Search Results
Abbot's Hospital - helping people in need
Abbot's Hospital - local Almhouse providing much needed affordable homes
Abbot’s Hospital is a local charitable almshouse providing homes to 21 households in need, within a supportive and caring environment. The almshouse, opened over 400 years ago in the Grade 1 listed historic building fronting the High Street in Guildford. It is one of the few buildings in the town that has been used continuously for its original purpose since being built and is now a very special place in the town.
We are looking for volunteers to join our great team who not only support our residents but help safeguard the building for future generations. We have a variety of opportunities available for anyone wanting to make difference to peoples lives.
If any of the opportunities below interest you, do get in touch to find out more using the application link below.
Website : Abbot's Hospital
Abbot's Hospital - volunteering opportunities
Tour guide
Volunteer Tour Guide
Abbot's Hospital have been running tours of our Grade I Jacobean almshouse for nearly 20 years and we couldn’t do it without our team of volunteer tour guides!
Our tour guides are passionate volunteers, coming from all walks of life and bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. They all have a love for the building and sharing their passion with the many visitors we receive every year. It is truly one of the town jewels
- Tours generally run between April and October - twice a week 11am to 1pm.
- Knowledge of local history would be an advantage, but it is not essential. Training is provided.
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (Witley Centre, Godalming)
Mission Statement
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is a national wildlife charity (Registered Charity 1130188) committed to conserving amphibians and reptiles and saving the disappearing habitats on which they depend.
Our vision sees amphibians and reptiles thriving in their natural habitats, and a society inspired and committed to their conservation.
General Interests
Mid-week practical conservation group
Are you interested in helping with the practical management of some of Surrey's most important and beautiful habitats, whilst learning about the wonderful wildlife they support? Then our mid-week conservation group could be just the thing.
Our friendly mid-week group meets on Tuesdays to carry out practical conservation tasks on our nature reserves in and around Surrey. During the winter, this consists mostly of scrub clearance (complete with warming bonfire), whilst in the summer it varies from infrastructure work (mending fences, installing gates etc.), clearing bracken, creating areas of bare sand and conducting reptile surveys. It's the perfect excuse to get out in the fresh air and get some rewarding exercise.
Volunteers need to provide suitable outdoor clothing (including boots and waterproofs) and bring their own packed lunch, but we provide everything else - including tea and biscuits. Volunteers with also need to arrange their own transport to and from the Witley Centre at the beginning and end of tasks. However, we are located near to Milford railway station.
Applications from students (aged 14 and over) undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh Award would be welcome.
All tasks are supervised by staff and no previous experience is required - just enthusiasm! Informal training on practical conservation skills, species ID and habitat management are always provided. There may also be the opportunity to provide more formal, structured training for committed long-term volunteers. Unfortunately, as we are a small charity, we are not able to reimburse travel expenses.
Whether you're available for a few hours or a full day, your help would be greatly appreciated. If you would like any more information, or to ask any questions, please contact us by pressing the 'sign up' button
Butterfly Conservation
Mission Statement
Our Vision
A world where butterflies, moths and nature thrive and can be enjoyed by everyone, forever.
Our Purpose
Butterfly Conservation conserves and recovers butterflies and moths and champions them for the benefit of nature and people.
Volunteering with Butterfly Conservation
Practical Conservation Group Volunteer (Surrey)
Our Practical Conservation Group Volunteers make a real difference to their local environment. Without them, many threatened butterflies and moths could be lost forever.
At Butterfly Conservation, we want to create a world where butterflies and moths are enjoyed by everyone, forever. Our Group Volunteers help ensure that their local site is a haven for wildlife and the people who enjoy it. Working with other volunteers doing hands-on, practical work, they make sure the site is right for butterflies by cutting, raking or digging.
There’s often a bonfire and refreshments, too!
You will enjoy physical work and have the chance to see the results of your efforts both on the day and in the following spring and summer when the butterflies and moths return. You don’t need to know anything about butterflies or moths to get started, but will have the chance to learn about them and other wildlife.
Why we want you
To take part in practical conservation tasks on key sites for the benefit of moths and butterflies.
What you will be doing
- Carry out practical conservation tasks (cutting scrub, raking, uprooting invasive species, clear felling etc.) as directed by the group leader.
