerment, and build community-owned, open-source systems that serve people rather than capital.

We are:

• Values-led
• Anti-capitalist
• Community-driven
• Decentralised by design

We are not here to produce promotional content for clicks alone. We are here to communicate truth responsibly — building trust, inviting participation, and ensuring survivor-centred work is represented with dignity and purpose.

This role offers the opportunity to shape how a movement speaks in public spaces.

About the Role

As our Founding Creative Copywriter / Campaign Storyteller, you will craft clear, compelling, and ethically grounded written content to support digital campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and community engagement during our build and early growth phase.

You will not inherit a finished brand voice or messaging system.

You will help shape and define it.

Your work will translate complex and sensitive issues into accessible, responsible communication. You will help move people toward meaningful action — not passive consumption — while ensuring that every piece of content reflects safeguarding commitments and cultural integrity.

This role blends creativity with strategic thinking. You must be comfortable writing across multiple formats, collaborating with campaign teams, and refining messaging based on feedback and insight.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Strong writing skills for digital audiences across multiple formats.
• Demonstrable experience in copywriting, storytelling, or campaign messaging.
• Ability to write about serious and sensitive topics without sensationalism or harm.
• Understanding of how language influences trust, behaviour, and decision-making.
• Experience producing written content across platforms.
• Ability to adapt tone and messaging for different audiences and channels.
• Willingness to work within trauma-informed, safeguarding, and ethical communication frameworks.
• Ability to collaborate with designers, analysts, and campaign leads.
• Confidence receiving and applying feedback.
• Equivalent professional or voluntary experience accepted.

Desirable / Can Be Developed

• Experience working in non-profit, CIC, or community-led organisations.
• Experience supporting fundraising or awareness campaigns.
• Familiarity with retention, lifecycle, or supporter journey design.
• Experience working in safeguarding-led environments.
• Ability to adjust storytelling strategy based on performance data and feedback.

Qualifications

Formal qualifications are not required.

Equivalent practical experience in creative copywriting or campaign storytelling is highly valued.

Main Responsibilities / Key Duties

• Design, develop, and deliver written and narrative content for digital campaigns during the build and early growth phase.
• Create campaign copy across platforms, including social media, website pages, and email campaigns.
• Develop core messaging frameworks for fundraising, awareness, and engagement campaigns.
• Shape story-led approaches that centre survivor dignity, accuracy, and consent.
• Produce scripts, story outlines, and narrative structures for:
  • Video content
  • Audio or podcast material
  • Multimedia campaigns
• Adapt messaging for different audiences, platforms, and campaign objectives.
• Work closely with designers, analysts, and campaign leads to align story with strategy.
• Ensure all written content aligns with safeguarding policies, ethical standards, and tone guidelines.
• Maintain consistency of voice and language across digital marketing outputs.
• Contribute creative ideas for campaigns, themes, and story-driven initiatives.
• Review and refine copy based on performance insights, feedback, and learning.
• Support campaign testing and iteration through evidence-informed storytelling.
• Flag potential safeguarding, reputational, or ethical risks within content.
• Help define and document the C.I.C.’s written voice and storytelling principles.
• Support the development of scalable, sustainable content practices not dependent on single individuals.

What You Gain

• Founding-level experience in creative copywriting and campaign storytelling.
• Strategic exposure to values-led communications and safeguarding-centred messaging.
• Leadership insight into managing sensitive information responsibly.
• Direct contribution to C.I.C. sustainability and long-term impact.
• Opportunity to help define the voice of a survivor-led movement.
• Priority consideration for future paid roles as the C.I.C. scales.

This Role Is Not Suitable If You:

• Prefer low-responsibility volunteer work.
• Prefer writing purely promotional or commercial content.
• Are seeking short-term portfolio pieces without commitment.
• Are uncomfortable engaging with difficult or emotional subject matter.
• Prefer working without collaboration, feedback, or safeguarding frameworks.

Interested in supporting victims/survivors of domestic abuse?

We are currently recruiting Trustees to help us take the charity forward into the future.

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a registered charity led by a Board of Trustees.

