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!
Best Foot Forward provides a series of free, accessible, guided health walks around open spaces in Nottingham. Walks are designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle through exercise and social interaction. The walks offer the opportunity to improve health, make new friends, have fun and get to know your local environment. This volunteer role offers you the chance to make a difference to an older person's life, and ensure your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one.
Tasks you may be involved with include the following:
- Giving a brief talk before the walk to make sure everyone is prepared, and welcoming new walkers
- Leading and managing walks, usually jointly with other walk leaders (including ‘back marking or middle marking’ as well as leading at the front.
- Making sure walks are welcoming, friendly, enjoyable and safe
- Trouble shooting and dealing with problems on walks, with the support of your scheme coordinator
- Providing information about other Age UK Notts services and other walks offered by the scheme, and basic information about how to keep active
- Making sure paperwork such as registration forms and registers are completed
Skills and interests required are:
- Friendly, welcoming and empowering with good communication skills
- Knowlegdeable about the basics of the benefits of walking and physical activity
- Reliable, punctual and well-organised
- Ability to volunteer independently but with guidance and support
- Confident at speaking in front of small groups and able to take control and be assertive when needed
- Able to provide basic paperwork punctually and accuate
We are looking for volunteers who have availability to support our walks across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire which are held every day except for a Thursday
We are looking for volunteers who can support a minimum of one walk per week, every week (time and days tbc)
***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***
Application Form
Interview
References will be taken
DBS check
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Would you like to support those feeling socially isolated and lonely within the local serving community? Could you spare a few hours a week to organise group activities that bring people together?
If so, we would love to hear from you!
What is a Community Connection Champion?
The aim of the role is to promote connection by developing and facilitating social groups and activities within the local serving community.
Tasks will include planning group activities that are sociable and of interest to the community. It also involves coordinating and delivering sessions. You will receive training and have support from a dedicated project officer as you establish a variety of groups.
What difference will you make?
Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people can find themselves feeling lonely or socially isolated, they may struggle to meet and connect with new people due to their confidence, work commitments or because they don’t live in Service Family Accommodation.
Community Connection Champions will play a vital role in tackling these challenges by creating welcoming, engaging group opportunities that bring people together.
What will you be doing?
Although every SSAFA Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Community Connection Champion:
- Creating and Planning: Working with the Project Officer to plan, develop and organise groups and activities that are best suited to their local serving community.
- Communication and Teamwork: Keeping in touch with the local Community Volunteer Coordinator and attending s meetings.
- Networking and Engagement: Reaching out with those who are interested in attending activities, providing support and encouragement for them to attend, including those who face barriers to attending.
- Facilitating group sessions: Delivering group activities in line with agreed plans, signposting attendees to external support as required and in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
- Recording and reporting on activities: Sharing activity plans with the SSAFA Project Team, tracking attendance, and encouraging attendees to complete the relevant paperwork to support Project reporting and development.
What about training and support?
- Volunteers will need to complete E-learning courses covering topics including GDPR and safeguarding plus a 1.5hr webinar which focuses on understanding the impact of loneliness and social isolation, what helps to reduce those feelings and the skills needed to develop and facilitate groups.
- Support from a dedicated Project Officer who will work with you to plan and develop the groups and activities.
- Support from your local Community Volunteer Coordinator and SSAFA’s Regional and Central Volunteer Operations colleagues.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Give back to the serving community
- Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience, helping them to build local connections.
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
- Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews, such as planning sessions, organising activities and group facilitation.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with great communication skills.
- Excellent understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
- Non-judgemental approach and alignment with SSAFA’s values
- Some experience of delivering groups sessions or team leadership is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
This role would suit someone who would like to make a regular weekly commitment of a couple of hours.
As this is a new initiative, we are keen to understand what works to support the local serving community. We expect groups to run in the evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.
A typical group might run once weekly for a 6-week period. Face to face sessions are likely to run in community venues such as community centres but we also want to explore how virtual groups can be used to support those who can’t access face to face sessions.
Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
***This is an unpaid volunteer role***
A crucial volunteer role at the centre, volunteer Centre Assistants help out at least one morning per week to warmly welcome members to the centre, help with queries (in person, by email and over the phone) and direct people to our various activities. This is an active and varied way to volunteer where no two days are the same!
