Social Welfare Volunteer Roles

Would you like to help tackle loneliness, one conversation at a time?

Loneliness and isolation can have devastating effects on a person’s mental and physical health. We are a registered charity providing a pathway of support to alleviate the hurt and distress, and the impact on mental and physical health, caused by loneliness and social isolation. 

We are looking for Impact volunteers to help us with the monitoring and evaluation of our services so that we can understand the impact of them and make sure we are meeting our aims and fulfilling our remit. 

The role involves conducting a survey, mostly over the telephone (there may be face-to-face interviewing opportunities) that helps us measure our impact on loneliness and social isolation. 

For all our roles:

Enhanced DBS checks for working with vulnerable adults (formerly called criminal records bureau checks)  which we will organise (no cost to this) and two references are required.

For any roles involving driving Archway Friends, we will need to see evidence of insurance and driving license as well as MOT and tax documents for the vehicle to be used.

We will happily cover out of pocket expenses (eg mileage or costs of calls made.).

We provide training relevant to the roles as well as ongoing supervision, guidance and support for all volunteers.

Vacancy - Trustee

Are you passionate about issues affecting women and want to work to make a real difference to the community?

Anawim – Birmingham’s Centre for Women – is looking for an inspiring and dynamic individual to join our board of Trustees.

Anawim is a Birmingham charity committed to working with and for women.

We offer gender responsive and trauma-informed support, to enable women to reach their potential. We do this through wraparound services including long-term specialist provisions alongside other practical resources, both in the community and in prison.

Our vision is for a world where women and girls are safe, free, valued, and empowered members of society.

We are based in a diverse area and seek to represent the women we work with, so we particularly welcome applicants from the Global majority.

Role: Trustees are pivotal in guiding Anawim’s strategic direction and ensuring we achieve our goals. You will provide strong governance, oversight, and support to the senior leaders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the charity is compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements.

• Support the CEO and senior management in delivering Anawim’s strategic objectives.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive board culture.

• Act as an ambassador for Anawim, promoting our work and expanding our network of supporters and partners.

• Oversee the financial health and sustainability of the organisation.

What We Are Looking For:

• Understanding of governance, finance, and strategic planning.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Passion for women’s rights and social justice.

• Ability to commit time to read papers in advance, attend board meetings and events and provide guidance as needed.

Why Join Anawim?

• Be part of a transformative organisation that makes a real impact in women's lives.

• Work with a dedicated and passionate team of staff and volunteers.

• Support an organisation with a strong reputation and a supportive community.

• Develop and share your expertise while contributing to meaningful change.

We would love to hear from you if you are ready to make a difference.

How to Apply:

Please email joy doal@ anawim .co .uk If you would like to visit and have an informal chat, or send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to recruitment @ anawim .co . uk.

Join us at Anawim and help us continue to provide hope, support, and opportunities for women, and to advocate for them, in Birmingham and beyond.

Anawim is committed to promoting equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, particularly those from underrepresented groups. We believe in the power of diverse perspectives and lived experience and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. For more information about Anawim, please visit our website.

The board meets quarterly, sometimes hybrid but preferably in person. 

The position is voluntary, out of pocket expenses can be covered.

Come join our volunteering team working to help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society. Ranked 2023 Q4 by Best Companies as the 8th best charity to work for in the UK, Medaille Trust is one of the UK’s leading charities in the fight against modern slavery. Our innovative model is based on three principles: Prevent, Protect and Pursue.  We are one of the UK’s largest providers of survivor services, with ten safehouses and six outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year.  We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.

We are looking for Volunteers to help support us with coordinating and delivering sewing activities, tasks will include:

•Organising and delivering activities for service user participation.

•Consulting service users to gain their feedback about what activities they would like to participate in.

•The safe use and teaching of sewing machines, making patterns and sewn items by hand sewn and machine.

•Helping service users to engage within a group setting, helping with any activity sessions that take place on or off the premises.

•Offering a safe and comfortable experience for all service users, showing awareness of service users’ varying physical and mental well-being needs.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.

This role requires maturity, and an ability to engage with female adults in a trauma informed way, while working alongside staff members to deliver the activities in line with agreed procedures and systems.

