Community manager volunteer roles in brighton marina village, sussex

The purpose of the Institute of Osteopathy Appointments Committee is to ensure high standards of competence and performance on the main governing body, the Council of the Institute of Osteopathy (iO), with a focus on recruitment.

We are seeking a new professional member to join our committee to aid this important work.

You should have broad experience and a practical attitude with a proven track record, and ideally have experience in the following areas:

· Human Resources

· Executive development and performance management

· Knowledge of employment law

· Board/committee experience

The Committee meets quarterly online/in person to advise on such matters as promotional strategy, review candidate profiles against council member role specification, appraise the performance of the non-executive members of council and ensure that governance-related processes around appointments and term renewals are fit for purpose and working effectively.

Please see the attached role specification for full details of the responsibilities.

If you are interested in this opportunity to shape the development of UK Osteopathy, please submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing how you meet the role specification by close of business on Monday 26 May. Interviews will take place in mid-June.

About the iO

The iO, as the lead body in the profession, has a clear and mandated mission to improve patient care by supporting and developing the education and practice of osteopathy, and universal access to osteopathic care. 

Our mission is to support, unite, develop and promote the profession for the improvement of public health and patient care. We are committed to realising our vision to see osteopathy become a growing and thriving profession, recognised and accessible to all.

Communications Board Member

YAF’s Communications Team underpin all of the organisation's outputs by managing our communication channels and brand identity. They are instrumental in providing a voice for our Board, our members and our industry peers. 

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work as part of a creative and proactive team, with the autonomy to devise innovative content plans and company-wide messaging. It’s a great opportunity to develop a combined fundraising, marketing and digital skill-set, offering tangible and versatile professional experience. 

What you’ll gain:

• Fantastic opportunity to develop new skills and experience outside of your work and boost your CV

• Chance to work with a friendly team and like-minded people that are passionate about transforming the landscape of voluntary professional development in arts fundraising

• Develop your network with leaders in arts fundraising and in the cultural sector

• Attend all YAF’s events and networking opportunities

�� Voluntario/a de Desarrollo de Alianzas Benéficas - Unify Giving España (Please apply in English) 

¿Quieres ser parte de una revolución en donaciones benéficas y tener un impacto real en la vida de personas sin hogar?

Unify Giving está transformando la manera en que las personas ayudan a individuos sin hogar a través de nuestra innovadora plataforma de donaciones digitales. Ya establecidos en el sur de España, buscamos expandir nuestra presencia por todo el país.

Rol: Desarrollo de Alianzas con Organizaciones Benéficas y Gestión de Subvenciones

Responsabilidades principales:

• Establecer relaciones con organizaciones benéficas en España
• Identificar y solicitar subvenciones relevantes
• Representar a Unify Giving en reuniones y eventos
• Contribuir a nuestra estrategia de expansión en España

Perfil ideal:

• Bilingüe español-inglés
• Experiencia o interés en el sector social
• Habilidades comerciales y de desarrollo de relaciones
• Pasión por abordar el problema de las personas sin hogar
• Capacidad de trabajar de forma independiente
• Mínimo 5-10 horas semanales

Ofrecemos:

• Oportunidad de unirse a una startup social innovadora
• Posibilidad de crecimiento hacia un rol permanente
• Experiencia en tecnología social y fintech
• Formar parte de un equipo internacional apasionado
• Flexibilidad horaria y trabajo remoto
• Impacto directo en la vida de personas vulnerables

Esta es una oportunidad única para alguien que quiera ser pionero/a en la transformación digital del sector benéfico en España.

Ubicación: Remoto (España) Tipo: Voluntario (con potencial de convertirse en posición permanente)

Envía tu CV y una breve carta de motivación a [email] explicando por qué te gustaría unirte a nuestra misión.

#UnifyGiving #ImpactoSocial #Voluntariado #TechForGood #EspañaSocial

Join the leading national charity dedicated to supporting premature and sick babies, their families and NHS staff. We are recruiting for up to four new Trustees to join Bliss’ passionate and dedicated Board.

Who are we looking for?

We are recruiting up to four new Trustees to join our passionate and dedicated Board, and are keen to increase the range of voices on the Board to bring in different experiences and skills, which is essential if we are to make the best decisions for Bliss and for the babies we serve. 

