Safeguarding volunteer roles

Do you want to make a real difference to Scope, the disability equality charity, and our income?

Do you like a variety of roles, from talking to people to sorting stock, or are you not sure what you’d like to do?

Do you have a couple of hours a week to support your local charity shop?

You might like our shop volunteer role! 

About this role 

An exciting opportunity to volunteer at our Doncaster shop, generating income and raising awareness of our work in your local community. You will receive all training and support you need to get involved and enjoy your time volunteering. 

Your role may include: 

• sorting and organising goods for sale
• helping to display stock and window dressing
• tidying and cleaning the shop
• welcoming and supporting customers
• using the till and taking payments
• steaming clothes so they look better for customers
• pricing and tagging new donations

When and where 

You will be in our Scope Doncaster shop at 3a Thorn Road Retail Park, Doncaster, DN2 4SQ. We are flexible on the times you would like to volunteer. We’d love your help for as little as 1 hour a week, but if you can give more time that would help us even more.

Who we’re looking for 

We welcome anyone who is friendly and passionate about disability equality! 

Some volunteers want to learn more about charities or about retail. Others want to make a difference to the lives of disabled people. Other volunteers are interested in our training and development opportunities. Some people join us to meet new people and make friends. Sometimes people want to help a charity shop they like shopping in, while also getting a discount in the shop!

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people. Equality and inclusion are at the heart of Scope’s mission. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all volunteers.

Skills and experience you can gain 

• teamwork
• customer service
• till operation
• organisation
• retail skills
• communication
• stock preparation and management
• health and safety
• valuable experience for your cv
• experience of a large, national disability charity

What we can offer you ​

• introduction to scope
• demonstration of your tasks
• training courses, in person and online
• personal development opportunities
• support and regular catchups from a dedicated manager
• Pre- agreed travel expenses
• adjustments to make the role accessible for you
• work experience for your cv
• a work reference
• 20% discount in your scope charity shop

Safeguarding 

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Scope is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children and adults at risk, whether receiving services or being staff or volunteers. It expects all trustees, staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Volunteering at Scope 

Scope is a disability equality charity providing practical information, emotional support and campaigning for a fairer society. 

As a shop volunteer, you’ll help raise vital funds for our work towards everyday equality for disabled people. You will make a real difference to the lives of disabled people and their families. 

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Department: Men in Sheds

Role Location: Unit 4, Boundary Court, Gilbert Way, Burma Road Industrial Estate
Blidworth, Nottinghamshire, NG21 0RT

Role Support: You will be supported by the Men in Sheds Coordinator & Shed Volunteers

What is the purpose of this role?

To support our Men in Sheds volunteers by contributing to the safe running of the shed during sessions by their continual presence and willingness to chat to and support members who attend.

The Men in Sheds Project: Is historically a project specifically for men aged 50+, but with the benefits that have been seen from the project, a mixed session with men and women is being introduced to help women learn/build on practical woodworking skills too.

Men in Sheds provides a well-equipped workshop space where members can work together on a range of activities, and we currently have ‘sheds’ in Blidworth and Worksop.

The project aims to:

- Encourage men and women to be more socially active.

- Provide members with an outlet for their skills and the opportunity to learn new ones.

- Provide respite amongst friends for older men and women who are carers.

- Provide the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the local community.

- Provide access to information and other local services.

- Encourage members to take ownership of their ’shed’ and the projects undertaken.

What impact does this role have?

The Companion Men in Sheds Volunteer role will support the Men in Sheds Volunteers to deliver the project aims, introducing new skills to men and women, whilst helping combat social isolation.

What activities might you be involved in?

Ø  Assisting volunteers on duty delivering the Men in Sheds Sessions.

Ø  Assisting volunteers unlocking the shed and getting it ready for use, turning on heating, checking for unsafe items around and on machines etc.

Ø  Assisting members if needed with projects, lifting etc.

Ø  Encouraging projects that could be completed by members - orders, seasonal items etc.

Ø  Meeting and greeting visitors, ensuring they comply with all safety requirements & sign in.

