Crime Volunteer Roles

Could you help someone change their life and avoid reoffending?

Belong’s vision is of hope, rehabilitation and recovery for victims and perpetrators of crime. We inspire change by providing long term, individualised responses to conflict and crime through restorative Justice, psychotherapy, mentoring, and training for criminal justice professionals.

We have exciting opportunities available for committed, compassionate people to volunteer as one-to-one mentors with us. Volunteers will work with young people and adults serving prison sentences at HMP Brixton, HMPYOI Feltham and HMPYOI Isis or serving community sentences in London. Successful applicants will have a qualification in criminology, psychology or a relevant area, and/or at least one year of experience working with children, young people or adults facing disadvantages. For genuine occupational requirement reasons successful applicants must be aged 21 years or over. (exemption under the Equality Act 2010 Part 1 Schedule 9).

One-to-one mentors will build a professional working relationship with individuals as they serve their prison or community sentence and work towards a crime free future. Mentoring sessions will take place once per week or fortnight, for one to two hours per session. During the sessions volunteers will offer support to individuals to assist them to access education; training and employment; develop life skills; work through previous traumas and build positive relationships. Mentoring sessions will take place during weekdays or weekends. Volunteers need to be able to commit to the role for at least one year.

Interviews for the role will take place prior to the training dates and selection for the role confirmed after participation in the training.

Successful applicants will be invited to participate in an initial two-day training course at either HMP Brixton, HMPYOI Feltham or HMPYOI Isis from 9:30am-4pm on Saturday 16th and Saturday 23rd November. Please note: spaces on the training course are limited and we may close the recruitment before the closing date if spaces become full.

Prison security vetting and/or an enhanced DBS check are required for this role and all volunteers will be supported to undergo this. After vetting processes are complete, further training will be provided at the prison in which mentors are volunteering, with a range of dates available.

Full support and supervision will be provided to volunteers. We particularly encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system.

To apply, please send us your CV and covering letter as soon as possible, and by Sunday 6 October 2024 . Interviews will be held remotely on Zoom or via phone call. Applications will be screened and applicants interviewed on a first come first served basis, and we have a limited number of spaces available on our November training course. We reserve the right to close this recruitment process before the closing date if we receive a high number of suitable applications beforehand.

Do you love music ?

Are you a "people person"?

Our organised music and dance groups give people with additional needs the chance to make friends, enjoy social time together and try out a variety of activities.  These fun and friendly groups also help to improve physical health and mental wellbeing.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers for our amazing music, drama and dance groups in Weoley Castle. You will be encouraging our citizens to take part and ensure everyone has a great time.

You DON'T need to be a good singer or a great mover - just a friendly person :-)

What would I be doing?

Helping people to take part in various activities, including singing, dancing, creative music sessions and drama.

Encouraging people to feel part of the group and take part in the activities.

Helping to set up equipment and tidy away at the end of the session.

Helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

What do I need?

· An interest in helping people, being approachable and friendly

· Any performance skills or interests would be amazing, but not essential.

· Good communication skills

· Accepting of others who might be different to you

· The ability to work as part of a diverse team

· A willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap

· Honesty, integrity and trustworthy

· Good time management skills, reliability

· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.

Where and when do you need me?

· We produce a weekly timetable with activities each day

· Weoley Castle Community Hub, Bottetourt Rd, Birmingham B29 5TE

What’s in it for me?

As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:

· The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers

· Improved health and wellbeing from doing positive activities

· A volunteering preparation session

· An induction and settling in period and any training and development that is needed

· The chance to develop your skills and gain experience

· The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team

· Any out-of-pocket travel expenses

· Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

Do you enjoy being creative ?

Could you spare a few hours to help others enjoy art and craft sessions?

Purpose of the role

Our fun activity groups give people with additional needs the chance to make friends, enjoy social time together and try out a variety of activities.  

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers for our friendly arts and crafts groups in Weoley Castle. You will be encouraging our citizens to take part and ensure everyone has a great time. You can also use your skills to deliver a creative session if you wish.

This is a great opportunity to volunteer in a friendly, person-centred team, providing fun activities for people with learning disabilities.

What would I be doing?

· Helping people to take part in various arts and crafts activities such as card making, model making, painting, and other creative groups

· Encouraging people to feel part of the group and take part in the activities.

· Helping to set up equipment and tidy away at the end of the session.

· Helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

What do I need?

· An interest in helping people, being approachable and friendly

· Any creative skills or interests would be amazing, but not essential.