Qualities you need for this role
• Confidence and communication skills in person and over the phone
• Reliable, dependable and a good sense of humour
• Flexibility, happy to support staff as needed
• Able to think on your feet
• Basic IT skills
When you'll be needed
• A morning per week: volunteers must commit for at least six months
• Monday-Friday between the hours 9:30am – 1:00pm
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Would you like to support those feeling socially isolated and lonely within the local serving community? Could you spare a few hours a week to organise group activities that bring people together?
If so, we would love to hear from you!
What is a Community Connection Champion?
The aim of the role is to promote connection by developing and facilitating social groups and activities within the local serving community.
Tasks will include planning group activities that are sociable and of interest to the community. It also involves coordinating and delivering sessions. You will receive training and have support from a dedicated project officer as you establish a variety of groups.
What difference will you make?
Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people can find themselves feeling lonely or socially isolated, they may struggle to meet and connect with new people due to their confidence, work commitments or because they don’t live in Service Family Accommodation.
Community Connection Champions will play a vital role in tackling these challenges by creating welcoming, engaging group opportunities that bring people together.
What will you be doing?
Although every SSAFA Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Community Connection Champion:
- Creating and Planning: Working with the Project Officer to plan, develop and organise groups and activities that are best suited to their local serving community.
- Communication and Teamwork: Keeping in touch with the local Community Volunteer Coordinator and attending s meetings.
- Networking and Engagement: Reaching out with those who are interested in attending activities, providing support and encouragement for them to attend, including those who face barriers to attending.
- Facilitating group sessions: Delivering group activities in line with agreed plans, signposting attendees to external support as required and in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
- Recording and reporting on activities: Sharing activity plans with the SSAFA Project Team, tracking attendance, and encouraging attendees to complete the relevant paperwork to support Project reporting and development.
What about training and support?
- Volunteers will need to complete E-learning courses covering topics including GDPR and safeguarding plus a 1.5hr webinar which focuses on understanding the impact of loneliness and social isolation, what helps to reduce those feelings and the skills needed to develop and facilitate groups.
- Support from a dedicated Project Officer who will work with you to plan and develop the groups and activities.
- Support from your local Community Volunteer Coordinator and SSAFA’s Regional and Central Volunteer Operations colleagues.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Give back to the serving community
- Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience, helping them to build local connections.
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
- Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews, such as planning sessions, organising activities and group facilitation.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with great communication skills.
- Excellent understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
- Non-judgemental approach and alignment with SSAFA’s values
- Some experience of delivering groups sessions or team leadership is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
This role would suit someone who would like to make a regular weekly commitment of a couple of hours.
As this is a new initiative, we are keen to understand what works to support the local serving community. We expect groups to run in the evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.
A typical group might run once weekly for a 6-week period. Face to face sessions are likely to run in community venues such as community centres but we also want to explore how virtual groups can be used to support those who can’t access face to face sessions.
Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Stair Rail Installation Volunteer (Home Falls Prevention HFP) - Ad Hoc
Hours/Days: 2 days per month, full days (see below for details)
Time Commitment: Ongoing, ideally a year in-line with funding period
Location: Visiting clients’ homes across Birmingham
About the Service
Age UK Birmingham’s Home Falls Prevention team provides older people with services to stay confident and mobile within their own homes which is achieved by visiting clients to advise on minimizing falls within their home and changes that can be made. This will also help with their mobility, confidence and increase wellbeing.
About the Role
We are looking for a reliable volunteer that is confident in and has experience with DIY tasks. The role is specifically to support our Home Falls staff member who leads the installation of stair rails. There is currently one other volunteer in the team and due to service demands, we seek the support of another.
Experience with carpentry or handy-man roles is ideal.