Ø  Attending monthly volunteer meetings.

Ø  Checking that everything is switched off and assisting a fellow volunteer in locking up at the end of the session.

Ø  Reporting any concerns to the main volunteer on duty and/or the Shed Co-ordinator.

Ø  Volunteering within the charity Safeguarding Policy and raising any safeguarding concerns with the other volunteer only duty, who will then raise it with the Shed Co-ordinator.

What are we looking for?

Ø  Friendly personality and approachable manner with the ability to work confidentially and sensitively with men and women from a variety of backgrounds.

Ø  Ability to use own initiative to work alone, or as part of a team.

Ø  Keen to learn or build on their understanding of the workshop environment and/ or working with power tools

Ø  Appreciate the need to follow health and safety guidelines:

o Ensure members follow the shed’s General Safety Rules

o Ensure that all members work in a safe manner.

o Ensure machines are not used inappropriately – training will be given.

o Ensure that you demonstrate good practice by wearing the correct PPE and ensure that members also wear it.

o Ensure there is no smoking in the shed, only in the outside designated smoking area.

o Actively contribute to keeping the shed clean and tidy

Who can apply:

Ø  We are specifically looking for male applicants over the age of 40 to support the male sessions alongside our current volunteers.

Ø  We are looking for male and female applicants over the age of 40 to support the mixed sessions alongside our current volunteers.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

Volunteers are required who can regularly commit to at least one session per week or to provide cover on an ‘as needed’ basis. The Blidworth Shed is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays 9am - 1pm (Thursday afternoon sessions from January 2025). Days to be agreed with the Shed.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough departmental induction at the Men in Sheds.

You will be required to attend a full day’s certified First Aid Training course paid for by the charity. Your certificate once trained will last for 3 years after which time you will be required to attend refresher training

What can you gain from this opportunity?

Ø The chance to make a difference to an older person’s life.

Ø Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one.

Ø A comprehensive training programme.

Ø The opportunity to learn new skills.

Ø Experience to add to your CV.

Ø The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

Ø Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses as defined in Age UK Notts Volunteer handbook

Additional Information

Please note a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role, and a DBS recheck will be undertaken on a 5-year basis.

About Us:

The Orpheus Centre is a specialist further education college and charity working to support young disabled adults, who are passionate about the arts, to achieve their potential and lead independent lives.

Set up by musician and songwriter Sir Richard Stilgoe, Orpheus offers learning, supported housing and personal care on the same site in Godstone, Surrey.

Volunteer Role:

Evening & Weekend Enrichment Volunteer – Monday-Friday 4pm-8pm Weekends 10am-4pm

Why volunteer:

Through volunteering with us you will gain a greater sense of purpose by supporting our learners to access evening and weekend activities and encouraging them to participate. You can also bring your own skills and knowledge of a particular area like (but not limited to) baking, gardening, exercise – football/basketball and much more.

If you are someone who is reliable, an excellent communicator, have a friendly and enthusiastic personality and committed to helping, as well as being kind and caring, then this could be the role for you.

You will have a mentor who will help and guide you when you first start volunteering at Orpheus.

Training:

Role relevant training, including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Safeguarding will be given prior to start date. There is also the opportunity to attend our Learning Support training.

On-going support will be available throughout your time at Orpheus.

Benefits/What you’ll get:

• Experience of volunteering in an education setting.
• Working within a team as well as independently.
• The opportunity to meet new people and having fun.
• Develop confidence, empathy, listening and communication skills through working with our students.
• Gain experience in the charity sector.
• Opportunities to volunteer at other fundraising or on site events at Orpheus.
• Free on-site parking and expenses claimed back.
• Discounted lunches.
• Volunteer social events, like our Volunteer Tea Party.

Safeguarding:

Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all service users. We are committed to the promotion of equal opportunities.

This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  It is therefore subject to an Enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS).

Equality & Diversity:

• To enforce the zero tolerance policy of all forms of victimisation, discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
• To be tolerant of differences and use respectful language.
• Ensure professional standards and boundaries are clear.
• To treat everyone respectfully.