- Ensure that you understand the work which needs to be carried out on site, why, where and how.
The skills you need
- An understanding of safe tool use, or a willingness to learn.
- You need to be capable of working outside for several hours, sometimes on uneven or steep ground.
- Since many sites are rural with poor transport links, it can be useful to have your own transport. Car sharing will be encouraged - please let the Group Leader know if this would be helpful to you.
- Your behaviour will support Butterfly Conservation’s values.
What's in it for you
- This role gives great job satisfaction – you can see the impact of your work both on the day and in the following spring / summer.
- Learn more about the site and the butterflies and moths which use it.
- Increase your social circle with like minded people, boosting your wellbeing.
Disclaimer
This role is active year round. Practical conservation days (“work parties”) are arranged at intervals during the season, but usually take place between 10am and 4pm on the chosen day. We ask for a minimum commitment to attend 1 work party over the course of one season. We will also ask you to complete health and safety training for the role. May involve accessing steep slopes, uneven ground, or remote sites. Please check with the named contact for this opportunity. Children aged 13-15 must be accompanied by an adult whilst volunteering. If you are aged 16 or 17, your parent may give written permission for you to volunteer without adult supervision
Cancer Testing Services CIC
The mission statement of Cancer Testing Services CIC
Community service is paramount in our approach to providing families with both awareness and possible solutions to all too common cancers and the problems that they can bring.
The awareness and detection work of Cancer Testing Services CIC is driven by a passion to find early indications of prostate cancer in men and also aims to lead to the uncovering of any other cancers, regardless of gender, that, through testing with a simple blood test, might assist in this early detection and the possibility of saving or extending life.
We aim to learn, educate and use knowledge, to reduce death from prostate and other cancers that affect adults in the community and will reduce the impact upon the wider families that cancer complications and deaths provide.
Safeguarding Officer
Museum of Farnham
Mission Statement
The Museum of Farnham is housed in Willmer House, a Grade I listed building with many original features and a delightful walled garden.
Here you can discover the tales of William Cobbett and George Sturt whilst marveling at the inventions of John Henry Knight. Over the years Farnham has been home to many artists and craftsmen and the Museum has a fine collection by local artists including Stephen Elmer, WH Allen, Harold Falkner and Sir John Verney, as well as Farnham Greenware.
Our local studies library is a treasure trove of information on Farnham which cannot be found anywhere else. We have maps, census data, parish records, electoral rolls, street directories, newspapers, a photographic archive and more.
The walled garden is a hidden treasure of Farnham, with a tranquil and serene feel year round. Our Garden Gallery is a popular venue and available for hire for parties, exhibitions, talks and much more.
General Interests
National Trust - Polesden Lacey (Great Bookham, Near Dorking)
The National Trust at Polesden Lacey are keen to recruit more volunteers for various teams at the property, the House, Coast & Countryside and Facilities teams.
Mission Statement
The National Trust - Our values and behaviours.
Our purpose is to look after special places, for ever, for everyone. Growing the nation's love of special places is how we do that, putting the relationship between people and places at the heart of what we do.
Our core purpose remains the same as it has been for 125 years, to bring nature, beauty and history into the lives of as many people as possible.
Our values tell us how to do this, as they guide us in our choices and influence our behaviour.
Love people and places
Welcome everyone
Think now and forever
Make it happen!
General Interests
Painshill Park Trust (Cobham)
Pewley Down Volunteers
Mission Statement
Pewley Down is a Local Nature Reserve, owned and managed by Guildford Borough Council. Pewley Down is chalk grassland, renowned for its unusual flowers, and the butterflies which depend on these. Pewley Down Volunteers have been conserving the Down for wildlife for over twenty years.
Volunteers work under the guidance of Pewley Down Volunteers Group Leaders.
We meet on the first Saturday of every month throughout the year, at 10am by the Pewley Hill entrance to the Down. Work parties go on until 2pm. Drinks & biscuits are provided. Volunteers should wear strong boots as the ground is uneven, with lots of rabbit holes. Participation by Duke of Edinburgh Award Candidates is encouraged. The main work is to keep the scrub under control, using saws, rakes and loppers. We also monitor plants and insects on site.
