Could you volunteer to make a difference of a lifetime? Help Parents 1st support parents through pregnancy, birth & beyond…
To help meet the demand for support for families across Essex, we’re looking for volunteers in Basildon, Thurrock, Southend and the surrounding areas to help support new and expectant parents at our outreach events. We currently run regular outdoor walk and talk sessions, antenatal information sessions, coffee mornings, fitness and first aid courses and need volunteers to assist our friendly team at these events. Volunteers will help our peer supporters run the events – you might be welcoming parents, making tea, chatting and connecting with parents or holding a baby whilst mum has a drink!
We’re running training for new volunteers during October. Please take a look at our website for more information and to register your interest in taking part in the training:
Essex County Council is looking for volunteer Public Contributors to support the work of its Health Determinants Research Collaboration.
This is a voluntary role rather than paid employment. It offers local people an opportunity to use their lived experience and perspectives to help shape research intended to improve health and wellbeing across Essex.
Public Contributors will help ensure that research reflects the issues that matter to residents and communities, and that local people have a meaningful voice in how it is developed.
Further information about the role and how to apply is available here:
The Essex Alliance are sharing this opportunity on behalf of The Essex Neurology Network, who are looking for a Treasurer to join their organisation.
Are you someone with a knack for numbers and a heart for helping others? Our organisation is looking for a volunteer treasurer to join our friendly trustee team.
You’ll help oversee our finances, prepare simple reports for committee meetings, and guide us on financial matters—all the while supporting a cause that truly matters.
What you’ll do:
Keep an eye on our accounts and help us stay on track
Produce short financial updates for our monthly committee meetings
Advise on budgeting and financial planningHelp us applying for funding
Help complete our annual accounts and get them independently examined
Be part of key decisions shaping the charity’s future
Who we’re looking for:
Someone with experience in finance or bookkeeping
Ideally, some knowledge of charity finances (but not essential)
A team player who enjoys problem-solving
Passionate about our cause and making a positive impact
Why join us:
Make a real difference to the lives of those we support
Work with a small, friendly, and committed team
Gain experience in charity governance and finance
Enjoy a flexible, voluntary role within a supportive environment
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
To find out more, please contact Rosie our Secretary on essexneuronetwork@gmail.com
Essex Neurology Network is a growing network of people affected by neurological conditions, health professionals, representatives of support charities and the Essex community, and staff, students and researchers at the University of Essex. By bringing together a wide range of professionals and the voluntary sector, we hope to share good practice and encourage best services, in order to support those who are affected by neurological conditions, so they are enabled to live active and fulfilled lives.
HMRC has announced a long-awaited increase to volunteer mileage rates – rising from 45p to 55p per mile. This change follows years of campaigning from voluntary sector organisations and will have important implications for volunteer expenses, budgeting and recruitment.
We’ve broken down what this means for charities, community groups and volunteer-involving opportunities – including what you may need to review next.
The Essex Alliance is sharing these opportunities on behalf of CARA
Sessional Play Therapist
We are currently seeking a sessional Play Therapist to work with CARA, supporting clients age 4 and over who have experienced any form of sexual violence.
For a role description, please click here
For an application form, please click here Application deadline: 10am, Friday 19th June 2026. Interviews: Week commencing 29th June 2026
Start date: As soon as possible, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check. This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.
Advocacy Volunteer
CARA is looking for a Volunteer to support our Advocacy Co-ordinator in providing advocacy support to victims and survivors of any kind of sexual violence. You would have an allocated case load, and work would include support around housing, finances, health, domestic abuse and other issues.
For a role description, please click here
For an application form, please click here
Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted for interview as they are received
Start date: As soon as possible, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check. This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.
The Essex Alliance is sharing this opportunity on behalf of Parents 1st.
Could you volunteer to make a difference of a lifetime? Help us to support parents through pregnancy, birth & beyond….
Join us for our Community Support volunteer training courses this June and July!
Having a baby should be an exciting life changing event for any parent. However, this is not the case for all parents – at the moment, we are experiencing a huge demand for emotional support pre- and post-birth from mothers, fathers and birthing people.
Peer support can be a lifeline for parents who are feeling vulnerable, anxious or isolated. Some friendly, informal and free peer support can make the difference of a lifetime. We are looking for kind, friendly individuals who have a listening ear, who are non-judgemental and who have experience and an understanding of the pressure of having a baby.
To help meet the demand for support for families across Essex, we’re looking for volunteers to help support new and expectant parents at our outreach events. We currently run regular outdoor walk and talk sessions, antenatal information sessions, coffee mornings, fitness and first aid courses and need volunteers to assist our friendly team at these events. Volunteers will help our peer supporters run the events – you might be welcoming parents, making tea, chatting and connecting with parents or holding a baby whilst mum has a drink!
