Support Group Volunteer Volunteer Roles in Manchester

East London Waterworks Park is looking for volunteers to lead social media and content creation for communications and campaigning for our community-owned park.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for social media and content creator leads to participate in our community-led working group who are promoting public awareness and support of the project. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects across communications, content creation, social media, PR, newsletters, film, podcasts or any other channels of interest, and facilitate the direction of the working group.

The Comms Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

You will be at the forefront of our digital strategy to create a huge new biodiverse park and natural swimming ponds. We’re looking for creative and strategic thinkers who can craft compelling narratives and visually stunning content. You should have a deep understanding of social media platforms and analytics tools to measure and optimize our campaigns. Your ability to build and engage with online communities is crucial, as is your skill in managing media relations. We value individuals who are passionate about our mission and can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the role. You will be comfortable with community-led processes. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your strategic content creation will be instrumental in fostering a strong connection between our community, the park, and its biodiversity. Your input will help us craft compelling narratives that inspire, educate, and engage our service users, stakeholders, funders, and the general public, ultimately driving support for the park's mission and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Sight loss can be a big deal for many people: It often comes later in life and throws up many challenges. There can be a lot to get your head around and new things to learn. In this role you will help people who have had an initial contact with RNIB by sharing with them relevant information, including available services, ways to connect with others in a similar situation, and opportunities to play a positive role in removing barriers in society. In support of your conversation you will make brief, accurate notes in the customer contact record. In short, you’ll play an important role in helping people on the journey to living well with sight loss. You will join a well-established, friendly team that makes outbound calls to RNIB beneficiaries and supporters. This role can be done from home, with the ability to make calls at times that fit in with your schedule. We’re seeking a minimum commitment of four hours per week, for a period of around six months. Calls can be made between 10am and 7pm. Full training will be given before you start making calls. We are seeking to recruit a group of volunteers that includes some individuals with lived experience of sight loss. How you will be supported in your role Comprehensive training will be given before you start making calls, and support will continue throughout your volunteering. The team you are joining is located across the UK. There are opportunities to connect with other volunteers and colleagues via MS Teams, including social “Kettle catchups”. The team meets twice a year in person, and you will be very welcome to take part.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• You must be aged 18 or over. This opportunity requires two references. You will need a laptop or PC through which you will access an RNIB virtual desktop. Reliable Broadband is needed as calls will be made through your internet connection. You’ll need a quiet and confidential space at home when making calls, so that neither your screen nor conversations are visible / audible to others in your household.

Home based

• This role is home based

Additional location information

• Homebased

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• You will have a friendly, empathetic and non-judgemental disposition and be able to listen well – acknowledging, and building rapport. A sociable nature and the ability to put people at ease are important qualities. You will be confident with IT and will have experience of MS Windows and common software

Web developers and designers wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in continuing to improve its website and digital infrastructure.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for web developers and designers to contribute to our community-led working group who are working on coordinating content and infrastructure for the East London Waterworks Park website. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects across web development and UX and web design, and facilitate the direction of the working group.

The Comms Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

You should be experienced in HTML, PHP, CSS, Javascript and SQL, and or UX and web design. You should be comfortable with community-led processes. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your skills in web design and development will be crucial in creating a visually engaging and user-friendly online presence that effectively communicates the park's biodiversity and mission. By designing engaging websites and interactive platforms, you'll help us connect with our community, inspire action, and secure the necessary support for the park's future.

Role Title: 

Outreach Assistant

Brief Description:

Supporting animal-assisted intervention visits to venues including care homes, schools, hospitals and community groups

Where:

Visiting services at various locations across Greater Manchester, whilst it is possible to meet us on location assistance with packing and unpacking at our base is always appreciated.
Noah’s A.R.T.

1-9 Borough Arcade, Hyde, SK14 2AA

What’s in it for you?

• The chance to make a difference.

• Enjoy new experiences & develop new skills.

• Excellent training opportunities.

