Volunteer Hub
Village Angels
Organisation Details
LGBT Foundation - Volunteer Programme
Activity type: Advice, Information and Support, Counselling and Listening, Drugs, Alcohol and Addictions, First Aid, Health and Wellbeing, LGBT+, Mental Health
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: LGBT Foundation are a national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. We celebrate and empower LGBTQ+ individuals and our diverse communities to realise their full potential, every day.
We provide services and activities that give a lifeline to those in need, offering hope and support on their journey towards achieving their aspirations.
Our vision is a world where queer liberation enables meaningful and lasting change and plays a vital part in a more equal and just society.
We recognise the diversity and strength of our communities. We create safe spaces, amplify voices and work with our partners and allies to drive positive change.
Since 1975, we’ve been transforming the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the UK. The same spirit that fuelled our beginnings still drives us today. We are committed to championing the unique voices, experiences and cultures of LGBTQ+ people across the UK.
We know that challenges still exist, but we remain optimistic about the progress we can make together, towards a fairer and more inclusive world where queer hope and joy flourish.
We provide services and activities that give a lifeline to those in need, offering hope and support on their journey towards achieving their aspirations.
Our vision is a world where queer liberation enables meaningful and lasting change and plays a vital part in a more equal and just society.
We recognise the diversity and strength of our communities. We create safe spaces, amplify voices and work with our partners and allies to drive positive change.
Since 1975, we’ve been transforming the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the UK. The same spirit that fuelled our beginnings still drives us today. We are committed to championing the unique voices, experiences and cultures of LGBTQ+ people across the UK.
We know that challenges still exist, but we remain optimistic about the progress we can make together, towards a fairer and more inclusive world where queer hope and joy flourish.
Description of role: Since 2011, the Village Angels have provided support and assistance to patrons of Manchester’s Gay Village. Village Angel volunteers and staff patrol the Village each weekend in their trademark hot pink uniforms, helping to keep vulnerable people safe. We provide all sorts of services, from directing people to a great club, to connecting those in need with the many channels of support offered by LGBT Foundation, to offering help in reporting hate crime or responding to mental health crises. Whether someone needs a plaster, a drink of water, or help getting home safely, the Village Angels aim to be there.
The Village Haven grew out of the Village Angels project, after we recognised the need for a safe space where our more vulnerable service users could be assisted away from the busy night-time streets. The Village Haven aims to take the pressure off stretched emergency services and enable vulnerable people within the Village to be properly supported, to prevent them from coming to serious harm.
Typical duties
We ask volunteers in the Village Angels team to complete a minimum of 2 shifts per month. This helps us to
keep the service running smoothly and you to keep your knowledge and understanding up to date. In these
shifts you will be provided with all necessary equipment. Whilst on shift, we’re looking for you to be:
a friendly presence in the Village
representing yourself in a professional manner as an ambassador for LGBT Foundation
supporting those in need during Friday and Saturday nights, and making the village a safe place to be
Skills & knowledge we ask you to have
willingness to work in a team
quick thinking
compassion, and ability to support those in need
knowledge of current issues affecting LGBTQ+ people and communities, including mental health
Knowledge of first-aid is great but training is provided
The Village Haven grew out of the Village Angels project, after we recognised the need for a safe space where our more vulnerable service users could be assisted away from the busy night-time streets. The Village Haven aims to take the pressure off stretched emergency services and enable vulnerable people within the Village to be properly supported, to prevent them from coming to serious harm.
Typical duties
We ask volunteers in the Village Angels team to complete a minimum of 2 shifts per month. This helps us to
keep the service running smoothly and you to keep your knowledge and understanding up to date. In these
shifts you will be provided with all necessary equipment. Whilst on shift, we’re looking for you to be:
a friendly presence in the Village
representing yourself in a professional manner as an ambassador for LGBT Foundation
supporting those in need during Friday and Saturday nights, and making the village a safe place to be
Skills & knowledge we ask you to have
willingness to work in a team
quick thinking
compassion, and ability to support those in need
knowledge of current issues affecting LGBTQ+ people and communities, including mental health
Knowledge of first-aid is great but training is provided
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Oral Communication Skills, Practical Skills, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Friday Evening, Saturday Evening
DBS required: On
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 2 shifts per month
Location:
Canal Street
Manchester
M1 3HE