Counselling Volunteer Roles in Flexible Location

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.

We are looking for youth leaders and anti-racism activists to help us mentor the young people on our Activism Academy programme who are striving for racial justice across the UK. Our Activism Academy is a 6-month leadership development programme for young people interested in creating racial justice solutions.

You should be able to demonstrate a commitment to anti-racism or social justice through your past/current experience, either paid or voluntary.

As a volunteer, you would mentor 1 to 3 students for 13 weeks to help them plan and pilot a racial justice activism campaign of their creation.

Dates of commitment: February 2025 - May 2025 (exact schedule in application form)

Volunteer mentors must commit to:

• 4 x 40-minute online mentoring meetings with your mentee.
• Fill out post-session surveys and notes after each mentor session.
• Completing a 30-minute e-learning training to cover our safeguarding guidelines and how to support your mentees best.
• Provide ad-hoc support as and when your mentee needs it.
• Attend the final pitch event on the 10th of May 2025 (optional)

The deadline is 18th October 2024.

An exciting opportunity to volunteer flexibly from home for Shout - a 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. We are looking for empathetic volunteers to join our amazing online community. 

You’ll benefit from:
∙ Vocational development: develop digital mental health skills and experience recognised by universities and colleges and relevant to many professions
∙ Personal development: learn communication, active listening, problem solving skills and crisis management skills
∙ Supporting people who are struggling to cope: help those who have no-one
else to talk to and who really need ‘in the moment’ support
∙ Being part of a pioneering global community: connect with both UK and New Zealand volunteers via a digital hub

Company Description

When people ask Flora if she likes college, she beams a smile and says an emphatic ‘YES!’ This is one of the very few words she is able to vocalise, but at Henshaws that is not a problem. Students learn to be as independent and as empowered as possible, to live full and rich lives. Flora’s time at Henshaws has been life-changing." Sally and David, parents to Flora.

Henshaws Specialist College in Harrogate is a transformational place. Through our personalised approach to education, learning and care we empower children and young people living with a disability to progress and live life the way they want.

Position

We are currently seeking a non-executive committee Governor with experience of Special Education Needs in Further Education, an understanding of education in a residential setting would be desirable, to join our College Governance Board, based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

This is a voluntary role and as such is unpaid, however reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

To gain a full understanding of the role please email Sarah Greensides, Chair of Governors at sarah.greensides at henshaws .org. uk with any informal queries you may have.

What we are looking for:

· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort, including attending Board meetings 4 times per year in Harrogate (remote attendance is possible) and join a sub-committee of college that meets termly

· Willing to take an active role in the strategic governance of the college

· Enthusiastic and have an interest in services for disabled young people

· Demonstrate sound independent judgement and integrity

· Have an ability to think creatively

· Be able to work effectively as a member of a team and to maintain good working relations

· Adhere to the Henshaws six key values, Informed, Sharing, Proactive, Inspiring, Compassionate and Empowering

· Knowledge or experience of physical or learning disabilities is desirable but not essential.

We’re keen to ensure our board is diverse in every way and we’re committed to ensuring our governing board reflect our society, our charity and the people we support. We welcome applications from people with a disability, their families and carers.

Becoming a member of the College Governance Board, is a fantastic way to contribute to the life changing work we do. It’s a role which will give back just as much as you put in and often much, much more. It will provide a wealth of skills and connections to support career and personal development

whilst playing an integral part of a well-respected highly valued charity that is moving in a positive direction to meet modern challenges.

Other information

Henshaws Society for Blind People aims to employ a diverse workforce and is committed to equality of employment and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

Henshaws is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. It is a criminal offence for people barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group e.g. vulnerable adults, children or both. An Enhanced DBS with barring and reference checks will be sought from the successful candidate.

Henshaws reserves the right to check social media accounts of all successful applicants. For more information, please contact the HR department.

Registered Charity No: 221888

Title: Business Coordinator Volunteer

Reports To: Business Development Manager

Location: Acton Gardens Community Centre / Remote

Time Commitment: 1-9 hours per week, flexible

Role Overview: As a Business Coordinator Volunteer with RollaDome All Skate, you will play a pivotal role in supporting our business development activities. This position offers you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of business administration, coordination, and project management. You will contribute directly to the efficiency of our business operations and the achievement of our strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the coordination and implementation of business projects.

