Outreach Officer Jobs in Home Based

You have an understanding of drug, alcohol, and health related issues, and experience of working with adults in an addictions, housing or social care setting? All you need is the perfect environment to put your skills to great use. Welcome to Aquarius as a Complex Needs Practitioner (Recovery Worker).

Aquarius is a charity that helps people and communities overcome the harm caused by alcohol, drugs and gambling. We are part of ‘One Recovery Buckinghamshire’ (ORB), a partnership between Inclusion (MPFT NHS Trust), Aquarius, and Build on Belief providing support for alcohol and drug issues across Buckinghamshire.

We are looking for three Complex Needs Practitioners (Recovery Worker) to join our team in High Wycombe.

The purpose of the role is to engage people in a variety of interventions, using a person centred approach, empowering them to reduce risk, increase resilience and achieve positive outcomes.

All Complex Needs Practitioners (Recovery Worker) work flexibly across the community and within our multi-agency partnership settings. The caseload will include a mixture of community and multi-agency referral pathways including health and social care. You will join our caring multi-disciplinary teams, to help empower you to provide quality psychosocial interventions to our diverse client groups. 

A core part of the role will be working with people to address holistic support needs across all aspects of the person’s substance use and wellbeing. This could include diverse work related to physical and emotional health, meaningful use of time, family and relationships, community engagement and activites, accommodation, physical and emotional health, offending as well as substance use (drug use and / or alcohol use).

An energetic and confident self-starter, you have a qualification in health/social care, youth and community work (e.g. NVQ Level 3 or above, DipSW, Mental Health Nursing, Counselling, Addiction Studies).  Alternatively, we’ll consider candidates with experience of working in the substance misuse field with a commitment to complete NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care. Experience of liaising with voluntary and statutory agencies and health professionals and engaging effectively with clients in a variety of settings is essential. You’ll also need a flexible approach, excellent record keeping and report writing skills and a willingness to work flexibly across the community and within our multi-agency partnership settings, on an outreach basis, with a central hub base at our head office.

This is a permanent full-time role requiring the post holder to work 37 hours per week.

We are committed to increasing our diversity and we would welcome applications from those with lived experience.

This is a rolling recruitment process. Candidates will be interviewed as and when they are shortlisted. 

To apply please submit a CV and supporting statement which should clearly outline your skills and experience.

Learning and development is important to us, and we are pleased to be able to offer a wide range of apprenticeships. We hire apprentices into specific roles as well as offering apprenticeships to the workforce. Anyone can apply to undertake an apprenticeship relevant to the role as long as they are in a permanent post and have successfully passed probation.

Aquarius was a subsidiary of Richmond Fellowship, with both organisations being part of Recovery Focus, a national group of charities highly experienced in providing specialist support services to individuals and families living with the effects of mental ill health, drug and alcohol use, gambling and domestic violence. On 1st June 2024 Richmond Fellowship merged with Humankind to form a single organisation that provides the joined-up mental health, housing and drug and alcohol support we’ve all known has been needed for decades. At the same time, Aquarius became a subsidiary of Humankind, with no impact to terms and conditions of employment. In October 2024, Humankind was renamed Waythrough to reflect the new organisation, of which Aquarius will remain a subsidiary.

Access and Inclusion Lead

Are you passionate about empowering people, promoting independent mobility and enhancing accessibility in rail and connecting modes of transport?

We're seeking a dynamic, experienced Access and Inclusion Lead to deliver a Travelling with Confidence programme.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to join the team and help empower better connectivity and travel confidence.

Position: Access and Inclusion Lead

Location: Hybrid/Gloucester Office (plus outreach locations in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire)

Hours: Part time 4 days per week - flexible working patterns available

Salary: £33,000 pa pro rata 4 days (30 hours) per week

Contract: Fixed Term 24 Month Contract - January 2025 - January 2027

Closing Date: 5pm on Monday the 4th November. Please note this role may close earlier than advertised if a suitable candidate is found.

Interview Date: 21st and 22nd of November

The Role

At the core of the organisations mission lies a dedication to ensuring that transport is accessible to everyone and it proudly champions an inclusive vision for the community, making it easier for all to sustainably access work, leisure, and nature. Working closely with the team, a Community Rail Network coordinator, and community partners, you'll ensure the programme is participatory, empowering, effective, and well-evaluated. Your expertise will drive meaningful outcomes for individuals facing disabling barriers, guided by those with lived experience.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the delivery of the dedicated Travelling with Confidence programme
• Actively engage and involve relevant community partners
• Utilise your experience to inclusively plan, coordinate and engage participants from diverse abilities and backgrounds.
• Leverage your experience to co-design and deliver safe and inclusive journeys
• Collaborate closely with rail industry partners to ensure suitable provisions are available and provided on our confident traveller trips, ultimately leading to more confident travellers within local communities.
• Provide a series of engaging travel training events for community partners, with in-house training provided to empower, support their involvement and raise awareness

About You

You will have experience of effectively interacting with individuals from all abilities and backgrounds at all levels and proactively including and representing underrepresented members of the community.

You will have experience of:

• Developing and implementing inclusive participatory activities
• Establishing and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders while building trust within community groups
• Planning inclusive events
• Managing project budgets
• Preparing monthly reports, highlighting key performance indicators
• Project management

Join us in making a real difference to disabled people through travel confidence. If you're passionate about accessibility, community engagement, and sustainable transport then apply today!

