Did you know that across the Diocese of Westminster, there are over 545 social action projects operating with more than 4931 volunteers, supporting an average of 28,934 beneficiaries a year?
Volunteers are an integral and important part of the Diocese and are key to delivering our Caritas mission and vision, “to love and serve our neighbours through coordinated social action that upholds their dignity, engages their support, provides practical responses to their needs, and improves their wellbeing.”
Our vision is to improve the volunteer experience, both within Caritas and across parishes. We will do this by an increase and strengthening of recruitment, training, and retention of all volunteers across the Diocese. We want every parish to have active volunteers embedded in their communities serving those on the fringes of society, ensuring all volunteers are equipped to live out the values of Catholic Social Teaching, through both action and advocacy and that they feel recognised, valued, and supported. We want volunteers to be the voice of charity in the Diocese!
If you are interested in supporting areas of Caritas’ work through volunteering, please fill in the form below in the first instance. We would love to welcome you to the Caritas team!
Caritas Representatives
Are you looking for a meaningful way to serve your parish and community?
Our Caritas Parish Representatives are volunteers who play a vital role in connecting their parish with Caritas Westminster and supporting local social outreach initiatives.
Core Responsibilities:
Caritas Parish Representatives are volunteers who help strengthen social outreach within their parish and local community. Working alongside Caritas Westminster, they help identify local needs, promote opportunities for involvement, and support parishioners experiencing poverty, isolation, disability or exploitation.
Representatives act as a key link between Caritas Westminster and their parish by encouraging social action, raising awareness of Caritas services, and helping to build a welcoming and compassionate community rooted in Catholic Social Teaching.
What You’ll Do
- Promote Caritas initiatives and events within your parish
- Encourage parish involvement in local outreach and social action
- Identify local needs and connect people to support
- Work collaboratively with parish volunteers, clergy and community groups
- Help raise awareness of Catholic Social Teaching and the Love in Action programme
Skills & Qualities
We are looking for people who are:
- Friendly, approachable and reliable
- Good listeners and communicators
- Compassionate and enthusiastic about supporting others
- Passionate about faith in action and community outreach
Commitment
- Approximately 2–4 hours per month
- Attend training, quarterly meetings and occasional events
What we Offer
Caritas Westminster will provide:
- Induction and safeguarding training
- Ongoing guidance and one-to-one support
- Opportunities for shared learning and reflective practice
- Access to resources, events and networking opportunities across the Diocese
Interested in this role? Complete the form below – for further information, please email caritassreps@rcdow.org.uk
Volunteering Expression of Interest Form