Social Welfare 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!
MHA is the largest charity care provider for older people in the UK. Our mission is to inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life. At Lawnfield House Care Home we provide residential dementia care for 41 residents
As a Volunteer Gardener, you’ll help us make the most of the outdoor space at our home for the enjoyment of our residents. You’ll help with small gardening tasks that may vary each week and depending on the season. You’ll also have opportunities to support residents to access the garden and enjoy light gardening tasks such as potting plants.
Main tasks and responsibilities:
Main tasks include but not limited to:
- Lawn mowing
- Tidying flower beds
- Weeding
- Planting
- Pruning
- Raking leaves
You must:
- Comply with health and safety legislation and be familiar with and to adhere MHA’s Health and Safety Policies. This includes being aware of manual handling hazards and following manual handling and other risk assessments.
- Liaise with the person who supports you before undertaking tasks that haven’t been agreed in advance.
- Inform your named contact if there are any changes in your circumstances that affect your ability to continue with volunteering.
Benefits for you:
- Help improve the quality of life for older people
- Support your community
- Keep socially active
- Be part of a friendly team
- Promote your physical and mental wellbeing
Skills and qualities needed:
- Some gardening knowledge and skills, although this can be basic
- Have a passion for gardening
- Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
- Good communication and people skills
- Enthusiasm
- Reliable and punctual
- Clear sense of personal boundaries and ability to maintain confidentiality
- A willingness to engage with training and development
Training, support, and requirements:
- You need to be aged 18 or over
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two character references are required
- We will provide you with a full induction for the role
- Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training relevant to the role
- Ongoing support from a named contact
Times and Commitment:
- Days and times are flexible between Monday-Friday- 8am-6pm. Minimum of two hours a week.
- We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis for a minimum of six months
Location: Coverdale Road, Willesden, London, NW2 4DJ
*Please note- we can only accept applications from UK residents*
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!
Join us in making a difference in our community by ensuring everyone has access to the food they need. Your help can bring a positive change to many lives!
Role Overview:
Join our dedicated team at Abbey Community Centre to help combat food insecurity in our community. As a Community Food Club Volunteer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that food donations are efficiently received, sorted, and distributed to local elderly people and families with young children aged 5 and under. Your efforts will directly contribute to providing much-needed support to those experiencing food insecurity.
Key Responsibilities:
Receiving Food Deliveries:
- Welcome and assist delivery drivers.
- Check and record the received items against delivery notes.
- Ensure all food items are handled and stored according to safety guidelines.
Sorting and Bagging Food Donations:
- Sort donated food items by type and ensure they meet quality standards.
- Organize and pack food items into bags or boxes for distribution.
- Ensure that the right quantity and variety of food is packed for each family and elderly recipient.
Distribution Preparation:
- Help set up the distribution area.
- Ensure all packed bags are ready for distribution days.
- Assist in maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
Record Keeping:
- Help maintain accurate records of food received and distributed.
- Assist with inventory management to track stock levels.
Skills and Experience:
Essential:
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively.
- Physical ability to lift and carry bags/boxes of food.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and respecting the privacy of recipients.
Desirable:
- Previous experience in a similar role or in food handling.
- Knowledge of food safety standards.
- Basic record-keeping skills.
Personal Qualities:
- Compassionate and empathetic attitude towards people facing food insecurity.
- Reliable and punctual.
- Willingness to follow instructions and adhere to health and safety guidelines.
- Positive and proactive approach to volunteering.
When you'll be needed:
Between 2-3 hours on Tuesday afternoons
Benefits:
- Gain valuable experience in food distribution and community service.
- Make a meaningful impact on the lives of local families and elderly individuals.
- Meet new people and become part of a supportive and friendly team.
- Receive training and ongoing support from our project coordinator.
Abbey Community Centre is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
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!
Why we want you
As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.
What you will be doing
- Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community
- Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities
- Helping at events
- Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through
- SSAFA’s speaker programme
- Event administration
- Social media marketing
The skills you need
- Friendly and approachable
- Happy to help
- Basic IT skills would be an advantage
What's in it for you
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
- Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
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!
Why we want you
As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.
What you will be doing
- Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community
- Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities
- Helping at events
- Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through
- SSAFA’s speaker programme
- Event administration
- Social media marketing
The skills you need
- Friendly and approachable
- Happy to help
- Basic IT skills would be an advantage
What's in it for you
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
- Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
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!
Summary of Role:
A key role at the food bank, you will run one shift a week alongside other Coordinators. You will work in close cooperation with volunteers and guests, ensuring that the food service is as smooth as possible, dealing with any incidents that may arise.