• Reasonable expenses covered.

• Be a part of an amazing team and meet new people.

• Gain experience working with animals.

• Opportunity to meet others who care about animals.

• Improve self esteem and confidence.

• The chance to contribute to the work of Noah’s A.R.T.

• Gain experience of animal-assisted interventions.

• Gain experience working with a wide range of people with differing needs.

• Opportunity to support others.

• The potential to gain the experience needed for a paid position. 

When:

Mondays and/or Fridays

Duration: 

Ongoing

Main Duties:

• Communicate promptly with the volunteer coordinator and lead therapists.

• Work as a team with the lead therapist and other volunteers .

• Support clients to interact with the animals.

• Be friendly, empathetic and attentive to clients’ needs.

• Notify staff as soon as possible if you cannot attend.

• Adhere to all Noah’s A.R.T. policies and procedures at all times.

• Understand that you represent Noah’s A.R.T. when volunteering, and behave respectfully, professionally and courteously to clients, carers, Noah’s A.R.T. staff and other volunteers at all times.

• Take reasonable care to avoid injury to yourself or others and report any accident or injury immediately.

• Take safeguarding seriously and report any concerns to staff.

• Understand that you must not disclose to a third party any confidential information you obtain whilst volunteering which is not available to the public.

• Maintain animal welfare standards during sessions.

• Understand the selection of animals for therapy work and suitability of animals with different clients.

• Promote the safety of the animals during sessions, including allowing them to have the choice to interact or retreat.

• Handle the animals confidently as needed.

• Recognise the signs of stress in the animals and understand how to reduce stress.

• Recognise signs of illness or injury in the animals.

• Be aware of behaviour changes in the animals and report this to Noah’s A.R.T. staff.

• Report any incidents such as nipping, biting, etc. (to self or participants).

About You:

• You have an interest in mental health/animal welfare.

• You have access to email and phone.

• You are polite, approachable, and friendly with good communication skills.

• You can volunteer as part of a team of people from different backgrounds.

• You are committed to equal opportunities and treat all individuals with respect.

• You understand, and commit to, confidentiality.

• You are punctual and reliable.

• You are able to take initiative and adapt.

• You are interested in developing your skills and experiences.

• You are passionate about contributing to the work of Noah’s A.R.T.

Skills & Experience:

ESSENTIAL

• 18+

• Able to manage potentially triggering situations; we visit mental health wards, care homes and eating disorder wards where you may be exposed to dementia or obvious instances of self harm.

• Willingness to engage with challenging clients such as those with neurodiversities or those who may be heavily medicated. 

• Whilst supervision is available you must be confident in your ability to manage your own mental well being.

DESIRABLE

• Driver.

• Knowledge of mental health needs.

• Experience working with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults.

• Animal welfare knowledge.

About Us:

Noah’s A.R.T. is a family-run, community-based, not-for-profit social enterprise. It was founded in 2015 with a mission: to utilise the benefits of the human-animal bond to improve mental health and wellbeing in Greater Manchester. 

• We will provide on the job training, a volunteer induction and access to supervision if needed.

• We also provide invaluable training opportunities in a variety of areas with ourselves and other organisations.

• We will pay travel expenses and other expenses within reason (to be discussed with a member of staff prior to making a claim).

• We provide a friendly and welcoming work environment and are understanding of differing individual circumstances; we try to be flexible where possible in order to accommodate.

• If you have volunteered with us for three months or more we will be able to provide you with a reference.

Other Requirements:

• We ask volunteers to provide two references.

• Some roles require a DBS check.

• Volunteers must be over 14.

• Volunteers are expected to complete the online induction as well as attend relevant training.

• Volunteers must adhere to Noah’s A.R.T. policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines at all times.

Benefits to Noah’s A.R.T.

• Extra support for staff during sessions.

• Extra support for clients during sessions.

• Improved safety of the animals.

• Quicker identification of health issues and risks to/from the animals.