Volunteers need to:

•Be at least 18 years old

•Be female as this role is restricted for females under the Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010

•Be able to get to the venue which is based in Southampton

•Be able to commitment every fortnight

•Have knowledge and experience of sewing

•Be computer literate and have a good standard of spoken and written English

•Be willing to have an enhanced DBS check

•Have knowledge and understanding of human trafficking issues or willingness to learn

•Have knowledge and understanding of mental health conditions or willingness to learn

•Have an understanding of the importance of professional boundaries in the role

•Have the ability to maintain confidentiality

For full details and how to apply please visit our website and complete an application form.

Age UK Milton Keynes is looking for keen individuals to join our Board - people who want to make a real and positive difference on quality of life for older people and would like to share their skills and ideas for the benefit of the charity. 

Age UK Milton Keynes is a local independent charity working to improve the quality of life for all the older people living in Milton Keynes.  We do this by providing a range of services which help people to stay in their own homes.  We also provide a social network to help keep our clients involved with their community as well as working closely with other organisations who can provide support.

As our organisation represents all older people in Milton Keynes, it is important that our Board also represents our diverse community.  Therefore, we encourage applications from a broad range of applicants, especially currently under-represented groups.

You will be willing to apply your skills and experience in regular Board meetings, (4 per year all day), Trustee only meetings (2 per year) as well as other ad hoc meetings around your subject matter expertise as may be needed. 

We welcome enthusiastic and focused applicants who can offer knowledge and expertise in the following areas:

• Fundraising
• Financial Management
• Social Care Sector
• Governance
• Equity Diversity and Inclusion

However, if your skills lie in other directions, we would still love to hear from you!

The Board is looking to establish more robust succession planning for the Chairperson and Treasurer - so would welcome such ambitions, leadership and expertise in new members.

Whether you’re an experienced Trustee or wanting to take your first step, we would like to hear from you.

An exciting opportunity has arisen in our Counselling Service for a Volunteer Children & Young People’s Therapist in our Waltham Forest Therapeutic Market Place.

We are looking for a reliable and empathic Volunteer CYP Therapist to provide therapeutic, trauma-informed counselling to children and young people (CYP) residing in Waltham Forest, who have witnessed or experienced trauma or abuse.

About the role

You will provide a safe and secure space and develop trusting relationships with children and young people to support them to process difficult early experiences and decrease the negative impact that these experiences have had on their lives. You will work creatively using different therapeutic tools, and develop relationships with parents and carers and other professionals when necessary.

Volunteers will:

• Deliver safe, short to medium term trauma-informed therapeutic support to CYP who are impacted by trauma due to domestic abuse that they experienced.
• Maintain electronic case files and records according to Solace requirements.
• Promote an integrated working multi-agency approach with Adult and Childrens Service and other external stakeholders as necessary.
• Attend clinical supervision in line with the requirements of your accredited body.
• Ensure consistent excellence in service provision and adhere to your accrediting organisation’s code of ethics.
• To support the child or young person to develop positive relationships, social skills and healthy behaviour
• To promote social inclusion, encourage independence and develop personal resilience of parent/carer affected by violence and with multiple needs
• To work in collaboration with relevant professionals and organisations

Who are we looking for?

The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified dynamic CYP Therapist who has 150 clinical hours, ideally with prior experience in providing direct and dedicated therapeutic support to children and young people who have been a victim of VAWG.

The ideal candidate will also:

• Be registered with the relevant accrediting body e.g., the British Association of Art Therapists; British Association of Drama Therapists; BACP; UKCP; HCPC or equivalent.
• Have demonstrable experience of providing therapeutic support to children and young people of various ages.
• Have the ability to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions within time limits.
• Have a sound understanding of gender-based violence, with focus on domestic and sexual abuse and its effect on CYP, including the effects of intersectional features and barriers.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Gain experience and understanding of Violence against Women and Girls.
• Enabling service users to access valuable support that assists in their journey towards safe, independent lives, free from abuse.
• Contribute and support a busy and diverse team.
• Play a pivotal role in delivering services.
• Hands on experience in a dynamic charity working in the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Sector.
• Work as part of a feminist organisation

We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the Tackling and Preventing Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

Please note that our volunteer opportunities are open to women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1), and that these volunteer roles are exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974 and subject to enhanced DBS checks where applicable.

Applications which are incomplete will not be reviewed. All our roles are during office hours only unless stated otherwise.

We are delighted in your interest in our role of Chair of Trustees with Citizens Advice Eastleigh and the opportunity to lead us into the future.

Our Trustees are proud to give their time to the work of our charity and we are looking to develop our Board further with the appointment of a new Chair of Trustees as our own is due to stand down this year.

