Play Youth Volunteer Volunteer Roles

Bookmark Reading Volunteers directly support children who are at risk of leaving primary school unable to read well. Struggling to read can contribute to poor educational attainment, lower literacy in adulthood and has even been linked to a lower life expectancy. You can help ignite the joy of reading and change a child’s story.

In this volunteer role, you’ll have 30-minute one-to-one reading sessions on 2 days per week. This is across 6 weeks with a child aged between 5 and 11 years old. Each session will involve reading stories and playing literacy games on our secure online platform or face-to-face. You’ll book your reading programme through Bookmark’s Volunteer Hub and select sessions on days and times that work with your commitments.   

To become a Bookmark Reading Volunteer, you should be: 

• 18 and over, and currently living in the UK.
• able to provide enthusiasm, encouragement, empathy and patience.
• free to commit to 30-minute one-to-one reading sessions on 2 days per week, across 6 weeks.
• able to provide two references for your application (for safeguarding reasons).prepared with access to a PC, laptop, Chromebook or iPad with a webcam and internet connection, and feel relatively comfortable using technology (for online reading programmes).

Volunteers tell us they find the role flexible, impactful and rewarding. More than 60% also say their own wellbeing has improved because of volunteering with Bookmark!

Bookmark pays for your DBS checks, provides online training and offers volunteers ongoing support so that you can deliver fantastic and fun reading sessions, enabling all children to discover the joy of reading. 

Bookmark are proud to offer inclusive volunteering and work to deliver a greatly accessible volunteering role. Many of our reading programmes take place online, so there’s no need to travel or access a physical location to volunteer with Bookmark. Our application process and training are all completed online, and we have a helpful team at hand to offer support with technical or access requirements. If you’d like to discuss adjustments which may be helpful, please email us and we’ll be happy to help. 

Bookmark is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. We aim to create an environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

MUSLIM VOLUNTEER MENTOR

Can you offer your support to a young person via mentoring?

FCCT are looking for volunteers to play a supportive role by actively mentoring young offenders (aged 15-21 in HMP/YOI Feltham) and to offer support under the ‘7 pathways to Reducing Reoffending’:

FCCT offer support under the seven pathways to reducing reoffending including signposting to relevant organisations:

• Accommodation
• Education, Training and Employment (ETE)
• Health
• Drug and Alcohol Misuse
• Finance, Benefits and Debts
• Children & Families
• Attitudes, Thinking and Behaviour.

Our aim is to help young people overcome hardships and make the positive transition back into wider society and to help to reduce reoffending rates.

Scope of Volunteer Main Role and Duties (not exhaustive):

Mentoring Arm:

1. Work through a ‘Discharge List’ systematically, cross referencing with the Operations Manager, so as not to duplicate any work or contact with the young people (primarily of Muslim faith).
2. Hand out and (where needed) help complete ‘Survey Questionnaires’ given to young people from the ‘Discharge List’, in order to ascertain what type of job or education sector the young person would be interested in going into. Forms to be given to the Operations Manager afterwards.
3. Follow up with a one-to-one session – register the young person to the FCCT programme and completing relevant paperwork, which will include our ‘Client Profile Form’ and ‘Consent Form’.
4. Update a shared ‘Client Spreadsheet’ which will be used to capture data information, as to the young people that FCCT are engaging with.
5. Identify relevant Mosques etc for the young people to attend post release and contact said religious establishments, to understand their referral criteria and then make relevant referrals, where required.
6. Collect testimonials from the young people in relation to the support FCCT have offered them.
7. Mentoring of young people 
8. Make or facilitate family contacts for resettlement purposes, in relation to the young people.

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate the following attributes:

• Commitment: Shows commitment to the organisation, its values and its clients, understanding that the building of trust and consistency is key, in terms of the clientele FCCT work with.
• Communication: Communicates well both verbally and in writing. An ability to communicate effectively with young people would also be an added benefit.
• Resilience: Demonstrates patience and understanding in the face of challenges.
• Professionalism: Complies with all FCCT policies and procedures, particularly regarding Safeguarding, GDPR etc.
• Non-judgemental: Demonstrates empathy and openness and does not impose personal values or conscious or unconscious bias.
• Solution focused: Can help to identify issues and meets challenges with optimism and offers solutions, seeing them as an opportunity to learn.

