Volunteer with us

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Do you want to make a difference to the lives of people affected by alcohol, drugs or gambling?

Our volunteers are a special part of the Aquarius family

Many of our services rely on the help and support given by volunteers, and we value the positive impact volunteers often have on people’s recovery journeys.

We have lots of different volunteering opportunities from running events, leading an activity or group or having key role in someone’s recovery. We also regularly take on student placements.

A role for everyone

Volunteering can be an extremely enjoyable and rewarding experience. We offer a wide range of roles and responsibilities throughout Aquarius.

We aim to fit each person’s experience, skills, knowledge and time available to the different types of volunteer roles we offer. Depending on your role, we provide induction training and relevant learning and development opportunities to support you. You’ll gain valuable skills and experience as a volunteer at Aquarius.

Time commitment

Minimum of 2 hours a week, when supporting groups or activities we need consistency, so being able to regularly attend every week. For planning and supporting a day out, for example, we will need more time committed.

Getting involved

Take a look below to see how you can get involved, and help us make a real difference to people’s recovery journeys. If you have any questions, check out the FAQs section below or get in touch.

Success story

Find out more about what it’s like to volunteer with Aquarius in this blog by Linda, one of our volunteers at the Steps To Change Project.

Adult Services Team

There are plenty of volunteering opportunities within our Adult Services Team. Click on the descriptions below to find out about the opportunities available:

Time commitment

Dependent on role (see role description for more details), when supporting vulnerable people, consistency is essential.

Young People’s Team

There are plenty of volunteering opportunities within our Young People’s services. Whether that’s supporting young people’s treatment, running groups, organising activities and days out or running events in schools and universities. Click on the descriptions below to find out about the opportunities available:

Time commitment

Dependent on role (see role description for more details), when supporting young people consistency is essential, so being able to regularly attend every week is a must.

Volunteering gave me a safe place to find me again. I can be honest and open and don’t need to hide my past.

Volunteering with Aquarius has been a beautiful experience for me. Surrounded by non-judgemental people from service user level to management. I appreciate how staff encourage and value my feedback and implement it.

I’ve enjoyed meeting lots of new people, including the other volunteers. It’s nice to chat with people as we go about our tasks.

Being asked for my opinion or to explain from my lived experience how I felt about a situation by a member of staff means a great deal to me

Duke of Edinburgh volunteering

Volunteering within our Young People’s services is a great way to work towards your bronze, silver or gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Student Placements

We know the importance of gaining experience and essential skills alongside your academic journey.
We predominately offer placements for various courses including Health and Social Care, Psychology, Youth work.

Working Together

Come and have your say about our services, get involved in developing new ones.
Sharing your voice and encouraging others to have a voice is essential for us when running and developing local services.

Share your Recovery Story

By sharing your experience of recovery or your story as a family member as a volunteer with lived experience you can help raise awareness, give hope and inspiration to others.

FAQs and Applying

Whatever your circumstances and background, we’d like to invite you to apply to be a volunteer.

We are open to people with lived experience of substance use and gambling as well as those without, and having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from applying. Many of our volunteers have used our services in the past, or have a family member affected by substance use and gambling; others just want to give their time to help others in their community.

To make the process as easy as possible, volunteering applications are handled centrally by emailing volunteering@aquarius.org.uk. You can download our Volunteer Application Form here.

You will be asked to provide the names of two referees and have an assessment meeting. We’ll supply you with an outline of the role you’ll be undertaking and a volunteer agreement. The object of this is to try, as far as possible, to match your motivation and expectations to what we need from a volunteer.

We’re committed to your wellbeing while you volunteer with us. Our aim is to ensure that your time, skills and commitment are used to the benefit of all, and that you enjoy the time you spend with us.

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