Safeguarding volunteer volunteer roles

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. 

Outline of the Safeguarding Champion role
As the Safeguarding Champion you will ensure that your group implements, understands and works within the Read Easy UK Safeguarding Policy and organising DBS checks when necessary. 

How we will support you
You will be provided with the Management Team Handbook, training/induction, policies and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser, via your Team Leader. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s regional and national forums which gives volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other 
groups. 

What you will be doing 
● Reporting and actioning any safeguarding issues raised within the Team.
● Becoming familiar with Read Easy Safeguarding and DBS policies and appendices.
● Liaising with the local Adult Safeguarding Helpdesk, to seek advice or refer a case to them for further action in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.
● Providing an induction for new Management Team Members so they are aware of the safeguarding requirements of the group, using the resources provided.
● Providing a short Safeguarding Refresher Session at a coach meeting annually.
● Carrying out Enhanced DBS checks on behalf of the group when appropriate.
● Ensuring that the group is acting in a way that recognises its safeguarding responsibilities in all its activities.
● Being the single point of contact for anyone within the group who wants to report any form of abuse or suspected abuse, or who has concerns and needs advice.
● Attending management team meetings, typically every six to eight weeks.

The skills you will need
● Ideally experience and understanding of adult safeguarding. 
● Ability to work with discretion and confidentiality when required.
● A strong commitment to improving the lives of the people Read Easy works with.
● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
● Reasonable confidence in using IT.
● The ability to use initiative and work independently.
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role.

What is in it for you? 
● Develop your knowledge and skills in relation to the safeguarding of adults
● Meet and work collaboratively with new people
● Be active and engaged, adding value to your local community

Join our Board of Directors

We are looking to appoint a Trustee to the Board with skills specifically focused on Safeguarding Adults & Children, to support and work alongside the Lead Safeguarding Trustee.

Our vision is a world where women and girls lead safe, just and equal lives.

Title: Trustee - Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Reporting to: Board of Trustees

Role Type: Volunteer

Location: London

Renumeration: The role of Trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed.

This post is open to female applicants only as this is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Advance is committed to equality and diversity and aims to have a board of trustees that reflects the communities we work with. We strongly encourage applications from women with diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, BAME and LBT communities.

About Us

Advance is a women’s organisation, delivering systems change, and trauma and gender-informed community-based support for women and girls affected by domestic abuse, including those in contact with the criminal justice system. We work nationally through our innovative, best-practice approach and systems change initiatives. We deliver wraparound frontline services across the South and East of England, including Greater London. Our expertise lies in decades of providing specialist support by women and for women and girls, to achieve safety, justice and equality at the intersection of domestic abuse and the criminal justice system.

Our whole-system approach is aligned with our values of collaboration and innovation, partnering with other statutory and non-statutory providers, to deliver a coordinated community and gendered response, improving access to services across the whole system, enabling consistency and continuity of support throughout a woman’s journey. Through our advocacy and awareness-raising work, we focus on systemic change and sustainable impact to meet women’s needs and improve their outcomes.

About you

Do you have expertise in the role described below and a belief that your skills will contribute to the strong and effective governance of an innovative medium-sized charity?

We are looking to appoint a Trustee to our Board with skills specifically focused on Safeguarding Adults & Children.

Alongside the Lead Safeguarding Trustee you will provide independent oversight, expert advise and strategic challenge to ensure the organisation upholds the highest standards in safeguarding our staff and our service users of women, young women and children. The role is central in promoting a safe culture and holding the Executive Team accountable for the effectiveness of safeguarding practices and risk management.

You will bring significant experience in safeguarding leadership, regulation or governance (in education, health, social care or the charity sector). You will have a strong understanding of legal duties and statutory guidance on safeguarding and the ability to provide strategic oversight and constructive challenge at Board level.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to join our experienced and committed Board.

You will join a dedicated and skilled group of Trustees and support the charity through a significant period of growth. Our staff team now includes over 150 skilled and passionate women across our programmes and our 10 women's’ centres in London and the South and East of England.

