Social Care / Development Volunteer Roles

Empower adults with disabilities and help them reach their dreams, building a world where they are valued and included as the Chair of the Board of Share Community.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 7th October

Who we are.

Share was founded in 1972 by a group of physically disabled adults who were facing barriers to work. We now primarily work with adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs because this group still faces the most significant barriers to work, education and training and suffers from significant health and societal inequalities.

We are based in South London. We work out of two training centres, in Battersea and Brixton, a garden – in Tooting – and a community café and sports hub in Vauxhall. We provide a range of programmes, activities and qualifications aimed at supporting our students to live happier, healthier and more independent lives.

Our vision is to live in a world where disabled adults are genuinely valued and included, can make choices and have the freedom to achieve their ambitions. We currently work with 178 students each week, and also provide support for their families and carers.

About the role.

Share is seeking a Chair of our Board of Trustees, who will work alongside the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and other Trustees to ensure the charity delivers its mission and vision. Supported by the sub-committee chairs, the Chair of Trustees ensures that the Board has oversight of the Charity’s governance and strategic direction.

Who we are looking for.

The Chair will role model Share’s organisational values of respect, support, ambition, kindness, integrity and inclusivity and be committed to reducing the social injustice disabled people face.

You will have a successful track record as a senior leader, with experience at board level (either as a Trustee or Company Director). You will be comfortable chairing meetings and events and will promote a collaborative team environment.

In addition, you will be a confident ambassador, able to advocate for Share’s work and the students it supports to a wide range of audiences.

We welcome applications from people with a broad range of backgrounds and from all sections of the community. All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria as outlined in the role description will be invited to interview for this post.

• Time Commitment

Board meetings occur six times a year at 5:30 PM on the first Tuesday of even-numbered months in person. The Chair also regularly meets with the Chairs of the three Board Sub-Committees and the Chief Executive. Additionally, there are two away afternoons each year focused on strategic planning, held locally.

While the Chair is not required to attend the virtual sub-committee meetings, they may choose to do so.

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

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 7th October.

We are recruiting for a volunteer to teach the Women at our Refuge martial arts. It is also an opportunity for children to attend the class and learn some basic techniques!

The discipline and training of martial arts can lead to physical, mental, and emotional benefits that can improve the quality of your life in countless ways. Martial arts can help reduce stress and anxiety and helps train your mind to keep focused whilst remaining calm and alert.

Practicing martial arts releases chemicals like endorphins that lift your mood and helps direct your energy towards something positive that you can build over time. It also strengthens your body, helps boost your self-esteem and helps you identify what you wish to improve in your life and gives you the confidence to make positive changes.

What you will be doing

• Coordinate and set up a weekly martial arts class for women and children
• Inspire and motivate women and children to take part in the sessions and take a role in planning/designing upcoming sessions
• Create a safe space for individuals to practice and learn new techniques through martial arts
• Encourage members of the group to connect and relate to each other through practicing together

The skills you need

• Qualified to teach martial arts
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Good sense of humour

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

The Listening Place is a volunteer-led charity aiming to transform how we support people who feel suicidal.  Our trained volunteers are part of a team delivering face-to-face, confidential, ongoing support to thousands of people each year.  They help create the warm and welcoming environment that encourages people struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings to talk openly without being judged or given advice.   

Listening volunteers provide ongoing face-to-face support to visitors on regular, fortnightly 4-hour shifts during which they meet with up to 3 visitors (for up to 50 minutes each). No experience or qualifications are necessary.  We look for warmth, empathy and resilience in our volunteers and the ability to be non-judgemental and avoid giving advice.

In order to ensure continuity for our visitors we require a one-year minimum commitment from our LVs, as well as three months’ notice of intention to leave.

Are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing.

You will support individuals who struggle to communicate with others and help them to reconnect with their local community. You will support to relight a spark in a hobby, interest or encourage individuals to explore and participate in new social activities.

Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age or family situation.

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals

The skills you need

• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Willingness to engage in activities in the community
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries
• To be consistent in attendance

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Creative Support is a national social care and supported housing provider with charitable status. We offer high quality, personalised care and support services for younger adults and older people with a wide range of needs, including learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and physical disabilities. We also deliver innovative preventative services for people at risk of homelessness and social exclusion. We support people to overcome challenges and live their best lives.

