Wellbeing volunteer volunteer roles

We are appealing for a Volunteer to help at our Avonmouth Stroke Support Group weekly. 
Every year 950 people in Bristol and South Glos will experience a stroke: people of all ages…and from all backgrounds. Bristol After Stroke is the local charity that helps those people get their lives back on track – though our groups, activities, mentoring, counselling and much more.

We recently moved our Portway Stroke Support Group to a new location at the Avonmouth Community Centre and are appealing for Volunteers.

Our volunteers do a variety of things each week from helping with the room set up, serving hot drinks and supporting the activities that are planned eg music, poetry or seated exercise sessions like Yoga or Zumba. The most important part of the role of the volunteer though is to talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

Why we need your help:

- Our S Volunteers provide help and support to our Group Leaders and group members at our weekly stroke support groups.

- Our groups provide an opportunity for anyone who has been affected by stroke to meet others affected by stroke and make new friends, take part in stimulating and enjoyable activities which will support rehabilitation.

Role Summary:

• Provide support for group activities, exercises, and games.

• Support the Group Leader with the planning of Group Activities.

• Provide general support to Group Leader and Group Members when needed.

• Make and serve refreshments.

• Give added enthusiasm and encouragement to our members in taking part in any physical activities or exercises that may be offered during the session.

• Talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

• Help at the group for its full duration each week including setting up and clearing away of the room.

Skills and Experience:

• Be patient, understanding and have a responsible attitude.

• Know about or be willing to learn about undertaking risk assessments.

• Be comfortable working as part of a team.

• Know about or be willing to learn about stroke and its impact on people.

• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and show this in practice

• Be emotionally resilient

What we can offer you:

• An induction and support and supervision in the role.

• You will be supported in your role by the Group Leader and other appropriate members of staff as needed.

• Bristol After Stroke Newsletters; keeping you up to date on charity news and other volunteer opportunities.

• You will have the opportunity to meet with other Bristol After Stroke volunteers. 

What we ask of you:

• To obtain 2 references from people who are not related to you.

• To keep to all the charity’s policies, values and guidelines.

• To complete an induction and any necessary training for the role.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility.

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Tameside

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might:

· Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support

· Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes

· Raise concerns

· Keep detailed notes and records

· Make a real difference to someone’s life

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Volunteer Opportunities – L’Arche Liverpool
Location: Liverpool
Role Type: Voluntary (flexible hours)
Commitment: 2–6 hours per day, once or twice a week (flexible options available)

About Us
L’Arche Liverpool is a vibrant community where people with and without learning disabilities live, work, and grow together. We are part of an international federation dedicated to inclusion, compassion, and shared humanity.

We are currently welcoming enthusiastic volunteers interested in making a real difference in people’s lives through hands-on community engagement.

What You’ll Do
As a volunteer, you will support our inclusive activities and day-to-day community life. Opportunities include:

• Assisting in arts and crafts workshops

• Supporting community events and celebrations

• Helping with gardening and environmental projects

• Providing companionship and meaningful engagement to core members (people with learning disabilities)

• Participating in creative, therapeutic, or recreational sessions

What You’ll Gain
Volunteering with L’Arche is not just about giving your time — it’s also about personal and professional growth. We offer:

• Free accredited training in safeguarding, communication, and care skills

• Hands-on experience in social care, community support, and inclusive education

• Valuable CV-building opportunities and professional references

• Leadership and teamwork experience through real-world collaboration

• A chance to be part of a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone belongs

• Flexible scheduling that works around your other commitments

Who We're Looking For
No prior experience is required — just an open mind, a kind heart, and a willingness to engage with others. This role is ideal for students, aspiring social workers, healthcare professionals, creatives, and anyone looking to make a positive impact.

Join us in building a world where everyone belongs — one connection at a time.

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

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

What is the Talking Bubble Project?

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

Why volunteer with us?

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

What’s required?

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

How to get involved:

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

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

1. You have a native level of English and either hold a qualification in teaching English as a foreign language or are working towards one.

Please note: We may consider applications from teachers who hold no English teaching qualifications, nor are working towards one, but who have teaching experience.

1. You will be responsible, organised and have good timekeeping.
2. You will be flexible and creative in your preparation of varied and interesting lessons.
3. You will be an open-minded individual with a patient and approachable manner.
4. You will have the ability to listen, communicate and engage with people of all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, cultures and abilities with a non-judgemental approach. 
5. In order to be successful for this role it is essential that you have a native level of English and have some knowledge of teaching English.

 What would you gain?

1. Increase your own self-confidence and teaching skills.
2. Have the chance to work with a variety of different people and make a real difference to their lives.
3. Volunteer as part of a team in a friendly and dynamic environment.
4. Learn new skills that could be helpful for future employment opportunities or further learning.
5. Gain valuable knowledge and experience of working in the Charity sector.
6. Attend to social and cultural events organised by LADPP.
7. Have the possibility to practice other languages. 
8. Make friends and have fun!