We are seeking someone with leadership qualities, who can steer our charity’s strategic direction, help us to set policy, support us to define and refine our goals and enable our drive towards sustainability.

For an informal discussion about the role and for more information, please contact the Chief Executive Officer.

We’re looking for a motivated finance professional to provide financial direction to our local advice charity and help us improve our long-term financial sustainability. If you’re excited to help us grow and strengthen our resilience so that we meet the advice needs of the diverse communities we serve, we would love to hear from you.

The Treasurer is an officer of the Trustee Board and not a paid member of staff.  The purpose of the role is to ensure that the charity’s finances and supporting financial control systems are robust and comply with relevant regulations.

The role works closely with the Chair of the Trustee Board, the Chief Executive and the volunteer Financial Accountant.

The Treasurer is responsible for chairing the Finance sub-committee, including preparing the agenda and arranging for the production of the minutes of each quarterly meeting,

Treasurer main duties and responsibilities

Financial accounts

· Every quarter, review entries on Xero made by volunteer Financial Accountant (

· Review quarterly management accounts prepared by volunteer Financial Accountant before submitting report to the Trustee Board

· Ensure that year-end accounts are prepared to in compliance with SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) Accounting for Charities and submitted by the deadline to Charity Commission and Companies House, and make arrangements for them to be independently examined as required

Budgets and planning

· Prepare annual budget and obtain Trustee Board sign off each March

· Review and update forecast of annual outturn

Financial control and compliance

· Comply with the charity’s financial policies and procedures

·Liaise with the CEO to prepare costings for any funding bid applications

· Ensure capital expenditure authorisations and limits are followed, and prepare expenditure justifications where appropriate

· Ensure that money received is spend only on the purposes for which it was given and ensure that reports and accounts demonstrating this are submitted to funders

· Submit regular financial reports to national Citizens Advice as required, and meet all financial obligations of the Citizens Advice Membership scheme

Relationship with Trustee Board

· Provide financial advice as required to the Chair and Trustee Board

· Explain, guide and advise the Board on the key assumptions and financial implications of the budget, operational and strategic plans

· Keep the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

· Ensure that all Board members have a clear understanding of the accounts presented at meetings

· Ensure that the organisation has an appropriate reserves policy and a realistic budget that meets the service’s needs

· Provide input to the risk register process

· Present accounts at the Annual General Meeting in an accessible way

· Chair the Finance sub-committee, preparing the agenda and arranging for the production of the minutes for each quarterly meeting

Treasury

· Act as key contact on the charity’s bank accounts

· Transfer money between savings bank accounts to optimise interest income

· Maximise the interest on savings by comparing available interest rates

· Review investments (in conjunction with other trustees)

· Review and update cheque signatory and electronic payment authorisation

· Authorise salaries and PAYE payments to HMRC

Other (annual)

· Review reserves policy

· Prepare salary review (in conjunction with Personnel Committee)

· Review office insurance policy

· Review Gift Aid claim prepared by volunteer Financial Accountant

Home-Start believes that the earliest years make the biggest impact. Our work is with families who have (at least) one child under five and that are facing challenges such as loneliness, postnatal depression, or multiple births. We train volunteers to visit the family once a week, supporting them in a variety of emotional and practical ways. This is for 2 to 3 hours a week, one day per week.

By visiting a family in their own home, our volunteers represent a lifeline to families who are struggling to cope. They offer non-judgemental, confidential support in a way that is tailored to the needs of that individual family. By doing this, our volunteers support them to grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children, and forge links within their local community.

Our approach works because our volunteers have parenting experience or experience with children, and they understand the stresses and strains of life. They are there to listen; not to judge.

To volunteer with Home-Start, we ask that you are a good listener, have an interest in supporting families, and are able to volunteer in the daytime for a minimum of 6 months. You should have experience with children/families, a desire to help and support others and have a 'can-do' attitude.

You might not think it, but your lived experience, your unique background, and the languages you speak, could hugely benefit the families we support. You can work alongside them to help them regain their confidence and resilience. In doing so, you can directly increase the chance of local children growing up happier and healthier.

Full training is provided (25- hour course) and an enhanced DBS check will be required. 

Languages particularly needed: Albanian, Arabic, Syrian Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Bengali, Pashto, British Sign Language.

