Volunteer Opportunities

Hosted by: Barnsley Independent Alzheimer's and Dementia Support

Do you enjoy Music, Crafts, Art, Dancing and generally having fun?
Then being an Activity Volunteer at our day centre will be just up your street.
BIADS is an organisation formed by Barnsley people to provide support to those who have any form of dementia and their families and friends
Volunteers play a massive part in helping BIADS help people in Barnsley with dementia.

Days required: Mon PM, Tues PM, Weds PM, Thur PM

How many volunteers are needed:

3

Recruitment process:

For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Amy on 01226 280057 or email amy@biads.org.uk

Skills and quaifications:

If you have a few hours to spare and you want to make new connections we would love to hear from you, full training is provided by BIADS. Our day centre is located in the centre of Barnsley with car parking available.

Suitable for specific groups: Older people

Gender restrictions?: No

Type of activity: Art, Caring, Entertainment, Music

Hosted by: NSPCC

The Volunteer Book Scheme Coordinator will be responsible for placing and maintaining bookshelves in high-traffic public areas, like shopping centres or supermarkets. You will ensure that the bookshelves are stocked with quality books, regularly maintained, and that the collection tin for donations is emptied and managed. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a difference by promoting literacy, community engagement, and supporting the NSPCC's mission to protect children.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Bookshelf Placement:
-Identify and arrange the placement of bookshelves in high-footfall areas such as local shops, libraries, community centres, or other public spaces.
-Ensure they are easily accessible and visible to the public.

Book Collection & Maintenance:
-Regularly monitor and maintain the bookshelves, ensuring they are stocked with suitable, high-quality books.
-Independently source the free books, collect donated books from friends, families, community centres, libraries, charity shops etc.

Donation Collection:
-Empty and manage the collection tin on a regular basis.
-Ensure that all donations are securely handled and delivered to the appropriate NSPCC accounts or locations.
-Ensure the QR code is intact and clearly visible

Engagement with Local Businesses & Organizations:
-Build and maintain relationships with local businesses or organizations where bookshelves are placed, ensuring their continued support and involvement.

Reporting:
-Provide regular updates to the NSPCC team on the status of the bookshelves, including the volume of books donated, amount of donations collected, and any logistical challenges faced.

Days required: Mon AM, Mon PM, Mon EVE, Tues AM, Tues PM, Tues EVE, Weds AM, Weds PM, Weds EVE, Thur AM, Thur PM, Thur EVE, Fri AM, Fri PM, Fri EVE, Sat AM, Sat PM, Sat EVE, Sun AM, Sun PM, Sun EVE

How many volunteers are needed:

Unlimited

Recruitment process:

Benefits:
Contribute to promoting literacy and education within your community while supporting NSPCC's work with children.
Flexible role with opportunities to meet new people and engage with local businesses.
Develop skills in volunteer coordination, community engagement, and logistics.
Training and support from the NSPCC team.
Be part of a dedicated and passionate team working to make a difference in children's lives.

Time Commitment:
Flexible based on your availability. The role requires regular checks on the bookshelves and the collection tin, with the frequency depending on the specific location and the volume of donations.

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, engage with your community, and help support children's well-being. If you have a passion for books, education, and helping others, we'd love to hear from you!

To apply please visit their website here.

Skills and qualifications:

Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
Friendly, approachable demeanour to engage with the public and local businesses.
Attention to detail in managing books and donations.
Proactive, with the ability to maintain the bookshelves in a clean and orderly condition.
Comfortable handling small amounts of cash and ensuring secure donation processes.
A genuine passion for the NSPCC's mission and promoting literacy and child protection.
Previous volunteer or community outreach experience is a plus, but not essential.

Suitable for specific groups: BME, Carers, Disabled (learning), Disabled (physical), Employee volunteering, Event volunteers, LGBTQ+, Long term health condition, Older people, Young people (under 18), Refugees and asylum seekers, Substance misuse, Unemployed

Gender restrictions?: No

Type of activity: Fundraising

Hosted by: Charity Horizons

“Our aim is to provide patients and their loved ones with the best possible care and support throughout their illness and at the end of their life.”

