Activities volunteer roles

We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

Our volunteer cheerers are responsible for cheering on and supporting our Team Animal participants taking part in challenge events, such as: running, cycling, trekking and swimming.

We know from speaking to our supporters that the cheers they get on the day inspire and encourage them to cross the finish line - they couldn’t do it without you!

Sian - 2018 London Marathon Finisher said:

“It was really hard when I got to mile 20 of the London Marathon but the RSPCA cheer stand was at mile 25 and it gave me that last push to run and to finish it, it was really good.”

Main activities:

• Cheering on the RSPCA fundraisers taking part in challenge events
• Asking friends and family to join you cheering

More about this role

Volunteer role

Cheerer

Volunteer manager

RSPCA Events Team

Where you will be based

Community

Why we want you

We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

Our volunteer cheerers are responsible for cheering on and supporting our Team Animal participants taking part in challenge events, such as: running, cycling, trekking and swimming.

We know from speaking to our supporters that the cheers they get on the day inspire and encourage them to cross the finish line - they couldn’t do it without you!

Sian - 2018 London Marathon Finisher said:

“It was really hard when I got to mile 20 of the London Marathon but the RSPCA cheer stand was at mile 25 and it gave me that last push to run and to finish it, it was really good.”

Main activities:

• Cheering on the RSPCA fundraisers taking part in challenge events
• Asking friends and family to join you cheering

What you will be doing

• If you want to be inspired by our wonderful fundraisers and make some noise to get them past that finish, this is the opportunity for you.

The skills you need

• You don’t need any experience in fundraising or cheering, but just be happy to join us for a few hours to shout words of encouragement, ring the cowbells and tell our fundraisers how great they are!

What's in it for you

• Full support from the RSPCA Events Team
• Be part of Team Animal and meet new people
• Learn great new skills to add to your CV
• Cheering equipment including t-shirts and cheering sticks
• Volunteer in a fun environment
• You’ll be making a huge difference to the welfare of animals
• Be a vital part of ensuring the success of the challenge event

Why we need your help

We provide free games and activity sessions with tailored support for children with additional needs and disabilities. We support over 100 children, known as our ‘athletes’, with a wide range of additional needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, non-visible disabilities, and global development delay. At KEEN London, we strive to use fun and games to improve young people's wellbeing, and personal, social and emotional development as well as broadening experiences to increase skills and confidence.

Purpose of the role

Our Volunteer Coaches are the backbone of a KEEN London session! You’ll provide one-to-one support to an athlete, helping them to access all the activities on offer, achieve their personal development goals, and of course have tons of fun! You can expect to get involved with a wide range of playground games, ball games, nature walks, and creative activities. From time to time, we also run trips for our athletes, and previous trips have included trampoline parks, high ropes courses, pedalo boating and slime-making classes.

Tasks and activities

● You’ll support our athletes to engage with the session, and have fun while they’re doing it.

● You’ll help our Service Coordinators develop goals for our athletes, track their progress, and give them lots of encouragement along the way.

● You’ll work with your Service Coordinators and fellow Coaches to come up with new games, develop resources, and plan activities.

● We want our athletes to enjoy being active, making friends, and trying new things - and we want you to join in the activities with them!

● Our athletes love working with energetic and enthusiastic people, and we’ll ensure that all your hard work will be rewarded with a great time.

Please note: To ensure that you are equipped and ready to take on this role, there is a thorough application process which includes but is not limited to: an information session, an in-person onboarding training evening, an enhanced DBS check, reference checks and a safeguarding quiz. All elements of the onboarding process have to be completed satisfactorily before you can start volunteering in this role. 

Why Volunteer with KEEN London?

KEEN London would not be what it is without the volunteers who support our work, and we want to ensure that all our volunteers gain just as much from their volunteering journey as they put into the charity. Here’s what you’ll get in return for supporting us:

● Regular volunteer social events, and opportunities to meet other coaches

● We will provide you with ongoing feedback and support to enable you to reach your full potential at KEEN, you will receive an induction and handbook prior to starting your role and you will receive access to a virtual training portal with additional resources.

● We will give you opportunities to access other roles to help you broaden your skills, such as becoming a Captain or Session Leader.

● Long-term volunteers receive t-shirts, badges, and advance sign-ups to our popular events

● We have a budget set aside to cover volunteer expenses (see Volunteer Agreement below)

● We will provide job/character references to volunteers after a reasonable period of volunteering with us.

Volunteer Agreement

All KEEN London volunteers are asked to observe the Volunteer Agreement. This agreement is binding in honour only, is not intended to be a legally binding contract between us and may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. Neither of us intends any employment relationship to be created either now or at any time in the future.