• Support the management of schedules and project timelines to ensure timely completion of tasks.

• Facilitate communication between different departments and external stakeholders.

• Help prepare and organize documents such as reports, proposals, and presentations.

• Participate in the development and monitoring of business processes and systems.

• Engage in research and analysis to support business initiatives and strategy development.

• Contribute to the organization of professional events, meetings, and networking opportunities.

• Provide administrative support as needed, including data entry, file management, and correspondence handling.

Qualifications:

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Keen attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.

• Interest in business development and a desire to learn and grow professionally.

Education and Experience:

• Business Administration, Management, or related field of study is preferred but not required.

• Experience in a business setting or project coordination is a plus.

• Volunteers from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as long as the skills and interests align with the role.

Benefits:

• Gain practical experience in a dynamic and supportive environment.

• Develop professional skills and expand your knowledge in the field of business.

• Build your network by interacting with professionals and stakeholders.

• Receive a letter of recommendation upon successful completion of your volunteer term.

• Flexible volunteering hours to fit around your personal commitments.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. RollaDome All Skate is an equal opportunity organization and welcomes applications from all interested parties. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and aim to create a welcoming and equitable environment for all our volunteers.

Volunteer opportunity at our Saturday club working with children with autism

Play assistant positions available in Morden, Surrey from September 2024

Calling all people with an interest in working with children with autism, including those in the teaching and care professions, plus students in psychology and therapy fields, this is a career-enhancing opportunity for you.

We are looking for volunteers to help support children with autism in a fun, friendly and child-centred environment. You need to be energetic, reliable and committed, as you will be active and on your feet regularly with your allocated child. Ideally you will have some experience of working with children and be interested in developing your understanding of children with disabilities.

You will receive two full days of training to help children practise social and early years’ skills, in line with the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), an evidence-based approach. The club is led by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). The initial training comprises one full day, then a further day of training on one of the Saturdays the children do not attend, in order for you to develop your understanding of autism, ABA and the skills required for the position.

As a play assistant you will work 1:1 or 2:1 with two children (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) on specific targets and create learning opportunities through play and fun in a natural environment setting. Play assistants will be paired with a specific child based on experience and qualifications. The age range is 3 to 16 years.

All volunteers go through a reference check and an Enhanced DBS check, and receive a certificate of participation and attendance.

Focus Surrey will run Term 15 of its popular Saturday club for autistic children aged 3 to 16 for 12 Saturdays between September to December 2024, from 9am to 4pm each day.

The confirmed club dates are: September 21st (training day 1), September 28th, October 5th, October 12th (training day 2), October 19th, October 26th, November 9th, November 16th, November 23rd, November 30th, December 7th and December 14th.

Please note the two training days on 21st September and 12th October are mandatory for all volunteers to attend.

The venue is in Morden, accessible by bus routes 80, 93 and 154. It is a 15-minute walk from Morden Station.

Children aged 3 to 10 will attend the club from 10am to 12pm, and children aged 11 to 16 will attend from 1pm to 3pm.

From 9am-10am, and 3pm-4pm, volunteers will receive additional training and advice and help to prepare and tidy away materials.

We will be following government guidelines to maintain all Covid-19 recommended measures in place to keep the volunteers and children safe.

We can provide volunteer placements for those requiring experience for your studies - please ask for details.

This is the ideal opportunity to help start your chosen career or give your career a boost by learning new practical skills and behaviour-based strategies which you can use with any child.

So far we have trained more than 420 volunteers over 14 terms. Feedback taken each term indicated that 100% of volunteers surveyed would recommend the volunteering experience. The feedback each term from volunteers, parents and children has been overwhelmingly positive.

One volunteer said: "My experience here has been incredible – I could not have imagined it to go any better! It was a perfect balance between challenging and fun. Staff were amazing and always there when needed and volunteers were all lovely. Very well-run centre. Everyone should volunteer.

Chatterbox is a free telephone befriending service for socially isolated and lonely people. Our clients are carefully matched to DBS-checked volunteer befrienders, with whom they exchange supportive, friendly phone calls. They chat about their lives, families and interests.

