Activity Volunteer For Community Outreach Service Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers. What you’ll be doing: • Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups. • Delivering Talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people • Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service What you’ll gain from the role: • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • A sense of achievement through the difference you make. • A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people • An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. In return for donating your time we will provide: • A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience. • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- • Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people • Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your story, or a willingness to try with our support. • Able to communicate effectively. • Have an outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?
Join us as a volunteer at Marie Curie charity shop in Byker, where your efforts will directly support our mission to provide vital care for terminally ill individuals and their families.
As a Retail Volunteer, you'll be the heart and soul of our store, bringing joy to our customers and helping us create a vibrant shopping experience.
Why volunteer in one of our shops?
- Gain retail experience.
- Meet new people.
- Support your local community.
- Donate your skills and knowledge.
- Be part of a friendly team.
Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each store for two hours or more a week.
On the store floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in.
Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with store housekeeping and administration, sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing items.
Do you have specific retail skills to donate? We're also looking for volunteers with skills and ideas around visual merchandising, identifying stock generation channels and raising awareness of our charity shops. Using your local knowledge, you could help to maximise the shop’s potential.
Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:
- Sort through donations, find hidden gems
- Prepare items for sale
- Maintain the shop floor and provide excellent customer service to our shoppers
- Operate the till
- Help out with basic housekeeping
Young Volunteers
Please note: A signed Parent/Guardian Consent Form is required for all volunteers aged 14-17 years.
Skills & Qualities
· Friendly and cheerful manner
· Able to work well as part of a team
· Able to follow instructions
· Knowledge of popular and quality brands would be useful
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers. What you’ll be doing: • Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups. • Delivering Talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people • Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service What you’ll gain from the role: • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • A sense of achievement through the difference you make. • A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people • An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. In return for donating your time we will provide: • A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience. • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training. • A supportive manager. • Regular updates and catchups. • Expenses. • An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- • Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people • Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your story, or a willingness to try with our support. • Able to communicate effectively. • Have an outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Communications Volunteer will write and coordinate our external communications. This includes CAW’s regular newsletter, stories and general information on our website, and campaign and research pieces. You will work alongside both our Research and Campaigns volunteers and key staff members.
• Work closely with our advice, partnership and community outreach team members to identify stories, case studies, advice and volunteering opportunities to promote
• Have the opportunity to write a regular newsletter for community partners and stakeholders to promote the work of Citizens Advice Westminster
• Produce short copy to promote our services for a variety of sources including our website and social media
• Explore and pilot new ways to promote our services to Westminster residents who currently don’t use our services, including through digital media
• Work with the Social Policy, Fundraising and Digital Media team to create high quality written content for campaigns and promotional materials
• Contribute to fundraising efforts by producing copy for general appeals, individual and group emails and our website
• Proofread and edit copy produced by others when requested
Skills, experience and time commitment
• Enthusiasm and commitment to work alongside a motivated team providing advice and information for residents across Westminster
• Excellent writing, communication and “people” skills
• Experience in writing informative, persuasive or neutral content depending on the purpose of and audience for the communication
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently
• IT skills necessary to support research across numerous existing Citizens Advice databases and platforms
• Knowledge and experience of marketing and communications which is transferrable to Citizens Advice
• Experience with digital media, layout/design, creating presentations and/or fundraising would be advantageous but are not essential for this role.
Ability to commit 1 or 2 days a week to the role on a regular basis; location is flexible but it is helpful to be able to come to CAW at least a couple of times each month and to participate in Advice Forums and other regular activities as these provide useful insights into our work and our clients’ experiences
WHAT WE OFFER YOU
• Our Head of People Development and Volunteering will support you as you join CAW and ensure that you get any training that you might need
• You will join a positive, supportive and friendly team of volunteers and paid staff
• All our volunteers are an integral part of our team. You are invited to attend regular trainings, to join social events and to support group activities
• Your line manager will provide regular individual meetings and support
• You will have access to national Citizens Advice e-learning, networks and resources.
