Wellbeing Programme Volunteer Volunteer Roles

• Greet patients as they arrive and help them to get settled – make them feel welcome by engaging in conversation
• Help to welcome and integrate new patients by ‘showing them the ropes’
• Refreshment provision to patients throughout the day as required – hot and cold drinks
• Keep the kitchen area clean and tidy throughout the day, including use of the dishwasher (training provided)
• Encourage patient involvement in Therapeutic Activity Groups, social, and recreational activities, and assist the person in participating in these
• Work with patients in a 1 to 1 setting as directed by the Therapy Team
• Conversations with patients and carers
• Share information with ellenor staff relating to patients wellbeing

• Be available for a pre-shift briefing from the Therapy staff – discuss any special needs of patients and the day’s proposed programme
• Act as a ‘buddy’ for new volunteers, familiarising them with the daily routine and local procedures

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 

About CARAS:  

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.  

About Youth Club:  

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games.

Youth club takes place at Tooting Hub- Beechcroft Road, Tooting, SW17 7BU. 

About Sports Programme: 

We work in partnership with Fulham Kicks to run a football session every Monday. We provide 1:1 sports advice to help build confidence and remove barriers by supporting young people to plan their journeys and accompanying them to join their first sessions. We find new sessions for young people at youth clubs, gyms and other sports providers. We arrange frequent trips to offer new sports to our young people including: boxing, yoga, trampolining and hopefully to go-karting.

We will also deliver a research project to sports providers, local authorities, support networks and other young people.  The project will detail: (1) the accessibility barriers to sports faced by young people, (2) methods of best practice on including young refugees and asylum seekers, (3) funding and support options available from local authorities, and (4) what participatory 1:1 support looks like for young people. 

About the role:  

As a sports program volunteer, you would be helping young people to travel safely around London, to feel welcome in the city, to join in with sports activities where possible and to inspire young people to take part in sports. You will need to go on group trips to external sports providers and to attend our youth club occasionally. We welcome volunteers with any level of sporting ability, the only thing necessary is to be willing to give some sports a go when it is possible. Please note, some sessions you attend will be only for under 18’s, and so you will not always be allowed to take part, and then your role will only be to accompany. We are very happy to be flexible regarding which sessions you attend according to your interests.

We ask for a commitment of at least 1-2 sports sessions or youth club evenings every month. Our youth club runs every Wednesday from 6.00-8.00pm, the external sports trips will usually be weekday evenings. We are able to be flexible according to your schedule.

Tasks and responsibilities:  

• To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur after each session/trip. 
• Providing feedback of your experience to contribute to the research project.
• To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people. 
• To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential. 
• To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements. 
• To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner. 
• To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant. 
• To occasionally research local sports providers to find sessions for our young people.

Requirements: 

Essential: 

To be 18 years or older;  

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds; 
• To be reliable and punctual; 
• Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English; 
• To be passionate about sports and helping young people to access sports.
• Current resident of the UK; 
• Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; 
• Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role 

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm – 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon – 2pm once every 3 months.  

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.  

Desirable:  

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will:  

• Meet new members of your local community; 
• Learn about different cultures; 
• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum and their ability to access sports in London; 
• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 
• Develop your skills and competencies; 
• Be able to access relevant training; 

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic well-being of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study groups, youth clubs, sports trips and football.

Volunteering With CARAS – Our Community of Welcome

CARAS has a proud history of volunteers helping us deliver our charitable aims. Volunteers are an essential part of the CARAS community, bringing skills, insights, experience, different languages, and enthusiasm to the roles.

Community members tell us that welcome by volunteers is so important in an often hostile world. It helps them feel safe and wanted. Community is at the heart of all we do, and we could not deliver the projects we do without the enormous contribution volunteers bring. Thank you for taking the time to consider volunteering with us.

About Sports Programme:

We work in partnership with Fulham Kicks to run a football session every Monday evening. We provide 1:1 sports advice to help build confidence and remove barriers by supporting young people to plan their journeys and accompanying them to join their first sessions. We find new activities and memberships for young people at youth clubs, gyms and other sports providers. We arrange frequent trips to offer sports to our young people including boxing, yoga, trampolining and hopefully go-karting.

To advance and continue this work we have an exciting new element to the project. The research project will detail: (1) the accessibility barriers faced by young people, (2) methods of best practice for including young refugees and asylum seekers, (3) funding and support options available from local authorities, and (4) what participatory 1:1 support looks like for young people.

