It Volunteer Roles

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

We are seeking a creative and motivated UX Designer to collaborate closely with our UX  Design Lead and Digital team in building and enhancing the Roots app, website, as well as the instructor, student, and partner portals. This role is crucial in ensuring our platforms are user-friendly, accessible, and aligned with the needs of our user base. The ideal candidate will also bring user research capabilities to the team, ensuring that our design decisions are informed by real-world insights and user feedback.

Key tasks

• Support the UX Design Lead to create intuitive and user-centred designs for the Roots app and portals - Student and Instructor.

• Develop wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups that align with user needs and project goals.

• Conduct user research/workshops to gather insights and identify user needs, pain points, and behaviours.

• Create user personas, journey maps, and other research artefacts to guide design decisions.

• Test and validate design concepts through user testing and feedback sessions.

• Work closely with the Digital team and our developers to ensure seamless implementation of designs.

• Ensure all design work meets brand guidelines and project objectives.

What we’re looking for

• Proficiency in Figma

• Previous experience with Android, Apple and web applications design

• Knowledge using illustrator and photoshop is a plus

• Knowledge of user-centred design principles and best practices.

• Ability to translate user research findings into actionable design solutions.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 40+ dedicated volunteers from across the country.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy. 

Trustee – Sussex Cancer Fund 

Since 1991, the Sussex Cancer Fund has been working together with the NHS to help make life better for cancer patients in Sussex, by providing equipment, facilities and services that make a tangible difference for patients who are often on a difficult and stressful journey. We also selectively fund and enable Sussex based cancer research programs that contribute to the understanding of cancers and to improved outcomes for patients.

This is a wonderful opportunity to join our top-quality leadership team and to contribute to achieving our strategic goals and delivering on our annual plans to invest in the NHS cancer units across Sussex. 

This is a voluntary position, with reasonable travel expenses paid. It is expected the successful candidate will live in Sussex and bring a wealth of experience as a leader, in for example, the medical, care, retail or hospitality sectors, focusing on providing outstanding service to patients / clients / customers.

Experience in the ‘Not for Profit’ sector is welcome but not essential. We value transferable governance and leadership experience from a range of sectors. We are looking for a trustee who will bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to this key role. 

The Sussex Cancer Fund is an equal opportunity charity – all applicants will be considered without paying attention to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. 

As an awareness talk volunteer, you'll deliver awareness talks about bowel cancer symptoms, screening and our services to local organisations and community groups. We provide a standardised powerpoint presentation that can be presented either virtually (optional) or in person in your local community. 

Main duties and responsibilities
• Confident in delivering bowel cancer awareness material to a range of audiences either
online or in person
• Act as an ambassador for what we do, displaying enthusiasm and commitment
• Aim to deliver 12 talks per year. This is an aspirational and flexible target
• Ensure information in the local community is relevant and up-to-date
• Add your personal experience of bowel cancer to the presentation (where appropriate)
• Establish connections with local organisations and community groups

Web developers and designers wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in continuing to improve its website and digital infrastructure.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for web developers and designers to contribute to our community-led working group who are working on coordinating content and infrastructure for the East London Waterworks Park website. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects across web development and UX and web design, and facilitate the direction of the working group.

The Comms Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

You should be experienced in HTML, PHP, CSS, Javascript and SQL, and or UX and web design. You should be comfortable with community-led processes. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your skills in web design and development will be crucial in creating a visually engaging and user-friendly online presence that effectively communicates the park's biodiversity and mission. By designing engaging websites and interactive platforms, you'll help us connect with our community, inspire action, and secure the necessary support for the park's future.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility.

About VoiceAbility

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

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

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility allows you to make a difference in your local community, allowing us to help and support everyone to have a voice that counts.  The roles we have available will challenge you, developing your communication skills, allowing you to gain professional experience that can be used in your future career, learn new things about yourself and others, meet new people, and have fun.

