Wellbeing volunteer volunteer roles in forest hill, greater london

Activity Alliance looking for a Chair and three new Trustees who will add value to the charity and exciting journey ahead. You will bring your expertise and/or lived experience to drive meaningful change for disabled people. Two Trustees will be Board-appointed, and one will be Member-appointed. Their start times will vary. We are pleased that you are interested in joining us to work towards our vision and thank you for your interest.

The key responsibilities of the Chair will be:

• Provide visionary leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that Activity Alliance fulfils its mission and objectives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within  the organisation.
• Oversee the governance framework, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the Board in monitoring organisational performance and  ensuring effective risk management. 
• Act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance, promoting our vision and mission. This includes being a spokesperson for the charity with the media and at events.
• Champion the voices of disabled people, advocating for change and influencing policy and decision-making at the  highest levels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, funders, and government bodies.

The key responsibilities of the Trustees will be:

• Have outstanding commitment to Activity Alliance with a strong understanding of the organisation’s values as well as of the Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life.
• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall  policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets. 
• Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. 
• Safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation. 
• Represent the organisation at functions and meetings when appropriate, and act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance.

Currently, we are particularly interested in recruiting Trustees with understanding, skills, and/or experience in one or more  of the following areas: 

• Legal 
• Commercial and corporate affairs 
• Income generation 
• Application of AI and technology

The posts are for an initial term of up to three years, which may be extended for two further terms of three years.

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About the CARAS ESOL Team:

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to adults at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling people to attend college and access other services in the future.

About the Role:

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face adult ESOL classes in Tooting. Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session every Wednesday during these times: 

• Mondays ESOL 9:30 to 13:30

• Tuesday 9:30 to 11:30

• Tuesday One-to-one employability and language learning support 15:00 to 17:00 

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older; 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• An interest in education and English language teaching; 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• The ability to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months; 

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• *Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; 

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role. 

 *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’ 

This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Tooting on Mondays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:

• Monday 10am - 3pm
• Tuesday 2pm - 6pm
• Wednesday 11am - 6pm

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer  Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;

• Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.

• Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential 

• To be 18 years or older;

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel and food expenses can be reimbursed);

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;

• To be reliable and punctual;

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;

• The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum seeker or refugee status

• Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check (DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering 

To Apply: 

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers with email subject header “Youth ESOL Teaching Assistant Volunteer”. 

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 

 All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

Youth representative invited to join charity Board of Trustees!

Do you have lived experience as a refugee or asylum seeker?

Are you aged 17 – 25 years?

New Citizens’ Gateway is seeking a youth representative to join their Board of Trustees, and you could be an amazing part of helping this charity grow. This will be a fantastic opportunity to gain new skills, including learning how charities run and building leadership and networking abilities. No experience required and trustee training will be offered.

New Citizens’ Gateway is a charity in Barnet, London that empowers refugees and asylum seekers to foster a sense of belonging, integrate into the UK and rebuild their lives, through advice and guidance, campaigning, ESOL classes, community classes and groups, counselling, wellbeing services, youth activities and mentoring. 

Board meetings are held four times a year in addition to attending occasional networking, fundraising and ceremonial events and meetings. All reasonable expenses will be covered by the charity. We anticipate a 1-2 hour monthly time commitment. 

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment.

To apply, please send a short written paragraph explaining a little about yourself and/or why you would like to be part of the Board.

Closing date: 12th May 2025

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by the EOD on Monday 19th in preparation for submission to NCG on Tuesday 20th May.

As a Volunteer Speed Skate Coach, you will assist in delivering high-quality speed skating training for participants of all levels. Working under the guidance of the Head Coach, you'll have the opportunity to help athletes enhance their speed skating skills, fostering both competitive and recreational development. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist the Head Coach in delivering speed skating lessons and training sessions. 

• Support skaters in improving their speed, technique, and endurance. 

• Provide feedback and encouragement to skaters during practice. 

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all participants during sessions. 

• Set up and maintain equipment before and after each session. 