Training and Support

We will provide all the necessary training. Training will be provided on an ongoing basis and volunteers will be given a full induction of the organisation and how the projects run. Volunteer expenses will be paid.

Time Required

FCCT ask for a minimum of 8 hours a month. Due to the flexibility of the role, the hours can be distributed over different days between the core hours of 9am - 5pm, including Sundays.

Children from lower-income families are less likely to achieve academically than their better-off peers. Action Tutoring is a charity that works to level the playing field.

We are looking for volunteers to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds in maths or English. As a volunteer, you’ll:

• Work with 1-3 pupils to improve their English and maths, either in-person or online

• Commit to a 10-20 week programme, for just one hour a week

• Support either primary or secondary school-aged pupils

• Use our tutor workbooks to shape your weekly sessions

Good grades improve future prospects, opening the door to a wider range of opportunities. If you enjoy working with children and are passionate about social equality, you can make a tangible difference by volunteering for an hour a week.

Job description:
As a Web Developer at Penificent, you will play a crucial role in bringing our comics to life online by developing interactive digital experiences. You will work on creating engaging, dynamic web content where users can read our comics interactively and develop an online platform for workshops. This is a unique opportunity to use your technical skills to make a real social impact while working with a creative and purpose-driven team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop an interactive platform for reading comics online.

• Collaborate with our team to implement an online workshop feature.

• Ensure the website is user-friendly and optimized for all devices.

• Troubleshoot, test, and maintain the website for quality and performance.

• Integrate social media and other platforms for a seamless user experience.

• Stay up-to-date with emerging web technologies and trends.

Skills Needed:

• Proficiency in web development languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).

• Experience with interactive media or online learning platforms is a plus.

• Creative problem-solving skills and an eye for detail.

• Ability to work independently and within a small team.

Operational Director Volunteer

Penificent
Remote
Unpaid role, expenses paid
Voluntary

Job description:
Penificent is looking for an Operational Director to join our leadership team. As Operational Director, you will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, improving processes, and ensuring that Penificent runs smoothly. You will collaborate with our co-founders to execute our 5-year strategy and ensure that our programs and workshops meet our goals of engaging and empowering young people through comic storytelling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage daily operations of the organization.

• Improve operational processes and optimize workflows.

• Assist in implementing the organization’s strategic goals and objectives.

• Work closely with the leadership team to drive efficiency and growth.

• Support team development and ensure smooth communication between departments.

Skills Needed:

• Strong leadership and management skills.

• Experience in operational roles or project management.

• Ability to work remotely and communicate effectively with a small team.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute ideas practically.

Are you interested in the personal and professional development of local young people?

Play an important role in the functioning of our Trustee board.

We are looking for a new Trustee & Secretary.

Overview 

Esteem works with young adults aged 14 - 26 to build lasting self-Esteem and stronger communities through group activities and 1-2-1 support. 

Esteem creates spaces where everyone matters.

Esteem works with 200 young adults annually across all of Sussex who face barriers to achieving their life goals. We have a base in Shoreham and offer a variety of different opportunities, including social drop-in sessions, mentoring, wellbeing sessions, volunteering and counselling. We have a dedicated staff team with various backgrounds and a commitment to championing the views of young adults throughout the organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer for a charity that is passionate about giving young adults the chance to develop their skills and confidence, both for their own benefit and for that of society as a whole. Esteem works with young adults to run Wellbeing, Social, Mentoring and Volunteering opportunities, with a youth-led and asset-based approach.

This voluntary role of Trustee & Secretary will include duties such as organising and minuting board meetings and some administrative duties to support the board.  As well as the normal duties of a trustee (see The Essential Trustee Duties) The main aim is for the Trustee Secretary to support the Chair and the CO in ensuring the smooth functioning of the board of trustees. This would also compliment other areas we seek to enhance the trustee team, which include a wide range of skills, and expertise in youth work, strategy planning, business development, financial administration and fundraising, as well as an interest in vocational and personal development for young people, combined with an in-depth understanding of our work and ambitions.

You will be jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. All trustees should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity.

During Trustee meetings, your role would be to take minutes and record actions. Following each meeting, you would write up the minutes, share with the Board, as well as support the Chair and CO to plan for the next meeting.

