Health Medical Volunteer Roles

The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life and regain their independence and confidence.

Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing. People’s language can be affected to different degrees so not everyone’s aphasia looks the same.  Imagine for a moment not being able to verbally order a coffee or ask for a bus ticket. This may be what life could look like for someone with aphasia. Aphasia is a lifelong condition and means that the person living with aphasia, their friends and family will need to adjust to a new way of communicating to overcome barriers. This may mean having to write or draw things instead of speaking. Due to the damage in the brain, people with aphasia may find it difficult to process conversions as quickly as before. Aphasia frequently results in loss of employment and a reduced social network, leading to isolation for the person living with aphasia.

Say Aphasia are always looking to welcome new volunteers to help out at the drop-in groups. 

Volunteering for the charity is very rewarding. The training and support ensures that the volunteers learn and enjoy their time with the charity. By giving your time to people with aphasia, you will be improving their quality of life. Many of the members attending the groups live alone, or have minimal social interactions. Having a regular drop-in group to meet others with similar experiences of living with aphasia, vastly improves their mental health and well being. As a volunteer, you can help the members to communicate with each other, help to organise activities, or help out with teas and coffees. Say Aphasia offers a warm welcome to volunteers. To be part of the team, fill in the application form.

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICANTS MUST BE BASED IN THE UK AND LIVE LOCALLY.

Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together to explore sport and physical activity in a group setting. Group members will benefit from each other’s company, knowledge, and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, an increase in participation of sports and physical activity and new networks of support and friendship. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or community based face-to-face groups.

What you’ll be doing
1. Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually.
2. Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
3. Planning and delivering a programme of sports themed activities.
4. Assisting with the groups sport or physical activities (if appropriate).

What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires 1 reference and a criminal record check.

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

• This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• You’ll ideally have 1. Interest in group or community work. 2. An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people 3. Lived experience in playing, spectating, or delivering sport or physical activity sessions as a blind or partially sighted person. 4. Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sports and physical activity.

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. 

About the Project:

This exciting new project is a collaboration between Art Explora, a non-profit arts organisation, and Bright Futures UK, a charity that supports young people with long-term illness. The project aims to bring fun, lively and creative art workshops to young people in hospitals across London to children aged between 5- 8 years old.

Role Description:

Do you love art? Are you passionate about breaking down barriers to accessing arts & culture for families? Join Art Explora and Bright Futures as a Mini Art volunteer to deliver fun creative activities to children and families in a hospital setting, for children living with long-term illnesses.

As a Hospital Workshop Leader, you will play a vital role in this project by:

• Delivering one hour of creative activities to children and their families in a hospital setting. If you are a confident communicator and passionate about arts and culture, we would love to hear from you. Volunteers will have a library of simple creative activities to use at the sessions.
• You will use your creativity and passion for the arts to ensure the sessions are adaptive and accessible to cater to the interests and abilities of young people with long-term illness.
• Providing a positive and supportive learning environment: You will create a welcoming and inclusive space where young people feel comfortable expressing themselves and trying new things.
• Offering encouragement and guidance: You will support young people in exploring their artistic talents and developing new skills.
• Collaborating with Bright Futures UK Staff and healthcare staff: You will work closely with staff to ensure that the workshops are delivered in a safe and sensitive manner.

Why you will love it:

• The opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people
• Valuable experience in workshop facilitation and adaption in simple creative arts activities to provide valuable arts education.
• The chance to develop your creativity and communication skills
• Training and support from Art Explora and Bright Futures UK
• The satisfaction of being part of a meaningful project

What we are looking for:

• A passion for the arts and creativity
• Enthusiasm for working with young people
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to be flexible and adaptable
• A reliable and trustworthy nature
• A friendly and approachable manner

Time Commitment:

We ask for a minimum commitment of 3 workshops, which can be run over a period or as an ongoing

Locations:

Workshops will be held in hospitals across London, including University College London Hospital, 

Additional Notes:

• DBS check is required.
• Project begins in January 2024.
• Sessions run bi-weekly on Wednesday morning.
• Volunteer induction is held in person at Art Explora’s office in Somerset House.

Join our board as a treasurer: help us navigate a path to a sustainable future

Are you a finance professional with a passion for making a difference?

