Supporter Communications Manager Volunteer Roles

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Purpose 

The Trustee role is voluntary with meetings taking place a minimum of once a quarter. Trustees are responsible for: 

• controlling Navigates management and administration 

• ensuring that Navigates income and property are used only for the purposes set out in the 

• governing document and for no other purpose 

• acting reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity 

• acting in the best interests of the charity. 

Main Duties 

1) Comply with Navigates governing document and law. The successful Trustee and your co-trustees must: 

• Make sure that the charity complies with its governing document 

• Comply with charity law requirements and other laws that apply to Navigate 

• As a Trustee, you should take responsible steps to find out about legal requirements for example, by reading relevant guidance or taking appropriate advice when you need to. 

2) Act in Navigates best interests, you must: 

• Do what you and your co-trustees (and no one else) decide will enable the Charity to carry out its purposes 

• With co-trustees make balanced and adequately informed decisions, thinking about the short term and charities future 

• Avoid putting yourself in a position where your duty to Navigate conflicts with your personal interests or loyalty to any other person or body 

• Not receive any benefit from Navigate unless it is properly authorised and is clearly in the charity’s interests; this also includes anyone who is financially connected to you. 

3) Manage Navigates resources responsibly–the successful trustee(s) must act responsibly, reasonably and honestly (duty prudence). The trustees must: 

• make sure Navigates assets are only used to support or carry out its purposes

• avoid exposing the assets, beneficiaries or reputation to undue risk 

• Not over-commit the charity 

• take special care when investing or borrowing 

• comply with any restrictions on spending funds 

4)  Act with reasonable care and skill 

• must use reasonable care and skill, making use of your skills and experience and taking appropriate advice when necessary 

• should give enough time, thought and energy to your role, for example by preparing for, attending and actively participating in all trustees’ meetings (once a quarter). 

5)  Ensure that Navigate is accountable by complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements. You should also: 

• be able to demonstrate that your charity is complying with the law, well run and effective

• ensure appropriate accountability to members, if your charity has a membership separate from the trustees 

• ensure accountability within the charity, particularly where you delegate responsibility for particular tasks or decisions to staff or volunteers 

Essential – 

The successful candidate(s) will meet the Charities Commission eligibility criteria, specifically:

• You must be at least 16 years old to be a trustee of a charitable company or a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), 

• You must not act as a trustee if you are disqualified under the Charities Act, unless your disqualification has been waived by the Commission. 

• Fit and proper persons - Finance Act 2010 requires all of the charity’s managers (including trustees) to be ‘fit and proper persons’. 

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks – an enhanced DBS check: this will include a check against the relevant barred list. 

• A client focused approach to service delivery 

• Excellent communication skills 

• Ability to think creatively 

• Competent IT skills 

• Knowledge, skills or experience in one or more of the following areas: PR/Marketing/Communications, Fundraising, Education, Mental Health / Health and Wellbeing 

Desirable - The successful candidate(s) may evidence; 

• Knowledge/experience of the free advice/charity sector 

• Knowledge/experience of Social Policy Issues 

• A sound understanding of money and debt advice processes, procedures and ethics. 

Could you be a part of our inspiring, hardworking and motivated team making a positive contribution to rebuilding the lives of women and children?

At One YMCA we provide a range of varied and exciting volunteer roles - we currently are looking for support at our Horizons (Domestic Abuse) and Onyx (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) services based in Bedford

Some of the tasks and responsibilities include:

•  Supporting the Horizons and Onyx teams with raising awareness of their services across the Bedford area
•  Liaising and networking with community partners we work with such as GPs, Pharmacies, Community Centres and local businesses
• Attending and supporting promotion of services at local community events and Outreach projects
• Promoting our services by handing out leaflets, putting up posters and sharing posts online as well as word of mouth

You will be: 

• Be of a friendly, welcoming, approachable and a cheerful disposition
• Good communication skills with conversational English.
• Reliable & punctual.
• Be a team player with a flexible approach.
• Be proactive & work under your own initiative.
• A willingness to get stuck in.
• Able to maintain complete discretion in handling confidential information.

 A full induction to the Horizons/Onyx service and specific sites will be provided, including an "Introduction to Domestic Abuse" 1 day training course

You will be required to complete online training, plus a menu of optional training linked the role will be made available.