About the role: 

As a Sports research volunteer, you will work with four young people hired as peer researchers to co-design and deliver a research project to sports providers, local authorities, support networks and other young people. The aim here is to help to remove barriers that young refugees and asylum seekers face in accessing the sports they enjoy. You can do this remotely, researching sports providers and finding sessions for our young people to attend. You will also take part in in-person workshops looking at young refugees and asylum seekers’ experiences in accessing sports in London. You will work with the young people to design questionnaires and deliver the results to local authorities and sports providers. You may need to help young people to travel safely around London and to feel welcome in the city. We would love you to join in with activities where possible and if you would like to.

We ask for a commitment of at least 2-3 hours per month in your own time, and to attend workshops over the Summer for the research project.

Tasks and responsibilities: 

· To attend research workshops and assist staff in facilitating them.

· To support young people in their co-design of the project

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.

· To participate in research in an independent, open-minded and fair way.

· To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.

· To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.

· To challenge young people’s negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.

· To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality Policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements: 

To be 18 years or older;

· To have access to your own IT device and to be comfortable using Google Search and Microsoft Office.

· To be able to work both from home and at CARAS

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· Current resident of the UK;

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of the role:

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6 pm – 8 pm. we offer the same training on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12 noon – 2 pm once every 3 months.

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite for being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.

Desirable: 

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

· Some experience in designing/ using questionnaires and surveys to inform services or activities

· To be confident in advocating for young people and explaining their life experiences to local authorities and sports providers.

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY AND IS NOT OPEN TO STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

What is the purpose of this role?

The Sybil Levin Day Service is a specialist SPECAL-Led day service supporting people with dementia and their carers using the SPECAL method.

What activities might you be involved in?

• Assisting centre attendees to engage in activities.
• Serving meals and drinks.
• Helping to set up and clear away activities.
• Engaging in conversation with centre attendees.
• Volunteering in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures and adhering to the Volunteer Code of Conduct

What are we looking for?

• People with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of people with dementia.
• A friendly, sensitive and kind approach.
• Being comfortable in small groups or on a one to one basis.
• People with a commitment to using the SPECAL method at all times whilst at the centre.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The centre is open from Monday to Friday and would like volunteers to commit to a morning or afternoon at least once a week as a minimum.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role.  This will include a thorough Charity induction and a departmental induction to provide further information about the role.  You will also be given access to our online training library to complete the training modules that are mandatory for your role.

You will receive SPECAL training prior to commencing your role.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

• The chance to make a difference to the lives of people with dementia.
• Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one.
• A comprehensive training programme.
• The opportunity to learn new skills.
• Experience to add to your CV.
• The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
• Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Our Enfield team is looking for reliable and enthusiastic volunteers to help support children in our refuges.

About the role

Solace’s refuges provide safe accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Volunteer CYP Playworkers will lead and assist a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, games, etc. to engage and support the children’s emotional wellbeing and enhance their confidence and resilience. Activity sessions will be carried out in the refuges, supported by the Sessional Play worker.

Who are we looking for?

The ideal volunteer will:

• Have direct experience of working with children and young people is desirable.
• Be reliable and committed to promoting the enjoyment and wellbeing of children and young people.
• Be understanding of domestic violence issues and a discretion in handling confidential and/or sensitive information.
• Be approachable and empathetic
• Be non-judgemental.
• Have the ability to maintain confidentiality.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

As part of this role you will have the opportunity to:

• Gain experience and understanding of working with children using a trauma-informed approach.
• Contribute and support a busy and diverse team.
• Gain hands on experience in a dynamic charity working in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Sector.
• Work as part of a feminist organisation.

We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand, and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the level 3 Understanding Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

Solace Women’s Aid values diversity promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applicants from black minority and ethnic communities.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment, we require all successful candidates will be required to complete a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) disclosure.