• It is CAW policy that volunteers should get out-of-pocket expenses.
WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW
Equal opportunities Citizens Advice Westminster is committed to equal opportunities, and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. This means actively opposing all forms of discrimination and ensuring that the service is equally available to all people.
Confidentiality Everything that you see and hear in the organisation is private. All staff and volunteers must sign an agreement to observe a strict rule of confidentiality before they begin their role.
How to apply-You will need to complete the online application form. If successful we will invite you for an informal interview where we will discuss your role, interests, and skills.
What happens after I have filled in the application form? Your application will be reviewed by the Head of People Development and Volunteering who will contact you for a conversation about your interest in volunteering at CAW. You may be asked to undertake a basic skills assessment and participate in an interview. The process will be friendly and supportive! If you have any questions about the volunteer roles prior to completing your application please contact
Citizens Advice Westminster works to make a difference to the lives of people in Westminster. We deliver a high quality, agile advice service.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for volunteers who are artists and performers (e.g. poets, dancers, musicians, actors, artists) to visit people in their homes.
Volunteer will deliver a short performance to an older person or provide an opportunity for them to participate in an arts activity.
Many of the clients we support in this service are housebound or do not have the confidence or opportunity to attend events. Some clients are artists and performers who no longer get an opportunity to engage with this aspect of their lives.
Giving people who are living with memory loss an opportunity to be part of creative activities is a stimulating, fun way of putting them in touch with memories, other people and the wider community.
What will you get out of it?
- You will be making a difference to the lives of older people
- A chance to share your talents
- Meeting new people
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoy being creative ?
Could you spare a few hours to help others enjoy art and craft sessions?
Purpose of the role
Our fun activity groups give people with additional needs the chance to make friends, enjoy social time together and try out a variety of activities.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers for our friendly arts and crafts groups in Weoley Castle. You will be encouraging our citizens to take part and ensure everyone has a great time. You can also use your skills to deliver a creative session if you wish.
This is a great opportunity to volunteer in a friendly, person-centred team, providing fun activities for people with learning disabilities.
What would I be doing?
· Helping people to take part in various arts and crafts activities such as card making, model making, painting, and other creative groups
· Encouraging people to feel part of the group and take part in the activities.
· Helping to set up equipment and tidy away at the end of the session.
· Helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
What do I need?
· An interest in helping people, being approachable and friendly
· Any creative skills or interests would be amazing, but not essential.
· Good communication skills
· Accepting of others who might be different to you
· The ability to work as part of a diverse team
· A willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap
· Honesty, integrity and trustworthy
· Good time management skills, reliability
· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.
Where and when do you need me?
· We produce a weekly timetable with activities each day
· Ideally you can attend once per week for 1-3 hours
· Weoley Castle Community Hub, Bottetourt Rd, Birmingham B29 5TE
What’s in it for me?
As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:
· The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers
· Improved health and wellbeing from doing positive activities
· A volunteering preparation session
· An induction and settling in period and any training and development that is needed
· The chance to develop your skills and gain experience
· The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team
· Any out-of-pocket travel expenses
· Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution
To deliver accessible and inclusive community, health, and wellbeing support services for people with lived experience of learning disability.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.
Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.
About the role
We are looking for Volunteer Befrienders to support our Brent Mental Health service in the London Borough of Brent. Volunteers must be based within this area to take part in face-to-face befriending activities.
As a Volunteer Befriender, you will be required to travel across Brent to meet with service users and carry out your role. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 2 hour per week to volunteering.
There will also be opportunities for you to support staff who deliver wellbeing and recovery workshops to service users e.g. managing anxiety or confidence and self-esteem, if this is something you would like to get involved with.
You will be supported by Befriending Volunteer Coordinators who will provide regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.
About the service
Our Brent Mental Health service provides support to people aged 18 and above, who live in the Borough of Brent, and who have a mental illness and are known to the local NHS trust Central and North West London (CNWL).
