Volunteer Roles in South East

Traumaform CIC is a West Wales based non-profit organization specializing in therapies for trauma-related issues such as Complex Trauma and PTSD.

We are looking for compassionate, enthusiastic and committed people with a range of skills to support our organization in its ongoing development.

You will have the opportunity to make decisions that will impact people’s lives and make a real difference to those suffering from the effects of trauma.

Trustees are ultimately responsible for leading our non-profit organisation and deciding how it is run. They play a very important role in helping to develop Traumaform’s work.

 

Why volunteer as a trustee for Traumaform?

Volunteering as a trustee can be very rewarding. It’s a fantastic way to contribute to other people’s well-being – to ‘give something back’ – but also to develop your own skills in a number of areas:

- Leadership

- Negotiating

- Strategic planning

- Organisation

- Networking

We particularly encourage applications from people who reflect those supported by Traumaform. For example, if you have lived experience of trauma, have mental health needs, or are perhaps a parent, relative or carer for somebody with mental health needs, we would love to hear from you.

Previous experience as a trustee is not necessary as training will be provided.

Traumaform Trustee Role Description

We are looking for people whose values align closely with those expressed in our mission statement, who are keen to take our work forwards by helping to guide the development of our organisation and provide strategic input.

This is a voluntary position, expenses will be paid, and Governance training will be provided. As trustee you will be attending our board meetings 5-6 times a year, which may be in person but can also be online.

Desirable:

One or more of the below:

- Accounting/financial experience

- A legal background

- An educational background

- Business management experience and skills

- Knowledge and experience of community engagement

- Lived experience of trauma and/or mental health

- Awareness and understanding of trauma

- Some understanding of symptoms of PTSD and Complex PTSD and their co-occurring disorders

Essential:

- A desire to make a difference

- Demonstrating passion for Traumaform’s work

- Compassion for those suffering from the effects of trauma

- Commitment to attend board meetings either online or in-person

- Ability to work as part of a team

- A flexible, open approach

- An empathic and non-judgmental attitude

- Contributing to Traumaform’s development through innovative and creative ideas

If you can spare the time, if you want to gain experience, if you want to contribute to community benefit, or expand your horizon and feel you have something to offer Traumaform as a trustee, you are welcome to get in touch.

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

The closing date for applications is Monday 11th November 2024 at 5pm.

Interviews will be held on Zoom between Wednesday 13th November – Wednesday 21st November 2024.

The first board meeting will be held on Sunday 24th November 2024. It is important that you can attend this meeting – if you wish to apply but are unable to attend, please make this clear when applying.

Perhaps you’re a navigating the system yourself and you could benefit from our training and ongoing support to ensure you get the best outcome, whilst also supporting other families going through the same challenges.

We’re looking for people with -

• Experience of applying for an EHCP or;
• Experience of the appeals process and tribunals.
• Full training will be given on our approach and how to support families.
• Advice centre shadowing included in the training.
• Applicants must be able to commit to the monthly advice centre before applying.

Have you got a few hours each week to help us with marketing our events and volunteer opportunities?

Want to work with a dynamic team and use your extensive experience?

The role

· We are looking for someone to write copy, evaluate our target audience and choose the most appropriate route to highlight our activities and events

· The measures of successes will include raised numbers of applicants for our volunteer roles, an increase in the number of client applications and raised attendance at our events

· You will be working closely with our Volunteer Co-ordinator and our other volunteers

· Depending on the candidate there is room for further development for the role in the area of social media

· There is a lot going on at The Therapy Garden. We need to ensure our target markets know about who we are, what we do and the community participates in our fundraising and brand building events.

· You will convert these ideas into reality! 

Necessary experience

· Extensive marketing experience is a must

· A demonstrable track record of positive impact

· The ability to work in a collaborative environment

Trustees wanted: We are looking for four new trustees of the Social Research Association (SRA), to join a lively and positive governing group and help to guide an organisation passionately focused on the advancement of knowledge and professional best practice in the social research for the benefit of the public good.  With a new Chair of the Board and a new Chief Executive these are exciting times as we head towards our 50th anniversary in 2028. We are currently developing a new strategy to guide the expansion of activities and reach across all our social research communities. Of particular focus is our efforts to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of all aspects of the SRA’s activities and we are keen to make further progress in this area.

Who is the SRA? We promote high standards of social research through training courses, events, publications and other resources. SRA membership is open to all, and our 1,600+ members represent many sectors, research methods and approaches.

Who are we looking for? We welcome applications from across the social research community. In addition, so that the trustee body is effective, we would also like to hear applicants with expertise in Human Resources, marketing and communications or finance. We are keen to receive applications from all backgrounds, regions and career stages. You do not have to have prior trustee experience to apply. The SRA will provide an induction and are introducing a buddy system for new trustees and support trustee’s skills development through training.