Volunteer Opportunities at Happy Smiles Training CIC

About Us
Happy Smiles Training is a multi-award-winning, disabled people's organisation based in the North West. With over 90% of our team being disabled people, we are passionate about creating inclusive communities through lived experience-led training and advocacy. We work with schools, community groups, businesses and more – challenging stigma, raising awareness and building a more inclusive society.

Role Title: Volunteer (Flexible Role Based on Skills and Interests)
Location: In-person (Wigan Borough and surrounding areas) and/or Remote
Time Commitment: Fully flexible – you choose your availability
Reporting To: Volunteer Coordinator 

Purpose of the Role

We’re looking for passionate individuals to support our mission in a way that works for them. Whether you bring creativity, organisation, tech skills or lived experience of disability, there’s a place for you on our team. This is a chance to be part of a movement led by disabled people, making real social impact across communities.

What You Could Be Doing

Depending on your skills, interests and availability, volunteer roles may include:

• Trainer with Lived Experience of Disability: Join our team of Inclusion Champions to co-deliver engaging training sessions across schools, businesses and community settings. Share your story, help break down barriers and inspire change. Training and ongoing support provided.

• Event Support: Help deliver training sessions and community events, supporting trainers with set-up, accessibility and participant engagement.

• Creative Media & Content Creation: Support with video editing, graphic design, social media content or photography to help spread our message.

• Admin & Organisation: Assist with behind-the-scenes tasks such as scheduling, emails, minute-taking or managing documents.

• Fundraising & Campaigning: Help us raise funds and awareness by organising local events, supporting campaigns or writing funding applications.

• Digital Support: Provide IT or accessibility support for our virtual sessions or help us improve our digital platforms.

• Research & Impact: Assist in gathering feedback, analysing data or helping us report on the social impact of our work.

• Wellbeing & Peer Support: Offer friendly peer-to-peer support, help with community connection or support our team’s wellbeing activities.

What We’re Looking For

There’s no single type of volunteer we’re after – if you’re enthusiastic about inclusion and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! You might have:

• A passion for disability rights, inclusion and social change

• Skills in communication, admin, creativity, tech or training

• Personal or professional experience related to disability – especially lived experience

• A desire to learn, grow and contribute to a values-driven team

All roles are flexible and can be adapted to meet access needs and availability.

What You’ll Get in Return

• A warm welcome into a supportive and empowering team

• Experience working within a leading disabled people's organisation

• Opportunities to develop skills, confidence and connections

• Recognition through regular volunteer spotlights and celebration events

• Reimbursement for pre-agreed expenses

• Full induction and training relevant to your role

• Flexible hours and support tailored to your needs

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and particularly encourage disabled people and people with lived experience of disability to get involved – your voice matters here.

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you

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. We also work in partnership with a range of organisations to run a rich programme of workshops within our youth club. Some of these have included creative visual arts, drama, music and workshops on rights and entitlements of young asylum seekers. We also cook a hot meal from time to time and offer a range of snacks each week. Our casework team are also on-site to support young people with a range of advice and signposting needs, usually by-appointment.

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

About the role:

As a Youth Club volunteer, you would be helping young people to feel welcome, join in with activities and be a great role model.

Youth Club takes place every Wednesday at 6.00-8.30pm. We ask for a commitment of at least 2 sessions per month for a minimum of 6 months.

Tasks and responsibilities:

· To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur 15 minutes after each session.

· 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.

Requirements:

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;

· The ability to volunteer on Wednesday evenings for a minimum of six months;

· 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 (including 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;

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

Main activities/tasks:

- Plan, organize and run sessions for clients.

- Engage with clients in a positive manner and promote healthy habits.

- Report back to the project coordinator on session feedback and outcomes.

Who are we looking for?

- You will have some experience in leading Zumba classes.

- No fluency in Spanish or Portuguese needed.

- You will have a friendly and sympathetic personality and will be enthusiastic to work with a team of passionate volunteers.

- You will have the ability to listen, communicate and engage with people of all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, cultures and abilities with a non-judgemental approach – that is culturally sensitive and aware of individual circumstances and needs.

- You will be sensitive when working with vulnerable people and will have a genuine interest in promoting their well-being and independence.

- Commitment of at least 3 months.

What the volunteer would gain from the volunteering opportunity:

- Volunteer as part of a team in a friendly and dynamic environment.

- Have the chance to work with a variety of different people and make a real difference to their lives.

- Learn and develop skills that could be helpful for future employment opportunities or further learning.

- Gain valuable knowledge and experience of working in the Charity sector.

- Have the possibility to practice other languages.

- A reference after 3 months of volunteering.

- Gain experience working in a multi-cultural/multi-lingual environment, which is highly valued by recruiters.

- Increase your own self-confidence.

- Attend social and cultural events organised by LADPP.

- Make friends and have fun!

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Oldham

Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake. 

As a hospital volunteer, you might:

• hold drop-in sessions
• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
• share information
• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF) is London's leading festival of free outdoor theatre and performing arts. It is supported by a team of 150 volunteers, and is proud to be the first festival in the UK to be awarded Platinum level in Attitude is Everything's Live Events Access Charter.

