Access to health volunteer roles

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces?  You don’t need a military background, just the ability to listen, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English.  If so, this could be the role for you.

Our Branch provides lifelong support to anyone who has ever served, in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and their dependants. We also give support to those who has been in the Merchant Navy, Seafarers, Fishermen and their dependants, and British Airways staff past and present. Our main role is seeking welfare benevolent grants on behalf of clients who reside in the 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland. They can arrange anything from household goods, funeral costs, mobility aids or other general needs. Legal fees are not considered. We would advise clients to seek state and local benefits by signposting them to the relevant agencies.

What is a caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of help they need, this might be funds for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit.  Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.  Our trained volunteers listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help people navigate life in and beyond military service.  We need you to join your local SSAFA team to help us achieve this.

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

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. Our volunteers are based at home with a yearly AGM invite.

What does this role involve?

• Contacting clients and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time

• Meeting clients and completing a form to assess their circumstances

• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice

• Keeping in touch with your branch so they know your availability

• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients

• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser

• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the

Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background and their dependents

• 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 will you receive?

• On-line or face to face instructor led training and e-learning modules, to prepare you for your voluntary role.

• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.

• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact. •

• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.

• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

What skills or experience do you need?

• Good listening and communication skills including written and spoken English

• Respectful and non-judgemental with clients, 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  

• Ability to make enquires on behalf of clients by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms

• If required, willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the caseworker training course)

• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice

• Reliable attitude, contact clients promptly, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability 

• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients

• Friendly and approachable with some experience of coordinating people and admin

•       Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies. 

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 references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives)

Is a criminal record check required?  Yes, Garda Vetting, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer.

Join our ever expanding team of therapists to deliver face to face counselling to anyone over the age of 18 years, in South West London.

You will become part of an organisation that is passionate about providing support for the local community, along with therapists from a diverse range of backgrounds.

We offer

• Free fortnightly supervision
• Appraisals and feedback for institutions
• Support from counselling and admin team
• Free training and CPD

We ask for therapists to:

• Have completed at least 100 hours of face to face, supervised clinical experience completed. Relevant work / life experience will be considered.
• Be qualified to Level 5 diploma level or be enrolled on the 2nd year of a BACP or UKCP accredited course.
• Be able to commit to three clients a week, for a minimum of 2 years.
• Attend personal therapy throughout their placement while a trainee.
• Attend fortnightly Richmond AID supervision.
• Hold membership of their relevant awarding body

Volunteer Administrator – Help Us Support Animal Welfare!

Location: RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch – Home based

 Role Type:Volunteer – Administrator

Manager: CEO

Do You Have Strong Admin Skills?

Would you like to use your organisation and communication skills to support animal welfare?

At RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch, we are looking for a highly efficient administrator to help our busy team with essential admin tasks. By donating your time and skills, you’ll play a key role in helping us run smoothly and effectively, ensuring we can continue making a difference to the lives of animals.

Why Volunteer With Us?

As a volunteer administrator, you will:

● Support a worthwhile cause and help improve animal welfare.

● Gain valuable skills and experience in administration.

● Be part of a friendly and dedicated team.

● Enjoy a fun and fulfilling role at the heart of the local community.

● Training and development opportunities, including induction and ongoing support.

● Access to the RSPCA Learning Hub with a wide range of training materials.

What You’ll Be Doing:

● Answering enquiries over the telephone, by email, and by letter.

● Assisting with general administration duties as required such as documentation, scanning and providing support to the CEO, Operations Manager and Finance Manager.

● Supporting the team with ad hoc office tasks.

● Ensuring all data is handled confidentially in line with data protection regulations.

● Supporting the team with ordering supplies.

What We’re Looking For:

● Good organisational skills with attention to detail.

● Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

● Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

● Basic IT and administrative skills, including experience with email and telephone communication.

● An understanding of data protection and confidentiality principles.

What’s in It for You?

● Meet new people and make new friends.

● Learn new skills to enhance your CV.