What’s in it for you?  Being a trustee is rewarding and brings many benefits, especially to your professional development.  You will gain invaluable experience of strategy, governance and leadership, boosting your CV in the process.  You will work with other trustees, the Chair and Chief Executive to take decisions about the future of our organisation.  Through your membership of our Board, smaller sub-committees and working groups you will be focused on strategic issues facing our organisation and gain valuable experience of being a non-executive director to set strategy, to influence and negotiate and to understand and manage risk. You will promote transparency, accountability and fairness.  Above all you will have the satisfaction of contributing to our mission to improve knowledge and best practice in social research for the benefit of public good.

What does it involve? Trustees meet virtually six times a year, and you’ll be expected to attend these meetings, as well as our annual general meeting (usually another virtual meeting held in January). Board meetings focus on strategic rather than operational issues. Trustees are unpaid volunteers, whose positions are re-nominated every three years, to a maximum of six years. Expenses for meetings are reimbursed, where appropriate. Each trustee contributes their knowledge and experience to help the board reach sound decisions. This will involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing views and advice on new initiatives or other issues. You’ll need to be aware of / learn about your legal responsibilities, and the need to act in accordance with Charity Commission guidance.

Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.

Remote Family Support Volunteer – Live Chat

We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference. Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.

Organisational values:

Mission: We build better family lives together.

Vision: Families should have access to active support and understanding. 

Values: Trustworthy, Compassionate and Collaborative

Purpose of the role: To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.

Live chat: is a free confidential service that is accessed via our website. Service users are offered emotional support, information and advice and guidance on a broad range of family issues.

Supervised by: The Shift Supervisor

 Activities: The volunteer will be fully supervised, supported and trained to provide the following activities:

·Provide emotional support to family members via our live chat service

·Use the Family Lives support model and tools to provide an empathic responses

·Ensure that all service users receive a high quality experience

·Sign post users to other agencies for information and additional support

·Complete conversation data records

·Alert the shift supervisor to any difficult situations

 

General: Volunteers should be willing to:

·Attend the relevant volunteer training

·Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the other policies and procedures of the organisation

·Participate in regular support, supervision meetings and learning sessions as agreed

For home based volunteers only:

·Volunteers will need a Laptop/PC, plug in headset with microphone, fast broadband and a private place to work from home

·Volunteers need to be IT/PC literate and confident troubleshooting should they have technical difficulties

 Time: We would be looking for volunteers to commit to one four-hour shift per week, plus attending training and supervision.

Location: working remotely from home

 You need to be a UK resident

Supervision and Support:

·Supervision during shifts

·Debrief after every shift

·1 to 1 supervision every 6 months

·Staff available outside of shift within office hours

·Annual review

 

The Benefits of Volunteering:

·Satisfaction in making a real and lasting difference to families who are struggling

·An opportunity to develop experience for CV and references. Family Lives is committed to helping volunteers develop their own learning and development, gaining new skills, knowledge or work experience

·Being part of a team of Family Lives volunteers and staff

·Personal development

·Opportunities to meet and interact with a wide range of people

·Out of pocket expenses reimbursed to a maximum of £10 per session if working from a centre

·Flexible hours

 

Volunteer Person Specification. We are looking for individuals who:

·Have experience of parenting/being in a parenting role or demonstrable experience of working with parents or children e.g. in their work, previous volunteering or a previous role

·Have an ability to respond empathically to emotional content

·Good written and verbal communication

·Have good keyboard skills and IT skills, with a minimum of 50 wpm

·Can demonstrate a willingness to question their own attitudes e.g. toward different forms of parenting

·Have a fluent, descriptive and expressive use of English

·Can remain open minded and non-judgemental

·Willing to commit to work within Family Lives’ policies, in particular our Confidentiality Policy and Risk of Harm Procedures

·Willing to commit to attending regular supervision and support sessions

·Willing to work as part of a team

·Willing to commit to a mutually agreed period or ideally a 12 months commitment to the organisation.

Typing Task Prior to Application for Live Chat

Prior to you submitting your application for a Live Chat Volunteer, we will require you to do a speed test, we ask for a minimum speed of 50 words per minute. 

Please take a screen shot and send it across with your application

You can have up to 3 attempts and decide which result you would like to forward as part of your application

Typing task

Go to the website typingtest

You are required to take the one minute typing test recording all of the results (speed, number of errors and adjusted speed).

We have remote voluntary call taker training groups the dates are below are you would need to be able to attend all 5 Modules from the training group.

November training dates:

Module 1 – Monday 4th November

Module 2 – Wednesday 6th November

Module 3 – Monday 11th November

Module 4 – Wednesday 13th November

Module 5 – Monday 18th November

10am to 2pm

Please note that all roles offered are subject to a satisfactory DBS being obtained, you will receive details of documentation required prior to your training and this must all be in no later than the second session of your training.

