Disability Volunteer Roles

Description

Our Talk and Support team is setting up a monthly group for blind and partially sighted musicians to share their musical creations. In the role of facilitator, you will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and have the space to express themselves. You will be: Helping to ensure that participants feel comfortable and facilitate discussion. Helping the group participants to feel safe to be in the group and enable them to take part. Looking after participant welfare within the group and flagging any welfare or safeguarding concerns to the Talk and Support team for follow up.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• Two references

Description

Our Talk and Support team is setting up a monthly telephone group for blind and partially sighted people who are interested in discussing mindfulness and wellbeing. In the role of facilitator, you will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and that the group runs smoothly. You will be: Helping to ensure that participants feel comfortable and facilitate discussion. Helping the group participants to feel safe to be in the group and enable them to join in the group discussion. Looking after participant welfare within the group and flagging any welfare or safeguarding concerns to the Talk and Support team for follow up.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference.

Description

Our Talk and Support team is setting up a monthly telephone group for blind and partially sighted people who are interested in music. In the role of facilitator, you will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and that the group runs smoothly. You will be: Helping to ensure that participants feel comfortable and facilitate discussion. Helping the group participants to feel safe to be in the group and enable them to join in the group discussion. Looking after participant welfare within the group and flagging any welfare or safeguarding concerns to Talk and Support for follow up.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference.

Description

Our Talk and Support team is setting up a monthly telephone group for blind and partially sighted people who are interested in gardening. In the role of facilitator, you will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and that the group runs smoothly. You will be: Helping to ensure that participants feel comfortable and facilitate discussion. Helping the group participants to feel safe to be in the group and enable them to join in the group discussion. Looking after participant welfare within the group and flagging any welfare or safeguarding concerns to Talk and Support for follow up.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference.

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 an innovative Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide leadership, guidance  and oversight ensuring operational efficiency and sustainabiltiy, with a passion for supporting children and young people with disabilities. 

F6IT os an inclusive, family centric organisation for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. We believe in the importance of participation, personal development and fulfilment, making friends and having fun alongside family and friends within their community. F6IT is also a strong, active advocate of disabilty, inclusion and language in local goverment and all parts of the community.

You will be joing a growing organisation and you will help build and drive forward the ambitious plans to deliver more support, fitness clubs and leisure activities to more children and young people with disabilties You will ensure that the needs of our Beneficiaries are at the heart of everything  F6IT does.

Autism Unlimited exists to support and empower autistic children, adults and their families. We partner with them to find solutions and provide educational and life skills training.

From bespoke education for children, to independent living skills and career guidance for adults, we ensure that everyone who comes to us for support finds a route to their goals and to a rich and fulfilled life.

Our trustees play a vital role in ensuring that Autism Unlimited achieves its core purpose of supporting and empowering those with autism while ensuring the charity develops and delivers it's strategy.

What will you be doing?

We seek trustees with experience in education or further education to join our board. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who will bring enthusiasm and commitment to the role and broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. 

Much has changed since our founders started the charity over 50 years ago. We have grown enormously, and we know that there is still much to do.

We recognise the challenges for children, adults and their families and will work with them as partners to find solutions and create opportunities through tailored learning and support.

It is thanks to the continued hard work and dedication of everybody involved in our charity, that we can deliver new opportunities for the children and adults we support.

Today, we employ over 400 people across the South of England, and our future plans include a programme of engagement with organisations to share the benefits of employing autistic people as well as expansion of our autism and SEN college, Futures.

We want to show to the outside world that we are accessible and relevant to the autistic community, particularly those audiences or organisations which we may not have reached until now.

Estimate of time needed: 0-5 hours / month. Board meetings are usually out of office hours

What are we looking for?

A background within education or further education.

• A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion: interest and/ or lived experience.
• Willingness and ability to understand and deliver on their duties and responsibilities as trustees and act in the charity's best interests.
• Creative and strategic thinking, sound and independent judgement, and ability to work effectively as a team member.

What difference will you make?

As a trustee, you will help shape the future of our charity by bringing fresh perspectives and expertise in education or further education. You will play a important role in broadening our reach, driving initiatives that create tailored learning opportunities for autistic individuals, and ensuring we remain accessible and relevant to the communities we serve.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Volunteer opportunity at our Saturday club working with children with autism

Play assistant positions available in Morden, Surrey from September 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Watford Mencap supports over 600 people with learning disabilities and their families in South West Herts. They are affiliated with Royal Mencap but are a self-funding and independent local charity that has provided services and support to local families for the past 70 years. They currently operate across 10 sites in Hertsmere, Three Rivers and Watford. It’s an exciting time of change for the charity, having recently bought a new building to bring together its head office and children’s centre along with their plans to develop a range of brand-new short breaks services in this exciting new central hub for the charity in Watford. Over the next 5 years they shall expand and develop this hub into a multipurpose site used by the charity and other local groups.

Watford Mencap is now looking to appoint their next Chair of Trustees – ideally, someone with previous experience of being a Chair or a Charity CEO who can demonstrate significant experience in helping an organisation with their strategy, governance and management. You will be enthusiastic about supporting people living with learning disabilities and want to Mencap develop the services they offer.

Trustees have a duty to ensure that the charity is well run, solvent, legally compliant, and working towards the charitable purpose for which it was established, and Trustee roles are an important and highly rewarding way to support an award winning organisation. Please note that Trustee roles are unremunerated voluntary positions, although reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

Watford Mencap is committed to equality of opportunity, supports, and encourages under-represented groups, and values diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, and having reviewed existing Trustee's diversity, skills, and experience, Mencap are keen for the Board to reflect the diversity of the communities that they work with and therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

 Please contact Heidi Earp, Director of Langton Not 4 Profit our retained consultants for further information on the role.