Disability Volunteer Roles
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Become a Volunteer Advocate: help parents with a learning disability express themselves, and understand important information regarding their children.
A Volunteer Advocate plays an incredibly important role when it comes to supporting a parent with a learning disability. By having an advocate, parents have a much better chance at being able to navigate difficult processes about their children and be treated fairly throughout.
As a Volunteer Advocate, you will support the parent at meetings that are within children services by making sure they understand the information that is being shared, reasonable adjustments are made in line with their learning disability, they have the opportunity to share their views and feel like their voice is heard, as well as talk through the options that they have and discuss the consequences of each option so they can then can make an informed decision.
Full training will be available to understand more about learning disabilities, advocacy, as well as the potential processes parents are affected by when the local authority are involved with their family.
You will also;
- Receive supervision & development.
- Gain interpersonal communication skills.
- Gain an insightful experience within a social care setting.
- Make a real difference to someone’s life.
- Gain teamwork skills with an amazing team!
- As well as planning & organization skills, problem solving skills and positive attributes.
"Volunteering gives me the opportunity to connect with people & gives a sense of belonging to my community in a mutually beneficial way."
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Let’s Play Project is a highly regarded and professionally run charity in Banbury, Oxfordshire, that provides play and leisure opportunities to disabled young people between the ages of 5 and 25. We are looking for a Treasurer to join our board of trustees who all unpaid volunteers.
We meet 4 times a year as a Board and undertake a broad range of projects (big and small) in the interim. You will also be chairing a Finance subcommittee that meets to regularly to focus on details of the charity finances.
Come and meet us, let us share our vision and aspirations - and we guarantee there will be plenty of fun and challenges but equally you will feel how your input makes a difference in the lives of our young people and their families.
Enable children and young people with additional needs to have freedom to grow, express themselves and belong, by providing fun, safe play
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Tackle digital isolation by joining us as a Tech Angel in Surrey and use your digital skills to help people step out of digital poverty and into a world of connection.
Surrey Coalition of Disabled People runs a project called Tech Angels that provides people with access to technology and training. Eligible adults in Surrey are loaned a touchscreen device, if needed, and are then matched to a Tech Angel. Our Tech Angel volunteers around Surrey visit these Tech Members at home and provide face-to-face basic digital support to help them access the internet.
We are looking for volunteers who:
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are friendly and approachable
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have excellent people skills
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are passionate about helping others
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are confident using touchscreen devices
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enjoy teaching simple IT skills
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are happy to visit Tech Members in their homes
Typical topics that are covered in the Tech Angel sessions include
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Basics - learning to use touchscreen, connecting to the internet, search engines
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Staying safe online - scam awareness, password security
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Accessing healthcare - eg NHS app, ordering prescriptions, booking GP appointments
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Communication - email, instant messaging, videocalls, social media
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Financial - shopping online, internet banking
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Entertainment & hobbies - streaming services, taking photos, searching for interests online
You will be provided with training and supported each step of the way by our friendly Volunteer Team. Why not get in touch today to find out more?
REQUIREMENTS:
DBS Enhanced Check
No specialist skills required - just a willingness to help others explore and feel confident online
BENEFITS:
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Achieve recognised Digital Champion status, with access to further online training
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Volunteer flexible hours to fit in around you
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Meet and help people in your local community
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Reimbursement of travel expenses
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Opportunity to meet on occasion with other volunteers
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Full support via email or phone
We are run and managed by Disabled people for Disabled people. Our aim is to campaign and promote the rights of Disabled people to live independently
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Get Out There groups are a growing division of Sense that cater for children between 6 and 16 with complex needs. We provide a 4 hour social setting which caters for children and families who need respite. We offer activities such as games, puzzles, arts and crafts, experiments, cookery and sensory play. We aim to tailor sessions to the needs, interests and abilities of the children we support and put pupil voice at the center of all we do.
As a volunteer you'll make sure that everyone has a great time and can make the most of the activities on offer. You'll need lots of energy, a warm and welcoming personality and to be happy getting stuck in to a wide range of tasks and activities, all of which make sure that everyone has the best day they can together.
What your role will involve
- Taking part in activities alongside disabled young people. You could be joining creative activities, movement or sports session, trips out in to the local community or seasonal themed activities.
- Helping to set up the activities at the start of the day, clear away at the end and keep activities safe, clean and running smoothly throughout.
