Wellbeing volunteer volunteer roles in lewisham, greater london

Sustainability Research Volunteer
People & Planet is looking for volunteers to assist with compiling its 2025/26 People & Planet
University League; the only higher education ranking that classifies based on ethics and climate
justice criteria.
Universities impart skills and knowledge, form life-long beliefs and behaviours, act as centres of
communities, employ, house and feed large numbers of people and promote the creation and
sharing of knowledge. We believe this makes them uniquely placed to lead on environmental and
ethical issues. For this reason the People & Planet University League has been running since 2007
and has been published by high-profile media partners such as The Guardian (2021, 2022. 2023,
2024) and whose data is used in the Sunday Time Good University Guide.
Volunteers will research publicly available university documents and assess universities against
our marking criteria, which cover a wide range of climate and social justice issues including
decarbonisation, fossil fuel divestment, ethical banking, workers’ rights and environmental
management among others. This work will help to incentivise the university sector towards taking
immediate and appropriate action on the climate crisis and upholding the rights and wellbeing of all
people internationally.

The role will develop and improve the following areas:
●​ Qualitative research skills
●​ Attention to detail
●​ Use of data collection software
●​ Time management and keeping to deadlines
●​ Working independently and remotely
●​ Communication skills
●​ Knowledge of environmental management processes and sustainability reporting.

Training is provided for the role. We believe the skills and experience gained could be valuable for
a number of career paths, including working in NGOs, corporate sustainability, estates
management, higher education policy making, research and campaigning among many others.
People & Planet would like to support volunteers in their future careers, so will give all volunteers
an official reference letter on successful completion of their placement and will act as a referee for
future positions for which you may apply. From last year’s cohort, 100% said they would
recommend this position to someone who wanted to add experience to their CV.

Feedback from previous volunteers
‘I think as someone looking for relevant experience to bolster a CV, this is a helpful and
not-too-time-consuming position. It had exactly the kind of flexibility that I required at this point in time.’
‘It's a really great opportunity to hone one's research skills, learn more about what our universities can do to
improve their impact on the planet, and make a small but real difference.’

Person Specification -the following are essential:

• Access to a computer or laptop and internet connection.
• Familiarity with desk-based research.
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently to agreed standards.
• Reliability and commitment to completing work to deadlines.Sustainability Research Volunteer
• Able to communicate needs with staff at People & Planet and if needed, ask for appropriate
• support to complete tasks in time.
• Ability to search policy documents for specific information in English.
• Ability to assess information against standardised frameworks.
• Ability to work remotely and independently

The following are desirable:

●​ Awareness of current issues in sustainability and ethics.
●​ Experience of research and data collection.
●​ An interest in higher education policy.
You will need to commit to
●​ Two 25 hour weeks of remote work in July and August.
●​ 5 hours work per day for the two week period. Volunteers can manage their own time
flexibly and will receive support from People & Planet, but must meet task deadlines on a
weekly basis and attend a short daily meeting.
●​ One half day of remote training and induction the week prior to your 2 week engagement.
●​ Attending a brief meeting in the morning or afternoon each day and one individual check-in
meeting in week 1.

Summer timetable
June 30th-July 11th Ethical Investment and Banking, Ethical Careers and Recruitment,
Education for Sustainable Development. Training and induction w/c 23rd June
July 21st-1st August Sustainable Food, Staff & HR, Environmental Policy and Strategy
Training and induction w/c 14th July
August 11th-August 22nd Managing Carbon, Workers’ Rights, Staff and Student
Engagement, Environmental Management and Auditing. Training and induction w/c August
4th

Application

Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until positions are filled, so please apply early to
avoid disappointment. The deadline for applications is Friday June the 6th 2025
Candidates will need to attend a non-competitive group recruitment session and complete an
online self-access task before being invited to volunteer with us.
Please let us know if you have specific access needs and what we can do to make the interview,
training and volunteer experience more accessible to you, including organising a one-on-one
interview. We welcome people with hearing loss, deaf and or disabled people to apply for thisSustainability Research Volunteer volunteer opportunity -unfortunately we don't use BSL so would need to make alternative support provisions for the training, unless a BSL interpreter can join you. If you have specific needs where
we might support you by making this volunteering opportunity more accessible, please let us know via email
People & Planet welcome applications from BAME folks and people of colour, from disabled people, from LGBTQI*people, from people who speak English as a second language, from people who identify as non-binary gender, from women, from people of different ages, from people with caring responsibilities and from people with irregular migration status, people seeking asylum in the UK or with a migrant background, folks with a working class background, and everyone else.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