● A comprehensive induction and training programme relevant to your role.

● Volunteer in a fun environment at the heart of your local community.

● Know that your time and effort is making a real difference to the welfare of animals.

● We’re happy to reimburse reasonable travel expenses incurred while volunteering.

Practical Considerations:

● Health & Safety: You’ll need to complete a simple online Health & Safety course before starting the role.

Disclaimer:

Our voluntary roles are subject to:

● An informal interview and trial period.

● Submission of two referees’ contact details.

● Completion of relevant training and assessments for the role.

Meditation can give us a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both our emotional wellbeing and overall health. Do you have experience in delivering meditation sessions and would like to give back your time to support people in crisis?

The hustle and bustle of everyday life can leave us feeling tired and burnt out. People in our services are feeling this more than ever and would benefit from learning mindfulness techniques and strategies. It is important for us to pay more attention to the present moment, our own thoughts, feelings and the world around us as it is known to support and improve our mental wellbeing, sleep, and increase our overall happiness.

What you will be doing

• Facilitate a weekly online meditation session in a small group
• Plan each session and identify any items needed for the Meditation sessions.
• Lead on the logistics and set up of the session alongside the staff team.
• Inspire and motivate people using the services to attend.
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team.

The skills you need

• Have an interest in quizzes
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Good communication skills
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.

Tasks and Responsibilities

If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.

Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.

As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week. 

Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.

Selection Criteria

A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:

• Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend

• Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing

• Be open-minded

• Be supportive

• Be reliable

• Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times

• Be accepting and non-judgemental

• Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout

• Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback

Requirements

• You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering. 
• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
• All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.

It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health. 

Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:

• Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.

• Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?

Benefits to Volunteers

The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.

Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.

Application Process

You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.

You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you. 

We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send. 

Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way. 

This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.

We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents. 

Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision. 

If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.

Music has long been held as an effective and soothing way to help relieve stress and improve mental health. Do you have a passion for playing the guitar and would like to teach others?

Playing a guitar in a group allows for time to focus on the here and now, providing total mindfulness. This enables us to forget about the past or our future worries for a while, providing time without any distractions!

Support others to learn to play chords and push their worries to the back of their mind and an opportunity to engage with people that have a similar interest!

What you will be doing

• To facilitate guitar lessons for beginners on a 1:1 basis
• Plan each session, in collaboration with those you are supporting
• Lead on logistics and organisation of the sessions alongside the staff team
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Experience teaching playing a guitar and the ability to teach at beginner level
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Amy’s Place is a partnership between the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Clarion Housing, providing supported living accommodation for young women aged 18-30 in recovery from drugs, alcohol and other addictive behaviors.

An enthusiastic, reliable and compassionate volunteer with good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. The volunteer must be a fully qualified Dietitian or Nutritional Therapist and have training and/or experience working with individuals with eating disorders.

Activities

• Supporting the nutritional needs of young women with health issues on a limited budget.
• Providing support with meal planning, cooking skills, food safety, and day-to-day problem solving around food and eating.
• Providing wisdom and accurate nutrition education around healthy eating for the individual.

Qualifications/ Experience

• Must be a fully qualified Dietitian or Nutritional Therapist.
• As many of the residents have eating disorders it is essential for the volunteer to have training and/or clinical experience working with individuals with eating disorders.
• Must have professional liability insurance and be a member of a professional body ie. HCPC, BANT
• This role requires us to carry out a check through the Disclosure and Barring Service for the Enhanced DBS

Commitment 

This is a flexible opportunity and volunteering times and frequency will vary depending on the volunteer’s availability and the needs of the residents. We recommend weekly one-to-one sessions for a minimum of 3 months.

Support 

•  Volunteers receive a thorough induction and have access to any relevant in-house and external training
•  Reasonable travel and lunch expenses will be reimbursed
• The role is based at the service in East London. The exact address cannot be given until the volunteer starts due to safety and privacy reasons.

Canopi Foundation carries out two main charitable activities, that of Canopi and Education Saves Lives. They together form a small group, with Canopi Foundation overseeing the two activities.