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before, nor do you need to have direct neonatal experience, as long as you are passionate about improving neonatal care across the UK.

In this round of Trustee recruitment we are particularly interested in bringing the skills and experience of younger individuals (under 30), those from minority ethnic communities, and those with lived experience of or insight into socio-economic disadvantage.

We are also keen to hear from people who bring one (or more!) of the following:

• Experience of AI and data, with the ability to apply this to an organisation of Bliss’ size and scale
• Experience of marketing or branding, and the knowledge of how this applies in the context of the charitable sector
• A neonatal healthcare professional – we are particularly interested in recruiting an allied health professional / psychology professional
• A professionally qualified accountant.

How to apply

For more details about the role and how to apply, including the support that Bliss provides to Trustees, please see the Bliss website and the attached recruitment pack.

Recruitment timeline

• The deadline for applications is 9am on Tuesday 13th May 2025
• Interviews will be held online in June
• Successful candidates will take part in induction meetings over the summer, before joining the Board away day in September and being formally appointed at the October 2025 Board meeting.

Are you a proactive fundraiser and looking to support a small charity? We're looking for 2 energetic and enthusiastic fundraiser volunteers to increase the fundraising opportunities for the charity as well as developing corporate partnerships, legacy giving, individual giving and major donors. This role may also include:

• Develop new and imaginative fundraising activities, many of which involve organising events
• Project manage fundraising events, from inception all the way through to evaluation
• Recruit and promote supporters and volunteers for challenge and national events.
• Assisting with researching and approaching corporate entities for event sponsorships, partnerships, Charity of the Year partnerships, and donations from corporate foundations
• Writing emails and speaking with potential partners about the work of Burning Nights CRPS Support with the aim of securing funds for the organisation
• Helping to maintain the fundraising database, ensuring accuracy and consistency of all records;
• Development in fundraising opportunities
• Keeping in contact with current & past donors and assisting in finding new donors
• Communicating with past fundraisers and encourage them to consider fundraising in the future
• Assist in marketing our events
• Development / Improvement of fundraising support (e.g fundraising packs and materials)
• Create fundraising & donation posts for social media & email marketing

Key & Desirable Skills:

• Fully computer literate and fully able with the main Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint as well as the internet and email
• Knowledge of using CRM systems or ability to learn

• Outgoing, friendly and proactive character
• Good initiative and ability to work with little direct supervision but will ask when help is needed
• Be comfortable volunteering within a small team or by yourself
• Good communication skills - Ability to communicate effectively at a number of different levels
• Ability to communicate effectively by telephone, written correspondence and in person
• Experience of writing funding proposals and working in fundraising would be an advantage
• Strong organisational skills
• Knowledge of corporate fundraising techniques including Charity of the Year, sponsorship, donations, marketing would be an advantage
• An ability to present and engage potential partners/sponsors in a compelling way
• Maintaining strict confidentiality

Practical Considerations:

• Age over 18 only
• Expenses will be given in line with the charity’s expenses policy
• It is an indoor role at one site – your home, but occasionally meetings are held in other offices and in the office of the charity or online
• This role is suitable for people wanting to learn new skills as well as improve previously learnt skills

Not sure if you have the right skills? Then contact us or apply as you may have some great translatable skills that would be applicable for this role!

About the Charity: Burning Nights CRPS Support is a UK wide charity that works to improve life for those living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), their families, loved ones, carers and friends. As a charity we raise awareness about the condition amongst the public, health and legal professionals by providing CRPS awareness sessions so that patients can be diagnosed quicker to enable treatment to start more rapidly.

Application Process:

Apply on Charity Job with CV and covering letter telling us why you would be a good fit for our charity

PCR at a glance 

In just a few short years we have achieved remarkable growth, expanding our income threefold from £1.5 million to £4.9 million in 2023-24 and have sustained this income in 2024-25. This growth reflects not only the urgency and importance of our mission but also the unwavering commitment of our team, trustees, and supporters who share our determination to fight prostate cancer and support the people it affects.

