Voluntary Volunteer Roles

Do you enjoy meeting new people?   
  
We are looking for a friendly volunteer who would like to spend time with a lady we support in Woodley! 

  "Hi! I live in Woodley and I am supported by Dimensions. I enjoy going for coffee or lunch, and I would love a buddy to come along with me!”  
  
If you would like to make a difference we would love to hear from you!   

Activities will include:  

• Sharing your time and providing company. The lady we support isn’t talkative but enjoys company  

• Enjoying coffee, cake or lunch together  

• Visiting local coffee shops and lunch spots 

 We are looking for a volunteer who is:  

• Friendly, enthusiastic and good company   

• Happy to spend time in the community  

• Comfortable spending time with people with learning disabilities and autism.  

• Reliable/dependable and willing to commit to volunteer regularly (exact times/days can be discussed)  

 A DBS check and two-character references will be required for this role.   

What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer:  

Dimensions provides support for around 3,500 people with learning disabilities and autism across the UK.  

Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:  

•  Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)  

• Comprehensive support from professional and friendly Dimensions staff  

• Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed at manager’s discretion   

• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector  

Want to apply for this role?  

If you’d like to be a Dimensions volunteer, please get in touch!   

As people, we are all different and we all have different abilities, interests, goals and           aspirations, this is exactly the same for a new volunteer with the Trust and more so when it’s a young person.

As a Volunteer Mentor to a young person, aged 16-17 years, you will work with the group leader, helping to support a young person to settle into the volunteering group, give guidance on the tasks being undertaken, and help to build their confidence whilst becoming part of the team.
 
Tasks you will be involved with: 
Supporting a young person to undertake practical conservation tasks. Tasks will vary throughout the year, ranging from meadow and ride cutting in the summer to coppicing, tree felling and scrub clearance in the winter along with various other construction projects, fencing, pond work, litter picking. Often the work will involve the use of hand tools, such as loppers and bowsaws, rakes and tree-poppers.

Purpose of your role:
To deliver talks to local groups and clubs, in order to raise vital funds. We have a range of scripted talks, ranging from the history, the reserves and the work of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, to talks on bats or hedgehogs, which you could choose to deliver. Or you could create your own talk based on something that you are knowledgeable and passionate about, in line with the Trusts aims and objectives. We will support you by helping you to create your own PowerPoint presentation and we will book talks on your behalf.

Tasks you will be involved with:
 .Talking to members of the public about the work of the Trust
 .Support the planning and preparation and delivery of talks
 .Setting up display stands

This position is open to anyone interested in Friends of the Earth and its local campaigns in the borough of Camden. As the Group Coordinator, you will play a vital role in organizing and coordinating various activities and initiatives of the group. These responsibilities will be shared with the other two coordinators of the group.

Duties

 Most common duties:

● Organize and facilitate monthly group meetings and other events.

● Provide leadership and support to group members and volunteers, to ensure the successful implementation of projects and activities.

● Be the main point of contact with the central Friends of the Earth staff.

● Partnering with other local groups in Camden.

● Monitor and manage the FOE Camden group mail inbox.

● Stay informed about relevant environmental policies, developments, and best practices to inform the group's initiatives and advocacy efforts.

● Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment within the group, encouraging participation from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Person specification

Essential:

● Min 18 years old.

● Strong commitment or interest in environmental issues.

● Own or have access to a laptop and/or smartphone.

Desirable

● Strong personal and communication skills.

● Good organization skills and a collaborative mindset.

● Previous experience in similar roles is  advantageous

Application Instructions

Tell us in few lines why you will be interested in volunteering in our group and for this particular role. 

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.

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.

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 café is a popular part of our visitor experience, and can become extremely busy, especially during the school holidays. We also have local people who pop in for a coffee or just taking time out of their day to have a bite to eat.

We value the support from volunteers to ensure that we continue to provide high quality food and excellent customer service to our visitors.

If you like being part of a busy and friendly team, where no day is the same and where you get to interact with lots of people then we would love to hear from you!

Tasks you will be involved with:

• Working within a busy café environment, assisting with food prep, serving customers and taking food orders,   using the till and handling payments, clearing down tables and loading of dishwasher, using and operating catering equipment. 
• Customer interactions, talking to people about their visit, what they may have seen during their visit and about the work of the Trust.
• You should bring suitable footwear (enclosed toe), protective clothing, eg: an apron will be provided.