• Canopi is a not-for-profit organisation offering flexible and affordable workspace for charities and other Social Sector organisations in a central London location. Our mission is to support the Social Sector by providing modern, flexible work environments, support services, and events tailored to a like-minded community of changemakers.
• Education Saves Lives is is dedicated to improving health and well-being in vulnerable communities around the world by providing life-saving health education through simple, engaging video lessons. These educational resources are delivered in local languages and tailored to the needs of each community, empowering individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and lead healthier lives. 

Canopi Foundation is seeking 3 new Trustees to join their Board - Use your expertise to create positive social impact both locally and globally as a Trustee of Canopi Foundation.

What will you be doing?

As a Trustee of Canopi Foundation, you’ll help provide strategic direction, ensure good governance, and support financial oversight. Key responsibilities include:

• Governance & Leadership: Ensure legal and regulatory compliance, uphold the charity’s mission and values, contribute to Board decisions, and promote integrity and transparency.
• Strategy & Planning: Shape and monitor strategic plans, assess risks and opportunities, and stay informed on sector trends.
• Financial Stewardship: Approve budgets and reports, oversee resource management and risk, and support income generation and fundraising initiatives.

You will be part of a team of committed individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in the world. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your skills, knowledge, and experience to drive Canopi Foundation’s mission forward.

There is a full role description in the candidate pack.

Time commitment: Approximately one day a month on average, comprised of preparation for and attending: Four Board meetings a year (usually via Zoom), one annual strategy day (in person), and 1hr monthly informal catch ups (via Zoom) Ad hoc support for Chief Executive of Canopi and Education Saves Lives. While most meetings are virtual, occasional in-person sessions occur (82 Tanner Street, London) 

What are we looking for?

Skills and qualifications:

We are seeking Trustees with the following skills / experience to take lead oversight for these areas:

• Social Sector Experience: someone with a solid understanding of the charity and third sector, and strong experience in strategy and leadership. You’ll offer insights that help us respond to sector challenges and increase our impact
• Fundraising and Income Generation: someone with a background in fundraising and income generation to support the team with ideas, insight, and a fresh perspective on our income strategy
• Legal (Charity Law and Regulation): someone with legal expertise - especially in charity law and regulation - to guide the Board in making sound and compliant decisions

As part of our longer-term succession planning, we would welcome interest from candidates who may be open to taking on additional Board leadership responsibilities in the future, eg Chair or Committee roles.

We are committed to creating a board of trustees that reflects the rich diversity of our community. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences - regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or socio‑economic status. We believe that varied perspectives strengthen our governance and help us serve better.

There is a full description in the candidate pack.

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, your expertise and guidance will directly shape the future of Canopi Foundation and its two impactful initiatives: Canopi, supporting social change organisations with affordable workspaces, and Education Saves Lives, delivering vital health education globally. Your input will strengthen our strategy, governance, and sustainability - helping us reach more people, respond effectively to sector challenges, and grow our impact. This is a meaningful opportunity to use your skills to support a mission-driven organisation making a real difference in people’s lives.

Join the Wheels for All Volunteer Team – Help Us Make Cycling Inclusive for Everyone!  

Do you want to make a difference in your local community? Are you passionate about inclusion, wellbeing, and having fun outdoors? Join Wheels for All, a national charity making cycling accessible for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. 

We believe everyone should experience the joy, freedom, and empowerment of cycling. Our inclusive cycling sessions are only possible thanks to a diverse team of dedicated volunteers—and that’s where you come in! 

 What You’ll Get Involved with: 

• Support people to use adapted cycles during sessions 

• Help with setting up and packing away equipment 

• Provide a friendly, welcoming environment for participants and families 

• Be part of a fun and supportive volunteer team 

Volunteer Benefits 

• Claim reasonable expenses in line with our Volunteer Expense Policy 

• Receive a Wheels for All branded uniform 

• Access volunteer training courses to support your development 

• Be part of an inspiring, positive, and supportive charity culture 

No experience? No problem! 

