Volunteering

Volunteers bring vitality and energy and a different perspective to our work. Independence Trust is a demanding environment in which to volunteer where every day is different and rewarding. If you like what we do and think that volunteering might suit you then this part of the website is for you.

We value volunteers for their passion, commitment and desire to make a difference and Independence Trust has always been committed to the development of volunteers in order to make the best use of all that they offer.

Volunteers’ skills are used throughout the organisation. For example, in our drug and alcohol services volunteers help to run the needle exchange and offer advice and information on the telephone and face to face. In our mental health services, volunteers offer face to face support, facilitate groups and support outings that help with developing social skills with service users. There are also a number of opportunities in administration or business development.

There are no specific qualifications for volunteers. All we ask is that you can be flexible and willing to learn. We look for people who share our values of empathy, tenacity, challenge and ethics. We welcome those who may have personal experience of the issues that face those who use our services. We enjoy Investing in Volunteers recognition. This award represents the organisation’s positive and inclusive attitude to volunteers and the ways in which we recruit, train and support our volunteer teams.

Many people who use our services may one day want to make use of their experiences and train to become volunteers. Some then become paid staff. If volunteers wish, they are encouraged to develop their skills and knowledge as a route to gaining careers.

We offer comprehensive training and continuing support to all volunteers.

Contact the Volunteering department at  volunteering@independencetrust.co.uk