The Youth Engagement team offers a range of opportunities to young people who have accessed akt’s housing service. We offer group trips, workshops, as well as working towards a Youth Conference, a Youth Panel and other exciting long-term projects. This role will support the Black, Brown and People of Colour (BBPoC) co-ordinator. This would be assisting with the BBPoC LGBTQ+ youth group in London and the national online group. However, there will also be opportunities to get involved with additional activities, events and opportunities for young people which volunteers can assist with e.g. Pride events, theatre trips etc. These are more ad-hoc and will depend on availability– they are not an expectation of the role.

suggested activities:

• Helping to organise and plan sessions which cover a broad range of activities such as creative activities, workshops, projects, well-being sessions and hangouts
• Assist the Youth Engagement Team to engage young LGBTQ+ BBPoC in a programme of meaningful activities designed to promote well-being and support young people to meet their personal goals e.g. welcoming young people when they arrive, assisting them to engage in the activities and helping with clearing up
• Support the meaningful engagement of young BBPoC in the co-creation of akt’s services and projects
• Developing and creating resources to provide advice, support and reassurance to LGBTQ+ young BBPoC on issues and topics that matter to them most
• Co-facilitate BBPoC groups and peer support sessions with the opportunity to lead in running some activities

Best Foot Forward provides a series of free, accessible, guided health walks around open spaces in Nottingham. Walks are designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle through exercise and social interaction. The walks offer the opportunity to improve health, make new friends, have fun and get to know your local environment. This volunteer role offers you the chance to make a difference to an older person's life, and ensure your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one.

Tasks you may be involved with include the following:

• Giving a brief talk before the walk to make sure everyone is prepared, and welcoming new walkers
• Leading and managing walks, usually jointly with other walk leaders (including ‘back marking or middle marking’ as well as leading at the front.
• Making sure walks are welcoming, friendly, enjoyable and safe
• Trouble shooting and dealing with problems on walks, with the support of your scheme coordinator
• Providing information about other Age UK Notts services and other walks offered by the scheme, and basic information about how to keep active
• Making sure paperwork such as registration forms and registers are completed

Skills and interests required are:

• Friendly, welcoming and empowering with good communication skills
• Knowlegdeable about the basics of the benefits of walking and physical activity
• Reliable, punctual and well-organised
• Ability to volunteer independently but with guidance and support
• Confident at speaking in front of small groups and able to take control and be assertive when needed
• Able to provide basic paperwork punctually and accuate

We are looking for volunteers who have availability to support our walks across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire which are held every day except for a Thursday 

We are looking for volunteers who can support a minimum of one walk per week, every week (time and days tbc)

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

What is the role

Do you live or work in Hackney?

Are you looking to impact a young person’s life and make a difference in the community?

Join us today at The Kids Network and become a mentor!

What is the role

• The Kids Network is looking for committed, fun and passionate volunteers who live in or near to Hackney to make a difference to the children of London.
• Our structured mentoring programme supports 8-11 year olds with their social and emotional development before they transition into secondary school.
• As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-to-one sessions of 1-3 hours. You will help to build confidence, resilience and support your mentee to manage feelings through a series of fun and positive experiences and activities.
• The weekly sessions can be during the weekday after school or at the weekends.
• You will also get to meet fellow adults in your community through our peer network.
• All volunteers will benefit from our two-day training where you'll gain skills and knowledge to support you as a mentor. (Many mentors share that the skills developed support their progression in the workplace, especially those seeking to gain experience working with children and young people)

What impact will this have?

• Help build resilience and confidence in a child in your local community.
• Learn from fellow mentors with our amazing peer network.
• Help a child as they transition from primary to secondary school.

Expenses

• Our mentoring pairs will have a budget of £30 per month. We are also able to cover travel expenses.

Training​

• Our induction training will provide you with all the skills and knowledge to support your mentee, including safeguarding, health and safety, child-led mentoring and understanding your role.
• We offer additional training throughout the year to in anti-oppression, trauma-informed practice and lots more to help enhance your mentoring journey and your personal and professional development.

A DBS check is required but is organised and paid for by The Kids Network.

We are looking for individuals with professional or lived experience of working with children. Our volunteer playworkers are passionate about play and providing a welcoming and safe space for all children.

About the Role

As a volunteer play worker, you will work in partnership with the Sessional Play Worker in the planning and delivery of play sessions. Most children will be between the ages of 2-5 years.