Barnsley Hospice is not just a building – it is a way of caring for people. They provide specialist palliative and end of life care for the people of Barnsley. With their support, patients are able to benefit from the best possible care throughout their illness and at the end of their life. We are now looking for an ambitious and committed Chair of The Board to join the dedicated team at Barnsley Hospice. Could this be you?
As the Chair of The Board, you will be providing leadership to the Board of Trustees and the Executive Leadership Team to ensure that the hospice delivers its mission, vision and core values. Duties will include:
Holding the Board and Executive Leadership Team to account for the hospice’s vision, mission, values and strategic objectives.
Providing visible leadership to the hospice and the board of trustees
Recruiting and developing new trustees in liaison with the Executive Leadership Team playing an active role in the development and training of all trustees
Conducting regular reviews with all trustees and undertake formal, annual one-to-one performance reviews
Acting as an ambassador and spokesperson for the hospice when appropriate.

How many volunteers are needed:

1

Recruitment process:

If you are interested in this role, we would love to hear from you! The recruitment process will involve an initial conversation with one of the team at Charity Horizons and then an interview directly with Barnsley Hospice. There is no application form, and the process is simple and straightforward. Please email volunteering@barnsley-hospice.org for more information.

Skills and qualifications:

The Person

To be considered for this unique and exciting opportunity you will have experience of working at a senior strategic, leadership level and a successful track record of career achievements. You will be skilled at delivering presentations and managing stakeholders along with a broad understanding of charity finance and charity governance issues.

You will possess strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role. Demonstrating tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively, you will confidently foster and promote a collaborative team environment.

With strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the hospice and an understanding of the needs of the Barnsley community you will demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause.

The hours required to fulfil the role can be worked flexibly and average around 2.5 days per month, with some formal meetings and activities requiring personal attendance. The role is voluntary and therefore unpaid, but the hospice can cover any reasonable expenses that you need to help support you in your role, with prior approval.

To register your interest, apply here, or get in contact with Charlie or Leanne at Charity Horizons for more information about this exciting role.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format, such as audio or video upload, please contact either Charlie or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this. Also, please let us know if you require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us.

Please also be aware that we use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition, and pregnancy.

Gender restrictions?: No

Type of activity: Trusteeship

Hosted by: SCCCC

Do you enjoy a good chat? Can you spare just an hour a week or a fortnight? Would you like to make a connection to an older person who is feeling isolated and make a real difference to their quality of life? Then come and volunteer with us!

We have just launched an exciting new project in Doncaster - extending our successful Sheffield based 'Good Neighbour' scheme into this new area so we can help even more older people (65+) who are in need of befriending support in their own homes. We already have older people waiting for a friend. Would you like to be one of the very first volunteers to join us?

We aim to match volunteers and older people according to their needs (e.g. someone who locally to you, someone who shares the same interests and hobbies). Timing and frequency of your visits can be flexible to fit around your other commitments (e.g. days, evenings or weekends).

Our older people live in Doncaster, but we welcome applications from South Yorkshire and beyond. Maybe you regularly travel to Doncaster for work, studies, or shopping? We can match you to someone around your journey! The recruitment and induction process can either be done in person or via Zoom online, to cut down on your travel time and make it more convenient for you.

Days required: Mon AM, Mon PM, Mon EVE, Tues AM, Tues PM, Tues EVE, Weds AM, Weds PM, Weds EVE, Thur AM, Thur PM, Thur EVE, Fri AM, Fri PM, Fri EVE, Sat AM, Sat PM, Sat EVE, Sun AM, Sun PM, Sun EVE

How many volunteers are needed:

100

Recruitment process:

Email volunteers@scccc.co.uk for an application form. Short application form, followed by an informal chat over Zoom or in person to get to explore your interest more. Enhanced DBS check and references will then be sought, and after that an hours induction training session will be delivered. Once matched to your older person, you will receive continuous support from our experienced staff team, and ongoing social and training opportunities will be provided.

Skills and qualifications:

No specific previous experience required. We are looking for volunteers who enjoy the company of older people - we will provide training and support to help you develop.
We are looking for people with:
- A caring attitude, patient and friendly disposition
- Good listening and communication skills
- The ability to work unsupervised and within professional boundaries
- The time to be able to be in the role for a minimum of 12 months

An Enhanced DBS and references are required - we will cover the costs and help with the DBS application

We particularly welcome applicants with multiple languages, from minoritized ethnic communities and with lived experience of underrepresented areas.

