Social Care Development Volunteer Roles

Be based at our Henderson Court Hub in Hampstead with the Dementia team, facilitating and taking meeting notes from the support group that happens.

• Send out the letter of invitation to members
• Call and remind members about the meeting and confirm any travel arrangements
• Co-facilitate the meeting with a member of staff
• Take notes if necessary
• Liaise with guest speakers
• Register members on our Database system

What you will get out of it?

• Volunteers will be supported in their role by the Group Facilitators
• Travel and other agreed out of pocket expenses are reimbursed
• Gain admisitrative experience, such as using databases, organising trasnport, and organising speakers

UK Reads is looking for passionate individuals to join our team as Volunteer Literacy Workshop Facilitators. As a Workshop Facilitator, you'll have the rewarding role of delivering engaging literacy workshops to children and young people in schools, primarily focusing on the East London area.
 

About us:

Established in 2013, the United Kingdom and Europe World Literacy Foundation have been dedicated to building strong communities through literacy and education. In 2018, UK Reads was introduced to provide literacy support through distributing books and resources nationwide while delivering author-led workshops to children to inspire the next generation of readers who lacked resources and opportunities to develop and excel. Additionally, UK Reads works to facilitate a global pen pal project, inspiring young writers and offering them a platform to connect, fostering cultural awareness and enhancing writing skills.

About the Project:

UK Reads: Literacy Impact East London specifically  focus on children and young people aged 11-18 years. The project is designed to reach young people from diverse, low-income backgrounds and ethnic minorities. We have observed that approximately 85% of our beneficiaries come from low-income families, 10% of our users are students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), reflecting the diverse range of learners we aim to support. Additionally, 45% of our beneficiaries come from Black minority communities, highlighting the importance of promoting inclusivity and addressing potential disparities in literacy outcomes.

We acknowledge that low literacy rates often vary through boroughs and are committed to reaching the most underserved, underrepresented, and marginalised young people across East London. We collaborate with schools and community organisations to implement a tailored intervention that addresses the specific needs of each group, offering a diverse range of services to expedite the development of foundational literacy skills. 

Responsibilities:

Support in delivering literacy workshops to children and young people in schools, creating a safe, collaborative, and enjoyable learning environment.
Offer encouragement and motivation to participants to enhance their literacy skills and confidence.
Assist in setting up activities and managing logistics to ensure smooth workshop days.
Implement workshop activities safely and professionally.
Reflect on workshop practices with school staff to identify areas for growth and improvement.

Requirements: 

Individuals from educational backgrounds, teaching, youth support roles, and tutoring may find this role particularly compelling.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage and motivate participants.
Genuine passion for supporting disadvantages children and young people.
Valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance or willingness to undergo checks.

If you're passionate about literacy education and making a positive impact in the lives of children and young people, we encourage you to apply for this exciting volunteer opportunity.

Do you enjoy being creative ?

Could you spare a few hours to help others enjoy art and craft sessions?

Purpose of the role

Our fun activity groups give people with additional needs the chance to make friends, enjoy social time together and try out a variety of activities.  

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers for our friendly arts and crafts groups in Weoley Castle. You will be encouraging our citizens to take part and ensure everyone has a great time. You can also use your skills to deliver a creative session if you wish.

This is a great opportunity to volunteer in a friendly, person-centred team, providing fun activities for people with learning disabilities.

What would I be doing?

· Helping people to take part in various arts and crafts activities such as card making, model making, painting, and other creative groups

· 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 creative 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

· Ideally you can attend once per week for 1-3 hours

· 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

Chair fo Money Committee | Bramley Elderly Action via Peridot Partners

Bramley Elderly Action (including BEA and OWLS) is looking to recruit a Chair of Money Committee with finance expertise to lead their Committee and bring skills to support the further development of the Charity and its positive impact on older people in their communities.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 7th October.

Location: Northwest Leeds 

Time commitment: c.1-2 days a month

Who we are.

Set-up in 1994 by local people, BEA/OWLS is a community-based charity with a small staff team and 200 volunteers, that works with a range of partner organisations, both voluntary and statutory, to improve health, increase happiness, and reduce social isolation and loneliness in older people.

At a strategic level, we seek to influence local and city-wide policy development as active members of the community and Leeds’ third sector. We share good practice whilst at the same time take learning from others.

About the role

The Chair of the Money Committee will bring their finance experience to strengthen the technical capability of the committee. As well as chairing the Committee meetings, Committee Chairs will lead on the strategic development of key finance issues.

Who we are looking for.

Applying your background in finance, you will have the capability to become a Committee Chair and lead the Money Committee. You should also be able to think strategically, challenge constructively and listen to others to ensure that we are inclusive and all voices are heard.

Most importantly, you will be a local person who is committed to helping older people live happy lives in our community. You will also have a willingness to invest the time and effort in delivering for local older people, which is important to us.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 7th October.