As a volunteer telephone befriender, you will make one phone call a week to a Chatterbox client for a minimum of 6 months. You will receive 2 hours of induction training, which can be done remotely. You will be required to complete a short log following each client call.

YMCA Dialogue is a BACP Accredited service, providing counselling services in schools since 1994. Dialogue has built an excellent reputation with schools, professionals and commissioners and the service has developed and expanded over the years, now operating across Brighton & Hove, East and West Sussex and Surrey. We require all our counsellors to abide by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. All counsellors are expected to be a member of the BACP (or student member if training), or other appropriate professional body (e.g. UKCP).

We are looking for two qualified counsellors, one for each of the below schools: 

College of Richard Collyer Horsham, West Sussex

As a Volunteer Counsellor you will provide a high standard of clinical counselling provision to children and young people within a school or community setting.

In this role you will see up to three clients a week in their designated school setting (that is, three clients a week as allocated by the Dialogue Counsellor in the school).

Top Responsibilities

• Work within all YMCA DLG policies and procedures at all times and to abide by the Code of Conduct.
• Follow YMCA Dialogue Safeguarding Procedures
• Attend regular clinical supervision with a Dialogue designated supervisor.
• Always read the assessment before meeting a client for the first time.
• Keep suitable case records according to Dialogue policy and using the designated Dialogue systems, comply with legal and other requirements, ensuring that all project case records and files are maintained and securely held.
• Carry out administrative tasks associated with the counselling service; including monitoring and evaluation tools.
• Bring any concerns to the Dialogue School Counsellor and the School Project Manager, or Therapeutic Services Manager.

Top Criteria

• Counselling or Psychotherapy qualification, minimum Level 4.
• BACP Membership; Student, Registered or Accredited. Or other professional body e.g. UKCP
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Sound understanding of Child Protection & Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding issues, policies and procedures.

Commitment and Expectations

• In school/college placements to not take holiday during term time.
• Attend as many team meetings and CPD events as possible.
• Agree to a minimum time commitment of one full academic year in a School or College placement.
• Give a minimum of three months’ notice when wishing to leave the Service and to abide by the policy when leaving as set down in the Dialogue Guidelines.
• Complete all mandatory trainings within the first six months of volunteering. Safeguarding Children e-learnings Level 1 and 2 must be completed before seeing clients.
• Attendance on the Safeguarding Policy into Practice workshop within three months of starting.

Steyning Grammar School Steyning, West Sussex

We take children on voyages as readers and writers, and we’re on the lookout for volunteers to join our crew. 

Who are The Literacy Pirates? 

Through our after-school programme, we develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children aged 9-13, who are falling behind in class and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives, so that they can succeed at school and beyond. 

Children join our weekly afterschool program, either online or at our Pirate themed space in Hackney to practise their reading and writing. By welcoming them into our joyful spaces, publishing their work in the real world, and celebrating everything they do, we develop their literacy, confidence and perseverance. 

What does a Volunteer Crewmate do? 

As a Volunteer Crewmate, your role is to come along to our sessions and help children practise their reading and writing, 1:1 (in Hackney), 1:2 (online) or in small groups. 

Sessions are led and managed by our staff team, which means you can dedicate the whole time you’re with us to providing direct support to the children. 

You will: 

• Receive full training. 

• Help children practise reading and writing by providing constant encouragement, positivity and celebration of their achievements. 

• Take part in games and have fun! 

• Be invited to celebration events with the children to see the difference that you’ve made. 

We offer: 

• Employment references, for volunteers who have been with us for 12 sessions. 

• Work placements for students. 

• Tempo Time Credits – for every session you volunteer, you will be rewarded with credits to redeem against days out, trips and extra-curricular opportunities for your spare time. 

• Socials and extra opportunities. 

What are we looking for? 

We ask volunteers to give just two afternoons every half-term, although you are welcome to volunteer more if you choose to! 

Sessions run every weekday from 3:45 to 6:45 p.m. (in Hackney) or 3:45 to 6:15 p.m. (online), and you will have the flexibility to select which sessions you would like to attend. 

No experience is required to become a volunteer – just a desire to help children develop their reading and writing skills! Full training is provided. 

