Community services volunteers volunteer roles in ascot, berkshire

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 Volunteer for the West Central London Group. As our local group Activities Volunteer you’ll help us to set up activities in the area. Whether you’re serving refreshments, talking to people, registering attendees or collecting payments, you’ll be making sure everyone feel welcome.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills. Most importantly you’ll be supporting your local group to run activities that bring friendship and fun to your local MS Community.

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 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 area the group to carry out this role.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need up to two 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.

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 a Fundraising Volunteer for the South West Bucks Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills. Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

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 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.

Are you an experienced HR professional looking to make a meaningful impact? We are seeking a dedicated and efficient Human Resources Manager to support our charity in developing and managing our HR strategy, policies and processes.

About Us

Emerge Worldwide's work involves raising awareness surrounding some of the key issues that lead to sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, and its destructive consequences. The work focuses on prevention of the issues, victim identification and support through advocacy, public support and empowerment of communities.

We make an impactful difference in the lives of children, young people, women and professionals as well as organisations and businesses through education and support. There has been a 10% increase in sexual exploitation and sex trafficking against children, and 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry are female. 

How you can help

It is a great opening to gain valuable experience in the human trafficking sector through Emerge Worldwide. As HR Manager, you will crucially ensure ethical, professional and effective management of volunteers and staff is maintained.

The positive impact of the HR Manager role ensures that the organisation can better serve its mission to combat sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for an individual with the passion and drive for Human Resources, who will play a key role in shaping our HR policies, supporting our team, and ensuring a positive and effective work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and retention of volunteers and staff
• Develop HR policies and procedures aligned with best practices
• Manage performance management and Development
• Provide guidance on employment law and HR compliance
• Foster a positive and productive organisational culture
• Deliver on training and development initiatives

Who We’re Looking For

• Proven HR experience (manager level desirable)
• Knowledge of HR policies, employment law, and best practices
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Passion for charitable work and making a difference in people’s lives for a great cause

Time Commitment

Up to 5 hours per week

What you will gain:

• Make a real difference in people’s lives and gain valuable experience in a charitable organisation
• Be part of bringing positive change to women & girls lives, and our communities
• Work with a passionate and supportive team
• Utilise your HR experience and skills in an organisation advocating for a great cause

We are a welcoming team, dedicated to creating a positive and engaging volunteer experience where you’ll feel valued, inspired, and empowered to bring your ideas to life.

If you're interested in using your HR skills for a great mission, we'd love to hear from you!

Before you apply

The recruitment process includes an interview, and we will request references and a DBS on successful appointment.

Created by a team of passionate dog lovers from the animal welfare group IAPWA, the I Love Hiking and Dogs UK Facebook community is a space to explore new walking routes, connect with like-minded dog owners, and take part in dog-friendly hiking meet-ups across the UK. While our group is designed for dog lovers, you don’t need to own a dog to get involved, everyone is welcome to join our community, share experiences, and take part in our group walks. Our meet-ups also offer an opportunity to support animal welfare causes, helping to improve the lives of dogs around the world.

About the Role
We are looking for enthusiastic, friendly volunteers to help coordinate and host local Wag & Walks in their area. These walks are casual, community-led dog walks where members of our Facebook group can meet up, enjoy nature, and connect with fellow dog lovers.

As a Wag & Walk Coordinator, you will:

• Organise and promote dog-friendly walks in your local area.
• Create Facebook events within the group, including key details about the walk (date, location, distance, difficulty).
• Encourage local participation by sharing the event in the group and inviting members.
• Welcome attendees on the day of the walk and ensure a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
• Share photos and highlights from the walks to inspire others to join in.

This is a flexible volunteer role - you can organise walks as often or as little as you like, depending on your availability.

We’d love to hear from you if you are:

• A dog lover who enjoys walking and meeting new people.
• Organised and able to coordinate group walks in your area.
• Enthusiastic about bringing your local dog-friendly community together.
• Comfortable promoting events in the Facebook group and engaging with members.

Important Considerations

• Wag & Walk are peer-led walks, not official guided hikes. You will simply be organising a community walk rather than leading an event in any formal capacity.
• Each attendee is responsible for themselves and their dog. Your role is to coordinate, not supervise.
• You must clearly communicate walk details, including difficulty level and accessibility, so that attendees can make informed decisions.