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with Esteem’s goal of enabling young adults to flourish. The Esteem Secretary will be expected to contribute around 6 hours per month to the organisation, including board meetings, which run for two hours every two months, from 6-8pm at The Old School House, Shoreham. A minimum commitment of two years would be preferable. This post requires some flexibility due to the nature of Esteem being a growing organisation.

Your regular tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Attend Board meetings on Tuesday evenings eveyy 8 weeks at Esteem, from 6-8pm

• Read meeting minutes and pre-reading documents ahead of meeting (sent at least 1 week before the meeting)

• Contribute to all aspects of Esteems Strategy and maintain oversight of the organisation

• Ensuring meetings are effectively organised and minuted

• Ensuring meeting minutes are agreed with Chair and circulated post-meetings

• Maintaining effective records and administration

• Assisting the trustees to uphold  the legal requirements of governing documents, to be compliant with charity law, company law etc. (where relevant)

• Communication and correspondence to include:

• Liaising with the Chair to plan Board meetings 

• Draw on the Governance calendar to help plan agenda items and liaise with the CO  and trustees to produce the necessary updates for review at the Board meeting

• Receiving agenda items from committee members and staff

• Circulating agendas and reports with trustees, staff and Esteem’s youth steering committee with the support and direction of the CO and Chair

• Assist in organising the Annual General Meeting - including 

• Developing the Agenda with the Chair 

• Organisation of venue and dates and invitations

• Circulation of papers

• Supporting the smooth running of the day

• Minuting of the AGM

• Seeking agreement of the minutes from Chair and distribution

• Support the Trustees with organising trustee induction and ongoing training

Person Specification

Essential:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Effective time management and organisational skills

• Ability to work to specified deadlines

• A keen eye for detail

• Experience of record keeping, information retrieval and dissemination of data/documentation to Trustees (or Directors or senior managers) and relevant parties. 

• Experience of writing agendas and concise minutes

• Competent computer user and able to communicate by email

• Able to exercise independent judgement and take reasonable care, skill and diligence in their role

• Commitment to working towards Esteem’s values of Trust, Support, and Respect

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Charity law and the voluntary sector.

• Knowledge of, or experience in, the role of a company secretary

• Knowledge and understanding of issues affecting young adults. 

• Have knowledge of Google Drive

Appointment to this role is subject to satisfactory vetting and barring checks.

What we offer

• A Diverse and Inclusive Environment: Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to Esteem’s values and how we work. We are proud of our commitment to diversity and inclusion and support young adults and staff from different backgrounds so they can be their best selves. Our networks include All Sorts (LGBTQIA+), Adur Refugees and Possibility People.

• Wellbeing Activities: You will be invited to attend wellbeing activities that our staff team and young adults enjoy every three months in our Wellbeing Week.

• Training Opportunities: You will be invited to training opportunities.

Applicants that are offered an interview will be asked to provide two referees and bring ID to the interview to enable us to take up references and undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Esteem welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We value diversity and promote inclusion through our activities, as well as in our policies and practices. Our culture and values reinforce this. We seek to create an inspiring and inclusive environment where all feel valued and able to contribute to the organisation.

If you have the skills, knowledge and drive that we are looking for, and are passionate about making a real difference in young adults' lives, we would love to hear from you.

Volunteer Safeguarding Lead  for Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership (WTRRP)

Job summary:  The Safeguarding Lead will play a crucial role in developing, implementing, and overseeing safeguarding policies and procedures. This individual will work closely with staff, volunteers, and the Committee to promote a safe environment and handle any safeguarding concerns effectively.

WTRRP is a registered charity (England, reg no 1162226) that exists to support people in the Watford Borough and Three Rivers District of West Hertfordshire, who do not yet have status in the UK, or who have specific needs related to their application process or welfare. Currently WTRRP has around 160 live cases (defined as a family unit or individual currently in need of our help).

WTRRP is run by a Committee, which includes several Trustees. The Committee meets typically every 2 months and also for an Annual General Meeting, but it also provides day-to-day support to our staff members (Casework Coordinator and part-time Office Manager) and to our ~80 volunteers.

The main roles of the charity are to run a drop-in session every Tuesday (at St Mary’s Church in central Watford), a social hub at the same time, and to provide financial and other assistance to its clients for their application process for leave to remain in the UK.

Commitment: [ approximately 5 hours per week]

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Development: Develop and regularly review safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure they are up-to-date and compliant with legal and best practice standards.

