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Why be part of the CFDN? Find Your Place With Us!

Disabled people and their families across East London and Essex are building friendships, confidence and community, with a little help from people just like you. But the problem isn't disability. It's isolation! 

When formal support ends, when school finishes, when care packages transition or end, people with disabilities are left without a social network. Without connection. Without belonging.

The CFDN has been changing that for nearly 70 years. We bring disabled people and their families together through social events, community groups and an advocacy service across East London and Essex.

Join our team at the CFDN and become part of a compassionate and dedicated community that continues to make a positive impact in your communities. We are deeply committed to the personal and professional development of our volunteers and staff, offering a fun environment, valuable training and enriching experiences to enhance your skills and knowledge whilst giving you the opportunity to give back.

As a member of our welcoming and supportive charity, you'll have the opportunity to build lasting friendships and work collaboratively to empower people with disabilities. At the CFDN, it isn't just a role; it's a chance to feel immensely rewarded and fulfilled, knowing that every effort you make contributes to improving the lives of others. Join us to be part of this long-lasting legacy.

Here from the people who are already here...

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"It's heart-warming to see the relationships that have formed, and the positive impact the Fellowship has on the lives of those who participate."

— Nicole, Community Volunteer & Group Lead

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"Giving just a few hours a fortnight enables our members to come together and enjoy a light-hearted fun evening. It's both rewarding and gratifying for me."

— Maria, Community Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

Most of all, it fits around you and your life.

✅  Flexible hours — you choose what you can give

✅  No fixed location — we operate across East London and Essex

✅  Perfect for first-time volunteers

✅  Full induction, training and ongoing support provided

✅  Reasonable expenses reimbursed

✅  Make new friends and develop into new opportunities

We rely on our volunteers to help organise our events, support our members and families, sit on our committees sharing their knowledge and expertise and support the direction of our mission

 

All we ask is that you give us a few hours every week or even every month. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and give back to the community. 

What is wonderful about our charity is that we have such a diverse community of volunteers of all ages so you'll be sure to meet new people and make lifelong friends, like many of our volunteers, some of whom have been with us for over 50+ years. 

 

Without volunteers, our charity can't provide amazing services to our members. Help us continue our mission by joining today. 

Volunteer Roles Available: 
Whatever your skillset, we will be sure to utilise your skills so that you can support our charity. All you need is a passion to help others and a desire to give back to your community. 

Community Volunteer

As a Community Volunteer, you'll play a vital role in supporting our members and families through various activities or helping drive them to and from events. You'll engage in events, group sessions, pub meetups, or at our Saturday centre, promoting our members' independence and fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Group Leadership Roles

As a member of the group leadership team, you're key in organising and planning activities and events. You'll work closely with members to understand and meet the needs of our charitable activities and contributions to our mission. Maybe you have a specific skill set that could support a local group e.g accounting, event planning, health & safety, safeguarding, or you have a few hours a month spare to give back. 

Events & Fundraising Support

This role focuses on generating essential funding for our charity through community events, challenges and general fundraising. As an events and fundraising coordinator, you'll creatively plan and attend fundraising activities, connecting with the community to raise awareness of our groups and activities. You will be crucial in supporting our mission and activities and work closely with groups and our CEO.

Charity Trustee

In the role of a Charity Trustee, you'll oversee the strategic direction and governance of our charity, bringing your unique skill set, training, or expertise from previous employment or experiences to help develop the charity and our objectives. You'll ensure compliance, financial stability, and effective management, making key decisions to shape the future and impact of our charity wilst working with other trustees and our CEO.

Trustee Opportunities

Do You Want to Make a Real Impact?

Do you have experience in governance, finance, fundraising, HR, or another skill set that could help shape our charity’s future? Are you passionate about making a difference for families and individuals with disabilities? Joining us as a Trustee could be the perfect way to give back and help steer our mission.

By becoming a Trustee, you’ll play a vital role in guiding the direction of CFDN, a charity dedicated to fostering inclusivity and support for individuals with disabilities across Essex and East London. With your expertise, you’ll help oversee our activities, provide valuable insights, and help us grow and sustain our services for many years to come.

What You’ll Gain

Being a Trustee at the CFDN isn’t just about governance; it’s a chance to build lasting relationships, develop your skills, and become a key part of a welcoming community. Trustees work closely with our CEO and fellow Board members to champion inclusion and positive change, making a meaningful difference for our members and their families and helping us set our strategy for the future.

