Wide Variety Of Volunteer Roles Now Available

Published on: 12 Apr, 2022
Updated on: 11 Apr, 2022

Here are some of the latest volunteer roles required by groups and organisations and which are being promoted by Voluntary Action South West Surrey.

Football volunteer

Thursdays, 5pm to 7pm, actively participating in sports sessions with young people and building trusted work relationships. Support the coaching team and sports programme manager to ensure the smooth running of each activity delivered.

The role is being offered by Big Leaf Foundation, a small charity based in Woking working with displaced young people in Surrey. Its aim is to provide a nurturing programme of activities, projects and events that focus on combating social isolation and improving wellbeing for the young people it supports.

The foundation says: “The experience of arriving in a new country is, for many young people, overwhelming and incredibly difficult. They are often cut off from everything that is familiar to them, leaving them vulnerable to loneliness, isolation, anxiety and boredom.

“Our founders saw an opportunity to change their situation and help them feel a sense of inclusion within a network of their peers and the wider community.

“We want to engage the young people we work with to be excited about the opportunities available to them, and to value their unique talents and abilities so that they can rediscover their potential and move forward with renewed optimism. We want to support and empower these young people to know that they are more than the status they have been given and help them find their place within their local community.”

Click here to download an application form.

And return it to: contact@bigleaffoundation.org.uk

Treasurer trustee

The Guildford-based charity Surrey Drug and Alcohol Care (SDAC) is recruiting a treasurer trustee.

The role is to act as a finance lead and to guide and advise the board on the charity’s financial health and performance, and to ensure compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House regulations and obligations.

Time commitment is eight to 10 board meetings per year, six to eight finance working group meetings per year, a yearly annual meeting, as required to oversee charity financial management, and liaise with the bookkeeper monthly or as required.

The person should be have experience of accounting, fundraising and allocating of grants, plus good communication skills. A qualified account is preferred.

SDAC offers a helpline open to callers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It helps and supports anyone who is concerned about the problems that drugs, alcohol or mental wellbeing cause. It supports those with problems, or their parents, siblings or friends.

For further information email the helpline co-ordinator at coordinator@sdac-helpline.co.uk

Or click here to apply via Voluntary Action’s website.

Community cancer support volunteer

When a life-threatening condition such as cancer or Motor Neurone Disease is diagnosed it can be a lonely, worrying time. The Brigitte Trust offers a free volunteer service of emotional support and practical help.

Before the first lockdown, and historically, its service was home-based. It hopes, with the easing of restrictions and the rollout of vaccinations, that this service will return and currently its telephone support service is proving vital, with more than 400 referrals received to date.

Volunteers are currently asked to call the same person or family each time, so a relationship is built up. Emotional support for carers is so important. Having a regular call from a Brigitte Trust volunteer can make a real difference and the Trust also offers bereavement support if requested after a client has died.

Training is provided on Zoom for two sessions twice a month, as well as monthly peer support groups and a programme of speakers and workshops.

When home visits become safe an extended training course for its phone volunteers will be provided. Many of its volunteers feel they receive more than they give by listening and supporting people at such a difficult time.

There is no need for a medical background. All the Trust asks of its volunteers is that they are willing to develop their listening skills, and have personal qualities of warmth, empathy and sensitivity.

Shopping, outings, hospital appointments and other transport is offered so a car will be needed in due course. The Brigitte Trust aims to place volunteers promptly with clients in their local area, and travel expenses are reimbursed.

Application is by informal interview, references and a disclosure and barring (DBS) check.

Click here to apply via Voluntary Action’s website.

Trustees for TALK

TALK is a small local charity based in Surrey that offers long-term communication and social support for people with aphasia and their families.

It is seeking new trustees to help lead the charity and make a real difference to people’s lives.

The board currently consists of seven trustees and TALK is looking to recruit up to four more.

The charity says; “This is an exciting time to be joining TALK as we develop our services post-Covid to ensure it meets the needs of people with aphasia in the local community.

“You will be joining a friendly, committed and active board and training will be provided.

“You would participate in TALK’s regular committee meetings (around six per year, approx. two hours) alongside the chair, the treasurer and the three paid members of staff.

“These usually take place in person, but virtual attendance is possible. You would also attend the annual meeting and may be involved in some project work, depending on your interests and skills.”

TALK is particularly keen to hear from people with knowledge of the following areas: business/ management, secretarial/ human resources, IT systems. However, these are not essential – the most important thing it looks for is enthusiasm.

TALK is committed to safer recruitment and trustees will be expected to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

TALK trustees have not historically claimed out of pocket expenses but this will be considered if requested.

Click here to apply via Voluntary Action’s website.

Voluntary Action South West Surrey, is a charity that supports people who wish to volunteer and well as helping organisations who need volunteers. It’s office is at 39 Castle Street, Guildford GU1 3UQ. It is open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 3pm. Email: volunteer@vasws.org.uk or phone 01483 504626.