Training: Organize safeguarding training sessions for staff and volunteers and review exisiting training.

Support: Provide guidance and support to staff and volunteers on safeguarding matters, including responding to concerns and allegations.

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of safeguarding policies and practices across the organization.

Reporting: Maintain accurate records of safeguarding concerns and incidents, and ensure timely reporting to relevant authorities and stakeholders.

Review: Conduct regular reviews of safeguarding practices and make recommendations for improvements.

Key Requirements:

Experience: Prior experience in safeguarding, child protection, or a related field is preferred. Experience in a leadership or advisory role is advantageous.

Knowledge: Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and best practices. Knowledge of working with vulnerable individuals is essential.

Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Commitment: A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.  The role will require approximately 5 hours per week.

Qualifications: Relevant qualifications in safeguarding, child protection, or related areas are desirable. Training in safeguarding is a plus.

What We Offer:

Impact: The opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of those we support.

Support: NCVO safeguarding Lead training and support from the Committee.

Development: Networking with other safeguarding professionals.

Flexibility: The role is flexible and can be adapted to fit around your other commitments.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about safeguarding and want to contribute to our mission, please contact our chair, Tim Whittaker for an intial discussion about the role. Please visit our website for more information about the Partnership on our website and for an application please contact our Office Manager.

Bletchingley Village Primary School is a caring and warm environment, dedicated to developing our pupils emotionally and socially, and maximising their potential to learn. We are looking for two volunteer counsellors to join us.

 What can you gain from volunteering with us?

• You’ll gain valuable experience of counselling primary age children in a school setting.
• You will receive group supervision with a suitably qualified CYP clinical supervisor.
• You’ll have the opportunity to work towards the clinical hours required for further CYP training/accreditation
• We will complete any necessary paperwork and reports needed for placement records.

Working Arrangement: School-based, in a fully equipped play therapy room within a friendly and supportive positive working environment. Free onsite parking. 

Requirements:

●You will be a qualified integrative or person-centred therapist (qualified to minimum L4) with at least 30 hours of clinical experience of working with adults or older children. 

●You will attend group supervision sessions provided.

●You will be willing to complete a DBS disclosure form.

●You must be able to provide a minimum of three direct contact counselling hours per week (sessions last for 45 minutes).

●You are intending to work with the counselling service until the end of the academic year but at least two terms (and give one term’s notice if leaving early).

●You will avoid absence during termtime.

Expectations

●Good knowledge of and commitment to the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (or equivalent professional body’s ethical framework), and the BACP Supplementary Good Practice in Action: 046: Working with Children and Young People.

●You must be able to maintain BACP (or other appropriate professional body) membership throughout the term of the placement.

●You must have your own professional indemnity insurance, and you are adequately insured for the duration of your placement.

●You agree to abide by the ethics and policies of the school.

●You have experience of operating clear and effective boundaries within all areas of work.

●You must have a good understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and legal implications of working with children and young people in a school setting.

Abilities/Skills

●To hold and manage a clinical caseload of at least 3 clients per week and to offer therapeutic sessions of 45 minutes each.

●You can provide both short-term and long-term counselling.

●You can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and be able to demonstrate good interpersonal skills.

●Be able to work in a culturally sensitive and inclusive way.

●You have some experience of working with children or young people, even if it is unrelated to counselling.

●To see clients on a weekly basis for a duration of 8 sessions or longer based on clinical need and in agreement with the Clinical Supervisor/Lead Counsellor.

●To ensure the safety of self and client within the counselling setting.

●To identify any clients that may require referral to other specialist services in consultation with the Clinical Supervisor/Lead Counsellor and the school.

●To ensure that all clients are treated with dignity and respect.

●To maintain appropriate records in line with the counselling service requirements.

●To understand and adhere to the school’s safeguarding policy.

●To be responsible for identifying any shortfalls in knowledge surrounding working with children and young people and attend training as appropriate.