• Track participant progress and provide constructive feedback. 

• Assist in creating a positive, motivating atmosphere for participants. 

• Encourage good sportsmanship, teamwork, and a commitment to improvement. 

Skills & Qualifications 

• Passion for speed skating and developing athletes. 

• Previous experience in speed skating or coaching (desirable). 

• Good communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to work with athletes of all skill levels. 

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. 

• First aid qualification (desirable). 

• Enthusiasm, patience, and a positive attitude. 

Commitment 

• Minimum 15 hours per week, with flexible hours. 

Benefits 

• Gain coaching experience and develop leadership skills. 

• Opportunity to work alongside experienced coaches. 

• Make a positive impact on the development of speed skaters. 

• Access to skating workshops and coaching development. 

• Be part of a supportive and energetic team. 

Healthwatch Haringey is the independent ‘people’s champion’ for health and social
care in the London Borough of Haringey.

We actively seek out the views of the public and patients on all matters relating to
health and social care, e.g. their experience in hospital, interim care, at the GP or
dentist, and collate those together to produce impact statements and reports.

With this evidence we seek to campaign for and change for the better the way
health and social care services are designed, delivered, and improved.

We have a statutory role, as set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012, are a
member of the London Borough of Haringey Health and Wellbeing Board and have
excellent relations with Commissioners across the borough. We also have a great
staff team who work hard to achieve the aims of Healthwatch Haringey.

While you might not have a background in health or social care, we are looking
for someone who has the transferrable skills to play a leading part in the future of
Healthwatch Haringey.

You will ensure Healthwatch Haringey is well governed with robust policies and
procedures in place, continue to establish and build constructive relationships with
Healthwatch Haringey’s key stakeholders and represent the organisation externally
whenever appropriate as one of its leading ambassadors.

As well as line managing the Healthwatch Haringey Manager, you will be responsible
for the strategic development of the organisation, the setting of priorities and the
delivery of statutory and contractual obligations.

We welcome applications from anyone who lives or works or is registered with a
GP in the London Borough of Haringey or North Central London ICS area (includes
London Boroughs of Haringey, Barnet, Enfield, Camden, and Islington). We absolutely
welcome and encourage applications from ALL sections of the community including
those from minority ethnic communities, disabled people, every gender, every age
group (over 18), and all socio-economic groups. You would be representing all
Haringey residents, but it is essential to make sure every voice is heard.

Please see the Person Specification in the recruitment pack on page 10 for more details and how to apply on
page 12.

We look forward to receiving your application. Thank you.

Would you like to become an Ambassador for knus? We've introduced our new arm-chairing volunteer position.

If you're interested arm-chair volunteering (our most flexible, low commitment role) and applying to volunteer at knus, simply read through the information on this page and apply.

• Are you over 18 and living in the UK? You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
• Do you have a mobile phone or laptop? You can do this role whether you are, whether it be on a sofa or on a plane.
• How much time can you give? As much as you want to do. We are flexible and like to work around you.
• Do you like to learn? We provide training for all volunteers that join us. You'll have access to our CPD courses to help you advance your knowledge and certificates to add to your CV.

How does it work?

In 2025 we launched our arm chair volunteering initiative to help us spread the word about our service and to give people the opportunity to take part in surveys and projects to help us deliver the best mental health support to the UK public.

We'd like to embrace what you love doing, whether that be sharing on socials, proof reading, surveys, sharing experiences or getting involved in our fabulous projects.

Important information:

In order to volunteer for knus as an ambassador, you will need to complete a brief application form and a ID check. A DBS is not required for this role, however, if you wish to progress to another role you may need a disclosure. We do this to ensure of service remains a safe place to volunteer for all. Please do not worry about this, we will help you as much as we can.

Training is provided by us and our training partners. You will be required to attend this training using online conferencing software such as zoom or teams.

Are you a Clinical Supervisor interested in supporting counsellors and therapists?