- Helping to welcome young people to the group, find their way around and between activities, enjoy breaks and lunchtime and generally have a great day with the team and Sense.
A basic / enhanced Disclosure & Barring check will be required for this volunteer role.
Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:
- Fun and friendly and confident to meet and spend time with disabled young people.
- Willing to develop the knowledge and skills to communicate with young people who have multi sensory impairments and who may use a wide range of communication methods
- Able to work well in a team and be flexible about the role you play during the day depending on what’s needed by individuals and activities
- Reliable and punctual.
- Committed to providing support in a way that offers choice, independence and dignity
- We welcome volunteers of all ages to this role who are able to create an inclusive and welcoming peer environment for everyone involved in the group.
What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?
- Induction information to prepare you for your role, a briefing at the start of each event, and lots of on-site support and guidance from our experienced staff team who will be running the day
- Agreed out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed, in line with Sense policy
- The chance to get to know new people, try new activities in your local community and to have lots of fun taking part together
- To develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with children and young people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairment
- To know you’re part of a passionate and committed team making a big difference to how young people are able to get the most out of both new and favourite activities and to have a great time together.
- If you are 16 or 17 we will ask to make contact with a parent or other appropriate adult to share details of your volunteering role, timings and contact / emergency information.
About us
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.
Chair and Treasurer - The Baked Bean Charity
The Baked Bean Charity is a vibrant, thriving, and exciting service for people with learning disabilities. The charity’s unique offering includes performance-based services such as Dance, Drama, Choir and DJing, sporting services such as Zumba and boxing, and social activities such as club nights and holidays.
Sense Virtual Buddying volunteers make a real difference to supporting young people and adults who may be lonely or isolated.
Sense matches volunteers with disabled people to meet for an hour a week on Zoom, over phone, by email, text or letter writing. Our volunteers have spent thousands of hours with their buddies — learning new skills, having fun, and forming fantastic friendships. Sense matches each volunteer with someone who has similar interests, to make sure you have a great time. You and your buddy choose a time that suits you, and you can decide what activities you’d like to do together.
The Role of a Virtual Buddy
Sense matches each volunteer with someone who has similar interests to ensure you’ll have lots of fun together. Once matched with a buddy, you will get to know each other remotely via video calls and phone calls.
You’ll arrange weekly sessions and plan fun things to do together – what this looks like will be inspired by your mutual interests. You could be gaming, doing arts and crafts, playing music, seed planting – there are so many possibilities! We will provide you with weekly themed activities to help to support you in planning your interactions with your buddy.
We’ll also keep in touch with you to ensure you have all the support you need.
The programme is open to all volunteers who are 16 and over. You don't need to have previous experience volunteering or caring for disabled people. We welcome people from all backgrounds and with all interests.
What we can Offer You
Before you start your volunteering role, we’ll make sure that you’ve had the training you need to feel confident. This will be delivered online and via video call.
While you’re volunteering with us as a Virtual Buddy, you’ll get:
- A written account of your volunteering and references if required
- Reimbursement of pre-agreed expenses (up to £25)
Volunteering as a Sense Virtual Buddy is a great opportunity to develop new skills and get to know new people whilst making a real difference to a person’s life.
Who we are Looking For
We need positive, empathetic volunteers who are passionate about supporting people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. We are looking for volunteers who are great communicators and who are friendly, enthusiastic, positive and ready to have fun!
We’re also always looking for volunteers who have knowledge or experience of British Sign Language (BSL) and/or other communication methods like Makaton.
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.
We’d love for you to consider joining us as a Sense Virtual Buddy!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Avon Centre is a riding, therapeutic and outdoor-learning centre based in a wonderful woodland setting by Blaise Castle. We are already recognised for our high standards in our work with Disabled people, including physically, sensory and learning Disabled people, and we are branching out into supporting people facing other forms of disadvantages.
The people who use our facilities gain so much in terms of physical and mental-health, confidence and new friendships.
By joining our Board, you’ll be ensuring we can continue to make a real difference to the lives of the children, young people and adults who use our facilities.
We are looking to recruit up to 3 new trustees. You’ll have a commitment to our purpose and ethos, plus experience in one of the following areas;
• HR
• Land and buildings management
• Funding and finance
The time commitment will vary but you’ll definitely get back everything you put in! The minimum commitment is attendance at 4 meetings per year, held in Bristol at the Centre.
We are particularly interested to hear from you if you have lived experience you’d be willing to share to help us make our services even more accessible.