You will receive regular 1 to 1s and supervision with line manager and oportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events!

Please note you will be required to undergo a DBS check and two references will be taken up prior to commencing the role. 

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

We are looking for trained Clinical Supervisors who have been practising for over 3 years to lead supervision sessions with our volunteer Mentors. We hold these bi-weekly in groups of 3-4 over lunchtime or evenings online.

What will you be doing?

All Been There Mentors who work with our Mentees have monthly group supervision. Usually there are four volunteers in a group. Supervision can take place in person or on zoom.

Commit to supervising a minimum of two groups per month (approx 5 hours in total).

Key Responsibilities:

• To safeguard the wellbeing of the Mentors and ensure that their needs are being addressed.
• To ensure the quality of Mentor support work with Mentees
• To ensure that Mentors are supported and developed, are participating in continued training and are not left to carry difficulties and problems alone.
• To provide regular opportunities for Mentors working with clients to reflect upon both the content and process of their work.
• To develop personal awareness, skills and knowledge relevant to the Mentor’s role within Been There
• To provide a source of general communication, updates and concerns.
• To enable the Mentor to receive information and another’s perspective concerning their work.
• To identify development needs and opportunities.

Insurance costs are covered and the role is fully remote so will not incur any expenses.

What are we looking for?

We’d love to hear from you if you’re passionate about improving the mental health of our Mentees and your qualifications and experience fit the criteria below.

Qualifications and experience:

Essential:

• Qualified Psychologist or therapist
• Qualification in supervision at level 6
• Current or recent experience (within 2 years) as a supervisor 
• Have your own experience of being supervised

Desirable:

• Have experience of supporting clients who have been through body image, eating distress or Body Dysmorphia

BeenThere is committed to equal opportunities and anti-discrimination practices and we positively encourage applications from all sections of the community. We are particularly interested in attracting applications from applicants from diverse groups.

What difference will you make?

The impact you can have is huge, as we are such a small charity we rely on the good will of volunteers to support our work. Our Mentors are unicorns! Rare and very special and we want to look after them as much as we can. 

Having a confidential setting where they feel safe, supported and heard is integral. This gives the Mentor an opportunity to be open and honest about their own wellbeing and anything that is going on with their Mentees. 

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) delivers world-class research, learning and teaching that transforms the knowledge, action and leadership needed for more equitable and sustainable development globally.

As an independent charity, IDS is governed by a Board of Trustees, who are responsible for agreeing our overall strategy, setting policy, monitoring performance and promoting the interests of the Institute. Our Board of Trustees consists of people from UK and overseas organisations with expertise in international development, research and policy.

We are looking for a well-recognised expert in human resource management to join our board of trustee and lead on all HR related matters, including safeguarding and health and safety initiatives. As a trustee, you will use your skills, experience, and insight to ensure that IDS is run in a way that is responsible, effective and meets its legal and statutory requirements.

We welcome applications from individuals with significant experience in the field of human resources gained through senior HR roles, combined with a strong personal commitment to the work of the Institute and its values.

Time Commitment:
Approximately twelve days per year including attending three Board meetings per year, (normally in March, July and December), and attending sub-committee meetings (meetings usually held the day before the Board). Trustees are normally expected to attend Board meetings in person.

The roles are not remunerated but reasonable expenses will be paid.

As a Group Leader at Youth Challenge Oxfordshire (YoCO), you will play a key role in guiding and supporting young people through our 18-month program. This involves leading weekly 2-hour sessions in Carterton, creating a safe and engaging environment, and driving personal development.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a 2-hour weekly session during term time, following YoCO’s unique programme: ME (self-awareness), US (group dynamics), and THEM (community & global causes).
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and fun environment, supporting the personal development of all group members.
• Plan fundraising activities alongside your group and the YoCO support team, and attend events (some may be on weekends).
• Lead the group on a 5-day UK residential trip organized by YoCO.
• Regularly update YoCO staff on the group’s progress and address any issues.
• Attend an induction with the Group Manager, complete a DBS check, and receive First Aid and Safeguarding training (funded by YoCO).

