Activities volunteer volunteer roles in chingford, greater london

Who are LRMN? 

We offer refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants a specialist and holistic service. We  advocate for people’s rights, campaign for wider change, meet their basic needs and help them improve their wellbeing. 

Why do we need you? 

Triage volunteers are an essential part of our team, making sure that clients are able to access the right service. You will deal with initial client enquiries (in person, over the phone or by email), assess what support clients need and help the access the right service for them.  This might be with us, a partner or another external service. 

Our triage team is integral to the smooth running of LRMN. Without them our advisors wouldn’t be able to provide life changing support to the people who access our services. 

Our triage team are the first people that clients will talk to so it is essential that we offer a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space and give them the right information about the services we offer. Given the demand that we face, volunteers help us do that. 

What activities will you be involved in? 

As part of our triage team, you will volunteer alongside staff and fellow volunteers to: 

• Welcome clients to our office/Migrant Hub and speak to them about their needs

• Help clients and referrers understand the services we offer and how to access them

• Respond to new referrals and upload them onto our case management system

• Contact clients to book in appointments and follow up referrals 

• Take on other administrative tasks as identified from time to time 

As you become more experienced, you may be involved in giving basic advice, providing  support letters and other duties. 

Our triage volunteers are based at our Migrant Hub drop-in service (in Woolwich on Tuesdays)

You will be supervised by the Business and Operations Manager and/or Migrant Hub Coordinator but will liaise with staff across the organisation as appropriate. 

What can you gain from this opportunity? 

By volunteering with LRMN, you will: 

• Make a difference to the lives of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees living in south-east London 

• Be part of a diverse, knowledgeable and proactive team in an organisation that has been running for over 25 years 

• Gain experience of admin work in a business environment 

• Gain an understanding of the issues affecting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants

• Have regular support and supervision from the Business and Operations Officer

• Be provided out of pocket expenses to the value of £6 for lunch per day (4+ hours) &  up to £15 travel expenses (when volunteering in the office for 4+ hours) 

Is there induction and training? 

Yes, we provide a comprehensive induction to all new volunteers. This covers roles and  responsibilities, safeguarding, record keeping and use of our client management system  (Advice Pro).

You will be provided with the training needed to perform the role and will have the opportunity to join training with the whole LRMN team.

Who are LRMN looking for? 

We’re looking for someone who is: 

• Passionate about supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers 

• Friendly and approachable and can manage professional boundaries 

• Excellent communicatiuon skills

• Proactive and able to use own initiative 

• Organised and methodical 

• Respectful of client confidentiality 

• Experienced in working with multicultural communities 

• Able to use their digital skills to make referrals and manage online systems 

LRMN is committed to equality and diversity. We pride ourselves on having a diverse team  with a range of experiences. We encourage people with lived experience of the asylum and/or immigration system to apply. If you need additional support to apply or volunteer, please contact us. 

What commitment do you need to make? 

We ask volunteers to commit to volunteering one day a week during office hours (Mon-Fri)  for at least six months. 

Become Our 1st Youth Programme Lead!

Do you have experience working with young people? We're launching a new youth work charity and we need a passionate leader to guide it.

Introducing Urban Youth: Igniting Potential in Inner London

In the vibrant, fast-paced heart of London, there is a generation of young people brimming with potential, yet facing unique challenges. They are the future, but for many, the path is obscured by deprivation, isolation, and a world increasingly dominated by screens.

That's why we created Urban Youth.

We are a brand new, dynamic youth work charity dedicated to cutting through the noise and reaching the young people who need us most in Inner London's deprived areas. Our mission is simple yet profound: to move beyond passive engagement and create active opportunities that inspire, connect, and empower.

Our Vision: Moving Beyond the Screen

Urban Youth is not waiting for young people to come to us; we are meeting them where they are. We are tearing down barriers to engagement by deploying innovative, flexible youth work:

• The Youth Bus: A mobile hub transforming spaces into instant centres of positive activity.

• Pop-Up Hubs: Breathing new life into unused community spaces or integrating within existing centres.

• School & College Partnerships: Working directly within educational settings and collaborating with other youth organisations to ensure seamless support.