Family Lives operate a free confidential helpline for anyone experiencing difficulties in their family or relationship.

Our volunteers take calls from parents and carers on a wide range of subjects, whether that might be issues around separation and divorce, isolation, depression, bullying and abuse, dealing with behavioural problems, etc. You can find out more about our services on our website.

We are a national service with home-based call takers county wide and we also have a call centre in Old Hatfield Hertfordshire. Once trained volunteers sign up for a weekly 4-hour shift comprising 3 hours ‘online’ followed by a debrief session with your supervisor which can lasts around half to one hour. 

We recruit volunteers with a range of backgrounds and experiences though we ask that volunteers have experience of parenting or working with children and young people, are good listeners and have a willingness to learn. Being remote it will be very important that you have a PC/laptop, plug in headset with microphone, good Wi-Fi and a private place to work from home. 

You need to be a UK resident.

Our training programme is excellent and will give you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to offer empathic support and guidance to callers whatever their circumstances; all shifts are overseen by a regular shift supervisor who provides ongoing remote support. We ask our volunteers to make a commitment of 1 year (with time off for holidays), obviously we understand that circumstances sometimes make that an impossibility but can be helpful to know at the outset that is the general expectation. 

We have call taker training sessions that run over five sessions and is done remotely connecting you via a Microsoft Teams link.

You would need to be able to attend all five sessions from one of these remote training groups and be available on four occasions to listen into calls, this can be organised remotely.

Remote Call Taker Training Dates:

November training dates:

Module 1 – Monday 4th November

Module 2 – Wednesday 6th November

Module 3 – Monday 11th November

Module 4 – Wednesday 13th November

Module 5 – Monday 18th November

10am to 2pm

Please note that all roles offered are subject to a satisfactory DBS being obtained, you will receive details of documentation required prior to your training and this must all be in no later than the second session of your training.

Working hands-on to deliver inpatient surgical care to our patients, the Ward Nurses work around the clock to see that each and every patient receives the care and attention they deserve.

• Administer holistic patient care to assigned patients and expect to care for both adults and children on a 20 bed open ward

• Employ recent surgical experience in providing pre- and post-operative care to patients receiving maxillofacial, reconstructive plastic, general, obstetric fistula repair, gynecological or orthopedic surgery. Experience in one of these surgical specialties preferred

• Partner with local Day Crew translators to provide culturally sensitive and compassionate care to patients

• Coordinate patient care with the specialty Team Leaders, Charge Nurses, Hospitalist Physicians and Surgeons

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for volunteers, preferably with experience of community engagement and networking, to:

· Research and develop a database of local authority websites

· Research and develop a database of other charities and support organisations, who may support individuals affected by leukodystrophy

· Request for Alex TLC to be added as a support organisation to the above resource lists

· Improve awareness of the charity and leukodystrophy within local authorities, other charities, and support organisations

· Research ways that we can improve our outreach to yet-to-reach groups within the community

This is a wonderful opportunity to develop your existing skills within a unique arena, learn about the difficulties facing those with rare disease, and give vital and tangible support to sufferers of leukodystrophy.

We need help to give hope and support to people affected by leukodystrophy – could you be that help?

ABOUT YOU

Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:

· at least 2 years working or volunteering experience

· an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do

· basic understanding of the complexities of leukodystrophy

· excellent written skills

· excellent communication skills

· excellent computer skills, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel

· excellent organisational and administrative skills

Alex TLC are flexible and the role can be home based or at our Peckham, London SE15 office.

Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC) is a small, independent rare disease charity competing for essential resources within an extremely competitive arena.

Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to the recognised voice for leukodystrophy patients and their families. In order to fulfil our charitable objectives we need to increase and sustain our corporate income levels.

Could you spare a few hours a week to help us?

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for volunteers, preferably with corporate fundraising experience to:

• research the corporate giving landscape and the interests of potential donors

• identify potential corporate donors and partners whose corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals align with our mission and values

• approach local and national businesses in person and over the telephone to inform them of the work of Alex TLC

• keep a record of all approaches

Time Commitment

• This role is flexible and can easily fit round your other commitments. 

Location of Volunteering

• Homebased

ABOUT YOU

• an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do

• access to a computer/laptop with an internet connection, and a printer

• basic understanding of the complexities of leukodystrophy

• excellent written skills

• excellent organisational and administrative skills

Benefits to you:

• Meeting and working with new people

• The ability to volunteer around your own commitments

• Learning new skills whilst having fun!

• Adding to your CV

• Helping those affected by leukodystrophies

Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications from outside the UK. 

Join Transition Network as our new Trustee Treasurer

Can you bring an understanding of budgets and organisational finances, a fresh perspective, time and energy to help us to deliver on our purpose and strategy?