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining how your skills match the criteria and why you're interested in this role.

To ensure our application process is accessible to all, we accept supporting statements in written format, short film format, or voice recordings. All applications will be considered equally. Whatever your method, please ensure that you demonstrate your skills, experience, and suitability – and why you want the job.

About the organisation

This Community Interest Company is part of the growing grassroots Community Rail movement across Britain, dedicated to improving access to sustainable travel, with a particular focus on engaging underrepresented groups. With a holistic approach that extends beyond railways and stations that emphasises health, wellbeing, and community connectivity through rail.

Equal Opportunities

The organisation is committed to creating a diverse and fair workplace. No formal qualification is necessary if you can demonstrate relevant skills, experience, and drive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.

We also welcome applications from people who are from ethnically diverse backgrounds or who are living with health conditions or disabilities.

You may also have experience in areas such as Access, Inclusion, Access and Inclusion Lead, Access and Inclusion Project Manager, Access and Inclusion Project Lead, Access and Inclusion Programme Lead, Access and Inclusion Manager, Project Manager, Programme Manager, Inclusion Lead, Inclusion Manager, Community Engagement, Engagement.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Campaigns & Partnership Manager Location: St Albans & District Foodbank
Salary: £40,000 FTE (£32,000 Pro Rata)
Hours: 30 hours per week, with occasional Saturdays (10am-12pm)
Flexible Working | Reports to: CEO

About Us
St Albans & District Foodbank (SADFB) is a dedicated charity and part of the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network. We are committed to relieving poverty in the local area and supporting people through challenging times. With the help of 130+ active volunteers, we provide vital food and support to those in need. Now, we are seeking a passionate and dynamic Campaigns & Partnership Manager to help lead local efforts and build partnerships that will make a lasting impact.

About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about social justice, community engagement, and driving change. As our Campaigns & Partnership Manager, you will work closely with our CEO and volunteer teams to lead local campaigns that highlight the root causes of food poverty. You’ll also help raise awareness, build community partnerships, and support our work in reducing food insecurity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead local campaigning efforts, building a movement to end the need for food banks in our community.
• Manage a team of volunteers to support campaigns and partnership-building activities.
• Engage with local businesses, schools, charities, and churches to foster long-term partnerships and increase food and financial donations.
• Use social media and other platforms to raise awareness of our work and promote volunteer opportunities.
• Conduct research and data analysis to support campaign strategies and inform the CEO’s decision-making.
• Represent SADFB at local forums, bringing the voices of those facing food poverty to the forefront.
• Identify opportunities for new community engagement and partnerships, and nurture these relationships.

About You
The ideal candidate will have experience in community campaigning, volunteer management, and partnership-building. You’ll be a confident communicator with the ability to bring people together, manage projects, and inspire others to join the cause. Experience in research and data analysis, as well as strong project management skills, will also be important.

Person Specification

• Experience in leading campaigns or community organising.
• Strong volunteer management and community outreach experience.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Passionate about tackling food poverty and supporting vulnerable communities.
• Ability to work with data, research findings, and use them to shape stories and strategies.

Why Join Us?
At SADFB, we offer flexible working and the chance to make a real difference in your local community. You’ll be part of a dedicated, compassionate team committed to creating long-term solutions for food poverty. If you’re looking for a meaningful role with impact, this could be the job for you.

Viewpoint is a service user charity currently covering Hertfordshire. Our aim is to enable people who use mental health and addiction services to have a voice in feeding back how well services are working and to be part of future service planning. 

We are now seeking a person to support the chief executive to ensure that Viewpoint implements its agreed strategy within budget and operates as a model of best practice for user involvement and to manage and supervise staff employed by Viewpoint. 

Viewpoint Operational Manager  

Title: Operational Manager 

Responsible to: Chief Executive 

Location: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire 

Hours / salary: 22 hours / week. Full Time Equivalent Salary £35,000 p.a. 

Pension: Viewpoint offers a defined contribution pension scheme. Contribution levels are based on Total Gross Salary - Employer 5%, Employee 3%. Participation in the scheme will commence after an initial 3 month waiting period. 

Annual leave: 25 days per year plus 8 bank holidays. Holiday entitlement will start to accrue after a satisfactory six month probationary  
period. 

Other benefits: Training, Development and Supervision

Length of contract: Subject to funding 

About Viewpoint 

Viewpoint develops innovative ways that support people with a lived experience of mental health issues and / or addiction challenges. Across Hertfordshire we work with over 800 experts by experience and put them at the centre of everything we do. We support people to be independent, have their say on the quality of services that they experienced and influence change to those services. 

Our support is flexible and needs-led and is delivered through outreach groups, one to one interaction or remotely.

Staff or members who have a lived experience of mental illness and / or addiction facilitate our programmes.

We offer educational sessions that enhance wellbeing and equip individuals with the skills and self-belief to aid their recovery journey. 

Our goals 

Purpose of the post: 

•  To support the chief executive to ensure that Viewpoint implements its agreed strategy within budget and operates as a model of best practice for user involvement. 

•  To manage and supervise staff employed by Viewpoint. 

•  To promote Viewpoint with both statutory and Voluntary Community Faith Social Enterprise (VCFSE) at a county level. 

Principal Responsibilities: 

Management  

• To provide operational management and leadership to achieve the aims and objectives of the Viewpoint strategy. 

• To ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are adhered to, developed and updated in compliance with relevant legislation.