Application Process

Please request, complete and return an application form 

(CVs will not be accepted) 

Detailed description

Baby Group

An opportunity to meet other families with young babies in a supportive, stimulating and friendly environment. During the session you can play, discover more about their development and support your wellbeing. ** The activities and content of the sessions are planned for children 0 - pre-walkers **

Baby Group

Silver Birches Family Centre, HERTFORD, Fridays, 9.30am - 12.00 pm
Selections Family Centre, HERTFORD Mondays, 9.30am - 12.00 pm
Creswick FC - WGC, Fridays, 9.30am - 12.00
De Havilland FC - Hatfield, Thursdays, 9.30am - 12
High Trees FC – Turnford, Mondays, 1.00pm - 3.30 pm
The Ark FC – Hoddesdon, Tuesdays, 12.30am - 3.00pm
Buttercups Family Centre, Bishop's Stortford, Mondays, 12.30pm - 2.30 pm

Main Tasks could include:

To support the vision of the Family Centre supporting the Early Start Team in their work with parents, carer's, families and Children (under 11years)

• To ensure all families feel welcome comfortable and valued.
• To support the engagement of parents in their babies development and learning.
• Setting up/tidying away activities.
• Engage & play with the children.
• Lead on specific activities as required.
• Includes both indoor and outdoor activities
• Encourage and support families to register with the service

 Skills, Experience and Qualities needed:

•  Aged 18 or over.
•  Willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
• Commitment to online and face-to-face training.
•  You need to have a friendly approach.
•  Excellent communication skills
• Maintain confidentiality at all times
• The ability to work well in a team and unsupervised.

Support Offered:

Training provided prior to starting role.

Full induction into the service

Ongoing support and supervision throughout role.

Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team, working with young people and the local community at Skelton Grange Environment Centre. You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and Volunteer Officers.

Typical activities for a Volunteer Officer include:
- Running environmental education, play and engagement activities for groups of children and young people on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Leading or assisting groups of volunteers on practical conservation tasks, including preparing and organising activities, supporting and training volunteers (including some with additional support needs), looking after tools, refreshments and group welfare.
- Assisting with public events and related activities.
- Working to develop and maintain the wildlife area as an exciting and inspiring location for visitors to get a hands on experience with nature. This will include both development work and routine maintenance.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project.

Benefits to you:
We will aim to train Volunteer Officers in:
- Running a range of outdoor education and play activities and events with schools and community groups on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- All the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to run the sessions, from bushcraft skills to plant identification to working with children.
- Leading a range of practical tasks and events with volunteers on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Practical development and maintenance of the wildlife area at Skelton Grange - including habitat management, practical conservation and surveying skills.
-Planning, risk assessing and running safe and engaging activities outside.

The role will give you real responsibility in a supportive environment and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
As well as valuable practical experience with an organisation recognised for its quality by employers in the environmental field, we will provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references. It's also a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!

We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with young people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector, or you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time.

Our organisation

Anglian Learning is a highly successful multi academy trust of sixteen academies that have come together to provide outstanding education and learning for our communities in East Anglia.  Formed initially of three existing academy trusts, who recognised the huge potential of coming together to form one larger group, Anglian Learning has expanded in response to requests from other schools to join us and we look to continue to grow over the next few years.

Our members share the firm belief that successful learning communities are underpinned by ambitious vision, trust and strong inspirational leadership at all levels of the organisation; that excellence is not simply defined by Ofsted grades and league table positions; and that education can play a transformational role in the lives of children and the success and wellbeing of our wider society.

What will you be doing?

In a multi academy trust, trustees are both charity trustees and company directors. The Trust Board has collective accountability and responsibility for the trust and must ensure compliance with regulatory, contractual and statutory requirements.

Trustees are responsible for holding the trust’s executive leadership to account, offering scrutiny and challenge, and ensuring both robust governance and decision-making and good value for taxpayers’ money.

When joining our Trust Board you will become part of a team and will have the opportunity to apply your unique skills and experience while learning from others. Working closely with a passionate team of people who have different perspectives is often one of the most enjoyable aspects of the role.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking leaders with a strategic mindset and an ability to balance what is important for students versus finances, achievement rates and delivering high-quality education to our future workforce. By allying the deep knowledge and skills of experienced education leaders with governance and business expertise of volunteers from the corporate sector, we can shape the sector for the next generation.

Being a trustee offers the opportunity for professional development. It can let you gain experience of strategy and leadership, and boost your CV. It will give you experience of being a non-executive director, performing functions such as setting a strategic vision, influencing and negotiation, and managing risk. If you already have significant experience in these areas, it can be stimulating to use it in a different and potentially challenging context. Trustees often say that being a board member has been one of the richest sources of learning in their professional lives. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from women and / or those from diverse backgrounds.

