Volunteering

Why volunteer for Headway East London?
Volunteers in Action

Volunteers in Action

Volunteers are vital to the work that takes place at Headway East London. The one-on-one support that volunteers give is so important, for example: helping someone explore the internet, challenging someone to a game or simply having a really good uninterrupted conversation.

About a third of our volunteer group have had a brain injury themselves so they bring valuable personal experience and understanding to their roles. Many others are students or just community spirited people with some time on their hands.

People volunteer for a variety of reasons but the benefits should be two-way. We want you to offer something to our community, but we also want you to get something out of the experience yourself. It can be an excellent way to learn about the effects of brain injury or about life with a disability, to enhance your studies or your future career, to gain confidence, increase social and communication skills or just to feel the personal satisfaction of doing something useful. Of course it can be great fun too! You’ll be introduced to all kinds of people, from a wide variety of backgrounds, who have many stories to tell.  You may also discover new talents that you didn’t even know you had.

What will I do?

Volunteers may get involved in a range of activities including:

Volunteers helping with the gardening

Volunteers helping with the gardening

  • arts & crafts
  • computer skills
  • board games and pool
  • listening and talking
  • fun days out
  • gardening
  • shopping/buying lunch
  • helping with physiotherapy
  • music
  • cooking
  • clearing up
  • research
  • running groups
  • interviewing and writing case studies
What skills will I need?

No special skills or knowledge are necessary. However friendliness, enthusiasm, common sense, patience and a willingness to be flexible are essential!  A sense of humour is also preferable!

You will receive an induction on your first day at the centre and you will be given continuous support, as well as the opportunity to attend volunteer meetings and training sessions. You will always work closely with professional staff.

How available do I need to be?
Volunteers and members working on the big mural

Volunteers and members working on the big mural

Most people volunteer for one whole day each week from 10am to 3pm, but it can be more or less than that depending on your circumstances and the needs of the centre. The minimum time slot is just three hours a week but we expect a commitment of at least three months. References cannot be given if less than three months of regular volunteering has been completed.

Travel and lunch expenses can be paid.

Remember that Headway House is generally open during weekdays. There are no regular opportunities for evening or weekend volunteering but we do need sometimes need volunteers on a Saturday to help with our Young Person’s Group, which meets once a month. You may also wish to consider taking on a more strategic role as a board member/trustee.

Find out more

Please read our volunteer case-studies to find out more about the work our volunteers do:

If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to call us on 020 7749 7790 or send an email to info@headwayeastlondon.org.

How to apply

Please download the Volunteer Application Form (PDF)/ Volunteer Application Form (Word) and email it to philippa.paine@headwayeastlondon.org or post it to Philippa at the Headway address. Your application will be acknowledged and you will be sent some further information. If your application fits our criteria and we still need new volunteers at that time, you will then be invited for a visit and informal interview. You must provide two references and as you will be working with vulnerable adults, you will also need to have a Criminal Records Bureau check.

Please note that, due to the nature of the work, we can only accept volunteers over the age of 18.

Other opportunities to help

This page is intended for people who wish to volunteer at the Headway House, working directly with people with brain injury. If you wish to offer your professional services, like Accounting or IT, please contact Miriam Lantsbury on 020 7749 7790.

Under 18s

If you are interested in a career in social work, medicine or one of the therapeutic professions, or are just curious about what we do at Headway East London, you are welcome to come and visit. Give us a call on 020 7749 7790 and we will arrange a time with you.