In this role, you will:
- Undertake Age UK Birmingham and Age UK Sandwell induction programme and additional relevant training where required
- Assist in the installation of stair rails with associated tasks
- Carry and take care of tools and equipment
- Keep accurate and confidential records
- Report any concerns following home visits to the manager of HFP
- Attend team meetings when required
Personal qualities and skills most suited to this role
Skills:
- Essential - DIY experience
- Desirable - Carpentry experience
Qualities:
- Good listening and communication skills
- Patience and tact, particularly with older people
- Reliable and flexible to our service delivery days – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
- A caring, sympathetic, sensitive manner and a non-judgemental approach
Other Criteria
- A valid, clean UK driving license and have access to own vehicle with valid insurance and MOT (essential)
- Must be available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays with 4 weeks notice
- Willingness to travel across Age UK Birmingham service delivery areas
- Willingness to undergo a DBS check which is required due to the nature of this role
Travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with HMRC guidance
Contact
Louise Crowther | Volunteer Coordinator
We aim to improve the lives of older people through information and advice, campaigns, products, training, research, and other activities that promote
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
The impact a volunteer telephone befriender can have on a lonely individual is amazing and for many of our service users our volunteer telephone befrienders are the only people in their lives who can offer quality time for a nice chat. With just one hour of your time per week you can help provide companionship and support for someone suffering from chronic loneliness.
You will have to complete a DBS check and an Adult’s Safeguarding training, both covered by our organisation.
For this role volunteers will gain:
-
Confidence using the telephone.
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Develop interpersonal and communication skills.
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Free Safeguarding and DBS check
Time Commitment
Volunteers can give a minimum of 1 hour per week and must commit to a minimum of 3 months. However, the longer you commit to this role the more you will benefit.
Training
-
Level 2 Safeguarding adults
We offer ongoing supervision and regular catch ups with team members. The volunteer has the opportunity to meet with fellow volunteers for monthly or bimonthly zoom events.
Is a DBS Check required?
-
We require all applicants to provide two references. DBS is required for this role, but the cost will be provided by the Dialogue Society
Personal Requirements
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Engage with a client to provide support on a weekly basis or schedule a specific time with the client.
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For this role you will need a clear and polite telephone manner.
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The ability to actively listen, empathise and promote conversation.
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Adhere to the appropriate guidelines while communicating with the clients, preserving the reputation of the organisation.
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To identify if a person may be at risk and alert a supervisor.
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To maintain confidentiality.
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To work within a team of volunteers and staff.
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To work within Dialogue Society’s policies and procedures
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A non-discriminatory and a non-judgemental attitude
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Reliable
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
The Listening Place is a volunteer-led charity aiming to transform how we support people who feel suicidal. Our trained volunteers are part of a team delivering face-to-face, confidential, ongoing support to thousands of people each year. They help create the warm and welcoming environment that encourages people struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings to talk openly without being judged or given advice.
Listening volunteers provide ongoing face-to-face support to visitors on regular, fortnightly 4-hour shifts during which they meet with up to 3 visitors (for up to 50 minutes each). No experience or qualifications are necessary. We look for warmth, empathy and resilience in our volunteers and the ability to be non-judgemental and avoid giving advice.
In order to ensure continuity for our visitors we require a one-year minimum commitment from our LVs, as well as three months’ notice of intention to leave.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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 currently have a volunteering opportunity in the East Finchley area of North London for a Volunteer Befriender. If you have a couple of hours to spare and can commit to volunteering on a weekly basis, we’d love to hear from you.
Are you a warm and chatty person, who’s also a good listener?
Are you looking to help someone gain confidence and engage with the local community? Could you organise and source activities that align with our service-user’s interests, which include comedy and writing poetry?
Can you commit to learning Creative Support’s Safeguarding Procedure and be able to implement this if needed?
We are looking for a reliable, friendly, outgoing and supportive person who can join us as a Volunteer Befriender.
As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer’s peer support group. Together we can make a difference.
Suggested time commitment: 2 hours a week.
Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organisation. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Silver award. We actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and cultures.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Would you like to support people from within the serving community? You just need a friendly demeanour, and an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and age groups. If so, please get in touch.
What is a Community Volunteer?
Community Volunteers provide practical help to serving people and their families. Whilst a friendly chat is an important aspect of the role you will also be providing some hands-on support like a lift to a medical appointment or help with shopping.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people find themselves facing illness, bereavement or unexpected financial problems. Day-to-day activities can become difficult without a little help. That’s where you come in. Could you spare a few hours a week to lend a helping hand to a family in your serving community?
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The essential part of the role is visiting beneficiaries, so you will be expected to travel to meet people at home or elsewhere.
Some volunteers will visit more people than others. Whilst you may visit a beneficiary, or family, on a regular basis support is always time-limited.
What would you be doing?
- Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at their home or in a suitable place depending on their needs
- Providing practical help like lifts to appointments, going to the shops, washing-up, running errands etc.