· Good communication skills

· Accepting of others who might be different to you

· The ability to work as part of a diverse team

· A willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap

· Honesty, integrity and trustworthy

· Good time management skills, reliability

· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.

Where and when do you need me?

· We produce a weekly timetable with activities each day

· Ideally you can attend once per week for 1-3 hours

· Weoley Castle Community Hub, Bottetourt Rd, Birmingham B29 5TE

What’s in it for me?

As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:

· The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers

· Improved health and wellbeing from doing positive activities

· A volunteering preparation session

· An induction and settling in period and any training and development that is needed

· The chance to develop your skills and gain experience

· The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team

· Any out-of-pocket travel expenses

· Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

Older people often experience isolation or loneliness, and this is increased if the person has a learning disability. Our Walsall Daffodil Club is a social group for older adults with learning disabilities where we provide fun activities and a lunch for the citizens who attend.

What would I be doing?

· Supporting our team of staff and volunteers to deliver various fun activities such as music, art and craft and bingo.

· Helping people to take part in the activities

· General support in the kitchen – setting tables, clearing away, serving food and drinks, tidying up, washing up

What do I need?

· Patient, with good communication skills

· Basic kitchen skills and the ability to learn

· Being approachable and friendly, building a rapport with citizens

· Accepting of others who might be different to you and the ability to work as part of a diverse team

· A willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap

· Good time management skills, reliability

An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.

When and where do you need me?

The group runs every other week on a Wednesday from 10.00 – 13.00.

We ask that our volunteers are available at least once a month.

St Martin’s Church. Daffodil Rd, Walsall WS5 3DQ

What’s in it for me?

As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:

· The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers

· An induction and settling in period

· Any training and development that is needed

· The chance to develop your skills and gain experience

· The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team

· Support within your role

· Any out-of-pocket travel expenses

· Lots of appreciation for your fabulous contribution

· Feeling great from doing something amazing.

Are you an experienced professional with expertise related to teaching and learning / social, emotional, or mental health needs? Then you may be able to use those skills to make a positive difference at Inscape House School in Cheadle.

Inscape House is a non-maintained special needs school based in Stockport, Cheshire. It’s one of the specialist education services provided by the charity the Together Trust. We cater for children and young people with autism from Year 1 to Year 14 with an Education Health and Care Plan and whose needs require a higher level of support than local authority education settings can provide. At Inscape House School we recognise that every child is different. Our team of educationalists and therapists work together to meet the individual needs of students and support them to overcome barriers to learning.

This is a strategic role offering a great chance to make a real difference to the education of young people with support needs, and also an excellent opportunity to add strategic level leadership experience to your CV or Linked In profile.

Please note, if your application is successful we will carry out an Enhanced DBS check and Section 128 Check before you start in this role. Whether you’re new to school governance or have experience of this type of role we’d love to hear from you!

Why we want you

Collectively, individual governors contribute their professional, specialist and general management skills to the College (and its sub-groups) in a non-executive role. Governors advise, challenge and support the leadership of the school / college and hold them to account for its management, the quality of the teaching and learning and the achievement, wellbeing and safety of pupils. Governors uphold the values and ethos of the College and ensure it works within its allocated budget, approving targets, policies, and monitoring the progress the school / college is making.

What you will be doing

• Advising on and monitoring the operation and the internal management of the school / college, including number of teaching and support staff, curriculum, safeguarding arrangements, and health & safety
• Approving policies and the school/college quality improvement plan
• Promoting the well-being of students including independence, participation, diversity, inclusion, equal opportunities, and community cohesion
• Monitoring arrangements for safeguarding of children and young people
• Attending all full Governing Body meetings and subgroups of which they are members
• Attending induction and relevant training events

The skills you need

• Strategic perspective
• Constructive evaluation skills
• Leadership and influencing skills
• Interpersonal and teamworking skills
• Planning and organisation skills
• Ability to demonstrate a full understanding and appreciation of the principles of governance
• Determination

What's in it for you

• Demonstrable leadership and strategic experience for CV
• Insights into special education
• Opportunity to have an influence in an important arena

We are looking for volunteers to support our outreach team to build and establish positive relationships with women working on the streets. You will be supporting the team to provide practical support for women, this may include supporting women to access advice around housing and homelessness, sex health testing, substance misuse, physical and mental health, therapeutic services and obtaining essentials such as food and clothing and liaising with the police.