Application Process:

Once your application has been received it will be reviewed, you may then be invited in for an informal interview.

Your references will be checked and you will need to complete the online DBS application before bringing the relevant documents in to be checked.

You will then need to attend all of our training. This can all take 3-4 weeks to be completed before you start volunteering with us.

We look forward to hearing from you.

About Us:

The Orpheus Centre is a specialist further education college and charity working to support young disabled adults, who are passionate about the arts, to achieve their potential and lead independent lives.

Set up by musician and songwriter Sir Richard Stilgoe, Orpheus offers learning, supported housing and personal care on the same site in Godstone, Surrey.

Volunteer Role:

Collection Box Coordinator – 2 hours a week

Why volunteer:

Through volunteering with us you will gain a greater sense of purpose and help with fundraising for Orpheus. You will coordinate the regular collection and replacement of Orpheus donation boxes within the local area and liaise with other volunteers to inform them which boxes need collecting. You will also need to maintain our database, inputting current and new locations, reporting stolen or broken boxes, researching new locations to distribute boxes and inform the Community Fundraiser.

This role would suite someone who is self-motivated, have a confident manner and experience of dealing with the public face-to-face. Experience using excel spreadsheets or databases would be beneficial, however we can provide training if necessary. You’ll need to be reliable, an excellent communicator, have a friendly and enthusiastic personality and committed to helping. Being a car driver will help you within this role.

You will have a mentor who will help and guide you when you first start volunteering at Orpheus.

Training:

Role relevant training, including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Safeguarding will be given prior to start date. There is also the opportunity to attend our Learning Support training.

On-going support will be available throughout your time at Orpheus.

Benefits/What you’ll get:

• Experience of volunteering in an education setting.
• Working within a team as well as independently.
• The opportunity to meet new people and having fun.
• Develop confidence, empathy, listening and communication skills through working with our students.
• Gain experience in the charity sector.
• Opportunities to volunteer at other fundraising or on site events at Orpheus.
• Free on-site parking and expenses claimed back.
• Discounted lunches.
• Volunteer social events, like our Volunteer Tea Party.

Safeguarding:

Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all service users. We are committed to the promotion of equal opportunities.

This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  It is therefore subject to an Enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS).

Equality & Diversity:

• To enforce the zero tolerance policy of all forms of victimisation, discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
• To be tolerant of differences and use respectful language.
• Ensure professional standards and boundaries are clear.
• To treat everyone respectfully.

Application Process:

Once your application has been received it will be reviewed, you may then be invited in for an informal interview.

Your references will be checked and you will need to complete the online DBS application before bringing the relevant documents in to be checked.

You will then need to attend all of our training. This can all take 3-4 weeks to be completed before you start volunteering with us.

We look forward to hearing from you.

The Community Support/Reach Out volunteer will be volunteering remotely, providing online support and guidance to visitors of The Forward Trust Website communicating in real time using web chat.

The Reach Out Service sits within our Recovery Support Department and is aimed at offering friendly and confidential listening support and assistance. The role involves utilising your communication skills to establish rapport with individuals seeking drug and alcohol help and or to talk about their mental health or other varied life challenges. You will be supporting people who are seeking help for drugs and alcohol help for themselves or from family members concerned for their loved one.
Training is provided to all volunteers to support them with their volunteering role and enable them to further their skills and experience with our client group.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Time Commitment: We recommend that volunteers can commit to an average of 3 hours online per week for a minimum period of six months.

Service Delivery

- Be available for the duration of the shift to answer web-chat/calls as they happen.
- Engage with individuals in a friendly and empathetic manner.
- Gain an understanding of the individual needs and sign post to appropriate organisations for further support or explore specialist services as required.
- Link individuals into Forward Trusts community drug and alcohol services when required and link individuals into drug and alcohol help in other geographical areas where Forward Trust does not have a service.
- Report any Safeguarding concerns to shift supervisor and follow safeguarding procedures as appropriate.
- Respond to offline messages at the beginning of each shift.
- Debrief with and ask for support and guidance from Reach Out Coordinator regarding any concerns arising from web chat conversations.
- Provide handover to supervisor and/or next volunteers covering the shift prior to logging off
- To book shifts in a timely fashion and inform the Reach Out Coordinator of any need to cancel a shift at the earliest opportunity.
- Engage with support and supervision offered by placement supervisor.

CHECKS REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE

- 2 References (this may be from a keyworker, volunteer supervisor, tutor or sponsor if you are not able to provide a work reference)
- Enhanced DBS Check

 Perks and Benefits
TRAINING & INDUCTION

Induction training will be provided to the volunteer and will include the following E-Learning (Data Protection/GDPR/PECR, Safeguarding – Knowledge and Health & Safety – Knowledge).

A full induction to your team including placement specific policies and procedures. Additional volunteer training will be discussed and offered according to the need of the volunteer in placement.

 Skills You'll Need
Below is a list of the qualities that we are looking for from volunteers:

- If in recovery, to be 12 months abstinence from all mood altering substances.
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- Ability to use computers and IT equipment.
- To have good verbal and written communication skills.
- To have a clear understanding and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
- To have a clear understanding of how to set and maintain boundaries.
- To have the ability to reflect and receive feedback.
- To be reliable, flexible and committed.
- To treat individuals with respect and dignity.
- To have the ability to follow instructions.
- To be committed to own learning and development.

Volunteer Helpline Advisor – Role Description 

Purpose of role:

As a Volunteer Helpline Advisor, responding to Helpline enquiries from parents and carers, you will be playing a part in helping ERIC to achieve its key goal of reaching even more families.

You will work remotely, with equipment and training provided.

If you are passionate about helping to improve the lives of families whose children are affected by continence issues, and can commit your time on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.

Terms:

Due to the nature of the work, our helpline volunteers are continence nurses or qualified healthcare professsionals.Volunteer sessions are a full day of 5 hours, on the same day each week, please note that currently we need more volunteers on Mondays & Tuesdays only. We ask volunteers to commit to this regular weekly pattern, ideally for a period of one year or more. This helps to maintain consistency and a high standard of professional practice. 

Expenses may be paid, subject to agreement in advance . 

Tasks could include:  

· Answering calls on the Helpline

· Signposting to information on our website

· Responding to & following up enquiries by email  

· Entering information onto our IT system

Skills and qualities:

· Professional qualification and/or clinical experience

· Enjoy working as part of a team

· Friendly and positive with a can-do attitude

· Well organised with good time management skills

· Empathetic and non-judgmental

· Able to use standard IT packages including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook)

· Able to follow ERIC’s policies, including safeguarding and confidentiality 

· Willing to continuously develop professional practice.

Childline Volunteer Counsellor- Someone who wants to make a difference to children’s lives by being there to listen when they feel they have no one else to turn to. As a Childline counsellor, you’ll be there for young people and listen to them as they open up about whatever is worrying them, whether it’s bullying, abuse, self-harm or family relationships – you’ll be there to support them.

What you’ll do

You’ll volunteer in our Leeds Childline base, offering counselling support to children and young people over the phone or through our 1-2-1 online chat. Your supervisor will help you develop and evaluate your counselling skills. After your initial training, you will be able to help young people as well as identify when a child or young person may be at risk, but don’t worry a supervisor will be on hand to give you plenty of support.

What you’ll get

You’ll receive training sessions over 12 weeks to prepare you for the role. When you start your regular shifts, a supervisor will be around all times to support you. Every shift includes a briefing and debriefing alongside other volunteers. Supervisors will also give you regular one-to-one support and group supervisions.

What we’ll need from you

Signing up to be a Childline counsellor is a big commitment and requires lots of training so, we do ask people to stay in the role for a minimum of one year.

We’ll also need to do some routine safeguarding checks, including an enhanced criminal record check and at least two satisfactory references with at least one covering a period of five years or more with no gaps. It’s nothing to worry about, and we can answer any questions you have about this.

