Social Care Development Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for adults to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?
At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.
Engaging in gardening has shown to have both immediate and long-term effects on mental health. Gardening for several hours has been known to reduce depression, stress and anxiety.
What you will be doing
- General maintenance of first floor conservatory garden
- Assisting with the maintenance of the Fish Tank
- Assisting staff to maintain the garden areas when needed
The skills you need
- Must be mobile; the garden is the top floor and there is no lift access
- Gardening experience
- Passion for gardening and helping others
- Collaborative, good team working and communication skills
- Experience using gardening tools and knowledge of plants and weeds is a plus
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you have a love for organising events? We are looking for passionate volunteers to join us and support us to coordinate events across Hestia! You will be the driving force behind organising and supporting us with the management of our events.
What you will be doing
- Researching event spaces
- Supporting with various tasks related to our events program.
- Help delivering events on event days
The skills you need
- Good communication verbal and written skills
- Good organisational skills
- Willingness and desire to learn about event management
- Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive environment
- Good IT knowledge and skills
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for a volunteer to create and facilitate sessions and discussion groups with our volunteers and service users on a variety of subjects for our Learning and Development programme. You will work closely with the Volunteering Team to establish what volunteers and service users would like covered in the programme and then plan, organise and prepare a series of workshops. Some examples of popular sessions that have been held include confidence building, communication skills, presentation skills and more!
What you will be doing
- Create and facilitate workshops and discussion groups with our volunteers and service users on a variety of subjects for our Learning and Development programme
- With the support of the Volunteering Team establish topics for discussion
- Carry out research and prepare materials for the sessions
The skills you need
- Good communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation.
- Calm and patient approach
- Basic IT skills
- Experience in putting together and delivering workshops is desired but no essential
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoy walking, meeting others and having a good chat? If so, we have the perfect volunteering role for you?
Facilitating a weekly walking group, you will contribute to a timetable to support people to reduce isolation, improve their physical activity, self-care and create a community for them to come together to build connections and friendships.
Join our team and inspire others to exercise through a weekly walk. You will create an opportunity for people to support each other, provide that additional boost to exercise and go for a walk even when they may not be feeling the motivation.
What you will be doing
- Coordinate and facilitate weekly walks in local parks to the service alongside other volunteers
- Meet with the walking group weekly
- Hold conversations with people attending the group, checking in on their wellbeing and providing a listening ear/friendly face
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
- Meet at a designated point and travel via public transport to a local park
The skills you need
- Inspire and motivate people to attend the walking group
- Ability to identify, manage any possible risks that may arise during the walking group. Training will be provided
- Willing and able to go on a weekly walk lasting approximately 60-90 minutes
- Good communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation
- Calm and patient approach
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you have the passion and commitment to support women experiencing Domestic Abuse to reach a place of safety? We are recruiting volunteers to support our Refuge Referral Line team, which supports women and children experiencing domestic abuse to find a safe, secure, and suitable refuge space across London.
You will join a team of trained staff and volunteers to support women to make a referral, and ensure they have the knowledge and are informed of the best options to reach safety. You will be supporting women and children to rebuild their lives free from fear!
What you will be doing
- Taking calls to assess the risks and needs of the women fleeing from domestic abuse whilst under supervision/guidance of the Referral Line Worker and the Service Manager
- To use a range of skills and tools to make phone conversations with women effective and empowering
- To provide women with knowledge of how to access refuge space and other types of support with the aid of a trained staff team
- General admin support: typing, taking notes, filing, scanning documents, keeping accurate records on our digitalised client management syste
- To develop positive relationships with staff members and women whilst promoting self-care
- Engage, support, and interact with women from a diverse range of needs and backgrounds
The skills you need
- A desire to provide support to women who are in crisis due to domestic abuse
- Always maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
- Calm, patient approach with empathy and a willingness to listen without judgement
- To have a willingness to learn about supporting women impacted by domestic abuse with a diverse range of needs/ backgrounds
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Good time-management
- Experience of using email, internet, and other digital IT skills
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you love music ?
Are you a "people person"?
Our organised music and dance groups give people with additional needs the chance to make friends, enjoy social time together and try out a variety of activities. These fun and friendly groups also help to improve physical health and mental wellbeing.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers for our amazing music, drama and dance groups in Weoley Castle. You will be encouraging our citizens to take part and ensure everyone has a great time.
You DON'T need to be a good singer or a great mover - just a friendly person :-)
What would I be doing?
Helping people to take part in various activities, including singing, dancing, creative music sessions and drama.
Encouraging people to feel part of the group and take part in the activities.
Helping to set up equipment and tidy away at the end of the session.
Helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
What do I need?
· An interest in helping people, being approachable and friendly
· Any performance skills or interests would be amazing, but not essential.
· Good communication skills
· Accepting of others who might be different to you
· The ability to work as part of a diverse team
· A willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap
· Honesty, integrity and trustworthy
· Good time management skills, reliability
· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.
Where and when do you need me?
· We produce a weekly timetable with activities each day
· Weoley Castle Community Hub, Bottetourt Rd, Birmingham B29 5TE
What’s in it for me?
As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:
· The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers
· Improved health and wellbeing from doing positive activities
· A volunteering preparation session
· An induction and settling in period and any training and development that is needed
· The chance to develop your skills and gain experience
· The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team
· Any out-of-pocket travel expenses
· Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution
To deliver accessible and inclusive community, health, and wellbeing support services for people with lived experience of learning disability.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you looking to get involved in the local community and would like to facilitate a group for people who use Hestia’s services?
There are opportunities across Hestia’s services to use your skills and talents to coordinate an activity that will bring people together, motivate and inspire people to reconnect with an old hobby or try something new for the first time. Volunteers’ provide people in our services opportunities to meet others, develop friendships and create a routine and activity to their day. Group activities could include anything from art, music, creative writing to leading a discussion and peer support group.
What you will be doing
- Work alongside staff to support people in our service or accessing one of our drop-in sessions to plan, facilitate and evaluate group activities.
- To design session plans and collaborate with people using the services to be involved in the designing and planning of the session.
- Holding conversations with people using the service, checking in on their wellbeing and providing a listening ear/friendly face.
- Encourage group members to participate in a group activity.
- Opportunities to deliver activities alongside the staff team and other volunteers.
- To assist with ad hoc and administrative tasks to support the running of the group.
The skills you need
- Knowledge and experience of working with people with varying backgrounds and needs
- Good communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation.
- Calm and patient approach
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you speak Amharic and are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing.
You will support individuals who struggle to communicate with others and help them to reconnect with their local community. You will support to relight a spark in a hobby, interest or encourage individuals to explore and participate in new social activities.
This role can be face-to-face or remote!
What you will be doing
- Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
- To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
- To engage in conversation in Amharic
- To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
- To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
- Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals
The skills you need
- Able to communicate confidently in Amharic
- Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
- Willingness to engage in activities in the community
- Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries
- To be consistent in attendance
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for our service users to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?
At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.
What you will be doing
- Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
- To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
- Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
- Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
- Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
- Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
- Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities
The skills you need
- A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
- Calm and patient approach
- Good communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for adults and children to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?
At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.
What you will be doing
- Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
- To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
- Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
- Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
- Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
- Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
- Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities
The skills you need
- A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
- Calm and patient approach
- Good communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are recruiting volunteers to coordinate sport and fitness activities to support service users to get active, have fun and move together. Exercising helps strengthens bones and muscles, supports with mental wellbeing, increases self-confidence, self-esteem, and provides opportunities for people to make new friends, try out new sports, activities and learn new skills.
What you will be doing
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team
- Coordinate a weekly timetable of sports and active games to engage the service users
- General knowledge about wellbeing and how sport affects physical and mental health
- Support the service users to maintain their physical health through exercise
- Support the service users to work as a team
- Plan activities or sports in collaboration with the service users
The skills you need
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation.
- Calm and patient approach
- A skilled and qualified sports coach/fitness instructor
- Good communication skills
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoy playing games and engaging with people? Are you interested in boosting people’s socialising abilities and cater a safe and cheerful experience? If so, we are recruiting for a volunteer to facilitate weekly games and chat sessions at our Service in Brent.
Playing games is a good boost of confidence every once in a while for everyone playing to feel like a winner. In turn confidence turns into happiness which is an instant mood enhancer. Also holding conversations is a great team activity to help people engage and build their confidence.
What you will be doing
- Coordinate and set up a weekly games and chat group
- Create a safe space for individuals to express themselves
- Teach people how to play new card and board games
- In the sessions encourage members of the group to connect and relate to each other through playing cards, board games and holding conversations
The skills you need
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
- Calm, patient, friendly and welcoming
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team.
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoy playing games and engaging with people? Are you interested in boosting people’s socialising abilities and cater a safe and cheerful experience? If so, we are recruiting for a volunteer to facilitate weekly games and chat sessions at our Service.
What you will be doing
- Coordinate and set up a weekly games and chat group
- Create a safe space for individuals to express themselves
- Teach people how to play new card and board games
- In the sessions encourage members of the group to connect and relate to each other through playing cards, board games and holding conversations
The skills you need
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
- Calm, patient, friendly and welcoming
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team.