What you will be doing

• Offering support to those selling sex
• Providing information to people involved in sex work, around the support available such as health substance misuse support, access to benefits and finances and alternative employment.
• Building relationships, listening to people and providing a friendly conversation
• Support women to build confidence and develop strategies to put control, direction and purpose into their lives alongside team of outreach workers.
• Working with other agencies and community partners

The skills you need

• Good communication skills; good listening skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that supports building relationships whilst maintaining personal boundaries
• Calm and patient approach
• Willingness to work collaboratively with a range of external organisations.
• An interest to work and reach out to women involved in/affected by sex work.

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 - 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.

About us

Women and Girls Network (WGN) is a pan-London organisation that supports women and girls affected by all forms of gendered-based violence. Our overall aim is to promote, preserve and restore the mental health and well-being of women and girls who have experienced, or are at risk of, gendered-based violence, whilst working towards a society free of gendered-based violence.

We do this by:

• Providing women-only holistic and seamless therapeutic services, which meet women and girls’ needs and contribute to total and sustainable recovery from the experiences of violence.
• Evidencing the impact of gendered-based violence and presenting this information in appropriate forums to affect social change in attitudes towards, and responses to, gendered-based violence.
• Developing good practice in the sector by providing training and guidance on specialist service provision and the development of culturally appropriate service delivery.

About the opportunities

WGN is now looking for additional committed women professionals to join our existing dynamic and dedicated Trustees, we are seeking number of trustees including treasurer. We are in particular encouraging Black African or Caribbean candidates  to apply to align with the agenda of WGN.

Our ideal trustees:

• Are committed to supporting women and girls affected by gendered-based violence
• Have feminist/womanist and anti-racist values and principles
• Have a strong understanding of intersectionality
• Have the ability to think strategically and creatively about service delivery and development
• Have an understanding of the women’s / VAWG / voluntary sector
• Want to advance WGN’s aims and objectives
• Have well-developed leadership skills
• Have previous governance experience (desirable).

About you

The ideal candidates will also offer expertise, skills and experience in one of the following areas:

• Financial management
• Human resources management
• Strategic development
• Safeguarding
• Legal
• Policies and procedures related to WGN’s work.

Additional information

Trustees are required to attend six meetings a year. In addition, trustees are required to attend induction training and Away Days are usually held once a year. There may also be sub-committees that Trustees wish to join, and one Trustee member is invited to be on interview panels for any senior management recruitment. Trustees are also required to read documents and emails between meetings.

How to apply

Please visit our website to download the vacancy documents. Completed applications and equal opportunities monitoring forms should be submitted by 9am on Monday 21 October 2024.

Further Information

We will aim to get back to you within four weeks of your application with an invitation if you are successful. If you have not received a response to your application within 4 weeks you can assume your application has unfortunately not been successful on this occasion.

Please note if you are successful at the application and interview stages, you will be required to attend WGN’s Induction Training.

All posts are subject to pre-volunteering checks including DBS, references, and social media background screening.

WGN is an equal opportunities employer.

The above post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1

About Us 

Aston-Mansfield has held a special place in the community of Newham and East London since 1884. In the past 140 years we have grown, merged, evolved; however, our vision to see more children, young people and families in our community leading happy healthy lives, realising their potential and unlocking their ambition is unwavering.

Using an integrated and community focused approach we make long-lasting change, offering opportunity, community and inspiration to children, young people and families in Newham and East London. We do this through our programmes for children and young people, our community heath and wellbeing work, and our community centres. 

About The Role 

The Chair the Board of Aston Mansfield provides independent and inclusive leadership to the executive team and Trustees to ensure we continue serving our community as our community evolves. This is an exciting time for our charity, having come to the end of a major strategic project, we are looking for inspiriting leadership to support our refocus on our services. We have a professional, knowledgeable, and committed board of trustees, and are continuously striving to ensure our board of trustees reflects the demographics of Newham and neighbouring communities, and the lived experience of our communities. Our next Chair will continually support the development of our board as well as guide the strategic direction of Aston-Mansfield.

Requirements/Person Specification

• Local knowledge of the communities we support
• Knowledge of how charities operate, including charity governance, securing funding, developing income streams, theory of change
• Leadership experience to facilitate conversation on complex issues, provide support and guidance to the executive team, and develop current and future trustees

How To Apply

Eastside People is supporting Aston-Mansfield in the recruitment for this role. To apply please submit your CV and covering letter. This role is open to current Trustees and external applicants. 

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:

• Why are you interested in a Chair role, and why with Aston-Mansfield? 
• How can you contribute to Aston-Mansfield as our Chair? 

Please highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the role as set out in the role description and person specification.

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 Monday 14th October with online shortlisting interviews taking place that week. Competency-based interviews will take place with Eastside People throughout the live recruitment period and until Wednesday 16th October.

Eastside People are 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. 