The festival runs from 22 August - 6 September 2025.

GDIF is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to play an essential role in the festival’s delivery. Whether it's providing a friendly face to visitors, being a team leader, or championing access in the arts, the experience will be yours to make your own.

Volunteer requirements  

Anyone aged 18 or over. 

Friendly and reliable people, with an interest in art. 

Those that can give 15 hours of their time (3 approx. 4 hour shifts plus training), or want to commit to more!

Volunteer responsibilities  

Whether this is your first-time volunteering anywhere or you’re looking to add leadership or festival access support experience to your CV, we have the role for you!

General festival volunteer: The smiling face of the festival! Helping out in a Front of House capacity, ensuring that audience members have a wonderful experience at GDIF. Duties involve collecting audience feedback, helping audiences find their way around and collecting donations to support the festival.

Team Leader: Would you like to help coordinate a team? We are looking for confident people to help coordinate volunteer teams at this year’s festival. Team leaders will be chosen before the festival and given additional training.

Access Champion: Passionate about accessibility? We put provision in each year to make the festival as accessible as possible to our D/deaf and disabled audiences. In this role you would help broaden access to art by supporting the access team across our events. Access champions will be chosen before the festival and given additional training. 

Role Description:

Nova Roots is a new out of hours community space for women 18+ leaving forensic mental health services, open 3 days a week; Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. We offer a safe, warm, non-judgemental social environment for women to build meaningful connections and have access to free activities and resources.

As a volunteer your role will be to support individuals using a peer approach by co-facilitating peer-led workshops, offering emotional and social support. By doing this, it provides an opportunity for service users to develop and manage meaningful and purposeful choices in an independent and empowered way.

We are looking for someone who

• Has lived experience of being in prison / mental health wards / rehab and recovery communities
• Are a non-judgemental and friendly individual
• To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
• To feel comfortable engaging with women with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk
• Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding forensic leavers and their experiences
• Are willing to tap into their lived experiences and use their stories to inspire hope in others when appropriate
• Are comfortable with co-producing and co-facilitating peer led workshops
• To assist the Forensic Project Coordinator in the daily running of the Forensic Women’s hub
• Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities within the Forensic Women’s Hub

Time commitment and expenses:

• Flexible hours (Weds, Sat and Sun) Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s) on your application.
• We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role 
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity, and volunteering in Safe Space is an opportunity to experience and get involved in crisis support. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.

How to Apply:

Please attach your recent CV and expression of interest

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

This role could be for you, if you:

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

Requirements of a Befriender include:

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

Benefits of this role may include:

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

Support and training provided:

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

Location of the role:

• Home-based

When are you needed:

• Provided on enquiry

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

Job Overview:

As a Roma Helpline Volunteer, you will be at the heart of a new and exciting pilot project aimed at offering confidential, culturally competent, and multilingual support to Roma and Romanian-speaking communities across Greater Manchester and the UK.

You will respond to helpline calls during scheduled shifts, log information securely, and provide advice or referrals related to housing, benefits, health, employment, and legal matters. Your presence will make a real difference in ensuring accessible, respectful, and responsive support for one of the UK’s most marginalised communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Helpline Support:
  Respond to calls via a secure VOIP system during scheduled helpline shifts (2nd and 4th Thursday, 5–7 PM).
  Listen actively and empathetically and provide culturally competent support and signposting.
  Log all call data securely using Europia’s GDPR-compliant CRM system.
• Referral and Follow-up:
  Identify the caller's main issue and provide information or refer them to the appropriate service.
  Where necessary, flag safeguarding or urgent cases to the on-call safeguarding officer.
• Language and Accessibility:
  Offer assistance in Romanian or another Roma community language.
  Help promote trust and understanding with callers through culturally sensitive communication.
• Collaboration and Supervision:
  Attend mandatory training sessions on safeguarding, cultural competency, and data protection.
  Participate in case review meetings and supervision sessions (monthly or bi-monthly).
  Work closely with other volunteers, staff, and translators/interpreters when required.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Fluent in English. Proficiency in Romanian or another Roma community language (e.g., Romanes, Slovak, or Czech) is an advantage.
• Compassionate and empathetic with strong active listening skills.
• Comfortable speaking over the phone and dealing with potentially sensitive topics.
• Basic IT skills to manage digital forms and online logging tools.
• Respect for confidentiality and ability to adhere to safeguarding procedures.
• Previous experience supporting the Roma community is an advantage but not required.

Time Commitment:

• Minimum commitment of 2 hours every 2nd and 4th Thursday, between 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
• Volunteers will work on a rotating rota, ensuring equal participation and preventing burnout.
• Flexibility to attend occasional training and supervision sessions outside helpline hours.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to support and empower Roma and Romanian-speaking communities.
• Develop skills in advice, signposting, and crisis response.
• Receive training in safeguarding, data protection, and cultural competency.
• Gain experience using CRM/case management tools and remote VOIP helpline systems.
• Join a supportive, mission-driven team committed to community wellbeing.
• A reference can be provided upon successful completion of the role.