Our Impact: Building Skills, Confidence, and Community

We believe that every young person deserves a space to discover their authentic self. Our core focus is on diversionary positive activities—experiences designed to get young people out of their homes, away from their screens, and fully engaged with their peers and the world around them.

• Social and Life Skills: We teach practical skills, from teamwork to conflict resolution.

• Confidence Building: We champion self-belief, encouraging young people to take positive risks and celebrate their achievements.

• Discovery and Connection: We provide a vital sense of belonging, fostering meaningful relationships in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

At Urban Youth, our staff are more than just youth workers; they are positive adult role models—here to nurture, guide, and support. We are lighting the fuse on potential, empowering today’s youth to become tomorrow’s confident, capable, and connected leaders.

Join us as we work to transform challenges into triumphs, one young person at a time.

Skills We Need:

• Activity Planning
• Volunteer Management
• People Management
• Safeguarding
• Training/Learning and Development
• Much More!

Commitement:

4 Hours Per Week (Very Flexible)

Location:

Hybrid (London based charity)

Apply now and help us lead with purpose.

Become our URBAN YOUTH Youth Programme Lead!

We're planning to launch in 2026 and need you to help us get set up and ready to launch to young people across London.

TEAM

URBAN YOUTH

Your City. Your Vibe. Your Youth Work.

Join The Kids Network to Support Children in Your Brent Community! 

Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or spend your time in a meaningful way? The Kids Network gives you the chance to make a real difference in a child’s life while developing your own skills and building connections. Support a Little Londoner in Brent by helping them grow in confidence. Set aside a little time each week to explore the different areas of Brent, have fun, get creative and make a lasting impact!

If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.

Why Choose The Kids Network?

• Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
• Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
• Proven Impact: With 100% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring.

Impact on Mentees

• Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
• Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Connection

• Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
• Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
• Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.

 Join Us Today

Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.

For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website

Coempowered is a small but rapidly developing non-profit working to empower indiviuals and help build community capacity among for young people, women, and marginalised communities in the UK and internationally through workshops, classes, semiar, projects and research. We are now building the foundations of our organisation and are looking for a dedicated, creative volunteer who is genuinely passionate about our educational and social mission and willing to grow with us as we expand our work and prepare for charity status.Having seen the impact of our work since 2021, we are now laying the foundations for long-term growth and preparing to register as a charity. We are seeking a committed and motivated volunteer who is genuinely passionate about educational and social change and eager to help build our organisation with us.

About the Opportunity
This role is central to Coempowered’s next stage of development. We are positioning ourselves to apply for our first grants, develop partnerships, and build sustainable funding streams. We are looking for someone who can take initiative, collaborate closely with the directors, and contribute strategically to our fundraising capacity. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wishes to make a tangible difference in a small organisation and to help shape its future.

Key Deliverables

• Research suitable grant opportunities and funding sources.

• Assist in preparing core organisational documents, including:

  • Activity reports

  • Business plans

  • Project proposals and bids

• Write compelling grant applications tailored to funders’ criteria.

• Prepare outreach materials, donor communications, and mailshots.

• Use direct mailing and other methods to engage potential and existing donors.

• Support the recruitment, coordination, and management of volunteers involved in fundraising activities.

• Ensure smooth execution of all tasks related to fundraising, documentation, and relationship-building.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or partnership development (professional or voluntary).

• Strong writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive proposals.

• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Self-motivation and reliability, with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

• A sincere interest in education, youth empowerment, philosophy, or social impact.

• Someone keen to contribute to the long-term development of a small but ambitious organisation.

Time Commitment
Flexible and remote, approximately 4–6 hours per week, depending on grant cycles.

If you are passionate about meaningful education and wish to play a key role in helping a young organisation grow and secure its future, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Volunteers offer people a place to keep warm, charge phones and enjoy a hot drink or meal. Could you be a friendly face in the community this winter? Training and support is provided. The Break Room is a welcoming, free space at T&T2 in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre. 

Volunteering with Time & Talents provides fantastic opportunities to connect with your community, build your skills, and even make new friends! We provide induction, training and continuous support, alongside opportunities to meet other volunteers.

In the first instance, please get in touch here and we will send you our online application form!

We’re looking for reliable, tech-savvy people who’d like to use their digital or IT skills to help improve our online systems and website.