Playworker volunteers will lead and assist a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, games, etc. to engage and support the children’s emotional wellbeing and enhance their confidence and resilience. Activity sessions will be carried out in the refuges, supported by the Sessional Play worker.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking volunteers who have:

• Shared vision, mission and values of Solace Women’s Aid
• Professional and/or lived experience of working with children
• Understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people
• Ability to communicate effectively with children aged 0-5, parents and staff
• Basic knowledge of child development
• Organisation and time management skills

Although not essential, we would welcome applications from volunteers who have a formal qualification in working with children, young people and families, or who have knowledge of trauma-informed approaches to working with children and young people.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

Volunteers will gain:

• Experience of facilitating play sessions for children in recovery from domestic abuse
• An insight into the experiences of children in recovery from domestic abuse.
• Experience in working in partnership with Sessional Play Workers in the planning, delivery and evaluation of play sessions in a refuge/community setting.
• Opportunity to attend training and social events with other Solace Women’s Aid volunteers.
• Being part of a supportive team who aim to build on the strengths and skills of all our members.

We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand, and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the level 3 Understanding Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

We are looking for cat-loving volunteers to play a vital role in helping us improve the wellbeing of the cats in our care whilst they wait to be rehomed. Can you help them by providing a calm and caring home whilst we find their purrfect forever home

The Cheshire Altrincham Branch covers a large area of Cheshire and we work closely with the Inspectors to provide direct animal welfare services in our area.

The main activity of our branch is to rehome cats, dogs and other animals. We rely on fosterers to look after and care for our animals until we can find them their forever homes.

As a cat fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing our cats with the safety of your home whilst tending to their welfare needs such as feeding and grooming. In addition to this, by providing a temporary loving environment, you will play a crucial role in a cat’s wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.

 Once everything is in place, the animal centre will guide you through the fostering process and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care for your fostered cat. The RSPCA is also happy to reimburse any other pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Whilst our cats are in your foster care, you will:

• Provide them with care, suitable housing, and a safe environment as per our policies and guidelines.
• Feed, water, and groom them in line with our advice.
• Transport them to any veterinary appointments if required.
• Provide them with your time and patience.
• Help us spread the word about the cats in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
• Playing and cuddles are also a must! 
•  

 What we are looking for in a volunteer Cat Fosterer:

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for cats.

• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.

• For their wellbeing, our cats need to be kept in a separate room, so the whole family should be on board.

• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they can’t be, so please let us know if this is the case).

• Volunteers need to be based in the following areas:  Altrincham, Sale, Knutsford, Northwich, Hale, Timperley

What we can offer you as a volunteer Cat Fosterer:

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the cats in your care.

• Join our lovely team of friendly cat fosterers and receive support from the branch manager as well as other fosterers in the team.

• Meet new people and make new friends.

• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.

• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

It is worth mentioning that our cats do have different needs as whilst some are ready for rehoming others may require rehabilitation or ongoing medication. Therefore, we also aim to understand your situation and circumstances to ensure that we match you with your perfect foster cat.

If this sounds like the purrfect role for you please apply now 

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

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! 

Do you have a passion for using your beautician skills and expertise to support those who have experienced crisis? People in our services would benefit from social engagement, relaxation, and joy from learning about simple treatments they could use for themselves such as hand, foot massaging, manicures, pedicures, hair styling, cutting, overall hygiene tips and routines. 

We have an exciting opportunity for a volunteer to coordinate workshops on beauty/pampering to enhance good hygiene practice, promote confidence within oneself and positive wellbeing. 

What you will be doing: 

• Encourage group discussions and pampering sessions around wellbeing, self-esteem and looking after themselves 

• Inspire and motivate the group to be involved in future planning/designing of the session

• Share basic beauty tips and routines with group members

• Offer relaxation techniques that can be used to de-stress and promote positive mental wellbeing

• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need: 

• A skilled and qualified beautician 

• Calm and patient approach 

• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation 

What's in it for you:

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun 

AgrotheraPA aims to address several challenges, including food insecurity, limited access to holistic wellness resources, and urban stressors prevalent in the City Council 9th District of Philadelphia. By integrating urban agriculture with mental health workshops and community engagement, we strive to foster food sovereignty, promote emotional well-being, and strengthen community resilience in underserved urban neighborhoods.

AgrotheraPA addresses these challenges by establishing community-driven urban agriculture initiatives that provide fresh, organic food, promote mental well-being through engagement with nature, and foster a sense of belonging and connection among residents. By offering workshops, training programs, and access to green spaces, we empower community members to take control of their food security, enhance their emotional wellness, and build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods in the City Council 9th District of Philadelphia.

CONTENT CREATION

• Help us craft visually stunning content for our social media platforms and support with website design. Together, let's elevate our online presence and drive traffic to our accounts. If you're ready to make a creative impact and empower our mission, we'd love to have you on board!
• Volunteer 2-3 hours per week for 6 months.