CMV Action are seeking a proactive and committed treasurer to join our board of trustees, bringing financial expertise and strategic guidance to help our charity navigate a challenging period.

About CMV Action

CMV Action is the only charity in the UK providing support and information to families affected by congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV). Congenital CMV is the most common viral infection that can affect babies before birth, with potential long-term health impacts such as hearing loss, developmental delays and vision loss. It can also cause miscarriage and stillbirth.

As many as 1 in 200 newborn babies are born with congenital CMV.  The majority of these will not have any symptoms.  However, around 1 in 1,000 born in the UK every year will have permanent disabilities as a result of congenital CMV – around 900 children every year.  As congenital CMV is a relatively unknown condition, it is a common misconception that it is rare.  It is in fact more common than Down’s syndrome, Toxoplasmosis, Spina Bifida or Cystic Fibrosis.

Despite the prevalence and potential severity of congenital CMV, awareness and knowledge are alarmingly low among healthcare professionals, parents and the general public. One of our key roles, therefore, is to develop and deliver resources and training for healthcare professionals, run public awareness campaigns, and collaborate with researchers and policy makers to improve outcomes for those affected by congenital CMV.

The Role

As treasurer, you will play a key role in overseeing the financial health of our charity and ensuring we are well-positioned to continue our work. You will work with us to ensure that the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.This is an opportunity to make a significant difference by contributing your financial expertise to help us develop and implement a sustainable funding strategy.

What we are looking for

We are seeking a Treasurer who shares our values and can bring the following skills and experience to our board:

• Financial expertise: A background in finance, accounting, or financial management, with a qualification in line with a recognised professional body (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW). Experience in charity finance is highly desirable.
• Proactive and purposeful: Ability to think strategically, explore new financial pathways, and drive change to support the charity’s long-term viability.
• Collaborative spirit: Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to working closely with others to build a sustainable funding strategy.
• Accountability and integrity: A commitment to honest, transparent, and ethical financial management and reporting.
• Evidence-based decision making: An analytical mindset, using data and research to guide financial decisions that support our mission.
• Commitment to inclusivity: A passion for ensuring that our work is accessible and equitable for all, embracing the diverse needs of those affected by congenital CMV.

Please note BABCP accreditation is required for this role.

SAAUK are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable BABCP registered CBT therapist (with an interest in social anxiety) to join the small team already reviewing content. We are looking for someone who can commit a small amount of time per week - an average 2 hours a week but this is very flexible.

Social anxiety involves an excessive fear of social situations. Sufferers will often fear being embarrassed, or worry about being negatively evaluated by others. Anticipatory anxiety and situational avoidance are common, and individuals may endure social situations with a high level of discomfort. The scope of the anxiety may be focused on specific types of social situations or generalised to almost any social encounter.

This role will be key in helping SAAUK (a young and developing charity) expand its information and resources for those who suffer from social anxiety. Social Anxiety is under recognized both publicly and clinically and you will play a key part in helping develop and review the content to help spread awareness whilst providing accurate and up-to-date information. 
 

Home-Start believes that the earliest years make the biggest impact. Our work is with families who have (at least) one child under five and that are facing challenges such as loneliness, postnatal depression, or multiple births. We train volunteers to visit the family once a week, supporting them in a variety of emotional and practical ways. This is for 2 to 3 hours a week, one day per week.

By visiting a family in their own home, our volunteers represent a lifeline to families who are struggling to cope. They offer non-judgemental, confidential support in a way that is tailored to the needs of that individual family. By doing this, our volunteers support them to grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children, and forge links within their local community.

Our approach works because our volunteers have parenting experience or experience with children, and they understand the stresses and strains of life. They are there to listen; not to judge.

To volunteer with Home-Start, we ask that you are a good listener, have an interest in supporting families, and are able to volunteer in the daytime for a minimum of 6 months. You should have experience with children/families, a desire to help and support others and have a 'can-do' attitude.

You might not think it, but your lived experience, your unique background, and the languages you speak, could hugely benefit the families we support. You can work alongside them to help them regain their confidence and resilience. In doing so, you can directly increase the chance of local children growing up happier and healthier.

Full training is provided (25- hour course) and an enhanced DBS check will be required. 

