Are you passionate about working with people? Do you want to bring meaningful change to peoples’ lives?
The Steps to Employment Project (StEP)
The Steps to Employment Project (StEP) is led by ECHO’s dedicated volunteer staff team and offers three unique pathways to help individuals grow, connect, and move forward:
Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
Receive tailored guidance to help you explore career options and take steps toward meaningful work.
Discover your interests and build confidence through hands-on placements.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteers are a huge part of the heartbeat of ECHO — their impact is both powerful and far-reaching. By giving your time, you’re not just offering support; you’re helping to build a more inclusive community, broaden our services, and empower the people we work with every day. Together, we challenge stereotypes and promote positive attitudes toward disability.
Volunteering with ECHO is a two-way street. While you’re making a difference in the lives of our participants and staff, you’ll also experience personal rewards — from reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation to improved mental wellbeing, a stronger sense of purpose, and deeper connections within your local community.
We provide full training and offer flexible opportunities to suit your schedule and interests. Whether you’re looking to grow, give back, or simply connect, there’s a place for you at ECHO.
“Everyone comes to volunteering with their own story. For some, it’s about giving back to the community — but even more important is discovering what you need from the experience. Maybe it’s a reason to get up in the morning, a way to ease loneliness, or a path toward healing after loss. Whatever brings someone through our doors, they always find something meaningful. That’s what I call the magic of ECHO.”
Roz Johnson, Volunteer Manager (StEP)
Volunteer at an ECHO Project
Whether you’re boosting someone’s confidence, assisting with everyday tasks, or simply sharing a moment of joy, volunteering with adults who have disabilities can make a profound difference.
You don’t need special experience — just compassion, patience, and a willingness to connect. We’ll provide all the training you need and offer flexible opportunities to suit your schedule.
Step into a role that changes lives — including your own.
StEP into your working future
Looking for a fresh start or a new direction? Whether you’re searching for a job, exploring a new career path, or hoping to build confidence in the workplace, the Steps to Employment Project (StEP) is here to help.
The StEP supports adults with disabilities in every stage of their journey toward meaningful employment — from gaining valuable work experience and updating your CV to discovering what’s next for you.
If you’re ready to take that next step, we’re ready to walk alongside you.
Join the Work Experience Scheme
Explore Your Future with the StEP Work Experience Scheme. Wondering what it’s like to have a job? Not sure what career direction to take? Fancy a day off school to find out? ECHO’s Steps to Employment Project (StEP) offers a Work Experience Scheme for students aged 15+, giving you the chance to swap a school day for a working day — from 9:15am to 2:30pm — at one of our inspiring ECHO projects. You’ll be matched to a placement based on your skills, interests, and future aspirations, and supported every step of the way.
Whether you’re curious about:
- Health and Social Care
- Horticulture
- Digital media or radio
- Fabric, fashion, and creative arts
- Community-based roles
- Theatre, drama, or dance
- Carpentry or upcycling furniture
We’ll help you explore what’s possible, so sign up for work experience with ECHO’s StEP today, and swap a school day for a work day!
Registration of Interest
If you’d like to volunteer with us, simply complete this online form. You’re also welcome to contact us using the details below if that’s easier for you.
Phone number: 01568 620 307
Email StEP manager: roz.johnson@echoherefordshire.co.uk
FAQs
How old do I have to be?
ECHO volunteers and StEP beneficiaries have to be 16+ years old. Short term work experience students have to be 15+ years old.
Do I need experience?
No. You will receive volunteer training from a highly skilled member of the StEP staff team.
How much time is required?
Volunteers usually volunteer one day a week, but we can be flexible with this. We also have ad hoc volunteers, especially volunteer drivers and fundraising volunteers.
Can I claim for my expenses?
ECHO project volunteers can claim 0.45p per mile for 2 days volunteering a week, and 0.10p per mile for a third day or more a week. Public transport costs can be covered, to be discussed with the StEP manager. Volunteers can also claim for any car parking tickets needed whilst volunteering.
What training is offered?
Volunteer training is given to all volunteers and is tailored to the ECHO project they will be volunteering at, as well as being given a full overview of ECHO.
Does a volunteer have to do personal care or medication?
No. Volunteers are not allowed to do personal care, or administer medication or first aid. We have trained staff within each ECHO project for these areas.