County Representative (England Central and NW and Wales) (Wrexham)

VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION

Volunteer Role title: County Representative Responsible to: Regional Community Fundraiser Responsible for: Fundraising and Awareness (this is a NON-CLINICAL Role)

Why does Combat Stress need me?

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. For over a century, we’ve helped former servicemen and women with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through our intensive psychological rehabilitation services. The work we do is life-changing and often life-saving. No one else does what we do.

Our County Representatives (CR) will support our Fundraising Team by being the public face of Combat Stress in their local county, and will help build support from individuals and groups by raising awareness and funds. Income generation is key to our continued success and the support of volunteers enables us to raise more funds to support former servicemen and women, so that when a veteran is having a tough time, we’re there to help tackle the past and to help them take on the future.

How much time do I need to commit?

The CR role is flexible. You can give as much or as little time as you are able, however we ask CRs to commit to 2-5 years in the role, in order to build meaningful awareness and support within their counties and local communities.

What will I be doing?

• Please be aware that this is not a clinical role and does not involve any direct support or care working with veterans currently receiving support from the charity. • General fundraising such as workplace collections or raffles. Approaching individuals, schools, universities, local authorities, shops and commercial organisations for sponsorship, collections and donations. The role may also involve research into and / or organising local funding opportunities. • Attendance and representation at relevant locally-organised events (e.g. Armed Forces Days, Air Shows, Unit Health Fairs, Mental Health awareness) for which we can provide information leaflets, magazines, banners and T shirt/s buckets. This could involve running a stall at an event. • Representation at the request of local community groups. E.g. cheque presentations, talks in schools, local clubs etc. We will supply resources such as presentations and speaker notes for this. • Build new relationships with individuals, schools, military units (including Cadet Corps) community groups and corporates in their region. • Liaising with other local volunteers to help fundraising activities and promote Combat Stress initiatives such as the Christmas Raffle, March in March, challenge and special events. Actively recruit new volunteers under the guidance of the Regional Community Fundraiser, to ensure a strong pool of people to work collaboratively, develop the local skills set and ensure succession planning. • Provide content for social media, digital marketing and communications via Comms at Tyrwhitt House. • Fundraising administrative support at one of our local centres. • Supporting the Regional Community Fundraiser and/or the Volunteer Regional and Community Fundraising Manager.

What skills and attributes do I need to have?

• A demonstrable commitment to Combat Stress’ vision, mission and values. • A genuine interest in helping our cause. • Be willing to work within our policies and procedures is essential, including those related to Safeguarding others and Equality and Diversity.
• Positive and energetic attitude, motivated to raise funds for Combat Stress. • Ability to build and maintain relationships and a willingness to work as part of a team. • Strong organisational, verbal and written communication skills and ability to work on own initiative. • Basic IT skills with access to a computer and email. Experience of using social media desirable. • Numerical skills and the ability to handle money. • Previous fundraising experience or some connection with military life and / or mental health services is desirable but not essential. • Understanding, commitment and reliability.

What are the benefits of volunteering for Combat Stress? • A full induction to Combat Stress and its work, including training an appropriate materials to support you in the role. • Ongoing support, advice and guidance from the Regional Community Fundraiser. • Learn and develop fundraising skills • Meet new people and be actively engaged in your local community • Learn new transferable skills & improve your CV • Develop self-confidence • Receive reimbursement for out of pocket expenses • Be part of the UK’s leading Charity for veterans’ mental health. • Have the reward of knowing you will be making a positive contribution to the lives of UK Veterans and their families.