Position: Client Support Volunteer (Emotional and Practical Support) 

Department: Survivor Support Hub 

Location: Mix of in person (in Oxfordshire) and remote

• Some training and meetings will be held at ASIOX head office 1-4 The Plain, Oxford OX4 1AS. 

• When providing remote support to clients this can be done from home. 

• In person meetings with clients will be held in a public place in Oxfordshire agreed by you and the client. We ask that you meet close to the client’s home if possible. Client may live anywhere in Oxfordshire. We will aim to pair you with clients that live close to you.  

Commitment and Hours: About 5 hours per month for at least 6 months   

Age: Due to the vulnerable nature of our clients and the challenges that can come with this, all volunteers must be over the age of 18.  

Salary: Unpaid role, expenses paid 

DBS: All volunteers will need to complete an Enhanced DBS check. 

About ASIOX 

At ASIOX our mission is to raise awareness and equip individuals in identifying exploitation and to foster the restoration process of survivors.
 
About The Survivor Support Hub 

Our Survivor Support Hub (SSH) works to fill gaps in the provision of support offered to individuals who have been exploited, or who are at risk of exploitation through modern slavery in Oxfordshire. We provide person centred support, which is flexible to the needs of the individual. 

Our clients are extremely varied and include people all ages, genders, family situations and both British citizens and migrants.

This support aims to bring hope, develop independence and minimise vulnerability. Our aim is to empower clients to make their own well-informed decisions and to rebuild their lives. You can help us do this! 

About this role  

As a Client Support Volunteer, you will provide support to clients through messages, phone calls and in person. In person meetings are held out in the community (such as at coffee shops) across Oxfordshire. 

The Survivor Support Hub has 3 support elements, 2 of which are provided by our amazing volunteers.

1. Emotional and Social Support: for this, volunteers offer a listening ear to clients, providing emotional support as well as help to develop personal support systems to they also have other people to provide them with emotional support.

2. Practical Support: volunteers offer clients help with daily tasks when they feel comfortable and able to do so. This can include help with CVs, travel to appointments, filling in forms or practicing their English.

3. Advocacy Support: advocacy support is provided by trained specialist staff. Any support that clients need which you are not able to provide we will help them with.

What we offer you

• full induction and training 

• the opportunity to support those in need 

• regular supervisions to discuss the role and your wellbeing 

• access to additional training 

• reimbursement of expenses 

• support to set and fulfil personal goals through the volunteering 

What we expect from you 

• build relationship with clients 

• maintain boundaries 

• keep accurate and up-to-date records 

• attend required training and regular supervisions 

• follow policies and procedures 

• report any concerns or issues 

The right person for this role

​At ASIOX we are keen to develop a diverse pool of volunteers from many different backgrounds and with different experiences. Therefore, there are not any experience or knowledge-based requirements for this role.

However, we have provided some information below on skills and qualities that are required for the role.

Skills and qualities you will need 

• desire to help us fulfil our mission and work in line with our values 

• communication skills 

• compassion and empathy 

• ability to keep to strict boundaries within the relationship with clients 

• reliable and consistent

• flexible 

• non-judgemental 

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

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

Company Description

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

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

Position

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

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

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

What we are looking for:

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

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

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

· Demonstrate sound independent judgement and integrity

· Have an ability to think creatively

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other information

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

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

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

Registered Charity No: 221888

Alliance for African Women Initiative (AFAWI) welcomes volunteer interns from around the world. As a grassroots organization we foster a knowledge sharing environment that promotes an experience to learn about international development, Ghanaian culture and our projects that empowers women and children to create a better future for communities. AFAWI is not a placement agency, all the projects are owned and operated by our staff. Our organization was built to serve Ghanaian communities with a focus on women and children.

Volunteer Internship Tasks:​

Implementation of on-going projects

Planning of new projects

Fundraising

Social Media

Marketing

NGO Management Assistance

Administrative Assistance

Data Collection and Evaluation 

Partner Meetings

Internal Trainings 

​ ​

AFAWI has a number of ongoing projects for Volunteer Interns to choose from. These projects are located in rural communities no tour companies have access to.

Our projects have a set schedule and at different times of year some projects may be more of a priority.  Volunteer Interns personal preference will be accommodated as much as possible, though depending on the time and length of your stay,  the implementation activities and the level of results witnessed may vary. There is opportunity to learn about and contribute to multiple projects. 

​

Would you like to support those feeling socially isolated and lonely within the local serving community? Could you spare a few hours a week to organise group activities that bring people together?

If so, we would love to hear from you!

What is a Community Connection Champion?

