Activities support volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Wembley, greater london

Befriender Volunteers play a key role in supporting individuals as they move on from our services and begin to live more independently. This role helps individuals stay connected, build stability, and feel confident in their next steps. Volunteers provide emotional support, practical assistance, and companionship to help people achieve their personal goals and stay engaged with their community.

What you will be doing

• Carry out regular check-ins—via phone, online, or in person—to help service users feel supported after leaving the service. Provide friendly visits where appropriate, offering a listening ear and encouragement during the transition to independent living
• Support individuals to build links within their local community, such as identifying clubs, social groups, local activities, or places of interest based on their personal goals.
• Encourage service users to take part in community events and build social connections that promote long-term wellbeing.
• Accompany service users to view potential properties where needed. Provide assistance exploring practical items or resources they may need after moving on, such as furniture options, budgeting tools, or local amenities.
• support service users to attend GP or other health appointments, helping reduce anxiety and build confidence in navigating services.
• Help individuals develop social skills, communication skills, and confidence through positive interactions and gentle encouragement. Providing motivation and reassurance as they work towards independent living goals.
• Support service users to access and participate in our online activities, helping them build digital confidence and stay connected. Assist with basic digital navigation, where needed (e.g., joining online groups, using communication platforms, accessing resources).

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Friendly and calm nature
• Mental health experience who feels strong enough to help others
• Willingness to listen to people with a genuine enthusiasm to support others
• Confident, sympathetic and can inspire trust and able to maintain boundaries in a non-judgemental way

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

NICOLA Arts is an artist-led charity and community space based in London, supporting young creatives, artists and local communities through art, culture and social projects. We are looking for volunteers to support our shop and community space, helping with daily activities, customer service, visual displays and the organisation of events, exhibitions and creative workshops. This is an ongoing volunteering opportunity with flexible shifts, ideal for students, creatives and anyone interested in gaining hands-on experience in an arts and community-led environment. Details Volunteers will support different aspects of the NICOLA Arts space, including: welcoming visitors and assisting customers helping with shop organisation and visual presentation supporting events, exhibitions, jam sessions and workshops assisting the team with day-to-day activities No previous experience is required — just enthusiasm, reliability and an interest in arts and community work

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• 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!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Do you want to see more happiness and kindness in the world? We’re looking for dynamic Volunteers to be part of creating exactly that!

About the Role:

Our volunteers bring people together for shared online learning experiences, based on positive psychology, that boost the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Our groups and courses can be run online or in-person in your local area.

- The amazing 6-week Happiness Habits Course is designed to be run by pairs of volunteers.  It features expert videos, science-backed exercises and the chance to form meaningful connections. Our course has been specially designed to gather the insights of the world's leading experts on six fundamental aspects of a happy and meaningful life: Gratitude, Self-Care, Relationships, Resilience, Kindness, and Meaning. It is a very impactful (many say life-changing) experience.

- Alternatively, you can get involved by supporting a Monthly Group, bringing like-minded people together to learn evidence-based tools for creating a happier and more meaningful life. Explore the monthly themes and encourage people to set personal actions towards happiness, that support both themselves and others.

Volunteering with Action for Happiness is a path of action that consistently feels like you are making a difference in the world. You don’t have to be an expert - or be happy all the time. If you are a warm and enthusiastic person that is more than enough to get started.

Why Volunteer with Us?

Do something that matters: spreading happiness and witnessing people transform for the better is a huge source of meaning.

Grow your skills: inspiring others, learning together and reinforcing your own happiness skills all contribute to personal growth.

Build community: meeting like-minded people, building lasting friendships and belonging to a global community contributing to a better future for all.

How do I know it’s right for me?

Try out free VOLUNTEER TRAINING via the Action For Happiness website and decide for yourself.

We've designed it especially to help you answer questions like this as it explains thoroughly what being a volunteer involves and helps you reflect on your readiness.

What is the time commitment?

You'll need to set aside a couple of hours for the training initially and a few more for planning your course or group and connecting with your co-volunteer. Then you'll need a couple of hours per session for facilitating (x6 weekly sessions for a course, or x1 session per month for a group). 