- Helping to support the Trust’s 2030 strategic objectives by developing a bold, confident, young local voice, that raises awareness of the challenges faced by people and wildlife across Warwickshire, Coventry, and Solihull and inspires young people and their communities to take action for nature.  The role will look to    develop impactful and meaningful content, targeted at young people in the area, that support nature’s    recovery and mobilise young people to take action. 
- Working closely with the campaign volunteer role, build engagement and awareness of campaigns through social media, press, events, blogs, contacting local MP's and much more.
- Identifying and sharing (with the Trust and the wider public) stories in the local area which could help to raise awareness of campaigns and the wider movement and purpose.
- Helping others to take action for nature through the promotion and communication of events, campaigns, awareness raising and practical examples. 
- Raising the profile of the work of the Youth Committee and the wider Trust to a younger audience.
- Managing and updating the Committee's social media sites with compelling content with the objective of increasing followers and engagement. 
- Promote the work of the Trust and #TeamWilder in local communities.
- Create content for and distribute the Youth committee newsletter to those who have agreed to receive it, whilst also working to increase this database of contacts.
- Working with a diverse range of people across all age groups and communities. Meeting and engaging with like-minded people at campaign events or Trust/Youth Committee meetings.
- Work closely with the campaign volunteer and the Marketing and Communications team within the Trust, to create and share content with as wide and diverse an audience as possible, across a variety of new channels and mediums. 
- Help to build a database of young people and others in the community who wish to take action for nature.

Purpose of your role:
As a Learn and Discover Volunteer, you will help to deliver environmental education and play activities in the Warwickshire, Coventry, and Solihull areas. We provide on-site activities with the Education team at Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve in Coventry and the Parkridge Centre in Solihull.

Tasks you will be involved with:
The Learn and Discover team require volunteers to help support and deliver fun and exciting environmental activities including assisting with school visits and holiday workshops where typical activities range from pond dipping, mini-beast hunting and bird watching to creating models and masks out of natural materials.

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for Trustees to manage the affairs of the Coventry and District Branch to promote and provide animal welfare within the branch area. As a trustee of a branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals.

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary dependent on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties such as the role of chairman, treasurer or secretary.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Coventry and District Branch

The Coventry and District Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee

● Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.

● Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.

● Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).

● In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.

● Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.

● Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.

● Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.

● In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any area.

Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential.

Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

● We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.

● Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.

● The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.

● The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.

● A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

● Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.

● Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.

● Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

● Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.

● References will also be required.

Role description:

-  Have a critical role in raising funds to support the work of the Youth Committee.
- Devise a strategy to grow local community interest with young adults. (18-35 years)
- Promote the Trust in local communities and develop fundraising initiatives.
- Research new fundraising opportunities in local areas and communities.
- Working with a diverse range of people of all ages.

Skills needed:

- A willingness to learn and abide by the Code of Fundraising Practice.
- Good communication skills.
- A keen interest in wildlife and the work of the Trust.
-Friendly and approachable with good interpersonal skills.
- Ability to engage with people of all ages.
- High level of enthusiasm.
- Ability to work as part of a team and without direct supervision.
- Ability to work as part of a team and without direct supervision.

Purpose of your role: 
As a Local Reserves Group Leader, you will lead a group of volunteers on one of our local nature reserves to carry out a variety of tasks throughout the year. This is a valuable resource for enabling volunteers to give their time over a weekend, when other opportunities are limited.

Tasks you will be involved with: 

Leading a group of volunteers on your designated nature reserve
To ensure that the reserves group is conducted in a safe environment and any accidents or near misses are reported to the Reserves Manager as soon as is practicable 
Liaison with Reserves Manager to produce a plan of work. Thereafter to liaise with your Reserves Officer regarding ongoing practical habitat management
To adhere to WKWT Health & Safety, Policies and Procedures. Liaise with the Reserves Officer regarding any problems arising as soon as is practicable
To securely maintain and complete all relevant trust paperwork to allow for collation of site tasks and volunteering information and attendance details
To maintain any tools and other WKWT owned resources in accordance with good working practice
To attend regular training or refresher sessions as organised by WKWT 
To attend an Annual Health & Safety Check with WKWT Reserves Officer and/or staff member
To be part of the management plan review programme

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.