Location: St Michaels Church Hall, 37 Bounds Green Rd, London, N22 8SD
Hours: Tuesdays or Thursdays, 9am - 1pm or 12.30pm - 5pm. Plus a fortnightly meeting (2 hours)
About Bounds Green Food Bank:
Open since June 2020, we serve over 1,300 children and adults in the community. We are committed to improving lives by providing food and essential household items to build a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow. We strive to promote social inclusion by supporting people who find themselves in a crisis situation where they need assistance to feed themselves and their families.
The Role:
1. Manage Food Service Volunteers
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Manage the Section Leads and Food Service Volunteers, allocating tasks according to each volunteer’s experience and ability.
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Make sure volunteers are aware of and follow food bank policies and procedures (e.g. the Kitchen Policy and using the food bank themselves).
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Ensure volunteers follow all health and safety precautions, including checking all items are in-date.
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Ensure all volunteers sign the register.
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Support volunteers, ensure they take breaks, help them deal with any difficult incidents and ensure they alert you to any issues.
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Be available to volunteers and responsive to their needs.
2. Manage Guests
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Ensure that guests have completed the registration process and are referred to the Advice Team where eligibility to use the food bank has not been confirmed.
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Treat all guests equally, welcoming them to the food bank and making sure they are respected and thought about.
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Ensure the order of the queue is maintained.
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Deal with any issues by speaking directly to the guest, asking them to follow the rules and helping them deal with any difficult incidents.
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Ensure no alcohol or drugs are used at the food bank or in the queue.
3. Complete Daily Duties
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Prepare for setting up from 9am and complete shift at 1pm (depending on shift time).
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Prepare to open the food bank to guests at 1pm and lock up at 5pm (depending on shift time).
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Receive deliveries: know what deliveries to anticipate and coordinate volunteers to direct the driver, unload their vehicle and load crates in the hall.
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Organise the decanting and repacking of items.
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Keep an eye on stocks and make a note of shortages.
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Complete additional tasks that may arise e.g. bagging food, getting rid of waste, and updating admin.
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Ensure the hall is clean and organised before locking up.
Person Specification:
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Has 6 months’ experience in a similar capacity.
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Can organise and manage tasks efficiently.
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Can keep calm under pressure.
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Able to de-escalate difficult situations.
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Be willing to attend training eg. safeguarding, first aid and management skills.
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Willing to do administrative work (eg. taking minutes and reading the minutes of other meetings shared with the Food Service Team).
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Reliable, assertive and tactful with both volunteers and guests.
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Team player with good communication skills.
Please ensure you include your phone number and email address in the CV
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!
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
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!
NEW START-UP CHARITY NEEDS YOU!!!
Join SUNSHINE and Make a BIG Impact!
We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic volunteers to join our new charity and help us achieve our mission of creating positive change.
We need trustees who are not only reliable and trustworthy but also share our vision and commitment to making a lasting impact. As a trustee, you will play a crucial role in guiding our charity towards success, ensuring we uphold our values and deliver on our promises to the community.
We are SUNSHINE, an inspiring brand new start-up grassroots community-based charity with a mission to make a BIG impact. Our aim is to bring people together, spread happiness, and nurture community spirit through initiatives that build relationships, enhance wellbeing, and transform lives. We focus on supporting those at risk and living in social isolation, ensuring they have access to our support when they need it most.
At SUNSHINE, we’re more than a charity; we’re a grassroots movement driven by compassion, dedication, and a shared vision. Our goal? To change the world—one smile at a time—with passionate, dedicated, and inspiring people at the heart of everything we do.
We are especially interested in people with experience in the following areas;
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Lived Experience: Trustees who have personal experience with social isolation or loneliness can provide us with valuable insights and empathy and guide us on our journey, especially when making key decisions.
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Community Engagement and Partnership Building: Experience in community development and engagement would help us reach the communities we serve and help us build and maintain strong community connections and partnerships.
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Fundraising and Financial Management: Trustees with skills in fundraising, budgeting, and financial oversight can help ensure the charity’s financial health and sustainability, especially in getting hands on to write funding grant applications to help us generate income or to lead on fundraising events to help us kickstart our charity.
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Governance and Compliance: Knowledge of charity governance, legal requirements, and compliance would help us ensure the charity operates within the law and follows best practices.
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Strategic Planning: Trustees should be able to contribute to the strategic direction of the charity, helping to set goals and develop plans to achieve them.
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Marketing and Communications: Experience in marketing, public relations, and communications can help us to raise awareness of the charity’s mission and attract support, as well as expand our reach to those who need our support.
We also accept applications from people from other backgrounds and experiences who can really help our brand new start-up charity make a real difference.
