- Are you supportive, a good listener and non-judgmental?
- Are you a good communicator?
- Can you give some time to vulnerable people who need help to speak up for themselves?
Speak Out has a fantastic team of Volunteers and Volunteer Citizen Advocates. They help people to express their views, be informed, uphold their rights, make choices, resolve problems and be active citizens in the community.
Volunteers make this happen...
- by advocating for one person to help sort out a problem
- by supporting a self-advocacy group to speak up about important issues
- or by joining our management committee to help steer the work we do
I have volunteered in quite a few voluntary organisations in Brighton & Hove and I think my work at Speak Out is the most enjoyable voluntary work I have done in B&H; and I think that comes from the sense of meaning and purpose that comes from Speak Out volunteering and the great staff and volunteers. "
About you
- You should feel confident in your ability to communicate with all sorts of people, be non-judgmental, have patience and initiative and treat people with respect.
- Volunteers can also support our fundraising activities and we encourage people to get involved with our inclusive social activities.
- The work is very rewarding and provides opportunity to develop skills and expertise in advocacy. Many volunteers have gone on to secure work in related fields.
Volunteer Opportunities
Drop-in Volunteer
We have weekly and bi-weekly drop-ins in central Brighton, Hove and Kempton. As a drop-in Volunteer, you can help people at our drop-in sessions to build connections and discuss difficulties they are facing.
You may be assisting individual members to communicate with each other, support phone calls, emails or letter writing.
You should also be prepared to sit, listen and simply be alongside someone to help them feel reassured, respected and more confident.
Advocacy Groups
Working with a member of staff, you will help facilitate one of our well-established self-advocacy groups. Volunteer Advocacy Group Supporters enable people with learning difficulties to play an influential part as local citizens.
You will need to be available at a regular time each week or fortnight to support group members to speak up about things going on in their lives that they want to share.
Group supporters also assist people to attend external meetings and activities.
Applying to be a Volunteer with Speak Out
We are always happy to receive applications for volunteering roles and these are reviewed as and when they come in but do also check out our Work with Us page for specific volunteering vacancies.
To be involved, and to help make a difference to people's lives, please contact us or send an email to ask for an application form.
All volunteer DBS checks will be paid for by Speak Out.