Time commitment

• Five Board meetings per year (in person in Hammersmith west London), plus membership of at least one board sub-committee (four meetings a year online)

• Ad hoc availability as matters arise (by telephone)

• Participate in one strategy away day each year (on a Saturday, usually held in January)

• Commit to the Board of Trustees for at least three years

• Note - the Chair of the Fundraising, Business Development and Communications Committee will be expected to chair a committee meeting four times a year (online) in addition to the Board meetings

The statutory duties of a trustee

• To ensure the organisation complies with its governing document in the articles of association

• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document

• To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives - the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how charitable and worthwhile those activities are

• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation

• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation

• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation

• To protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation's funds

• To appoint the Chief Executive and monitor their performance

In addition with other trustees to hold the charity in trust for current and future beneficiaries by:

• Ensuring that Advance has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these

• Being responsible for the performance of the charity and for its corporate behaviour; ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements

• Acting as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application

• Ensuring that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard

As well as the various statutory duties, any trustee should make full use of any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board make good decisions. The above list of duties is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Trustee will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role.

How to Apply
Please download the job specification below and complete the application form along with a copy of your CV.

• Closing date for applications: 04 September 2026

• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a first round interview w/c 7th September. Following this the successful candidates will be invited to an in person interview in Hammersmith, London.

You can find more information on our website.

To learn more about the role and duties of Trustees, please click here.

We would love to hear from you.

Role description for Safeguarding Champion (Voluntary role)
“It’s been a life-changing experience. Last week I read a book to my grandson. I never read to my children because I couldn’t.” Peter, from Read Easy Poole

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. You can read about the difference Read Easy makes here on our website.

Outline of the Safeguarding Champion role
As the Safeguarding Champion you will ensure that your group implements, understands and works within the Read Easy UK Safeguarding Policy and organising DBS checks when necessary.
How we will support you
You will be provided with the Management Team Handbook, training/induction, policies and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser, via your Team Leader. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s regional forums and annual conference which give volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other groups.
What you will be doing
● Reporting and actioning any safeguarding issues raised within the Team.
● Becoming familiar with Read Easy Safeguarding and DBS policies and appendices.
● Liaising with the local Adult Safeguarding Helpdesk, to seek advice or refer a case to them for further action in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.
● Providing an induction for new Management Team Members so they are aware of the safeguarding requirements of the group, using the resources provided.
● Providing a short Safeguarding Refresher Session at a coach meeting annually.
● Carrying out Enhanced DBS checks on behalf of the group when appropriate.
● Ensuring that the group is acting in a way that recognises its safeguarding responsibilities in all its activities.
● Being the single point of contact for anyone within the group who wants to report any form of abuse or suspected abuse, or who has concerns and needs advice.
● Attending management team meetings, typically every six to eight weeks.

The skills you will need
● Ideally experience and understanding of adult safeguarding.
● Ability to work with discretion and confidentiality when required.
● A strong commitment to improving the lives of the people Read Easy works with.
● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
● Reasonable confidence in using IT.
● The ability to use initiative and work independently.
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role.
What is in it for you?
● Develop your knowledge and skills in relation to the safeguarding of adults
● Meet and work collaboratively with new people
● Be active and engaged, adding value to your local community
Interested
If you think you can offer the time, skills and experience that we are looking for and would be interested in taking up this role, please contact the person who sent you this role description.
Please note: All Read Easy volunteer roles are subject to Safer Recruitment procedures which include verification of identity and two references, and eligibility for Management Team roles in line with Charity Commission regulations for trustees.
Please see the ‘Introduction to Read Easy for potential Management Team volunteers’ to find out more about the structure and responsibilities of the Management Team.
 

Purpose: To provide empathetic, person-centred peer support to AuDHD UK beneficiaries through group sessions and 1:1 interactions, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment in line with the charity’s mission and safeguarding standards.