We provide full training, including disability awareness and safety, and ongoing support from our team and fellow volunteers. 

What are we looking for? 

• An approachable and friendly nature 

• Good interpersonal and communication skills 

• Empathy and an understanding of individual needs 

• Patience and an inclusive approach to engagement 

• Adaptability and flexibility in changing situations 

• A team-oriented attitude 

• Positivity, honesty, and integrity 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to take initiative 

• Some cycling experience is helpful but not essential 

Why volunteer with us? 

“The best thing about volunteering is seeing the happy faces! The riders come back beaming—it’s amazing to be a part of that joy.” – Dave, Volunteer 

“People that aren’t normally able to get out cycling can come here and join in and enjoy the great outdoors. I really enjoy volunteering with Wheels for All because I can visibly see how the simple act of cycling brings a lot of happiness” - Vince, Volunteer 

You’ll Gain: 

• Confidence and new skills 

• Connections and friendships 

• Improved mental wellbeing 

• A chance to be part of a national movement for inclusive cycling 

• Recognition through social events, newsletters, and volunteer awards 
  
  Join us—and help make cycling accessible for all.  

At FareShare, we stop good food from going to waste and give it to people who need it in our local community. Our Volunteer Drivers deliver food to our Community Food Members which is vital to ensuring the donated food we receive gets to the right people, instead of going to landfill. 

What will I be doing? 

• Safely driving vans to deliver and collect food 

• Loading and unloading food orders, planning routes and completing paperwork 

• Responsibly driving the van, cleaning the van, reporting any issues or accidents 

• Representing FareShare in a courteous and professional manner and, where necessary, you will be accompanied by a Volunteer Driver’s Assistant. 

Why volunteer as a Driver with FareShare? 

• Gain skills such as route planning, manual handling, organisation, teamwork and communication skills 

• Meet new people, be part of a team and socialise with other volunteers and Community Food Members 

• Be physically active, keep fit and help vulnerable people in your community. 

Requirements for the role: 

• Hold a full driving licence with no or low points 

• Be over 21 with minimum 3 years driving experience 

• Have the confidence to drive a medium-sized van (training/support will be offered where needed) 

• Be able to perform physical manual handling tasks safely including loading/unloading food from the van 

• Have the ability to complete paperwork and follow directions via Sat Nav system/map 

• Be adaptable and flexible. Managing surplus food is unpredictable and tasks can vary 

• Be positive, friendly and personable 

• Be able to work well in a team and on your own 

• Follow health and safety policies & procedures 

We are committed to embracing diversity and promoting equality and inclusion. As part of your application, please let us know of any health conditions or access needs that might impact your volunteering with us. 

Administration and Office Support Volunteer 

Team: The Fundraising Team  

Location: Woodhouse Square, Leeds, LS3 1AD  

Time commitment: 1 day a week

_________________________________________________________________________ 

About Candlelighters 

Candlelighters provides financial, emotional and practical support to families affected by childhood cancer in Yorkshire. We support around 150 new families each year and our work ensures the whole family unit is supported in these extraordinary circumstances. 

We support children and their families from diagnosis and throughout their journey, including providing  financial support, practical help in hospital, much needed breaks, as well as emotional and well-being support at our Family Support Centre (The Square) and Family Support Bus.

Purpose of the Role and Key Activities 

Candlelighters needs to fundraise £2million every year to continue providing services to families. The Administration and Office Support Volunteer provides crucial administrative and office support to the Fundraising Team and is central to helping the team raise the money we need to continue supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer in Yorkshire.