- Providing time limited, relief care for children (additional training is required for those undertaking this type of support).
- Helping people to think about how to access other support if needed and signposting as required
- Reporting any safeguarding concerns in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
- Keeping in touch with your Community Volunteer Coordinator, attending supervision and keeping a record of your visits.
- Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support beneficiaries
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
- Adhering to SSAFA’s policies and procedures at all times, including SSAFA’s: safeguarding; equality, diversity and inclusion; health & safety; data protection; confidentiality
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Give back to the serving community
- Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What about training and support?
- One day training course for Community Volunteers. The option to pursue this course further and gain an accredited qualification in community volunteering. Additional training is required for those wishing to undertake the Relief Care Service for Children.
- Support from a local Community Volunteer Coordinator
- Support from SSAFA’s Welfare Team and Volunteer Experience Team based at our Central Office
- Online training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date with how to keep clients, their families and personal information safe
- Refresher training to keep your knowledge and skills up to date
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with good listening skills, patience and empathy
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Understanding of the need to remain within the boundaries of the role with regards to friendship, finances etc.
- Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA’s policies
- Good IT skills e.g. ability to use Outlook – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
- Ability to travel to meet beneficiaries
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.
Minimum Age: 18
Are references required? Yes. Two-character references from people who know you well (not family members).
Is a criminal record check required? Yes* (the cost of this will be covered by SSAFA)
*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands or other information should not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, if required and where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Would you like to support those feeling socially isolated and lonely within the local serving community? Could you spare a few hours a week to organise group activities that bring people together?
If so, we would love to hear from you!
What is a Community Connection Champion?
The aim of the role is to promote connection by developing and facilitating social groups and activities within the local serving community.
Tasks will include planning group activities that are sociable and of interest to the community. It also involves coordinating and delivering sessions. You will receive training and have support from a dedicated project officer as you establish a variety of groups.
What difference will you make?
Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people can find themselves feeling lonely or socially isolated, they may struggle to meet and connect with new people due to their confidence, work commitments or because they don’t live in Service Family Accommodation.
Community Connection Champions will play a vital role in tackling these challenges by creating welcoming, engaging group opportunities that bring people together.
What will you be doing?
Although every SSAFA Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Community Connection Champion:
- Creating and Planning: Working with the Project Officer to plan, develop and organise groups and activities that are best suited to their local serving community.
- Communication and Teamwork: Keeping in touch with the local Community Volunteer Coordinator and attending s meetings.
- Networking and Engagement: Reaching out with those who are interested in attending activities, providing support and encouragement for them to attend, including those who face barriers to attending.
- Facilitating group sessions: Delivering group activities in line with agreed plans, signposting attendees to external support as required and in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
- Recording and reporting on activities: Sharing activity plans with the SSAFA Project Team, tracking attendance, and encouraging attendees to complete the relevant paperwork to support Project reporting and development.
What about training and support?
- Volunteers will need to complete E-learning courses covering topics including GDPR and safeguarding plus a 1.5hr webinar which focuses on understanding the impact of loneliness and social isolation, what helps to reduce those feelings and the skills needed to develop and facilitate groups.
- Support from a dedicated Project Officer who will work with you to plan and develop the groups and activities.
- Support from your local Community Volunteer Coordinator and SSAFA’s Regional and Central Volunteer Operations colleagues.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Give back to the serving community
- Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience, helping them to build local connections.
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
- Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews, such as planning sessions, organising activities and group facilitation.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with great communication skills.
- Excellent understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
- Non-judgemental approach and alignment with SSAFA’s values
- Some experience of delivering groups sessions or team leadership is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
This role would suit someone who would like to make a regular weekly commitment of a couple of hours.
As this is a new initiative, we are keen to understand what works to support the local serving community. We expect groups to run in the evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.
A typical group might run once weekly for a 6-week period. Face to face sessions are likely to run in community venues such as community centres but we also want to explore how virtual groups can be used to support those who can’t access face to face sessions.
Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
GT Scholars mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for Ambassadors that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!
As an Ambassador your duty would be to contribute anything to help with the growth of GT Scholars:
Events: Participate at our events by greeting parents and seating scholars: work closely with the programme manager to set up events and work collaboratively with workshop facilitators, venue owners, volunteers, parents and young people to ensure that each event is successfully executed.