As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in our transformative mission. Your role will involve:
- Governance Guardian: Oversee the governance of our charity, ensuring we operate within legal and ethical guidelines.
- Strategic Advisor: Provide strategic oversight and guidance to ensure our charity’s objectives are met.
- Fiduciary Steward: Monitor our financial health and ensure resources are used effectively to achieve our mission.
- Advocacy Ambassador: Represent SUNSHINE, advocating for our cause and building relationships with key stakeholders.
- Leadership Mentor: Support and mentor our team, embodying the values of SUNSHINE and fostering a culture of excellence and empathy.
We are looking for those with a Heart of Gold who resonate with our values and are driven to make a difference in the lives of others.
If you’re ready to take on this role and shine with us, please send your CV to apply.
We eagerly await your response and appreciate your interest in joining SUNSHINE!
Join us in this exciting journey and be a part of something truly meaningful. Together, we can make a difference and build a brighter future for those in need. Your passion and dedication can help us lead the way to success!
SUNSHINE
Fostering Connections - Enhancing Wellbeing - Transforming Lives
SUNSHINE is London based dedicated to bringing people together, fostering connections, enhancing wellbeing and transforming lives.
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!
Orchard House is a move on service for adults with mental health needs.
We are looking for a gardening volunteer to develop and run sessions as our service users are really keen to make use of our fantastic garden space. We have a very large back garden with space for growing plants and vegetables.
We are looking for people who have a good knowledge of gardening, in particular growing and looking after plants and would like to pass on that knowledge. The gardening sessions will run on a weekly basis and our service users will be included in the decision making. The volunteer role will also involve an element of fundraising for our gardening project and we’d welcome your ideas and support with this.
If you love gardening and have experience of allotments, or planting and growing vegetables in your back garden then this is the volunteering opportunity for you!
We support our volunteers with an Induction, training for the role, a named volunteer supervisor, a monthly newsletter and a monthly online peer support group.
Duties:
· Coming up with ideas for gardening sessions
· Sharing knowledge of how to grow plants and look after the garden space
· Clearing away at the end of the session
· Helping to promote the sessions to service users
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 support network group on Zoom.
We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.
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 Scunthorpe office is located close to the train station. We support adults with Learning Disabilities and Mental Health in our services around Scunthorpe.
We are setting up a fortnightly coffee morning at our office in Scunthorpe to be attended by our Services Users. We’re looking for volunteers to help our staff set up and run the coffee morning and help tidy away at the end of the session. As part of your role you will take direction from staff and set up the room, moving tables and chairs and making sure the space is accessible for wheelchair users.
During the coffee morning you will circulate and chat to our Service Users making sure that people are having fun, and that the music is playing. Prepare and hand out the tea and coffee. When the event has finished you will move the tables and chairs back to their original place, and help staff to wash up making sure that all of the items are tidied away.
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 support network group on Zoom.
We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.
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 Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Wheaton Aston.
- 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.
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!
Could you help SSAFA reach more supporters and raise greater awareness of our services through the magic of social media and digital marketing? You don’t need a military background, just some basic digital skills, the ability to get on with a wide range of people and good written English. If you have I.T or digital marketing experience, that would be great but not essential. We’d love you to get in touch to find out more.
What is a Digital Marketing Volunteer?
There are SSAFA branches and service committees throughout the UK and overseas. We use local microsites and social media to raise awareness of our services, raise funds and find new volunteers. Digital Marketing volunteers help us maximise our message, keep content up to date and increase traffic to our sites.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
Our clients, volunteers and supporters come from all backgrounds and age groups and want to engage with us in different ways too. To offer the best possible service we need to provide seamless communication, consistent messages, and accurate information. We’d love to hear from you if think you could help us grow our on-line presence.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home.
The role would suit someone looking for a flexible volunteering opportunity as times and days could fit in around work and other commitments to suit you.
What would you be doing?
- As part of a team of volunteers, maintain branch microsites and social media feeds.
- Look at ways to increase traffic to microsites and improve SSAFA’s digital brand.
- Keep content current and accurate.
- Support and maintain the SSAFA brand by consistently using our brand guidelines and tone of voice.
- Working with the digital marketing team, interpret analytical data to develop local communication plans.
- Working with local SSAFA branches, build social media channels and integrate on-line and off-line activity to best effect.
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Be a part of our motivated and enthusiastic team.
- Experience, training and skills from a national charity that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Use your skills, knowledge, and experience to benefit the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
- Develop contacts, skills and opportunities working with influential people and organisations.
- Improve and develop your digital skills, useful in all aspects of your life.
- Support and friendship in your local area and the wider SSAFA community
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Support from our Digital Marketing team based at SSAFA Central Office.