The aim of the Befriending Service is to;
- Reduce social isolation of service users
- Increase the confidence of service users in accessing community resources independently
- Provide meaningful activities and peer support for service users
- Help service users to live happier, healthier, independent lives
- Provide volunteering opportunities for people with mental health issues
- Reduce stigma and raise mental health awareness
What you will be doing as a Volunteer Befriender:
- Meeting with service users in locations and times which meet their needs (including evenings and weekends)
- Provide befriending support to a maximum of 2 services users at any one time
- Provide emotional support based on your own lived experience
- Support service users to access and build social and community networks and activities
- Act as a community connector to local services
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- You will have lived experience of mental illness, either as a carer or as a person who has experience your own mental health need
- You will have good communication skills
- You will be flexible in order to meet the needs of the service users
- You will live within the London Borough of Brent
If would like to express an interest for this opportunity, please complete an application as soon as possible as the advert may close early if we receive a high level of interest.
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
We welcome applications from everyone, applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ ), people with a disability, or those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. We are proud to have also been awarded Disability Confident employer status. We have an ambition of becoming an anti-racist organisation and we recognise there is more to do in ensuring our recruitment is fair and inclusive, which is why we are recruiting new roles in helping us to achieve this.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
At MHA Communities South London we support older people to live independently in their own homes and communities. We offer a variety of social activities and services for people aged 55 and over.
Some of our MHA community members are socially isolated and feeling lonely. As a Befriender you’ll be matched with a member and visit them regularly in their own home to bring friendship, company, and a chance to chat. You may also offer practical support, such as reading a newspaper or their favourite book or accompany the member shopping or to a recreational activity.
Benefits for you:
- Help improve the quality of life for older people
- Help reduce loneliness and isolation
- Support your community
- Keep socially active
- Be part of a friendly team
Skills and qualities desired:
- Good communication and people skills
- Enthusiasm
- Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
- Reliable and punctual
- Clear sense of personal boundaries and able to maintain confidentiality
- A willingness to engage with training and development
- A good understanding of your personal strengths and limitations
Times and Commitment:
- Days and times are flexible and are based on your availability and the needs of the member.
- Each visit last around 1-2 hours
- We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis for a minimum of 6 months
Training, support and requirements:
- You need to be aged 18 or over
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two character references are required
- We will provide you with a full induction for the role
- Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training and updating of skills and knowledge relevant to the role
- Ongoing support from a named contact
*Please note- we can only accept applications from volunteers who currently live in the UK*
About Us
Aston-Mansfield has held a special place in the community of Newham and East London since 1884. In the past 140 years we have grown, merged, evolved; however, our vision to see more children, young people and families in our community leading happy healthy lives, realising their potential and unlocking their ambition is unwavering.
Using an integrated and community focused approach we make long-lasting change, offering opportunity, community and inspiration to children, young people and families in Newham and East London. We do this through our programmes for children and young people, our community heath and wellbeing work, and our community centres.
About The Role
The Chair the Board of Aston Mansfield provides independent and inclusive leadership to the executive team and Trustees to ensure we continue serving our community as our community evolves. This is an exciting time for our charity, having come to the end of a major strategic project, we are looking for inspiriting leadership to support our refocus on our services. We have a professional, knowledgeable, and committed board of trustees, and are continuously striving to ensure our board of trustees reflects the demographics of Newham and neighbouring communities, and the lived experience of our communities. Our next Chair will continually support the development of our board as well as guide the strategic direction of Aston-Mansfield.
Requirements/Person Specification
- Local knowledge of the communities we support
- Knowledge of how charities operate, including charity governance, securing funding, developing income streams, theory of change
- Leadership experience to facilitate conversation on complex issues, provide support and guidance to the executive team, and develop current and future trustees
How To Apply
Eastside People is supporting Aston-Mansfield in the recruitment for this role. To apply please submit your CV and covering letter. This role is open to current Trustees and external applicants.
Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:
- Why are you interested in a Chair role, and why with Aston-Mansfield?
- How can you contribute to Aston-Mansfield as our Chair?
Please highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the role as set out in the role description and person specification.
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can make the application process work for you.
The closing date for applications is Monday 14th October with online shortlisting interviews taking place that week. Competency-based interviews will take place with Eastside People throughout the live recruitment period and until Wednesday 16th October.
Eastside People are fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and work with our clients to ensure that we recruit inclusively, seeking to address the underrepresentation of some groups of people in leadership teams.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Overview of the role
We are an exciting team that aim to design and develop fantastic programme for all members of our organisation. We have several ongoing pieces of work and upcoming projects that enable volunteers to get stuck right in and have real impact. You will have a part in designing programme, see it develop and then watch it reach local Scouting.
We will provide support when inducting you into the role, engage you in an exciting project and then help you on your next steps as a volunteer at the end of the project. This is a great opportunity for those who have never volunteered at Headquarters to give it a go. We would love to see plenty of new faces!
What would I be doing?
This role will be working as part of the Programme Design Team to facilitate work on one of our short-term projects. You will be joining one of our Project Cohorts. After applying, we will review applicants’ skills and experience, before selecting a group to work on a particular project with set goals.
Our upcoming projects will be aiming to develop our top-quality programme. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in innovative and impactful programme design. Each project is anticipated to last for 3 months. Once your project is complete, we will support you in your next steps as a volunteer. This could include inviting you to apply to join the Programme Design Team on a long-term basis.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Wayfinder is a volunteer-led programme supporting people affected by homelessness by building long-term relationships and connection.
The Wayfinder Programme offers support to people moving away from homelessness, temporary or insecure accommodation. Each individual is supported by their own volunteer, who will work with them on their individual goals, helping them to make positive changes, navigate their local community and establish a stable home.
The Wayfinder Programme is now recruiting volunteers. Do you have the skills knowledge and life experience to support someone to make positive changes and find their place in their local community? Sign up to volunteer today and help us break the cycle of homelessness together.
What will volunteers be doing?
Examples of tasks volunteers will do:
- Help with settling into new accommodation
- Help accessing local services, activities or social opportunities
- Support with filling out forms, or signposting to specialist advice
- Support with setting a budget, setting up utilities or managing household bills
- Support with accessing healthcare, e.g. registering with a GP, Dentist or Optician
What support will I get as a volunteer?
As a Wayfinder volunteer you will have the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence, and meet new people. In return we will support you with:
- Initial and ongoing training
- A local coordinator to support you
- Out of hours support
- Regular volunteer meet ups.
Transforming lives and communities across Greater Manchester
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Vacancy: Chair of Trustees for Anawim
Are you passionate about issues affecting women and want to work to make a real difference to the community? Anawim – Birmingham’s Centre for Women - is looking for an inspiring and dynamic individual to join us as the Chair of Trustees.
About Anawim:
Anawim is a Birmingham charity committed to working with and for women. We offer gender-responsive and trauma-informed support, to enable women to reach their potential. We do this through wraparound services including long-term specialist provisions alongside other practical resources, both in the community and in prison. Our vision is for a world where women and girls are safe, free, valued, and empowered members of society. We are based in a diverse area and seek to represent the women we work with.
Role: Chair of Trustees
As the Chair of Trustees, you will be pivotal in guiding Anawim’s strategic direction and ensuring we achieve our goals. You will lead our Board of Trustees, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and the senior leadership team to provide strong governance, oversight, and support.
Key Responsibilities:
· Lead and inspire the Board of Trustees to fulfil its governance responsibilities.
· Ensure the charity is compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements.
· Support the CEO and senior management in delivering Anawim’s strategic objectives.
· Foster a collaborative and inclusive board culture.
· Act as an ambassador for Anawim, promoting our work and expanding our network of supporters and partners.