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for volunteers to support our outreach team to build and establish positive relationships with women working on the streets. You will be supporting the team to provide practical support for women, this may include supporting women to access advice around housing and homelessness, sex health testing, substance misuse, physical and mental health, therapeutic services and obtaining essentials such as food and clothing and liaising with the police.
What you will be doing
- Offering support to those selling sex
- Providing information to people involved in sex work, around the support available such as health substance misuse support, access to benefits and finances and alternative employment.
- Building relationships, listening to people and providing a friendly conversation
- Support women to build confidence and develop strategies to put control, direction and purpose into their lives alongside team of outreach workers.
- Working with other agencies and community partners
The skills you need
- Good communication skills; good listening skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that supports building relationships whilst maintaining personal boundaries
- Calm and patient approach
- Willingness to work collaboratively with a range of external organisations.
- An interest to work and reach out to women involved in/affected by sex work.
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in south-west London. We work primarily with people who are newly arrived in the UK, most of whom are living in temporary Home Office accommodation. Arriving as a refugee in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language barriers, accessing services, financial insecurity and ongoing uncertainty are extremely challenging and disempowering. CARAS is here to work collaboratively with community members to support them to build skills, connect meaningfully with their local community, and to build positive futures in the UK.
CARAS offers a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background. For adults this currently includes: ESOL, digital skills and employability sessions; social and recreational activities and casework. All programs are interlinked and work hand-in-hand with one another. For example, community members can practice their spoken English in Coffee Afternoon, and casework issues might be picked up and referred into the team during an ESOL class. We design and develop our programs through consultation and ongoing conversations with our community members. We aim to have a strong volunteer presence across all our programs, fostering connections between asylum seekers and other Londoners!
About CARAS’s Adult Programming and Coffee Afternoon:
CARAS has been providing support to adult refugee women since 2005, promoting skills and confidence development that helps women gain more power in their lives. In the aftermath of COVID, we have been able to expand our adult programmes, responding to the shifting demographics of those seeking asylum in the UK. We now run a range of mixed programmes for all genders, as well as some women-only spaces. Our coffee afternoon is a mixed group.
Our coffee afternoon has been running since May 2022 and is one of our most popular groups. It takes place at TARA Theatre in Earlsfield from 1-2.30PM every Friday. Its primary aim is to reduce isolation amongst those we work with by providing a safe, friendly and welcoming space for people to have fun, learn about themselves and each other, and build connections.
In 2023, we have been running creative sessions during Coffee Afternoon, facilitated by freelance creative practitioners in partnership with TARA Theatre. These range from dance to drama, poetry to puppetry. For sessions without a creative practitioner, we sometimes host workshops on important topics such as healthcare rights or have an open and informal space for games and a chat. There is always coffee and a selection of baked goods!
For more information on TARA Theatre, our partner and host, please visit their website.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- To attend CARAS coffee afternoon’s, every Friday between 1-2.30PM in Earlsfield, South-west London. They take place at TARA Theatre, right opposite Earlsfield Station. Location here- https://maps.app.goo.gl/rXwJiKHRj93YFtLG9 (356 Garratt Ln, London SW18 4ES).
- If there is a week this is not possible, to tell CARAS staff as far in advance as you are able.
- To welcome and connect with community members attending, working to ensure everyone at the group feels included.
- To take part if there is a creative activity happening in that session, and help liaise with CARAS staff and the creative practitioner to ensure the activity runs smoothly.
- To encourage and inspire community members to feel confident and reach their full potential.
- To share conversation, and chat informally with our community members.
- To assist community members to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.
- To challenge negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manor.
- To adhere to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
- To have interest in working with refugees and asylum seekers.
- To be non-judgemental, and able and willing to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and differing levels of English.
- To be reliable and punctual.
- To be a current resident in the UK.
- To provide five years’ worth of addresses and be willing to undergo a UK DBS check.
- To attend CARAS General and Safeguarding Training, and any further training as necessary.
- To be 18 years or older.
Through volunteering with us you will:
- Meet new members of your local community
- Learn about different cultures and life experiences from across the world
- Learn about issues relating to refugee and asylum seekers
- Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team
- Develop your skills and competencies
- Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding
To Apply:
Please fill in the volunteer application form and email it to us. Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with the Head of Adult Inclusion and Adult Program Coordinator these meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP!
Details for this role are in the description and not mentioned in the application form but please fill in your details in the Volunteer application form attached and send it back to us
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.