Volunteer roles

Yemaya Surf

We create space and opportunity for Dominicans, especially Black & Indigenous women and girls, to reclaim their right to the ocean through surfing, cultural reconnection, and climate justice.

The north coast of the Dominican Republic is home to world-renowned waves and surf beaches. It is also home to a long and painful history of colonialism, exclusion, and ecological disruption. In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in what is now Puerto Plata—where Cabarete, the island’s surf capital, is located. More than 500 years later, that legacy continues to shape who has access to the ocean, whose knowledge is valued, and who benefits from its economic, cultural, and healing power.

In Cabarete today, surfing is dominated by foreigners and men. Despite living near the sea, Black Dominican women and girls are largely excluded from ocean sports, environmental decision-making, and leadership opportunities. Of the 30+ surf instructors at Playa Encuentro, only three are women—and just one is a local Dominican. While the Dominican government has branded Cabarete as the country’s “Capital of Surf,” local communities face barriers at every level: surfboards and lessons are priced for tourists, beachfront access is restricted by private developments, and the sport’s culture often feels unwelcoming or unsafe for women and people of color.

This disparity is not coincidental—it is systemic. Tourism and coastal development in the Dominican Republic have prioritized profit over people, often displacing low-income communities from their ancestral shorelines. Surf beach entrances are illegally closed to favor tourists. One surf lesson can cost up to $65 USD, with board rentals priced at $20 per hour—far beyond what most Dominicans can afford. Gender norms, racism, and cultural stigma further prevent Afro-Dominican and Indigenous women and girls from feeling safe, confident, or supported in ocean spaces. At the same time, climate change is wreaking havoc across the country. Hurricanes and heavy rains regularly displace entire coastal neighborhoods, while government inaction and deforestation by foreign-owned corporations exacerbate the crisis. The burden of climate adaptation falls on local communities, especially low-income women, who are often excluded from climate conversations, planning, and resources.

Yemaya Surf exists to shift this reality.

Yemaya Surf integrates sports, cultural healing, and climate action to produce long-term, structural change in who has access to coastal spaces and who shapes environmental solutions. We prioritize community-led environmental care, Afro-Indigenous spiritual practices, and environmental stewardship.

Yemaya Surf's Theory of Change

We believe that when Black Dominican women and girls reclaim the ocean through surfing and ancestral wisdom, they heal, empower themselves, and challenge systemic exclusion. By centering their leadership in surf culture and coastal stewardship, we transform the sea from a site of historical marginalization into a space of liberation, climate justice, and collective power.

Yemaya Surf’s activities include:

• Delivering surf lessons and climate education workshops
• Leading reforestation projects and sponsoring local surfers
• Hosting community events and workshops to promote environmental stewardship and climate justice
• Building partnerships with local organizations and communities to advance our mission and goals

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Yemaya Surf! We’re deeply grateful you’d consider sharing your time and talents to empower women and girls through surf and climate justice.

Why Your Role Matters: Every hour you give helps us:

��‍♀️ Teach lifesaving surf skills to local girls who’ve never had access. �� Amplify climate justice in coastal communities. ✨ Build a movement where every girl and woman feels welcome in the waves.

We’re a small but mighty team, and volunteers like you are the heartbeat of our work. Whether you’re editing videos, researching grants, or helping at events, your contribution ripples far beyond the beach.

Fundraising & Grants Assistant

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Role: Help secure financial resources through grants, sponsorships, and donor outreach while setting up efficient fundraising tools. Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Systems Setup:

• Assist in finalizing GiveButter fundraising platform setup (e.g., campaign pages, donor management features).

• Integrate GiveButter with SquareSpace website (e.g., embed donation buttons, ensure seamless donor experience).

• Test donation workflows to troubleshoot issues (e.g., receipt automation, data tracking).

Grants & Sponsorships:

• Research and compile grant opportunities (gender equity, sports, climate justice).

• Draft templated outreach to surf/environmental brands (e.g., sponsorship proposals via email/LinkedIn).

Donor & Merchandise Support:

• Help manage recurring donation campaigns (e.g., thank-you emails, impact updates).

• Support merchandise sales (SquareSpace store setup, inventory tracking, promo ideas).

Reporting & Improvement:

• Generate simple donor reports (GiveButter analytics) to track progress.