All our Benefits Advocates play an integral role within our Information and Advice team and last year helped us to identify over £2.5 million in unclaimed welfare benefits entitlement for older people in the county. This money is life changing for our clients; improving quality of life and wellbeing, and supporting local services

We are looking for volunteers who are patient, sensitive and reliable, to assist older people to complete benefit forms such as Attendance Allowance. Appointments are usually in the older person's own home but can sometimes take place over the telephone. Full training and ongoing support are provided by our friendly and knowledgeable team - all based in Devon, UK.

Our volunteers will also raise awareness of and promote Age UK Devon services to clients, and record details of any other queries or concerns so that our Advisors can follow up with clients.

Skills required for this role are:

· Ability to empathise with others.

· Good verbal and written communication skills.

· Understanding of confidentiality.

· Patience, sensitivity, and reliability.

· Ability to respond appropriately to different and sometimes difficult situations.

· Working as a team member, referring to other team members when appropriate.

· Ability to work unsupervised and manage appointments.

· Good computer skills.

· Knowledge of the Benefits System (training will be provided).

Age UK Devon’s aim is to improve the lives of older people in Devon through delivering services and activities, promoting wellbeing and health, increase independence and access to local services as well as supporting families and carers - enabling people to get the most out of life.

Our volunteers donate their time to enable us to provide fantastic added value to our services and activities and bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to our organisation.

Our aim is to help you enjoy your role and to gain personal satisfaction on your volunteer journey with us – can you be the person we need to help us in supporting and making a positive difference to people in later life in the county (of Devon)?

If you would like an informal discussion about this role or have any queries, please contact Sarah Gunn – Advice and Wellbeing Manager (see our website for details)

Or if you would like to apply please visit Age UK Devon for more information on the role and how to apply.

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you! What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!

What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!

What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!

What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

Are you interested in social care and have an understanding of marketing, branding, communication and social media? Or perhaps you are looking at becoming a trustee for the first time, we would like to support you.

What will you be doing?

You will join a Board of Trustees who support the organisation in their governance role, through strategic planning support and as ‘critical friends’ to the leadership team. Trustees are offered an opportunity to have a real and meaningful involvement in what the organisation does. Our purpose is to support people to live meaningful lives and enable independence through personalised, affordable care, by sharing a home and family life and by supporting involvement in the local community. 

Induction and training for the role will be provided.

Our Vision: To be the leading Shared Lives provider in the country

Our Purpose: To make a positive impact on the lives of the people we support

Our Values: Putting CARE into everything we do

Community - Working together with a shared purpose and belonging to achieve common goals

Autonomy - Empowering people to take ownership and accountability for decision-making

Resilience- Building the strength and character to embrace change and challenge

Equity- Giving people what they need to have equal access to opportunities in life

Trustees will be asked to commit to: 

• Endeavouring to be available for up to 7 meetings per year with a requirement to attend at least 50%. 
• Endeavouring to be available for the annual Board Away Day
• Be able to respond via email to discussion and potential issues between board meetings
• Complete a programme of mandatory training, proportionate to the role, renewed every three years
• Attend an annual review with the Chair

What are we looking for?

We are currently seeking someone with skills and experience in a marketing role as well as Younger Trustees who may be taking on their first trustee role. You will also need to have knowledge, skills and experience in some of the following areas:

• Governance - the oversight of an organisation's functioning
• Strategic planning and management
• Charity cultures and values
• Working with people
• Operational delivery
• Effective communication and influencing skills
• Committed to working as a collaborative member of a team 
• Commitment to devoting the necessary time to Board activities
• Being open to learning and development for self, staff and the Board
• Commitment to working to the Nolan Principles for Public Life

If I join Shared Lives South West as a trustee what can I expect? 

You will help enrich the lives of people we support by becoming a part of this friendly charity known for providing high-quality support to people as recognised by our recent “Outstanding” CQC award. You stand to also enrich your own life through the empowering and satisfying sector of volunteering as well as having access to training and development opportunities through SLSW. This is a voluntary post and would be offered subject to satisfactory references and DBS check. Voluntary, with travel and other reasonable expenses payable.

You will be joining an enthusiastic and committed team of trustees. Induction and training for the role will be provided. The appointment will run for three years and be subject to an annual review with the Chair of the Board. Two further terms of three years may be agreed upon. You will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement, declare any relevant business interests and complete an insolvency check as well as a charity-related parties register prior to your first Board meeting. You will be required to declare, on an ongoing basis, any further relevant business interests and/or conflicts of interest that may arise. 

How to Apply

We have an application form that you will need to complete if you are interested in the role of Trustee for Shared Lives South West. This can be provided upon expression of interest, which you can do by applying on Reach Volunteering.