General Interests
Rosamund Guildford Community Garden
Mission Statement
Receive a warm welcome at Rosamund Guildford Community Garden, where a vibrant community of volunteers comes together. Our mission is to create a nurturing natural space, inviting both novice and passionate gardeners to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and wildlife.
We grow produce in tune with nature, using no-dig methods, slow natural enrichment and non-mechanisation. The Garden has many environmental features including a Roundhouse crafted through traditional methods, a pond fed by rainwater, two polytunnels, beds for growing, wildlife havens and a diverse orchard with a variety of trees.
We run regular sessions at the garden on Tuesday and Sunday afternoons between 2.30 and 4.30pm. We also have monthly Big Job Sundays for large projects or tasks that require a big group. If you’d like to come and join in one of our sessions, just drop us an email to check it’s going ahead. To become a member of the garden we ask for a nominal sign-up fee of £20 for the year, and you will be added to our garden chat and google group, as well as having free access to the garden outside of the group sessions. It’s best to try out a couple of taster days before committing to becoming a member, to make sure it’s right for you.
We look forward to hearing from you and meeting you at the garden.
General Interests
Sayers Croft Trust (Ewhurst)
Mission Statement
To provide an outdoor learning centre for use by schools and other groups at which an individuals' awareness of, and concern for, the natural environment is increased.
We aim to provide a safe and secure residential facility,offering quality first hand outdoor experiences through promoting;
Environmental appreciation and understanding
Social cohesion through shared experience
Individual self confidence and self awareness
Sustainability of the environments
General Interests
Surrey Care Trust
Mission Statement
Tackle disadvantage, social exclusion and hardship in local communities and to help people improve their life chances. We will reach out to people to equip them with the skills to improve their economic situation, to reduce their social isolation and to convince them that they have a valuable contribution to make to society.
Amongst the ways this is achieved are:
Helping people to help themselves for the longer term by providing life-changing opportunities through education and training.
- Running innovative programmes designed to keep disaffected and vulnerable young people in education, either at mainstream school or at one of our own learning centres, so that they achieve the skills and self-confidence they need for a successful and fulfilling life.
- Offering second chance learning and training to people of all ages whose lack of skills limits their opportunities and leaves them economically vulnerable.
- Making training and education programmes available to offenders and ex-offenders, both to improve their own life chances and to create safer communities by helping to reduce re-offending.
General Interests
"Supporting people role" with Swingbridge 2
This is a ‘supporting people’ role, the work takes place on a canal boat, conducting environmental work No boating or environmental skills are needed to apply for this role, though this would be an advantage but a willingness to work in this environment and with disadvantaged people is essential.
Background
The Surrey Care Trust Mission is to:
Tackle disadvantage, social exclusion and hardship in local communities and to help people improve their life chances. We will reach out to people to equip them with the skills to improve their economic situation, to reduce their social isolation and to convince them that they have a valuable contribution to make to society.
The Swingbridge 2 environmental workboat is used as a medium to provide work experience and participate in training programmes to achieve the above aims. The boat is crewed by experienced boat handlers who manage this environment safely.
We are looking for those who might want just to help with the environmental work, help with the boat operation or both The environmental work may just involve supporting and managing the environmental work , supporting small groups of up to four environmental volunteers as they carry out practical environmental work and then helping them to provide the documentary evidence (written, photographic and audio) of their understanding and progress, managing the boat operations or all the aforementioned.
LOCATION:
Swingbridge2 Work Boat based either on the River Wey in Guildford, River Thames between Teddington and Weybridge, or Basingstoke Canal in Woking.
GETTING THERE: You will need to get yourself to the boats, help with planning your route will be available if needed. Volunteers’ personal travel expenses are reimbursed.
DAYS/HOURS: Flexible, by agreement, but a regular commitment is appreciated, e.g. a day or two per week
Swingbridge2
10am – 3pm on Tuesday to Friday (currently just Tuesday and Thursday)
8.30am- 4pm on Monday
Environmental work is year round.
If you are interested in this role, or would like further details, please click on the Application button & complete the online application form and we will be in touch.
Environmental Volunteer - Swingbridge
Background
Swingbridge2 is a 30’ working tugboat which is used as a base for environmental work on or near Surrey’s waterways - the River Wey, Basingstoke Canal and the River Thames.