As a volunteer with KEEN London, you can expect:

● To be a part of a unique and evolving charity that is providing a valuable service to children and young people with additional needs.

● To be introduced to how the organisation works and your role within it.

● A supportive and reciprocal environment that ensures a positive experience for you as a volunteer.

● To be invited to volunteer at special events and fundraising activities.

● Reimbursement of any reasonable travel expenses.

● To be treated fairly and equally with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, age, (dis)ability, religion or sexual orientation.

● A safe and healthy environment for you to volunteer in.

● Any problems or complaints to be investigated quickly and resolved fairly.

● Recognition for your efforts and successes – celebrating achievements and rewarding loyalty and dedication.

● To receive, if required, a reference after a reasonable time of volunteering.

● Access to free Charity Worker Discounts.

Our expectations of volunteers:

● To maintain and uphold the reputation and good name of the charity.

● To treat other volunteers, staff and service users fairly and with dignity, and to respect everyone equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, age, (dis)ability, religion or sexual orientation.

● To ensure appropriate levels of confidentiality and data protection are upheld.

● To uphold our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. This includes ensuring that when out of sight of other adults a ratio of 2 adults to 1 athlete is in place, and that you report any concerns you have about the safety and wellbeing of athletes to the Coordinator as soon as possible.

● To adhere to all health and safety instructions.

● To be punctual and reliable when attending sessions, and inform the coordinator via phone call as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.

● To attend at least 2 sessions per month for at least 6 months.

● To bring energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn to all sessions.

Role Description Internal Ref Number: COACH4

What is involved?
This role involves helping out at The Talk Shop making this a warm, friendly place for local people to connect with each other and with Cliik and other community organisations in the area. This could include:
● being available to meet and greet people who pop in to the shop,
● making refreshments;
● providing sign-posting to other agencies, as required;
● supporting people with form-filling;
● supporting or organising simple activities for people to engage with, for example, craft activities.

What will you get out of it?
● You will meet new people, learn new skills and enjoy sharing some of your existing skills. You will have the opportunity to make a difference in the community and to feel like you are a part of a local organisation run by local people for local people.
● When you start, you will be given training and information you need to carry out the role. You will have regular supervision and support. You will be able to demonstrate experience working with people in any future job application and get a reference which explains the work that you have done with Cliik at The Talk Shop.

What we ask for
● Volunteers need to be welcoming to people who visit The Talk Shop and to be able to get on with people from a wide range of backgrounds. We expect all of our volunteers and staff to treat everyone in our community with respect.
● We ask for a regular commitment of at least one weekly slot, usually around 3 hours.
● Because the role involves meeting people in the community, some of whom may be children, young people and vulnerable adults, building relationships with them, and holding responsibility for sometimes being alone in The Talk Shop, we will need to follow safer recruitment procedures.

Location: Hampshire (Board meetings in person)
Commitment: Approx. 1 day/month, including 4 Audit & Risk Committee meetings and 5 Board meetings annually
Remuneration: Unremunerated voluntary role with expenses reimbursed

A thriving community charity working across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to support children, young people, and families is looking to appoint a Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. Through early years education, youth services, housing, and outdoor activities, the charity helps individuals belong, contribute, and thrive.

The Board is now seeking a Trustee to Chair the Audit & Risk Committee, a vital governance role at the heart of the organisation’s mission. The successful candidate will ensure robust financial oversight, effective risk management, and strong internal controls, supporting the charity to uphold the highest standards of accountability and compliance.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Senior-level experience in audit, finance, or risk management
• A qualification in accountancy (full qualified)
• Experience in being a Trustee, and/or chairing a committee
• Strong understanding of governance and regulatory requirements
• The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial board members
• A collaborative approach and commitment to the values of the charity

This is a highly rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference to the communities YMCA Fairthorne Group serves.

Deadline: 14th September | Interviews: w/c 29th September

Location: Hampshire (Board meetings in person)
Commitment: Approx. 2 days/month, including 5 Finance Committee meetings and 5 Board meetings annually, and ad-hoc conversations with Finance team
Remuneration: Unremunerated voluntary role with expenses reimbursed

A thriving community charity working across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to support children, young people, and families is looking to appoint a Chair of the Finance Committee. They work through early years education, youth services, housing, and outdoor activities, the charity helps individuals belong, contribute, and thrive.

The Board is now seeking a Trustee to Chair the Finance Committee, a key governance role ensuring the charity’s financial sustainability and strategic direction. The successful candidate will provide oversight of financial performance, budgeting, compliance, and long-term planning, working closely with the Board and Executive Leadership Team to support the organisation’s mission and vision.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• A professional finance qualification (fully qualified)
• Senior-level experience in financial planning, strategy, and risk management
• Experience in being a Trustee, and/or chairing a committee.
• Familiarity with charity financial management and regulatory requirements (preferred)
• The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial board members
• A collaborative approach and commitment to the values of the charity

This is a highly rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference to the communities that the charity serves.