The Connaught Trust is a charity, who support the charitable activities of units of the Army Cadet Force, the Sea Cadet Corps, the Air Training Corps, the Volunteer Cadet Corps, the Combined Cadet Force throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.  They provide funds to promote the military efficiency of all ranks serving in units of the Army Reserve, the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Marines Reserve and the Royal Air Force Reserves. 

The Connaught Trust are seeking a two Trustees with a broad range of skills, in particular individuals with legal or marketing backgrounds/experience, to work closely as part of their Board to bring new insight and skills to set and approve the strategic direction of the charity.

What is a Trustee?

• Being a trustee means making decisions that will impact people’s lives and make a real difference to the people they support.
• Trustees help lead the charity and play a vital role in helping to define and develop the work of the charity.
• Trustees work alongside the secretary, using their skills and experience to help the charity to define and achieve its strategic aims. 
• Trustees give their time on a voluntary basis. They are not paid fees, but they can claim reasonable expenses.

 
Could this be the ideal role for me?

To be considered for this role, you will require the following:

• A commitment to the aims and objectives of the Trust and an empathy with the beneficiary group, namely adult reserve forces and cadet units of all three services. 
• Experience at working at senior level in the private, public or voluntary sectors. 
• A willingness to devote time and effort to the duties and responsibilities of a Trustee 
• Good communication skills and the commitment to attend, and contribute to, Trustee meetings. 
• Integrity, impartiality, objectivity, accountability, and the ability to respect confidences. 
• A commitment to equal opportunities and diversity. 

What's in it for you?

• Volunteering experience.
• Involvement in senior management teams and board activity.
• Working with different sets of people.
• Specific experience within the different teams.
• General management experience.
• The chance to give your expertise and time to a great cause and to further develop your skills.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. 

These unremunerated roles are open to all. To apply for these exceptional opportunities, please submit your CV and supporting statement via the Charisma website.

If you would like to have an initial discussion with Sandra Smith, Associate Director of Charisma Charity Recruitment, prior to submitting your application please contat Charisma to arrange.

Remote locations and able to attend four meetings a year in South Hampshire

Closing date for applications:  16th February 2025
Interview date:  w/c 3rd March 2025, possibly Saturday 8th March 2025 (TBC)

Over past decades, enormous advances have been made in our understanding of MS. Research has got us to a critical point, and we can see a future where nobody needs to worry about their MS getting worse. Our Stop MS Appeal needs to raise £100 million to find treatments for everyone with MS.

Our Stop MS Champions help us reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal by encouraging raising funds and awareness by delivering presentations, attending events and identifying new audiences to speak to. They inspire people to engage with and influence fundraisers and groups, enthuse people and make sure our community’s voice is heard.

As our Lead Stop MS Champion, you’ll motivate your team of Stop MS Champions to help reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal.

By using your ability to motivate and support, you will oversee and lead a team of 5-10 Stop MS Champion volunteers, encouraging them to engage the people they know to raise funds and awareness, and provide reliable information and guidance.

You’ll also network to engage with and influence fundraisers and community groups, enthusing people by delivering presentations at events and finding new audiences to speak to. In this role, as well as developing your leadership, networking, influencing, communication, organisation and presentation skills, you’ll have a chance to be part of something amazing – you could help us stop MS.

Role Profile

Safe Passage International is looking for people to join our Board of Trustees who are passionate about our mission to champion safe passage for people seeking asylum. 

We would particularly welcome applications from people who have lived (personal) experience of having to leave their home and cross borders in search of asylum and from people from Black, Asian, and other Minoritised Ethnic communities. 

We are particularly seeking expertise in the following areas:

• UK and, international / EU law and public policies on the subject of asylum-seeking and immigration.

Safe Passage International has offices in the UK, France, and Greece, and we welcome international applicants with the expertise we require.

Whether you have been a Trustee before or are considering a Trustee role for the first time, we want to hear from you!