Guided by our vision to transform lives affected by prostate cancer, we remain committed to driving meaningful impact across our four core areas of focus:

Academic Research 

In 2024 we launched two new grant calls to tackle critical areas of unmet need: racial disparities in prostate cancer outcomes and advancements in treating bone metastases. These initiatives have continued our tradition of supporting cutting-edge research that transforms patient care and improves survival rates.

Translational Research  

Building on our success in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application, we have expanded our translational research portfolio to seven active projects. By fostering collaborations with biotech companies and research institutions, we will accelerate the development of groundbreaking diagnostics and treatments, ensuring they reach patients faster.

Influencing

Our influencing work has taken centre stage this year with the completion of our cost-benefit analysis, which has already generated significant interest. We have already launched this impactful analysis at an event at the House of Commons, at which we advocated for policy changes that prioritise early detection and equitable access to prostate cancer care. This initiative will help secure national commitment to advancing screening and diagnostic pathways.

We are now driving this campaign forward through lobbying and publicity as we aim to maximise on comms opportunities to raise the profile and awareness around the need for early detection.

Patient Projects

Empowering patients remains at the heart of everything we do. Following the success of our Infopool initiative, we will develop a follow-on project to enhance support for those living with prostate cancer. This new resource will build on the strengths of Infopool by providing even more tailored, accessible information to patients and their families with a focus on those most in need of better information. We have created truly groundbreaking projects that reach diverse communities, tackle deep-rooted challenges, and unlock the potential of scientists, advocates, and the communities we serve.

Prostate Cancer Research (“PCR”) is looking for up to three new Trustees to join our Board. We are specifically looking for people with the following experience:

 A Senior Comms professional. This trustee would potentially open doors with media outlets and help PCR to navigate and maximise the increased opportunities we have recently experienced. Examples include a long-standing campaign focused on screening for men that has been extensively featured in the Daily Mail. We now have further opportunities with potential TV ads and an awareness on the back of a prominent story in a popular soap.

A Senior Finance professional.  This trustee will have financial management experience (highly likely but not required to be a qualified accountant). They will bring financial expertise and experience to PCR’s activities and will be required to be part of our Finance Audit and Risk Committee.

A Translational Research/Data Analyst professional. This trustee will have translational research and/or Data Analyst expertise and will be capable of guiding strategic decisions and ensuring the organisation's research efforts are impactful and effective. This person would ideally have experience of spinning out a company or be well versed in the pharmaceutical industry.

A Senior HR professional. This trustee will have a track record of managing high performing teams in a growth environment. The Trustee will be a member of our People and Culture sub-committee, seeking to ensure staff are motivated by our vision & mission, enabling high retention and strong performance, alongside oversight of nominations, remuneration and policies. 

We would ideally find candidates that have some experience across two of the areas of experience.

We are committed to diversity, equality and inclusion as an organisation and seek to represent the patients and families we serve. To support this we would particularly welcome applications from women and members of the black community. 

The Opportunity  

Prostate Cancer Research’s Board comprises Trustees with experience across the medical sector, the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, charity governance, finance, fundraising and communications. We also ensure that the experience of prostate cancer patients is directly represented on our Board.

Our Board provides governance and oversight to ensure we are fulfilling our objectives. Its responsibilities are to:

• Contribute to the strategic direction of PCR, setting overall strategy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance.

• Engage effectively as a Board to stimulate carefully considered and highquality strategic decision-making.

• Work in partnership with the CEO and Senior Management, helping them achieve the aims of PCR. 

• Act as an ambassador of PCR, to promote the charity and the importance of research into new treatments and diagnostics for prostate cancer patients.

• Provide governance oversight to ensure compliance with charity law and good practice.

• Safeguard the charity’s assets, including responsibility for its financial sustainability. 

In addition to the above, each Trustee uses specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the Trustee has expertise.

The Trustee Role and Responsibilities 

 Terms of the appointment:

• The Board meets four times per year.

• Meetings are held in person at PCR’s offices in London, with the option for Trustees to join meetings remotely depending on their location or availability. Candidates are expected to be UK-based. 

• In addition, Trustees often choose to provide advice and support to PCR’s Senior Management on specific projects and initiatives that are relevant to a Trustee’s areas of expertise. Involvement of this nature is discretionary and flexible, being respectful of Trustees other professional and personal commitments. 