· Oversee the financial health and sustainability of the organisation.
What We Are Looking For:
· Proven experience in a leadership role, ideally within the charitable or public sector.
· Strong understanding of governance, finance, and strategic planning.
· Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
· Passion for women’s rights and social justice.
· Ability to commit time to attend board meetings and events and provide guidance as needed.
Why Join Anawim?
· Be part of a transformative organisation that makes a real impact in women's lives.
· Work with a dedicated and passionate team of staff and volunteers.
· Lead an organisation with a strong reputation and a supportive community.
· Develop and share your expertise while contributing to meaningful change.
A world where women are safe, free, valued and equal members of society.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Vacancy - Trustee
Are you passionate about issues affecting women and want to work to make a real difference to the community?
Anawim – Birmingham’s Centre for Women – is looking for an inspiring and dynamic individual to join our board of Trustees.
Anawim is a Birmingham charity committed to working with and for women.
We offer gender responsive and trauma-informed support, to enable women to reach their potential. We do this through wraparound services including long-term specialist provisions alongside other practical resources, both in the community and in prison.
Our vision is for a world where women and girls are safe, free, valued, and empowered members of society.
We are based in a diverse area and seek to represent the women we work with, so we particularly welcome applicants from the Global majority.
Role: Trustees are pivotal in guiding Anawim’s strategic direction and ensuring we achieve our goals. You will provide strong governance, oversight, and support to the senior leaders.
Key Responsibilities:
• Ensure the charity is compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Support the CEO and senior management in delivering Anawim’s strategic objectives.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive board culture.
• Act as an ambassador for Anawim, promoting our work and expanding our network of supporters and partners.
• Oversee the financial health and sustainability of the organisation.
What We Are Looking For:
• Understanding of governance, finance, and strategic planning.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for women’s rights and social justice.
• Ability to commit time to read papers in advance, attend board meetings and events and provide guidance as needed.
Why Join Anawim?
• Be part of a transformative organisation that makes a real impact in women's lives.
• Work with a dedicated and passionate team of staff and volunteers.
• Support an organisation with a strong reputation and a supportive community.
• Develop and share your expertise while contributing to meaningful change.
We would love to hear from you if you are ready to make a difference.
How to Apply:
Please email joy doal@ anawim .co .uk If you would like to visit and have an informal chat, or send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to recruitment @ anawim .co . uk.
Join us at Anawim and help us continue to provide hope, support, and opportunities for women, and to advocate for them, in Birmingham and beyond.
Anawim is committed to promoting equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, particularly those from underrepresented groups. We believe in the power of diverse perspectives and lived experience and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. For more information about Anawim, please visit our website.
The board meets quarterly, sometimes hybrid but preferably in person.
The position is voluntary, out of pocket expenses can be covered.
A world where women are safe, free, valued and equal members of society.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Lifeworks Staffordshire needs you! Help us to help you make a difference to a charity that depends on passionate people to thrive and grow. It will be rewarding for you, and life changing for somebody on the autistic spectrum.
Lifeworks supports marginalised people 14+ and their carers' in North Staffordshire with Autistic conditions including ADHD, Dyspraxia and Tourette's Syndrome. Established in 2006 Lifeworks currently supports 800+ Autistic clients and 329 carers’. The majority have mental ill health, extreme anxiety and depression, struggle with social interaction/interpretation and are isolated in the community.
Location
The role is available in North Staffs (Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffs Moorlands). Reporting to our office in Newcastle-Under-Lyme
Befriender Role
We are looking for compassionate, friendly volunteers 18+ with good communication and organisational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records, reporting to our office in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. The role will involve helping to build social interaction and the confidence of the client, establishing and maintaining a friendly, sympathetic and professional relationship. Volunteers will be matched to clients with similar interests, introduced to ensure they are happy to work together and accompanied by a mentor on the first few visits. This could involve meeting the client at a café, going shopping or going to the gym as examples. Encouraging engagement with our and other organisation activities helping the service user to socialise, to gain confidence and improve their standard of life. We welcome people to make an appointment to discuss volunteering with us.