About Safe Passage International

Safe Passage International (SPI) is a charity that champions the rights of people seeking asylum and displaced people as they flee persecution. We use the law to help them access safe routes to a place of safety and we work alongside them to campaign for change and build public support for safe passage for all.

We have a particular focus on supporting unaccompanied children and young people to reunite with family and reach protection in Europe, although we also work with adults and family groups too.

We are based in the UK, with small offices also in France and Greece. These offices are locally registered not for profit companies who are part of Safe Passage International, overseen by the international UK Board of Trustees. 

Safe Passage International advances its mission through five main strands of work:

• providing legal advice to asylum-seekers and their family members to help them be safely and legally reunited;
• holding governments and decision-makers to account on their legal obligations to people seeking asylum;
• campaigning and advocacy with policy makers in Government, Parliament, and other authorities to provide safe and legal routes for people seeking asylum;
• helping young people seeking asylum to settle upon arrival and working with them to campaign on issues that they are passionate about;
• Improving public awareness of the need for safe routes.

About our Board of Trustees

Joining the Safe Passage International Board means playing a leading role in a charity that supports people seeking asylum to access safe routes and reunite with family. By contributing your skills and perspective, you have the opportunity to support them to find safety. 

SPI is run by a Board of Directors known as Trustees. The Trustees work on a voluntary basis to uphold the core purpose of the charity, set its strategy, and protect its reputation. They are also responsible for overseeing the charity’s finances and ensuring that the charity’s activities fulfil its aims and are in line with charitable rules and regulations.

SPI’s existing Board currently has ten Trustees who between them have expertise by experience and / or knowledge and experience in the areas of safeguarding and casework, campaigning and advocacy, EU policies and law, finance, HR, leadership development, public policy, and governance.

It is very important that the Board’s decision-making is informed by the perspectives of people seeking asylum. We value the powerful insight that lived experience brings to the Board. We also respect that people’s identity is not defined by their past experiences and do not expect candidates to describe their lived experience during the interview process unless they wish to. 

What support will you receive?

We welcome applications from people without prior experience of being a Trustee, as well as those who have been on Boards before. As part of our commitment to supporting a diverse and effective Board we will provide you with:

• Full induction
• Training sessions
• Guidance
• An experienced Trustee to buddy with   you
• Expenses (travel to meetings)

What is a Trustee at Safe Passage International expected to do?

The overriding duty of all charity trustees is to advance the purposes of their charity as well as several basic legal duties. You can find out more about Trustees’ legal responsibilities here.

As a new Trustee, you will be a full and equal Board member. The Board of Trustees works closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team of Safe Passage International to achieve its mission, and is responsible for providing support, guidance, and decisions in the following areas:

• Leadership: appointing the Chief Executive, supporting them in their role and holding them accountable.
• Accountability: ensuring that Safe Passage International is transparent and accountable to the public, our beneficiaries, and our donors about the way we carry out our mission and the way we spend the funds our supporters entrust to us.
• Strategic thinking: helping the charity to set goals and objectives, and work towards achieving them.
• Financial Oversight: including a formal review of the charity’s annual budget and supporting the Senior Leadership Team in financial management and organisation.
• Fundraising: including helping the charity to gain access to potential donors and supporters and providing general advice on areas of fundraising.
• Guidance and Support: including advising, where appropriate, the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team in areas such as employee management, strategic choices, and legal requirements.

Time Commitment and Expectations: If selected to join Safe Passage Internationals Board of Trustees, you will be expected to:

• Attend a range of training sessions prior to your first board meeting
• Attend 4 Board Meetings per year, plus one Strategy Day (in person where possible, otherwise   electronically).
• Read required Board documents before each meeting and be ready to ask questions and actively contribute to the Board’s discussion
• If requested, ad-hoc meetings on particular subjects
• Join a sub-committee to contribute to a specific area
• Attend occasional meetings with members of the public, for example with Safe Passage International’s supporters, or with politicians and policymakers
• Be an ambassador for the charity and for young people seeking asylum
• Collaborate and work with Safe Passage International’s staff as required. The successful appointee will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS or criminal record check, but a criminal record is not necessarily a barrier to being appointed to this role.