• Trustees can also join a Board committee, which also meet four times per year ahead of the full board meeting. We have highlighted in the specs above which roles will be required to join a specific committee.

• This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed.

• The appointment is for an initial three-year term, with Trustees expected to serve for at least two terms. A third term is possible at the discretion of the Board.

The purpose of the Institute of Osteopathy Appointments Committee is to ensure high standards of competence and performance on the main governing body, the Council of the Institute of Osteopathy (iO), with a focus on recruitment.

We are seeking two new non-executives to join our committee to aid this important work.

You should have broad experience and a practical attitude with a proven track record, and ideally have experience in the following areas:

· Human Resources

· Executive development and performance management

· Knowledge of employment law

· Board/committee experience

Osteopathic or medical experience is not a prerequisite for this role, but interest in health and patient care is welcome.  

The Committee meets quarterly online/in person to advise on such matters as promotional strategy, review candidate profiles against council member role specification, appraise the performance of the non-executive members of council and ensure that governance-related processes around appointments and term renewals are fit for purpose and working effectively.

Please see the attached role specification for full details of the responsibilities.

If you are interested in this opportunity to shape the development of UK Osteopathy, please submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing how you meet the role specification by close of business on Monday 26 May. Interviews will take place in mid-June.

About the iO

The iO, as the lead body in the profession, has a clear and mandated mission to improve patient care by supporting and developing the education and practice of osteopathy, and universal access to osteopathic care. 

Our mission is to support, unite, develop and promote the profession for the improvement of public health and patient care. We are committed to realising our vision to see osteopathy become a growing and thriving profession, recognised and accessible to all.

About Roots Academy

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 1,800 students across the UK.

Role Summary

As a Data Protection Officer (DPO), you will be responsible for ensuring that Roots Academy complies with data protection laws and best practices. You will oversee data security policies, advise on compliance matters, and support teams in handling personal data responsibly. Your role is key in ensuring the organisation meets legal requirements and protects sensitive information.

Key tasks

• Compliance & Advisory
  • Ensure compliance with data protection regulations, including GDPR and other relevant laws.
  • Advise the Governance Lead and wider team on data protection policies and best practices.
  • Serve as the main point of contact for data protection queries and external regulators if required.
• Policy & Process Development
  • Develop and maintain data protection policies, privacy notices, and consent forms.
  • Ensure policies align with legal requirements and organisational needs.
  • Regularly review and update policies in response to regulatory changes.
• Training & Awareness
  • Provide training sessions for staff and volunteers on data protection principles and responsibilities.
  • Raise awareness about data security risks and how to mitigate them.
  • Develop guidance materials for teams handling personal data.
• Data Security & Risk Management
  • Support the organisation in identifying and mitigating data protection risks.
  • Conduct regular audits to assess data handling processes and compliance.
  • Assist teams in responding to data breaches, ensuring proper reporting and corrective actions.
• Record-Keeping & Documentation
  • Maintain records of data processing activities and ensure they are up to date.
  • Assist with data subject requests (e.g., access, rectification, and deletion requests).
  • Work with relevant teams to ensure secure data storage and handling.
• Third-Party Management
  • Assess and monitor the data protection practices of suppliers, contractors, and external partners.
  • Review contracts with third-party vendors to ensure appropriate data processing clauses and agreements are in place.
  • Work with legal and procurement teams to ensure compliance with GDPR and organisational policies when engaging external providers.

What we’re looking for

• Knowledge of data protection laws, particularly GDPR.
• Experience in data compliance, governance, or legal advisory roles.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex regulations in an accessible manner.
• Experience with risk management and security best practices (desirable but not essential).

What we have to offer

• Be part of a dedicated team of 90+ volunteers across the UK.
• Contribute to a growing organisation that educates and empowers the Muslim community.
• Access to in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.
• Receive continuous rewards for facilitating Islamic education through Roots Academy.

Please note: This is an unpaid volunteer position. Volunteers can claim expenses for food, travel, and equipment in line with the Expenses Policy.

InterVol is a student volunteering charity in the United Kingdom that connects students with volunteering opportunities locally and overseas. InterVol supports students to develop their skills with community projects in the UK and then use those skills to support the work of charitable partners overseas on health, education, refugee support, and conservation placements. Our project placements and volunteering opportunities are designed by our local partners and with the long-term needs of beneficiaries and communities in mind. InterVol supports a network of five student societies at English universities with around one hundred volunteers annually.