It would be helpful if you already have trustee or other experience of the voluntary sector but not essential. Whether you are an experienced Trustee or wanting to take the first step at Board level, if you share our ethos, we'd like to hear from you.
All Trustees with The Avon Centre are required to complete a DBS (and other) checks prior to their appointment. A copy of our Safe & Fair Recruitment Policy can be found on the website.
Supporting Disabled and disadvantaged people to access the therapeutic benefits of horses and nature.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
WISER stands for Women in Safe and Empowering Relationships and is a domestic abuse awareness course for women with a learning disability/borderline learning disability in Plymouth.
We are always on the look out for committed, compassionate and dedicated volunteers who wish to get involved in supporting the delivery of our WISER course. We have opportunities available for those who wish to support the delivery of our 6 week course and the women attending, or opportunities for those who would like to support women 1-1 after they have completed the course, as well as administrative roles.
You will be part of a supportive team who come together to help women with a learning disability who are often isolated and struggle to access the support they deserve.
You will also;
- Receive training, supervision & development.
- Gain interpersonal communication skills.
- Gain an insightful experience within a social care setting.
- Make a real difference to someone’s life.
- Gain teamwork skills with an amazing team!
- As well as planning & organization skills, problem solving skills and positive attributes.
The Chair and the Board of Trustees of Bendrigg are looking for new Trustees to help take the organisation forwards. If you would like to use your skills and experience at board level to help us achieve our mission, we would very much like to hear from you.
We are looking for committed and motivated individuals who have a real interest in our work. Although not essential, people with the following skills and/or experience will be of particular interest:
• Finance and accounts management
• Construction, building surveying and/or architecture
• Experience in marketing and/or fundraising
We would particularly welcome applications from disabled and ethnic minority candidates as these are currently underrepresented in this kind of role.
About Bendrigg Trust
We make adventure accessible, working together to overcome barriers and transform lives. Situated just outside Kendal, between the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks, Bendrigg's accessible centre is ideally positioned to enable people to participate in a wide range of challenging activities such as climbing, caving and canoeing.
The spirit of adventure is incredible. A bona fide superpower that can fill any one of us with conviction and confidence, with new abilities and renewed agency. And it’s universal too – not the exclusive preserve of the advantaged and non-disabled. It’s for everyone, because we’re making sure it is. At Bendrigg, we have the setting and the scenery, the equipment and the expertise, the people and the passion. Together we have a limitless supply of adventure. With a limitless determination to improve people’s lives.
Because we know that, whatever adventure means to each individual, it has the power to empower. To challenge and inspire, to tear down barriers and build up possibilities, to create real and lasting change. Above all, it has the power to change minds – within those individuals and across our whole society: changing the way people see their world, and changing the way the world sees them.
At Bendrigg we create change, one adventure at a time.
Expected Time Commitments
Trustees are asked to attend four trustee (Council) meetings per year, one of which includes the AGM. Further support to the Trust and attendance to other committee meetings are encouraged, but it is recognised that these would be dependent on the individual’s personal circumstances and other commitments.
Hybrid working - Meetings ideally take place ‘in person’ at the Bendrigg site (LA8 0NR) (minimum of two per year), however, online access can usually be made available if required.
How to apply
Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter/email to our Centre Director, Nick Liley via email. Nick would also be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
Closing date for applications: Friday 27th September 2024
We will shortlist applications and hope to meet with candidates in October.
We make adventure accessible, working together to overcome barriers and transform lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers.
What you’ll be doing:
• Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups.
• Delivering talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people
• Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers.
What you’ll be doing:
• Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups.
• Delivering talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people
• Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Eye Health & Low Vision Services team is looking for an individual to sit as an expert patient for a group of 4 students who will carry out a low vision assessment. This will include measuring the person’s vision on a sight test chart and contrast sensitivity on an adapted sight test chart. They will be asked all the questions that they would normally be asked in a low vision assessment some of these are personal details about their general health, eye health and emotional wellbeing. They will also discuss what low vision aids the person uses and explore other options that would be suitable for them. This information is recorded anonymously and only used for teaching purposes and for the student to show evidence that they have carried out a low vision assessment. It will give students a wonderful opportunity to talk to a person with low vision in detail about the challenges of sight loss or visual impairment and learn how they overcome those challenges. The students will be supervised by a qualified experienced low vision optometrist. The person would have to be visually impaired but must have some usable vision – preferably using low vision aids
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join Neuroverse Charity as a Trustee
Contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of support and inclusion for the Neurodivergent community.