Be the difference on your doorstep.
Compassionate Neighbours are trained volunteers offering friendship, support and listening ear to people living in their local community, sometimes with serious, long-term or terminal illness who often struggle with loneliness.

By popping round for a cup of tea or a friendly chat once a week you can make a world of difference. You will be a good listener, kind and have a genuine interest in other people.

As a Compassionate Neighbour Volunteer you’ll not only gain new skills, confidence, and social networks; you’ll be making a difference in your local community.

Full training and support is provided. Training for our next intake will be held at the Hospice on the following dates:
Tuesday 17 September & Friday 20 September 2024,  9.30am - 3.30pm

If you are unable to attend those, we have scheduled training in November as well:
Saturdays 9 & 16 November 2024, 9.30am - 3.30pm

Location: Cardiff / Swansea

Advocacy Support Cymru (ASC) is a registered charity with offices in Swansea and Cardiff. ASC provides statutory independent mental health and mental capacity advocacy across much of South Wales, currently employs 45 staff and has an annual turnover of £2.5m.

This is a non-salaried position however expenses are paid.

The Charity Commissions 6 key duties of a Charity Trustee: -

• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purpose for the public benefit
• Comply with the Charity's governing document and the law
• Act in the Charity's best interests
• Manage the Charity's resources responsibly
• Act with reasonable care and skill
• Ensure that the Charity is accountable

With respect to the above, you will be expected to play an important role in the governance of the organisation, the maintenance of a vital and healthy organisational culture and the business development of the organisation as a whole in a highly competitive specialist field.

Mae Advocacy Support Cymru (ASC) yn elusen gofrestredig a chanddi swyddfeydd yn Abertawe a Chaerdydd. Mae ASC yn darparu eiriolaeth statudol annibynnol ym maes iechyd meddl a chapasiti meddl, a hynny dros ardal eang o dde Cymru; ar hyn o bryd mae'r elusen yn cyflogi 45 o staff ac mae ei throsiant blynyddol yn £2.5m.

Swydd ddi-gyflog yw hon, ond telir costau.

Chwe dyletswydd allweddol y Comisiwn Elusennau parthed Ymddiriedolwr Elusen:

• Sichau bod yr Elusen yn cyflawni ei dibenion er budd y cyhoedd
• Cydymffurfio a dogfen lywodraethol yr Elusen a'r gyfraith
• Gweithredu er lles gorau'r Elusen
• Rheoli adnoddau'r Elusen mewn modd cyfrifol
• Gweithredu gyda gofal a sgil rhesymol
• Sicrhau bod yr Elusen yn atebol

Yng nghyd-destun yr uchod, disgwylir i chi chwarae rôl bwysig yn nhrefn lywodraethu'r sefydliad, cynnal diwylliant sefydliadol hanfodol ac iach, a datblygu busnes y sefydliad yn ei gyfanwydd mewn maes arbenigol a hynod gystadleuol.

Location: Cardiff / Swansea

Advocacy Support Cymru (ASC) is a registered charity with offices in Swansea and Cardiff. ASC provides statutory independent mental health and mental capacity advocacy across much of South Wales, currently employs 45 staff and has an annual turnover of £2.5m.

This is a non-salaried position however expenses are paid.

The Charity Commissions 6 key duties of a Charity Trustee: -

• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purpose for the public benefit
• Comply with the Charity's governing document and the law
• Act in the Charity's best interests
• Manage the Charity's resources responsibly
• Act with reasonable care and skill
• Ensure that the Charity is accountable

With respect to the above, you will be expected to play an important role in the governance of the organisation, the maintenance of a vital and healthy organisational culture and the business development of the organisation as a whole in a highly competitive specialist field.

Mae Advocacy Support Cymru (ASC) yn elusen gofrestredig a chanddi swyddfeydd yn Abertawe a Chaerdydd. Mae ASC yn darparu eiriolaeth statudol annibynnol ym maes iechyd meddl a chapasiti meddl, a hynny dros ardal eang o dde Cymru; ar hyn o bryd mae'r elusen yn cyflogi

45 o staff ac mae ei throsiant blynyddol yn £2.5m.

Swydd ddi-gyflog yw hon, ond telir costau.

Chwe dyletswydd allweddol y Comisiwn Elusennau parthed Ymddiriedolwr Elusen:

• Sichau bod yr Elusen yn cyflawni ei dibenion er budd y cyhoedd
• Cydymffurfio a dogfen lywodraethol yr Elusen a'r gyfraith
• Gweithredu er lles gorau'r Elusen
• Rheoli adnoddau'r Elusen mewn modd cyfrifol
• Gweithredu gyda gofal a sgil rhesymol
• Sicrhau bod yr Elusen yn atebol

Yng nghyd-destun yr uchod, disgwylir i chi chwarae rôl bwysig yn nhrefn lywodraethu'r sefydliad, cynnal diwylliant sefydliadol hanfodol ac iach, a datblygu busnes y sefydliad yn ei gyfanwydd mewn maes arbenigol a hynod gystadleuol.