Burning Nights CRPS Support has a highly skilled counselling and therapy team who provide counselling and psychotherapy to adults and children who have been affected by a debilitating pain condition, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This team is expanding rapidly and we are now looking for 2 volunteer Clinical Supervisors to join this team ensuring we can continue the provision of our vital emotional support services to this community. We would ideally like to take on 2 Clinical Supervisor supporting a small group of therapists who specialise in a range of modalities.

All our Counselling and therapy team help to develop our growing mental health support service for patients, families and carers affected by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). As a volunteer with the CRPS Counselling & Therapy Service, your skills and experience as a Clinical Supervisor will be providing support to therapists who offer therapy to vulnerable individuals, many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health support.

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, you will provide group and 1-2-1 Supervision support for counsellors or psychotherapists who provide counselling support or specialist services, such as general talking (person centred) therapies, integrative therapists, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for CRPS patients, their loved ones and carers. The service currently offers specialist support to anyone over the age of 5 who is affected by CRPS.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Facilitate Clinical Supervision group sessions on a monthly basis (online) and ideally be able to offer at least 1 or 2 supervisees on 1-2-1 basis mainly trainees

• Administer this supervision from invitation through to record keeping

• Take part in complex case allocation meetings with the Clinical Lead

• Maintain appropriate clinical records of all work and to report, along with any concerns on individuals or their practice to the Clinical Lead

• Commitment to ongoing supervision of supervision practice at Burning Nights CRPS Support as well as engaging in separate own personal supervision as/if appropriate

• Work flexibly as part of a small team as necessary to provide maximum coverage for supervision, such as in the event of emergencies

• Abide by all Burning Nights CRPS Support policies and procedures

• Adhere to BACP, BABCP (or other appropriate therapies governing body) Ethical Framework

Key Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Psychotherapy/Counselling qualification with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in a similar field

• Qualification in Clinical Supervision - ideally level 7 or above (could also suit experienced counsellors who require a placement during Clinical Supervision placement, or experienced counsellors wishing to gain experience in supervision)

• Accreditation/registration (or working at the level of or towards this qualification) as a Supervisor with BACP/HCPC/BABCP or equivalent

• Significant proven experience of supervising individual counsellors/psychotherapists from a range of training backgrounds 

• Appropriate and proven clinical experience of working with clients with a range of difficulties including complex medical health issues, loss and bereavement. Ideally experience of working with clients living with or affected by chronic pain or chronic conditions

• Willingness to engage in any Burning Nights CRPS Support training

• Understanding of issues regarding confidentiality and management of risk within a counselling service

• Good administrative skills

• Understanding of the voluntary sector

• Commitment to on-going engagement in personal supervision

• Knowledgeable of and committed to equalities’ provision

Desirable:

• Appropriate and proven clinical experience of working with clients living with or affected by chronic pain or chronic conditions

• Being able to supervise therapists who work in therapy such as CBT, ACT, EMDR etc

• Experience of working within a low-cost / free voluntary sector counselling setting

• Experience of working within the voluntary charity sector

Do you love Bollywood dance? Would you like to inspire others to find their rhythm and get moving? If so, we have the perfect role for you! Through dance you will be helping others to boost their mood, releases endorphins and get active whilst socialising! Dance and movement have many positive benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing and allows us to express ourselves and let loose!
We are recruiting for a volunteer to facilitate a group for women to come together and have fun each week!

What you will be doing

• Coordinate and set up a weekly dance class
• Inspire and motivate individuals to participate in the sessions and take a role in planning/designing upcoming sessions
• Create a safe space for individuals to express themselves
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Experience in teaching dance classes desirable but not essential
• Dance Qualification

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Will you share your counselling or psychotherapy skills as a counsellor or therapist to join an online counselling service for patients and families affected by a chronic pain condition (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)?

We're looking for 2 qualified counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists volunteers ideally with some experience of working with chronic pain patients or lived experience of chronic illness, who may want to volunteer their skills supporting our adult service users (aged 18 & over) and help us to continue developing a mental health support service. 