A Few Hours a Month Can Make a Big Difference

We ask for a commitment of around 8 hours per month, including meetings and occasional events. Trustees are also encouraged to engage with the community and participate in our events. It’s a great way to use your skills for a cause you care about, and to meet inspiring individuals dedicated to supporting those in need.

Are you Interested in becoming a Trustee? Apply Today and Share Your Valuable Skills and Knowledge. 

Our charity is strengthened by its diverse team of volunteers and trustees from all backgrounds. Supported by the Catholic Church, we welcome trustees of all faiths and none, sharing a commitment to inclusion and respect for all.

If you want to contribute your experience to a cause that matters, please download our Role Specification and apply online. Together, we can continue providing vital support to the community we serve.

Apply now to become a Trustee and join our mission!

Role Type: Volunteer (you can claim reasonable expenses) 

Hours Commitment: Around 8 hours a month (attend 6 Board meetings a year every other month and occasional executive meetings and events)

Number of Positions: 3-4 appointments

Employee Opportunities

Embark on a fulfilling career journey in the third sector with the Catholic Fellowship Disability Network (CFDN), where we make a meaningful purpose. Working within the charity sector presents a unique opportunity to drive positive change and make a tangible difference in the lives of others. At CFDN, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive and inclusive environment that not only champions the rights of individuals with disabilities but also fosters the growth and development of our staff.

 

Join us and be part of a compassionate community that values every contribution, encourages innovation, and celebrates the collective impact of our work on the broader society. With CFDN, you’re not just taking on a job; you’re stepping into a role that enriches lives and uplifts spirits, including your own.

Join Our Charity and Enjoy a Meaningful Career whilst Helping Others in Your Community!  

Whatever your skillset, we will be sure to utilise your skills and support in your own professional development to make a more meaningful difference to our members and families. We always look for a passion in people to help others and a desire to give back to your community. 

Vacancy: Events & FundraisingCoordinator

Closing Date: Ongoing

Salary: Annual starting salary pro-rata: £14,359.80 - £19,359.80 (DOE)

Hours: 21 Hours per week (part-time)

Term: Fixed term 12 months initial contract with minimum 3 month probation.

A charity events and fundraising coordinator plays a vital role in securing the financial future of the CFDN and expanding the support we provide to individuals with disabilities and their families across East London and Essex. As a new and strategic position within our organisation, this role offers the exciting opportunity to shape our long-term fundraising vision and community presence.

 

In this capacity, you will:

  • Design and deliver engaging fundraising campaigns, events, and sponsorship opportunities in line with our charity's objectives.

  • Build strong relationships with donors, local businesses, and community groups to grow support and increase income.

  • Support, train, and inspire a team of volunteer fundraisers across our charity’s sub-groups.

  • Lead on writing grant applications and securing long-term funding from trusts and foundations.

  • Represent the CFDN at events and meetings, and promote our mission to diverse audiences.

  • Work directly with the CEO and Executive Committee to deliver the charity’s strategic fundraising goals.

  • Build and provide leadership to a team of volunteer fundraisers, sharing information, ideas and expertise.

 

This is a key role in driving the CFDN’s sustainability and growth—ensuring we can continue to deliver joyful, inclusive, and meaningful opportunities to our members long into the future.

What Our Volunteers Say...

Picture of the Chair Nicole Squires who had been in the charity for over 40 years
"It's all very heart warming. I have met so many friends over the years from the fellowships infancy 57 years ago to today, many of which have moved away but continue to want to belong to the catholic fellowship. I love the fact that we hold our faith at the heart whilst welcoming all faiths and none too! Supporting individuals who are living with a learning disability and/or autissm, and their families ."

Nicole Squires, Committee Chair & Volunteer

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Diocese of Brentwood Catholic Church Logo with blue, red and gold coat of arms type logo with gold and blue text.
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The Fellowship Disability Network Volunteer HUB Logo
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Our associations, regulators and working relationships...

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© 2022-2026 Daniel Ruscoe

CFDN - Empowering Disability, Supporting All

Serving people with disabilities and their families of all faiths and none.

Charity No: 263075    |    Established in 1962.   |  Diocese of Brentwood

Formally known as; Catholic Fellowship Brentwood Diocese

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