Gender restrictions?: No

Type of activity: Befriending and buddying, Caring, Community Work, Mental Health

Hosted by: SCCCC

Do you enjoy a good chat? Can you spare just an hour a week or a fortnight? Would you like to make a connection to an older person who is feeling isolated and make a real difference to their quality of life? Then come and volunteer with us!

We are looking for volunteers for our flagship 'Good Neighbour' scheme who can provide older people (65+) with befriending support in their own homes on a regular basis. We aim to match volunteers and older people according to their needs (e.g. someone who locally to you, someone who shares the same interests and hobbies). Timing and frequency of your visits can be flexible to fit around your other commitments (e.g. days, evenings or weekends).

Our older people live in Sheffield, but we welcome applications from South Yorkshire and beyond. Maybe you regularly travel to Sheffield for work, studies, or shopping? We can match you to someone around your journey! The recruitment and induction process can either be done in person or via Zoom online, to cut down on your travel time and make it more convenient for you.

Days required: Mon AM, Mon PM, Mon EVE, Tues AM, Tues PM, Tues EVE, Weds AM, Weds PM, Weds EVE, Thur AM, Thur PM, Thur EVE, Fri AM, Fri PM, Fri EVE, Sat AM, Sat PM, Sat EVE, Sun AM, Sun PM, Sun EVE

How many volunteers are needed:

100

Recruitment process:

Email volunteers@scccc.co.uk for an application form. Short application form, followed by an informal chat over Zoom or in person to get to explore your interest more. Enhanced DBS check and references will then be sought, and after that an hours induction training session will be delivered. Once matched to your older person, you will receive continuous support from our experienced staff team, and ongoing social and training opportunities will be provided.

Skills and qualifications:

No specific previous experience required. We are looking for volunteers who enjoy the company of older people - we will provide training and support to help you develop.
We are looking for people with:
- A caring attitude, patient and friendly disposition
- Good listening and communication skills
- The ability to work unsupervised and within professional boundaries
- The time to be able to be in the role for a minimum of 12 months

An Enhanced DBS and references are required - we will cover the costs and help with the DBS application

We particularly welcome applicants with multiple languages, from minoritized ethnic communities and with lived experience of underrepresented areas.

Gender restrictions?: No

Type of activity: Befriending and buddying, Caring, Community Work, Mental Health

Hosted by: NSPCC

As a Fundraising Event Organiser, you will be responsible to putting on a minimum of two events in your local area to help raise awareness and funds for the crucial work we do at the NSPCC.

You can use your personal passions and interests to set up any event that interests you (within reason). This could be a challenge event – like a sunrise walk, a monthly club – like a running or book club or anything else. The flexibility is really there – if you are struggling with ideas, a Community Fundraising Manager will be there to help you along the way!

This role offers a unique opportunity to turn your passion or interest into something that helps fund the fight to end cruelty to children.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

-Organize and manage fundraising events in your local area, such as charity challenges, social clubs, or awareness campaigns.

-Use your creativity to design events that engage your community and align with your personal interests, whether it's a sunrise walk, a running or book club, or any other fun and impactful activity.

-Promote NSPCC’s mission and work, educating your community on the importance of protecting children and supporting the fight to end cruelty to children.

-Collaborate with the NSPCC fundraising team for guidance, resources, and support to ensure your event's success.

-Foster relationships within your local community to encourage long-term support for NSPCC's cause.

Days required: Mon AM, Mon PM, Mon EVE, Tues AM, Tues PM, Tues EVE, Weds AM, Weds PM, Weds EVE, Thur AM, Thur PM, Thur EVE, Fri AM, Fri PM, Fri EVE, Sat AM, Sat PM, Sat EVE, Sun AM, Sun PM, Sun EVE

How many volunteers are needed:

Unlimited

Recruitment process:

Once you have shared your interest the local Community Fundraising Manager, Abi Baker will reach out to arrange an initial meeting and get the ball rolling.