Location: Remote (UK-based)

Reports to: Peer Support Coordinator/COO

Commitment: Flexible, part-time (details negotiable)

Role: Unpaid volunteer positionpeer

Key Responsibilities

Facilitating Peer Support Group Session/ Community Moderation

• Plan and facilitate group peer support sessions, ensuring all participants feel welcome and included.

• Foster a safe, respectful, and confidential space for sharing experiences and mutual support.

• Adapt session content and approach to meet the needs of participants.

• Contribute to moderating messages from our 24/7 Peer Support Community Platform (hosted on Discord). This is a daily task completed between PSWs.

Safeguarding

• Remain vigilant for safeguarding concerns during all interactions.

• Raise safeguarding concerns to the Safeguarding Team via completion of an Incident Log. Report any concerns promptly, following AuDHD UK’s safeguarding procedures.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding policies and best practices.

Additional Duties

• Attend regular check-ins and training sessions with the Peer Support Coordinator.

• Contribute to feedback and improvement processes for the peer support programme.

• Support the wellbeing and development of fellow volunteers by fostering a positive team culture.

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Lived experience of AuDHD or similar neurodivergence  (desirable but not essential).

• Empathy, active listening, and strong interpersonal skills.

• Commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding, and non-judgemental support.

• Ability to manage sensitive situations and recognise when to escalate concerns.

• Reliability, punctuality, and good communication skills.

• Commitment to AuDHD UK’s mission and values.

Time Commitment Estimate

• Running sessions: 1.5 hrs/session per week (including facilitating and possible safeguarding concern admin)

• Applicants should be available for at least one of the following Peer Support Groups: Mon 7-8pm, Tues 11am-12pm, Thurs 2-3pm and Saturday 9-10am. If you are not available for the groups but still wish to apply to be a moderator, you are welcome to. 

Mission Alignment Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate:

• Understanding of AuDHD UK’s core purpose.

• Commitment to volunteer-led service delivery.

• Adherence to safeguarding and ethical guidelines.

VOLUNTEER: Safeguarding & Compliance Lead

Help Keep SUNSHINE Safe, Ethical and Legally Compliant

SUNSHINE Charity is a vibrant, 100% volunteer‑powered start-up movement dedicated to bringing SUNSHINE into people’s lives. We help smash loneliness and social isolation by creating welcoming opportunities to connect, participate, learn, volunteer, make friends and feel like you belong.

• We’re joyful.
• We’re human.
• We’re community-powered.
• And now, we’re looking for a calm, knowledgeable, detail‑focused Safeguarding & Compliance Lead to help ensure SUNSHINE remains safe, ethical and legally compliant as we grow.

If you care deeply about protecting people, promoting good practice and helping a charity operate responsibly — this role is a perfect fit.

Why We Need You

SUNSHINE is expanding into its next chapter, launching programmes, recruiting volunteers and building community spaces across London. To do this safely and responsibly, we need someone who can help us:

• Maintain strong safeguarding practice.

• Ensure legal compliance.

• Promote safe, inclusive and ethical operations.

• Support volunteers with clarity and confidence.

• Embed good practice across the charity.

You’ll be the steady, reassuring presence who helps SUNSHINE stay safe, structured and aligned with UK good practice.

What You’ll Do

As Safeguarding & Compliance Lead, you will:

• Oversee safeguarding good practice across SUNSHINE.

• Support compliance with UK GDPR and data protection.

• Promote safe health & safety practice.

• Help embed Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) principles.

• Maintain and update policies and procedures.

• Provide guidance to volunteers and team leads.

• Respond to occasional urgent queries or concerns.

• Help ensure SUNSHINE operates ethically, safely and responsibly.

You’ll be joining a charity where kindness is a superpower, community is everything, and every volunteer helps bring SUNSHINE into people’s lives.

Who We’re Looking For

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• Calm, structured and detail‑focused.