Languages particularly needed: Albanian, Arabic, Syrian Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Bengali, Pashto, British Sign Language.

Be the difference on your doorstep.
Compassionate Neighbours are trained volunteers offering friendship, support and listening ear to people living in their local community, sometimes with serious, long-term or terminal illness who often struggle with loneliness.

By popping round for a cup of tea or a friendly chat once a week you can make a world of difference. You will be a good listener, kind and have a genuine interest in other people.

As a Compassionate Neighbour Volunteer you’ll not only gain new skills, confidence, and social networks; you’ll be making a difference in your local community.

Full training and support is provided. Training for our next intake will be held at the Hospice on the following dates:
Saturdays 9 & 16 November 2024, 9.30am - 3.30pm

If you are unable to attend those, we have scheduled training in the New Year as well:
Wednesday 22 and Friday 24 January 2025, 9.30am – 3.30pm

Join the Board of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, supporting them in their provision of life-saving, pre-hospital critical care.

Location: Dorset, Somerset or Devon

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 18th November.

Who we are.

Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) provides life-saving pre-hospital critical care to patients in need. We are the local air ambulance charity and a vital part of the community.

Since March 2000, DSAA has been there for critically ill and injured people when they need us the most. Our team’s enhanced skills, specialist equipment, and drugs, along with the speed of our response, can make the difference between life and death.

Who we are looking for.

DSAA is looking to recruit three Trustees to bring experience of operating at, or near, board level in complex and regulated organisations, with a sound understanding of governance and risk. We have a particular need to recruit the following skills to the Board:

• A qualified accountant with senior financial leadership experience.
• A clinician (nurse, paramedic or doctor), practicing or retired but with understanding of clinical issues relevant to emergency medicine and clinical governance.
• The third appointment can be someone who brings experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • fundraising and income generation
  • business acumen and strategy
  • digital innovation
  • environmental and social governance (ESG)

The new Trustees will be highly collaborative team players who will participate and contribute to the Board, bringing independent thinking and objectivity and taking shared responsibility for decisions, outcomes, and activities delegated by the Board.

With the wide-ranging challenges facing air ambulance charities, the Trustees will be prepared and able to make complex decisions, maintain an independent mindset, and challenge constructively. A commitment to continuous improvement and the delivery of high-quality service will be key.

Passionate about working together across the Board, our Trustees will show a strong commitment to the Dorset and Somerset communities, be able to effectively engage with a range of stakeholders, and have a strong focus on the best interests of patients, service users, and all staff.

The duties and responsibilities will include:

• Formulating plans and strategy
• Obtaining assurance and ensuring accountability
• Shaping the Charity’s culture and capability
• Ensuring that the Charity’s governance arrangements conform with best practice and statutory requirements

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 18th November.

Are you passionate about Nursing, Social Work, or Community Development? Join Marie Curie as a Companion Volunteer and gain invaluable experience while making a meaningful impact.

As a Companion Volunteer, you'll provide one-on-one companionship and support to individuals with terminal illnesses and their families across the UK. Your dedication will not only enrich lives but also offer you a profound sense of fulfilment and professional growth.

Marie Curie is excited to launch our Companions in the Community Service, supporting individuals in their final year of life within care and nursing homes across Surrey. This pioneering service will complement the vital work of our Nursing Team and local community services, offering compassionate end-of-life care to patients and their loved ones.

Why You'll Love This Role:

• Make a real difference and provide crucial emotional and practical support to those with life-limiting conditions.
• Enhance your skills in a supportive charity environment and connect with professionals in the healthcare sector.
• Engage with residents through regular visits, facilitate heartfelt conversations, and offer tailored support as needed.

Your Role as a Companion:

• Engage with residents by regularly visiting care homes to interact with and uplift residents.
• Create spaces for meaningful conversations about what truly matters to them.
• Offer support and provide companionship to those who are actively dying and assist with tasks like Advance Care Plans or ongoing needs.

Skills and Experience we’re looking for:

• Passionate and Empathetic with a genuine desire to support others during their end-of-life journey.
• Local Knowledge and/or residency in the Surrey community.
• Strong communication, active listening skills and the ability to build rapport.
• Basic IT skills for handling documentation and communication.