• To attend contract reviews and provide such monitoring information as required by the service contract. 

• To develop and maintain good working relationships with all relevant statutory, independent, and voluntary agencies. 

• To raise and promote the work of Viewpoint across the county and all relevant bodies. 

Staff 

• Provide effective line management to all Viewpoint staff in accordance with agreed policies 

Financial 

• To participate in the preparation and production of the Viewpoint Annual Report and Business Plan. 

• To ensure proper use of resources and working within agreed budgets. 

Fund-raising 

• To contribute to the development of fund-raising activities to ensure the continuation and development of Viewpoint. 

Representation 

• To negotiate appropriate user representation with service commissioners and providers. 

• To support user representation on County-wide forums. 

General 

• To ensure relevant recording, monitoring and evaluation of project work is routinely carried out and in compliance with relevant legislation and the requirements of the service contract. 

• Maintain awareness of national and local initiatives and best practice regarding user involvement. 

• Undertake other duties, consistent with the level of the post, as required from time to time by the Chief Executive and Executive Committee. 

Service Development and Delivery  

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and issues in relation to mental health and wellbeing.

• Comply with all relevant Viewpoint policies, procedures and guidelines, including those relating to Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and Confidentiality of Information, and to be aware of any changes in these.

• Be aware of, teach others and challenge issues in relation to stigma, low expectations and anti-discriminatory practice as appropriate. 

• Complete entries in the appropriate records and performance database. 

Learning and Development  

• Participate in mandatory training and development activities 

We welcome applications from people who use or have used mental health and /or addiction services. 

Closing date: Monday 18th November 2024 at 12PM

For an application pack: please telephone Viewpoint on  01707-386-136 or 

e-mail info@hertsviewpoint(dot)co(dot)uk 

Please note - In order to apply you must complete the application form. We do not accept CV's.  

Senior Strategic Reputation Manager

Full Time/Fixed term contract for up to 6 months 

Our offer to you

We pride ourselves in being a great place to work, providing a supportive culture with opportunities to grow and develop your career, achieve a healthy work life balance and to be recognised for the great work you do. You will receive:

• Competitive salary and pension scheme
• 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) - increasing to 38 days over 5 years
• Hybrid, Flexible working
• Cycle to work scheme Electric Vehicle Scheme
• Health and Wellbeing portal – access to financial, health and wellbeing support and an Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounts – you will have access to Blue Light and NHS Discounts as well as discounts on mobile phones, gym membership, cinema tickets, restaurants, holidays and shopping

About Us

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a team of over 1,500 employees and over 33,000 volunteers, united by our goal of saving lives through essential first aid services, training and campaigning.  As a charity with rich heritage and a long history of serving humanity, we are proud of our past and excited about creating a healthier, safer, more resilient future. 

St John Ambulance works at the heart of communities, supporting and enabling them to access and receive physical and mental health first aid. We do this through developing and providing effective community response and outreach services (e.g. Ambulance response, Falls response, Night Time Economy and Homelessness outreach) and using our longstanding expertise to empower people with vital clinical skills and the confidence to use them (e.g. our Volunteers and Community Advocates, NHS Cadets and Young Responders programmes). There is also a buoyant social enterprise network which delivers first aid training and supplies medical consumables to businesses and consumers.

This is an exciting time of transformation with an opportunity to lead and mature the charity’s data maturity by leading a new data strategy. 

Job Summary

St John Ambulance is recruiting an experienced communications professional who has a specialism in reputation management, for a six-month, full-time contract. 

As Senior Reputation Manager you will play a key role in protecting and enhancing St John’s reputation, proactively identifying, managing and mitigating organisational reputational risk. Being a top-class stakeholder manager and a highly effective influencer, you'll be able to quickly build relationships across a large, complex organisation. You will manage and participate in on-call communications rota, write reactive statements and brief senior leaders on an appropriate course of action.

About You

You will be a senior PR specialist, with demonstrable experience of reputation management in a complex organisation or business. You’ll be happy to hit the ground running and confident working closely with senior internal stakeholders including the CEO.

About the Role

• Responsible for enhancing and protecting the charity’s reputation, advising on the best course of action, assessing risks and briefing senior leaders as appropriate. 
• Manage and be part of the out of ours on-call rota, which manages any potential negative media coverage
• Creating proactive statements for any incidents that are arising.

Please see the job description for more detail (this can be viewed on our website or once you click apply)

If you are a current St John Ambulance employee, please apply here: Click here

For all other candidates, or St John Ambulance volunteers wishing to apply: please apply below

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive high volume of applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

St John Ambulance are committed to increasing the diversity of our team and making sure we best reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.At St John, everyone is valued and supported to thrive, we have several networks including Multi Culture, Disability and Accessibility, Pride, Family and Carers and Women’s groups.  We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and engender a sense of belonging for all, by creating an environment of mutual respect, where we value unique differences and demonstrate authentic allyship. We believe passionately in equality, diversity and inclusion.

'St John Ambulance is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice. Therefore, all successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including DBS Clearance, as part of the onboarding process, if applicable to the nature of the role'.

Please note: St John does not accept speculative CVs and will only review CVs sent in application for an advertised vacancy.

We are seeking to recruit a Children and Families’ Pioneer to work in the valley’s town of Tredegar. As part of a team you will lead regular activities and events to impact the lives of children and families so that they can discover the deep love of God. From toddler groups to holiday clubs, school engagement to parenting classes, the opportunities are endless. If you are someone with energy and vision who can make connections and build relationships, we have a supportive team waiting to work with you in this well-resourced project. Together we will plant a new worshipping community based at St George’s Tredegar.