- Apply today! Together, we can inspire change that ripples out through people’s lives, communities and the world.
 

We're looking for 2-3 detail-oriented and strategic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Specialist Volunteers to help optimise our online presence and ensure our campaigns and content reach the communities that need them most and increase the charity’s search engine results rankings. The SEO Specialist Volunteers will play a key role in enhancing the visibility and searchability of Burning Nights CRPS Support’s website and digital content.

The SEO Specialist Volunteers will be volunteering within the Communications & Marketing Team to implement SEO best practices, conduct keyword research, improve site structure, and analyse web performance – all to ensure our content reaches a broader audience and amplifies the voice of our charity’s supporters online.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Competitor and Keyword Research: Conduct keyword research to inform website content and campaign strategies.
• On-page optimisation: Optimise existing content for improved search engine ranking (meta tags, meta descriptions, headers, alt text, etc.)
• Monitor and analyse SEO performance using tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEMrush.
• Technical SEO Implementation: Identify technical SEO issues and collaborate with content teams to resolve them.
• Backlink and Off-Page SEO: Assist in developing backlink strategies and improving domain authority.
• Support the content team in creating SEO-optimised articles and pages.
• Provide monthly reports on SEO performance and suggest improvements.
• Stay up to date with SEO trends, Google algorithm updates, and emerging best practices.

Key Skills or Qualifications

• Excellent understanding of SEO principles and search engine algorithms.
• Proven experience in conducting SEO audits, strategy development, and implementation.
• Experience using SEO tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ahrefs, or SEMrush or similar platforms.
• Previous experience in digital marketing, content strategy, or technical SEO.
• Ability to perform keyword research and competitor analysis.
• Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and content management systems (ideally Django framework).
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written communication and reporting skills.
• Evidence of organisational skills, with good attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently, turning recommendations into action without needing constant oversight.
• A passion for using your skills to support patients and families impacted by a debilitating pain condition and help save lives.
• Passion for creating inclusive and accessible digital spaces.
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
• Enthusiastic about supporting a small charity.
• Willing to learn, adapt, and collaborate with a supportive team.

Desirable Experience

• Experience of Google Ads for nonprofits.
• Experience of using Django framework websites.
• Familiarity with accessibility best practices and inclusive web design.
• Experience working with or volunteering for nonprofit / charitable organisations.
• Demonstrable IT skills, particularly Google Drive and Microsoft.
• Good research and information management skills.
• An understanding of the charity sector and/or fundraising.

Key Benefits

• Volunteer as part of a forward-thinking, supportive team.
• Unique opportunity to directly contribute to strategic SEO recommendations, and the implementation of those changes to increase the charity’s visibility.
• At Burning Nights CRPS Support you’ll use your SEO skills for a mission with a real, measurable impact. This is more than just a volunteer role, it’s an opportunity to change and save lives.
• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families impacted by a severe pain condition.
• Building your network and forming connections with like-minded people and organisations.
• Enhance your CV and gain skills that are transferable to a variety of career paths.
• Receive training and ongoing support from our team.
• Experience the personal satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from helping others.

Training and Support

• Full induction to our organisation, as well as check-ins, ongoing training, supervision and support from the Communications & Marketing Lead Volunteer, Volunteer Co-ordinators, Trustees and the Volunteer Team.
• This a remote volunteering opportunity with regular online team check-ins and collaborative sessions with a supportive, creative, and inclusive team environment.
• Relevant and ongoing training for your volunteer role.
• Regular updates on charity activities.
• Support, advice and guidance from Charity team.
• After 3 months volunteering, all volunteers are eligible for additional training courses (reasonable cost).
• Out-of-pocket expenses, approved in advance will be reimbursed.

We are pleased to invite applications for the following opportunity:

Weekend Service Volunteers

Interested in making a difference in your community? Want to be inspired by other like-minded people? We would like to invite you to volunteer in a unique service user charity working with individuals who have or have had substance use issues. We have more than 10 different locations across London and Sussex, we will make sure to find the best place and role for you.