Volunteer Positions Available

We're recruiting for the following voluntary positions:

• Relevant Persons' Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer
• Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteers

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

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might: 

• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support
• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes 
• Raise concerns
• Keep detailed notes and records
• Make a real difference to someone’s life 

Hospital Visitor Volunteer 

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

As a hospital volunteer, you might:

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

Volunteering opportunities are available Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

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

ED&I Statement

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

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

How to register your expression of interest

To find out more click on “Apply Now” and fill out our short expression of interest form.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility.

About VoiceAbility

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

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

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility allows you to make a difference in your local community, allowing us to help and support everyone to have a voice that counts.  The roles we have available will challenge you, developing your communication skills, allowing you to gain professional experience that can be used in your future career, learn new things about yourself and others, meet new people, and have fun.

Volunteer Positions Available

We're recruiting for the following voluntary positions:

• Relevant Persons' Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteers

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

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might: 

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

• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes 

• Raise concerns 

• Keep detailed notes and records 

• Make a real difference to someone’s life 

Volunteering opportunities are available Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

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

ED&I Statement

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

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

How to register your expression of interest

To find out more click on “Apply Now” and fill out our short expression of interest form.

We are looking for someone to lead a support group for people both living with and affected by Motor Neurone Disease, at our local in person support group meeting in Redbridge, that we are launching, on a weekday, once a month

What’s involved?

• Organise once a month in person support group meetings, held on a weekday, or drop-ins for people living with MND, their families and carers

• Send invites - where appropriate

• Arrange, organise and serve refreshments (all expenses can be claimed back of course!)

• Ensure that all who attend the events feel welcome, included and have an enjoyable social experience

• Regular check in' and communication with Community Support Coordinator

• Lead and manage, group support volunteers

This role will suit me if I:

• Am a good communicator

• Have good organisational skills

• Have warm and empathetic manner

• Am a team player

• Am able to encourage people to come along and meet others

What’s in it for me? • Become part of a friendly and dedicated team

• Make a positive impact to the lives of people affected by MND

• Get access to a range of workshops and events

• Paid expenses

How flexible is the role?

Support Meeting Lead, work from home for approximately 1 to 2 hours a week and attend in person monthly meetings (approx. 3/4 hours).

What sort of training/induction will I receive before starting?

You’ll be inducted with training into the role and informed about the Association, with full support from the Community Support Coordinator.

We are looking for someone who is dedicated and committed, that will work with the Community Support Coordinator to establish an in person support group in Redbridge.

The volunteer group support lead, must be committed to this role and attend every in person monthly meeting, with exceptions of holidays/sickness, where conversations with the Community Support Coordinator must take place in order to arrange appropriate cover in a timely manner.

We are looking for someone to be a part of the recruitment process when looking to expand the group volunteer support team.

We are looking for someone that is comfortable with initial expenses of refreshments and biscuits for each group, which will be reimbursed upon submission of expense form and receipts

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

Quilombo UK works with the objective to promote different arts, sports, and cultures to encourage an intercultural understanding between different communities and societies; To promote cultural awareness in the community and educate, regardless of nationality or origin, about race diversity and mutual respect; To promote good health and wellbeing; and run a community organisation with a strong focus on individuals, the community and society.

Role Overview
As a Post-Production Assistant, you will play a key role in transforming raw footage into polished video content that aligns with Quilombo UK's mission of promoting cultural awareness and community wellbeing. You will work closely with the Video Production Manager and team to edit, refine, and finalize videos for various platforms. This role requires a keen eye for detail, creativity, and a strong understanding of video editing tools and techniques.