• Confident with safeguarding, compliance or governance.

• Able to interpret and apply good practice guidance.

• Comfortable supporting volunteers with clarity and reassurance.

• Passionate about protecting people and promoting safe spaces.

• Inspired by SUNSHINE’s mission of positivity, human connection, community and belonging.

Experience in safeguarding, compliance, governance or risk is helpful — but heart, integrity and clarity matter most.

Time Commitment & Availability

This is a flexible operational volunteer role, not a trustee position.

• Around 4 hours per month

• Additional hours only for urgent enquiries or concerns

We’ll work around your life and schedule — we simply need someone reliable who can help keep SUNSHINE safe and compliant.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to shape a safe, ethical, community-powered charity.

• A joyful, supportive team culture.

• Real impact on people experiencing loneliness.

• New skills, confidence and experience.

• The satisfaction of protecting volunteers and participants.

• The joy of helping SUNSHINE shine safely.

Ready to Help Us Keep SUNSHINE Safe?

If you’re passionate about safeguarding, compliance and helping a charity operate responsibly — we’d love to hear from you.

Join the SUNSHINE movement.

Help us bring connection, community and belonging to London — safely and ethically.

COME SHINE WITH US.

Purpose: To coordinate and deliver high-quality, person-centred clinical and care support for AuDHD UK beneficiaries, ensuring compliance with clinical guidelines, robust risk management, and effective navigation of care, funding, and safeguarding processes.

Location: Remote (UK-based preferred)

Reports to: Care Coordinator

Commitment: Flexible, part-time (details negotiable)

Role: Unpaid volunteer position

This role is subject to an Enhanced Adult DBS check - you must meet our eligibility requirements to be considered (must be a current UK resident and have been for the last 5 years). You must also have your own personal computer/laptop to work from.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Guideline Compliance

• Support the Care Coordinator in implementing and maintaining up-to-date clinical guidelines, ensuring all activities align with best practice.

Beneficiary Safeguarding and Referral

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for beneficiaries, with particular focus on high-risk cases, and ensure all documentation is thorough.

• Risk assess and send initial referral for neurodiversity assessments

High-Risk Cases & Referrals

• Coordinate high-risk cases, working closely with the Care Coordinator to ensure robust safeguarding, timely referrals, and multi-agency collaboration.

Funding Eligibility

• Understand and advise on eligibility for funding and support, including eligibility and risk assessments, and accurate documentation for each applicant.

Care Complaints

• Manage and investigate care-related complaints, following formal procedures and ensuring detailed documentation.

Care Coordination

• Serve as a key point of contact for beneficiaries, families, and professionals, ensuring seamless communication and continuity of care.

• Develop and review personalised care and support plans, adapting to changing needs.

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Experience in safeguarding adults, care coordination, case management, or clinical support (NHS, social care, or charity sector preferred).

• Strong risk assessment, safeguarding, and documentation skills.

• Excellent communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage sensitive situations and maintain confidentiality.

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Commitment to AuDHD UK’s mission and values.

• Lived experience of AuDHD (desired).

Time Commitment Estimate

• Clinical Care Team Management and guideline compliance: 2-4 hrs/month (availability to join our Key Staff Meeting on Wednesdays at 12pm is desirable)

• Beneficiary risk assessments: 2-5 hrs/week at peak application times

• High-risk cases/referrals: 2–4 hrs/case

• Funding eligibility: approx. 1 hour per case ad hoc

• Care complaints: 2–4 hrs/case (plus 3–5 hrs/case for formal investigations)

The above times are estimates during peak application periods. General expectation approx. 3-5 hours a week

Mission Alignment Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate:

• Understanding of AuDHD UK’s core purpose.

• Commitment to volunteer-led service delivery.

• Adherence to safeguarding and ethical guidelines.

Fort Amherst Heritage Trust cares for Fort Amherst in Chatham, Kent, preserving an important historic site and making it available for the benefit, enjoyment and education of the wider community. The Trust relies heavily on volunteers to help maintain, restore, interpret and promote the site for present and future generations.