Why Get Involved:

• A great way to meet fellow dog lovers and explore new walking routes.
• Contribute to building a supportive, dog-friendly community.
• Enjoy the outdoors while helping others connect through shared experiences.
• Have the opportunity to support animal welfare initiatives through our group activities.

How to Apply
Please click the 'Apply' button for details of how to apply for this volunteer role.

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 Fundraising Volunteer for the West Central London Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

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 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.

Main purpose of job: To host our Thursday evening online community support group as part of Mast Cell Actions community support services.

Key tasks include:

· Host virtual events including a variety of different sessions and community support spaces with professionalism and enthusiasm.

· Introduce speakers, moderate Q&A sessions, and facilitate audience interaction to keep participants engaged.

· Manage technical aspects of virtual events, to ensure smooth execution.

· Take the register and send post event emails using our bespoke event platform

· Raise safeguarding concerns using internal processes and procedures

· Maintain confidentiality and follow charity policies and procedures

· Undertake relevant training

Key Objectives Include:

· The main purpose of this role is to facilitate and host our Thursday evening Community Support Session from 7-8:30pm

· Host virtual events in a manner that captivates and engages the audience, keeping them interested and actively participating throughout the event.

· Reassure and validate participants' experiences whilst encouraging story-sharing.

· Manage the technical aspects of virtual events proficiently.

· Represent Mast Cell Action professionally at all times, demonstrating strong communication skills, reliability, and adaptability in a virtual environment.

Experience/skills required:

· Proven experience as a virtual event host, moderator, or similar role is desirable but not essential as we can train you.

· Must have personal experience of MCAS either themselves or of supporting someone with MCAS

· Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse audiences and adapt your hosting style to different event formats and audiences.

· Patience, empathy and compassion. Openness to support people from all backgrounds.

· Proficiency in virtual event platforms particularly Zoom, with the ability to troubleshoot technical issues quickly and effectively.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a remote team, demonstrating reliability, flexibility, and professionalism at all times.

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.

Are you a chatty person who can spare a couple of hours a week?

Our Befriending Volunteers help brighten the day of Unpaid Carers across Cardiff through making weekly phone calls, meeting for a cuppa and a chat, and occasionally helping with daily tasks to help Unpaid Carers carry out the vital role they play in people’s lives.

“It’s amazing how much can change in half an hour - from feeling overwhelmed to being able to unwind” – Carer with Caring Friends

Benefits of volunteering with us:

- Access to Cardiff Council's training;

- Travel expenses paid;

- Awarded Tempo Time Credits which can be spent on tickets to tourist attractions, events, leisure facilities and much more;

- Support of a Volunteer Mentor;

- A reference after 10 hours of volunteering

Ydych chi'n berson siaradus sy'n gallu sbario cwpl o oriau'r wythnos?

Mae ein Gwirfoddolwyr Cyfeillio yn helpu i fywiogi diwrnod Gofalwyr Di-dâl ledled Caerdydd trwy wneud galwadau ffôn wythnosol, cyfarfod am baned a sgwrs, ac o bryd i'w gilydd helpu gyda thasgau dyddiol i helpu Gofalwyr Di-dâl i gyflawni'r rôl hanfodol y maent yn ei chwarae ym mywydau pobl.

“Mae'n anhygoel faint all newid mewn hanner awr - o deimlo wedi'ch llethu i allu ymlacio” – Gofalwr gyda Ffrindiau Gofalgar

Manteision gwirfoddoli gyda ni:

- Mynediad i hyfforddiant Cyngor Caerdydd;

- Costau teithio a dalwyd;

- Credydau Amser Tempo Dyfarnedig y gellir eu gwario ar docynnau i atyniadau twristaidd, digwyddiadau, cyfleusterau hamdden a llawer mwy;

- Cefnogaeth Mentor Gwirfoddol;

- Geirda ar ôl 10 awr o wirfoddoli

Do you enjoy multi-tasking and coordinating events? Is attention to detail one of your strengths? If so, we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need an Armed Forces background, just good organisation, and IT skills.