Main Responsibilities

• Edit raw footage into cohesive and engaging video content, incorporating music, graphics, and visual effects to enhance storytelling.
• Collaborate with the Video Production Manager and creative team to align the final edits with the organization’s vision, values, and target audience.
• Conduct quality checks on video content, ensuring technical accuracy, proper formatting, and adherence to brand guidelines.
• Manage color correction, sound editing, and visual effects to ensure a professional finish.
• Work with the Video Editor to organize and maintain a clear post-production workflow, including file management, version control, and backups.
• Oversee the creation and integration of subtitles, captions, and translations for accessibility and multilingual audiences.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to video editing software and export settings.
• Optimize videos for various platforms, including social media, websites, and presentations, ensuring proper formatting and resolution.
• Maintain and archive finalized video projects in an organized and accessible system.
• Provide input on improving the post-production process, tools, and resources to enhance efficiency and output quality.
• Stay updated on video editing trends, tools, and best practices to bring fresh and innovative ideas to projects.

Essential

Working Knowledge of Video Editing Platforms:

• Adobe Premiere Pro

• Adobe Media Encoder
• Photoshop
• After Effects (beneficial but not required)
• Da Vinci Resolve (beneficial but not required)
• Understanding of picture and audio finishing including grade + audio mixing
• Basic IT understanding – Mac OS specific 
• 10+ years in post-production facilities (beneficial but not required)

Desirable

• Experience in camera set-ups for live events /ob-doc /scripted content

• Appropriate DIT practices for media management 
• Working knowledge of audio production and basic audio set-ups for live events and recorded audio. 
• Experience with streaming services for Youtube and FB Live using applications such as Switcher or OBS and online broadcast hardware. 
• 5 + years of live production in broadcast and film (beneficial but not required)
• Working knowledge of file codecs and wrappers

• Understanding of broadcast acquisition standards for file deliveries (beneficial but not required)
• Knowledge of the production and post production workflow (ingest-edit-project consolidation)
• Digital Asset Management (Utilising enterprise versions of Google Drive etc)

When needed:

Willing to volunteer at least 12 hours a week, for a duration of 16 weeks as part of a Personal Development Program (PDP).

Production roles are hyrbid therefore proximity to London is beneficial as trips to Kingston will need to be made, with reasonable travel expenses paid. 

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. 

Role title: 

Volunteer Classroom Assistant (Online) – English, Maths, Science  

Where: 

Online (Zoom) / Nova New Opportunities, 2 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL

When: 

Immediately, minimum commitment of 3 months. 

Support 1-2 classes a week (45 minutes per class). 

English classes are currently held on Mondays and Wednesday between 16:30 and 19:15. 

Maths and Science classes are currently held on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 16:15 and 19:45.

About Nova:  

Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards & those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.   

Reaching 2,500+ people each year, we believe in improving people’s lives one person at a time, helping committed and motivated individuals to achieve their potential by:  

• Developing knowledge, education and confidence 

• Connecting diverse groups

• Providing opportunities 

Our work, operates on 2 levels:

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  

• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action 

Purpose of role: 

Support the Nova Family Programme tutors in facilitating online home school sessions.

Role Description: 

This role will be to act as a teaching assistant to tutors delivering online English, maths and science classes (for young people at Key Stage 2 and 3). With the disruption of Covid-19, many families have been thrown into the unknown world of home schooling – made even more challenging when your own education isn’t up to scratch or English is your second language. We are delivering a free programme of online home school support to those who have been most negatively impacted by being out of school. Now that Schools have reopened, we will be continuing these sessions to ensure that learners do not fall behind as Schools focus on catching up on lost learning. The aim is to support children who may be falling behind with their studies and mitigating as far as possible the widening attainment gap. 

You will: 

• Enjoy working in a team 

• Provide tutorial support 

• Position yourself as a resource for learners 

• Work one-on-one or with breakout groups of learners who need additional help 

• Facilitate the zoom classroom as required 

You need to be: 

• DBS Checked 

• Confident in the use of IT 

• Some experience of supporting learners with Maths/ English 

• Experience of working with young people 

• Committed

• Competent 

• Reliable

• Honest 

• Punctual 

• Patient 

• Fair 

• Open minded 

• Learners may come from various cultural backgrounds and face different learning challenges. You will need to be at ease whether supervising an entire class or working one-on-one with students.

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently 

Further information: 

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

• Teaching or coaching experience would be desirable but not essential. 