• Suggest improvements for donor engagement (e.g., referral rewards, campaign ideas).

Skills Needed:

• Basic tech savvy (comfort with platforms like GiveButter, SquareSpace, or Canva).

• Attention to detail (for error-free donation workflows).

  • Interest in nonprofit fundraising or CRM tools.

Perks:

• Hands-on experience with fundraising tech (resume booster).
• Direct impact on Yemaya’s financial growth.
• Experience with an International Nonprofit Organization
• Free surf lessons (if and when in the Dominican Republic)

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

1-2 months

We are seeking a new board member with strong financial experience to take on the role of Treasurer.

The ideal candidate will have experience of managing budgets and interpreting management accounts. While an accounting qualification is desirable, it is not essential.

This individual will initially join the Finance Sub-Committee and work closely with the current Treasurer, with the view to stepping into the Treasurer role in a few months when the current postholder retires.

Are you passionate about making a difference and have a head for figures? We're looking for an experienced finance professional to join Surf Life Saving Great Britain (SLSGB) as our Treasurer – a vital voluntary role at the heart of our mission to save lives and promote beach and water safety across the UK.

As Treasurer, you’ll play a key role on our Board of Trustees, helping to shape the financial future of the organisation. You’ll oversee financial governance, support strategic decision-making, and ensure we remain compliant and financially strong as we continue to grow.

This is an amazing opportunity to:

• Use your professional skills to make a real impact
• Join a passionate, purpose-driven team
• Contribute to a national charity that supports thousands of lifesavers and volunteers

We’re looking for someone with:

• A background in accountancy or financial management
• Knowledge of charity finance and reporting (SORP)
• A collaborative approach and commitment to our values

About Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN) 

Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN) is recognised for its work to reduce undernutrition globally. We enhance the effectiveness of nutrition policy and programming by improving knowledge, stimulating learning, connecting key actors and building evidence. We are passionate about being network-driven, independent and evidence-based.  

Our vision is that every individual caught up in a nutritional emergency, or suffering from malnutrition anywhere in the world, gets the most effective help possible.  We undertake knowledge management, research, and advocacy to support national governments, civil society, UN agencies, donors and academic organisations, and communities of practitioners. Through our work and collaborations, we support agencies and individuals to implement evidence-based nutrition programming, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries and in fragile and conflict-affected states. 

ENN has its head office in Oxfordshire, UK. ENN is financially supported by foundations and trusts, bilateral donors, international non-governmental organisations and United Nations agencies. For more information about ENN see our website.

What we do 

ENN’s work includes our “Field Exchange” publication that provides up to date information from research, programme learnings, and news from the sector, generated by practitioners, and distributed to our large network of researchers, practitioners and policy makers globally.   We have projects specialising in Infant Feeding in Emergencies, Wasting and Stunting, Maternal and Adolescent Nutrition and support for Small and Nutritionally at-risk Infants under six months & their mothers and also manage a peer-to-peer forum offering timely answers to the questions challenging those on the front line of providing services to treat and prevent malnutrition in the world.  ENN does not directly implement programmes but works to improve the effectiveness of all nutrition practitioners by helping to shape policy and practice at global and national levels.

Our Funding

ENN receives funding from governments, UN agencies, private foundations through grants and agreements, as well as contributions from partners. 

This Role

The Emergency Nutrition Network intends to expand its funding base.  To do this we would like to open funding opportunities with the private and corporate sectors, new foundations and other donors that may have an interest in working to improve nutrition for people in emergency and high malnutrition contexts.  

The work will involve identifying potential funding sources, developing relationships and helping to finesse opportunities that can match ENN with potential funders.  This role will work with colleagues and will be closely supported by the CEO and technical team.

The position will report to the CEO.

About You

We are looking for someone who would enjoy the challenge of working with a charity to raise funds to provide support for projects and practitioners working in difficult and resource poor situations to treat and prevent malnutrition.  

If you have experience in the private or corporate sector, and skills that you believe could enable you to fundraise, we would love to hear from you.

Terms and Conditions

Hours of work: fully flexible/negotiable

Location: Oxford area ideally, but the work does not need to be office based, so other locations should be workable.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary or pro bono position, however, reasonable expenses can be reimbursed for travel and subsistence in line with ENN’s policies.