As a Web and IT Support Volunteer, you’ll help us keep our website up to date, support digital record-keeping and assist with maintaining efficient systems that help us work effectively. You’ll play an important role in helping us stay connected, accessible and organised across our programmes.

This role is ideal for someone with an interest in IT, websites or digital operations who wants to make a practical contribution to community-focused work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Updating website pages with new events, news and programme information
• Supporting the layout and accessibility of website content
• Uploading photos, articles or updates to digital platforms
• Helping staff and volunteers use digital tools
• Assisting with digital forms, data collection and record management
• Providing basic troubleshooting support or referring technical issues to the appropriate person
• Helping test and improve the digital tools and systems used by the team

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

• Confidence using websites, IT systems and digital tools
• Good understanding of basic data management and online platforms
• Problem-solving and attention to detail
• Clear communication and teamwork skills
• Reliable and organised approach to tasks
• Awareness of data protection and confidentiality principles

What You’ll Gain

• Experience supporting the digital operations of a community charity
• Opportunities to develop IT, web management and problem-solving skills
• Insight into digital tools used in the voluntary sector
• The satisfaction of helping improve online access and efficiency

About Us

We are a community-led charity tackling poverty at its root by empowering people and communities to overcome barriers and build sustainable futures.

Our programmes support children, young people, adults and families through education, employability, wellbeing and social inclusion activities that promote confidence, connection and opportunity.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults involved in our work.

Safeguarding training will be provided for all volunteers and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for this role.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to support participation wherever possible.

Volunteer your time by supporting to create positive and inspiring environment for people in crisis to live in and take part in activities and receive support.

At Hestia we have a PIPEs programme, which focuses on expanding our ‘Psychological Informed Physical Environments’ approach across our accommodation-based services. This approach centres the needs and choices of the people who use our services, believing that their contribution creates a conducive environment which supports recovery. Ensuring that our indoor and outdoor spaces at Hestia are PIPE through design, supports people to feel physical and emotional safety, to support them to rebuild their life beyond crisis and allows us to consider the needs of different groups people we work with at Hestia.

What you will be doing

• The setting layout is meaningful for different groups and for the desired interaction
• It is a looked after, organised, tidy, a comfortable and positive space for all to use
• There are spaces to speak in confidence with staff, but all other spaces are shared with everyone who visits the space
• An atmosphere is created that is conducive to health and wellbeing
• To inspect the environment and assess whether it meets a set criteria
• To provide written or verbal feedback on review of the visit
• To take part in review and training sessions, to support continuous development of the PIPE programme
• This role is open to volunteers and people who use our services and would like to volunteer their time. We are also looking for volunteers to also support people who would like to get involved in this role but feel less confident finding the Hestia locations. As part of the role, you may be asked to meet another volunteer at a certain location such as a train station and accompany them to the service

The skills you need

• Good communication skills; written and verbal
• An interest in interior design or designing warm, friendly and welcoming spaces
• Calm and patient approach
• Understanding of confidentiality

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 - 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.

The Mental Health Recovery Pathway (MHRP) service provides day service opportunities for people with low and medium Preventative Care Needs.

We are currently looking to offer volunteering placements with our Mental Health Recovery Pathway (MHRP) – a mental health provision based across three sites in Islington responding to the mental health needs of Islington residents.

You will be assisting service users who experience mental distress in group settings.

We ask for a commitment of at least 1 day a week 10:15am – 4:00pm for a full year (+ about 2-3 months for DBS check and induction), though there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer more than one day a week.

If this sounds interesting and suitable to you, please complete the MHRP volunteer application form and return with your CV, indicating why are you interested in volunteering for Islington Mind, if there is anything specific that you would like to do in your volunteering placement – e.g. facilitate activities, support our open access drop-in sessions, support service users with completing forms, accompany service users to appointments etc, and your availability – e.g. one or more days a week and which days of the week you are available.

Production Assistant

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!

Role Overview

As a Production Assistant, you will support the Video Production Manager and team in all stages of video production, focusing primarily on the pre and production phase. Your role will be crucial in ensuring that our video projects are well-planned and executed smoothly. You will be involved in tasks ranging from script writing to stage setting, ensuring that all necessary preparations are in place for successful video production.
 