Main point of contact/supervisor: 

Matthew Barnett 

IMPORTANT: An enhanced DBS check is required for this role, and so we are unfortunately only able to accept applications from UK-based applicants or British nationals living abroad.

Our Peripatetic Team provide front-line support to Solace’s Advice, Community and accommodation-based Services across London. Crisis Intervention Workers enable our services to deliver a consistent high standard of service.

The team was created in order to have trained, skilled staff ready to cover gaps in service and facilitate the continued smooth running of services, proactively supporting women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. They are required to go into different teams and quickly establish themselves and provide support in times where staff teams may be struggling.

About the Role

The peripatetic team looks to support our different services when they are in crisis as such this role requires someone who is comfortable with change and can adapt to different services as they will move from team to team.
We need understanding and organised individuals who are keen to learn and develop skills in a variety of areas, are able to build relationships quickly and are able to work independently and also as part of a team.
Volunteers may be assigned to a new team for a duration ranging from a few days to a month, depending on the service needs.
The ideal volunteer will have a good telephone manner, excellent communication skills and be able to show empathy to service users. Volunteers will be given an extensive induction and will learn how to best support those who are experiencing or who have experienced abuse. They will support teams in a variety of ways, overseen by one central manager. The roles and tasks include:

• Perform administration tasks e.g. data entry, uploading minutes
• Answering duty line calls
• Contacting service users to check in, researching and making onward referrals.
• Researching local organisations and assisting to keep stakeholders up to date.
• Complete exit questionnaires and surveys.
• Promote service user involvement and send out relevant information and assist teams to organise events/feedback
  sessions.

Who are we looking for?

We think you’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• Understanding of violence against women and girls issues and a desire to build on this.
• Confidence in using Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to be well organised.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Tact and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Good listening skills and an empathic, non-judgemental approach.
• A willingness to learn and be open to new ideas
• An individual who works to be inclusive and kind

What can you gain from this opportunity?

As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to

• Gain experience and understanding of Violence against Women and Girls.
• Gain knowledge and awareness of abuse, safety planning, risk management options available to service users.
• Build skills around advocacy and negotiation.
• Enabling service users to access valuable support that assists in their journey towards safe, independent lives, free from abuse
• Contribute and support a busy and diverse team.
• Play a pivotal role in delivering services.
• Hands on experience in a dynamic charity working in the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Sector.
• Improving IT skills and data management.
• Having a line manager who will create a plan with you around what you would like from this experience
• Have support of the Peri team and be buddied up with a staff member

We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the Tackling and Preventing Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. 

Marie Curie is expanding its Community Companion service to support people at end of life in/across Bournemouth

Drawing upon their volunteer training, community knowledge and networks, Community Companions visit people identified as end of life in a place of their choosing e.g., their own home, care home, community venue or surgery etc. and empower them to decide what support if any, they would like.

Support may be a one-off activity or an ongoing engagement providing different aspects of support over a longer period of time. 

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

The support a Community Companion provides is unique to each person and their individual circumstances, but is likely to include:  

• visiting people identified as end of life in a place of their choosing and outlining the support that is available to them and to the people closest to them
• providing emotional support to people at end of life and the people closest to them
• providing practical information, support, and signposting to other local services to people at end of life and the people closest to them
• supporting and empowering people at end of life to create an advanced care plan (ACP) which considers, documents, and clearly communicates what is important to them
• providing carer support including pre and post bereavement support, ensuring the right local provision-based support is in place for people within caring roles 
• providing support around fuel poverty and accessing available resources 
• promoting the Community Companion service within the local community
• completing and returning a short report at the end of each session  
• attending and participating in regular volunteer wellbeing sessions, team meetings, and refresher training

THE SKILLS / EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED

• Friendly and approachable 
• Patient, empathetic and sensitive to the needs of others
• An active listener and an ability to build a rapport with others
• Self-aware and emotionally resilient
• Adaptable and open to learning and developing
• Able and willing to operate within Marie Curie’s boundaries and to follow all processes, procedures and guidelines including using a lone worker device
• Committed, reliable and trustworthy
• An understanding of confidentiality
• Inclusive and respectful  
• A mature perspective on life and death
• Access to a PC, laptop, Tablet or Phone and basic IT skills e.g. the ability to type on word and email attachments  