What difference will you make?

Becoming a trustee at Anglian Learning will allow you to make a significant impact on the educational experience of future generations, there is no more important social mission than improving the life chances of young people. In this role you will be responsible for making decisions that directly impact the prosperity of the next generation and beyond.

What’s in it for the volunteer?

When joining our Trust Board you will become part of a team and will have the opportunity to apply your unique skills and experience while learning from others.  It offers the opportunity for professional development, can let you gain experience of strategy and leadership and boost your CV. It will give you experience of being a non-executive director, performing functions such as setting a strategic vision, influencing and negotiation, and managing risk.  If you already have significant experience in these areas, it can be stimulating to use it in a different and potentially challenging context.

Commitment

Five Board meetings/year- face-to-face in the morning. Board committees face-to-face or remotely three to four /year in the afternoon. Other meetings/visits -day time or evening.

Before you apply

If you are ready to make an application please contact us via the Reach Volunteering platform for an application form. If you would like to have an informal discussion before deciding whether to submit an application, we would be delighted to hear from you; Please send us a message via this platform and we will be in touch.

We are looking for volunteer chaplains to help take part in informal weekly chaplaincy evenings to support the residents living in our Support Housing projects.

We house young people, aged 16-25, most of whom stay around 2 years. Our young people face many barriers; we provide a place and space for young people to feel safe through our projects that will lead to better life chances and a positive future. Our volunteers are at the heart of our work to support and encourage young people to turn their lives around.

YMCA DownsLink Group has a Christian foundation and inclusive vision. Our chaplaincy service helps ensure our YMCA supported accommodation is unique. Our multi-faith chaplains make a difference to the lives of young people in our supported accommodation by providing a space to be heard, to have fun and to eat together.

We are looking for people of faith or belief who are kind, good listeners, non-judgemental, with a sense of humour and a love of young people. We have a Christian Foundation and inclusive vision and we welcome applications from people of all faiths and beliefs. As a volunteer chaplain you will work as part of a team and spend time with the residents in their projects, cooking and eating with them, chatting, playing board games, and generally just being there for them. You will also receive training and support from one of our paid Chaplains.

We ask for a commitment of one evening (approximately 2 hours) every 2-3 weeks.

We are looking for Volunteer Chaplains in the following areas:

• Guildford and East Sussex
• Horsham and Crawley, West Sussex (one to two days a month preferably on Tuesday or Thursday evenings)
• Brighton & Hove

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with life-limiting conditions? Do you have experience in grant making or commissioning?

Lifelites is seeking an enthusiastic and committed individual to join our Lifelites 25 Grants Committee.

Role purpose

As a member, you will help shape our new 25th anniversary grants programme and support our mission to provide life-changing assistive technology for organisations supporting children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

Key responsibilities:

• Programme Development: Help establish the new 3-year Lifelites 25 Grants Programme, aimed at funding innovative projects that align with our goals.
• Grant Assessment: Review and assess grant applications from various organisations, ensuring they meet the programme’s criteria, address areas of unmet need and deliver impact.
• Due Diligence: Conduct necessary checks on applications to ensure transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of funds.
• Recommendations: Make informed recommendations to the Lifelites Board of Trustees regarding which projects should receive support.
• Meetings: Attend 4-6 committee meetings per year to discuss applications and strategic planning for the grants programme.

About you:

• Previous experience in grant making or commissioning.
• A commitment to Lifelites’ mission to support children with life-limiting conditions.
• Ability to analyse, evaluate, and make recommendations based on the merits of applications.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Commitment:

• 4-6 meetings per year, with the potential for occasional additional discussions as needed.
• Time to read and assess documents and applications in advance of meetings

If you’re passionate about using your expertise to support life-changing projects, we’d love to hear from you!

DCF are a family-founded charity based in South London, focusing on supporting children and young people's wellbeing. We provide youth groups, workshops and 121 support in schools and in the community. 

This is an exciting, key opportunity to develop our income generation, therefore supporting us to reach more young people.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and lead our fundraising approach as an organisation.  Our CEO currently has a very active role overseeing all areas of the charity.  We are looking for someone to take the lead on developing our fundraising strategy and submitting grant applications.

There is flexibility in how the role could develop and we would value your expertise in how best to diversify our income and sustainability. 