Skills and quaifications:

Passion for the Cause: A genuine interest in the NSPCC’s mission to end cruelty to children and a commitment to raising awareness in your community.

Event Planning and Organization: Ability to plan, coordinate, and manage community events, ensuring they run smoothly and are enjoyable for participants.

Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to promote your events, engage with potential participants, and build relationships with local supporters.

Creativity: A willingness to think outside the box and come up with fun and innovative fundraising ideas that will attract attention and inspire others to get involved.

Leadership and Teamwork: Ability to lead your own projects while working collaboratively with the NSPCC team and local supporters.

Time Management: Effective time management skills to balance your volunteering responsibilities with other commitments and ensure deadlines are met.

Adaptability: Flexibility to handle various tasks and adapt to changes or challenges that may arise during the planning or execution of events.

Basic Marketing and Promotion: Familiarity with social media or other promotional methods to spread the word about your events and drive participation.

Suitable for specific groups: BME, Carers, Disabled (learning), Disabled (physical), Employee volunteering, Ex-offenders, Event volunteers, LGBTQ+, Long term health condition, Older people, Refugees and asylum seekers, Substance misuse, Unemployed

Gender restrictions?: No

Type of activity: Community Work, Entertainment, Fundraising, Local events

Hosted by: Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice

Volunteer role: Garden volunteer
Volunteer supervisor: Facilities supervisor

About the hospice:

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice offers care for children and young people in South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, North Lincolnshire and North Derbyshire. Our highly specialised care team look after children and young people with a vast range of complex medical needs. We provide support, respite, 24 hour urgent response and end of life treatment and care. Sibling support is also at the heart of our work, as well as counselling and bereavement services, hospice at home and befriending.

About this role:

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to help maintain the 6.5 acres of grounds at Bluebell Wood. This is a rewarding opportunity which allows you to contribute to providing a pleasant peaceful haven for our families to visit and enjoy.

Key tasks:

Below are outlined a range of roles. We require you to assist with some or all of the following:

• General maintenance of the garden, weeding etc.
• Planting and watering
• Assisting with garden projects
• Maintaining garden furniture
• Painting fences and garden furniture

Days required: Thur AM, Thur PM

How many volunteers are needed:

4

Recruitment process:

The process involves: volunteer application form, informal chat, Standard level DBS, 2 references, e-learning. Email volunteering@bluebellwood.org for an application form.

Skills and qualifications:

What we are looking for volunteers who:
• Have a few hours to spare either on a weekly or fortnightly basic. We have a small group of volunteers who help in the garden on Thursdays between 10am and 2pm, however we can be flexible with the times.
• Have some gardening experience
• Are friendly
• Are willing to be part of a team
• Have good communication skills as you will meet our families as they use the garden spaces
• Are respectful of families, staff, fellow volunteers and visitors

Dress code:

• Suitable, sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing for this outdoors role (weather dependent)

What we offer:

• Training, where appropriate
• The opportunity to develop new and existing skills
• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of an enthusiastic team
• Free parking at the hospice
• Free meal if volunteering over lunchtime
• Expenses agreed in advance with the supervisor

General

Bluebell Wood volunteers are asked to:

• Be a minimum of 16 years of age
• Complete e-learning training for the role
• Have a current Standard level Disclosure & Barring check (DBS) generated by the hospice
• Attend induction and any routine training
• Abide by the Health & Safety at Work Act
• Adhere to the charity policies and procedures including the no smoking, alcohol and substance misuse policy
• Co-operate and liaise with colleagues
• Act in a professional manner at all times
• Be polite and respectful to everyone you meet whilst volunteering in this role
• Act as an Ambassador for the Bluebell Wood Charity

Additional Information
Please be aware that if you do not have your own transport, or live locally, the hospice is very difficult to get to by public transport. If in doubt, please check buses etc to see if it is feasible for you to volunteer here. We are over one mile from the nearest bus stop.

Gender restrictions?: No

Type of activity: Community Work, Gardening, Practical work and DIY

Hosted by: Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice

We're looking for people who are a dab hand with a duster to support our team of Housekeepers to help maintain the high levels of hygiene standards required at the hospice. We work hard to make sure that the families who visit us create magical memories, and having a clean and relaxing environment is a big part of this.