WHAT YOU CAN GAIN FROM THIS OPPORTUNITY

• Becoming an important part of Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end of life charity
• Making a real difference to people at end of life and to the people closest to them
• Connecting with new and interesting people with a common goal
• Building and developing your skills in a supportive environment
• Continued training, development, and support 
• Access to other opportunities within Marie Curie 
• Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses

THE NEXT STEPS 

• Complete a volunteering application form or submit an expression of interest 
• Attend an informal interview with a member of the Marie Curie team either face to face or online via Microsoft Teams
• Supply the details of two people (not family members) who can provide you with a reference
• Consent to a DBS (criminal record) check and submit the appropriate documentation online for the check to be completed 
• Attend a face-to-face volunteer induction
• Complete core and role specific Marie Curie training

Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect. We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment. We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users. 

For more information or if you have any questions regarding this volunteer role, please us.

Your role

Amazing, giving, inspiring are just a few words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers are integral to the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

We are looking for Single Point of Access (SPOA) Volunteers to support our Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Service (DRPSS). You will be based at The Croft in Ripley and, ideally, you will be able to commit up to 4 hours per week to volunteering.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.

About the service

We support people who are having difficulties with their mental health by offering targeted goal-focused support, developing peer support and volunteer opportunities across Derbyshire, and also peer support groups.

We offer

• Targeted support through one-to-one and group sessions.
• Self-help and peer support
• Telephone support
• Advice and information on mental illness. 
• Recovery education
• Social activities in the local community
• Signposting to other sources of community and specialist support

Our Single Point of Access is open from 9 am - 5 pm Monday to Friday

You can also find out more about our service on facebook  

What you will be doing as a Single Point of Access Volunteer

• Help organise and file documents for the DRPSS service
• Provide basic advice, guidance, and telephone support via SPOA line
• Offer signposting and referral options as required
• Upload documents to our systems
• Follow up on ‘On Hold’ referrals, updating information as required 
• Help to respond to emails and organise the DRPSS Outlook inbox
• Provide updates to those individuals currently on a waiting list for service

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Excellent communication skills 
• Basic IT Knowledge
• Able to relate to people from all backgrounds and the ability to remain non-judgmental
• Understanding the importance of confidentiality
• Organisational skills
• Good local knowledge of mental health support

Who are we? 

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”     

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.     

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion   

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.   

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation   

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.   

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, Come and join our team!

The Project

Gurkhas have served the British crown for more than 200 years, with dedication and valour. They are hugely respected worldwide, but less known are their wives who are dedicated and brave, quietly supporting their husbands, raising their children and looking after their families. When Dame Joanna Lumley worked with HM Government to allow retired Gurkha soldiers and their families to settle in the UK, the lives of these women underwent a huge change. They found themselves in a new country, with a new language, customs they didn’t understand and a very confusing environment. A group of volunteers set about teaching these ladies a mixture of English and other basic skills in a nurturing and happy environment, raising their confidence, so that they could shop, visit the doctor, talk to the local council and enjoy their new environment supporting their integration into the community and life in the United Kingdom. 

We are now looking for a new lead to take this very successful project into its second decade. You will be making a real difference to the lives of those that attend our class and beyond.

We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

We are looking for a project lead to plan, support and facilitate the term time run lessons, working collaboratively with the existing team of helpers and external professionals to provide an exciting, enjoyable class providing language, skills and cultural education.  Also to provide a wider understanding of support available to the community and the ability to sign post and or refer to specialist support when appropriate. 