Role Purpose

Trustees are collectively responsible for the governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of Fort Amherst Heritage Trust. As a Trustee, you will help ensure that the charity fulfils its charitable purposes, complies with its legal duties and makes decisions in the best interests of the Trust and the communities it serves.

Key Responsibilities

· Work with fellow Trustees to set and review the Trust’s vision, strategy and priorities.

· Ensure the Trust carries out its charitable purposes for the public benefit.

· Oversee the responsible management of the Trust’s finances, assets, buildings, grounds and collections.

· Support good governance by complying with the Trust’s governing document, charity law and relevant regulations.

· Monitor risks, policies and procedures, including health and safety, safeguarding, finance, data protection and volunteer management.

· Contribute to discussions and decisions at Board meetings, reading papers in advance and offering constructive challenge and support.

· Act as an ambassador for Fort Amherst, promoting its heritage, community value and volunteer-led work.

· Support fundraising, partnership development and community engagement where appropriate.

· Declare and manage any conflicts of interest and maintain confidentiality where required.

Skills and Experience

We welcome applications from people with a commitment to heritage, community benefit and good governance. Previous trustee experience is helpful but not essential. The Trust is particularly interested in people who can bring one or more of the following areas of experience:

· Heritage, museums, archives, conservation or historic buildings.

· Finance, fundraising, grant applications or business planning.

· Education, learning, interpretation or visitor experience.

· Volunteer management, community engagement or inclusion.

· Marketing, communications, events or digital engagement.

· Legal, governance, risk management, health and safety or safeguarding.

· Property, estates, facilities management or environmental stewardship.

Personal Qualities

· A genuine interest in Fort Amherst, local heritage and public benefit.

· Sound judgement, integrity and a willingness to act collectively with other Trustees.

· Ability to think strategically while understanding practical operational challenges.

· Confidence to ask questions, offer constructive challenge and support good decision-making.

· Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and respectful working relationships.

· Willingness to give sufficient time and attention to the role.

Keytasks include:

· Lead on recruitment activity and selection decisions

· Carry out initial conversations and informal screening

· Coordinate onboarding and inductions

· Allocate tasks 

· Support volunteers day to day

· Build relationships and maintain engagement

· Deliver role-specific training

· Ensure volunteers complete required training

· Address minor issues and provide feedback

· Escalate concerns to HR where needed

· Maintain volunteer records (contact details, availability, hours if needed)

· Act as main point of contact for volunteers

· Conducting 1-1s with volunteers as well as offering informal support

· Raise safeguarding concerns as appropriate using internal processes and procedures

· Maintain confidentiality and follow charity policies and procedures

· Undertake relevant training

Key Objectives Include:

· Ensure that Mast Cell Action has a steady stream of volunteers enabling the charity to achieve its objective goals

· Represent Mast Cell Action professionally at all times, demonstrating strong communication skills, reliability, and adaptability whilst working remotely

Experience/skills required:

· Proven experience as a volunteer manager/coordinator or relevant HR experience

· Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and adapt your communication style to different formats and audiences.

· Patience, empathy and compassion. Openness to support people from all backgrounds

· Reliability and trustworthiness

· Proficiency in CRMs and able to use our bespoke database to maintain accurate volunteer records

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a remote team, demonstrating reliability, flexibility, and professionalism at all times.

Are you passionate about supporting female survivors of sexual violence and committed to making a meaningful difference in your community?

GMRC is seeking compassionate and dedicated Volunteer Qualified Counsellors to join our team. As part of our vision of Building Communities, Supporting Survivors and Creating Change, you'll help provide specialist, trauma-informed support that empowers survivors on their journey towards healing.

What you'll do: 

• Provide one-to-one counselling support to survivors. 

• Create a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space. 

• Work within GMRC's values, policies, and ethical framework. 

• Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and development.