To apply

Submit a brief CV as well as a short covering letter setting out how your past experience demonstrates your suitability for the role.

For further information:

If you would like to discuss this further, please send an email to the CEO, Nigel Tricks.

Please note: ENN does not intend any employment relationship to be created from this voluntary position, either now or at any time in the future.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Are you a committed environmentalist and a strategic thinker? Do you have skills in devising and managing or communicating about community based, environmental projects?

The Railway Land Wildlife Trust is seeking passionate and strategic individuals to join our Board of Trustees.

We’re particularly interested in those with skills in communications, fundraising or environmental projects. As a Trustee, you’ll help shape the future of our work, protecting and restoring habitats while deepening people’s connection to nature.

As a Trustee, you will:

- Support our strategic vision via one of our sub-committees (Project Strategy or Communications & Fundraising)
- Share your expertise to help us grow and diversify our impact
- Work collaboratively with a small, committed team driving grassroots environmental change

We are especially keen to hear from individuals based in East Sussex, as a strong local presence supports our hands-on, place-based approach. 
This is a voluntary role and a valuable opportunity to contribute to environmental leadership, gain experience in governance and be part of a meaningful local initiative.
 

Are you passionate about making a difference? Do you have a strong background in Human Resources and a commitment to supporting charitable causes? If the answer is yes, then we want you to help guide our organisation as a Trustee!

Garden House Hospice Care provides specialist palliative care and free wellbeing services for patients, families and carers facing life-limiting illnesses. We are seeking a HR professional to join our Board and contribute to the charity’s development and success. As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping our People and Culture strategy and governance, ensuring that we are best positioned to attract, retain, and develop talented staff and volunteers. You will provide strategic HR guidance and support, helping to build an organisational culture that reflects our values and mission.

We strive to be an inclusive and diverse Board and welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Skills & Experience….

• A background in Human Resources, ideally at a strategic level (Senior HR Manager, Director, or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and compliance
• Experience in strategic HR leadership and the ability to work with non-profit organisations
• A passion for the charity sector and commitment to the mission of Garden House Hospice Care
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with both a diverse team and stakeholders

What you will gain from this role…

• The opportunity to contribute to a cause you believe in
• Make a lasting impact in the local community
• Work with a dynamic and supportive team of Trustees, staff and volunteers
• Ongoing professional development
• The opportunity to expand your professional network

Training and support…

· This role is subject to a DBS check and mandatory training

· You will receive ongoing training/development and support in-role

· You will be entitled to receive free access to our Volunteer Assistance Programme, which offers confidential support and advice

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

We are seeking Event Paramedics to respond to and manage emergency calls/incidents whilst attending events. At all times provide specialist, clinical, social and holistic care to undertake clinical assessment and interventions those individuals in the pre-hospital environment, which may include stadia, concerts, motorsports, road races etc. This may encompass working on both ambulances / FRV’s and within treatment units as required.

Successful candidates will be registered Paramedics with the HCPC and be able to provide evidence of CPD activity within the previous 12 months.

The closing date for this role is: 20/12/2025

Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Chair?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.

What would you be doing?

• Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
• Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
• Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
• Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
• Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
• Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
• Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. 
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
• Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
• Reliability
• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
• Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
• Good written and spoken English.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

We are seeking Event Nurses to respond to and manage emergency calls/incidents whilst attending events. Event nurses shall provide specialist, clinical, social and holistic care and undertake clinical assessment and interventions in the pre-hospital environment, which may include venues such as stadia, concert halls, motorsports tracks, road races etc. This will mainly involve working in treatment units or temporary event medical centres.

Successful candidates will be registered nurses with the NMC and be able to provide evidence of CPD activity within the previous 12 months.

The closing date for this role is: 20/12/2025

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

We are seeking Event Nurses to respond to and manage emergency calls/incidents whilst attending events. Event nurses shall provide specialist, clinical, social and holistic care and undertake clinical assessment and interventions in the pre-hospital environment, which may include venues such as stadia, concert halls, motorsports tracks, road races etc. This will mainly involve working in treatment units or temporary event medical centres.

Successful candidates will be registered nurses with the NMC and be able to provide evidence of CPD activity within the previous 12 months.

