Service Community Volunteer

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just patience, and an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and age groups. If so, please get in touch.

Community Volunteers provide practical help to military personnel and their families. Whilst a friendly chat is an important aspect of the role you will also be providing some hands-on support like a lift to a medical appointment or help with shopping.

A Disclosure (DBS) Check is required for this role.*

* A DBS certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case by case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Military life can bring its challenges when a loved one is deployed overseas, or a family has to move to a new town. Some people find themselves facing illness, bereavement or unexpected financial problems. Day-to-day activities can become difficult without a little help. That’s where you come in! Could you spare a few hours a week to lend a helping hand to a military family

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need a driving licence and access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or elsewhere.

Some volunteers will visit more people than others. Whilst you may visit a client on a regular basis for a period of time you will not be developing the kind of relationship where you would provide personal care, handle money or support someone in an emergency. SSAFA can help clients to arrange other types of support if needed.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

  • Give back to the military community
  • Support people in your community with a military background using your patience, time and life experience
  • Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
  • Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
  • Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What about training and support?

  • One day training course for Community Volunteers
  • Local Community Volunteer Coordinator
  • Support from a Volunteer Support Manager (per region)
  • Access to the Welfare Team and Volunteer Support Team based at our central office
  • On-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date with how to keep clients, their families and personal information safe
  • Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

What are we looking for?

  • Friendly and approachable people of any age with good listening skills, patience and a cheerful attitude
  • Good spoken English
  • Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
  • Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to friendship, finances etc.
  • Reliable attitude, contact clients promptly, keep appointments, update the CVC regarding your availability
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely (within SSAFA policies)
  • Access to public transport or a car to meet clients
  • Ability to provide two referees: former employers or other people that know you well (other than relatives)

How to find out more

  • Complete the volunteer application form below
  • Call our friendly central Volunteer Team on 0800 032 5612. They can answer any general questions about volunteering and put you in touch with your local branch

How do we use your information?

The information you provide will be used to create a personal record on our database if your application to become a SSAFA volunteer is successful. It will not be used for any other purpose or shared with any other organisation; all data collected from unsuccessful applicants will be destroyed as soon as it is no longer needed. SSAFA complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018.  Please read our privacy policy for more information.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

SSAFA complies with the Equality Act 2010 and welcomes volunteers from all walks of life. For further details see our equality and diversity policy.

What you'll do

Key role responsibilities

  • Contacting clients and arranging to meet them at their home or in a suitable place depending on their needs
  • Letting the Community Volunteer Coordinator know of any concerns for your or the client’s safety
  • Arranging for a SSAFA caseworker to assess the client for other support as required
  • Providing practical help like lifts to appointments, going to the shops, washing-up, running errands etc.
  • Helping your client to think about ways to source other support if needed
  • Keeping in touch with your Community Volunteer Coordinator so they know your availability
  • Keeping a brief record of your visits so we know the number of people we support and the help given
  • Keeping up to date with training, supervision and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients
  • Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction)

Application form

Address

Please provide us with your address by using our address lookup or by entering your address manually.

Thank you for trusting us with your data. For extra peace of mind about how we keep your data secure and how we manage your personal data, you can read more information in our Privacy Policy.