Key responsibilities

• Establish and foster good relationships with the ex-Gurkha Community, overcoming cultural differences and encouraging integration.
• Manage and organise weekly language classes with appropriate guest speakers when possible.
• Support, guide an amazing team of existing volunteers to aid facilitation of the weekly classes.
• Provide a lesson plan (Scheme of works) and supporting documentation on a termly basis.
• Signpost and support beneficiaries to additional sources of support as appropriate.
• Keep and Maintain records of attendance for reporting purposes.
• Raise awareness of SSAFA and the volunteering opportunities that we offer to the Nepali community.

The skills you need

Friendly, approachable, empathic Non-judgemental approach, great written and verbal communication skills, great organisational and administration skills, good IT skills, some teaching or presentation experience.

What's in it for you

An opportunity to use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others. Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team.  Access to a range of training and learning opportunities

An opportunity to gain experience and develop your knowledge and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

Additional information

This role requires an enhanced DBS and completion of mandatory online training including GDPR and Safeguarding.

Disclaimer SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information

Time Commitment

Classes run every Tuesday in term time. Additional time for planning will also be required.

Purpose 

The Trustee role is voluntary with meetings taking place a minimum of once a quarter. Trustees are responsible for: 

• controlling Navigates management and administration 

• ensuring that Navigates income and property are used only for the purposes set out in the 

• governing document and for no other purpose 

• acting reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity 

• acting in the best interests of the charity. 

Main Duties 

1) Comply with Navigates governing document and law. The successful Trustee and your co-trustees must: 

• Make sure that the charity complies with its governing document 

• Comply with charity law requirements and other laws that apply to Navigate 

• As a Trustee, you should take responsible steps to find out about legal requirements for example, by reading relevant guidance or taking appropriate advice when you need to. 

2) Act in Navigates best interests, you must: 

• Do what you and your co-trustees (and no one else) decide will enable the Charity to carry out its purposes 

• With co-trustees make balanced and adequately informed decisions, thinking about the short term and charities future 

• Avoid putting yourself in a position where your duty to Navigate conflicts with your personal interests or loyalty to any other person or body 

• Not receive any benefit from Navigate unless it is properly authorised and is clearly in the charity’s interests; this also includes anyone who is financially connected to you. 

3) Manage Navigates resources responsibly–the successful trustee(s) must act responsibly, reasonably and honestly (duty prudence). The trustees must: 

• make sure Navigates assets are only used to support or carry out its purposes

• avoid exposing the assets, beneficiaries or reputation to undue risk 

• Not over-commit the charity 

• take special care when investing or borrowing 

• comply with any restrictions on spending funds 

4)  Act with reasonable care and skill 

• must use reasonable care and skill, making use of your skills and experience and taking appropriate advice when necessary 

• should give enough time, thought and energy to your role, for example by preparing for, attending and actively participating in all trustees’ meetings (once a quarter). 

5)  Ensure that Navigate is accountable by complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements. You should also: 

• be able to demonstrate that your charity is complying with the law, well run and effective

• ensure appropriate accountability to members, if your charity has a membership separate from the trustees 

• ensure accountability within the charity, particularly where you delegate responsibility for particular tasks or decisions to staff or volunteers 

Essential – 

The successful candidate(s) will meet the Charities Commission eligibility criteria, specifically:

• You must be at least 16 years old to be a trustee of a charitable company or a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), 

• You must not act as a trustee if you are disqualified under the Charities Act, unless your disqualification has been waived by the Commission. 

• Fit and proper persons - Finance Act 2010 requires all of the charity’s managers (including trustees) to be ‘fit and proper persons’. 

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks – an enhanced DBS check: this will include a check against the relevant barred list. 

• A client focused approach to service delivery 

• Excellent communication skills 

• Ability to think creatively 

• Competent IT skills 

• Knowledge, skills or experience in one or more of the following areas: PR/Marketing/Communications, Fundraising, Education, Mental Health / Health and Wellbeing 

Desirable - The successful candidate(s) may evidence; 

• Knowledge/experience of the free advice/charity sector 

• Knowledge/experience of Social Policy Issues 

• A sound understanding of money and debt advice processes, procedures and ethics.