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 team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers 
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team in the Swale area ME9, ME10, ME11, ME12, ME13
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

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 funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

Home-Start Camden & Islington (HSC&I) offers free, confidential support and practical help to parents of children under five in the London Boroughs of Camden and Islington who are struggling.

We are looking for volunteers with parenting or child caring experience to support families for 2-3 hours per week, for a minimum of one year upon completing the preparation course.

We provide a preparation course for all volunteers before they start to visit families, which covers all the essential training and information you will require.

The main task of a volunteer is to visit families in their own homes on a regular basis, to offer a combination of the following: Friendship / Practical Help / A listening ear / To accompany to appointments, or help access local amenities / The opportunity to share ideas of skills, leading to increased parental confidence / Links to community resources and support systems

At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.

With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.

What’s Involved?

As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families via Zoom every week with eBooks to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:

• Handpick eBooks from our online portals based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
• Join families via Zoom with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions  
• Make notes after the session to keep track of how the child/ren are progressing

Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

When and Where?

You can be based anywhere in the UK to become a Doorstep Library online volunteer.

• Time commitment: One evening a week (Regular Volunteer), one evening every other week (Semi-Regular Volunteer) or once every 3 weeks (Stand-In Volunteer) during school term times
• Hours per week: 2
• Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Why volunteer with Doorstep Library?

• It's incredibly fun! You get to explore your inner child and share your passion for books and reading.
• We invest in our team of volunteers to ensure they are valued, supported and are developing.
• You will be a part of the Doorstep Library community of families, volunteers and staff members.
• You can make a real difference to the lives of others. Providing you with a real sense of purpose and achievement.
• You give back to the community you live in or the community you visit every week.
• You build your confidence and improve your self-esteem and mental well-being.
• You will develop skills and enhance your C.V. 

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references.  Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.  

Role Title: Advice and Information & Signposting Volunteer

Weekly Hours: Minimum 4 hours per week

Expenses: Expenses are compensated where applicable such as travel

Commitment: At least 3 months

Responsible to: The Service Navigation Lead

Project overview:

Mind in Kingston is a local charity that supports people with mental health issues, and campaigns to raise awareness about mental health in Kingston and surrounding areas. We are affiliated to National Mind but operate independently in the Borough of Kingston upon Thames and surrounding areas.

The Information, Advice, Signposting & Referral Service is designed to provide enquirers with empathic advice, information and/or signposting.

Volunteers are extremely valued within our team and a vital part of our service delivery. We encourage and welcome people with lived experience of mental health issues to apply to volunteer with us; this could be personal experience relating to yourself, a family member or a friend; or in a professional capacity working with people with mental health issues.

We care about everyone’s wellbeing and as an integral member of our team, volunteers receive support to ensure they are trained and skilled up in their roles that they may take further in their career aspirations. They receive regular supervision and development opportunities as well as be part of our volunteer awards programme to recognise and celebrate their achievement and contribution to our community. As team members, volunteers have the opportunity to engage with the board of trustees, staff and other volunteers both professionally and socially.

Main purpose of the role:

· To provide confidential telephone advice and information about local services to service users.

· To provide empathic listening.

· To signpost service users to appropriate services.

· To promote emotional and physical wellbeing to service users.

· To collect data for monitoring purposes.

Tasks will include:

· Phone or email service users to provide advice, information and signposting.

· To research and learn about local services for information.

· To record each interaction with a service user on an enquiry sheet and file these in line with data protection regulations

· To fill in the message book and inform colleagues about messages relevant to them.

· To immediately raise safeguarding concerns and complete safeguarding if necessary.

· To maintain regular contact with your supervisor

· To attend meetings and supervision on a regular basis.

What you will receive in return:

· Training in providing remote support and telephone skills including mental health awareness, and boundaries.

· Training in adult safeguarding and local procedures.

· Training for any other skills as identified by yourself and your supervisor.

· Regular check-in with your supervisor, and monthly clinical and managerial supervision.

· An opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones while being a part of a lively and supportive team at Mind in Kingston.

· References upon completing your volunteering with us.

· Reasonable expenses to be paid so you are not left out of pocket.

What we expect from you:

· Commitment for at least three months

· Attend and complete training as directed.

· Adhere to our policies and procedures, particularly confidentiality, data protection, Safeguarding and health and safety.

· Confidence in supporting people with mental health challenges.

· Be able to deal with distressed users in a calm and robust manner.

· Proactive engagement with your supervisor for support.

· Safe handling and return of any equipment issued.

You may on occasion volunteer from home, so a confidential space is essential.

Application Process:

· Two references (one from a professional contact) are required.

· An enhanced DBS check is necessary.

We ask volunteers for two references, one of which must come from a professional connection such as a current or previous employer or a tutor. You will also need to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, as you will be working with vulnerable adults.

Sutton Mental Health Foundation is looking to recruit a volunteer secretary position to the Trust Board, to support and assist the Chair and CEO.  This is an important and confidential role within the Trust.  The main areas of the role are, in consultation with the Chair and CEO, the preparation of all Board/AGM meetings, the preparation of Board/AGM papers, minute taking and writing up the minutes in a timely manner.  Other duties involve the support to the Trustees, as well as updating of trustee records.  Th board of trustees meets in-person, approximately every six weeks, in the London Borough of Sutton. A full role description will be provided on application.

As background information, Sutton Mental Health Foundation was established as a charity in 1994 and the aim of the Foundation is to support people with mental health needs in the Borough of Sutton, helping to keep them well and active and helping them to have a voice in mental health care in the Borough.  Our vision is to provide a community in Sutton which values mental wellbeing and understands how to respond positively to anxiety and distress.  The Foundation works together to promote mental wellbeing resilience and recovery from mental distress.

We are based in Camden, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth and Westminster.

At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.

With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.

What’s Involved?

As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families at their homes every week with a backpack full of books to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:

• Handpick books based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
• Visit their homes with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions  
• Leave behind a selection of books for the children to borrow for the week

Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

When and Where?

We have volunteer opportunities in: Hammersmith, Parsons Green, Fulham Broadway, Shepherds Bush, East Acton, Latimer Road, Euston, Kings Cross, Marylebone, Edgware Road, Queens Park, Pimlico, Brixton, Tulse Hill, and World's End.

• Time commitment: One evening a week (Regular Volunteer), one evening every other week (Semi-Regular Volunteer) or once every 3 weeks (Stand-In Volunteer) during school term times
• Hours per week: 2.5
• Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays depending on where you are based from 4:30pm – 7:00pm

 Why volunteer with Doorstep Library? 

• It's incredibly fun! You get to explore your inner child and share your passion for books and reading. 
• We invest in our team of volunteers to ensure they are valued, supported and are developing. 
• You will be a part of the Doorstep Library community of families, volunteers and staff members. 
•  You can make a real difference to the lives of others. Providing you with a real sense of purpose and achievement. 
•  You give back to the community you live in or the community you visit every week. 
• You build your confidence and improve your self-esteem and mental well-being. 
• You will develop skills and enhance your C.V. 

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references.  Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.

Marmalade Connections is a time-limited, one-to-one project covering most of the South West. Based on the enabling/empowering social prescribing model, trained volunteers make weekly calls to project members for up to 15 weeks, focusing on their specific needs and interests.  The project supports those in our community who are the most socially isolated, and who experience chronic loneliness (feeling lonely all or most of the time). 

Marmalade Connections is not a 'befriending call project'.​ These conversations lead to volunteers signposting the project members to local social activities and community support, to improve their social connections long term. 

As a Marmalade Companion Volunteer, you will support one or occasionally two of our project members (the people we support) for a period of up to 16 weeks. The role involves phoning a matched member once a week for a friendly call lasting about 30 minutes plus researching potential social connection and activity opportunities. You will receive training on how to build up a trusted telephone relationship with your project member(s) to enable you to support and signpost them to relevant services and activities. The aim of this project is to help reduce social isolation and loneliness and to support your project member(s) to discover lasting connections in their community. 

Strength & Stem is a charity and social enterprise that uses floristry to help female modern slavery survivors become restored from their trauma, empowered for the future and able to sustain a good quality of life. We believe that floristry can be utilised for meaningful employment and therapeutic enjoyment.

Each year we take a cohort of survivors through an eight-month skills training programme incorporating vocational floristry, hard and soft skills training, mentorship and work experience. Our evidence-based, holistic programme is designed to help prepare survivors for future security, develop their agency, and increase their sense of wellbeing and community. The mentoring programme is an essential part of achieving these outcomes. 

Our volunteer mentors come from a wide range of backgrounds and support programme participants as they work towards their future security (this could be employment, volunteering, or courses) and self-development goals. Mentoring will take place over a period of six months, following the mentee’s successful completion of the Strength & Stem vocational floristry and prevocational skills training sessions.

Mentors must be female and have employment or business experience to utilise. This should include (but is not limited to) experience in personal goal setting, navigating the UK job market, completing job applications, doing job interviews. We provide group training sessions for mentors, and a structured and supportive programme which includes discussion topics and activities. 

Terms

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010. 

Hours: We expect mentors to meet with their mentees for 1-3 hours a month, for 6 months duration from July – December 2025

Reports to and supported by: Programme Director

Salary: This is a voluntary position but we can cover travel expenses up to £12.50 per day, provide refreshments expenses up to £10 a day and contribute to the cost of DBS certificates.

Based: You will be required to meet in person with your mentee in a mutually agreed location in central London.

Start date: July 2025

This role will require mentors to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and attend mandatory training.

Enthusiastic, hands-on volunteers needed to help provide food to the community. A key role, you will work at the main hub of the food bank and help the food service run as smoothly as possible. An exciting opportunity to make a real, immediate impact to those in need of support. 

Hours: Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, 10:00-12:30, 12.30-15:00 or 14:45-17:00. 

Book shifts to suit your own schedule!

Location: St Michaels Church Hall, 37 Bounds Green Rd, London, N22 8SD

About Bounds Green Food Bank: 

Open since June 2020, we serve over 1,500 children and adults in the community. We are committed to improving lives by providing food and essential household items to build a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow. We strive to promote social inclusion by supporting people who find themselves in a crisis situation where they need assistance to feed themselves and their families.

The role: 

• Help with setting up the food service and replenishing goods when needed, including decanting and repacking items.

• Warmly welcome guests, serving them the appropriate number of items depending on their household size and needs.

• Follow food bank policies including Health and Safety procedures e.g. wearing gloves when handling fresh food and lifting boxes safely. 

• Keep the hall tidy throughout the food service e.g. tidying away boxes and neatly restocking items. 

Person specification: 

• Patient and flexible

• A team player 

• Understands and is sensitive to the challenges and difficulties faced by guests accessing the food bank e.g. food and fuel poverty, feelings of shame and embarrassment, language barriers.

Benefits:

• Flexible - book shifts to suit your own schedule!

• Give back to the community - one of the NHS’ 5 Ways to Wellbeing!

• Gain access to free workshops for volunteers and upskill on a range of topics (conflict resolution, mental health first aid, arts and crafts, and more)

• Join free social events for volunteers (such as picnics, walks, games nights and celebration events)

• Gain a sense of community and meet the huge team of volunteers

We are looking to appoint a new Trustee to the Board to support CHEER’s mission of providing advice, friendship and support to Elmbridge’s older community.

We’re particularly seeking someone with experience of marketing and communications to complement the skills and backgrounds of existing Trustees.  The role will oversee the formulation and implementation of CHEER’s marketing and communication strategy, providing guidance and support to the Board and team to ensure successful execution.

If you have an interest in the issues surrounding the elderly living in the UK, a desire to give those who need it, a helping hand and support along with a background in marketing and communications – with digital marketing a particular advantage - we’d love to hear from you.

(We’d also warmly welcome contact from anyone interested in alternative trustee opportunities with experience in fundraising, business management, human resources and/or older people and social care). 

CHEER: 

Is a registered charity serving the local community of Elmbridge for over 60 years. Our mission is to provide advice, friendship, and support to help older community in Elmbridge lead full, dignified and independent lives.  We do so through delivery of 5 core services (befriending, benefits, events, signposting and CHEER’s Parkinson’s group) designed to reduce loneliness and social isolation and alleviate financial hardship.  

We consistently achieve remarkable things with minimal resources and are often told we have changed people's lives relying on a dedicated team of staff, trustees and volunteers to deliver these essential and beneficial services.  

Trustee role: 

Our trustees are all volunteers, most of whom live or work in the local community, and all of whom use their skills, knowledge and experience to guide and govern our service, shape strategy, and give direction to the charity.  We are a small and friendly team, collectively responsible for CHEER and each enjoying the chance to contribute to our community.  

The main responsibilities of a trustee are: 

• Formulating and reviewing CHEER’s vision, values, and strategic direction 

• Establishing and monitoring policies to provide guidance for staff 

• Ensuring compliance with the Charity’s governing document and the law 

• Ensuring accountability to such bodies as the Charities Commission, donors, staff and volunteers 

• Managing the Charity’s resources responsibly 

• Contributing to the discharge of the Board’s duties and effective Board performance 

• Promoting the charity and protecting its excellent reputation 

• Appointing staff, giving them guidance and support 

• Monitoring the Charity’s performance

• All trustees are expected to adopt Nolan’s seven principles of public life:  selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Generally, a minimum of 4-6 hours a month, occasionally more. This includes: 4x Board meetings a year, plus the annual AGM dates of which are flexible.  Helping staff with advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis and/or additional support such as working with other trustees or members of staff on key projects.

The role is predominantly home-based, and board meetings normally take place in a venue in Elmbridge.

Desirable qualities: 

Empathy and a passion for improving the lives of older people; effective communication, good strategic vision and creative thinking, the ability to exercise good, independent judgement.

We are seeking a volunteer with experience in Salesforce (backend/database support). This to aid in queries and requests when necessary from the team at Paintings in Hosptials.

Please apply for the role if you match the following criteria: 

• Proficient in Salesforce administration and backend configuration
• Comfortable working with Salesforce Data Loader or similar tools
• Attention to detail 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Salesforce Admin certification (a plus, not required)

About Paintings in Hospitals:

Paintings in Hospitals supports the health and wellbeing of people who need it the most, through the life-enriching power of art. Every day we witness the significant physical, mental, and emotional impact of our work on the lives of people in need around the UK. 

Established in 1959, our charity is now the UK’s leading arts in health organisation. Six decades of experience and expertise have enabled us to develop a unique art collection of over 3,000 original works, alongside art projects and engagement activities that transform the experiences of patients, service users, and staff.

We know that art reduces length of hospital stays, whilst also improving people’s mental health and physical symptoms. We continually evaluate our work across a range of settings, including hospitals, hospices, care homes, GP surgeries, and community spaces. 

Paintings in Hospitals is recognised by the Department of Health, NHS England, and Arts Council England as a leading provider of arts in health services. We have previously worked with national museums and galleries, such as the V&A, The National Gallery, and The Wallace Collection. 

Volunteer Fundraising team leader

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Team Leader Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

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 team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

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 funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We're looking for someone with:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

Are you passionate about the power of the arts to transform lives and do you have experience in one of the following: the arts, therapeutic arts, management, governance, EDI, the charity sector, developing partnerships, fundraising or safeguarding?

Talitha Arts is seeking volunteers to join the organisation as Trustees. We currently have seven Trustees, with backgrounds encompassing human resources, finance, creative arts, coaching, leadership and small charity management. We are seeking trustees who would be interested in one or more of the following roles: Chair, Secretary, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, Fundraising and/or Safeguarding.

Our Trustees meet formally four times a year; twice in person in London, Bethnal Green, and twice by video-conference. This is a volunteer position, and all reasonable expenses, including accessibility needs, travel and childcare will be reimbursed.

Who are We?

Talitha Arts is creative arts charity that delivers therapeutic arts workshops that benefit the mental health and wellbeing of those who have experienced trauma (through trafficking, living with dementia, domestic and sexual abuse, homelessness) and/or are living with mental health problems, addiction or disability. We are a small team comprising our Artistic Director (Executive), Fundraiser, and Therapeutic Arts Programme Manager.

Our Mission

We aim to use the power of the therapeutic arts to enable transformation in those in need of mental health support.

Our Vision

To empower all individuals and communities by providing excellent and bespoke therapeutic arts workshops that promote better mental health and well-being, enabling people to reach their full potential.

Equal Opportunities

At Talitha Arts we are committed to creating and supporting an inclusive environment and to celebrate diversity and the value of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage applications from all backgrounds - we are particularly interested in welcoming global majority candidates, those with disabilities and LGBTQI+ candidates.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our organisation's core values and the work we do.

Please apply with a CV and cover letter by the 20th May at 6pm.

Duties

• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.

• To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are).

• To contribute actively to the board of directors' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

• To safeguard the good name and ethos of the organisation.

• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation and to assist with fundraising, where necessary.

• To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds.

• To appoint the executive director and monitor their performance.

• In addition to the above statutory duties, each director should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of directors reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and other issues in which the director has special expertise.

Responsibilities

•  Trustees must have a good understanding of and be sympathetic with the aims and objects of the charity and act in accordance with the governing document at all times.

•  Trustees must act and make decisions in the best interests of the charity, present and future beneficiaries.

•  Where professional assistance is required for the Trustees to be able to make the most appropriate decision affecting the charity, that assistance should be sought and considered carefully.

•  Trustees must not receive any financial or non-financial benefit that is not explicitly authorised by the governing document. Trustees should not exert any influence to garner any preferential treatment for themselves or their family.

 •  Trustees are jointly and severally liable for their decisions; therefore decisions should be taken together and communicated to staff, stakeholders and funders in a unified manner.

•  Trustees are accountable to stakeholders for their actions and as such decision-making and governance issues should be as transparent as possible, except for when confidentiality is required.

•  Trustees should be prepared to spend an appropriate amount of time reading papers and preparing for board meetings, which will be held on a quarterly basis. A minimum attendance of 75% meetings is required of Trustees to ensure that best practice in governance is reached and maintained.

•  Should a Trustee feel that they require further guidance or training in their role, they have a duty to inform the charity secretary and actively develop aspects for new training on an individual or group basis.

•  Any information of a confidential nature must remain so outside the confines of the Trustee meeting.

•  Trustees should familiarise themselves with the ‘Nolan Principles’, and act in accordance with them.

Person Specification

Each Talitha Trustee will have:

•  a passion for supporting survivors of trauma and people who are vulnerable (including trafficking, domestic violence and abuse, people recovering from addiction, refugees and asylum seekers, and people living with dementia)

•  excellent interpersonal and team-working skills

•   a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• strategic vision

•  good, independent judgment

•  an ability to think creatively

•  a willingness to speak their mind

•  an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of directorship

•  sympathetic to the Christian faith and Christian ethos of the organisation

•  demonstrable commitment to Nolan’s Seven Principles of Public Life (see ‘Code of Conduct – Citizens UK’ document); selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Our Story

Talitha Arts was founded by actor, Amanda Root. It began as a small volunteer organisation, primarily offering mental health support by facilitating arts workshops for International Justice Mission in India and working with professionals in aftercare homes for girls rescued from trafficking and violent abuse.

Over the years, our work has expanded to respond to the needs of U.K. organisations working directly with those who have experienced trauma, abuse, violence, homelessness; ex-offenders, refugees, children, and those who are living with dementia.

Every year as part of our mandate, we train new practitioners in the Talitha Approach to deliver our workshops. Our approach is 'person-centred', meaning it is tailored to the individuals we serve. Our practitioners are both professional creative artists and registered therapists who are passionate about the Talitha Mission.

​At Talitha, we aim to change the world one life at a time by providing mental health support through the power of the arts. 

​We do this by delivering programmes of workshops that support creative expression, foster community, and empower through music, movement, drama and the visual arts.