This role provides an opportunity to gain recognised qualifications in a variety of environmental topics whilst helping to develop general life skills.
Environmental Volunteers report to the Environmental Trainer and are supported in their training and development by ‘Training Support Volunteers’.
Whilst volunteering, Environmental Volunteers undertake accredited training in topics related to the work being carried out at the time, with a focus on health and safety whilst working on the waterways. Individual development needs are identified, and opportunities are made available as appropriate.
The boat is crewed by experienced boat handlers who manage this environment safely.
We are looking for Environmental Volunteers, who may be from disadvantaged backgrounds, with poor education, learning difficulties, homelessness, addiction being an offender or ex-offender, or long-term unemployed. Young people (14-19) from the Trust's own STEPS programmes also benefit from training on Swingrbridge2. All have the potential to progress and develop their skills, thereby improving their life chances.
Personal attributes required
- Willingness to undertake environmental work
- Willingness to work as part of a team
- Willingness to work with people with limited literacy skills and/or behavioural issues,
- A good degree of personal mobility is essential for getting on and off and moving around the boat safely, and for doing the physical work.
Skills Required
- Ability to make own way to the boat with guidance
- Environmental and boating skills are not required as these will be provided if needed.
Time Required
The placement is offered for one day per week and runs between 10.00 and 16.00. The day will depend on individual ability and availablility of places.
Background checks
Two references will be required, the trust will also make a’ Disclosure and Barring Service’ check (formerly known as CRB).
Expenses
Travel expenses may be claimed
Please contact us by clicking on the Application button & complete the online form.
Training Support Volunteer - Swingbridge
About Surrey Care Trust (SP)
Surrey Care Trust provides a range of services in alternative and first step education, family support and community safety.
The role
This is a "supporting people" role, the work takes place on a canal boat, conducting environmental work, however, other volunteers manage the boat and environmental training can be provided if needed. No boating or environmental skills are needed to apply for this role, although a willingness to work in this environment is essential.
Personal Attributes required
-
Professionalism
-
Diplomacy
- Patience
- Ability to support people with limited literacy skills and/or behavioural issues
- Willingness to help supervise environmental work
Skills required
-
Coaching and/or motivational skills
-
Ability to challenge negative behaviour
-
Physically fit as the work can be strenuous
-
A car driver is an advantage as the boat is sometimes moored when there is no easy access to public transport
Time Required
The minimum time commitment is one day every 4 weeks, and ideally we would like volunteers who can spare one regular day per week, as consistency is important for those whom we help. If you have a particular interest or skill and would like to volunteer to support a particular group eg young people or offenders, it is likely this can be arranged, subject to the relevant checks.
Background Checks
Two references will be required, the Trust will also make a "Disclosure and Barring service" check, formerly CRB.
Expenses
Travel expenses may be claimed
Please contact us by clicking on the Sign up button
Surrey Hills Society
Mission Statement
The Surrey Hills Society is an independent charity formed 15 years ago. It promotes the positive enjoyment and care of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is in the course of being rebranded as one of the UK’s National Landscapes. We encourage those who live, work in, or visit the area to explore and learn about the special qualities and distinctiveness of the area. The Society also uses its extensive network to actively promote the conservation and enjoyment of the Surrey Hills.
In June 2019 the Society was presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service which is the highest award for volunteer groups to recognise outstanding work done in their communities and is the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary organisations.
Our mission is summarised by four words: Conserve, Inspire, Educate and Enjoy.
For further information visit our website.
General Interests
The Spike Heritage Centre (Guildford)
Mission Statement
The Spike Heritage Centre is one of the few buildings remaining from Guildford's Workhouse in the Poor Law era, which housed the forgotten classes of Victorian England. The Vagrants and Casual Ward, known as The Spike was built in 1906 to house vagrants and low paid workers. After the Poor Laws ended in 1929, it continued as a night hostel until the mid 1960s. The NHS took over the site becoming St Lukes Hospital, operational until the mid 1990s when the new Royal Surrey hospital was opened. The majority of the workhouse site was redeveloped, but due to the efforts of local campaigners, the Casual Ward was saved and remains as a historic building with lots of stories to tell. Individual visitors and groups are welcome to explore this unique building with guides providing the insight about how the poor were treated in a bygone age.