Activities vary, but may include 

• Responding to enquiries from supporters via telephone and e-mail

• Providing administrative support and helping to prepare resources, merchandise and equipment for events 

• Taking leadership over the Candlelighters Ebay page. Adding merchandise to sell, liaising with any queries and fulfilling any orders 

• Answering the phone, transferring calls and taking messages 

• Updating the supporter database 

• Writing thank you letters and sending certificates 

• Processing large mailings (including mail merge) and dealing with any returns 

• Franking letters and parcels 

• Arranging courier companies for large deliveries

• Filing (paper and electronic)

• Providing administrative support for events 

• Assisting the Fundraising Team with other tasks and activities as required 

• Send out Merchandise to our fundraisers/Challenge events participants (Running tops, T-Shirts, FR Materials) 

• Research – future challenge events/mailing contacts 

• Preparing Collection Tins/Buckets for use by fundraisers 

• Making up Goody Bags for events 

• Adhering to Candlelighters’ policies and procedures.

Volunteer Requirements 

We are looking for volunteers who 

• Have strong administrative skills 

• Have experience of working in an office environment 

• Have strong IT skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel 

• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills 

• Have experience of communicating in a professional capacity via telephone, email and in person.

• Are friendly and approachable, whilst also able to maintain professional boundaries 

• Have strong attention to detail

• Are able to work well as part of a team 

• Are able to work independently and use own initiative 

• Are able to lift and carry boxes, equipment and resources

• Are able to climb multiple flights of stairs 

• Are able to follow Candlelighter’s policies and procedures. 

We recognise that family members accessing Candlelighters’ services may wish to volunteer with Candlelighters. However, this particular role is not suitable for family members receiving support from Candlelighters. This is to ensure they are given the best possible care and support without any potential conflict of interest. Other volunteering opportunities can be found on our website.

Support and Benefits 

You will receive: 

• Thorough induction & training to give you the confidence to perform your role well and to the best of your ability 

• Opportunity to develop new and existing skills to help you beyond your involvement with Candlelighters 

• Ongoing support from the Fundraising and HR teams 

• The opportunity to meet lots of new, friendly people 

• The opportunity to expose yourself to new experiences 

• Certain expenses to be reimbursed as agreed with your Volunteer Supervisor, in accordance with our Expenses policy 

• Regular reviews with your Volunteer Supervisor to help you develop in your role 

• Satisfaction in knowing you are making a valuable contribution to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer 

• We can be a reference once you’ve volunteered for three months 

• Access to the MINDFUL EMPLOYER+ 24/7 mental health hotline 

• Charity Worker Discount card 

• Access to The Company Shop 

 Successful applicants will be invited to attend an interview.

Thankyou

Travel expenses reimbursed only!

Location:   81 Brigstock Road, CR7 7JH or other areas within Croydon

Duration:   Ongoing, flexible commitment 

Reports To:   Volunteer Coordinator

About Age UK Croydon

At Age UK Croydon, our mission is to reach, involve, support, and connect older people so they can age well in Croydon. We work to reduce loneliness, promote well-being, and ensure older residents have access to the resources and support they need to enjoy a fulfilling later life.

Purpose

As a Volunteer with Age UK Croydon, you will play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission by engaging with the community and providing support. Your contribution will directly impact the well-being of older residents and help foster an inclusive, caring community.

Key Responsibilities

− Reach out to older adults through phone calls, home visits, or community events to reduce loneliness and promote social inclusion. 

− Assist in organising and supporting local events, activities, and outreach initiatives.

− Help coordinate and promote access to services such as information and advice, health and wellbeing programs, and social activities.

− Support with data entry, maintaining volunteer and participant records, and administrative tasks as needed. 

− Help distribute newsletters, flyers, and promotional materials.

− Assist in raising awareness about Age UK Croydon’s services through community engagement. 

− Respect client confidentiality and uphold the dignity and independence of older people. 

  Essential Skills and Qualities:

- Compassionate, patient, and empathetic nature 

- Good communication and active listening skills 

- Reliable, respectful, and sensitive to diversity and individual needs 

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team 

- Basic computer skills (for administrative tasks) are desirable but not essential

Commitment

- Flexible hours, typically ranging from a few hours a week to a regular schedule, to fit your availability 

- Commitment to safeguarding policies and confidentiality

Benefits of Volunteering

- Make a positive difference in the lives of older people 

- Develop new skills and gain valuable experience 

- Meet new people and become part of a supportive community 

- Receive training and ongoing support from our team

Age UK Croydon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all volunteers and clients. All volunteers will be required to undertake relevant background DBS checks and training. 