DATES
Wednesdays 17th & 24th June and 8th & 15th July 2026 TIME
10:00am-1:00pm LOCATION
Corringham Fire Station, 37 Fobbing Rd, Corringham, Stanford-le-Hope, Essex SS17 9BG COST
FREE
Volunteer Opportunity – Day Centre Support Volunteer
Days: Wednesday and Friday Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm Location: Crossroads Day Centre, Braintree
We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers to join our Day Centre team, supporting adults living with Dementia, Parkinson’s, cognitive delay, and age‑related memory challenges. Our Day Centre provides a safe, welcoming space where people can enjoy activities, social interaction, and a sense of community.
What the role involves
As a Volunteer, you will help create a warm, enjoyable environment by supporting with light, meaningful activities such as:
• Crafts and creative sessions
• Bingo, quizzes and games
• Music, entertainment and group activities
• Chatting with service users and offering companionship
• Making and serving tea, coffee and refreshments
• Fetching and serving lunch prepared by our volunteer cook
• Helping staff set up and tidy away activity materials
What you won’t be asked to do
• No toileting or personal care
• No lifting or physical handling
• No lone working — you will always be alongside 3–4 paid staff and other volunteers
Who we’re looking for
• Friendly, patient and compassionate
• Comfortable chatting with older adults
• Reliable and able to commit to regular sessions
• Happy to follow staff guidance and safeguarding procedures
• Enjoys being part of a supportive team
What you’ll gain
• A rewarding role supporting local families and unpaid carers
• Experience working with people with dementia and similar conditions
• Training, support and a warm welcome from our team
• The chance to make a real difference to someone’s day
For more information or to apply, call 01376 529985 or email crossroads1974@outlook.com
Could you volunteer to make a difference of a lifetime? Help us to support parents through pregnancy, birth & beyond…
Join us for our Community Support volunteer training courses this April!
We have courses running in North and South Essex:
COMMUNITY SUPPORT VOLUNTEER TRAINING -NORTH ESSEX – APRIL 2026 When: Wednesdays 15, 22, 29 April and 6 May 2026, 10:00am-1:00pm Where: Morrisons Community Room, Morrisons Little Clacton, Centenary Way, Little Clacton, Essex, CO16 9SB
COMMUNITY SUPPORT VOLUNTEER TRAINING – SOUTH ESSEX – APRIL 2026 When: Wednesdays 15, 22, 29 April and 6 May 2026, 10:00am-1:00pm Where: in-person training, venue tbc
Having a baby should be an exciting life changing event for any parent. However, this is not the case for all parents – at the moment, we are experiencing a huge demand for emotional support pre- and post-birth from mothers, fathers and birthing people.
Peer support can be a lifeline for parents who are feeling vulnerable, anxious or isolated. Some friendly, informal and free peer support can make the difference of a lifetime. We are looking for kind, friendly individuals who have a listening ear, who are non-judgemental and who have experience and an understanding of the pressure of having a baby.
To help meet the demand for support for families across Essex, we’re looking for volunteers to help support new and expectant parents at our outreach events. We currently run regular outdoor walk and talk sessions, antenatal information sessions, coffee mornings, fitness and first aid courses and would like volunteers to assist our friendly team at these events. We are also looking for Facebook Ambassadors and support at other events organised or attended by the Parents 1st team.
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What does the training involve?
Our volunteer training course is 4 weeks of 3-hour in-person training sessions. You will need to attend all 4 weeks to complete the training.
We will cover important topics such as safeguarding, boundaries of the role, communication, confidentiality and listening skills.
Our approach is friendly and relaxed so that you enjoy the experience whilst also building your knowledge and skills. You will also be offered ongoing support and training. Most of all we want to equip you to be a confident volunteer.
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Why should I volunteer?
Join the Parents 1st award-winning volunteering team and help to make a real difference to expectant and new parents.
Empathy, kindness and a listening ear can make a real difference to someone navigating pregnancy and parenthood. By providing non-judgmental support, you can help a parent feel heard respected and help build their confidence. Volunteering with Parents 1st is flexible and rewarding, and you can choose how much time you can give.
During your training and time supporting parents in Essex, you will get to know other volunteers, learn new skills, make new friends and build your confidence.
Some of our volunteers progress to providing one-to-one peer support to families during pregnancy and after birth. The Community Support training is the first step in building the skills to become a one-to-one peer support volunteer and a requirement before you can book on to further training.
Volunteering can be an amazing experience, and here at Parents 1st UK we highly value the contribution that our volunteers give to the communities we serve. In return, we endeavour to give our volunteers a rewarding and enjoyable experience, with full training and regular supervision sessions to ensure they’re prepared and feel supported themselves.
How do I get involved?
Book onto one of our training courses! For full details, please visit the Parents 1st website:
Join Braintree District Council for a day of giving back and making a difference in our community at Volunteer Day!
Welcome to Volunteer Day!
Come join us on Wed Jun 04 2025 at 10:00 AM at Braintree Town Hall for a day of giving back to our community. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or looking to get involved for the first time, there’s something for everyone at this event.
Help out with local projects, meet like-minded individuals, and make a positive impact in our town. Together, we can make a difference!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with others and make a difference. See you there!
Wednesdays 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th October 2026
10:00am–1:00pm
In person, Corringham Fire Station, 37 Fobbing Road, Corringham, Stanford Le Hope SS17 9BG