We are looking for people who: 

• Are qualified counsellors and have some experience working with sexual trauma. 

• Have excellent listening and communication skills. 

• Demonstrate empathy, compassion, and professionalism. 

• Share our commitment to challenging sexual violence and supporting survivors. 

What we offer: 

• Specialist training and support. 

• Regular peer support and case management. 

• Opportunities for professional development. 

• The chance to make a lasting impact in the lives of survivors.

Every conversation matters - Help us build communities, support survivors and create change across Greater Manchester 

Volunteer roles are open to women only. This is a lawful occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 due to the nature of the service being provided to women survivors of rape, sexual violence and abuse. 

Applicants must be aged 21 or over, be able to commit to the required training and volunteer hours, and share GMRC's commitment to a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach.

#counselling #counsellor #qualifiedcounsellor

GMRC is looking for Group Support Volunteers to help facilitate safe, welcoming spaces where survivors can share experiences, develop confidence, and access peer support. 

As a Group Support Volunteer, you may: 

• Support facilitators during group sessions. 

• Help create a welcoming and inclusive environment. 

• Assist with practical arrangements and administration. 

• Encourage respectful participation and engagement. 

We're looking for people who: 

• Are empathetic, patient, and supportive. 

• Work well as part of a team. 

• Have strong interpersonal skills. 

• Are committed to GMRC's mission and values. 

What you'll gain: 

• Comprehensive training. 

• Ongoing support and supervision. 

• Experience within a leading specialist charity. 

• The opportunity to help create supportive communities for survivors.

Every conversation matters- Help us build communities, support survivors and create change across Greater Manchester

Volunteer roles are open to women only. This is a lawful occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 due to the nature of the service being provided to women survivors of rape, sexual violence and abuse.

Applicants must be aged 21 or over, be able to commit to the required training and volunteer hours, and share GMRC's commitment to a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach.

#groupsupport #group #support #peersupport #inclusivitity

GMRC is recruiting volunteers to support our helpline and wider support services. Our volunteers play a vital role in ensuring survivors are listened to, believed, and connected with the help they need. 

Volunteer opportunities include: 

• Helpline support. 

• Providing information and signposting. 

• Supporting survivor engagement activities. 

• Assisting with day-to-day service delivery. 

We're looking for volunteers who are: 

• Compassionate and approachable. 

• Reliable and committed. 

• Strong communicators and active listeners. 

• Passionate about supporting survivors and creating positive change. 

What you'll gain: 

• Full training and induction. 

• Ongoing support and supervision. 

• Valuable experience within a specialist service. 

• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful change within your community.

Every conversation matters - Help us build communities, support survivors and create change across Greater Manchester

Volunteer roles are open to women only. This is a lawful occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 due to the nature of the service being provided to women survivors of rape, sexual violence and abuse. 

Applicants must be aged 21 or over, be able to commit to the required training and volunteer hours, and share GMRC's commitment to a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach.

#helpline

Can you spare 3 hours a week to make a difference to the lives of children? Home-Start Volunteers offer support, friendship and practical help to families.

We are looking for compassionate, non-judgemental and caring individuals to join our community of volunteers to share their parenting experiences and knowledge with families. Home-Start is one of the leading family support charities in the UK and Home-Start Warrington and Cheshire work in Northwich, Warrington and Winsford. Our volunteers provide a weekly, one-to-one home-visiting service. We help families from all backgrounds, with at least one child in the household under the age of 5 years, through their most challenging times.

Your role will be to offer support to a family you are matched with and support them in the way that they would like: this may include help with practical tasks such as getting out of the house, attending appointments, an extra pair of hands on a trip to the park or a playgroup, role-modelling how to play with children or helping to get organised. It could also involve empathising and supporting through emotional issues in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. All visits are a maximum of three hours, once per week and all take place Monday to Thursday, between 9am and 4pm (and only when our office is open).