What You’ll Gain:

• Develop and refine your abilities in a charitable setting.
• Receive comprehensive induction, training and support.
• Connect with professionals and volunteers across the charity and healthcare sectors.
• Experience the profound satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives during a crucial time.

What We Ask of You:

• References and Documentation: Provide two non-family references and relevant identification documents.
• Commitment to Training: Adhere to all charity policies, complete induction and role-related training.

At Marie Curie, we are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families. We value diversity and are committed to treating all volunteers with respect and fairness.

Ready to make a difference? Join our team as a Companion Volunteer and contribute to a compassionate and supportive community.

Role Summary

We’re looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to lead an online peer support group for young people aged 16-24. This group provides a safe, welcoming space where young people can share experiences, develop friendships, and engage in meaningful discussions. As a Workshop Leader, you’ll facilitate these sessions, helping participants feel connected and empowered.

About Bright Futures UK

Bright Futures UK supports young people returning to education after health challenges, helping them build confidence and overcome obstacles. Our peer groups are vital to our mission, offering a supportive community that promotes resilience and personal growth.

Role Expectations and Requirements

• Facilitation Skills: Ability to guide group discussions, encourage participation, and create an inclusive environment.
• Experience with Young People: Background in mentoring, youth work, or group facilitation is beneficial but not required.
• Commitment: Weekly starting in January 2025 on Mondays 4:30-5:30
• Communication: Strong listening and communication skills to foster open and respectful conversations.
• Passion for Youth Empowerment: Genuine interest in supporting young people’s well-being and personal development.

What You’ll Gain

• Training and Support: We provide DBS checks, safeguarding training, and other resources to help you feel confident in your role.
• Flexible Scheduling: Work from home, with the freedom to choose session timing that fits your availability.
• Valuable Experience: Gain skills in group facilitation, communication, and mentoring within a supportive, impact-driven environment.

Why You’ll Love It

• Make a Difference: Your guidance can create a lasting impact on the lives of young people facing challenges.
• Be Part of a Community: Join a team dedicated to empowering youth and making a difference in their lives.
• Personal Fulfillment: Experience the reward of helping young people find strength in shared experiences and navigate life’s challenges together.

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.

Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together to explore sport and physical activity in a group setting. Group members will benefit from each other’s company, knowledge, and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, an increase in participation of sports and physical activity and new networks of support and friendship. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or community based face-to-face groups.

What you’ll be doing
1. Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually.
2. Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
3. Planning and delivering a programme of sports themed activities.
4. Assisting with the groups sport or physical activities (if appropriate).

What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers

We are looking for a Fundraising Trustee that can take our fundraising to the next level. The limb reconstruction process can be long, painful and challenging for patients' mental health. Rebuild has exciting plans to expand our psychological support for these patients but we need the help of an experienced fundraiser to do this.  

Main responsibilities: 

• Oversee fundraising and to make sure it is carried out in legal, honest and accountable ways.
• To identify funding opportunities. 
• Contribute knowledge of fundraising techniques and strategies.
• To guide and advise the Trustees in the approval of the fundraising strategy and targets.
• To keep the Trustees informed about its duties and legal responsibilities in relation to fundraising and the Fundraising Regulator.
• To assess risks in new fundraising directions and alert the Board of any concerns.
• Be an active champion of the charity.

Background: 

We are looking for a Trustee who has experience in any of the following areas: charity fund raising, marketing, finance, public relations, sales. 

Qualities of a Fundraising Trustee 

Essential: 

• Fundraising/income generation knowledge or business development background.  
• A good understanding of fundraising and the UK charity sector, Charity Commission, Companies House requirements, relevant legislation and statutory requirements.
• Excellent networking and communication skills.
• Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Experience in the health sector.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of digital or social media.  
• Experience of diverse fundraising practices, including statutory funds, corporate and philanthropic giving.  
• An understanding of the challenges facing small UK charities in maximising income streams & donor cultivation.  
• Experience in the charitable or voluntary sector.

Time commitment/location:

• The Trustee Board meets 4 times a year.
• Board meeings are usually held virtually.
• Anticipated time commitment: 8 hours per month
• To work with the Trustees outside of the Board Meeting in developing a new fundraising strategy.
• Appointment term 3 – 4 years