Are you an experienced professional with expertise related to teaching and learning / social, emotional, or mental health needs? Then you may be able to use those skills to make a positive difference at Inscape House School in Cheadle.

Inscape House is a non-maintained special needs school based in Stockport, Cheshire. It’s one of the specialist education services provided by the charity the Together Trust. We cater for children and young people with autism from Year 1 to Year 14 with an Education Health and Care Plan and whose needs require a higher level of support than local authority education settings can provide. At Inscape House School we recognise that every child is different. Our team of educationalists and therapists work together to meet the individual needs of students and support them to overcome barriers to learning.

This is a strategic role offering a great chance to make a real difference to the education of young people with support needs, and also an excellent opportunity to add strategic level leadership experience to your CV or Linked In profile.

Please note, if your application is successful we will carry out an Enhanced DBS check and Section 128 Check before you start in this role. Whether you’re new to school governance or have experience of this type of role we’d love to hear from you!

Why we want you

Collectively, individual governors contribute their professional, specialist and general management skills to the College (and its sub-groups) in a non-executive role. Governors advise, challenge and support the leadership of the school / college and hold them to account for its management, the quality of the teaching and learning and the achievement, wellbeing and safety of pupils. Governors uphold the values and ethos of the College and ensure it works within its allocated budget, approving targets, policies, and monitoring the progress the school / college is making.

What you will be doing

• Advising on and monitoring the operation and the internal management of the school / college, including number of teaching and support staff, curriculum, safeguarding arrangements, and health & safety
• Approving policies and the school/college quality improvement plan
• Promoting the well-being of students including independence, participation, diversity, inclusion, equal opportunities, and community cohesion
• Monitoring arrangements for safeguarding of children and young people
• Attending all full Governing Body meetings and subgroups of which they are members
• Attending induction and relevant training events

The skills you need

• Strategic perspective
• Constructive evaluation skills
• Leadership and influencing skills
• Interpersonal and teamworking skills
• Planning and organisation skills
• Ability to demonstrate a full understanding and appreciation of the principles of governance
• Determination

What's in it for you

• Demonstrable leadership and strategic experience for CV
• Insights into special education
• Opportunity to have an influence in an important arena

Link Age Southwark is a vibrant local charity providing support to over 800 older people in Southwark who are feeling lonely or isolated. Our vision is for friendly local communities where older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia can thrive in their later years.

All our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

By becoming a Digital Buddy, you’ll help bridge the digital divide, ensuring everyone can stay connected and navigate the digital world confidently. Are you able to support our service users and help build their digital skills with sessions at home on their mobile phones, tablets, or laptops? Our Digital Buddies provide up to six weekly home visits, each lasting 1-2 hours.

Some examples of what a Digital Buddy can assist with:

• Accessing online services
• Setting up a new digital device
• Mobile messaging
• Sending emails 
• Picture messaging
• Problem solving
• Staying safe online

No need to be a tech expert—support with the basics so our older friends can communicate and navigate their devices. Please note that our Digital Buddies are not able to support with online banking, advice on purchases, or fixing hardware.

Becoming a volunteer with Link Age Southwark is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and get to know more about your local community.

We cover all reasonable expenses and we are happy to provide references for volunteers who have completed 6 months of volunteering with us.

Please note that all our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

We are looking for a new Trustee to join our welcoming and dynamic team at an exciting time and to make a meaningful difference through our work supporting disabled people to live with greater independence.

Designability is a national charity who for over 50 years have created equality of opportunity for disabled people, by removing barriers to independence, enabling them to live the life they choose.

Following a person-centred design approach, and by including disabled people at each point of the design process, we ensure their ideas and lived experiences are taken onboard and that what we create reflects people’s needs as well as products and services they want to use. We are best known for the iconic Wizzybug powered wheelchairs for very young disabled children. To date, they have been loaned to over 1,400 children, typically aged between 14 months and 5 years, across the UK completed free of charge thanks to the support of our generous donors. 

Designability has a strong leadership team and we appointed a new Chief Executive at the beginning of 2024 who has over 20 years of experience as a founder, leader and consultant in a wide range of start-ups, commercial, public sector and not-for-profit environments. As we come the end of the first year of an ambitious three-year strategy, we are in a strong financial position with healthy reserves, and celebrated the end of 2023 with a highly successful televised BBC Lifeline Appeal demonstrating the impact of our work to a new and wider audience.

Having reviewed the skills, experience and diversity of current trustees, we would welcome candidates with experience in the following area:

Clinical expertise with experience of working with disabled people. This could include experience gained through a senior position in occupational therapy, physiotherapy or rehabilitation engineering or rehabilitation medicine.

