Volunteer for Pain Concern
You can help Pain Concern by donating your time and your skills. Volunteering gives you the chance to meet new people, learn new skills and help people in pain get the support they need.
We welcome volunteers at Pain Concern from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of skills and experiences.
Have a look at our FAQ below to learn more about what volunteering for Pain Concern involves.
Current Volunteer Vacancies
Volunteer Editorial Assistant
Full Details – Application Form – Equal Opportunities Form
Are you seeking experience in publishing? Be a part of the team editing, writing and commissioning content for the magazine, website, leaflets, etc. of Pain Concern. The editorial team undertake all the editorial jobs involved in converting text to publication. Some writing will be involved, but the focus for this role is on ‘editing’ rather than ‘journalism.’ As a member of Pain Concern’s editorial team, you will assist our Managing Editor. By joining us you will join a fast-growing and respected service.
The editorial jobs involved in converting text to publication include:.
- Copy-editing
- Editing transcripts of interviews to produce copy ready for publication.
- Working with authors • Working with our advisers
- Proof reading
- Permissions and acknowledgements
- Indexing and working with indexers
- Bibliographical references
- Working with designers
- Corrections and maintaining an archive
- Researching information about pain and related topics
We are looking for:
- Excellent written English
- Ability to learn and adopt editorial policy and procedures
- Interest and curiosity in learning about chronic pain
- A working understanding of IT, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams
Availability and location:
- Minimum commitment of 3 months
- Minimum 5 hours per week
- Volunteer from our office at Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh EH15 3HS or from your location
Fill in the above forms and send to hr@painconcern.org.uk
Volunteer Website Analyst
Full Details – Application Form – Equal Opportunities Form
We are looking for an individual who can support us with a short-term project of tagging our publications on our website.
This voluntary role provides an opportunity to gain and develop skills whilst helping to improve our service user experience.
As a website analyst volunteer, you will be a member of our Publications team and assist our Managing Editor.
By joining us you will join a fast-growing and respected service.
What would you be doing:
- Work with research and editorial teams to collect, refine and prioritise data capture/tagging requirements
- Support the Managing Editor to improve the SEO of the website
Fill in the above forms and send to hr@painconcern.org.uk
Team Leader, Listener & Readers Panel
Full Details – Application Form – Equal Opportunities Form
Volunteer Task Description and Person Specification.
Purpose of Volunteer Role
Pain Concern is looking for a team leader to manage a small team of volunteer panel members
Task Description
-
- Working with HR to recruit panel members
- Assigning panel members with new resources and feedback forms
- Agreeing timescales for completion of feedback forms
- Working with the editorial team to collate and document feedback
Skills and Personal Qualities
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- Knowledge of / interest in pain and long-term conditions
- Good communication skills
- A working understanding of IT, Microsoft office and have access to a computer, laptop, or tablet with internet access
- Happy to use Microsoft Teams for meetings
- Good organisational skills
Availability and location
-
- Volunteer required approx. 2-4 hours per month
- You can volunteer on days/times which suit you and fit around your current commitments
- You can volunteer from our office at Newcraighall, Edinburgh or from your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I gain from volunteering?
You can gain experience to help build your career and confidence as it can help you build a real sense of achievement.
The opportunity to develop skills. Through volunteering you can challenge yourself to try something different, achieve personal goals, practise using your skills and discover hidden talents.
Meet new people.
Satisfaction of giving a valuable service to the community.
Do I need to have previous experience of the role?
Depending on the selection process we will be looking at different kinds of backgrounds and/or studies. However, we always provide induction and training and will have a team/team-leader supporting you during your volunteering journey.
How do I apply?
There are lots of ways you can volunteer for Pain Concern. We have a range of roles which we would appreciate your support with. It all depends on what skills you have and how much time you’ve got to give.
For current vacancies please see section above, for more information please email hr@painconcern.org.uk.
All volunteer roles at Pain Concern are subject to our Volunteering Agreement.
Can I volunteer if I have used Pain Concern services before?
You can volunteer if you have used our services before. At Pain Concern we value if you have experienced chronic pain yourself or through someone you care about. We think it can give you some insight although it is not a requirement.
Can I volunteer from home?
We encourage flexibility and all our roles can be carried out from home. Many of our roles you can volunteer at a time that works best for you.
Can I claim expenses?
Yes, you will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses such as travel. More details on this, once you start volunteering.
Can I volunteer with Pain Concern if I have a criminal record?
We actively promote equality of opportunity for all and welcome applications from a wide range of applicants. Pain Concern is committed to safeguarding those that use our services, which includes references checks. However, for volunteers in the Helpline it is regulated work so we require a successful PVG check.