The Trustees (all unpaid volunteers) act individually and collectively, to provide overall stewardship of the charity, in accordance with our governing document and relevant legislation. In essence we look after the staff, volunteers and the organisation, so they can support the community.

You don’t need specific qualifications or experience to be a trustee and we welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experience.

Prospective candidates will need to:

• Have empathy with the work of the Helpline

• Be able to devote the necessary time and effort

• Have well-developed communication and interpersonal skills

• Have good judgement

• Be able to work as a team

• Have the ability, commitment and drive to take the organisation forward

Trustee Opportunities

For any charity succession planning is important and with that in mind we are currently looking for people to join our Board as Trustees.

1. Chair: Our Chair will be stepping down soon after 15 years and we are looking for someone to learn the ropes beside her before taking on the role. 

2. Treasurer: After 10 years, our Treasurer is looking to retire in the next year. The Treasurer’s role description is on our website.  

3. General Trustees: Please see the role description on our website

If you would like to apply please complete the application form on our website.  You are welcome also to email Chris Roach, Chair, at that address to arrange an informal chat.

Are you a Child and Young Person Clinical Supervisor interested in supporting child and young person counsellors and therapists?

Burning Nights CRPS Support has a highly skilled counselling and therapy team who provide counselling and psychotherapy to adults and children who have been impacted by a debilitating pain condition, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This team is expanding rapidly and we are now looking for 1 volunteer Child and Young Person (CYP) Clinical Supervisor to join this team ensuring we can continue the provision of our vital emotional support services to this community specifically for young people. We would ideally like to take on 1 CYP Clinical Supervisor supporting a small group of CYP therapists who specialise in a range of modalities.

All our Counselling and therapy team help to develop our growing mental health support service for patients, families and carers affected by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). As a volunteer with the CRPS Counselling & Therapy Service, your skills and experience as a CYP Clinical Supervisor will be providing support to therapists who offer therapy to vulnerable children and young people aged 5-18.

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, you will provide group and 1-2-1 Supervision support for CYP counsellors or psychotherapists who provide counselling support or specialist services for children and young people. The service currently offers specialist support to anyone over the age of 5 who is affected by CRPS.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Facilitate Clinical Supervision group sessions on a monthly basis (online) and be able to offer at least 1 or 2 supervisees on 1-2-1 basis mainly trainees

• Administer this supervision from invitation through to record keeping

• Take part in complex case allocation meetings with the Clinical Lead

• Maintain appropriate clinical records of all work and to report, along with any concerns on individuals or their practice to the Clinical Lead

• Commitment to ongoing supervision of supervision practice at Burning Nights CRPS Support as well as engaging in separate own personal supervision

• Work flexibly as part of a small team as necessary to provide maximum coverage for supervision, such as in the event of emergencies

• Abide by all Burning Nights CRPS Support policies and procedures

• Adhere to BACP, BABCP (or other appropriate therapies governing body) Ethical Framework

Key Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Psychotherapy/Counselling qualification with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in a similar field

• Qualification in Clinical Supervision - ideally level 7 or above (could also suit experienced counsellors who require a placement during Clinical Supervision placement, or experienced counsellors wishing to gain experience in supervision)

• Had experience of supervising CYP therapists 

• Accreditation/registration (or working at the level of or towards this qualification) as a Supervisor with BACP/HCPC/BABCP or equivalent

• Significant proven experience of supervising individual CYP counsellors/psychotherapists from a range of training backgrounds 

• Appropriate and proven clinical experience of working with young people with a range of difficulties including complex medical health issues, loss and bereavement. Ideally experience of working with children and young people living with or affected by chronic pain or chronic conditions

• Willingness to engage in any Burning Nights CRPS Support training

• Understanding of issues regarding confidentiality and management of risk within a counselling service

• Good administrative skills

• Understanding of the voluntary sector

• Commitment to on-going engagement in personal supervision

• Knowledgeable of and committed to equalities’ provision

Desirable:

• Appropriate and proven clinical experience of working with children and young people living with or affected by chronic pain or chronic conditions

• Being able to supervise CYP therapists in small groups

• Experience of working within a low-cost / free voluntary sector counselling setting

• Experience of working within the voluntary charity sector

We are looking for an Admin Assistant to support the effective delivery of administrative duties for the RNIB Services Content Team.

In this role you will be responsible for:
Processing requests for information in a range of formats.
Using Microsoft Office applications, Outlook, Word, Excel, and Customer Relationship Management systems (CRMS).
Supporting the team by processing postal requests for information and correspondence
Preparing documents, data entry and liaising with internal colleagues.

What support will you receive?
You will receive role specific training, Ongoing support from a small and enthusiastic team and opportunities to expand role and develop skills.

We are looking for a volunteer for approximately 7 hours per week, ideally this can be spread over 2 days.

How often will I be needed?

• 7 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• Age 16 and over 
• Requires 1  reference

Home based

• This role is home based

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 16 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Excellent IT skills (competent in the use of Word, Excel, Email & Internet) Attention to detail and accuracy Good organisational & time management skills Friendly, approachable & reliable

The Wellbeing Officer (Trustee) provides information, guidance and advice to volunteers and service users around topics such as mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, if service users or volunteers have any concerns, the best point of contact is the wellbeing officer.

What do we specifically expect of this role?

● Delivery of a plan to proactively assist officers and volunteers in public-facing roles, with tools and techniques to prevent or reduce any initial harm/trauma from purposeful or accidental harmful interactions - social media, live events, outreach, panel events, etc.

● Providing support for service users by way of triaging and responding to requests that come through to the wellbeing inbox. ● Building and maintaining wellbeing resources for service users and following a data-informed approach as to areas of wellbeing improvement. This includes building relationships with external service providers that can assist in helping members of our community.

How much commitment is required?

We are flexible around your own schedule. However, the following commitments are in place for all member of the Hidayah board:

● To be able to attend all Trustee meetings and to deliver a comprehensive report to the committee each meeting with updates and to completed actions as and when they appear;

● To aim to attend all other planning meetings as necessary when close to Hidayah events as well as the events themselves (where possible due to geography);

● To help to fundraise for, and advertise, any Hidayah events and fundraising drives;

● To be part of a communications group to keep up to date with Hidayah developments;

● To contribute toward and to maintain the administration of our file sharing system ‘Google Drive’ so it is always up to date with clear records, templates and forms; 1

● To check emails and to respond when needed;

● Enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah;

● To contribute toward the Annual Report once a year;

If taking on the role, you're expected to be in post until the next AGM. This role is subject to a 6 months probationary period.

What do we expect from a Wellbeing Officer (Trustee)?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

● A self-starter who can volunteer with minimal supervision.

● Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

● Friendliness, enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah.

● Reliable and regular volunteer.

● A team-player.

Additional:

● Experience of successfully working collaboratively.

● Preferably some experience of mentoring and/or supervision.

● Prior experience of wellbeing provision.

● Must be 18+ and live in the UK

The Role

As ORCD UK's founding Social Media Volunteer, you will be responsible for building the organisation's presence on Instagram and LinkedIn from zero and for growing an audience of donors, diaspora supporters, trustees and NGO partners.

You will not be starting from a blank page. ORCD UK has prepared a complete Social Media Toolkit with a 12-week content plan, 30+ ready-to-post captions, Canva design instructions, a hashtag strategy, and WhatsApp broadcast guidance. Your job is to execute it, and to bring your own creativity, judgment, and digital instincts to make it impactful.

This is not a generic charity volunteer role.

ORCD has delivered over $100 million in humanitarian aid across Afghanistan since 2012. It is the first Afghan NGO with UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status. Its partners include UNICEF, WFP and WHO.

ORCD UK will be the UK entity of ORCD Global. We have no social media presence but we have an extraordinary story, a clear strategy and a ready-made toolkit and we need someone with the skills to tell it.