Build on Belief is keen to encourage applications from people with diverse lives and experiences, including ethnicity, gender, sexuality, social & economic background as well as lived or associated experience of alcohol and other drug problems. 

In return, we do our best to make volunteering fun, worthwhile, and pledge ourselves to treating everyone fairly and as an equally valued member of the team.

There are many ways you can volunteer with us such us helping to set up our space for the day ahead, making food and drinks, supporting staff with registration and contract filling, listening to and socialising with service users, monitoring behaviour in the service, answering phone calls, taking part in games and activities and so on. We will make sure to place you in the best role according to your skills, wishes and availability.

What can you get from volunteering with us?

· Paid travel expenses

· We provide food in our services for all volunteers and services users.

· We offer a wide range of training workshops that are intended to ensure you can undertake your role safely and with confidence. They are fun, informative, free to access and there is no written work! You may attend as many as you want as often as you want.

· We will offer you one-to-one supervision with a paid member of staff.

· We will always place your welfare above the needs of the charity.

· Any concerns you have about your role will be taken seriously and addressed to the best of our ability.

· Opportunity to grow within the organisation.

What do we expect from our volunteers?

· Commitment and Honesty

· Willingness to Learn

· Non-Discriminatory approach towards our service users, staff and other volunteers

· Appropriate behaviour: You will be working with an occasionally difficult and often vulnerable client group. You will have to work hard to maintain your boundaries. We will support you and provide you with training on how to have a healthy, meaningful experience.

· Teamwork: It is important to remember that we work together as a Team, and we will be there every step of the way to help you feel welcome and safe in our brilliant team.

Extra Information

Still in treatment and having the odd binge? We can work with that. Never had a paid job and with no real experience of routine and structure? Not a problem. Little or no education, and find it a struggle to read and write? It doesn't matter. Anxious and lacking in confidence? We can work on that together. The only caveat being that volunteers cannot be under the influence of a non-prescribed mind-altering substance when they turn up to volunteer.

Want to know more?

Get in touch with us and she will support you with the next steps.

We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Build on Belief, 2024.

 Video Editor

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace. To learn more about our impactful work at Quilombo UK, we encourage you to explore our website and YouTube channel. 

Join us in leading positive change!

About the position

The Video Editor will coordinate all video and podcast production activities, supporting the design and delivery of high-quality content across various platforms. This role provides flexibility and autonomy, with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Location: Remote

Main Responsibilities

• Prepare and edit diverse video content for social media, including documentaries, promos and highlight videos.

• Adhere to a clear and comprehensive system for content files and archives.

• Assist in post-production-related tasks as needed.

• Contribute to the creative process of production of videos, by sharing ideas and discussing themes and directions of projects 

• Prepare and edit footage to uphold brand style 

• Find scripts and other source materials for video and podcast projects.

• Maintain a clear and comprehensive system for content files and archives.

• Assist in production-related tasks as needed.

• Monitor post-production processes to ensure accurate completion of details.

• Edit video content for various platforms, including web, social media, and broadcast.

• Collaborate with the creative team to develop and execute the visual style and narrative structure of video projects.

• Apply sound effects, music, graphics, and special effects to enhance the final product.

• Ensure all video content adheres to brand guidelines and quality standards.

• Manage and maintain video and podcast files, ensuring proper storage and organization.

• Meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

 Essential

• Demonstrate experience with Adobe Premier Pro

• Experience with Final Cut, Da Vinci Resolve  and Avid (not essential, but an advantage).

• Demonstrate some video production experience 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills 

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of tasks 

• Focused, organized and able to prioritize and execute tasks independently 

• Passion in martial arts is preferable, although not a must

• Well-organized, proactive, self-starter, and able to deliver tasks efficiently.

• Good time-management skills.

Desirable

• Bachelor’s degree in film studies, Cinematography, or a related field.

• Experience with colour correction and sound design.

• Familiarity with graphic design software such as Adobe After Effects and Photoshop.

• Experience in a fast-paced production environment.

• Knowledge of podcast production and editing.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

Role Overview

GHRI is seeking a detail-oriented volunteer accountant to help manage and maintain transparent financial operations. If numbers are your love language and accountability is your personality, babe… this role is screaming your name.

