Group Lead volunteer (Maidstone Branch)

Be at the heart of your Parkinson's community.

Our groups offer vital friendship and support, and as a Lead Volunteer, you'll be part of a collaborative team of volunteers, making shared decisions to ensure activities are safe and inclusive. You'll be responding to the unique needs of people living with Parkinson's, right where you are.

'Well, I would say that I've gained a lot from volunteering. That, as somebody diagnosed with Parkinson's, I could sit back and withdraw from society and feel sorry for myself. But what volunteering has given me is the opportunity to be out there, to contribute and to feel that I'm doing something worthwhile with it.' Bill, Volunteer.

Join a friendly team, make a big impact and build community as a Lead Volunteer. The role will include organising the event calendar for the group, recording minutes and sending out an agenda for group committee meetings and keeping in touch with members. You'll be supported every step of the way by your fellow volunteers, a named Parkinson's UK Staff Contact and essential training, so you won't be alone.

For more information click the Ask a Question button or contact

Why we want you

Our groups offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and are run by volunteers just like you!

As a lead volunteer, you'll play a key role in your group by joining with others to make shared decisions about how your group operates. Together, you'll help ensure that your group's activities are effective, safe. legal and inclusive. You'll make decisions in a collaborative way, responding to the unique needs of your Parkinson's community. There are resources and support available to help you carry out the role effectively, so you won't be alone.

Please read this role description alongside the role advertisement for further details and talk to your Parkinson's UK Staff Contact. They are there to help and guide you every step of the way.

What you will be doing

• Making decisions collaboratively by listening to the views of other volunteers and people affected by Parkinson's.
• Together with other group volunteers, ensuring that your group's activities are effective, safe, legal and inclusive.
• Staying up to date with Parkinson's UK training and guidance and putting it into practice in your decision making.
• Representing Parkinson's UK in line with our values and the Volunteering Agreement.

The skills you need

• You're enthusiastic and committed to your Parkinson's community.
• You're good at communicating, as well as ensuring that everyone is included and heard.
• You enjoy joining with others to make decisions in a fair and inclusive way.
• You understand the importance of the group operating in an effective, safe, legal and inclusive way.

What's in it for you

• Make a real difference; you will directly impact people living with Parkinson's in your community, providing enjoyable and enriching activities.
• Gain further experience; use and build on your skills in teamworking, organisation and collaborative decision making.
• Join a friendly team; you'll get to meet and connect with other volunteers and staff from Parkinson's UK.
• Increase your understanding; learn more about Parkinson's and the support available.
• Be part of a pioneering organisation; join an organisation committed to improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson's.
• Full support; we'll give you all the training you need to get started and will be here to support you along the way.
• Expenses covered; we'll pay any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred as part of your volunteering, in line with our expenses policy.