This is a rewarding opportunity to gain experience, meet new people and help to make a real difference to the families who visit Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Volunteers will support with some or all of the following tasks:

• Hoovering, dusting and general cleaning of public areas in the hospice
• Maintenance of bed linen, towels etc
• Loading/emptying washing machines
• Mopping floors
• Cleaning and re-stocking bedrooms and bathrooms and toilets
• Deep cleaning routines to stated hygiene standards
• Removing rubbish to appropriate areas

Volunteers will be supported in this role by a Volunteer Supervisor from the Housekeeping team.

“I was a little nervous on my first day but all the staff were so friendly and welcoming that I soon relaxed and enjoyed myself. I get to meet new, interesting people of all ages. It makes me feel like I’m doing something useful and purposeful. It’s nice to use the skills that I have but also to learn new skills.” - Lynne, Hospice Volunteer.

Days required: Mon AM, Mon PM, Fri AM, Fri PM

How many volunteers are needed:

2

Recruitment process:

Volunteers will need to fill out an application form, then attend an informal interview for this role.
We would then need to do a standard level DBS check and obtain 2 character references for the applicant.
Mandatory E-learning will need to be completed before starting the role.
Volunteers will be provided with protective equipment as needed for their role.

Email volunteering@bluebellwood.org for an application form.

Skills and qualifications:

We're looking for volunteers who are:

• Able to commit to supporting the Housekeeping team on a weekly or fortnightly basis
• Friendly and welcoming
• Willing to work as part of a team
• Have good communication skills as you will be working around the general public and our families
• Able to understand the sensitive and confidential work which is carried out at the hospice.

You don't need to have any experience of cleaning or housekeeping, or volunteering in a hospice environment before. If you're not sure if this role is right for you we'd be happy to chat to you. We welcome volunteers with all sorts of experience and we're able to provide training and support.

Gender restrictions?: No

Hosted by: South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority

This is an opportunity to be an independent custody visitor [ICV]. The ICVs offer protection to detainees in the police custody suites, reassurance to the police and reassurance to the community at large that the police are running the cells well and treating people with respect and dignity, without harm.
You will gain an insight into the criminal justice system. Details can be found at,
https://southyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/recruitment/independent-c...

Please send application forms and diversity monitoring forms to Policingandreform@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk
If you have any queries, please feel free to leave a message and I will call you back.

Days required: Mon AM, Mon PM, Mon EVE, Tues AM, Tues PM, Tues EVE, Weds AM, Weds PM, Weds EVE, Thur AM, Thur PM, Thur EVE, Fri AM, Fri PM, Fri EVE, Sat AM, Sat PM, Sat EVE, Sun AM, Sun PM, Sun EVE

How many volunteers are needed:

9

Recruitment process:

Thank you for expressing interest being an Independent Custody Visitor.
There is an application process and details can be found at,
https://southyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/recruitment/independent-c...
Please complete the application and diversity monitoring form and return to policingandreform@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk
You should here back from us within 7 working days. This is a rolling recruitment process and interviews will be ongoing.
There is an informal intverview at the Mayor's office in Sheffield. Let us know if you need other arrangements.
The post is subject to 2 references, South Yorkshire Police vetting clearance which may take approximately 6-8 weeks.
On completion of the above there is 3 to 4 hour induction training.

Please send application forms and diversity monitoring forms to Policingandreform@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk
If you have any queries, please feel free to leave a message and I will call you back - thank you, Deborah

Skills and quaifications:

We provide full training. You need to be over 18 and we will apply for South Yorkshire Police vetting clearance.
Run by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority: interviews and training. Visits to: Shepcote Lane Custody Suite, Sheffield or Barnsley Police Station custody suite or Doncaster Police Station custody suite
Must be reliable and punctual to attend police stations as per the rota.
Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing with people from a variety of backgrounds.
Can demonstrate the ability to form good working relationships with a variety of people.
Can demonstrate sufficient time and flexibility to volunteer.
Be able to work with colleagues as part of a team.
Have the ability to be objective and impartial.
Demonstrate the ability to complete forms clearly and concisely.
Desirable: Basic knowledge of relevant parts of the criminal justice system and the role of an Independent Custody Visitor
Have an interest in the rights and welfare of individuals in the criminal justice system

Gender restrictions?: No

Type of activity: Legal work

Hosted by: BMBC

As an Independent Visitor, after being matched with a child or young person, you will visit them on a regular monthly basis with the aim of establishing a consistent, positive adult-child relationship. This one to one relationship can involve anything from football in the park, seeing the latest films or new things that the young person wants to do. Most importantly we hope that you will enjoy each other’s company and have some fun together.

The role involves;

• Establishing a long-term, consistent and supportive relationship with a child or young person (between 8 and 25 years old) who is looked after by the Local Authority. Helping to motivate them, develop their social skills, ensure they feel valued and encourage them to reach their full potential.

• To meet regularly with the child or young person on a monthly basis offering friendship, support and advice. Engaging in visits, positive activities and outings that are led by the young person, dependent on their interests.

• To work in partnership with the local authority while maintaining the independence necessary to this role, promoting the child’s or young person’s social and emotional development.

• Willingness to undertake any training relevant to the role and a commitment to safeguard and protect children and young people at all time.

• Contribute to the child or young person’s Looked After Child review if requested.

Days required: Mon AM, Mon PM, Mon EVE, Tues AM, Tues PM, Tues EVE, Weds AM, Weds PM, Weds EVE, Thur AM, Thur PM, Thur EVE, Fri AM, Fri PM, Fri EVE, Sat AM, Sat PM, Sat EVE, Sun AM, Sun PM, Sun EVE

How many volunteers are needed:

varies

Recruitment process:

Prospective volunteers will initially meet with the Volunteer Coordinator to find out more about the role and assess their suitability. Once a volunteer has been accepted on to the programme they will be required to complete mandatory training in order to prepare and support them in this role, the training i usually delivered weekday evenings. Once all the training and paperwork is complete and an enhanced DBS application received then they will be matched to a young person and visits can begin. The length of this process depends on the availability of the training, the receipt of all the paperwork and the timescales for the DBS checks to be completed so it can vary. Email janbray2@barnsley.gov.uk for more information.

Skills and qualifications:

Experience of working with children and young people would be helpful but is not essential as full training and support is provided at the beginning and throughout your involvement with the service. Applications are welcome from anyone over the age of 21 who has a genuine interest in the development and welfare of children.

Here are some of the skills, abilities and qualities that are required for this volunteer position:

• Must be over 21 years of age
• Ability to work independently and use own initiative
• Ability to communicate effectively with children and young people
• Be a good listener
• Be reliable and punctual
• Ability to receive and accept support and guidance
• Able to provide a long-term commitment by ‘just being there’
• Commitment to promoting the safety and welfare of young people
• Have a understanding of the challenges for looked after children/young people
• Ability to deal with sensitive, confidential and potentially distressing information
• Sensitivity to the needs and wishes of the child / young person

Gender restrictions?: No

Type of activity: Befriending and buddying, Youth Work

Hosted by: Schoolreaders

Around a quarter of all children left primary school last year unable to read well. These children are at a disadvantage because they are unable to access their secondary education properly, and this has lifelong consequences. Just ten minutes a week with one of our volunteers has been shown to improve children’s reading fluency, comprehension and enjoyment. It also gives them valuable time with an adult who is not a teacher or parent which aids their social skills. Currently, our volunteers support 30,000 children every week across the country.

Schoolreaders volunteers are matched with a local primary school and visit once a week in term time for an hour or two. They read individually with children to help improve their reading skills, their comprehension, their enjoyment of reading and also their social skills. Whilst this is a term time opportunity, holidays can be taken in this time.
We ask that our volunteers are prepared to attend school at the agreed time on the same day once a week for at least 1 hour, and stay with us for at least one full academic year from when you start in school.

Unfortunately we are unable to reimburse travel expenses. We will always try to match volunteers with a nearby school.

We get regular feedback from our Schoolreaders volunteers and their comments overwhelmingly show how much they are enjoying the experience. Many describe their school visits as the highlight of their week and comment on how satisfying it is to see the positive impact that a little of their time has on the children.

Days required: Mon AM, Mon PM, Tues AM, Tues PM, Weds AM, Weds PM, Thur AM, Thur PM, Fri AM, Fri PM

How many volunteers are needed:

20+

Recruitment process:

Please visit www.schoolreaders.org to apply or email s.lawrie@schoolreaders.org for more information.
You will then be contacted for an interview either by telephone or in person. On successful completion of this stage we will take information from you regarding your availability, the distance that you can travel and any other personal requirements. These are used to find the 'best fit' of school for you.

Skills and quaifications:

No qualifications or experience required. Schoolreaders volunteers do need to be able to speak, write and read fluently in English, enjoy spending time with children, be committed to the role and dependable. Volunteers must be over the age of 18 and willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Gender restrictions?: No

Type of activity: Coaching/ teaching and training, Languages

Hosted by: Support Dogs

We are looking for volunteers to provide a loving home and help us prepare our puppies over their first 14 months of life before they begin full time training as life-changing support dog.

As a puppy socialiser you will play a vital role in our puppies' formative years, caring for a puppy in your home and providing them with the socialisation and training they need. This is a unique opportunity to not only care for a lovely dog but also to make a significant contribution in changing the lives of people affected by autism, epilepsy and disability.

Days required: Mon AM, Mon PM, Mon EVE, Tues AM, Tues PM, Tues EVE, Weds AM, Weds PM, Weds EVE, Thur AM, Thur PM, Thur EVE, Fri AM, Fri PM, Fri EVE, Sat AM, Sat PM, Sat EVE, Sun AM, Sun PM, Sun EVE

How many volunteers are needed:

5

Recruitment process:

Application form to be completed online via Support Dogs website here.
Attending an information session about the role
Attend specific role training (3 sessions about dog handling)
Trail placement of a dog before having one full time

Skills and qualifications:

If you're thinking about volunteering as a Puppy Socialiser, there are just a few things we need from you:

- Live within 45 minutes of our centre in Sheffield
- A home with a fully enclosed, secure garden
- Need to be at home for most of the day and can dedicate time for the puppy’s needs and welfare.
- Can attend regular puppy classes and host regular home visits
- Meet the physical and mental demands of a growing, adolescent dog
- Families with children are welcome, but there must be no children under two years of age living in the household
- We can consider families with their own pet dog, but they will be assessed on an individual basis. Other pets will also be considered on an individual basis. Pet - Dogs in the home must be kept up to date with annual vaccinations, (inc. kennel cough) and flea and worming treatment
- Be able and willing to get the dog to a vet in a case of emergency
- Willing to take part and follow the training advice given by your trainer
- Must be allowed to have a dog in the home – we will need written permission if it is rented accommodation
- We are not able to consider families with someone who has uncontrolled epilepsy living in the home
*Please note that successful placement of dogs will be dependent on the needs and requirements of the charity. The location(s) and profile of volunteers will change as required to best meet the resources available to Support Dogs. We reserve the right to amend our criteria at any time without prior notice.

Suitable for specific groups: Older people

Gender restrictions?: No

When are you requiring volunteers?

Mon PM
Mon EVE
Tues PM
Tues EVE
Weds PM
Weds EVE
Thur PM
Thur EVE
Fri PM
Fri EVE

How many volunteers do you need for this role? 2

Please provide us with a description of the opportunity.

As a Support and Progression Volunteer (SPV) you’ll be part of the team that supports young people in one of our accommodation services. You will contribute to creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere within one of our hostels, dealing with enquiries, and provide access, information and contribute to the support available to young people. You will be supporting the housing staff to run a tight ship, helping with the day-to-day tasks and activities involved in running a Centrepoint service. CORE TASKS

We have core tasks that we want to work on with an amazing and passionate volunteer. These include:

Being a first point of contact for young people and visitors

Supporting residents meetings

Management of ingress/egress to the property, ensuring that only young people and visitors known to the service are allowed in/out

Managing in/out post and distribution of post to appropriate people

Managing appointments for young people, including issuing appropriate reminders to them

Administration duties e.g. letters to young people, Housing Benefit claims, supporting with reports and meeting notes, file maintenance, managing young people’s appointments, collecting service charges

Health and Safety – joint inspections with staff and ensuring electronic and hard copy systems are in place

Researching information such as job opportunities, training and apprenticeship courses for and with young people

Young people consultation work (supporting residents meetings, organising surveys)Young people activities coordination – supporting the sitting up/access to, or facilitating activities for the young people to participate within the service or in the local area

Work cooperatively with other staff and volunteers

Observe and adhere to Centrepoint policies relevant to the team and be familiar with emergency procedures in case of fire, serious accident or violence.

Are there any skills and/or qualifications that a volunteer may need to participate in this opportunity?

ESSENTIAL

Ability to communicate confidently and clearly with young people, other volunteers and staff

Ability to remain calm when involved with challenging individuals and situations

Understanding of the issues – practical and emotional – facing young people

Understanding of the importance of teamwork and a strong commitment to being part of a team

Ability to develop a rapport with young people

Good communication skills, written and oral-good telephone manner

Able to use Microsoft Office

A commitment to demonstrating Centrepoint’s values

A commitment to complete the necessary volunteer training sessions

DESIRABLE

Understanding of mental health and resilience to cope with a range of individualised coping mechanisms and outbursts

Knowledge of provisional local to the service the role is based within

Skills and confidence with supporting independent living skills, e.g. managing money, shopping on a budget, cooking

Type of activity

Administration
Advice work

What areas of interest would the role cover.

Homeless and Housing
Information, Advice and Guidance

Please tell us about the recruitment process volunteers should expect. How long should it take? Is there an application form, interview? When should they hear back from you?

Volunteers will be required to attend an interview. If successful at interview they will need to complete a DBS application - we cannot accept DBS certificates from another organisation. We will need to see ID documents and take up references. Training will be required prior to commencing the role.

Are there any gender restrictions as part of the role? No

How to apply: Email volunteer@centrepoint.org for more information

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Hosted by: SCCCC

Do you enjoy a good chat? Can you spare just an hour a week or a fortnight? Would you like to make a connection to an older person who is feeling isolated and make a real difference to their quality of life? Then come and volunteer with us!

We are looking for volunteers for our flagship 'Good Neighbour' scheme who can provide older people (65+) with befriending support over the phone on a regular basis. We aim to match volunteers and older people according to their needs (e.g. shares the same interests or hobbies). Timing and frequency of your calls can be flexible to fit around your other commitments (e.g. days, evenings or weekends).

You will be a lifeline to an older person who is isolated - having a friendly chat, giving them space to talk and be listened too, can make such a big difference to their happiness and wellbeing and your health and happiness too!

Our older people live in Sheffield and Doncaster, but as the role is home based you can live anywhere across South Yorkshire or beyond to apply. The recruitment and induction process can either be done in person or via Zoom online, to cut down on your travel time and make it more convenient for you.

Days required: Mon AM, Mon PM, Mon EVE, Tues AM, Tues PM, Tues EVE, Weds AM, Weds PM, Weds EVE, Thur AM, Thur PM, Thur EVE, Fri AM, Fri PM, Fri EVE, Sat AM, Sat PM, Sat EVE, Sun AM, Sun PM, Sun EVE

How many volunteers are needed:

100

Recruitment process:

Short application form, followed by an informal chat over Zoom or in person to get to explore your interest more. Enhanced DBS check and references will then be sought, and after that an hours induction training session will be delivered. Once matched to your older person, you will receive continuous support from our experienced staff team, and ongoing social and training opportunities will be provided. To get an application form please email volunteers@scccc.co.uk

Skills and quaifications:

No specific previous experience required. We are looking for volunteers who enjoy the company of older people - we will provide training and support to help you develop.
We are looking for people with:
- A caring attitude, patient and friendly disposition
- Good listening and communication skills
- The ability to work unsupervised and within professional boundaries
- The time to be able to be in the role for a minimum of 12 months

An Enhanced DBS and references are required - we will cover the costs and help with the DBS application

We particularly welcome applicants with multiple languages, from minoritized ethnic communities and with lived experience of underrepresented areas.

Gender restrictions?: No

Type of activity: Befriending and buddying, Caring, Community Work, Mental Health

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