Volunteer in Bedfordshire

Location:

Bedfordshire

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Voice Ability.

Voice Ability is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts, and other voluntary and private sector organizations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on advocacy and our services, please visit our website – (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Volunteering with Voice Ability allows you to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles are rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, all while experiencing personal fulfillment.

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer more if you wish. Whether you want to give back, learn something new, or enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs, wishes, and wants. Some need support with this but lack friends or family to assist them. RPRs and volunteers support these individuals to ensure they receive the care they deserve. Your role involves collaborating with the Voice Ability RPR to ensure a person’s views are considered in care decisions.

As an RPR Support Volunteer, you might:

• Visit people in their care homes to ensure they’re receiving proper care and support
• Discuss their feelings, thoughts, and wishes
• Keep detailed notes and records
• Make a real difference in someone’s life

Hospital volunteers visit settings to ensure that individuals detained under the Mental Health Act are aware of their legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate. They help clients access advocacy support and support advocates’ work.

This role involves weekly visits to Townsend Court and Poplar Wards (Luton) on Fridays (1-4 pm) or Fountains Court (Bedford) on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

As a hospital volunteer, you might:

• Hold drop-in sessions
• Attend events and ward meetings
• Share information
• Assist people in requesting advocacy support via forms or calls

You will support individuals over 18 with disabilities, including those with mental health issues, learning difficulties, autism, and other disabilities. Your role involves supporting clients to understand and undertake tasks on a one-to-one basis, tailored to individual needs.

As a support session volunteer, you might:

• Help people have their say when it matters most
• Assist individuals in navigating challenges and meeting their needs
• Support people in making complaints and using local services

All volunteering occurs Monday to Friday, between 09:00 and 17:00. You must be over 18 and living in the UK. Please note, there are no weekend or evening opportunities.

Voice Ability is committed to safeguarding all clients. Volunteers will need to undertake a DBS check and provide contact details for two referees, in line with our safer recruitment practices.

We promote an inclusive workplace that values diversity and treats everyone equally. As a Disability Confident employer, we encourage applicants with disabilities who meet the role’s essential criteria to apply. For alternative application options, please contact our Volunteering team.