Who’s right for the role?

While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experience.

• Passionate about helping young people and children
• Great communication skills
• Empathetic and perceptive
• able to think on your feet
• works well within a team
• emotional resilience

Why volunteer with us?

Not only will you gain valuable experience throughout your volunteering journey, you’ll also have access to useful resources including a catalogue of online training, discount portal and NSPCC inMind – an online mindfulness resource.

You’ll be fully supported throughout your volunteer journey with us and will have a dedicated key contact should you have any questions along the way.

Contract: Volunteer

Hours: Up to 4 hours per month

Could you befriend and support a child in care?

We are looking for volunteers for our Independent Visitors Project in Stockport!

About the Role

Independent Visitors are volunteers who befriend and spend time with a child or young person within Local Authority care. Our volunteers enjoy the challenge of building a lasting friendship and the children benefit greatly from a consistent, fun relationship with someone outside the care system.

This is a long-term, one to one commitment. Full training and on-going support will be given, and out of pocket expenses paid for mileage and activities.

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.

Coram Voice

Coram Voice is the leading specialist provider of advocacy and children’s rights services for children and young people in and on the edge of care. We support some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society, giving voice to the voiceless and reaching out to those who have missed out on 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 of to actively participate in shaping their lives.

Coram Voice was established in 1975 and in 2013 joined the Coram group of charities which develops, delivers and promotes best practice in the support of children and young people. Coram’s vision is that every child has the best possible chance in life.

We have around 60 employed staff, 100 self-employed advocates and independent persons, and 70 volunteers deliver services to children and agencies throughout the country. Together they provide Coram Voice with a high degree of specialist expertise in the fields of advocacy, children’s rights, mental health, complaints, secure accommodation and experience of working with children in care, in custody, in need and those who have recently left care.

Every day we make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people in and on the edge of care across the UK. Our advocacy teams are based Nationwide and are made of up of experienced community advocates who work alongside our specialist advocates (who focus on direct work, supporting and developing good practice with young people who are homeless, 16+, or have a disability).

To immediately apply to become an Independent Visitor, please click on the ‘apply’ button below to complete the application form.

Please note this is a rolling recruitment, so please make your application now and we will arrange interviews with prospective candidates as soon as possible.

Please mark any questions as N/A if they seem irrelevant to the Independent Visitor role.

Coram Voice is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applicants from Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds to join our teams. Whilst we have a diverse team we recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and families we help.

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.

About VoiceAbility

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

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

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Service Team Volunteer

Our service team volunteers undertake an administrative role that provides support to our advocacy service teams in a variety of ways. 

As a service team volunteer in England, you might: 

• support the local advocacy team as needed, for example administrative tasks

• drop off promotional materials at various locations 

• attend events with other staff or assist in organising small local events

• support staff with presentations

• accompany advocacy staff on visits 

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

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

ED&I Statement

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

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

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Multiple locations available across:

• Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)
• Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)
• Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)
• Wales (RAF Valley)
• Wiltshire (Boscombe Down)
• Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Multiple locations available across:

• Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)
• Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)
• Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)
• Wales (RAF Valley)
• Wiltshire (Boscombe Down)
• Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community
• Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities
• Helping at events
• Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through
• SSAFA’s speaker programme
• Event administration
• Social media marketing

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Happy to help
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About the CARAS ESOL Team:

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to adults at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling people to attend college and access other services in the future.

About the Role:

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face adult ESOL classes in Tooting. Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session every Wednesday during these times: 

• Mondays ESOL 9:30 to 13:30

• Tuesday 9:30 to 11:30

• Tuesday One-to-one employability and language learning support 15:00 to 17:00 

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older; 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• An interest in education and English language teaching; 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• The ability to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months; 

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• *Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; 

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role. 

 *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Expected to undergo a DBS check, e-learning modules, safeguarding level 2, fundamentals, principles, youth leader first aid and a day warrant.

Pursuing the role

Closing date for these opportunities is: 14th June 2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below: