Community Post Type: Volunteering

The Women’s Health and Information and Support Centre (WHISC) is looking to expand and diversify their Board and are looking for Trustees who are passionate about supporting women.

What will you be doing?

WHISC has been through a considerable period of change since the start of 2020, from changing the way they reach women through the pandemic, to updating some of the roles and responsibilities in their team. They are currently focusing on reviewing the services they offer and expanding the support they provide on wider health issues. Focusing on building partnerships, they work closely with a range of other agencies from across Liverpool and beyond to make sure women receive the best possible support for their needs.

They currently have 7 trustees, including a Chair, Treasurer and Secretary on their Board. They meet at least 4 times per year and alternate between face-to-face and virtual meetings, all held in the evening. Trustees have a range of work, volunteering and life experience and they are keen to expand this. A diverse range of voices and experiences around the table helps them to be more representative of the women they support. It also improves discussions and decision-making.

They work closely with WHISC’s Chief Executive Officer and the wider staff team. Being a small team means we have a good understanding of the opportunities, challenges and changes within their charity, and can support planning and decision-making more effectively as a Board.

Becoming a Trustee is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape the future direction of WHISC and the services they provide to women across the Liverpool city region. They are looking to recruit 4 to 5 trustees and are keen to diversify the range of voices on their board and would particularly welcome people from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, as well as those who identify as LGBTQ+.

They value all life, work and volunteering experience that Trustees bring to the Board. All they ask is that you are committed to and passionate about supporting women. As a values-led charity, they would love to hear from people whose values are similar to those of WHISC.

It is important that they hold some key skills on their board to make sure they are operating effectively. They are particularly interested in hearing from people with skills and experience in the following areas:

• Human resources
• Communications and marketing
• Policy development
• Working in a health and care leadership role in Merseyside

If you don’t have experience in any of these areas, but still feel that you could make a difference to WHISC, they would still love to hear from you.

Personal skills and qualities

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values: empowering, supportive, open, responsive, safe.
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

What difference will you make?

As WHISC focuses on shaping their future, you will play a key role in setting the strategic direction of the charity in a way that improves reach and diversifies their service offer. Trustees play a vital role at WHISC; as a small team they share the same values and vision for empowering and enabling women to improve their wellbeing and overcome life’s challenges. Trustees provide vital expertise, experience and guidance in a way that helps us to realize this vision

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with a passion and commitment for supporting women, to come together with likeminded colleagues to lead WHISC. Your leadership and commitment, along with that of your colleagues will ensure that WHISC continues to offer vital support and information to women who may experience barriers to accessing mainstream support.

Before you apply

Please answer the following questions, in no more than 1,000 words. You are also welcome to tell them anything else about yourself, your skills and experiences that you think would make this role a great fit for you:

1. Why would you like to be a Trustee?

2. Why would you like to be involved with WHISC?

3. What experience (lived or professional) and skills could you bring to the Board?

Applicants will also need to submit a brief information form along with their personal statement, please see our website to access a copy or send us a request.

To apply, see here

Coram Beanstalk believes that when a child becomes a reader, they get the very best chance in life, and every child deserves that.

Each week, across England, their trained volunteers deliver fun, interactive, reading experiences. They provide one to one support to children, who are behind, giving them the help and encouragement, they need to catch up – to switch onto reading, learn to read and become readers for life.

The role of a Reading Helper places you in the heart of primary school life. You’ll be leading reading sessions that bring a positive reading experience to children outside of the classroom. Children will benefit from someone giving them one-to-one attention, showing them how much fun reading can be and the purpose reading has in their lives.

You will build a positive learning relationship with individual children aged 4-11, maintaining a regular weekly commitment. This consistency will build confidence, improve their engagement with reading and allow their reading skills to rocket!

You will need to:

• Attend school weekly in the afternoon session(s) during which youll see the same children each week
• Independently lead your sessions; youll have access to our brilliant books, online portal and will quickly get into the swing of what works well for each child
• Liaise with school staff and our team as required

To apply, see here

Your local British Red Cross shop has a variety of activities available for volunteers to support them in. From sorting stock & preparing donated items for sale to providing great customer service to our donors and customers – they have something to suit most people’s interests.

Their shop is a great place to learn new skills and share existing ones. They are currently looking for Stock Assistant volunteers to help in their shop. If you have a few hours a week to spare on a regular basis and prefer to make a difference from behind the scenes, then this may be the opportunity for you!

**Stock assistant volunteer- typical activities:** – Checking the quality of items donated and preparing for sale or for recycling – Replenishing stock on the shop floor – Ironing, cleaning, labelling and helping to price items ready for sale. – General activities around the shop. No experience is needed. Full training will be provided. Please note there is no expectation to use a till or computer in this volunteering role.

**When can I volunteer?** A few hours during the week/weekend - as agreed with the shop manager. There is no minimum commitment or fixed hours, they only ask that you agree hours you are confident you can attend and that you let them know where these hours may change.

If you have any questions before applying, please contact: volunteerrecruitment@redcross.org.uk

To apply, see here

Across the UK, their 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

They are looking to recruit an Activities Volunteer for the West Lancashire Group. As local group Activities Volunteer you’ll help us to set up activities in the area. Whether you’re serving refreshments, talking to people, registering attendees or collecting payments, you’ll be making sure everyone feel welcome.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills. Most importantly you’ll be supporting your local group to run activities that bring friendship and fun to your local MS Community.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that they do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both them and their values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Time Commitment

They estimate this role will need up to two hours a week. Roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

To apply, see here

Barnardo’s amazing team of volunteers helps run over 600 shops. Stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help to raise vital funds. These funds are then used to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and their families across the UK.

Over 60 donation centres receive and distribute 100’s of bags of stock every single week. All of these donations need to be lifted and shifted so they end up in the right shops – they don’t require a weightlifter, but you will be need to be physically fit to help move the many donations we receive.

As well as working up a sweat, donation centres also sell a variety of stock which all need processing and putting on the shop floor. Making sure shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till once in a while, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. They value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of their shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

To apply, see here

Edge Hill University is seeking to appoint independent members (non-executive directors and charity trustees) to join our Board of Governors and contribute to our continued growth and success.

They are a thriving and ambitious University based in the Northwest with a community of over 15,000 students and 1,900 staff. Ranked a Top 35 University (Guardian, 2024) they offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in health, medicine, science, creative arts, and education, and have a reputation of excellence having been awarded Modern University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2022).

The Board of Governors oversees the educational character and mission of the University and has specific responsibilities for effective use of resources and financial probity. As an Independent Member of the Board of Governors your values and experience will contribute to the Board’s effectiveness and vision, enabling the University to build on its past, and protect and enhance their future.

They are looking for candidates who believe they can add value and who have an active interest in higher education. Applications would be particularly welcome from candidates with expertise and experience in the following areas:

· Digital

· Knowledge exchange / commercialisation

· Marketing / PR / communications / digital media

· Research

· People

They believe that an effective board includes, and makes good use of, difference in the skills, expertise, background, race, gender and other qualities of individual governors.

To apply, see here

Aim of Volunteering Role: To chat with people on the phone to help relieve social isolation, NB Volunteers will phone unsupervised i.e from home on a frequent basis (once a week or more).

Object of the Volunteering Role: To chat on the phone to people who may be housebound or live alone and assist with identifying any other services that they may need. In addition, all volunteers are welcome to help at one fundraising event a year.

Tasks:

1. To phone service user(s) regularly on an agreed day and time.
2. If you identify any further needs they may have, with their permission, pass this information on to the Community Engagement Coordinator

Time:

This is dependent on caseload (volunteers may decide how many service users they wish to support). They ask that each service user is contacted once a week but the length of conversation may vary week by week.

Place of Volunteering: Either a resource centre or from home, dependent upon area

Skills & Needs Required:

1. Interest in and commitment to the aims and objectives of Vision Support

2. A good communicator

3. Friendly

4. Interest in meeting people from all walks of life

5. Ability to listen sensitively

Benefits Offered:

1. Full training in all aspects of the organisation
2. On the job training where necessary
3. Travelling/out of pocket expenses reimbursed
4. Full insurance cover
5. Social events and activities

References:

All roles are subject to satisfactory References ( x 2 ) and DBS Disclosure

To apply, see here

Charity Shop Stockroom Volunteer Volunteer to help Sue Ryder be there when it matters

As a Charity Shop Stockroom Volunteer in Moreton Wirral Sue Ryder charity shop, you will be one of the store’s friendly faces who will help to provide the best customer experience whilst playing an important role in raising funds for our charity work.

Please note – they do have a minimum age requirement in our shops of 18. They regret that we cannot proceed with your application if you are not yet 18.

The Role – Charity Shop Stockroom Volunteer • Donations and Gift Aid – meet donors, receive donations, sign donors up to Gift Aid • Sorting, labelling, pricing of stock • Greeting and helping customers • Maintaining shop displays, re-stocking, • Light cleaning/tidying duties to keep the shop inviting and well presented About you As a Charity Shop Stockroom Volunteer you will: • Enjoy helping and engaging with customers • Enthusiastic and pro-active • Ability to work as part of a team • Reliable How you will benefit • Make new friends and become a part of your local community • Be part of a friendly team • Learn new, transferable skills and enhance your CV • Flexible working • Volunteer discount on donated goods • Travel expenses – they are happy to reimburse reasonable travel expenses for a minimum regular commitment.

If you have any questions, please contact: volunteer.recruitment@sueryder.org

To apply, see here

Do you want to make a difference to the lives of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants? The British Red Cross is a volunteer led organisation and the UK’s largest independent provider of services and support for refugees and people seeking asylum.

Interpreter volunteers help communication between people who use our service and our volunteers/staff supporting them, by providing confidential interpretation and translation. We help them to find a way forward and start their lives in a new country. They are looking for volunteers who; – Can volunteer on a regular weekly basis. – Will be available to volunteer Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm (flexible). – Can commit to volunteering for a minimum of 6 months. – Are fluent in communicating and translating Kurdish Sorani. – Have a good standard of spoken and written English.

Volunteers will be required to have their own phone in order to provide translation support and should be comfortable translating remotely. They would be particularly interested to hear from you if you are (or have been) an asylum seeker or refugee. Diversity is something we celebrate. They want you to be able to bring your authentic self to the Red Cross and feel that you belong. They want to create an inclusive environment, and promote and spread the power of kindness.

As part of creating an inclusive space they have an expenses policy that prioritises volunteers not being out of pocket for expenses linked to your role. If up front costs are difficult, you can speak to your volunteering manager about this to find alternatives.

To apply, see here

If you have any questions before applying, please contact: volunteerrecruitment@redcross.org.uk

Are you confident in public speaking and looking for a new challenge? They need your help to raise awareness and spread the word about the work of The Children’s Air Ambulance whist representing the charity in your local area.

In this role you could be involved in: Promoting the work of The Children’s Air Ambulance by giving talks and presentations to a range of audiences including local community groups and schools Approaching companies, groups and supporters in your local area to make connections to set up speaking engagements Attending local events and cheque presentations on behalf of the charity to officially thank our supporters Previous experience of presenting would be great but as long as you are confident speaking in front of a group then don’t worry, you’ll be provided with all the training and tools you need.

This role is very flexible, any time you can give helps to fund their lifesaving missions. As the charity will invest time in processing your application and providing you with training to carry out your role, they ask that you commit to a minimum of 4 talks per year.

To apply, see here