Getting more volunteers: Reaching out to your network and spreading the word about GT Scholars and the work we do. This is to attract more volunteers and potential sponsors to support the cause.
Fundraising: Use your network or skills to reach more sponsors and potential partners who want to improve social mobility.
Corporate contacts: Use your network or skills to spread the word about GT Scholars and reach more volunteers and potential sponsors.
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!
Would you like to support people from within the serving community? You just need a friendly demeanour, and an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and age groups. If so, please get in touch.
What is a Community Volunteer?
Community Volunteers provide practical help to serving people and their families. Whilst a friendly chat is an important aspect of the role you will also be providing some hands-on support like a lift to a medical appointment or help with shopping.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people find themselves facing illness, bereavement or unexpected financial problems. Day-to-day activities can become difficult without a little help. That’s where you come in. Could you spare a few hours a week to lend a helping hand to a family in your serving community?
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The essential part of the role is visiting beneficiaries, so you will be expected to travel to meet people at home or elsewhere.
Some volunteers will visit more people than others. Whilst you may visit a beneficiary, or family, on a regular basis support is always time-limited.
What would you be doing?
- Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at their home or in a suitable place depending on their needs
- Providing practical help like lifts to appointments, going to the shops, washing-up, running errands etc.
- Providing time limited, relief care for children (additional training is required for those undertaking this type of support).
- Helping people to think about how to access other support if needed and signposting as required
- Reporting any safeguarding concerns in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
- Keeping in touch with your Community Volunteer Coordinator, attending supervision and keeping a record of your visits.
- Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support beneficiaries
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
- Adhering to SSAFA’s policies and procedures at all times, including SSAFA’s: safeguarding; equality, diversity and inclusion; health & safety; data protection; confidentiality
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Give back to the serving community
- Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What about training and support?
- One day training course for Community Volunteers. The option to pursue this course further and gain an accredited qualification in community volunteering. Additional training is required for those wishing to undertake the Relief Care Service for Children.
- Support from a local Community Volunteer Coordinator
- Support from SSAFA’s Welfare Team and Volunteer Experience Team based at our Central Office
- Online training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date with how to keep clients, their families and personal information safe
- Refresher training to keep your knowledge and skills up to date
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with good listening skills, patience and empathy
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Understanding of the need to remain within the boundaries of the role with regards to friendship, finances etc.
- Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA’s policies
- Good IT skills e.g. ability to use Outlook – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
- Ability to travel to meet beneficiaries
- A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.
Minimum Age: 18
Are references required? Yes. Two-character references from people who know you well (not family members).
Is a criminal record check required? Yes* (the cost of this will be covered by SSAFA)
*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands or other information should not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, if required and where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Harrison & Potter Trust is a wonderful example of charitable settlements made many years ago that continue to make a significant impact on people’s lives today.
It was established in 1970 when two old almshouse charities, the John Harrison's Hospital founded in April 1653 and the Mary Potter's Hospital founded in April 1728, merged to form the Harrison and Potter Trust. In 1972 a third charity, the Josiah Jenkinson's Pension Charity founded in May 1905, was taken under the wing of the Trust and subsequently fully amalgamated.
Background to the roles
The Board of the Harrison and Potter Trust currently comprises nine Trustees including the Chair, although the two people who are currently responsible for the grant-giving will be leaving within the next six months. We recognise the need to enhance the Board and welcome new Trustees who will bring energy and a range of wider experience, knowledge and skills to support our important work. We are seeking motivated people who live locally or in the surrounding areas and who share our commitment to honour our settlors’ legacies to provide housing for older people and to support local charities.
Main Responsibilities
- To lead collectively and ensure that the vision and purpose of the Charity are achieved
- To ensure that the Charity complies with legal and regulatory requirements and acts in accordance with the terms of its constitution
- To act in the best interests of the Charity at all times and to the benefit of present and future beneficiaries of the Charity
- To protect and preserve the ethos of the Charity
- To ensure the solvent and efficient running of the Charity through the monitoring and control of its finance and administrative systems and investment policy
Person Specification
- Experience of working in Adult Social Care, or grant-giving, or have a background in law
- Experience of organisational management
- An understanding of the importance of effective governance of voluntary sector organisations, including the respective roles and responsibilities of the Chair, the Board and the member of staff
Eastside People is supporting Harrison & Potter Trust in the recruitment for this role. Please apply by submitting your CV and cover letter, which should cover the following:
- Why you are interested in a trustee role at the Harrison and Potter Trust
- How you can contribute to the Trust as a trustee. Please highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the role as set out in the Person Specification.