This post is suitable for someone who has previously worked with children possibly as a teacher, TA or as a children’s worker within the church. You may have previously worked in the third sector or for the local authority with families?

Main Tasks:

• Pioneer new initiatives to develop children and families’ ministry and expand our outreach in the local area; including appropriate use of the liturgical calendar and community initiatives such as holiday clubs, and toddler groups.
• Recruit and coach voluntary teams, pastoring all members on the Children and Youth teams.
• Build relationships and partnerships with schools, colleges and community groups, and where applicable, be the first point of contact for them.
• To ensure the Church in Wales constitution, policies, and practises are followed and strong safeguarding practises are embedded into their ethos so that all pipeline activities are a safe space.
• Oversee all child protection, organising training and DBS checks.

This role has a Genuine Occupational Requirement under the Equality Act 2010 for the postholder to be a communicant member of the Church in Wales or of a Church in communion with it or of a Member of CYTUN. If you are unsure, please do be in contact. Satisfactory enhanced DBS checks will be sought.

Peer Support Development Officer – Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire

 About Kinship:

Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We offer kinship carers financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. Our expert advice, information and guidance helps with complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make. We are always there to support them through challenging times and celebrate the good. 

Kinship carers are strong and determined. Together, they are powerful. We help them build communities of support and action by connecting families locally and across England and Wales. 

We are at the heart of kinship networks, partnering with and influencing service providers, local and national government and other organisations. We give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, changing society until every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported. 

Kinship care often begins in crisis. A child has parents who are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It can be frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.

Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There is often no chance to prepare. Plans may be pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are frequently sacrificed.

It is life changing and challenging raising children who have been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first.

We know how hard life can be for kinship carers, but we have seen the amazing things they are capable of, with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families can flourish. 

That is why we support, connect and campaign – to keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together.

About the Team

The Peer Support and Community team at Kinship is dedicated to enhancing the lives of kinship carers across England and Wales by delivering the first national peer support service. With a focus on building and sustaining networks of peer support groups, the team aims to empower kinship carers through access to resources, training, and development opportunities.

By fostering connections within local, regional, and national ecosystems, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every kinship carer has access to a supportive community.

As part of our commitment to growth and impact, the team develops innovative approaches to peer support, creating an inclusive environment where kinship carers can share experiences and access essential services. We prioritize collaboration across various departments, ensuring that support group leaders receive high-quality advice and training, facilitating their sustainability and effectiveness. This integrated approach also includes alignment with national and local campaigning efforts to further engage and support the kinship carer community.

In line with our strategic focus on cultivating a vibrant Kinship Community of over 10,000 carers, the team leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection and empowering kinship families. By developing a robust model of community engagement that encompasses both in-person and digital services, the team aims to amplify the voices of kinship carers, enabling them to effect meaningful change in their lives and communities.

 About the role

This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form Peer Support Groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub.

You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment.

Funded by the Department of Education, the National Peer Support Service is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an individual located in easy reach of Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to:

· Develop new Peer Support Groups across a diverse range of communities

· Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to achieve key targets and objectives

· Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the development of safe and effective support services for the kinship community.

· Maintain current Peer Support Group levels, taking the lead from the national Hub.

· Maintain accurate records that are used to populate reports, identify learning and share key insights across Kinship that allow the organisation to continuously improve our services and products.

You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey towards sustainability.

As a practical thinker, you will work creatively to identify stakeholders and assets in areas of high need. You will build local connections and bring together kinship carers across the region, empowering them to build resilient and robust peer support communities.

You will be confident in building relationships that generate referrals from external stakeholders and in contacting kinship carers directly to secure engagement with local coffee mornings, community, and training events that will help kick-start a thriving peer support group.

As you establish new groups, you will provide support and training to help them lead their groups effectively, and develop their group culture, resilience, and skills to function independently while offering reassurance and support to empower them.

We are ideally looking for candidates based in easy reach of Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire. Key development areas for this post will initially include; Oldham, Bury, Tameside, Doncaster, York and the East Riding of Yorkshire. You may be required to support the development of groups in North Lincolnshire. This role may also involve work to establish groups on the periphery of this area that currently have no dedicated Development staff.

An essential requirement of the role is to be a driver with access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Key responsibilities: 

Service delivery:

• In-person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.
• Set up and develop sustainable in person peer support groups, initially attending and leading sessions in person before transition to self-sufficiency. 
• Working with existing groups that are at risk, closed or need support that need replacing or rejuvenating to maintain DfE service level agreement, in addition to new groups. Targets are subject to change and are not fixed. 
• Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.
• Assist with the delivery of training to support group leaders and groups to become self-sufficient.
• Develop strong boundaried and positive relationships with support group leaders – building resilience, empowerment and community.
• Support established groups (including independent) in your area to access support group leader networks and training (this includes visiting groups in person) to build a peer community. 
• Follow (and where appropriate support further development off) the service blueprint to develop sustainable peer support groups.
• Collaborate with the Peer Support Hub team to provide a joined-up and positive user experience for kinship carers.
• Manage special interest groups and regional online groups as required, transitioning to ‘Hub’ team for sustainability and work with partners. 