All we ask is that you: 

• Are aged 16+ 

• Must be a UK resident 

• Complete a DBS check (we cover the cost of this) 

• For Virtual, you’ll need to have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam and microphone (mobile devices are unsuitable for this role). 

Apply via our website! 

Hope Against Suicide is a non-profit organisation committed to providing crucial listening, signposting, and advocacy support to anyone grappling with mental health issues. We aim to be a lifeline for those at risk of taking devastating actions. Our three key aims are to get the community talking again, improve mental health, and prevent suicide. We strive for a healthier, more compassionate community where hope can be found, and a reduction in deaths by suicide, one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

We are launching a new Listening Hub in Bristol’s busy shopping centre. This walk-in service will support individuals with mental health issues, their families, and local workers. It complements our Mental Health Responders, enhancing outreach and community support. To run this program, we are looking for a new team of dedicated volunteers that want to support the cause of suicide prevention and raising mental health awareness.

Key Responsibilities

In a Listening Hub setting, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Officer plays a crucial role in providing compassionate and professional support to individuals seeking assistance with mental health challenges. During your shifts, your tasks will be a combination of the following:

• Providing support to those facing mental health challenges
• Allowing any visitors to share their personal experiences and feel supported / listened to
• Lead conversations with an emphasis on active listening and empathy
• Supporting an open, non-judgmental space open to all
• Optional: Facilitating regular community sessions that provide a relaxed and open space for meeting new people and sharing personal experiences. These can be based on any activity (e.g. crafts, sports).
• You will be expected to donate around 3 hours of your time either per week or fortnightly and to attend a Mental Health First Aid and Suicide First Aid training. Your shifts will be arranged to fit around your other commitments.

What you will gain from this role

• Supporting your local community and contributing to the cause of suicide prevention
• Qualifications in Mental Health First Aid and Suicide First Aid (funded after a three-month probationary period)
• Gaining experience in the charity and mental health sector
• Improving skills in Active Listening, adaptability, communication, empathy and resilience
• Becoming part of the friendly community of Hope Against Suicide volunteers

Required Personal Attributes

We do not require any specific skills or types of education. Anyone who is over 18 years old can volunteer, regardless of background or level of experience. You will be given all required training and supported throughout your volunteering journey. Still, we ask volunteers to identify with the following personal traits:

• Empathetic and compassionate with a genuine desire to help others.
• Resilient and able to remain calm under pressure.
• Open-minded and willing to learn
• Culturally sensitive and inclusive in approach.

We especially encourage applications from those who have personal experiences with mental health challenges, although this is not a requirement.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of Trustees and Staff, helping some of the most vulnerable children in Medway to build a future and reach their potential, by supporting the board with your experience.In 2023 our current Chair will be Stepping down from the Board at the end of their extended term in office. We are therefore seeking a Trustee with experience to join the Board with the view of stepping into the role of Chair in the future. The Chair holds a pivotal role in guiding the board and the governance of the organisation of Home-Start.

What are we looking for?

Experience:

Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation

Successful track record of achievement through their career

Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees

Significant experience of chairing meetings and events

Qualities:

Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause.

Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities.

Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively.

Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity.

Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.

Ability to commit time to conduct the role well.

Knowledge and Skills:

Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together.

Financial management expertise and a broad understanding of charity finance issues

Good understanding of charity governance issues

Ability to make good use of technology to drive effectiveness.

What difference will you make?

As a Chair for our board, you will be instrumental in shaping the work and strategic direction of Home-Start Medway.  Your commitment and Leadership will ensure that we continue to provide a range of much needed support and services to families in Medway.Our small, friendly team of trustees are vital to the success of our charity and the role of Chair is key on the Board.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to help support the running of our free October half-term Youth Club! Come and get involved this October, meet our lovely team and be part of the effort to provide a free and accessible week of fun activities for children. 

About our Organisation: 

RJ4All (Restorative Justice for All) is an international institute with a mission to address power abuse and advance community cohesion and human rights, and work to relieve poverty through the values and practice of restorative justice. An important part of our work is done at our community centre in Rotherhithe, London. The centre provides a wide range of services for our local community; from food sharing, gardening, wellbeing circles, cycling to holiday activities for children.

