Thank you for applying to join our team of volunteer Ambassadors across the UK. Fill in the form below, and our team will get back to you with further information. Note: You MUST live in the UK to be able to volunteer as an Ambassador.
Become an Ambassador
What will I be doing as a volunteer Ambassador?
Volunteer Ambassadors are people with lived experience of a neurological condition, brain or spine injury who represent the Brain & Spine Foundation in their local communities across the UK.
Ambassadors play a crucial role in helping to realise our Vision, Mission and Purpose, which in turn benefits the whole neuro community:
- Vision – A world where people affected by neurological conditions are recognised, respected and can flourish.
- Mission – Transform the daily reality of each person affected by any neurological condition, anywhere in the UK: through frontline professional services, innovative social research, and bold campaigning for change.
- Purpose – Build a powerful community of people affected by neurological conditions and support them to take action and be an authoritative voice for change.
Ambassadors help improve the understanding and awareness of neurological problems, raise the profile of the charity, enable more people to access support, encourage people to participate in research, and activate fundraising activities in their local community. Ambassadors are exemplars of what it means to be a Neuro Changemaker.
Volunteer Ambassadors can assist the charity in a variety of ways of including:
- Inspire family, friends, colleagues, and online networks to support the development and delivery of our Professional Neuro Services.
- Assist the Outreach Project Delivery by researching Neuro rehabilitation Departments and Neuro departments across the UK so every hospital and neuro rehabilitation centre is aware of our Professional Neuro Services.
- Campaign and be an activist within local NHS and Social Care structures by championing the importance of first-person (patient) experience in the design and delivery of public services.
- Share regional knowledge to help identify fundraising and charity partnership opportunities. Lead fundraising activities that will sustain our services, research and campaigning.
- Use personal networks and contacts to promote engagement with and delivery of Peer Support groups and/or Self-Care groups.
- Raise awareness and publicise the Brain and Spine Foundation Vision, Mission, and Purpose.
- Attend events on behalf of the Brain and Spine Foundation.
- Represent the Brain and Spine Foundation at talks to Community Groups such as schools and Universities, work environment and businesses and local NHS services.
- Contribute towards our ‘Live Well with’ webinars and presentations.
Ambassadors inspire people to act locally and nationally in support of the Neuro Community.
What we ask of you
The volunteer ambassador role suits people who have:
- Have experience (either directly or indirectly) of a neurological condition and ideally first-hand experience of our Brain and Spine activities: Professional Neuro Services, Social Research and Campaigning.
- Understand that their neurological condition(s) and experience is a form of expertise and insight that needs to be share widely.
- Have tenacity and enthusiasm for sourcing opportunities in your community and through your networks.
- Are committed to the Brain and Spine Vision, Mission, and Purpose and enthusiastic about the work we do.
Building on the personal qualities above, the Ambassador role suit people with the following skills (although these are not essential).
- Good communication skills, and an interest/experience in public speaking
- Strong organisational skills, and an ability to work on own initiative and be proactive.
- Access to the Internet and confidence in using it.
- A good local knowledge of NHS and/or social care services.
- Willingness to share and learn.
What we offer in return
- Induction and training
- Other development opportunities relevant to the Ambassador role .
- Regular keep in touch meetings and the opportunity to meet other ambassadors and hear from guest speakers – regular updates how your time and fundraising is making a difference.
- Resources to enable you fundraise.
- Resources to give short talks/presentations.
Ambassadors tell us that the benefits of volunteering include:
- Supporting your local community
- Meeting new people
- Increasing self-confidence
- Feeling like you are making a difference
- Improving your health and wellbeing.
There is no minimum time commitment; being a Volunteer Ambassador is flexible and any time given makes a difference to the neuro community.
There is a form to complete for the Application process, and Ambassadors must follow the Brain and Spine Foundation policies and procedures, including: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Data Protection and Confidentiality.
Meet the volunteer team
Alison
“I agreed to become an ambassador because the the Brain and Spine Foundation was there for me when I was newly diagnosed and confused about what to do and how to cope. After my operation I wanted to focus on positive activities, so I stared fundraising to contribute to ensuring others could access support when they need it”.