Creative Support is one of the largest not-for-profit providers of social care in the UK. We are proud to have been providing great services since 1991. We currently support over 6,000 people a year in 70 local authorities across England and employ around 5,000 dedicated staff. Creative Support has an annual turnover of over £160 million. We are registered as a provider of social housing, with a supported housing portfolio of over 1,000 homes. We own significant housing assets, all of which are dedicated to providing great homes for the people we support.

We have recently completed an extensive external governance review which concluded that ‘Creative Support is a high performing and effective organisation which is well led by the Board and the Executive.’ We are embarking on a new 3 year strategic plan to build on our success and further develop our activities.

We are now seeking to recruit new trustees to the Board. We are seeking well motivated people who have an enthusiasm for our work and can offer a commitment to our charitable purpose, person-centred values and to co-production with the people we support. We require trustees who can demonstrate vision, knowledge, skills and relevant experience. Prior experience in a trustee or governance role is not essential as we will provide personalised training as required.

We are particularly keen to attract applicants who have senior operational management experience in social care. We are also pleased to receive applications from people from other professional backgrounds or with personal or family experience of using support services and we welcome applications from people with transferable skills and experience gained in the charitable, public or private sectors.

You will contribute to the effective governance and oversight of our organisation and to developing our strategic direction. This will involve attending at least 6 evening Board meetings per annum (held bi-monthly), the Annual General Meeting and occasional planning days.

You will be expected to contribute to a committee relevant to your area of interest and expertise (currently these are Finance & Audit, Housing, People & Performance and Quality & Practice Development). Committee Meetings are also held bi-monthly. Board meetings are held in our Head Office in Stockport, situated close to the mainline train station, whilst committee meetings currently take place on-line.

You will be encouraged to attend events, visit services and to meet with our staff, our tenants and the people we support.

In return for your valuable time and expertise we can offer you the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding role and to contribute to the future success of a thriving national charitable social care organisation with a strong person-centred purpose and ethos.

Creative Support is an Investor in People ‘Gold’ employer and Stonewall Diversity Champion. We are a welcoming and inclusive organisation, committed to increasing the representation on the Board of people from BAME and LGBTQ+ groups and those with a disability. We have zero tolerance for racism and discrimination.

The role of trustee is a voluntary position for which we pay reasonable expenses. We also support trustees with induction and on-going training.

We can send you a copy of our most recent Annual Report & Accounts - available via the FCA Mutuals Website, type in Creative Support and search under ‘documents’. You will find all previous annual reports and accounts listed and these can be viewed or downloaded at no cost. 

Please note that Creative Support is a Community Benefit Society with charitable status registered with the FCA, not a company or registered charity so you will not be able to access information about Creative Support via Companies House or the Charity Commission.

Applications will be considered when they are received.

Our Mission

Creative Support promotes independence, inclusion, and wellbeing. We do this by working with the people we support, their families and others to meet individual needs and aspirations in a person-centred way. We provide high quality homes and support, enabling people to say:

· I live my best life in a place I call home

· I feel listened to, respected and valued

· I enjoy choices and rights and have control over my life

· I am supported to feel safe

· I am doing the things that matter to me

· I enjoy relationships with others

· I am connected to my community

· I am supported with my wellbeing

· I feel able to reach my full potential

We Care Values

Our We Care values underpin everything we do at Creative Support. We are:

Welcoming
Empowering

Compassionate

Aspirational

Respectful

Effective

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 

The Harrison & Potter Trust is a wonderful example of charitable settlements made many years ago that continue to make a significant impact on people’s lives today. 

It was established in 1970 when two old almshouse charities, the John Harrison's Hospital founded in April 1653 and the Mary Potter's Hospital founded in April 1728, merged to form the Harrison and Potter Trust. In 1972 a third charity, the Josiah Jenkinson's Pension Charity founded in May 1905, was taken under the wing of the Trust and subsequently fully amalgamated.

Background to the roles  

The Board of the Harrison and Potter Trust currently comprises nine Trustees including the Chair, although the two people who are currently responsible for the grant-giving will be leaving within the next six months. We recognise the need to enhance the Board and welcome new Trustees who will bring energy and a range of wider experience, knowledge and skills to support our important work. We are seeking motivated people who live locally or in the surrounding areas and who share our commitment to honour our settlors’ legacies to provide housing for older people and to support local charities. 