Our purpose:
We are a brand new nonprofit, grassroots charity, currently in its founding stages. We are recruiting trustees to become part of our innovative, changemaking governing body to grow Neuroverse into a leading force for neurodivergent support and empowerment.
We have multiple aims that are all reflective of the lived experiences of our own community and the common themes and needs that show up again and again and desperately need addressing and responding to. Examples are:
- Inconsistent, non-inclusive models: Many learning models lack a unified, inclusive approach to community support.
- Lack of holistic, authentic community spaces: Few environments foster learning, creativity, and support, leading to isolation.
- Insufficient support for the newly diagnosed: Limited resources and nonmedical, compassionate support are available for those newly diagnosed and their caregivers.
Who our charity needs currently:
A project manager / fundraiser - to lead fundraising efforts and manage projects that make a difference.
An educational leader - to bring valuable insights from your teaching background, such as experience as a former SEND teacher or in a similar educational role.
A treasurer - to ensure financial sustainability and transparency in our growing charity
Why Become a Trustee with Neuroverse Charity?
Champion Changemaking: Be an innovative, grassroots leader, creating much-needed and impactful social change with and for the neurodivergent community.
Collaborative Impact: Work remotely alongside a committed and passionate neurodiverse team to empower and support in a strengths-based way.
Shape Our Future: Influence and be part of the direction and success of a charity that is ever-evolving for the greater good.
How we’ll make a difference:
We will create an ethics bound, inclusive model centred on community, designed for replication across the UK. Our holistic spaces will foster learning, creativity, and support for the neurodivergent community. We will provide welcoming environments with experienced facilitators, combat isolation with regulating spaces for parents and carers, and offer newly diagnosed people tailored courses and resources. Grounded in warmth, humour, and positive action, our nonmedical therapeutic support will ensure everyone feels valued, empowered and heard.
What else?
We work flexibly, with monthly Zoom meetings. You can manage your time (and your spoons) around your commitments, working when it suits you best.
Neuroverse Charity is committed to embracing diversity and intersectionality in all forms. We encourage applications from individuals across the UK of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of neurodivergence and disability.
Friendly, accessible interviews via Zoom will take place for these voluntary roles.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Fifth Trust is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to join our Board of Trustees. As a Trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation, which is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for students with learning disabilities.
Our board convenes four times a year, offering an opportunity for strategic discussion and impactful decision-making. While prior experience serving on a board is an advantage, it is not a requirement. We are committed to providing support and training to ensure you feel confident and well-prepared to contribute effectively.
We are particularly interested in candidates with legal expertise who can bring a nuanced understanding of the legal aspects of charity governance. This includes advising on the legal implications of strategic decisions, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, and safeguarding the charity’s interests as we continue to grow and develop our services.
This voluntary role offers a unique opportunity to give back to the community while developing your skills and expertise in a dynamic and supportive environment. You will find the role both rewarding and intellectually stimulating, with the added benefit of having your travel and expenses covered.
If you share our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of students with learning disabilities and have the skills to contribute to our governance, we would love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you like knitting and spending time with people?
We are looking for a friendly volunteer, who would like to spend time with a lady we support and knit together
“Hi! I live in Frome and I am supported by Discovery. I really enjoy knitting and I like to make blankets for the cats and dogs homes. I also like gardening, animals and spending time with my friends. I would love a buddy to knit with!”
If you would like to make a difference and make a great friend along the way, we would love to hear from you!
Activities will include:
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Knitting with and getting to know your buddy
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Arranging regular sessions to get together, knit and chat
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Offering support, enthusiasm and interest in knitting projects
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Providing friendship and fun
We are looking for someone who is:
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Comfortable with knitting with the skills to join in and share this interest
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Friendly, enthusiastic and a good listener
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Comfortable chatting with people with learning disabilities and autism.
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Reliable/dependable and willing to commit to volunteer regularly
A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role.
What you’ll gain from being a Discovery volunteer:
Discovery supports people with learning disabilities and autism, helping them to live more independently at home and in the community.
Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:
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Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)
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Comprehensive support from professional, friendly and trained Dimensions staff
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Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed as agreed
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An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector
Want to apply for this role?
If you’d like to be a Discovery volunteer, please get in touch!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.