Commitment
The time required for the role varies from 1 to 4 hours a week dependent on how much time you can give. We are looking for a reasonable commitment (6 months+).
Suitability
Must be 18+. We are especially looking for mature volunteers (possibly ex NHS staff) as many of our clients interact well with such people. Those interested in tackling social isolation/exclusion. The role may be of interest to those interested in psychology or looking to go into counselling, social work or care roles.
Training and Expenses
Training & supervision is provided, travel and reasonable volunteer role related expenses are paid. You will be fully supported by the CEO and staff from our Newcastle-Under-Lyme office.
Requirements
References will/may be required and a DBS check will be carried out at the charities expense so we are looking for a reasonable commitment (6 months+).
Contact us for an application form or ring to make an appointment to discuss volunteering with us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Area Lead (Multiple- locations)
This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer as part of a team to support the vital work of the UK Field Operations at Care4Calais, responding to the various needs of the hundreds of refugees we support through the difficult process of claiming asylum in the UK. We are currently seeking Leads in the following areas, Essex, Buckingham, Bedfordshire, Scotland, Reading, Central London, West London, North London, Gatwick, North East England, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Manchester.
As an Area Lead, you will act as a point of contact between non lead volunteers and the Care4Calais UK Operations team. Working mainly via Facebook/Whatsapp groups, Google Drive, and Zoom, your primary function is to motivate, inspire and support volunteers to take actions. These actions include distributions of essential aid to asylum seekers, joining in and organising social activities, and befriending and supporting asylum seekers to access key services. You will be available to answer questions and provide support to volunteers, and to drive the group forward to achieve maximum impact and effectiveness. You will be provided with full training including Induction, Safeguarding, Distribution, Boundaries, and develop skills in volunteer management, fundraising, advocacy, and a deeper understanding of the UK Immigration process. These skills have led to many volunteers obtaining paid roles in the sector.
In addition, you will represent Care4Calais in your region and support the team to identify and develop local partnerships. You will acquire an in-depth understanding of Care4Calais policies and procedures and ensure they are adhered to for all local operations. You will also be responsible for keeping the UK operations team informed of activities in your area, as well as feeding back to your group any UK-wide information and updates, promoting strong communication, best practice sharing and rapid action.
Responsibilities
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Attend induction, ongoing training and keep up to date with resources and procedure to ensure you can carry out the role effectively and efficiently.
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Able to work independently and manage your time effectively
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Supporting asylum seekers with a range of tasks including onwards referrals, signposting, emotional support
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Attend regular team meetings and contribute effectively
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Following safeguarding procedures and reporting safeguarding incidents appropriately
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Maintaining communication with the management team throughout your role, available for regular check-ins to ensure the best service is provided to our clients.
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Liaising with other professionals including local services and Migrant Help
Person Specification
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Organised and accurate with information, with an eye for detail.
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Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate with people who do not have English as their first language, working alongside interpreters to ensure clients understand the process
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An understanding of the traumatic experiences that our clients have been through and the emotional resilience to cope with this
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Ability to be a self starter and motivate others, solution focussed and able to work off ones initiative.
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Dedicated to justice and the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, and a commitment to Care4Calais’s values
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Professional and dedicated to ensure that the best interests of the clients and Care4Calais are represented at all time
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Ability to use spreadsheets, Google Workspace, messaging platforms and secure databases.
Desirable Criteria:
Care4Calais is dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment and recognises that this is invaluable to our ability to serve the communities we support.
We therefore welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds including from Black, Asian and Minority-Ethnic communities, people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, and people with lived experience of the UK immigration system.
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Proficiency in one or more of the languages spoken within asylum seeking communities, such as but not limited to: Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Kurdish Sorani, Tigrinya, Amharic.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.