What is an Administration Coordinator?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas, each delivering support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Every branch has a team of volunteers who make this possible.

The Administrator Coordinator is a key member of the team, ensuring the smooth running of the branch and supporting day to day operations. This role is at the heart of the branch, overseeing the group inbox, organising meetings, and liaising with volunteers and external stakeholders.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

We aim to provide financial, practical, and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need excellent administrators to keep things running efficiently behind the scenes.

What would you be doing?

• Every SSAFA Branch has different needs, however, below are the main activities of a Branch Administration Coordinator.
• Overseeing enquiries: Overseeing the administration of the branch shared inbox and post, ensuring queries are answered.
• Getting people together: Organising internal meetings, both virtually and face to face
• Planning and organising: Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to arrange events such as the Branch Annual General Meeting
• Note taking and recording: Maintaining accurate records of meetings and decisions.
• Communicating: Supporting the Branch Chair with internal communications, keeping other volunteers up to date and informed
• Tracking and ordering: Keeping a record of branch assets, ordering stationery, and ensuring maintenance of equipment
• Supporting health and safety: Supporting the Branch Chair with administration of personal, office and event risk assessments where required

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give back to the Armed Forces community.
• Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across your local area.
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would I receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction and support, from other branch volunteers
• Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Support from regional volunteering and operations employees
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
• Some experience of coordinating people or events is beneficial.
• Good IT skills e.g., confident using email and online diaries– you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
• This role would suit someone who would like to volunteer regularly, each week.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA takes the utmost care at every step of volunteer recruitment to ensure that the people we involve are suitable and appropriate. All measures taken are to help make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

Are references required? Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Are you a Clinical Supervisor interested in supporting counsellors and therapists?

Burning Nights CRPS Support has a highly skilled counselling and therapy team who provide counselling and psychotherapy to adults and children who have been affected by a debilitating pain condition, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This team is expanding rapidly and we are now looking for 2 volunteer Clinical Supervisors to join this team ensuring we can continue the provision of our vital emotional support services to this community. We would ideally like to take on 2 Clinical Supervisor supporting a small group of therapists who specialise in a range of modalities.

All our Counselling and therapy team help to develop our growing mental health support service for patients, families and carers affected by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). As a volunteer with the CRPS Counselling & Therapy Service, your skills and experience as a Clinical Supervisor will be providing support to therapists who offer therapy to vulnerable individuals, many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health support.

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, you will provide group and 1-2-1 Supervision support for counsellors or psychotherapists who provide counselling support or specialist services, such as general talking (person centred) therapies, integrative therapists, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for CRPS patients, their loved ones and carers. The service currently offers specialist support to anyone over the age of 5 who is affected by CRPS.

Key Tasks and Objectives

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

• Administer this supervision from invitation through to record keeping

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

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

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

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

• Abide by all Burning Nights CRPS Support policies and procedures

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

Key Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

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

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

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

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

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

• Willingness to engage in any Burning Nights CRPS Support training

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

• Good administrative skills

• Understanding of the voluntary sector

• Commitment to on-going engagement in personal supervision

• Knowledgeable of and committed to equalities’ provision

Desirable:

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

• Being able to supervise therapists who work in therapy such as CBT, ACT, EMDR etc

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

• Experience of working within the voluntary charity sector

Are you interested in facilitating a peer support group for people who are struggling with their mental health? We are looking for passionate volunteers to facilitate a weekly online or face-to-face group, to discuss topics relating to mental health. We are hoping to find someone who has either ‘lived experience’ of mental health issues and is now at a positive place with their own recovery or someone who has good knowledge of mental health and looking to support others.

We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.

We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.

What you will be doing

• Facilitating weekly peer support groups, covering topics related to mental health.
• To encourage participation and to provide focus and guidance for discussions within the group
• To negotiate/facilitate conflicts or disagreements that may arise during group meetings

The skills you need

• Strong listening and communication skills
• Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where the participants' thoughts and feelings are valued, and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect
• Lived experience of mental health or desire to learn

What's in it for you

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

Are you looking for a volunteering role that supports the impact of the whole third sector? Infrastructure charity DataKind UK is looking for new members to join our Board of Trustees, including a Chair and Treasurer.