As a Volunteer Counsellor/Therapist you’ll be providing remote counselling/therapy support services to adults aged 18 and over many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health services. You’ll be providing one-to-one counselling/therapy sessions online via Zoom or by phone. With your recognised counselling qualifications and experience you will be an asset to our small charity and to our services users.  

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, our volunteer counsellors / therapists provide person centred counselling (general talking counselling) or integrative counselling, or specialist services such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ACT, CFT and EMDR for CRPS patients, or their families & close relatives.

People will be referred both by health or legal professionals as well as having patients and carers themselves referring into to the service.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your counselling and therapy skills, organisation, communication and team working skills.

Most importantly you’ll be providing essential services that help make sure no one has to face CRPS alone. Be the hope for CRPS.

What the role involves

This role may vary depending on needs, but is likely to include:

• Undertake a client assessments, followed by person-centred counselling (via Zoom or phone) to our clients, offering up to 20 sessions for each client plus 4 psychometric assessments

• Providing one-to-one counselling sessions to clients aged 18 & over

• Update our database with the client’s information, sessional notes and session attendance

• Maintain succinct, relevant session notes and store these confidentially and securely in acccordahce with GDPR

• Attending and participating in peer supervision support

• Attend CPD training to ensure your knowledge stays current

• Participating in volunteer meetings
• Maintaining client confidentiality, upholding data protection and equal opportunities principle

• Attend monthly Supervision and peer support sessions to ensure safe working practices

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, including a full induction. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us. We can offer you a supervisor as well as expenses for annual insurance and an external supervisor if required.

What you need for this role

Essential

• Be a member (including student membership) of one of the recognised membership organisations (see below)
• Level 4 Diploma level qualifications as a minimum (unfortunately no students at this time), Degree or Masters in Counselling, Counselling/Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Art Therapy, EMDR 
• Minimum of 100 hours supervised
• Proof of professional indemnity insurance annually - we may consider paying this as an expense but commitment to the charity is required
• A valid DBS certificate (enhanced version), which is less than three years old and renewed every three years (the charity can provide where necessary)
• Able to keep people’s personal data safe

• Willing and able to provide counselling via Zoom from a private location with a stable WiFi connection

• Able to support a minimum of 3 clients a week, being three hours of your time for therapy sessions plus time for administration. We ideally hope you to offer the charity a minimum commitment of six months.

Desirable

• Knowledge of chronic pain or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Previous experience as a chronic pain or CRPS counsellor or psychologist 
• Committed to our values
• Willing to develop skills and experience
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Effective administration skills, planning and organisation skills
• Approachable, presentable, enthusiastic

We also welcome training counsellors and counselling/clinical psychologists who are looking for placements.

Once we’ve assessed your application, you may be invited for interview. If you are successful, we will arrange for you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.

Recognised Organisations You Must Be A Member of:

• British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
• British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP)
• EMDR Association UK
• Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
• British Psychological Society
• General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
• British Society for Clinical Hypnotherapists (BSCH)
• National Council for Hypnotherapists (NCH)
• United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• The National Hypnotherapy Society (HS)
• National Counselling Society (NCS)
• Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP)
• National Register of Hypnotherapists & Psychotherapists (NRHP)

Making a difference

What impact will the opportunity have?

You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period where referrals are on the rise and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in not only developing a counselling service for our clients but also ensure we provide counselling services and mental health support to our CRPS patients & their families who are in need of our support and inclusion on a regular basis. With your help we will expand our support and mental health services to ensure our service users receive mental health support that they may not have been offered.

What's in it for you as the volunteer? 

You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people affected by this rare, painful and debilitating chronic pain condition and to provide them with psychological support whether they are patients, their partner, relatives, friends or carers. As this service is rapidly expanding, you would have a key role in developing our counselling and psychotherapy programme and to complement our support services that we offer. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference in our clients' life which is already isolated and painful, who may not have received any psychological support.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Do you have 1-3 hours every two months spare to become a Mencap befriender volunteer?