Service quality, development and data management:

• Accurately record all recruitment, contact information and volunteer case management in Salesforce in line with service framework and data protection requirements.
• Ensure accurate data entry in Salesforce to support service performance, evaluation and learning.
• Provide regular reports to ensure targets and SLA are met for the service.
• Support continuous development and improvement of the service (new systems and processes) as required.
   

Team culture:

• Act in the best interest of Kinship and the families we support.
• Maintain and contribute up to date understanding of kinship care.
• Deliver effective administration with attention to detail and keeping to deadlines.
• Identify and contribute to appropriate case studies to demonstrate the impact of Kinship services and contribute to policy and campaigns work.
• Actively contribute to delivering and evidencing a high performing service.
• Take responsibility for your ongoing continued professional development.
• Work in line with the Kinship values.

 Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience (person spec):

 Essential:

· Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.

· Significant experience developing peer support communities.

· Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers.

· Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services are evidenced through high-quality data collection.

· Evidence of developing and delivering training/support to volunteers, based on the needs of service users (in this case kinship carers).

· Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user-led groups with charity beneficiaries.

· Proven experience of using a customer relationship management system effectively (we use Salesforce).

· In-depth understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families.

· Excellent communication and engagement skills, with good attention to detail.

Desirable:

· Lived experience of kinship care.

· Understanding of children’s social care.

· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc).

· Full, clean driving licence/own car.

General characteristics and attributes:

· Flexible and willing to travel for work across England.

· Commitment to the values, aims and objectives of Kinship.

· A real commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion within your role and a respectful approach to working with people from a range of backgrounds.

· Excellent written and spoken English.

· Permission to work in the UK.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion 

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

Candidate Application Information

Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing date and interview details:

Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm

Interviews: Week Commencing 4 November 2024

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.

We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply.  Please let us know if we can help and remember that you can request information in large print or in a different format. 

The JustMoney Movement is looking for a Communications & Events Coordinator (0.8 FTE) to help build our profile and reach, engaging diverse audiences from across the UK churches in learning, action and campaigning for a greener, fairer financial system and wider economy. You will be an outstanding communicator with the skills, passion and experience to engage new audiences in action for a more just use of money, and to bring existing audiences on a journey towards deeper engagement. You will be highly organised with a track record of delivering impactful events, resources and digital assets, ideally within a church or Christian organisation. This role is based mostly from home with 1 day a week in central London and some travel within the UK. This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the UK.  

Role Requirements

• Lead on the implementation of JustMoney Movement’s communications strategy, raising the profile of the organisation and our work, growing the scale, depth and diversity of engagement from across the UK churches, and ensuring the organisation remains on message both in content and visually.
• Oversee and develop our communications, including producing clear, consistent and credible copy, across media channels (including website, social media and email newsletters), to a variety of audiences, ensuring greater engagement and meaningful supporter journeys.
• Responsible for managing the delivery, administration and evaluation of JustMoney events including our annual conference, occasional online webinars and trainings, and overseeing our participation in external festivals and events such as Greenbelt.
• Project manage the production of resources and campaigns including our annual Tax Justice and Good Money Sunday packs and regular campaign actions, involving strong collaborations with external partners where possible, to create engaging content and reach new audiences.
• Have oversight of the JustMoney website, taking responsibility for its maintenance and development, ensuring that it is kept up to date with relevant, engaging content and is user-friendly to a wide range of audiences.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the media, acting as a primary press contact and proactively drive press coverage locally and nationally around key moments and campaigns.
• Use analytics tools to measure performance across communications, social media platforms and our website, contributing to regular monitoring and assessment so as to drive learning and improvement.
• Contribute to our financial sustainability through integrating donations asks into our individual and church engagement strategies and assisting with communications to potential donors including grant-making trusts.
• Provide administrative support to the movement including using a range of digital tools to facilitate engagement and deal with enquiries.
• Provide support to internal events including Board meetings and Team away days, including regular prayer meetings and our annual team retreat.
• This post is covered by an Occupational Requirement (OR) under the Equality Act 2010 in that the successful applicant will be expected to be a practising Christian and will clearly demonstrate a personal commitment to the mission, principles, values and practises of the organisation.

HMP Leeds, West Yorkshire

Ref: PAT-241

Are you a proactive, collaborative and compassionate individual with a proven track record of working with services/clients within the criminal justice sector, accommodation and advice/support services? Looking for an exciting new career opportunity?

If so, join St Giles as an Accommodation Adviser, a key role where you will be required to provide tailored accommodation support to men in custody and under probation supervision in the community, with the aim of supporting them to overcome barriers to obtaining secure and stable accommodation so that they can successfully reintegrate into society.

About St Giles Trust 
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need.  Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

About this exciting opportunity

Our successful candidate will complete an Initial Needs Assessment, using a strength-based approach within agreed contractual timeframes, before dynamically assessing need and risk, alerting to changes that could indicate change in risk or serious harm, including personal safety and safeguarding.  You will be expected to contribute to the design and delivery of an effective accommodation plan which is solution focused and practical, and to advise and support Service Users to achieve outcomes informed by your specialist housing knowledge and comprehensive understanding of accommodation and local service provision.

We will rely on you to engage with and motivate challenging service users from a diverse range of backgrounds, often with multiple and complex needs, while also maintaining and building new relationships with both social and private housing providers to improve sustainable housing outcomes for our service users and promoting effective working relationships within the criminal justice sector. Monitoring progress and recording on digital systems, plus coordinating and facilitating interactive group work sessions, are also key duties.