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Passionate and Motivated: Enthusiastic about working with vulnerable young people, with a commitment to motivating and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Able to act as a positive role model and build strong, trusting relationships.
• Strong Communication: Excellent listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude.
• DBS Check: Must have or be able to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Travel Ready: Willing to participate in a 5-day UK residential trip and able to commute to Carterton
• Team Player: Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a team.

Note: Expenses will be covered.

Join the Oxfam community

As an Online Shop Volunteer you’ll be behind the scenes in our busy shop and learn all about selling donated gems through Oxfam’s unique Online Shop. You can get involved in everything from researching, describing, photographing, to posting. Best of all you’ll be raising vital funds to support people facing poverty around the world.

About this role

We will give you all the training and support you need so you will develop your skills as part of our Online Shop team. You don’t need to have any experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.

As an Online Shop Volunteer, you’ll develop transferable skills that boost your confidence:

• Improve your communication skills as part of a team
• Put your expertise to good use by focussing on what interests you the most
• You’ll develop IT experience with ongoing support
• Selling some of our most unusual and valuable items, you’ll know you’re making a real difference

Along with learning all about this role, you can branch out and try other things. Whether it’s about the shop floor or behind the scenes, we will help you to learn as many skills as you want.

Volunteering that works for you

Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. So even if your availability or skills don’t match this role, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause.

Everyone has something to offer

At Oxfam we know that everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role which works for you. 

What happens next?

After you apply the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

Lead the Board of The Mix and empower young people from any background to thrive and grow to become their best selves.

Applicatiosn close at midnight Monday 25th November 

Who we are.

The Mix is a youth work charity based in Stowmarket. We work with young people from across Mid Suffolk and beyond. We are committed to effective partnerships with agencies, charities, and businesses to ensure young people can co-create and access the best youth work support available. We support 3,500 young people each year, have a consolidated income of £1.4m, and employ 56 people.

We are entering the next stage in our journey with a growth mindset and aim to positively impact an increasing number of young people from across our region. We are facing an increase in demand for our services, and we are determined to have a broader and wider reach to support more young people.

We run a multipurpose facility, a wide range of provisions for young people and have a trading arm that employs young people and invests its profit into the Charity to enable us to continue to grow our impact.

We seek to listen and then develop activities, support, and services that young people identify as important to them.

Who we are looking for.

As our new Chair, you will have proven leadership experience, strategic vision, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a passion for our mission and values.

You will bring charity governance experience and commercial acumen and will lead and develop our Board, bringing energy, enthusiasm and a proactive commitment to the role.

Our new Chair will be excited about strategy development, board dynamics, building a relationship with our Chief Executive, Malcolm Goodwin, and supporting young people to thrive and grow.

Time Commitment

The Board meets four to six times a year, usually at our premises in Stowmarket, Suffolk. We expect the overall time commitment for our Chair to be 1 – 2 days a month, which includes preparation for meetings, engagement with our CEO, team, and Board Members, ad hoc discussions, and attending events.

The Chair and Trustees do not receive payment for their services, but expenses incurred in carrying out duties on behalf of The Mix can be reimbursed.

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

Applications for this role close at midnight Monday 25th November

Could you be the new Chair of Tavistock Relationships and lead the Charity in their next exciting phase of growth?

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 18th November.

Who we are.

The Tavistock Institute of Medical Psychology (TIMP), trading at Tavistock Relationships (TR), has been helping individuals, couples and families since 1948, and now provides around 20,000 therapy sessions to individuals and couples every year, online and in person. They are a world-class research, training and policy centre in therapeutic and psycho-educational approaches to supporting couples with significant partnerships across health and education.

They are looking to recruit a Chair of the Board of Trustees, a key role in the organisation. They need a committed leader who believes in Tavistock Relationships’ purpose of developing knowledge and new methods of supporting relationships. Someone who wants to lead TR as they continue to positively influence how interventions to improve couple relationships is delivered to individuals, parents, families and children by encouraging more organisations to recognise the impact and importance of relationships. A leader with the networks, skills, and motivation to support the charity and help it grow in response to the need for its services.

About the role.

The new Chair of Tavistock Relationships will have excellent leadership skills, good communication and interpersonal skills, and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role and engage with the CEO and other senior management at TR. They will lead the Board and work with the Executive to set the vision, values, mission, strategy and high-level policy in accordance with charity regulations and the governing document of TR. They will also monitor the organisation’s performance against established targets and hold the Executive accountable.