Main Responsibilities

• To lead collectively and ensure that the vision and purpose of the Charity are achieved 
• To ensure that the Charity complies with legal and regulatory requirements and acts in accordance with the terms of its constitution 
• To act in the best interests of the Charity at all times and to the benefit of present and future beneficiaries of the Charity 
• To protect and preserve the ethos of the Charity 
• To ensure the solvent and efficient running of the Charity through the monitoring and control of its finance and administrative systems and investment policy 

Person Specification

• Experience of working in Adult Social Care, or grant-giving, or have a background in law 
• Experience of organisational management
• An understanding of the importance of effective governance of voluntary sector organisations, including the respective roles and responsibilities of the Chair, the Board and the member of staff

Eastside People is supporting Harrison & Potter Trust in the recruitment for this role. Please apply by submitting your CV and cover letter, which should cover the following:

• Why you are interested in a trustee role at the Harrison and Potter Trust
• How you can contribute to the Trust as a trustee. Please highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the role as set out in the Person Specification.
• Why you think you would be a good fit for the Trust

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can make the application process work for you.

The closing date for applications is 7 October with shortlisting interviews with Eastside People taking place that week. Interviews will be held with the Harrison and Potter Trust during weeks beginning 21 or 28 October.

Eastside People is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and work with our clients to ensure that we recruit inclusively, seeking to address the underrepresentation of some groups of people in leadership teams. 

Statement on diversity

We are keen to diversify our Board so that we better reflect the people and communities of the city that we serve. We would therefore particularly welcome applications from younger people, from women, and from people from ethnic minority backgrounds. We recognise that having people with a range of different life experiences will bring fresh perspectives to our work and enhance our Board’s effectiveness and ability to better serve our residents.

Introduction

The English-Speaking Union (ESU), is a charity and membership organisation that works to give young people the speaking and listening skills and cross-cultural understanding they need to thrive. The ESU’s speech and debate programmes and international exchanges improve young people’s attainment, self-esteem and social skills, helping them to fulfil their potential and to change their lives and communities for the better.

We are looking for volunteers to help support and judge our competitions, please find details below:

• Schools’ Mace - The oldest debating competition for schools in England and Wales (ages 11-18)
• Public Speaking Competition - The largest such competition for schools in England and Wales (ages 13-16)
• Performing Shakespeare Competition - Students express their passion and imagination and compete for a chance to perform at Shakespeare’s Globe (ages 11-14)

You don’t need to be a debater or public speaker yourself – you just need to be enthusiastic about encouraging and inspiring young people to be the best they can be. There are opportunities throughout the year, each requiring around 4-5 hours’ commitment from late afternoon onwards. Full training is given, and it’s great fun, with students often covering thought-provoking topics from obesity and the NHS to Churchill and what defines happiness.

We look forward to welcoming you soon and can't wait to get you started!

GT Scholars mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for Ambassadors that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives! 

As an Ambassador your duty would be to contribute anything to help with the growth of GT Scholars: 

Events: Participate at our events by greeting parents and seating scholars: work closely with the programme manager to set up events and work collaboratively with workshop facilitators, venue owners, volunteers, parents and young people to ensure that each event is successfully executed.

Getting more volunteers: Reaching out to your network and spreading the word about GT Scholars and the work we do. This is to attract more volunteers and potential sponsors to support the cause. 

Fundraising: Use your network or skills to reach more sponsors and potential partners who want to improve social mobility.

Corporate contacts: Use your network or skills to spread the word about GT Scholars and reach more volunteers and potential sponsors. 

We are looking for a volunteer to create and facilitate sessions and discussion groups with our volunteers and service users on a variety of subjects for our Learning and Development programme. You will work closely with the Volunteering Team to establish what volunteers and service users would like covered in the programme and then plan, organise and prepare a series of workshops. Some examples of popular sessions that have been held include confidence building, communication skills, presentation skills and more!