About Youth Club: 

Our Youth Clubs aim to provide parents with an accessible and affordable option for their children (aged 10-16) over the school holidays. They give young people the chance to come together and build friendships, have fun and learn something new. This is a part of our efforts to reduce isolation and improve community cohesion through restorative practices and activities. Our October Youth Club runs from the 28th October to the 1st November.

Your Role: 

Your help as part of our Youth Club effort is incredibly valued. You will be involved in the following:: 

• Supporting our resilience workshops by taking part in the activities, and helping get the children excited and engaged in learning 

• Facilitating sports and crafts activities with the children, such as going on visits to local parks, playing football together, and making leaf collages 

• Helping the children feel comfortable and have fun 

• Setting an example, and guiding good behavior 

• Helping to serve lunch 

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Enthusiasm 

• Creativity 

• Experience working with children 

• Skill in a creative or sports activity: e.g. improvisational theatre, football, drawing, dance 

We are currently seeking two new trustees to join our board. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the governance of the charity, setting and overseeing its strategy. They ensure the organisation is run effectively and that its activities and outcomes are properly accounted for. We welcome applications from both members and non-members of the organisation.

Main responsibilities 

1. Developing and reviewing strategic aims consider the Region as a whole, including its trading operations, and its members:

• reflect our vision, strategy, major policies and values always.

• contribute specific skills, experience and contacts in support of our activities.

2. Ensuring policies and practices are in keeping with aims:

• abide by the principles laid down in the person specification (and code of conduct).

• attend meetings of the Trustee Board (there are normally 4 per year as well as the AGM) and the reporting committees if required (frequency varies).

• reflect the Trustees’ policies and concerns in all interactions with the Movement.

• assist in the implementation of our strategic goals.

• monitor and evaluate performance against strategic aims.

 3. Exercise effective control and ensure best practice:

• attend training and development opportunities as appropriate.

• work effectively as a team member of the Trustee Board in exercising its responsibilities and functions.

• take an active role in a reporting committee and/or subcommittee or working groups, contributing specialist skills, experience and knowledge as required.

• protect the assets and integrity of the charity, regarding best practice.

• maintain good relations with our staff.

• fulfil such other duties and assignments as may be required from time to time by the Trustee Board.

• engage with members of the Region at other levels in the organisation.

Models and Influencers who care for the future of the planet and its people

Volunteer for the Big Syn Int. Film Festival and Awards 2024- the World's Biggest Sustainability Film Festival and Awards, London, for 8th NOV in London, Curzon Soho (3-7pm).

The role will provide you the opportunity to:

• Opportunity to grace and contribute to the world's biggest sustainability black-tie red carpet event.
• Opportunity to network, connect and collaborate with leading brands, C-suite professionals, celebrated OSCAR & BAFTA winning filmmakers, media personalities and more.
• Opportunity to show your support and standing for the world's biggest sustainability event that reaches millions.

What are we looking for?

We welcome individuals and groups from all genders, sexuality, ability and ethnicity. 

• Brand Alignment: Aligning with the mission and values of the festival and deliver in line with the goals of the event.
• Event Promotion: Proven expertise in working, volunteering, managing and executing promotion of events and awards.
• Work ethics: Flexible, accomodating and approachable.

What will you be doing?

A great opportunity for a model or influencer to be part of the world's biggest film festival that is reaching millions in over 120 countries.

Be part of the celebration with OSCAR, BAFTA winning celebrity guests and sustainability leaders - event at London's iconic venue, Curzon Soho London.

1. Generate buzz around the event by posting about it before, during, and after the event
2. Help With Red Carpet Event Photos, posing with guests, give interviews and reactions
3. Work with the host and organisers to welcome guests.

What difference will you make?

At least 85% of people who first came to learn about the UN SDGs via the film festival were not aware of those at all, until now! This can give you an idea of the need for this initiative to educate the common man about the UN SDGs, its significance and the importance of inspiring them to act on the UN SDGs.

Your initiatives will ensure that the film festival gets even more notoriety and visibility, thus improving its ability to educate more people about the UN SDGs, boost the festival's public profile, increase the festival's participation, and enhance the support from individuals and organisations.