What You'll Actually Do

Week to week:

• Create and schedule 4–5 Instagram posts per week using ready-made copy and Canva templates

• Post 2–3 times per week on LinkedIn with a more professional tone

• Manage ORCD UK's Instagram Stories daily: polls, facts, countdowns, quotes

• Build and maintain a WhatsApp broadcast list: sending 1–2 messages per week/2 weeks

• Monitor comments and DMs, respond or flag to the ORCD UK Lead

Monthly:

• Report key metrics to the ORCD UK Lead: followers, engagement, reach, link clicks

• Update the content calendar for the coming month

• Create new Canva templates as new content needs emerge

• Coordinate with the Communications Volunteer on captions and copy

• Attend a monthly check-in with the ORCD UK Lead (30 minutes, online)

Essential Criteria

Active Instagram and LinkedIn user, you know how the platforms work. Confident using TikTok, YouTube and Facebook

Confident using Canva (or other tools) to create compelling materials

Reliable, you can commit to 5-7 hours per week consistently

Self-motivated and you can work independently from a written brief

Committed to humanitarian work and Afghanistan

Comfortable with ORCD UK's values: Afghan-led on the ground, honest and respectful

Desirable

Experience managing social media for a charity, brand, or community organisation

Knowledge of Islamic giving culture e.g Zakat, Sadaqah, Ramadan fundraising

Understanding of the Afghan community in the UK

Experience with scheduling tools: Buffer, Later or Meta Business Suite

Photography or video editing skills (for future content)

Do you enjoy creating thoughtful and engaging content and want to use your skills for good?

Action on Spiritual Abuse is looking for a volunteer to help create social media posts and email content that:

· raises awareness of spiritual abuse

· promotes our charity’s work

· helps survivors find support

You will be making a huge difference to our work as a charity and the lives of survivors.

About our charity:

We believe in a world where everyone who has experienced harm in a spiritual, religious, or faith-based context is:

· Heard and understood

· Properly supported

We are working towards a world where every faith and secular organisation:

· Knows how to recognise and respond to spiritual abuse

· Understands what a healthy religious or spiritual culture looks like

We run a support service for survivors, deliver training to faith and statutory organisations, and are driving forwards research.

 And we need your help to communicate our work to the world and help survivors know that support is available.

What you’ll do:

· Draft social media posts and email newsletters, using blog content as inspiration (you can use AI in certain ways if you want to)

· Create engaging graphics using Canva

· Help shape clear, compassionate and engaging messaging

· Support our campaigns and awareness‑raising work

What we’re looking for:

· Strong written communication skills

· Strong design skills, using Canva or similar

· Experience (paid or voluntary) with social media or email content

· Ability to write sensitively about difficult issues

· Reliability

⏰ Time commitment: around 2–3 hours per week (flexible)
 �� Location: remote
 ��️ Not a frontline role – no direct survivor support expected

You’ll be supported by a small, values‑driven team and make a meaningful contribution to the lives of survivors of spiritual abuse.

To apply:
Please send a short expression of interest and relevant examples of content you have created via this form: https://wkf.ms/43480G5

We’re looking for a patient and kind volunteer to support an active and energetic man in Streatham. He’ll take some time to get to know you, so you’re first few visits will likely be spent going for walks around the local area with a member of his support team. This gentleman is non-verbal and will communicate with you through sounds, gestures and movements.

He takes a little while to warm up to new people, so you will need to be patient while he takes his time becoming comfortable with you. It would be great if his new volunteer had some experience with people with learning disabilities, though this isn’t at all necessary as long as you have a positive attitude. It’s important to know that his care team would always be on hand, and that his not-so-secret kryptonite is chocolate!

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is a Stop and Stay visit role, meaning that the person you’ll be visiting might have some verbal communication skills or they use sounds and/or facial/body expressions to communicate with you. The person you visit might choose to take part in simple activities or watch you doing the activities. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tend to be around half an hour to an hour long.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• A craft activity at home
• Reading a book/magazine together

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Camberwell Afterschool Project
(CASP) achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and
administration of the charity. They also ensure that CASP has a clear strategy and
that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support
and challenge the executive team to enable CASP to grow and thrive, and through
this, achieve our aims and objectives.
Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act
as a group and not as individuals. The role of Company Secretary is a key and
important Trustee position on the Board.