Home Start also deliver targeted groups to support families, a place for families to connect, learn and play together. Volunteers support Home Start staff to deliver groups for families – from helping to set up/clear away, role-modelling playing with the children to parents and offering friendly emotional support to parents.

We will train you to Home Start Warrington and Cheshire standards of excellence. The training is free and is delivered by a combination of online modules and four, weekly, face to face sessions with one of our Family Support Coordinators. 

The course will cover 

The role of a Home-Start volunteer

Values, attitudes and inclusivity

Confidentiality

Listening and communication

Meeting the needs of families and children

Safeguarding

Our next volunteer course of preparation is due to start in September. We offer the course in two locations - Warrington on Tuesday's or Winsford on Thursday's.

Volunteers will receive ongoing support and supervision from our Family Support Coordinators and there are opportunities for further training. Your experience, attributes and competencies will be recognised, and you will have the opportunity to develop them further.

Home-Start Warrington and Cheshire is committed to safer recruitment practise as an important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults. Any offer of a voluntary role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check, two satisfactory references and to have completed our preparation course and signed our Code of Conduct and relevant policies and procedures before they will be able to volunteer with a family or at one of our groups or events.

Make a difference for children in Northwich, Warrington and Winsford and enquire today.

Octavia believes that good homes make for better lives. We aim to build happier lives and resilient communities by focusing on people as individuals, providing them with a range of services and the opportunity to support themselves. Part of what we do is to offer a wide range of care and support services to older and vulnerable adults living in west and central London but we specialise in providing care for those experiencing dementia or with complex needs. Flexibility is a key part of all of our care and support services as our focus is on the individual - helping people to stay as active and independent as possible.

Reasons to volunteer

Would you like to share your skills and interests with older people in your local area? For instance, playing music, singing, running an arts or crafts or chess club? If you have an interest, we’d love you to share it!

· Help to improve the quality of someone’s life, encouraging their independence, self-worth & confidence

· Full induction, ongoing training and support provided. This includes training on: safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality

· We are able to provide references to employers and/or further education establishments

· Travel costs and out of pocket expenses reimbursed on the provision of receipts*

· The opportunity to enhance your CV and to learn new skills

What would I be doing?

· To facilitate activities involving physical, mental, social, intergenerational stimulation

· To help residents learn or relearn new tasks, hobbies and enjoy new experiences

· To help improve the quality of resident’s lives by engaging them in activities, thereby helping them retain their sense of independence, self-worth and confidence

 · Helping supporting the cooks preparing meals for service users

What skills are we looking for?

· Good communication skills

· Understanding of empathy and the needs of people with isolation issues

· Understanding of confidentiality; reliable and trustworthy

When & how often would I volunteer for?

· Ideally for a minimum of one session weekly or fortnightly, for 2 hours. We welcome anything in addition to this and are very flexible. Our schemes run activities from 10am-6pm 7 days a week.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone. 

About the role

As a Volunteer Peer Group Facilitator you will: 

As a Volunteer Peer Group Facilitator, you will play a key role in delivering our peer support groups. These groups run all around the county throughout the week. You will work alongside our team of peer support workers and other peer support volunteers.

There is some flexibility with volunteering opportunities ranging from a minimum of 2-3 hours weekly to monthly commitments.

There may also be the opportunity to attend different community events to advertise the service.

There will be full training opportunities to ensure that you are successful in your volunteering role, as well as regular check-in meetings.

About the service  

The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire. 

Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

• Lived experience of mental illness, whether that is caring for someone else or yourself.
• Reliability and good timekeeping.
• Have a good understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding.
• Basic IT knowledge.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• To have empathy and remain non-judgemental.
• Experience of working with people in some way, whether formally through employment or informally working as part of a team.
• Experience of leading a group.

Although it’s not essential, you may also have:

• Good knowledge of the local area and organisations.
• Experience with supporting someone with mental illness / ill mental health

How to apply 

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory. 

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion. 

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager: 

Who are we?  

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion    

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.