Community Health Events Volunteer

Smoking impacts lives across Birmingham, affecting not just physical health, but also mental health and wellbeing and financial stability. With the right support, people who smoke are three times more likely to quit for good, reducing their risk of lung disease, heart problems, cancer and other health issues, and positively impacting their finances. That’s where you come in. Volunteer as a Community Health Events Volunteer and be part of a team attending events across Birmingham to promote the Smoking Cessation Initiative, a project funded by Birmingham City Council Public Health and delivered by BVSC to help the voluntary sector reach and engage with smokers in Birmingham. As a volunteer, you will share vital information, offer gentle encouragement, and help people take their first steps to quit smoking for good.  

What will you do? 

• Attend events at locations across Birmingham, supported by a supervisor and often with other volunteers.  
• Hand out leaflets that highlight the risks of smoking and signpost people to local stop smoking resources and services.  
• Speak with members of the public, answering basic questions and encouraging them to consider quitting with the support of the services highlighted on the promotional leaflets.  
• Choose to attend events that suit your schedule – on days, times and at locations that work for you, as often as you like.  You won't be allocated to events but will be invited to sign up for events based on your availability and preferences.

We will provide you with everything you need including: 

• A two-hour in-person training session or e-learning
• A point of contact to ask questions before and after your volunteering 
• A supervisor to attend the event with you 
• Leaflets and materials to hand out at events  
• A badge or form of ID to wear during the event 
• Reasonable out of pocket expenses including travel to and from the event and lunch or dinner at events over four hours.  

Volunteers don’t need any specialist knowledge or skills for this role – just a friendly approach, a willingness to engage with the public, and an interest in helping people to make healthier choices. Some understanding of the challenges around quitting smoking is a bonus, but not essential. 

Benefits to you 

Volunteering as a Community Health Events Volunteer will be a chance to: 

• Learn more about the risks of smoking and the services available to support quitting  
• Learn more about Birmingham’s wider Public Health goals  
• Meet new people, including other volunteers and members of the public 
• Be part of a city-wide effort to improve health and wellbeing 

We ask that you: 

• Commit to attending a two-hour in-person training session in Birmingham City Centre or to completing e-learning before starting volunteering. You will be able to choose from a selection of dates for in-person training in late May and June 2025. 
• Commit to volunteering at a minimum of two events.  
• Are committed to your volunteering role and represent Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) and the smoking cessation project with integrity and enthusiasm.  
• Work inclusively and collaboratively with others, always acting as a positive ambassador.  

What you can expect from us:  

• A warm welcome and support in your volunteering role. 
• Clear training to prepare you for attending events.  
• Leaflets and ID to use at events.  
• A commitment to BVSCs values of commitment, collaboration, inclusion and integrity.  

How do I sign up? 

To sign up, select ‘Join’ on this advert and complete the expression of interest form.  

What happens once you’ve signed up? 

We will be in touch to have a short conversation about your interest in the role and with further information about the training.  

Who do I contact with questions? 

If you have questions, get in touch with us using the messaging service.

Get involved today and help to improve health outcomes in Birmingham.