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- Tasks: Help people have their voices heard and support them in making important decisions.
- Company: VoiceAbility, a leading charity dedicated to advocacy and involvement services.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop communication skills, and make a real difference in your community.
- Why this job: Join us to empower others and enjoy personal fulfilment while connecting with diverse individuals.
- Qualifications: Open to anyone over 18 living in the UK, no prior experience required.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of just 3 hours a week, with opportunities for growth and learning.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility.
Location: Bedfordshire
Salary: Volunteer Position
Contract Type: Part Time
All applications by 23/07/2026 23:59
About VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility 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 organisations. 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.
Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility
Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!
We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you’re looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!
Volunteer positions currently available in Bedfordshire:
- Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer: People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs, wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them. This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve. Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.
- Hospital Visitor Volunteer: Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate. The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake. This role entails weekly visits to either Townsend Court and Poplar Wards (Luton) on Fridays 1-4 or Fountains Court (Bedford) on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
- Support Session Volunteer: You’ll be supporting people over the age of 18 with disabilities, this may include those with poor mental health, learning difficulties, autism and other disabilities. Your role will include supporting clients to understand and undertake a task on a one-to-one basis. The task will vary from client to client as will the needs of the individual.
All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00. You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.
Safeguarding Commitment Statement: VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.
ED&I Statement: VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. VoiceAbility is a Disability Confident employer. Any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.
To find out more click “Apply Now”.
Advocate Volunteer: Help People Be Heard in Bedford employer: Sandwell College
Contact Detail:
Sandwell College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advocate Volunteer: Help People Be Heard in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before you step into that interview, do a bit of homework on VoiceAbility. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your own experiences align with what they do. This will help you show genuine interest and make a great impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions related to advocacy and volunteering. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s your turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you're chatting with the interviewers, let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to advocacy and making a difference in people's lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a chance to reiterate your excitement about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Advocate Volunteer: Help People Be Heard in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what motivates you to volunteer with us.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the role descriptions carefully and tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference!
Show Your Passion: We love seeing applicants who are passionate about advocacy and helping others. Share any relevant experiences or stories that demonstrate your commitment to supporting people in need – it really makes a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the latest info about the roles available. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell College
✨Know Your Advocacy Basics
Before your interview, brush up on the fundamentals of advocacy and the specific services offered by VoiceAbility. Understanding their mission and how they support individuals will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Share Personal Experiences
Think about any relevant experiences you have that relate to advocacy or supporting others. Whether it's volunteering, personal stories, or professional roles, sharing these can demonstrate your passion and suitability for the position.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the role, the team, or the impact of the work. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an advocate volunteer, strong communication skills are key. During the interview, practice clear and empathetic communication. Use examples to illustrate how you've effectively communicated with others in challenging situations.