DataKind UK is a small charity with a vision for a strong, thriving third sector that embraces data use to become more impactful. We connect third sector organisations with data professionals to improve their decision making, problem solving, and working practices, by applying data science approaches to sector-wide challenges.

We’re looking for enthusiastic and supportive individuals to fuel our mission and direction by providing oversight of our operations, supporting with major decision-making, and advocating for our work and cause.

Being a trustee is a great way to give your time to a cause you care about, broaden your network, and develop your strategy and governance skills and knowledge. We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities, as we would like to increase the representation of these groups in our community.

How to apply

To apply, please read our candidate pack for more detail and send a 1-2 page cover letter outlining what you would bring to the role based on the skills outlined in the candidate pack, especially highlighting if you are interested in the Chair or Treasurer role, along with your CV, by Monday 2 June.

Initial screening calls will take place during the week commencing Monday 9 June.

Interviews will take place on the 17, 18, and 19 June 2025, with the aim of new members being recruited and onboarded for the following board meeting in August.

Do you speak Bengali and are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing.

You will support individuals who struggle to communicate with others and help them to reconnect with their local community. You will support to relight a spark in a hobby, interest or encourage individuals to explore and participate in new social activities.

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To engage in conversation in Bengali
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals

The skills you need

• Able to communicate confidently in Bengali
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Willingness to engage in activities in the community
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries
• To be consistent in attendance

What's in it for you

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

Why we need you?
The Halifax Charity Gala is organised by a committee of local volunteers in their spare time. The work required to plan and execute the gala is quite large & growing, with Committee members working all year round to support the 40 or so local good causes we represent. This all requires keeping the public (our customers) updated with relevant information, as well as openly engaging with our member organisations & suppliers.

What will you be doing?
Helping to organise Calderdale’s longest-running annual not-for-profit family event! On a more practical level, you’ll be sharing confirmed information (such as the arena acts, the Procession floats, where tickets are on sale) proactively on our social media channels, as well as republishing the posts into relevant groups. You may also post “call outs” for local performance groups, specialist vehicle owners, independent traders, etc to apply to be part of our next event. Furthermore, you’ll respond to any comments/replies/messages received, forwarding the query to the appropriate team internally if required.

As the Social Media Officer, over Gala weekend you will be asked to share photographs captured by our volunteer photographers, repost content shared by members of the public, and schedule “coming next” posts for our timetable of events.

What skills do you need?
You will need to be able to communicate well in written English. You’ll need access to a suitable device which can access Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & X, and you’ll need your own accounts on those (so we can grant you permission to act as our channels).

How much time do you need to commit?
Scheduling proactive posts can be done at any time to suit you; over winter months, this may only amount to an hour per month, but as the event gets closer, could take 2-3 hours per week. Responding to comments/etc varies, though in winter is likely less than an hour per month, but in May & June can be 2-3 hours per week; this can be done flexibly to suit you, if notifications are responded to within a reasonable time.

Regular meetings over the year. These are held on weekday evenings usually once a month; we have an additional one in May as well as two charity meetings a year. You should aim to be able to attend every meeting, however there is provision in our constitution to attend our meetings virtually (via a web browser or mobile app).

As much time as possible over the weekend of the second Saturday in June, although this is not a requirement as we do have some Committee members that cannot help with setup or take down.

What support will you be given?
You can always speak to anyone else on the committee or the one of the other officers. We work as a supportive team and help each other when workloads are high, or life gets in the way. 

What are the benefits?
Satisfaction of knowing you are making a valuable contribution to a successful, high-profile event supporting local good causes and providing the people of Halifax a great family day out.
Enjoyment of meeting new people within your community and being a part of our team.
Knowledge that you will have made a positive impact and improved the experience of the public and our member organisations.
The opportunity to develop various skills.
Brunch & evening meal on setup day and lunch on Gala Day.

How to sign up?
Join as a Committee member and speak to one of the elected officers (Chairperson, Treasurer, Charity Liaison Officer, Committee Administration Officer or Honorary Secretary) to say that you are willing to be appointed as the Social Media Officer