We currently deliver services in two boroughs (Croydon and Merton) and have a 5 year plan to expand to four boroughs. 

The role would include: 

1. Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to support the financial needs of the organisation.
2. Identify grants and funding opportunities and draft, submit and manage application forms.
3. Support the Income Generation Volunteer to identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and partners to expand our donor base and increase fundraising opportunities.
4. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising efforts, tracking key metrics and making necessary adjustments to improve results.
5. Stay informed about trends and best practices in fundraising, incorporating innovative approaches to enhance our fundraising strategies.
6. Maintain accurate records of donors, donations, and fundraising activities.

What are we looking for?

• Passionate about fundraising and making a difference to the lives of young people.

• Committed to our values:

  1. Family approach

  2. Inclusion & fairness

  3. Celebrate difference

  4. Support Young People with progression & personal development

  5. Provide a platform for Young People to have a voice

• Proven experience in fundraising, preferably within the non-profit sector.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and strategies. Knowledge of a variety of funding types would be an asset e.g. grant applications/cycles of funding, individual donors, crowdfunding, campaign fundraising.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative fundraising ideas and campaigns.
• Highly organised with excellent project management skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• You need to be based in the UK.

  What difference will you make?

Passionate about fundraising and making a difference to the lives of young people.

Committed to our values:

1. Family approach

2. Inclusion & fairness

3. Celebrate difference

4. Support Young People with progression & personal development

5. Provide a platform for Young People to have a voice

Volunteer Opportunity: Peer Support Volunteer – Peers2Pals

Salary:                  Nil

Location:                            Bracknell 

ABOUT BUCKINGHAMSHIRE MIND AND MIND IN BERKSHIRE

Buckinghamshire Mind was founded in 1914 as Buckinghamshire Association for Mental Health. The charity is independent and responsible for its own governance and income generation. We are proud to be affiliated to national Mind (the leading mental health charity in England and Wales) and to play our part in a diverse network of over 140 other local Mind associations.

Mind in Berkshire is a collaboration between Buckinghamshire Mind and Oxfordshire Mind, in which we work together to create a unified voice and understanding across East and West Berkshire.

Buckinghamshire Mind shares National Mind’s vision: “We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect.”  It remains our mission to deliver high quality community-based services across Buckinghamshire and East Berkshire to reach out and ensure everyone with a mental health problem gets access to the help they need.

Working from offices in Chesham, High Wycombe and other community venues we provide high quality services to some of the most isolated and vulnerable members of society. Services include: Wellbeing activity groups, peer support groups, Safe Haven crisis service, befriending, community partnership outreach services, peer support in schools’, and adult and young people’s counselling.

Buckinghamshire Mind has over 500 volunteers (including 400 peer ambassadors/mentors in schools and over 100 in befriending partnerships). These dedicated individuals support our passionate staff team ensuring our services are tailored to need and are of the highest quality.  Further information can be found on your website.

Volunteer Opportunity

We are currently looking for enthaustic, dynamic and supportive volunteers aged 17-25 to work with our young people’s peer support group, Peers2Pals.

Peers2Pals is a friendly and welcoming peer support community, for people to help each other with managing their mental wellbeing and reduce loneliness and isolation.

Our uplifting and fun activities provide the opportunity to socialise and share experiences in a non-judgemental and completely confidential setting. Our activities are based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing: To Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, To Learn and To Give.

We offer a range of activities across East Berkshire during the day, evenings, and some weekends. Our youth volunteers play an integral role in our service, running activities, such as a bowling group, meal and games evenings and quiz nights. We are hoping to expand our team and reach more young people.

This role is a wonderful opportunity to facilitate an activity that will benefit the mental health and wellbeing of our members. If you have a skill, hobby, or interest you’d like to share, we’d love to hear about it! Volunteers must be comfortable in a group setting and building rapport with people from all walks of life.

An understanding of mental health is essential and lived experience is welcomed. All successful applicants will have completed our volunteer training, undertaken a DBS check, and provided 2 references. Volunteers will be expected to facilitate a peer support group for a minimum of 2 to 3 hours per month face to face or virtually, attend regular training and volunteer development sessions as required, and take part in monthly peer volunteer meetings with your coordinator and fellow volunteers. As a Friends in Need volunteer, you can claim travel expenses.

For an informal chat about the role or for further information, please contact Chloe Benn – Friends in Need Coordinator.