�� Key Responsibilities

Maintain accurate financial records and reports

Track donations, grants, and project expenses

Assist in budget planning and financial forecasting

Ensure financial activities align with regulatory standards

Support preparation of reports for partners and donors

✅ Requirements

Degree or background in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Basic knowledge of financial reporting and bookkeeping

Attention to detail 

Integrity and transparency in handling funds

Interest in non-profit or humanitarian finance

�� Why Volunteer With GHRI?

Gain experience in non-profit financial management

Strengthen your CV with international NGO exposure

Work with purpose, not just spreadsheets

Be part of a mission that improves healthcare access

About Us

Influential Stars is a purpose driven platform connecting creators, supporters, and causes through exclusive experiences and campaigns that raise funds for UK charitable organisations. We are a growing team committed to delivering meaningful impact through professionally managed experiences.

Our Story

Influential Stars was founded by Lisa Connell, who is living with an inoperable brain tumour and has spent many years raising awareness and support for UK causes. The platform was created from a deeply personal belief that influence, connection, and community can be powerful forces for good when brought together in the right way.

Volunteers play a vital role in helping turn that vision into real world impact, enabling experiences that raise funds, create joy for winners, and support charitable organisations across the UK.

The Role

We are seeking a proactive, confident, and relationship driven Volunteer Partnerships & Growth Manager to identify, approach, and onboard affiliate partners, collaborators, agents, and other supporters who can help expand the reach of the platform.

This role focuses on building a strong network of individuals and organisations who can introduce creators, promote campaigns, or otherwise support the growth of Influential Stars.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and approach potential affiliate partners, collaborators, agents, and networks

• Introduce individuals and organisations to the platform and explain how they can get involved

• Support onboarding of new collaborators and affiliates

• Build and maintain positive relationships with partners and introducers

• Encourage ongoing engagement and participation

• Maintain regular communication to nurture long term partnerships

• Coordinate with internal team members to ensure smooth onboarding

• Provide clear information about roles, expectations, and opportunities

• Maintain accurate records of outreach and partnerships using our CRM management system

• Represent the organisation professionally in all communications

Skills and Experience Required

Essential:

• Experience in outreach, partnerships, business development, or relationship building

• Excellent customer service skills

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

• Confidence communicating by phone, email, and online platforms

• Strong networking ability and proactive approach

• Strong IT skills, including confident use of computer databases and standard office software (e.g. Word, Excel)

• Experience using a CRM or similar database system

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple contacts

• Professional, reliable, and personable manner

Desirable:

• Familiarity with HubSpot CRM (preferred but not essential as training will be provided)

• Experience in affiliate programmes, partnerships, or community building

• Experience working remotely within a team

• Interest in charitable or social impact work

• Based in London or Hertfordshire for occasional in person meetings (not essential)

Working Arrangement

• Fully remote position

• Flexible working hours depending on organisational needs

• No travel required. However, if you choose to meet with partners in person, reasonable travel costs will be covered where possible

• Occasional (optional) in person team meetings

Why Volunteer With Us

• Play a key role in expanding a platform designed to create meaningful impact

• Help build networks that support fundraising for UK causes

• Gain valuable experience in partnerships, outreach, and growth strategy

• Join a mission driven organisation at an exciting stage of development

• Flexible volunteering that can fit around other commitments

• Opportunity to build a wide professional network across multiple sectors

Although this is currently a volunteer position, Influential Stars is actively working to grow the platform with the long term aim of creating paid roles. While we are unable to provide a timeframe and future opportunities will depend on the organisation’s growth and incoming work, this role offers the chance to be part of that journey from an early stage.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

What is the purpose of this role?

To support people aged 18+ in the community by leading a series of guided walks around open spaces in Nottingham city (and Nottinghamshire).

Walk Leaders can make a difference by creating safe, enjoyable, and accessible walking opportunities that enhance health, wellbeing, and social connection.

What impact does this role have?

Provides accessible, guided health walks across Nottingham’s parks and open spaces. The walks encourage a healthy lifestyle by combining exercise with opportunities to socialise, helping people stay active, build friendships, and explore their local community.

What activities might you be involved in?

· Offering a friendly welcome to all walkers, especially those joining for the first time

· Providing a short briefing before the walk to ensure all participants are prepared

· Making sure the walk is safe and accessible for participants on the day of the walk

· Taking the lead in walks and ensuring they are safe, friendly and enjoyable and well managed

· Addressing and resolving issues that arise during walks, following guidance from your Line Manager, and promptly reporting any incidents or concerns to them.

· Providing information about other Age UK Notts services and other walks offered by the scheme, and basic information about how to keep active

· Ensuring all required paperwork is properly completed

· Attending occasional walk leaders’ meetings, one-to-one meetings and relevant training

What are we looking for?

Ø  A genuine interest in the wellbeing of people and community engagement

Ø  Friendly, welcoming and empowering with good communication skills

Ø  Knowledgeable about the basics of the benefits of walking and physical activity

Ø  Reliable, punctual, honest and well-organised

Ø  Able to volunteer independently but with guidance and support

Ø  Confident at speaking in front of small groups

Ø  Able to take control and be assertive when needed

Ø  Ability to complete basic paperwork punctually and accurately

Ø  Willing to observe and learn from an experienced leader before taking on independent leadership

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The role can be flexible around your availability. Most volunteers lead walks weekly or monthly, with walks lasting 20–60 minutes. These may be starter/easy walks or wellbeing-focused walks. At times, we may request your support to provide cover at short notice if required.

 While we are looking to expand, our current walks  take place on Monday mornings at the Arboretum, Wednesday mornings at Highfields Park/Lakeside and Thursday mornings in Sneinton.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role. This will include a one-day Ramblers Wellbeing Walks, Walk Leader Course, risk assessment guidance and a thorough departmental induction to provide you with further information about your role. 

What can you gain from this opportunity?

· The chance to make a difference to a person’s life

· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one

· A comprehensive training programme including the opportunity for further training (e.g. First Aid)

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· Experience to add to your CV

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

Additional Information

Please note a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.

We are looking for volunteers who have availability to support our walks across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 

We are looking for volunteers who can support a minimum of one walk per week, every week (time and days tbc)

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

We are looking for a friendly, patient befriending volunteer to visit a lovely gentleman in New Southgate. He is keen to find an attentive listener who will show an interest in hearing his imaginative stories and will giggle at his jokes. He would love for someone to accompany him to McDonalds for a treat, to join him in a bit of music trivia, or sometimes for just a cup of tea and a chit chat.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

- Sitting and having a chat

- Checking in on their well- being

- Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink

- Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.

- Enjoying a walk

- A craft activity at home

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

- Friendly and approachable

- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

- Reliable and patient

- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit

- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training

- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed

- Meet new people

- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

About Mencap

Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Many of the men we support experience isolation, low confidence, and barriers to engaging with community life. As a befriender volunteer, you’ll build a consistent, trust based relationship that encourages social connection, helps set and pursue personal goals, and supports wellbeing and independence.

What you will be doing

• Offer regular one-to-one befriending - meeting for a walk, coffee, or a planned activity to reduce isolation and build confidence.
• Provide light, goal focused mentoring - agree simple goals (e.g., joining a group, practicing a routine, building life skills) and check progress together.
• Encourage safe community participation - libraries, local groups, leisure activities, volunteering, or learning opportunities.
• Share clear information and signpost to staff or local services where appropriate
• Accompany to non clinical community appointments, help read/understand letters, complete wellbeing “welfare check ins,” and promote general engagement in the community.
• Keep brief session notes or a simple check in with your supervisor and escalate any concerns immediately in line with safeguarding guidance.

The skills you need

• Warm, patient and non judgemental approach; able to build rapport with adult men from diverse backgrounds.
• Good listening, clear communication and reliability
• Respect for confidentiality and professional boundaries; comfortable following guidance and asking for support.

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, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Our Second Home (OSH) is the UK’s youth movement of people with refugee backgrounds. We have welcomed over 600 young people from 50 countries to our activities in London, Essex and Bristol.