What we are looking for

• Experience of working as part of a high-performing team
• Experience of using digital technology and providing evidence for external audit purposes
• Demonstrable knowledge of housing and an understanding of the main issues affecting homelessness and rehabilitation of offenders
• A detailed understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act
• An understanding of how staff with lived experience can provide additional value
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and awareness of the issues faced by our client group
• Sound knowledge of the UK criminal justice system
• Full UK Driving Licence preferred with access to a vehicle for work
• Excellent prioritisation, interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written

As an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients and successful applicants will require an Enhanced Adult with Adult Barred DBS Check.

We actively encourage people with personal experience of the criminal justice system or lived experience of the issues facing this client group to apply for this role.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy. 

To apply please request an application form from our HR Team, via the apply button, stating the job title and ref number.

Closing date: 5/11/ 2024. 11:00pm. Interview date: TBC

Previous applicants need not apply.

Job Title: Homelessness Advocate

Service: London & SE Children’s Rights service

Salary Range: £25,500 to £29,500 per annum, depending on experience

Work Pattern: 35 hours per week

Location: Hybrid and flexible – a mix of working from our London office, from home and regular work with young people in the community

Contract Type:  Permanent

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

About Coram Voice

Coram Voice is the leading provider of specialist advocacy for children and young people. We run a range of children’s rights projects, including advocacy for children in care, care leavers, children with disabilities and homeless young people.

At Coram Voice we have a wealth of experience advocating on behalf of homeless young people. We work side by side with some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society and reach out to those who have missed the support they need. Join us as we work to transform the lives of children and young people, by supporting them to uphold their rights and actively participate in decisions about their lives.

Coram Voice is part of the Coram group of charities that develops, delivers and promotes best practice in the support of children and young people. Our vision is that every child has the best possible chance in life, and we work together to do this from our leafy campus in Bloomsbury.

About the role

You will:

- Provide direct advocacy support to children and young people children and young people experiencing, or at risk, of homelessness. You will hold a caseload, and be committed to championing the rights of these young people, working with a broad range of other stakeholders and agencies to do so.

- Support with developing the quality of services and projects delivered by Coram Voice to children and young people. This includes under Coram Voice’s Homelessness Outreach Project.

- You will support in the promotion of good practice across both Coram Voice and external organisations, building equitable and inclusive practice across the sector for homeless children and young people.

Our advocates will have relevant experience with children and young people, and may hold a suitable Advocacy Qualification. For the right candidate, we may also be able to offer this post as a Trainee position, and offer support to gain qualifications. The salary offered will reflect the candidate’s experience and skills.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for more detail on the role and what we are looking for in a candidate.

Benefits of working with us

We wish to reward and recognise the valuable contributions our staff make to the organisation and offer an attractive benefits package to do so. You can read more about our benefits package on our careers site. This includes:

-A competitive salary

-A matched pension scheme up to 5% of salary

-  Generous leave entitlement, including up to 28 days’ annual leave, as well as an additional 3 days of paid leave between Christmas and New Year

-  A suite of family-friendly policies

-Access to an Employee Assistance Programme

Recruitment process

Following shortlisting, successful candidates will be invited to attend interview. The interview process comprises of a written exercise and a panel interview. Successful candidates will be required to take part in a Warner style interview as part of our safer recruitment processes given the nature of the role. Internal candidates will need to notify HR of their interest in the post and they will provide further information on the internal application process. When completing your application form, please address the person specification in order to demonstrate how you are suited to the role as please note we do not take CVs.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

 Closing date: 1st December 2024 at 23:59

 Interviews will take place on the weeks beginning 2nd and 9th December 2024

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care or homelessness, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Worldwide Veterinary Service is searching for a dedicated and enthusiastic person to lead on spearheading the Young Vets Club membership programme, an animal welfare club aimed at children aged 6 -12.

This exciting role will involve leading on the promotion and expansion of the programme, including developing longer-term strategies to grow the membership and working with others within the team to create content for the next generation of animal lovers and veterinarians.

This role offers a great opportunity for the right candidate and will include an interesting and diverse workload. There is some flexibility for working at home, but the role will require a minimum of 2 days a week at one of the WVS offices, either near Tregony, Cornwall or Cranborne, Dorset.

Other organisations may call this role Membership Manager or Engagement Manager.

About Us

At Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) we champion animal welfare around the world. We send vets where they are needed most, provide expert veterinary training in hard-to-reach places, and ship urgent aid supplies worldwide, every day of the year.

We deploy teams of vets and vet nurses, send equipment and supplies to help struggling organisations on the front line of animal welfare, and train vets at our international training centres in India, Thailand, Malawi and the Galápagos Islands.  We also work on strategic one health projects such as rabies elimination campaigns with Governments and NGOs all over the world.

Last year, WVS treated over 70,000 animals, trained over 3,000 vets, deployed teams of vets all over the world, and sent over 800 parcels of veterinary supplies to 206 charities in 66 countries.