What you will be doing

• Create and facilitate workshops and discussion groups with our volunteers and service users on a variety of subjects for our Learning and Development programme
• With the support of the Volunteering Team establish topics for discussion
• Carry out research and prepare materials for the sessions

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation.
• Calm and patient approach
• Basic IT skills
• Experience in putting together and delivering workshops is desired but no essential

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

​We hold new volunteer inductions at the start of each term, so apply ASAP to be in time to join our September induction.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in Lewisham. At the Rainbow Club supplementary school we aim to help children between the ages of 4 and 11 to improve their literacy, numeracy and social skills in a friendly and supportive environment.  We need your skills and enthusiasm to assist the teacher in the delivery of a literacy and numeracy class and work with other volunteers to develop a programme of recreational activities. The Rainbow Club runs on Saturday mornings during term-time.

Your duties will include:

• Arriving punctually for the 9am briefing by the Rainbow Club Headteacher;
• Working in a team with other volunteers and teachers to deliver literacy, numeracy, arts, sport activities – this includes ensuring children remain engaged throughout the lesson and carry out set tasks as instructed by the teacher;
• Working one-to-one with specific children if and when required;
• Filing classroom work and homework in children’s individual files and keeping all materials and resources tidy and properly stored;
• Liaising with parents as and when required for example distributing leaflets and news about future meetings and events and also assisting with parents' day;
• Following the teacher’s policies on discipline and classroom management;
• Supervising the children during break times;
• Supporting the children during class trips;
• Ensuring classrooms are clean and tidy at the end of each day – this may include being part of a regular team rota;
• Providing feedback and comments to the volunteer coordinator and Rainbow Club manager when required.

Nova New Opportunities is an educational charity based near Ladbroke Grove. As we ease out of London, we are looking for volunteers to help on day trips in and around London to support families in getting back to normality again.

Trips will include anything from horse riding through to the beach, farms and Kew Gardens. This is an opportunity to help families from marginalised communities while gaining experience of working with a small, friendly and supportive charity.

Volunteers will help the group leader to accompany groups of parents/guardians and their children on a variety of cultural/fun trips, helping to make them feel welcome. 

Suitable volunteers will be reliable and sociable and enjoy working with children. Volunteers must be available for day trips during school holidays, as this is when most of the trips take place.

Volunteers receive a full induction, and support from the Children and Young People Coordinator. Travel expenses on the outings and any entrance fees are covered, and some further expenses can also be claimed.

Join Addiction Family Support

Addiction Family Support is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting adults affected or bereaved by a loved one's harmful use of alcohol, drugs, or gambling.

The Role: Family Support Volunteer

As a Family Support Volunteer at Addiction Family Support, you will play a key role in offering emotional and practical support to individuals impacted by a loved one's addiction. Whether through our helpline or support groups, you will provide a compassionate, non-judgmental listening ear, helping individuals navigate challenging circumstances.

This is a flexible role that can be delivered remotely or in person, depending on the service you support. Family Support Volunteers work within a flexible rota system to accommodate their availability and commitments while ensuring ongoing support for those who need it most.

Responsibilities:

• Offer empathetic and non-judgmental emotional support to individuals impacted by a loved one’s addiction.
• Provide relevant information, literature, and resources to help clients or group members cope with their situations.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate support group meetings, encouraging members to share experiences and offer support.
• Respond to inquiries and offer structured emotional support via the helpline or support groups, adhering to guidelines and safeguarding measures.
• Maintain accurate records in line with GDPR and the charity’s policies.
• Participate in ongoing training, mentoring, and support sessions to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Handle any potential safeguarding concerns and signpost clients to additional services when necessary.

Training and Development:

All Family Support Volunteers undergo a comprehensive three half day training programme covering addiction, core counselling skills, the 5-Step Method, bereavement, safeguarding, and self-care. Ongoing supervision, mentoring, and further development opportunities are available to support volunteers in their roles.

Join Our Team of Change-Makers

Are you ready to make a difference? We're on the lookout for vibrant, enthusiastic, proactive and collaborative individuals with the right skills and experience to become part of our incredible charity.

Be Part of Something Special

Our clients' continuous positive feedback speaks volumes about the impact of our work, and we take immense pride in it. Emilia Fox, one of our dedicated Patrons, stands with us in our mission.

Join an Award-Winning Journey

This is your chance to become part of an award-winning charity where every day is an opportunity to contribute to the greater good. If you're seeking a dynamic environment filled with compassionate individuals dedicated to creating positive change, we invite you to apply or reach out with any enquiries.