Working as a team, trustees have three main responsibilities:

· To set a clear direction for Designability.

· To make sure that the charity’s plans are being carried out appropriately.

· To ensure that the charity meets its legal responsibilities .

All new trustees take part in an induction programme with the Chief Executive and Directors of each department and are offered ongoing training and support.

You will be joining an independent, national charity based in Bath. Our creative and inspiring team includes engineers, technicians, product designers, occupational therapists, fundraisers and administrators. We are led by strong values: we are creative, inclusive and practical, with our vision being to create a future where every disabled person has the products they want to live the life they choose.

For an informal conversation about this role, please contact us through Charity Job. 

To apply: Please submit a CV and covering letter/statement detailing why you wish to apply and how your skills and experience meet the criteria for the role.

Closing Date for applications: 30/09/24

Interview date:  Successful applicants will be offered a mutually convenient interview date, following the closing date. 

About Us 

Aston-Mansfield has held a special place in the community of Newham and East London since 1884. In the past 140 years we have grown, merged, evolved; however, our vision to see more children, young people and families in our community leading happy healthy lives, realising their potential and unlocking their ambition is unwavering.

Using an integrated and community focused approach we make long-lasting change, offering opportunity, community and inspiration to children, young people and families in Newham and East London. We do this through our programmes for children and young people, our community heath and wellbeing work, and our community centres. 

About The Role 

The Chair the Board of Aston Mansfield provides independent and inclusive leadership to the executive team and Trustees to ensure we continue serving our community as our community evolves. This is an exciting time for our charity, having come to the end of a major strategic project, we are looking for inspiriting leadership to support our refocus on our services. We have a professional, knowledgeable, and committed board of trustees, and are continuously striving to ensure our board of trustees reflects the demographics of Newham and neighbouring communities, and the lived experience of our communities. Our next Chair will continually support the development of our board as well as guide the strategic direction of Aston-Mansfield.

Requirements/Person Specification

• Local knowledge of the communities we support
• Knowledge of how charities operate, including charity governance, securing funding, developing income streams, theory of change
• Leadership experience to facilitate conversation on complex issues, provide support and guidance to the executive team, and develop current and future trustees

How To Apply

Eastside People is supporting Aston-Mansfield in the recruitment for this role. To apply please submit your CV and covering letter. This role is open to current Trustees and external applicants. 

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:

• Why are you interested in a Chair role, and why with Aston-Mansfield? 
• How can you contribute to Aston-Mansfield as our Chair? 

Please highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the role as set out in the role description and person specification.

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 Monday 14th October with online shortlisting interviews taking place that week. Competency-based interviews will take place with Eastside People throughout the live recruitment period and until Wednesday 16th October.

Eastside People are 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. 

Are you a good listener?  We need you to facilitate one of our weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others.  You will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and the group conversations run smoothly.

We are particularly looking for volunteers to support in the following;

*Craft group – someone with an active interest in any sort of craft e.g. knitting, crochet, embroidery, card making etc

*South Wales Valleys group – someone from or with knowledge /experience of the area

*Powys - someone from or with knowledge /experience of the area

Bright Futures UK works with young people who have been forced to take time out from education due to chronic illness. We provide programmes to help stimulate learning in addition to having a social aspect that offers respite to isolation these young people face due to their unfortunate circumstances.

We are urgently looking for warm and energetic volunteer tutors of all subjects to provide educational support and a fun, safe space for these young people. Tutoring experience is not essential as full training is given. Our sessions also are all currently online.

We need someone who is able to engage with young people in a positive and friendly way, helping them overcome their experiences and not feel defined by their illness. You would engage with a young person on a one-to-one basis to help catch up on their studies, increase their confidence in their own skills, and have some fun with them in order to help them progress. 

The young people we work with have missed so many experiences in school which we take for granted. The time you can offer to help fill in those missed periods is invaluable to their development. Your sessions will be fully supported by Bright Futures UK staff – from questions or queries, resources or materials or just to bounce an idea off the team, we’re here to help.

Volunteering with Bright Futures UK is something that can easily fit into your working day or a busy schedule with commitment starting from as little as 1 hour per week. We are so grateful for any support you might be able to provide, as are our young people.

We’re looking forward to working with you to help our young people reach their true potential!
 

Practical Considerations:

We cover all expenses and materials used.
We are asking for one hour online a week.
DBS will be provided where needed
Safeguarding training provided with certification

The service supports older people who have been identified as isolated, living in the community.  Volunteers are matched with an older person who would like a befriender to provide social contact and company by visiting them in their home weekly.

What you will get out of it?

• You'll be making a difference to the lives of older people.
• You'll gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact on older people’s lives.
• It's a great way to share your knowledge and keep your skills fresh.