The aim of the role is to promote connection by developing and facilitating social groups and activities within the local serving community.

Tasks will include planning group activities that are sociable and of interest to the community. It also involves coordinating and delivering sessions. You will receive training and have support from a dedicated project officer as you establish a variety of groups.

What difference will you make?

Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people can find themselves feeling lonely or socially isolated, they may struggle to meet and connect with new people due to their confidence, work commitments or because they don’t live in Service Family Accommodation.

Community Connection Champions will play a vital role in tackling these challenges by creating welcoming, engaging group opportunities that bring people together.

What will you be doing?

Although every SSAFA Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Community Connection Champion:

• Creating and Planning: Working with the Project Officer to plan, develop and organise groups and activities that are best suited to their local serving community.
• Communication and Teamwork: Keeping in touch with the local Community Volunteer Coordinator and attending s meetings.
• Networking and Engagement: Reaching out with those who are interested in attending activities, providing support and encouragement for them to attend, including those who face barriers to attending.
• Facilitating group sessions: Delivering group activities in line with agreed plans, signposting attendees to external support as required and in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Recording and reporting on activities: Sharing activity plans with the SSAFA Project Team, tracking attendance, and encouraging attendees to complete the relevant paperwork to support Project reporting and development.

What about training and support?

• Volunteers will need to complete E-learning courses covering topics including GDPR and safeguarding plus a 1.5hr webinar which focuses on understanding the impact of loneliness and social isolation, what helps to reduce those feelings and the skills needed to develop and facilitate groups.
• Support from a dedicated Project Officer who will work with you to plan and develop the groups and activities.
• Support from your local Community Volunteer Coordinator and SSAFA’s Regional and Central Volunteer Operations colleagues.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Give back to the serving community
• Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience, helping them to build local connections.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
• Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews, such as planning sessions, organising activities and group facilitation.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with great communication skills.
• Excellent understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
• Non-judgemental approach and alignment with SSAFA’s values
• Some experience of delivering groups sessions or team leadership is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.

This role would suit someone who would like to make a regular weekly commitment of a couple of hours.

As this is a new initiative, we are keen to understand what works to support the local serving community. We expect groups to run in the evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.

A typical group might run once weekly for a 6-week period. Face to face sessions are likely to run in community venues such as community centres but we also want to explore how virtual groups can be used to support those who can’t access face to face sessions.

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment. 

Would you like to support people from within the serving community? You just need a friendly demeanour, and an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and age groups. If so, please get in touch.

What is a Community Volunteer?

Community Volunteers provide practical help to serving people and their families. Whilst a friendly chat is an important aspect of the role you will also be providing some hands-on support like a lift to a medical appointment or help with shopping.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people find themselves facing illness, bereavement or unexpected financial problems. Day-to-day activities can become difficult without a little help. That’s where you come in. Could you spare a few hours a week to lend a helping hand to a family in your serving community?

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting beneficiaries, so you will be expected to travel to meet people at home or elsewhere.

Some volunteers will visit more people than others. Whilst you may visit a beneficiary, or family, on a regular basis support is always time-limited.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at their home or in a suitable place depending on their needs
• Providing practical help like lifts to appointments, going to the shops, washing-up, running errands etc.
• Providing time limited, relief care for children (additional training is required for those undertaking this type of support).
• Helping people to think about how to access other support if needed and signposting as required
• Reporting any safeguarding concerns in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Keeping in touch with your Community Volunteer Coordinator, attending supervision and keeping a record of your visits.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support beneficiaries
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFA’s policies and procedures at all times, including SSAFA’s: safeguarding; equality, diversity and inclusion; health & safety; data protection; confidentiality

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Give back to the serving community
• Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What about training and support?

• One day training course for Community Volunteers. The option to pursue this course further and gain an accredited qualification in community volunteering. Additional training is required for those wishing to undertake the Relief Care Service for Children.
• Support from a local Community Volunteer Coordinator
• Support from SSAFA’s Welfare Team and Volunteer Experience Team based at our Central Office
• Online training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date with how to keep clients, their families and personal information safe
• Refresher training to keep your knowledge and skills up to date
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good listening skills, patience and empathy
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Understanding of the need to remain within the boundaries of the role with regards to friendship, finances etc.
• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA’s policies
• Good IT skills e.g. ability to use Outlook – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Ability to travel to meet beneficiaries
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.

Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.

Minimum Age: 18

Are references required? Yes. Two-character references from people who know you well (not family members).

Is a criminal record check required? Yes* (the cost of this will be covered by SSAFA)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands or other information should not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, if required and where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.