Safe Passage International’s Board members are appointed for a term of three years, which can be renewed. Throughout your time as a Trustee, we are committed to supporting your growth and offer access to relevant courses and development opportunities to help you build your skills and maximise your impact

Like all other charities, Safe Passage International’s Board members are volunteers. The role is therefore unpaid. However, SPI will pay for your travel to meetings and other necessary expenses.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying to become a Trustee and would like to find out more about our work and existing Board, we would be pleased to set up a conversation with our Chair of Trustees. Similarly, if you are excited by the idea of becoming a Trustee but are unsure if you have the right experience, we encourage you to reach out to discuss the role and the skills and experiences you think are relevant.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and a Cover letter (no more than 2 pages) addressing the following points:

• Why you wish to join the Safe Passage International Board
• What skills and experiences you would bring to the Board, with reference to those listed in the role profile, including lived experience of seeking asylum

Email applications with the Email Subject Line: First name, Surname, Trustee Application. Attachments should be titled First name, Surname Cover Letter or CV.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, 20th November 2024 at 11.59 pm

Interview Date: Wednesday, 4th December 2024

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.

Sembeza Africa

Sembeza Africa provides Quality Physical Education (QPE) programs that empower youth and communities in Uganda, integrating sports with education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

Uganda’s youth face significant barriers, including limited access to quality education, early pregnancies, and a lack of inclusive opportunities for physical and personal development. With over 75% of the population under the age of 30, Uganda needs initiatives that address these challenges holistically. Physical education in many schools remains underdeveloped, leaving children without the critical skills for leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Furthermore, environmental degradation threatens the communities we serve, and gender inequality continues to limit opportunities for girls to participate in sports and education.

Sembeza Africa focuses on delivering Quality Physical Education (QPE) programs that promote physical activity as a foundation for learning and life skills. By integrating sports into education, we empower youth to build confidence, develop leadership abilities, and foster inclusivity. Our programs also incorporate elements of Traditional African Sports and Games (TASG) to preserve cultural heritage while making physical education more engaging. Through structured QPE initiatives, we address critical issues such as gender equality, environmental stewardship, and access to education, aligning our work with Uganda’s national development priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Thank you for considering joining our team! At Sembeza Africa, we are a small group of passionate individuals who dedicate our time to creating meaningful change in Uganda. Each of us is either working full-time or studying full-time, but our shared commitment to empowering youth through Quality Physical Education and sustainable development drives everything we do.

We know we can’t do this alone. That’s why your support means so much to us. Whether it’s helping with planning, fundraising, outreach, or any other task, every bit of assistance makes a huge difference. Together, we can accomplish so much more than we ever could alone.

Each year, we travel to Uganda to host the Ubuntu Sports Festival, an inspiring event that brings communities together through sports, education, and cultural celebration. As part of our team, you’ll not only be contributing to this life-changing work but also be invited to join us in Uganda for the festival. It’s an unforgettable experience and a chance to see the impact of our work firsthand.

We deeply appreciate your time, energy, and willingness to be part of this journey with us. Together, we can create lasting change and empower the next generation in Uganda.

Article and Proposal Writer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Sembeza Africa is looking for a dedicated Article and Proposal Writer to help us amplify our impact and secure funding for our mission to empower youth in Uganda through Quality Physical Education, gender equality, and sustainable development. In this role, you’ll craft compelling articles to share our success stories, raise awareness about critical issues, and promote our initiatives like the Ubuntu Sports Festival. You’ll also write persuasive grant proposals and donor communications that will directly contribute to funding life-changing programs. Your words can help shape a brighter future for Uganda’s youth.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months