Thank you for considering volunteering with Age UK Croydon—together, we can help older people age well in Croydon!

About the Minster Centre

The Minster Centre is is a registered charity that provides training in psychotherapy and counselling and an affordable therapy service. It is approaching its 50th anniversary and was founded in 1978 as the first Integrative psychotherapy and counselling training in the UK.  Now based in Queens Park, NW London, it runs  training ranging from open access introductory courses to post-graduate degrees and  provides a safe and affordable counselling service to people over the age of 18 who are experiencing a range of difficulties. The Centre is seeking a Treasurer to join  its lively and diverse Board of Trustees. This is a voluntary role.

The Treasurer role

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of The Minster Centre’s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. The Treasurer will work closely with the Head of Finance, the Chair and the Management Committee.

Key responsibilities

• Ensuring  the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management.
• Monitoring and advising the Board on the financial viability of the charity.
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with the Head of Finance.
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process
• Ensuring investments and assets are maximised.
• Leading  on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors.
• Overseeing  the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating and reporting corporate risk.
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies; the Charity Commission, Companies House and the Office for Students.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Chair, Head of Finance and the Management Committee  to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

More information about the role of Honorary Treasurers can be downloaded from  The Voluntary Treasurers Association  

In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees.

The Trustee Role

The Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Centre as it seeks to fulfil its charitable objects, ensuring it operates in accordance with its governing document and meets its legal and regulatory requirements.

The Board of Trustees meets six times a year (January, April, June, July (full day), September and November) and are online aside from the full day meeting which is normally in person. Additional work on specialist working groups or committees is also undertaken, depending on Trustees’ personal interests, experience and availability. Trustees normally serve for a term of three years in the first instance but can stand for re-election up to a maximum of nine years.

Under the provisions of our governing document the Board can consist of a minimum of 7 trustees and a maximum of 14.  The Board is made up of:

• Up to 11 independent Trustees (elected by Minster Centre Members (alumni and psychotherapists who maintain their UKCP registration through the Centre)
• a member of staff elected by the staff
• a student, on a course at The Minster Centre extending over more than one year, elected by students attending a course extending over more than one year
• the Director

A list of current members of the Board of Trustees can be found on our website.

Qualities needed

We are seeking Trustees who are enthusiastic about The Minster Centre’s work and values, who understand the distinction between management and governance and can operate as an effective trustee across the range of subject matters that will be considered by the Board.

For the role of Treasurer we are seeking:

• A finance professional - Qualified accountant with Membership of a professional accountancy organisation. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage, otherwise an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• A clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists.
• Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors
• Able to provide effective support and challenge to the management team and other Trustees
• Experience of fundraising and finance practices in the charitable or voluntary sector (including understanding of charity SORP) would be an advantage
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

The Centre has a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Trustees will be expected to share this commitment, and the Board would like this to be more fully represented in its composition. We would particularly welcome applications from people from global majority communities, the LGBTQI+ community, care leavers, people with disabilities and people from other underrepresented groups in the profession.

Our full Treasurer Pack is linked below and provides further information for applicants.

The application process

To apply, please submit your CV and a statement outlining why you wish to be a Treasurer and your suitability for the role (maximum two sides of A4). Please submit your documents to the HR & Governance Manager, Afua Pierre by email 

Closing date: Friday 11th July 2025

Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed (remotely in the first instance) by the Chair and another member of the Board. The appointment will be made subject to two satisfactory references and confirmation from the whole Board.

Start of appointment: September 2025

Trustees will need to declare any conflicts of interest and not be disqualified from serving as a charity trustee. Reasons for disqualification include being bankrupt or having an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA), having an unspent conviction for certain offences (including any that involve dishonesty or deception), and being on the sex offenders’ register.  For further information see here

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats