Social Welfare Volunteer Roles
***This is an unpaid voluntary role***
Tech Buddies is a project with a huge positive impact on social connectedness and mental health among our older neighbours. The aim of Tech Buddies is to inspire and then support older people to get digitally connected and confident, to stay safe online and to use the internet regularly until they are happy to do so on their own. Together, the Tech Buddy volunteer and learner explore what technology can offer.
Wednesdays and/or Saturdays you’ll be helping members aged 60+ get savvy using their smart phones, tablets, and laptops. You could be helping with anything from sending emails to installing apps.
Qualities you need for this role
- Tech Buddy volunteers need to be regular users of technology (e.g. computers/tablets/smartphones) with a genuine desire to share your skills and help older people use technology.
- Warm and friendly, a good listener
- Reliable and dependable (good timekeeper)
- Non-judgmental, patient with a good sense of humour!
- A good communicator who knows their boundaries and has good spoken English
When you'll be needed
- Wednesdays 2-4pm (30-60 min sessions) and/or
- 1st Saturday of each month 10:00am – 12:00pm (30-60 min sessions)
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!
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!
Music has long been held as an effective and soothing way to help relieve stress and improve mental health. Do you have a passion for playing the guitar and would like to teach others?
What you will be doing
- To facilitate guitar lessons for beginners on a 1:1 basis for approximately 30 minutes or in a small group
- Plan each session, in collaboration with those you are supporting
- Lead on logistics and organisation of the sessions alongside the staff team
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
The skills you need
- Experience teaching playing a guitar and the ability to teach at beginner level
- 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!
Are you an experienced and qualified nutritionist and would like to inspire others by sharing your knowledge? We are looking for a Nutrition and Exercise Volunteer to share with others their knowledge of how to make healthy meals on a budget and simple exercises. Having a healthy diet has shown to have positive effects on mental health and can reduce inflammation as well as alter neurotransmitters to reduce symptoms of depression.
What you will be doing
- Providing nutritional advise on how to prepare quick healthy meals on a budget
- Answering nutrition-based questions and promoting the benefits of eating healthily
- Providing quick and easy exercise sessions to a small group of people
The skills you need
- Qualified nutritionist/ relevant fitness qualification
- 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!
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!
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!
Appropriate Adult's support children and vulnerable adults when they are detained in police custody. With the Southwark & Lambeth Appropriate Adult Service, you will be trained, supervised and supported to be an Appropriate Adult in Southwark & Lambeth police stations. We are there to ensure vulnerable detainees understand their rights, we safeguard their welfare and effective participation as well as ensuring they are treated fairly during this criminal justice process.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Interventions Alliance
Interventions Alliance is the Justice and Social Care division of Seetec, delivering tailored support to Participants across a range of contracts including CFO Activity Hubs, Accommodation and Personal Wellbeing. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to build a better future, regardless of their past choices or the challenges they face.
We give equal importance to delivering services focused on prevention as those aiding rehabilitation, providing our Participants with the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Ultimately, our aim is to equip individuals with the necessary skills needed to desist from offending and successfully reintegrate into their local communities.
Role Description
Our Resettlement Support Volunteers play a key role by supporting staff to deliver positive impact through projects that address a range of needs of the participants we work with (predominantly men over the age of 18 years). Our Volunteers help minimise a person’s risk of reoffending and support them on their journey of creating healthier relationships by assisting them to access vital services and engage with their local community, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed and create an overall positive lifestyle change.
Volunteers act as positive role models who inspire, empower and guide participants to achieve actions agreed on the initial action plan. They offer personalised support to help improve participants’ lives, equipping those they are supporting with the skills they need to succeed and to prevent individuals from becoming trapped in a cycle of criminality.
This is a rewarding role, with many positive outcomes for the participants you will be matched with. In return for your volunteering efforts we offer extensive training, paid expenses, and high level of support and supervision from a Volunteer Coordinator.
We ask for a minimum of 6 months commitment following completion of vetting and training and a minimum of 1 hour volunteering per week during office hours. Our volunteers must understand the need for reliability, that they value punctuality and have good communication skills. Due to the nature of the role, some volunteering may take place during evenings and weekends. The post is subject to enhanced DBS clearance.
To apply please visit our website Volunteering | Interventions Alliance and register with My Impact to complete your application in the relevant region.