Main Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Video Production Manager to develop and refine scripts for various video projects, conducting research to gather relevant information and insights to inform script content and invite guests when necessary.

• Assist in planning and setting up stages for video shoots, including arranging props, lighting, and other necessary equipment, and coordinate with the production team to ensure all stage elements are in place.

• Work with the Video Production Manager to create detailed production schedules and timelines, and coordinate with cast, crew, and other stakeholders to ensure everyone is informed of shoot dates and times.

• Assist in identifying and securing suitable locations for video shoots, conducting site visits to assess the suitability of locations and addressing any logistical considerations.

• Organize and manage all production materials and resources, including scripts, shot lists, and production notes, ensuring all necessary permits and permissions are obtained for filming locations.

• Act as a point of contact between the pre/production team and other departments, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration, and provide regular updates to the Video Production Manager on the progress of pr/production tasks.

Essential

• Provide production assistance as needed (e.g. props, crafty, runner duties)

• Good interpersonal skills with ability to get on with people at all levels.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• Creativity and attention to detail in script writing and stage setting.

• Experience in camera set-ups for live events /ob-doc /scripted content

• Appropriate DIT practices for media management 

• Working knowledge of audio production and basic audio set-ups for live events and recorded audio. 

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments

• Proficiency with Google Workspace/Microsoft Office

• Working knowledge of file codecs and wrappers

• Digital Asset Management (Utilising enterprise versions of Google Drive etc)

• Coordinating the activities of writers, directors, managers, actors, and other personnel throughout the production process

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortune 

• 1 + years of production in broadcast and film

• Understanding of broadcast acquisition standards for file deliveries

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.

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others.

What you’ll be doing
• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand.
• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss.
• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people.
• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Event

Key requirements

• 1 reference

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Additional location information

• Currently looking for applicants within the Belfast area Only

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people • An empathetic and professional manner. • Good communications skills with active listening. • An interest in helping people access the information they need.

The Plateful Café works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and ethnic minorities in Lewisham. Our commitment is to reach the most vulnerable people in our community and help them access the support they are entitled to. The refugees training or employed by the Plateful Cafe will benefit from workshops, training skills and knowledge relevant for the catering industry. 

As a small charity, it is important to share information and updates through our communications and social media content, to help us fundraise and grow. We are looking for someone to assist us on creating copy for our blog as well as help with creating content for our newsletters, social media, print media and other promotional material over time.

With the launch of the physical Plateful Cafe taking place soon, this summer is an exciting time to join us.

Requirements: 

• Excellent communication skills in fluent English

• Has 1+ years experience of social media, copywriting, journalism, blog content creation, interviewing or similar skills (this does not have to include published work)

• Able to create interesting and engaging content

• Good computer skills

• Good time management skills

• Engaging and friendly

• Good team player

Desirable:

• Basic digital photography and editing skills

• An interest in supporting refugees and contributing to the work of Plateful Cafe

• Experience of working with refugees, people seeking asylum, vulnerable groups or lived experience

• Lives in London with ability to attend events and markets

Lead a Movement. Change Men’s Lives.

Who We Are

MINDSET Charity is a new, volunteer-run organisation dedicated to transforming men’s lives across England. We support men on their journeys of mental wellbeing and self-improvement through workshops, creative programmes, and community-building activities.

We are building a movement of resilience, dignity, and brotherhood. To guide us from set-up to launch and beyond, we need a visionary Chief Executive Officer.

The Role of CEO

As our Volunteer CEO, you will:

• Direct, lead, and steer the charity through its foundation, launch, and growth phases.

• Shape and deliver our strategic vision, ensuring MINDSET becomes a trusted national movement.

• Build and inspire a volunteer team, fostering a culture of positivity, resilience, and impact.

• Represent MINDSET Charity to partners, funders, and the wider community, raising awareness and credibility.

• Ensure operational excellence, safeguarding governance, compliance, and sustainability.

This is a volunteer role, but your leadership will be the driving force behind MINDSET Charity’s success.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from leaders of all backgrounds who share our passion for men’s mental wellbeing. Experience in charity leadership, start-ups, or organisational development is valuable, but what matters most is your vision, resilience, and ability to inspire others.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a pioneering charity at its foundation stage.