Transition Network is a charity registered in England and Wales that works internationally to support the Transition movement.  We are looking for a new Treasurer to join our team as a trustee, and we welcome applicants from a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences.  As Treasurer you would join a groundbreaking organisation, using shared governance structures and processes. 

Would you like to play a key role in supporting blind and partially sighted people in your local area? Are you great at communicating, love meeting others and enjoy using your admin and organisational skills? If this sounds like you, you’re the person we’re looking for to support our Erdington Sight Loss Support group meeting. The group began in 2019 and we resumed meeting face to face in May 2022.

We would like your help with:

• Planning and organising group meetings
• Liaising with the venue
• Contacting and booking guest speakers
• Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities.
• Sighted guiding
• Giving practical help to individuals so they can take part in the events.

How often will I be needed?

• 14 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires an enhanced criminal record check and 2 references.

Location

Region

• West Midlands

Additional location information

• Home based admin - up to 3 hours a week Oiko’s Café, 58 High Street, Erdington, B23 6RH: The group meets at Oiko’s Café every third Thursday from 13:00 – 14:30.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Effective listening skills;Good communication skills;An understanding of issues affecting blind / partially sighted people;Ability to digest information

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups.  You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups. 

• Delivering talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people

• Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service 

 What you’ll gain from the role: 

• An opportunity to give something back. 

• A chance to build a strong community. 

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people 

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. 

In return for donating your time we will provide: 

• A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience. 

• A rewarding experience. 

• A great Induction and training. 

• A supportive manager. 

• Regular updates and catchups. 

• Expenses. 

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. 

Do you want to make a real difference to Scope, the disability equality charity, and our income?

Do you like a variety of roles, from talking to people to sorting stock, or are you not sure what you’d like to do?

Do you have a couple of hours a week to support your local charity shop?

You might like our shop volunteer role! 

About this role 

You will be vital to the work of your local Scope shop, generating income and raising awareness of our work in your local community. You will receive all training and support you need to get involved and enjoy your time volunteering. 

Your role may include: 

• sorting and organising goods for sale
• helping to display stock and window dressing
• tidying and cleaning the shop
• welcoming and supporting customers
• using the till and taking payments
• steaming clothes so they look better for customers
• pricing and tagging new donations

When and where 

You will be in our Scope Amersham shop at 17 Sycamore Road, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP6 5EQ. We are flexible on the times you would like to volunteer. We’d love your help for as little as 1 hour a week, but if you can give more time that would help us even more.

Who we’re looking for 

We welcome anyone who is friendly and passionate about disability equality! 

Some volunteers want to learn more about charities or about retail. Others want to make a difference to the lives of disabled people. Other volunteers are interested in our training and development opportunities. Some people join us to meet new people and make friends. Sometimes people want to help a charity shop they like shopping in, while also getting a discount in the shop!

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people. Equality and inclusion are at the heart of Scope’s mission. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all volunteers.

Skills and experience you can gain 

• teamwork
• customer service
• till operation
• organisation
• retail skills
• communication
• stock preparation and management
• health and safety
• valuable experience for your cv
• experience of a large, national disability charity

What we can offer you ​

• introduction to scope
• demonstration of your tasks
• training courses, in person and online
• personal development opportunities
• support and regular catchups from a dedicated manager
• agreed travel expenses- all volunteers are entitled to claim their travel expenses if they work a minimum of a 4 hour shift.
• adjustments to make the role accessible for you
• work experience for your cv
• a work reference
• 20% discount in your scope charity shop

Safeguarding 

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Scope is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children and adults at risk, whether receiving services or being staff or volunteers. It expects all trustees, staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Volunteering at Scope 

Scope is a disability equality charity providing practical information, emotional support and campaigning for a fairer society. 

As a shop volunteer, you’ll help raise vital funds for our work towards everyday equality for disabled people. You will make a real difference to the lives of disabled people and their families. 

Join our amazing volunteer team in this flexible opportunity that puts you at the heart of our work supporting blind and partially sighted people. You’ll make taking part in events and carrying out volunteering easier and more enjoyable for our customers and volunteers with sight loss.

You’ll take some of the stress and anxiety out of getting around and taking part in activities as a blind or partially sighted person. The help you give will encourage people to do more.

What you’ll be doing

• Sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals in and around venues, so they can take part in events. 

• Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities which range from facilitating a regular community group to delivering a talk about sight loss to a local business.  Your role would involve things like guiding; Meeting and greeting at group activities or creating a welcoming and interesting display stand at events.

In this role you will only be helping individuals in places open to the public, often in a group setting.  We will provide training in sighted guiding techniques and understanding sight loss.

What you’ll gain from the role:

• An opportunity to give something back.

• A chance to build a strong community.

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make. 

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:

• A rewarding experience.

• A great Induction and training.

• A supportive manager.

• Regular updates and catchups.

• Expenses.

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.