General Interests
The Therapy Garden (Normandy)
Do you have 5 hours to spare each week?
Then come and help us at The Therapy Garden and join a team of fun, dedicated volunteers!
Mission Statement
The Therapy Garden is a registered charity based in Normandy Village, consisting of one acre of community garden which is managed by a team of horticulturalists, staff and volunteers to provide gardening and horticulture therapy to the more vulnerable members of society. We provide practical horticulture therapy to adults and young people with learning disabilities, mental health issues and physical disabilities.
Our ‘Green School’, enables young people aged 11-16 with learning difficulties such as autism, Down’s Syndrome and Asperger’s to achieve a City & Guilds qualification “Skills for Working Life: Horticulture” in a safe and structured environment. Students are referred to us and funded by mainstream and specialist schools in Surrey and Hampshire and many have gone on to achieve a college place or ongoing employment.
The Therapy Garden is currently days for other groups in the local community such as brain injury and stroke victims and Dementia sufferers and we are able to plan bespoke activities that are tailored to individual client needs.
Uncategorized
Waverley Borough Council-Parks & CountrySide
Mission Statement
Waverley is a rural Borough in south-west Surrey and includes the towns of Farnham, Godalming and Haslemere, the large village of Cranleigh, and other surrounding villages. Named after Waverley Abbey in Farnham, Waverley is characterised by large areas of natural green space, which together with woodland, includes grassland, flood meadows, and a significant area of lowland heathland.
Waverley Borough Council is responsible for a variety of countryside sites across the Borough, many of which support rare or threatened habitats and species. A small team of Countryside Rangers oversee the management of these sites, with the aim of improving habitats for wildlife, protecting rare species, enhancing the experience of site visitors, and engaging residents.
To help maintain these sites to the highest possible standard and give people the opportunity to become involved, the Council runs a programme of regular countryside volunteer sessions which are open to all.
General Interests
Waverley Countryside Volunteers 16+. (Under 16's accompanied by an adult)
We run a regular programme of volunteer sessions on our parks and countryside sites around Farnham, Godalming, Haslemere, and Cranleigh. These sessions involve carrying out practical works to improve the sites for both wildlife and visitors, and include tasks such as clearing small trees and scrub, hedge laying, path improvements, tree planting, grass cutting, and removing invasive species. Our sites include Frensham Great Pond and Common, Farnham Park, the Phillips Memorial Park, Blackheath Common, and many others.
You don’t need any specialist skills and we provide tools, work gloves, and full guidance, as well as hot drinks and biscuits. It’s a great way of getting out and about, meeting new people, and keeping fit.
Applications from students (aged 16 and over) undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh Award would be most welcome. Under 16 year olds will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Most of our regular sessions are during the week, but we do also run 1 or 2 weekend sessions per month during the autumn and winter. You are free to come along to whichever sessions suit you, and there is no requirement to book or commit yourself in advance,
If you would like to sign up or want some further information then please click on the 'fill out application' button.
West Horsley Place Trust
Mission Statement
West Horsley Place is a Grade I listed mediaeval manor house and estate of great beauty and historic significance. The manor house dates from 1425, though there has been a building on site since Saxon times. Our recent work to conserve and maintain the house has made our principal rooms safe and comfortable for public access, but the house remains on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.
The West Horsley Place Trust aims to bring the house, gardens, 380-acre estate and eight Grade II listed outbuildings back into good repair and to improve people's wellbeing through art, culture, heritage & nature.
We will give people freedom to explore and discover, to create stories and become part of ours.
VISION
- To bring about a quiet revolution in the way an historic house and estate is managed
- To be a place that improves people’s wellbeing through culture, heritage and nature
MISSION
- To be sustainable, financially, environmentally and socially
- To be a catalyst for creativity
- To conserve the listed buildings in our care so that they are no longer on the Historic England ‘at risk’ register
- To provide learning and engagement opportunities in culture, heritage and nature
- To broaden our audience by being welcoming, inclusive and accessible
- To enhance the natural landscape through increasing biodiversity and habitat connectivity