The closing date for this role is: 20/12/2025

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

We are seeking Event Doctors to respond and manage emergency calls/incidents at events which may include venues such as stadia, concert halls, motorsports tracks, road races etc. Event doctors shall provide specialist, clinical, social and holistic care while undertaking clinical assessment and interventions in the pre-hospital environment. This will mainly involve working in mobile treatment centres or temporary event medical centres.

 Successful candidates will be registered medical practitioners with the GMC, without cautions or restrictions, and hold a licence to practice outside of an approved practice setting.

The closing date for this role is: 20/12/2025

About us

Balance is a creative and socially progressive charity in SW London looking for someone whose professional approach aligns with our values of Indepence, Empowerment, Partnership, Recognition and Sustainabilty. We are a growing business running strength based and person centred services across SW and Central London.

About You

We are looking for new trustees who have a commitment to driving high quality and empowering social care services. You will recognise the importance of your role in being both a critical friend to the executive leadership as well as an expert in your given field.

Following some recent resignations the board is looking for trustees who can bring backgrounds: 

• finance -  insight, support and guidance to help develop a sustainable and financially resilient charity
• marketing - knowledge of and ability to support the charity's approach to marketing its services to new customers, commissioners and other business partners
• human resources - a background in HR that provides guidance and support to board in ensuring our personnel governance aligns with our legal obligations

Previous experience as a trustee is not necessary as we will offer training and support where there may be gaps in knowledge. However we are particularly keen to hear from candidates who may be from a black and minority ethnic background, women and people living with a disability. 

Reshaping our Board

Balance has trustees with substantial experience across a range of disciplines from housing law to management consultancy and information technology. This experience and knowledge have been critical in supporting the charity's executive leadership restructure operations and qaulity assurance standandards.

As a result they have steered the charitys growth and development increasing turnover from £2.3 Million in 2022 to £4.2 Million in 2024. With additional new work likely in 2025, the board see's strengthening it's knowledge and specialisms as critical in leading this new phase of our development.

The difference you will make

As a new member of our board you will be joining at an exciting time for the charity. We are increasingly recognised as a quality provider of services to people with a range of specialist and complex needs. 

The roles we are looking to fill on the board will provide expertise and insight key to our growing portfolio. You will support our growing level of privately sources income, the charity's social enterprise arm and the charity's push to grow its brand for generally.

Your commitment to transforming the lives of people with learning disabilities and/or enduring mental health support needs will also inform your application. As a trustee you will instrinsically align with our 6 values:

• Idependence
• Empowerment
• Staff Recognition
• Professionalism
• Sustainability
• Partnership

And be able to mobilise you knowledge in maximising the boards ability to lead our development in relation to them.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

URBAN YOUTH - VOLUNTEER WITH US!

New Start-Up - New Beginning - Endless Opportunities

Are you passionate about empowering young people and coordinating impactful services? Urban Youth is looking for a dedicated and proactive Youth Programme Manager or Youth Work Lead to join our team as a volunteer. In this role, you’ll help shape and oversee the delivery of engaging, meaningful youth programmes that inspire and uplift young people across London, including virtual/remote/online and satellite services, as well as outreach, detached youth work and centre based activities.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and Manage our Youth Services, by overseeing the planning and delivery of youth programmes, ensuring activities run smoothly and meet the needs of young people within the community.

• Support Young People, by building strong relationships with young people, acting as a key point of contact for their feedback and supporting their personal development.

• Collaborate with our Teams, by working closely with our volunteers, mentors, and other team members to ensure the effective coordination of services. This includes sourcing, mentoring and managing volunteers.

• Promote Engagement, by developing strategies to encourage young people to participate in Urban Youth’s activities, fostering inclusivity and belonging.

• Monitor and Evaluate, by tracking the success of programmes, collecting feedback to continuously improve the quality and impact of our services.

• Build Partnerships, by engaging with local schools, community organisations, and other stakeholders to expand our reach and enhance service delivery. This includes satelite services with other charities and orgnaisations.

We're Urban Youth

Urban Youth is an exciting and vibrant new start-up youth work organisation based in London, passionate about empowering London's youth to get involved, discover their path, and shape their destiny. Our vibrant community organisation is dedicated to uplifting young people through engaging, impactful youth work activities that inspire growth, connection, and self-discovery.

JOIN US AT URBAN YOUTH

Get Involved | Discover YOUR Path | Shape YOUR Destiny