Main Duties:
● Ensure that the charity is operating within the legal framework required by a
UK registered charity and company limited by guarantee. This includes
ensuring that Company Law, Charity Law and regulatory requirements of
reporting and public accountability are compiled with.
● Contribute to the setting and shaping of CASP's strategic direction
● Contribute to good governance, including compliance with both the Charity
Commission and Companies House requirements
● To ensure new Trustees complete the necessary checks, including the
undertaking of the Disclosure and Barring check (DBS) and registeration with
Companies House
● Provide guidance to the other trustees in relation to their legal and ethical
duties and responsibilities
● Work with the chair of the board to ensure effective governance structures are
in place and are regularly reviewed, updated and followed
● Champion our work by supporting our programme activities, attending our
events and being an ambassador for the charity through your networks
● Work with the CEO along with other trustees to identify and manage risk
● To fulfil any other duties as may be required from time to time by the Board of
Trustees

We are looking for a friendly, patient and kind volunteer befriender to visit a gentleman with a calm soul, in Ickenham. Spending time together might involve sitting in the garden or in his flat, perhaps looking at pictures or magazines of trains, which he is particularly fond of, or going for small walks in the local community joined by one of his carers. He is hard of hearing and doesn’t communicate verbally, so a calm and friendly approach is key. If you’re someone who values quiet connection and meaningful moments, we’d love to hear from you

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year and, in many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is a Check in visit role, meaning that your visits are likely to be short - on average 30 minutes or less. Some of the people we visit may be unable to communicate with words. Sometimes the person might choose not to meet with their visitor. Your visit is however very important, and these are some of the things you could be doing on a visit:

• Checking in on their well-being and speak to support staff to get an update on how the person is doing
• You might be able to bring a treat that the person enjoys, like chocolates or fruit.
• Some people we support enjoy sensory experiences so items that will stimulate their senses can also help you create a sense of connection with the person you visit.

Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions.

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

We are seeking a qualified and compassionate counsellor to volunteer their time to facilitate weekly emotional support groups for people living with sight loss. These groups provide a safe and supportive space for members to share experiences, build resilience, and reduce isolation.

You will lead one or more specialist peer groups, which may include:
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Support Group
• Sight Loss After Stroke Group
• Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Support Group
• Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) Support Group

Each group brings together individuals facing similar challenges, offering mutual understanding and connection. Your skills as a counsellor will help guide conversations, support emotional wellbeing, and foster a caring, inclusive environment.

You will:
• Facilitate a weekly 2 hour emotional support group.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and non judgemental atmosphere.
• Encourage group discussion and peer support while managing boundaries.
• Offer emotional support and signposting where appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality in line with ethical guidelines.

What We Offer:
• Full induction and training related to visual impairment awareness.
• Ongoing support and supervision.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by sight loss.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires 2 references and a criminal record check.

Location

Region

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

Home based

• This role is home based

Additional location information

• This is an online/remote role.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• We are looking for someone who is: • A qualified counsellor (minimum Level 4 diploma or equivalent). • Warm, empathetic, and confident in group facilitation. • Passionate about supporting people affected by sight loss. • Comfortable working with individuals who may be newly diagnosed or adjusting to changes in their vision. • Able to commit to 2 hours per week on a regular basis. Experience working with visually impaired people is beneficial but not essential - training and guidance will be provided.

Join The Kids Network to Support Children in Your Tower Hamlets Community! 

Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or spend your time in a meaningful way? The Kids Network gives you the chance to make a real difference in a child’s life while developing your own skills and building connections. Support a Little Londoner in Tower Hamlets by helping them grow in confidence. Set aside a little time each week to explore the different areas of Tower hamlets, get creative, have fun, and make a lasting impact in your local community!

If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.

Why Choose The Kids Network?

• Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
• Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
• Proven Long Term Impact: With 93% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring even once the year is over. TKN’s mentoring programme supports a long term increase in wellbeing, emotional literacy and sustained agency that children continue to draw on well beyond the programme; equipping them for a positive and happy future. 

Impact on Mentees

• Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
• Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Connection

• Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
• Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
• Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.

 Join Us Today

Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.

For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website