Young Vets Club is an important part of the future plans of WVS and is designed to inspire future generations of animal lovers and veterinarians, through engaging educational content.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Grow the Young Vets Club membership programme in line with ambitious income targets.
• Create engaging and informative content for the target audience.
• Manage the Young Vets Club Officer, and work with internal and external partners to grow the programme.
• Collaborate with the wider team to develop a plan to promote the programme and recruit new members – engaging schools, libraries, youth groups and community events.
• Work with the Tech and Education Team to develop an online version of membership.
• Explore relationships to develop rewarding and engaging experiences for our members in real life with other youth networks, providers of summer camps and out of school activity clubs.
• Track project metrics and provide regular updates.
• Assist the wider team with other tasks as needed.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Background in marketing, membership programmes, project management, or a related field.
• Experience in programmes for young people and children.
• Excellent copy writing and communication skills.
• A passion for animal welfare.
• A strong team player.
• A full UK drivers’ licence and own vehicle.
• Excellent attention to detail and pride in delivering high-quality work.
• Proficient in Microsoft packages - Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• The ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends occasionally when the charity requires.
• The right to work in the UK.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Experience in educational events, out of school clubs or summer camps.
• Experience in animal welfare education.
• Experience in the use of CRM systems such as Donorfy

Director at Declassified UK

Established in 2019, Declassified UK is a small, growing media organisation that has quickly become known for ground-breaking, critical journalism challenging the British establishment on UK foreign policy issues.

The UK’s traditional media is increasingly acting as part of the establishment, failing to report independently on Britain’s policies around the world. By contrast, Declassified is independent and beholden to no-one, relying on the public and trusts & foundations for our finances, and drawing on a distinguished board and group of advisers.

We are seeking to appoint a new Director to succeed our co-founder Mark Curtis who will consolidate our reputation and take the organisation to its next level.

We will continue producing high quality written and visual journalism and seek to increase our political impact and reach bigger audiences, within the budgetary and capacity constraints that we have.

This is a unique, exciting opportunity for a person who is an excellent people manager and team player, who is skilled at organisational development and who can give strong support to our expert staff and our communications, fundraising and editorial needs.

The successful candidate must have considerable experience of working in the media, campaigns and/or not for profit sectors and be dedicated to our principles and mission.

KEY WORK AREAS
Organisational oversight
● ensure all aspects of the organisation’s work - including communications, fundraising, social media and editorial - function optimally, within the budgetary and capacity constraints.
● monitor progress towards strategic goals, plans and budgets.

Organisational development and innovation
● lead the organisation’s drive to best promote its mission and principles.
● work with the head of communications to increase our outreach to new audiences and our political impact, through new digital marketing nd public fundraising approaches.

Team Management
● inspire and lead an effective, motivated remote team, with a common sense of purpose, clear goals and division of responsibility, transparency, accountability, and effective internal coordination and communication.
● promote new recruitment when finances and strategy allow.
● ensure the organisation promotes optimal working practices and personnel policies.
● conduct regular one-to-ones with staff to provide support and ensure success.

Finances
● oversee the organisation’s finances, ensuring Declassified deploys its resources optimally, maintains an adequate cash flow, expands its revenue, and ensures its financial sustainability.
● after a transition, to be agreed in discussions, the Director may assume direct responsibility for administrating our finances, including paying staff and suppliers, doing quarterly and yearly accounts, recording invoices, and liaising with our accountants. This is presently done by other staff.

Fundraising
● work with relevant staff to drive trusts & foundations and public fundraising, helping to innovate our approaches towards existing and new public audiences.
● after a transition, to be agreed in discussions, the Director may assume direct responsibility for managing existing trusts & foundations  and large personal funders, producing grant and budget reports and proposals, and seeking out new funders. This is presently done by other staff.

Communications
● work with relevant staff to maximise Declassified’s profile, for example by ensuring the optimisation of our website, newsletters and  communications with supporters and non-supporters.
● work with relevant staff to produce our annual reports.
● field email queries from the public and external organisations.

Board and Advisers
● work with the Board to ensure Declassified’s governance structure best promotes its mission and principles.
● communicate clearly to the Board, delivering regular financial and strategy updates as per regular arranged meetings.
● maximise the contributions of Declassified’s Advisers to promote the organisation's mission.

Representation
● represent Declassified in external meetings and events, acting as an ambassador for the organisation’s mission and principles.
● promote Declassified to other like-minded organisations and individuals, developing contacts or partnerships such as with campaign groups, other journalists and MPs.

KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES
Candidates should have several years experience working in media, campaigns or not-for profit organisations or similar, in several of the following areas:

● people management, including knowledge of human resources issues
● promoting organisational development and innovation
● working as a senior journalist or other media professional
● digital marketing, communications and use of social media
● managing budgets and finances
● working on UK foreign policy issues
● media and libel law
● fundraising towards the public and trusts & foundations

PERSON QUALITIES
● collaborative working style conducive to a small organisation
● highly organised and efficient, and good at strategic planning
● dedicated to champion our critical, outspoken and independent edge in foreign policy analysis and promote our principles
● ability to sometimes work under pressure and in the limelight
● aware of the UK media landscape and politics, with expert news judgement
● excellent writing and communications skills
● an impeccable record for integrity and upholding professional ethical standards

REPORTING LINES
● the Director is accountable to the Board
● the Director will manage five staff: chief columnist, editor, head of communications, head of investigations and staff reporter

WORKING CONDITIONS
● All Declassified staff work from their home offices, with the opportunity of using a communal office in London subject to availability.
● We operate a four day working week, from Monday-Thursday.
● Salary of £65,000.
● We operate a pension scheme and flexible and generous terms and conditions for holiday allowance, compassionate leave, paternity/maternity leave etc, otherwise standard terms and conditions for work contracts, including a three months probationary period.
● The person must have the right to live and work in the UK.

APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply for this position, or to make an enquiry, please email Mark Curtis, contact details available on our website. The application should contain a subject heading of “Director application” and include: your CV; statement on why you are interested in this position; outline (in no more than 750 words) of how you match the key skills and experiences; and the names, positions and email addresses of two referees.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All applications will be treated in strict confidence.

Deadline for application: Friday 15 November 2024

HMP Wealstun  

Ref: PPA-243

Are you a proactive, collaborative and compassionate individual with a proven track record of working with services/clients within the criminal justice sector, accommodation and advice/support services?  Looking for an exciting new career opportunity?

If so, join St Giles as an Accommodation Adviser, a key role where you will be required to provide tailored accommodation support to men in custody and under probation supervision in the community, with the aim of supporting them to overcome barriers to obtaining secure and stable accommodation so that they can successfully reintegrate into society.

About St Giles Trust 
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need.  Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

About this exciting opportunity

Our successful candidate will complete an Initial Needs Assessment, using a strength-based approach within agreed contractual timeframes, before dynamically assessing need and risk, alerting to changes that could indicate change in risk or serious harm, including personal safety and safeguarding.  You will be expected to contribute to the design and delivery of an effective accommodation plan which is solution focused and practical, and to advise and support Service Users to achieve outcomes informed by your specialist housing knowledge and comprehensive understanding of accommodation and local service provision.

We will rely on you to engage with and motivate challenging service users from a diverse range of backgrounds, often with multiple and complex needs, while also maintaining and building new relationships with both social and private housing providers to improve sustainable housing outcomes for our service users, and promoting effective working relationships within the criminal justice sector. Monitoring progress and recording on digital systems, plus coordinating and facilitating interactive group work sessions, are also key duties.

What we are looking for

• Experience of working as part of a high-performing team
• Experience of using digital technology and providing evidence for external audit purposes
• Demonstrable knowledge of housing and an understanding of the main issues affecting homelessness and rehabilitation of offenders
• A detailed understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act
• An understanding of how staff with lived experience can provide additional value
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and awareness of the issues faced by our client group
• Sound knowledge of the UK criminal justice system
• Full UK Driving Licence preferred with access to a vehicle for work
• Excellent prioritisation, interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written

As an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients and successful applicants will require an Enhanced Adult and Adult with Barred DBS Check.

We actively encourage people with personal experience of the criminal justice system or lived experience of the issues facing this client group to apply for this role.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

To apply please request an application form from our HR Team, via the apply button, stating the job title and ref number.

Closing date: 5/11/ 2024. 11:00pm Interview date: TBC

Previous applicants need not apply.

Do you have experience in marketing and building partnerships that drive meaningful change? Could you be passionate about making a positive impact and helping to raise awareness for people with learning disabilities and autism?  If so, Red2Green is looking for a dynamic and creative individual to join our team as Marketing and Partnerships Lead!

Who we are:

At Red2Green, we have a vision that everyone should be confident in their own ability, be part of a community, enjoy their life, have the best possible access to independence, and, if they desire to, should be able to work.  We offer a range of opportunities to support and promote adults with autism and/or learning disabilities in Cambridgeshire to learn new skills, enjoy lots of different leisure activities, make new friends, gain confidence, and prepare themselves for employment where possible. We also work to raise awareness of the potential of people with disabilities to make a positive and valuable contribution to society.

We have three core services: 

Options: Supporting adults with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives and engage in meaningful activities.

Aspirations: Providing educational activities for autistic young people and supporting adults to enhance independence and employability.

Autism in the Workplace: Offering training on autism and neurodiversity and supporting employers in creating inclusive workplaces.

The role

As the Marketing and Partnerships Lead, you will be key in driving Red2Green’s marketing initiatives, ensuring we have a strong public presence and fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders. Your work will enhance Red2Green's visibility through digital and physical marketing, supporting our fundraising efforts and growing our community engagement.

Key duties and responsibilities of the role:

· Leading the development and execution of marketing strategies across digital and print platforms.

· Managing social media, email campaigns, website content, and press outreach.

· Creating accessible marketing materials that reflect Red2Green’s values and mission.

· Supporting fundraising efforts through grant applications and other initiatives.

· Building relationships with volunteers, donors, community partners, and local businesses to drive engagement and increase support.

· Organising community events and networking opportunities to boost our presence and foster connections.

· Ensuring consistent branding and accessible communication across all channels.

Person specification:

You will have:

· Experience in marketing: Digital marketing, social media management, content creation, and campaign development.

· Relationship-building skills: Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders.

· Understanding of learning disabilities and autism: A commitment to promoting inclusion and accessibility in all communications.

· Fundraising knowledge: Experience in grant writing and donor relations is desirable.

· Proactive and adaptable: Able to work independently and flexibly in a fast-paced environment.

It is a requirement for this post that an enhanced DBS disclosure check will be undertaken for the successful candidate.

Benefits:

This is an exciting opportunity to use your marketing skills to make a real difference. You’ll work in a supportive and collaborative environment, contributing to the growth and sustainability of an organisation that helps improve the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism.

· Red2Green is located in a beautiful rural environment, with free and ample parking

· We contribute 4% employer pension contributions

· Paid 20-minute break

· Training is provided and undertaken during working hours

· We make staff wellbeing a priority, with 2 Mental Health First Aiders, and regular supervision sessions with managers

Join Red2Green and help us empower people with learning disabilities and autism to live their best lives!