As part of a Volunteer Mentors role, your key responsibilities will be to:
- Spend time with the participant assisting in agreed activities, for example:
- Providing practical and emotional support
- Encourage engagement with appointments
- Support filling in forms
- Helping Participants access resources to enable them to achieve their goals - Assist with public protection by reporting any issues related to the participant behaviour
- Engage in regular supervision sessions with the volunteer coordinator
- Complete feedback notes after each support session within 48 hours
- Safeguarding to be reported immediately
- Actively promote Interventions Alliance values within the work conducted with Participants
- Lone working – use the lone working system to adhere to safety procedures
- Work in a non-discriminatory manner and promote diversity & equality
- Maintaining professional boundaries
- Attend team meetings and participate in ongoing training activities
- Encourage Participants compliance with probation appointments and licence conditions
Person Specification
In order to provide a high-quality support service, we are looking for individuals that have the following essential skills and abilities:
- Ability to listen effectively and communicate with others
- Ability to keep commitments and/or appointments
- Ability to use own initiative to identify and access relevant resources
- Share information appropriately within boundaries of confidentiality
- Capacity to understand and work within necessary guidance to ensure both yourself and the participant understand your professional relationship.
- Ability to demonstrate positive behaviour providing a good role model to Participants through pro-social modelling
- Be non-judgmental, open minded and self-aware
- Knowledge of basic IT skills
- Ability to encourage and allow people to make their own choices and decisions
Other essential attributes include:
- Ability to listen effectively and communicate with others
- Ability to keep commitments and/or appointments
- Ability to use own initiative to identify and access relevant resources
- Share information appropriately within boundaries of confidentiality
- Capacity to understand and work within necessary guidance to ensure both yourself and the participant understand your professional relationship.
- Ability to demonstrate positive behaviour providing a good role model to participants through pro-social modelling.
- Be non-judgmental, open minded and self-aware
- Knowledge of basic IT skills
- Ability to encourage and allow people to make their own choices and decisions
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
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!
Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.
Volunteers will be supporting people remotely, in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.
The companion service volunteer can choose to be:
• A companion telephone/video caller
• A companion within the person’s home
• A companion outside the person’s home
• Or a combination of all three.
Examples of the type of support the service offers include:
• Telephone / video calls for an older person/s on a regular basis at a mutually agreed time for a friendly chat.
• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.
• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.
• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups.
• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.
We are looking for the following skills/interests:
• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.
• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly.
• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.
• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.
Please do note, however, that at the moment we are not looking for Volunteer Telephone Companions.
We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire which are currently NG5, NG13, NG17, NG 18, NG20, NG22 and NG23
***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***
Please contact the volunteering team for further information
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!
Vacancy: Chair of Trustees for Anawim
Are you passionate about issues affecting women and want to work to make a real difference to the community? Anawim – Birmingham’s Centre for Women - is looking for an inspiring and dynamic individual to join us as the Chair of Trustees.
About Anawim:
Anawim is a Birmingham charity committed to working with and for women. We offer gender-responsive and trauma-informed support, to enable women to reach their potential. We do this through wraparound services including long-term specialist provisions alongside other practical resources, both in the community and in prison. Our vision is for a world where women and girls are safe, free, valued, and empowered members of society. We are based in a diverse area and seek to represent the women we work with.
Role: Chair of Trustees
As the Chair of Trustees, you will be pivotal in guiding Anawim’s strategic direction and ensuring we achieve our goals. You will lead our Board of Trustees, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and the senior leadership team to provide strong governance, oversight, and support.
Key Responsibilities:
· Lead and inspire the Board of Trustees to fulfil its governance responsibilities.
· Ensure the charity is compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements.
· Support the CEO and senior management in delivering Anawim’s strategic objectives.
· Foster a collaborative and inclusive board culture.
· Act as an ambassador for Anawim, promoting our work and expanding our network of supporters and partners.
· Oversee the financial health and sustainability of the organisation.
What We Are Looking For:
· Proven experience in a leadership role, ideally within the charitable or public sector.
· Strong understanding of governance, finance, and strategic planning.
· Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
· Passion for women’s rights and social justice.
· Ability to commit time to attend board meetings and events and provide guidance as needed.
Why Join Anawim?
· Be part of a transformative organisation that makes a real impact in women's lives.
· Work with a dedicated and passionate team of staff and volunteers.
· Lead an organisation with a strong reputation and a supportive community.
· Develop and share your expertise while contributing to meaningful change.
A world where women are safe, free, valued and equal members of society.
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 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.
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!
Description
Our Talk and Support team is setting up a monthly group for blind and partially sighted musicians to share their musical creations. In the role of facilitator, you will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and have the space to express themselves. You will be: Helping to ensure that participants feel comfortable and facilitate discussion. Helping the group participants to feel safe to be in the group and enable them to take part. Looking after participant welfare within the group and flagging any welfare or safeguarding concerns to the Talk and Support team for follow up.
How often will I be needed?
- 2 Hours per Month
Key requirements
- Two references