- Training on our web platform
- Access to analytical tools and our digital marketing tool kit
- Induction covering all the aspects of SSAFAs services and the difference we can make to people’s lives.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people, possibly with some experience of digital marketing/ IT or social media
- Ability to write in English to a good standard.
- Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, supporters, volunteers, other agencies, and staff.
- Understanding of how social media can be used to engage and influence.
- Ability to use social media applications including adding and editing content.
- Basic understanding of website maintenance, training will be provided.
- Basic understanding of digital analytical tools, training will be provided.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a disclosure check required? No
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
***This is an unpaid voluntary role***
Perfect for you if you are a people-person, warm and chatty (and love cuppas and biscuits!). Co-host our Friday Coffee Mornings at 10.15 am – 12.15 pm (event runs 10.30 am -12.00 pm), welcome, chat and engage others in conversation. Help us set up and clear away as well to round off the fun!
Qualities you need for this role
- Someone able to chat and engage people in conversations
- Ability to communicate with people of all different ages and backgrounds, being mindful of any support needs or health conditions people may have
- Reliability and punctuality
When you'll be needed
- Fridays 10:15am – 12:15pm.
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 voluntary role***
Our data entry and admin volunteers keep all the Abbey cogs turning, keeping our various databases and systems up to date which is vital for our monitoring, fundraising and project management. Gain valuable office experience while making a difference to a local community organisation. Help us once a week for up to 2 hours max between 11am and 1pm (minimum 2 month commitment) and we'll shower you with gratitude, cuppas and biscuits!
Qualities you need for this role
- This role is suited to you if you enjoy working with data, are meticulous with a good eye for detail
- Basic IT skills and ability to learn new software
- Reliability and punctuality
When you'll be needed
Two hours a week for a minimum of six months.
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:
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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
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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?
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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!
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in South West London, and helps them to play their full part in the community. Arriving as an asylum seeker in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives.
We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background, providing them the tools they need to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for adults include currently include: ESOL classes; sports; women’s creative writing; women’s coffee morning, and casework.
About the CARAS Adult Team:
In the post-pandemic environment, CARAS is responding to the role of digital literacies in our programme delivery to learners of asylum-seeking and refugee background. In contrast to the UK essential Digital skills framework, we have built in language inclusion to create a participatory learning course for Essential Digital Literacies for learners who are new to reading and writing in English. The individuals joining CARAS are highly diverse, with different countries of origin, linguistic and educational backgrounds. We have observed over the last year that many CARAS community members have limited digital skills, particularly in regard to using computers. Community members have highlighted that computers are important for many individuals to achieve their educational and employment goals, whilst increasing confidence and independence. We have co-designed a digital skills program in partnership with CARAS community members to improve computer literacy and skills, focusing on basic computer literacy.
About the Role:
We are seeking two volunteers based in London to teach our lively computer classes in Tooting every Monday 9:00-11:00. Volunteers will lead the sessions with guidance from the CARAS ESOL Teacher and will work closely with our community members to build their skills and confidence using computers. The Digital Literacies course at CARAS is built around Pre-entry to Entry 2 levels in English. Volunteers will be supporting individuals with tasks such as: getting to know how to use a computer, using the internet, setting up an email address, and using Microsoft office. We intend to fold employability sessions, including CV writing and job searching, into these sessions.
Volunteer Tasks and responsibilities:
· Lead on the delivery of sessions with support from CARAS’s Essential Digital Skills Teacher.
· Assist with the logistical set up of the sessions, supporting CARAS staff where needed.
· Work collaboratively as a team and assisting to shape the project.
· Create class registers and records as required.
· To attend and contribute to volunteer pre- and de-briefs at each session.
· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering.
· Support people to develop their knowledge and skills and encourage and inspire participants to reach their full potential.
· To assist participants to both, recognise and celebrate their achievements.
· To challenge negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manor.
· Advocate for the rights of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants with not for them.
· Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
· To be non-judgemental, and able and willing to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
· To be female identifying.
· Have a good understanding of how to use a computer.
· To be reliable and punctual.
· Excellent presentation and communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English.
· Commitment to support people seeking asylum to take control of their asylum journey.
· Ability to volunteer every Friday for a minimum of three months.
· Current resident in the UK.
· Ability to work in Tooting SW17.
· To provide five years’ worth of addresses and be willing to undergo a DBS check.
· To attend CARAS General and Safeguarding Training sessions.
· To be 18 years or older.
Through volunteering with us you will:
· Meet new members of your local community
· Learn about different cultures
· Learn about issues relating to refugee and asylum seekers
· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team
· Develop your skills and competencies
· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding
To Apply:
To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.
Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS staff team. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.