InterVol is looking for new trustees to join our board. Trustees are responsible for ensuring that InterVol follows our guiding principles and acts within the law. This includes the timely submissions to the Charity Commission, ensuring that volunteering is safe and appropriate, and developing and maintaining a long-term strategy for InterVol. InterVol is a small charity with no staff, so trustees also play an important role in maintaining institutional memory for student committees which change annually. 

We are recruiting for general trustee roles and for a treasurer. For the treasurer role, we are looking for applicants with a specialism in financial management to oversee our bank account, monitor our online donation platform, make grants, donations and payments, and report on our finances annually to the Charity Commission. Trustees in non-finance roles will be allocated roles most relevant to their own experience e.g. specific university group support, specific placements, or thematic areas such as training or research.

As a trustee you are expected to take on roles including:

• Attend termly meetings (three annually, online) and annual meetings, where possible.

• Provide advice to the trustee board and our committees. This is either by email, or through the Trustees WhatsApp group.

• Work on specific projects with other trustees and advisors, e.g. managing interns, setting up new placement partnerships, and conducting/reviewing risk assessments.

• Identify potential partnerships in both the United Kingdom and overseas to forward the goals of the charity and strengthen our existing university projects.

• Attend training and network events to represent InterVol, make new connections and bring new ideas into the charity.

• Commit to 2-3 years of supporting the charity before handing over or renewing your term.

• Be based in the United Kingdom to allow travel to meetings.

Person Specification:

• Significant experience of volunteering in either the UK or overseas

• Passionate about ethical volunteering practises

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills

• Flexible and able to provide support on an ad hoc basis

• Understanding of international development issues (desirable)

• Accounting and finance experience (treasurer role)

TikTok and Instagram Reels Content Creator (Volunteer, Unpaid)

Empathos Foundation is looking for a creative and enthusiastic TikTok and Instagram Reels Content Creator to help us craft impactful short-form videos that amplify our mission and campaigns. This is a volunteer, unpaid role designed for individuals passionate about storytelling, social media trends, and creating meaningful content. This remote position requires a commitment of approximately 4 hours per week, with access to Canva Pro for your video editing needs.

What You’ll Do:

• Edit and create a series of TikTok and Instagram Reels using post-event footage, photos, and media that we’ll upload to Google Drive.
• Transform raw content into engaging short-form videos that highlight events, promote campaigns, and resonate with our audience.
• Stay on top of TikTok and Instagram Reels trends, incorporating music, transitions, and styles to increase engagement.
• Collaborate with the team to align your work with our branding and objectives.
• Produce visually compelling and shareable videos to promote events, initiatives, and impact stories.

The Impact of Your Work:

Your contributions as a volunteer will help us:

• Amplify our mission: Use engaging videos to highlight our work in academia and welfare, inspiring wider support and participation.
• Promote events effectively: Showcase event highlights and key moments to attract and engage audiences.
• Expand our reach: Build a stronger social media presence, reaching new audiences and increasing our visibility.
• Foster community engagement: Use storytelling to connect with supporters and encourage their involvement.

Skills, Experience, and Qualities:

• Video Editing Skills: Proficiency with Canva Pro, CapCut, Adobe Premiere, or similar tools to create professional-quality videos.
• Social Media Trend Knowledge: Awareness of TikTok and Instagram Reels trends, including popular music, challenges, and editing techniques.
• Creative and Organised: Ability to create engaging narratives from raw footage and maintain consistent quality and branding.
• Passion for Storytelling: Strong enthusiasm for using video to inspire change and communicate our impact.
• Time Management: Commitment to approximately 4 hours per week, with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Collaborative Mindset: Comfortable working remotely with a team and open to feedback.

While this is an unpaid role, it’s a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, grow your portfolio, and make a real difference by contributing to meaningful causes.

Join Empathos Foundation as a TikTok and Instagram Reels Content Creator. Help us turn post-event media into inspiring stories that engage and empower communities!

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Support Volunteer for the Uckfield, Heathfield and Lewes Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need.