We support a gentleman who is looking for company and friendship in Ickenham.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is a Stop and Stay visit role, meaning that the person you’ll be visiting might have some verbal communication skills or they use sounds and/or facial/body expressions to communicate with you. The person you visit might choose to take part in simple activities or watch you doing the activities. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tend to be around half an hour to an hour long.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• A craft activity at home
• Reading a book/magazine together

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The Community Support/Reach Out volunteer will be volunteering remotely, providing online support and guidance to visitors of The Forward Trust Website communicating in real time using web chat.

The Reach Out Service sits within our Recovery Support Department and is aimed at offering friendly and confidential listening support and assistance. The role involves utilising your communication skills to establish rapport with individuals seeking drug and alcohol help and or to talk about their mental health or other varied life challenges. You will be supporting people who are seeking help for drugs and alcohol help for themselves or from family members concerned for their loved one.
Training is provided to all volunteers to support them with their volunteering role and enable them to further their skills and experience with our client group.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Time Commitment: We recommend that volunteers can commit to an average of 3 hours online per week for a minimum period of six months.

Service Delivery

- Be available for the duration of the shift to answer web-chat/calls as they happen.
- Engage with individuals in a friendly and empathetic manner.
- Gain an understanding of the individual needs and sign post to appropriate organisations for further support or explore specialist services as required.
- Link individuals into Forward Trusts community drug and alcohol services when required and link individuals into drug and alcohol help in other geographical areas where Forward Trust does not have a service.
- Report any Safeguarding concerns to shift supervisor and follow safeguarding procedures as appropriate.
- Respond to offline messages at the beginning of each shift.
- Debrief with and ask for support and guidance from Reach Out Coordinator regarding any concerns arising from web chat conversations.
- Provide handover to supervisor and/or next volunteers covering the shift prior to logging off
- To book shifts in a timely fashion and inform the Reach Out Coordinator of any need to cancel a shift at the earliest opportunity.
- Engage with support and supervision offered by placement supervisor.

CHECKS REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE

- 2 References (this may be from a keyworker, volunteer supervisor, tutor or sponsor if you are not able to provide a work reference)
- Enhanced DBS Check

 Perks and Benefits
TRAINING & INDUCTION

Induction training will be provided to the volunteer and will include the following E-Learning (Data Protection/GDPR/PECR, Safeguarding – Knowledge and Health & Safety – Knowledge).

A full induction to your team including placement specific policies and procedures. Additional volunteer training will be discussed and offered according to the need of the volunteer in placement.

 Skills You'll Need
Below is a list of the qualities that we are looking for from volunteers:

- If in recovery, to be 12 months abstinence from all mood altering substances.
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- Ability to use computers and IT equipment.
- To have good verbal and written communication skills.
- To have a clear understanding and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
- To have a clear understanding of how to set and maintain boundaries.
- To have the ability to reflect and receive feedback.
- To be reliable, flexible and committed.
- To treat individuals with respect and dignity.
- To have the ability to follow instructions.
- To be committed to own learning and development.

Could you inspire children from across Hestia’s domestic abuse refuges to get active? We are recruiting for a qualified Sport’s coach to support us over the summer holidays! During the school summer holidays, Hestia runs a six-week Summer Play Scheme providing activities and outings for mothers and their children across our refuges. Funded through generous donations from the public, the Summer Play Scheme provides women and children with a safe and supportive space to reconnect by having fun and sharing happy memories together as family.

What you will be doing

• To develop positive relationships with the children and women, maintain professional boundaries and keep accurate records.
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team
• Coordinate a weekly timetable of sports and active games to engage children
• General knowledge about wellbeing and how sport affects physical and mental health
• Support the children to maintain their physical health through exercise
• Support the children to learn/play and work as a team
• Plan activities or sports in collaboration with the children

The skills you need

• Understanding of Domestic abuse and its impact on children and women
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation.
• Calm and patient approach
• A skilled and qualified sports coach/fitness instructor working with children

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun