At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead volunteer initiatives and empower communities to shape recovery-focused services.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in coordinating volunteers and understanding of gambling-related harm.
The predicted salary is between 25878 - 29942 £ per year.
Location: West Midlands
Working Hours: 37 hours (full-time)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,878 - £29,942
Make a real difference in your community. Are you passionate about involving people with lived experience to shape and improve services? Do you believe that volunteering, peer support and co-production can transform lives? At Aquarius, we help people and communities overcome the harm caused by alcohol, drugs and gambling. We're looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Volunteer & Participation Coordinator to join our Gambling Prevention Team, leading the development of volunteer, peer support and participation opportunities across our services.
This is an exciting opportunity to champion the voices of people with lived experience, helping to create inclusive, recovery-focused services that are shaped by the people who use them.
About the Role
As Volunteer and Participation Coordinator, you will lead on the development and coordination of volunteering, peer support and co-production activities across the Gambling Prevention Service. Working closely with Service Managers, Team Leaders, practitioners and partner organisations, you'll recruit, train and support volunteers, while creating meaningful opportunities for people with lived experience to influence and improve the services we deliver. You'll play a key role in embedding participation across the service, ensuring volunteers and peer supporters feel valued, supported and empowered to make a positive difference in their communities.
What You’ll Do
- Recruit, train, supervise and support volunteers and peer supporters, ensuring they have the skills, confidence and ongoing support to succeed.
- Develop and coordinate participation, co-production and lived experience initiatives that influence and improve Gambling Prevention services.
- Work collaboratively with managers, practitioners and partner organisations to create meaningful volunteering opportunities and promote inclusive participation.
- Deliver volunteer training, maintain accurate records and produce reports to support service monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement.
- Promote a culture of empowerment, equality and inclusion, ensuring the voices of people with lived experience are at the heart of service development.
To Succeed in This Role, You’ll Need:
- Experience coordinating volunteers, peer support programmes or participation initiatives within health, social care or the voluntary sector.
- An understanding of gambling-related harm, recovery, co-production and the value of lived experience in shaping services.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage people from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Strong organisational and IT skills, with experience maintaining accurate records and producing reports.
- A proactive, flexible approach, with the confidence to work independently, travel across the service area and inspire others to get involved.
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:
- 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
- Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
- Life assurance (3× annual salary)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
- Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
- Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
- 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
- Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
- £500 Recommend a Friend bonus
- Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
- Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
- Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year
Inclusion and accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk
Closing Date: 2026-08-12
Volunteer & Participation Coordinator employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and service users. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to health equality, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in the vibrant city of Sheffield, this role as a Health & Wellbeing Nurse allows you to be part of a dedicated team focused on transforming lives and promoting mental health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer & Participation Coordinator
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer & Participation Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Waythrough, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Waythrough.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Waythrough and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