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit an Activities Organiser for the Brighton and Worthing Group. As our local group Activities Organiser you’ll play a crucial role in developing and planning activities and events with your local group. You’ll be responsible for creating and coordinating an annual calendar of events and making sure they’re run safely and effectively to make the most impact. You’ll take a lead role at events on the day and inspire your fellow volunteers to get involved.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication, administration and negotiation skills. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers.

You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2.Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Considerations:

Age requirement: 21+

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

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

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

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

Activities include:

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

We are looking for volunteers who:

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

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

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

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

•Are polite and friendly;

•Can adapt to different situations and challenges;

•Enjoy making a difference in the lives of others

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

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

Training you will receive:

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

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

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

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

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

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

•Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year;

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

•Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role.

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

About Us

My Black Dog is a charity that offers anonymous, peer to peer mental health support through our web-chat service. We are committed to making a positive impact on mental health in the UK as we tackle an epidemic that millions of people face.

We were founded on the motto "talk to someone who gets it". We want to connect people who share lived experiences to provide an empathetic, non-judgmental space where everybody understands how it feels to experience mental health struggles.

Position Overview

Our web-chat service is run by our Volunteer Pack, each of whom have their own lived experience of mental health challenges. In addition, each shift has a 'Leader' and a 'Mentor'. These are Volunteers who carry out specific roles during the shift and, together, ensure its success:

• Leaders - Managers of the shift. There to ensure the shift runs as it should. They support and guide Volunteers through chats and follow safeguarding processes when an alert is raised. They are also the first point of contact for the shift’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Mentors - There to support and guide Volunteers through chats. Will take over from the Leader if there are safeguarding issues that need the Leader's attention and/or if the Leader needs a break.

As My Black Dog looks to expand our opening hours, we are looking to recruit additional Leaders and Mentors who can run shifts and cover additional shifts as necessary.

Leaders and Mentors will be assigned a shift based on your availability and preference. The expectation is that Leaders and Mentors will form a ‘pair’ and, together, will do one shift at the same time each week. This is to provide stability, predictability and to encourage community-building between Volunteers. Shifts are usually 3 hours long. We may ask you to cover another shift when we are short, but you will never do more than 6 hours per week.

Training will be provided and you will be supported on shift by a Designated Safeguarding Lead, who will manage all safeguarding issues.

The work you will do as Leaders and Mentors will ensure we provide the best possible service to our Guests. You will also be helping our Volunteer Pack to do what we do best: helping those in need by speaking to someone who 'gets it'.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for people who have experienced their own journey with mental health and are in a strong position to support others. We ask that our Leaders and Mentors:

• Are strongly committed to helping others
• Have experienced mental health issues in order to relate to those seeking help
• Are collaborative and enjoy working with others
• Are encouraging and supportive
• Are organised and can monitor several things at once
• Can remain calm and focused during busy times and when safeguarding alerts are raised
• Are 18 years and over 
• Can commit the time to a regular weekly shift

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who are available during the following hours:

• Monday to Sunday, 5pm-7pm
• Friday and Saturday, 7pm-10pm

Role Responsibilities

1. Supervise and support Volunteers whilst on shift with general enquiries, positive feedback and signposting.
2. Assist with general volunteering enquiries whilst on shift. Provide time for guidance, instruction and de-briefing for Volunteers if required.
3. Follow Leaders & Mentors processes including unexpected absence reporting, Volunteer check-in and check-out, and completing Shift Handovers.
4. Monitor web-chat conversations and ensure all chats are tagged.
5. Maintain ability to listen, remain calm and provide intervention if necessary.
6. Be able to have difficult and often complex conversations about mental health, including Guests experiencing crisis and first-stage intervention support.
7. If a Leader, work alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) when safeguarding risks are identified and, if a Mentor, take over responsibility for shifts when Leader and DSL have to address a safeguarding crisis.
8. Exercise discretion in handling confidential situations and information, conveying sensitive information in a timely manner to necessary individuals.
9. Provide written follow up of shifts via handover, ensuring all necessary information is handed over at the end of the shift.
10. Adhere to all standards, policies and procedures of My Black Dog.

Please note: An Enhanced DBS Certificate is required for this role. If you do not have one, My Black Dog will arrange the DBS Check for you.