Community Programme

Volunteering Pathway for Unemployed Carers

Creating opportunities. Building confidence. Strengthening care in our community.

The Committed Support Community Programme is a social-impact initiative designed to support adults in Sunderland and the wider North East who want to begin a career in care but are held back by unemployment, low confidence, or lack of experience.

Our volunteering pathway provides structured training, real hands-on experience, personalised mentoring, and a clear route into paid work within the social care sector.
We believe every person has potential — our role is to help unlock it.

The Programme

The Committed Support Community Programme provides a structured volunteering pathway for adults in Sunderland and the North East who want to begin a career in care but face barriers such as unemployment, lack of experience, or low confidence.

We help individuals gain real workplace experience, accredited training, and tailored support so they can progress into paid roles within social care.

This programme is designed for people who are:

  • Unemployed or long-term unemployed

  • Looking to start a career in care

  • New to the UK and needing structured work experience

  • Wanting to build confidence after time away from work

  • Facing barriers such as low qualifications or lack of experience

  • Passionate about helping others but unsure where to begin

✔ Free or subsidised accredited care training

Including Care Certificate elements, moving & handling, safeguarding, and infection control.

✔ Guaranteed volunteer experience in real care settings

Partnered care homes, supported living services, and community projects.

✔ 1-to-1 support & mentoring

Confidence building, workplace preparation, guidance on interviews, and career planning.

✔ Pathway into paid work

Volunteers who complete the programme are given priority for paid opportunities within Committed Support and our partner organisations.

✔ Personal development & wellbeing support

We help volunteers build resilience, routine, communication skills, and self-belief.

Step 1 - Initial Consultation

We meet with each participant to understand their goals, barriers, and support needs.

Step 2 - Free Care Training

Participants complete essential training to prepare them for safe volunteering.

Step 3 - Volunteering Placement

We place individuals into a local care setting for a structured period, supported by a mentor.

Step 4 - Skills Review & Support

We track progress and offer professional development sessions.

Step 5 - Pathway to Paid Employment

Participants who complete the programme are supported directly into job opportunities.

Community Impact

Our programme helps the community by:

  • Reducing unemployment in Sunderland

  • Creating a stronger, more confident local care workforce

  • Boosting wellbeing for participants and residents

  • Supporting care homes with motivated volunteers

  • Providing pathways into stable, meaningful careers

  • Increasing diversity and inclusion in the care sector

Why Committed Support Created This Programme

We believe everyone deserves the chance to build a career in care, regardless of their background or circumstances. With staffing shortages across the region and many people struggling to access work, this programme bridges the gap between ambition and opportunity.

For Care Homes Wanting Volunteers

If you are a care home or local service in Sunderland or the North East looking to host volunteers, we would love to partner with you.
We ensure every volunteer is trained, supported, and supervised throughout their placement.

How to Join the Programme

Interested in joining the programme or referring someone?

Email: community@committedsupport.com 
Call: 24/7 Support Line: 0191 815 0990

I joined the Community Programme at a time when I felt completely lost. I’d been out of work for a long time and didn’t believe I had anything to offer. The team at Committed Support treated me with kindness from day one. They listened, they understood my situation, and they never once made me feel judged.

Because of this programme, I’ve now started paid work as a Healthcare Assistant — something I didn’t think was possible for me anymore. I’m stronger, more confident, and finally doing a job I’m proud of.

I’m so grateful for this programme and the people behind it. They genuinely changed my life.