Volunteer

*VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES*

We are looking for volunteers to act as caseworkers in the CARDIFF, SWANSEA and DUNDEE areas where we believe there are former Merchant Navy people who we could be assisting but they do not know about us.

See below for details on how to apply.

Are you looking for a New Volunteering Challenge?

You can make a practical, direct difference in our beneficiaries’ lives by joining our network of Honorary Agents, volunteer case workers who are absolutely vital to Society operations.

We have two main types of Honorary Agent volunteers – those who do casework and those who help to fundraise on our behalf.

Caseworkers

They work directly with beneficiaries to determine their needs and circumstances, which enables the Society to give the most appropriate support. To beneficiaries, Honorary Agents offer a friendly face and reassurance, which is so important in times of hardship.

If you would like to act on our behalf then we would like to hear from you. Read on to find out more about the qualities we seek in our volunteers, what Honorary Agents do, and our current live volunteering opportunities around the UK.

What criteria do we look for in our Caseworkers?

If you are approachable, confident, a good listener, sympathetic and discreet, you have the qualities we seek in all our volunteers. While a maritime background is clearly an advantage it is certainly not a requirement.

How much time will I need to commit?

This depends on the area and the time you have to spare – it’s up to you.

What does an Honorary Agent Caseworker’s role involve?

This is the typical process you would follow:

• We inform you of a person in need or they contact you
• You visit the person, establish what their need is and complete an application form for assistance
• You forward the completed application to our central office
• The Grants Team check entitlement to state benefits and eligibility
• The Grants Committee consider the case and make a decision
• The applicant is informed of our decision by post, with a copy of the letter sent to you for your files

If we are unable to help then through our experience we may know other organisations that can.

We also review our existing regular beneficiaries’ circumstances every three years, with help from our Honorary Agents.

Can I claim expenses?

The Society pays for volunteers’ necessary travel and accommodation expenses incurred for visits to beneficiaries. Travel is reimbursed at 45p per mile.

What training is provided for the role?

Appropriate training is provided through a short SSAFA course.

Fundraising

We need trustworthy and reliable volunteers to look after our large collecting mines or small model mines in shops, offices, restaurants and hotels.

If you are interested in applying for any of our volunteering roles, please contact Justin Osmond, Chief Executive, by phone on 01243 789 329 or e-mail general@shipwreckedmariners.org.uk

Become a Trustee

This is a voluntary role. The Council of Trustees meets four times a year and is responsible for agreeing the strategy and overseeing the governance of the Charity. Meetings are usually held at the Society’s head office in Chichester, or occasionally in London.

As a Trustee, you will help drive the Society’s aims and objectives as it continues to provide vital support to those from the seafaring community who are suffering financial hardship and distress.

Our Trustees usually have either direct maritime / fishing industry experience; business management or transferable skills, perhaps gained in the Royal Navy or similar.  Whatever your background you will bring energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the Society’s work.

Previous charity governance experience would be useful; however, we will provide a full induction and relevant training.

If you would like to know more about the Trustee role, please contact our Chief Executive:

Capt Justin Osmond RN

Tel: 01243 789329

Email: general@shipwreckedmariners.org.uk