- Why you think you would be a good fit for the Trust
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can make the application process work for you.
The closing date for applications is 7 October with shortlisting interviews with Eastside People taking place that week. Interviews will be held with the Harrison and Potter Trust during weeks beginning 21 or 28 October.
Eastside People is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and work with our clients to ensure that we recruit inclusively, seeking to address the underrepresentation of some groups of people in leadership teams.
Statement on diversity
We are keen to diversify our Board so that we better reflect the people and communities of the city that we serve. We would therefore particularly welcome applications from younger people, from women, and from people from ethnic minority backgrounds. We recognise that having people with a range of different life experiences will bring fresh perspectives to our work and enhance our Board’s effectiveness and ability to better serve our residents.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you interested in social care and have an understanding of marketing, branding, communication and social media? Or perhaps you are looking at becoming a trustee for the first time, we would like to support you.
What will you be doing?
You will join a Board of Trustees who support the organisation in their governance role, through strategic planning support and as ‘critical friends’ to the leadership team. Trustees are offered an opportunity to have a real and meaningful involvement in what the organisation does. Our purpose is to support people to live meaningful lives and enable independence through personalised, affordable care, by sharing a home and family life and by supporting involvement in the local community.
Induction and training for the role will be provided.
Our Vision: To be the leading Shared Lives provider in the country
Our Purpose: To make a positive impact on the lives of the people we support
Our Values: Putting CARE into everything we do
Community - Working together with a shared purpose and belonging to achieve common goals
Autonomy - Empowering people to take ownership and accountability for decision-making
Resilience- Building the strength and character to embrace change and challenge
Equity- Giving people what they need to have equal access to opportunities in life
Trustees will be asked to commit to:
- Endeavouring to be available for up to 7 meetings per year with a requirement to attend at least 50%.
- Endeavouring to be available for the annual Board Away Day
- Be able to respond via email to discussion and potential issues between board meetings
- Complete a programme of mandatory training, proportionate to the role, renewed every three years
- Attend an annual review with the Chair
What are we looking for?
We are currently seeking someone with skills and experience in a marketing role as well as Younger Trustees who may be taking on their first trustee role. You will also need to have knowledge, skills and experience in some of the following areas:
- Governance - the oversight of an organisation's functioning
- Strategic planning and management
- Charity cultures and values
- Working with people
- Operational delivery
- Effective communication and influencing skills
- Committed to working as a collaborative member of a team
- Commitment to devoting the necessary time to Board activities
- Being open to learning and development for self, staff and the Board
- Commitment to working to the Nolan Principles for Public Life
If I join Shared Lives South West as a trustee what can I expect?
You will help enrich the lives of people we support by becoming a part of this friendly charity known for providing high-quality support to people as recognised by our recent “Outstanding” CQC award. You stand to also enrich your own life through the empowering and satisfying sector of volunteering as well as having access to training and development opportunities through SLSW. This is a voluntary post and would be offered subject to satisfactory references and DBS check. Voluntary, with travel and other reasonable expenses payable.
You will be joining an enthusiastic and committed team of trustees. Induction and training for the role will be provided. The appointment will run for three years and be subject to an annual review with the Chair of the Board. Two further terms of three years may be agreed upon. You will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement, declare any relevant business interests and complete an insolvency check as well as a charity-related parties register prior to your first Board meeting. You will be required to declare, on an ongoing basis, any further relevant business interests and/or conflicts of interest that may arise.
How to Apply
We have an application form that you will need to complete if you are interested in the role of Trustee for Shared Lives South West. This can be provided upon expression of interest, which you can do by applying on Reach Volunteering.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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 fun, reliable, and enthusiastic Independent Visitor volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people.
Our Staffordshire Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Tamworth.
- Are you passionate about wanting to help young people?
- Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month?
- Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment?
If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you.
You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with.
You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided.
Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer:
- Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her.
- Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people.
- Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake.
- Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals.
- Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together.
*names have been changed
The Application
- Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime
- The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person
- Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process
Our values are to be Compassionate, Open and Bold. If this sounds like you, please click the apply button. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please call or email and we will be happy to help.
Our mission and vision Our mission is to help people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.