As a charity, TR needs someone with a clear understanding of the Charity Commission’s guidance and recommendations. The new Chair needs board experience, ideally as Chair, and/or to have worked on committees and understand how to fundraise effectively. The Chair also needs to be someone who can operate strategically and navigate them through this period of change, holding fast to the vision and mission and inspiring the wider board and executive team to do the same. They need to understand and oversee, with the rest of the Board, the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of the role.

Tavistock Relationships have an open and inclusive culture, and the Chair needs to act with impartiality, fairness, and the ability to respect confidence. They need to model a willingness to speak their mind with tact and diplomacy and hear and consider the opinions of other Board Members and the wider team of staff. They need to be an ambassador for the organisation with partners, funders, staff and also clients. They will protect and enhance the reputation of TR at events and through the media as a spokesperson.

Who we are looking for

TR is looking for someone who can lead and support their ambitions to have:

• A stable and sustainable revenue, cost base, and diverse income, independent of government funding.
• A capacity to carry out successful fundraising to undertake research, develop new methods and influence government policy.
• A knowledge and practice network of 5,000 professionals in the field and front-line staff.
• Relationship network of at least 20,000 individuals who care about couple relationships and their work, who will advocate for activity and refer clients.
• A digital mind to improve and support services and training in a cost-effective and accessible way to a wide range of people.

• Increasing participation from diverse communities in psychotherapy practice and increasing diversity in our senior leadership and teaching roles.
• A reputation as a trusted delivery partner, able to influence government policy to ensure couple relationship support is widely accessible.
• Ensure the lower cost provision of services to workers and residents of the City and neighbouring boroughs and support research and development of new approaches and interventions for the City Wellbeing Centre.
• An established academic partnership with Birkbeck, which will benefit the organisation and our trainees.

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

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 18th November. 

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

As a Youth Worker at Youth Challenge Oxfordshire (YoCO), you will play a key role in guiding and supporting young people through our 18-month program. This involves leading weekly 2-hour sessions in Wallingford, creating a safe and engaging environment, and driving personal development.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a 2-hour weekly session during term time, following YoCO’s unique programme: ME (self-awareness), US (group dynamics), and THEM (community & global causes).
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and fun environment, supporting the personal development of all group members.
• Plan fundraising activities alongside your group and the YoCO support team, and attend events (some may be on weekends).
• Lead the group on a 5-day UK residential trip organized by YoCO.
• Regularly update YoCO staff on the group’s progress and address any issues.
• Attend an induction with the Group Manager, complete a DBS check, and receive First Aid and Safeguarding training (funded by YoCO).

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Passionate and Motivated: Enthusiastic about working with vulnerable young people, with a commitment to motivating and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Able to act as a positive role model and build strong, trusting relationships.
• Strong Communication: Excellent listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude.
• DBS Check: Must have or be able to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Travel Ready: Willing to participate in a 5-day UK residential trip and able to commute to Wallingord
• Team Player: Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a team.

Note: Expenses will be covered.

About the Service

Our memory care day centres can be a lifeline to older people. Our centres offer a supportive, fun place where people living with dementia come to get support, join in with activities, have lunch and enjoy each other’s company.

About the Role

Our activities volunteers support older people at our centre, providing companionship and mental stimulation.  Specific tasks may include:

• Support the setup of the centre ready to welcome clients
• Establish, maintain and develop relationships with clients within the centre by chatting and providing a positive atmosphere
• Helping clients on the bus to/from the day centre
• Provide assistance with domestic tasks including serving refreshment/meals and dish washing
• Work with individuals to maintain their levels of mobility and independence
• Be involved with the planning and implementation of dementia friendly activities in the centre.
• Verbally report any concerns about users to the Day Centre Manager

Time Commitment Hoped: Around 4-5 hours per day, once or twice a week

Personal qualities and skills most suited to this role

• A level of understanding of dementia from personal or professional experience is preferred, but not essential
• Good communication skills, patient and kind
• A liking for and empathy with older people
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Reliability and trustworthy
• Cheerful and energetic
• Have an interest in developing activities for older people

Additional Information

Full training is provided - a variety of both online and in person training

Due to the nature of this role, volunteers will need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. This role will also require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which we will organise for you.