Mission

For young people with refugee experience to build community, become leaders and flourish into adulthood in the place they call home. Through transformative activities, our members take control of their lives and create meaningful change for themselves and their wider community.

About This Role

OSH is at a pivotal point in its development.

Over the past few years, OSH has grown from a small, founder-led organisation into a national movement with increasing reach, complexity, and ambition. Our income has risen from £250,000 to £500,000, our staff and volunteer base is expanding, and our programmes are reaching more young people than ever before.

OSH now needs confident, experienced, and future-focused governance that can support scaling while protecting the culture, values, and relational way of working that make the organisation distinctive.

Your role will involve 4 main areas:

1. Board Leadership and Governance
2. Strategy and Organisational Leadership
3. CEO Support, Appraisal, and Accountability
4. External Representation and Engagement

More information is in the recruitment pack attached.

About You

Essential

• Significant experience in organisational and strategic leadership, ideally including guiding a charity or mission-driven organisation from small to medium scale
• A proactive and forward-thinking mindset, demonstrating the ability to anticipate potential issues and risks while identifying opportunities.
• Strong understanding of good governance, with the confidence to lead a board and hold senior executives to account
• Experience of or exposure to fundraising, financial sustainability, and organisational development
• The ability to balance support and challenge, particularly in a Chair - CEO relationship
• Commitment to OSH’s mission and values, including a genuine willingness to engage with and be guided by those with lived experience of the asylum system
• Highly organised and dynamic, with the ability to prioritise the effective use of Board time, facilitate the timely and focused distribution of information, and ensure appropriate follow-up to Board decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the emotional intelligence to lead inclusively, collaboratively, and sensitively

Desirable

• Lived experience of asylum or forced migration
• Previous experience as a Chair or Vice-Chair of a charity or similar organisation
• Experience working with youth-led or lived-experience-led organisations
• Familiarity with safeguarding in youth or community settings

Be a hero to a young person in care!

Are you looking for a meaningful, long-term volunteering role where you can make a positive difference in a young person’s life?

If yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

We’re seeking compassionate, reliable adults to become Independent Visitors - volunteer mentors and trusted friends to children and young people in care.

What is an Independent Visitor?

An Independent Visitor (IV) is a volunteer befriender and mentor who visits a young person in care once a month, usually on weekends, to enjoy fun, supportive activities together. As an IV, you’ll be a consistent, caring adult outside their professional network - someone who chooses to be there, just for them.

This is a long-term role, and we ask volunteers to commit to at least two years to help build a strong, stable relationship.

We are currently prioritising and seeking applications from volunteers based in the Croydon or Kent area where we have a greater need for volunteers to support childen and young people. 

Why it matters

Young people in care often face instability and frequent change. Having a consistent adult who listens, encourages and simply spends time with them can be life changing.

“My IV is the one person who’s always there for me. They make me feel like I matter.” Young Person in Care.

Who can volunteer?

You don’t need previous experience - just the right values and commitment. We’re looking for caring people who are:

• Friendly and approachable
• Patient, empathetic and consistent
• A good listener
• Committed to visiting once a month for at least two years
• Willing to complete training and safeguarding checks

We particularly welcome applications from male volunteers and individuals from Black, Asian and other underrepresented communities.

What will you be doing?

As an Independent Visitor, you’ll:

• Meet your young person once a month for activities like going to the cinema, bowling, exploring parks or just having a chat
• Suggest age-appropriate outings based on their interests
• Keep in touch between visits with a weekly call or message (if they’d like)
• Occasionally join in on group events
• Create meaningful, lasting memories

Please note that all travel and activity expenses will be covered.

Training & ongoing support

Before you start, we’ll provide:

• Full initial training
• Ongoing support and one-to-one supervision
• Access to additional training through Southwark’s volunteer resources

Recruitment timeline

• Applications reviewed on an ongoing basis.
• Interviews: To be confirmed.

Ready to make a difference?

If you’re looking for a rewarding, long-term volunteering opportunity where you can support a young person one to one and help them thrive, we’d love to receive an application from you today!