• Lead a national movement tackling men’s mental health and self-improvement.

• Shape the future of a volunteer-run organisation with lasting impact.

• Collaborate with passionate volunteers united by purpose and brotherhood.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to lead MINDSET Charity from set-up to success, we’d love to hear from you.

This is more than leadership. It’s about building a legacy of resilience, dignity, and hope. Join us, and let’s build MINDSET together.

Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you! 

As a Puppy Raiser, you'll provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.

There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.

What you'll be doing:

• Engaging with our world-class training programme to prepare your puppy for the next stages of becoming a guide dog.
• Providing care and support for your puppy at home e.g., loving, grooming and feeding him or her. 
• Socialising your puppy and introducing him or her to a variety of environments to increase confidence – this can be as simple as taking your puppy with you to the shops, office or park as you go about your everyday life.
• Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone - gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of four hours.
• Taking your puppy to monthly puppy classes, and interacting with other puppy raisers in your community whilst refreshing your training and sharing tips.
• Meeting with your volunteer manager as frequently as needed to discuss any changes or issues with your puppy.
• Completing short questionnaires about your puppy’s development.

You'll ideally have:

• A loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training). If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these.
• Someone at home who is physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
• Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling.
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in the property if you rent your home. 
• A safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet.

What you'll get:

• The satisfaction of knowing you're supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of watching a mischievous puppy learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• The opportunity to participate in our bespoke world-class training programme – this can help you train your own dogs or advance a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to have a loveable, canine companion, proven to reduce feelings of stress and improve fitness – you’ll be out walking rain or shine!
• The chance to be part of the inspirational Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people and interacting with a community of puppy raisers in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

s a volunteer you'll have access to our world-class training programme, to implement with your puppy in training, a great bonus for any dog owner! This is delivered in an interactive and engaging manner, using a mixture of different learning techniques virtually e.g., videos, documents and e-learning modules. Examples of the modules you'll have access to include:

• Food manners
• Greeting new visitors
• Being home alone
• Settling in new environments

You'll receive plenty of support from your volunteer manager who will help you work through these training modules with your puppy. We also offer puppy classes for puppy raisers in the local area to get together, share stories and provide refreshers on training techniques. 

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs for the puppy and other materials needed for the puppy’s training. We will also pay an optional allowance of up to £100 a year to offset additional costs, and we have working agreements with certain bus and train operating companies, letting you take your puppy on short training journeys free of charge.

Minimum age of applicant: 18.

To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities. 

Inspiring, supportive, and committed - just a few of the words we’d use to describe our volunteers. 

At Rethink Mental Illness, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They play a vital role in supporting our services and making a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can have a positive impact while developing your own skills and experience, we’d love you to join us. 

About the role

We are looking for Volunteer Befrienders to support our Brent Mental Health service in the London Borough of Brent. 

As a Volunteer Befriender, you will be required to travel across Brent to meet with service users and carry out your role. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 2 hours per week to volunteering. 

You will be supported by Befriending Volunteer Coordinators who will provide regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.

About the service

Our Brent Mental Health service provides support to people aged 18 and above, who live in the Borough of Brent, and who have a mental illness and are known to the local NHS trust Central and North West London (CNWL).

The Befriending Service aims to;

• Reduce social isolation of service users
• Increase the confidence of service users in accessing community resources independently
• Provide meaningful activities and peer support for service users 
• Help service users to live happier, healthier, independent lives
• Provide volunteering opportunities for people with mental health issues
• Reduce stigma and raise mental health awareness

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Befriender:

• Meeting with service users in locations and times which meet their needs (including evenings and weekends)
• Provide befriending support to a maximum of 2 service users at any one time
• Provide emotional support based on your own lived experience
• Support service users to access and build social and community networks and activities
• Act as a community connector to local services

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• You will have good communication skills
• You will be flexible to meet the needs of the service users

How to apply 

To apply, simply click the “apply now” button on the advert on our website and complete a short interest form. 

If you would like to express an interest in this opportunity, please complete an application as soon as possible, as the advert may close early if we receive a high level of interest.

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion  

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.