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Support session volunteer

Volunteer in England and Scotland with people who need support to resolve problems and make their voices heard.

What does a support session volunteer do?

You’ll be working with people with mental health problems, people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people with other disabilities.

As a support session volunteer, you might:

  • help people have their say when it matters most
  • offer general advocacy support, including one-to-one support
  • help people to make complaints and use local services

Volunteering opportunities are available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. You need to be over 18 years old with the right to work in the UK, and be living in the UK.

After years of volunteering, I feel that there is no better thing to do than help someone through challenging times.

Where can I volunteer as a support session volunteer?

Support session volunteers are needed in England in: Cambridge and Peterborough, Doncaster, Bedfordshire, East Riding, Newham and Redbridge, Hampshire, Lincolnshire, South Gloucestershire, Sunderland and Tameside.

Support session volunteers are needed in Scotland in Edinburgh, and in locations all across Scotland.

What skills will I need?

You’ll need to be able work independently and safely in various situations.

These skills will be important:

  • Empathy with people
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
  • Ability to act as a representative of VoiceAbility
  • Good communication
  • Respect for difference and diversity
  • Non-judgmental attitude
  • Organisational skills

What will I get from volunteering?

As a volunteer you won’t be paid, but you will receive excellent training, paid expenses and access to our benefits programme.

  • grow your confidence and communication skills
  • build up personal experience in health and social care
  • develop skills in accessibility, confidentiality and empathy
  • add experience to your CV
  • know you’re making a difference to people’s lives

If you prefer, email us at volunteering@voiceability.org.

You can also call 0300 303 1660.