Deadline: 14th September | Interviews: w/c 29th September

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

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 team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers in the Crawley, Reigate and district area
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Volunteer Youth Support Worker 

Location: at our Satellite Session in Mildmay Comunity Centre N16 
Time commitment: Wednesdays in term Time 4:30-7:30pm 
Reports to: Lead Youth Worker

About Us 

At Mary’s Youth Club, we’re more than just a place to hang out. We’re a safe, supportive space where young people aged 10–19 can be themselves, try new things, and feel like they belong. 

From creative arts and music to games, sports, and wellbeing sessions, we run exciting drop-in activities and workshops every weekday. Everything we do is shaped by young people, with a strong focus on inclusion, creativity, and community. 

The Role 

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to support our team in delivering fun and engaging activities for young people. No experience is needed – just a positive attitude and a willingness to get stuck in! 

This role is for our Wednesday satellite session ‘Craft & Create’ delivered At Mildmay Community Centre (N16 8NA).

This role would particularly suit someone who is interested in, and able to offer, arts and craft, music or other creative sessions 

This is a great opportunity to gain experience in youth work, give back to your community, and help create a safe, welcoming environment for young people to grow and thrive. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Supporting young people during drop-in sessions

• Helping set up and run activities with staff 

• Being a friendly and approachable presence for young people 

• Encouraging creativity, teamwork and confidence 

• Assisting with tidying up and ensuring the space stays safe and welcoming 

What We’re Looking For 

You don’t need experience – we’ll provide guidance and support. We’re looking for volunteers who: 

• Enjoy spending time with young people 

• Have an interest in creative, hands-on activities

• Are patient, friendly and good listeners 

• Are reliable and able to work well in a team 

• Are open to learning and receiving feedback 

• Respect diversity and different backgrounds 

• Are committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment 

What You’ll Get 

• Support and supervision from experienced youth workers 

• A warm, friendly team environment 

• Opportunities to learn more about youth work 

• A chance to make a real difference in young people’s lives 

• References and certificates of volunteering (on request) 

Additional Info 

• All volunteers will be asked to complete a basic DBS (criminal record) check – we can help with this 

• We provide safeguarding training and a full induction 

• Volunteers must be 18+ 

Please note that unfortunately, we are not in a financial position to be able to pay sponsorship visa costs for individuals, therefore you will need to have settled status or pre-settled status in the UK in order to be able to apply for this volunteer role

How to Apply 

Interested? We'd love to hear from you! 

Join us in making Mary’s a space where young people feel safe, supported, and inspired – every day. �� 

What we're looking for:

We are looking for enthusiastic people from across the UK who are passionate about helping children and young people feel and be safe in sports and physical activities.

What you'll do:

Represent the Safe in Sport Volunteer Programme at selected events in your locality, where you will make a difference, through sharing our Child Protection in Sport Unit's resources and gathering insights around safeguarding.

• Liaise with the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) to learn about safeguarding in sport and physical activity
• Raise awareness of and signpost to available safeguarding tools and support
• Promote and encourage event attendees to engage with key messages; especially with themes for sport and physical activity participants, their families, and organisers, to help CPSU support them to keep children and young people safe in sport.
• Gather insights from event attendees, e.g. by sharing QR survey links
• Complete a simple event feedback form and return to CPSU
• Promote the wider work of the NSPCC and CPSU at events

What you'll get:

• Virtual training on safeguarding in sport
• We'll support you with advice, skills and tools to help you with your role
• You'll learn more about how you're helping to protect children across the UK, you'll have access to learning and development, and opportunity to grow vital skills and enhance your CV – with references provided by the NSPCC
• Get to meet likeminded people and make new friends

Who's right for the role?

While we think this role is suitable a whole range of people from all walks of life, the following qualities are desirable:

• Passion for helping
• Confident, open and friendly communication style
• Strong ability to share information with clarity
• Work well in a team
• Ability to seek support as required

Knowledge and experience of the sport and physical activity sector would be a bonus but not essential.

Overview

In partnership with a second, and possibly third Leader, you will lead a Fire (Group) of 8-12 Young
Explorers. As the Adventure Leader you will be responsible for the adventurous activities of the
Fire during the expedition programme, within the parameters set by the Chief Leader, and where applicable the Senior Adventure Leader.

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Able and passionate about leading, inspiring, and facilitating sessions with young people.
• Comfortable spending extended periods in remote and sometimes harsh environments.
• Able to commit to all pre-expedition training events. 

As a charity, all Leader positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis and Leaders join for the intrinsic value of adventure, education, and personal development of young people. 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.  The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development 
• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting 
• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust 
• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community 
• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

The successful candidates would be provided with all the necessary training to support fundraising and community engagement activities.

Interviews will be conducted at our Network's headquarters in Rugby, which is easily accessible by car and public transport.

Successful candidates would be welcomed to the local branch in your area (Rugby, Nuneaton, Bedworth) by our friendly volunteers and fully supported in your new role!
 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team at Skelton Grange Environment Centre and are involved in:
- Supporting and leading environmental activities with young people and the local community.
- Planning and preparing sessions - and sometimes even developing new activities to help young people connect with nature.
- You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and other Volunteers.

Typical activities for the Outdoor Learning Volunteer role include:
- Running environmental education sessions for school visits during term time.
- Running play activities for groups of children and young people during the school holidays.
- Keeping education day resources up to date and developing new resources, activities or materials as required.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project, including both development work and routine maintenance to ensure we are an inspiring location for visitors to experience nature.

Benefits to you:
We aim to involve our Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers in:
- Running a range of outdoor education and play activities and events with schools and community groups on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Planning, risk assessing and running safe and engaging activities outside for children.
- All the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to run the sessions, from bushcraft skills to plant identification to working with children.

The role will give you the opportunity to use your skills and experience in a supportive environment and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
It's a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!
If you want to use this role to move on into employment in the environmental sector we can also provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references.

We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with young people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time, or you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector.

Location: Donard Park, Newcastle, Northern Ireland Date: Saturday, 20th September 2025

Times: Morning shift: 08:00–10:00 Afternoon shift: 13:00–18:00

We’re looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to help us make this event unforgettable.

About the Event

The Slieve Donard Trek is a fully guided 11km hike, climbing 840 metres over 5–8 hours. Participants will challenge themselves on forest trails and steep ground to reach the summit — and we’ll be there to cheer them on every step of the way.

Volunteer Roles

Before the Trek (08:00–10:00):

• Welcome participants as they arrive
• Help with check-in and registration
• Cheer them off as they begin their trek

After the Trek (13:00–18:00):

• Help set up the post-trek reception
• Welcome participants back and congratulate them
• Hand out medals and thank them for supporting Mencap
• Create a fun and celebratory atmosphere with clappers, whistles and big smiles

Why Volunteer? By giving just a few hours of your time, you will:

•  
• Support Mencap’s vital work for people with a learning disability
• Be part of a warm, inclusive team
• Help raise awareness and celebrate our amazing fundraisers
• Receive a full briefing and support on the day
• Have your travel expenses covered (in line with our policy)

Who Can Volunteer?

Anyone aged 18+ who is:

• Friendly and approachable
• Reliable, kind and patient
• A good communicator
• Willing to follow guidance and work as part of a team
• Inclusive and accepting of others
• No experience needed — just bring your energy and enthusiasm. ** About Mencap** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We support people to live happy and healthy lives, challenge prejudice, and campaign for change.

Our events help fund services like Mencap Direct, advocacy programmes, and national campaigns such as Treat Me Well. We couldn’t do it without our volunteers.event

Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people?

We are offering 1 young person aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer for up to 11 months with the Portuguese Red Cross in Sanguedo, Portugal. Placements dates are planned to start as soon as possible for: August 2025 – July 2026 (subject to visas).

You will be supporting projects aimed at helping the local community and promoting youth involvement in social and environmental activities, which will give you the chance to explore the different kinds of social action that the Portuguese Red Cross undertake in Sanguedo. This is a great opportunity to get involved in these projects and find out what you are interested in. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement!

Typical tasks may involve:

• Assisting the Social department: by supporting Social Centre activities such as assisting teachers with activities for children aged 3 to 5, befriending and developing activities for elderly service users and attending classes at the Senior University.
• Assisting the animal care department: liaising with different organisations involved in animal care (shelters, zoo and farm); assist in cleaning spaces and the animals, provide food and other necessities, as required.
• Supporting promotion and administration activities: the branch offers a wide range of the activities to the local community, and volunteers will take a lead in promoting these activities and volunteering overall to increase youth social participation. Volunteers will also assist with administrative tasks including sorting donations, and gifting or selling activities.

Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role. Interviews will take place online with shortlisted candidates. 

We are keen to hear from individuals especially those who do not normally get the chance to volunteer overseas, who are passionate and motivated about working in the humanitarian sector and international volunteering but who also understand that these types of placements require adaptability and resilience.

We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs.