Administrative volunteer roles in harrow, surrey

ABOUT THE ROLE
As part of our Community Support team, you will play a key role in ensuring the fulfilment of our users' needs by sharing information about our services, projects, and activities; this takes place in person, through our digital channels and helpline. Additionally, you will be responsible for keeping up to date information about other services and partner organisations.
The primary challenge faced by the Latin American community is the language barrier, which hinders their comprehension of the UK system and their entitlements. Taking part in the Community Interpreting service, you will support service users in navigating these obstacles, enabling them to establish a more integrated life in the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to better understand the challenges faced by the Latin American community in London; use their language skills in a positive and impactful way; and develop valuable administrative and customer service skills in a multicultural, fast-paced organisation.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
● Connecting service users to our services, projects and activities in person or by answering phone calls and emails
● Supporting users with general enquiries, referring them to relevant services within our organisation as well as signposting and referring to external services
● Registering users on our database and keeping accurate records of services offered
● Monitoring internal calendars and appointments
● Sharing useful, up-to-date information with users as instructed by other team members
● Ensuring internal communications, flyers and handouts are up to date
● Interpreting calls for service users and supporting with non-official translations
● Supporting community members with basic application forms
● Liaising with staff in other departments and with external contacts

PERSON SPECIFICATION
● Good verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish and/or Portuguese
● Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and with a diverse population of service users, staff and partners
● A caring, sensitive and non-judgemental approach
● Ability to cope with stressful and emotionally challenging issues
● Professionalism to handle sensitive and confidential information
● Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to multitask
● Ability to set their own work priorities, take initiatives and work with minimal supervision
● Good IT skills, including in using Microsoft and Google suite packages and different database systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 
● Two references from current/previous employers
● Enhanced DBS Check (completed through IRMO)
● Safeguarding Level 1 (completed through IRMO)
● One month trial period

BENEFITS FROM VOLUNTEERING AT IRMO
● Gives the opportunity of helping others and to give back
● Creates an ideal space to learn new skills in a multicultural, cooperative and inspiring environment
● Get involved with the Latin American Community and increase knowledge of the situation of Latin American migrants in the UK
● Helps to gain experience and strengthen previous skills to face UK’s competitive job market;
● Enhance CV and get references (after a 3-month period) for further impact on the employment status
● Participate in training sessions with high-quality learning outcomes (in-house and external) in areas related to the role
● Receive regular supervision and support.

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.
• 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.

Fundraising Events Organiser Volunteer

Would you like to be part of a dedicated and friendly team of volunteers and make a real difference to the lives of cats and kittens in our care?  Do you enjoy planning and organising for events?  Maybe you have a particular skill that you would like to put to use?
 
Then this could be the role for you! 
 
Our Fundraising Events Team are at the heart of what we do, raising essential funds for the cats. 

Our Fundraising Events Organisers share ideas, tasks and inspiration, planning and delivering local events, with the support of the Fundraising events helpers, such as Open Days (usually 2 per year) at the centre and our annual Christmas Bazaar. 

Time Expectation:  This role can be varied and time commitment can be flexible. 

Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.

We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.

Please note:  Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Full training and support will be given for all roles.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Fundraising events helper

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!

You can expect us to

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

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· help set up and/or man stalls at events

· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections

· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances

· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

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

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

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.
• 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.

About the role

Ubuntu Pathways is seeking a proactive, organised, and mission-driven intern to join our close-knit London office to assist in organising and facilitating our upcoming office move. This role will report to the Fundraising & Operations Coordinator. This is an exciting opportunity for someone eager to contribute meaningfully to Ubuntu’s impact in Gqeberha, South Africa, while gaining valuable experience in global fundraising and operations.

Key Responsibilities

Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting digitisation and organisation of donor files

• Preparing the office for relocation (clearing, packing, labelling)

• Conducting donor and grant prospect research

• Supporting marketing and social media activities

• Preparing and filing Gift Aid documentation

• Assisting with general office admin and supplies

• Helping with event prep — sponsorship and auction support

• General upkeep — inventory, shredding, basement tasks

What you’ll gain

• Experience in fundraising, donor research, and operations within a global non-profit

• Exposure to donor stewardship, event planning, and data systems

• Mentorship and support from a highly experienced UK team

• A chance to work for a purpose-led organisation where every task contributes to a meaningful mission

• £15 daily stipend to support travel and lunch costs 

What we’re looking for:

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong commitment to Ubuntu Pathways’ mission and values

• Excellent administrative, organisational, and time management skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• High attention to detail and accuracy in both data and written materials

• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, etc.)

• Positive, adaptable, self-motivated team player with a can-do attitude

Desirable (but not required)

• Personal or professional connection to South Africa and an understanding of the local context

• Familiarity with Gift Aid regulations and UK fundraising compliance

• Knowledge of the UK and international development/charity sector

Please submit your CV and a cover letter no longer than 2 pages stating your availability, relevant experience and why you are the best person for the role. Closing date: 7 November 2025 but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible in order to be considered. Virtual interviews to take place in the week of 1 December. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the application process then please contact us.

Jumble Sales Organiser Volunteer

Would you like to raise funds, have fun and join a super team of volunteers who together make our Jumble Sales in Thatcham a great success?  As Jumble Sales Organiser you would be helping to make everything run smoothly for the team.

Time Expectations:  1 Saturday every other month (plus preparations)

This could be a shared role and tasks may include:

· Booking the hall for future Jumbles

· Contacting the Jumble team before events to check availability

· Set up stalls, running a stall and packing away at the end

· Collecting any items/resources needed from the centre the day before

Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.

We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.

Please note:  Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Full training and support will be given for all roles.  We look forward to hearing from you!

About us: 

Peace Brigades International (PBI) is an international NGO with over 40 years’ experience providing life-saving protection and support to hundreds of brave human rights defenders who face reprisals because of their activism for social justice. PBI’s trademark protective accompaniment teams in Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Indonesia, Kenya and Nepal are supported by PBI’s International Headquarters in Brussels, and offices elsewhere in the world, such as our UK section, which carries out high-level advocacy for improved governmental and other support for human rights defenders, as well as stronger regulation of transnational business behaviour.

About the role:

A 3-month volunteer placement where the selected candidate will not only play a vital role in upcoming projects but also harness their skills in advocacy, communications and administration/logistics. They will deepen their understanding and knowledge of the UK environment, gaining insights into UK politics, international human rights, legal frameworks, advocacy strategies, and communication tactics. 

By embracing this role, you become an integral part of our mission to influence positive change.

Responsibilities include:

(Note: These responsibilities are subject to adjustments and are not exhaustive).

• Support advocacy research and activities:

  • Conduct research on countries and cases that PBI works on.

  • Conduct research on policy advocacy related to HRD protection and business and human rights.

  • Participate in meetings with a range of external stakeholders.

• Support in the organisation and roll out of internal and external events.

  • Past events have included film screenings, talks with defenders, Parliamentary roundtables.

• Supporting field volunteer and alumni outreach and engagement.

• Producing communications outputs, such as articles on human rights issues, interviews with human rights defenders and social media posts.

• Supporting the organisation of human rights defender visits to the UK.

• Engage in network building and maintenance:

  • Cultivate relationships with lawyers, judges, NGOs, social movements, politicians, and funders.

• Support office administration, logistics and finance

  • Assist with filing, systems management and logistics.

  • Digital systems and IT support with technical troubleshooting.

Fundraising team leader volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising 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.

You can expect us to

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

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· 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

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.

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

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

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

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

You can expect us to

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

What we need from you

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time expectation

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

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

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

Our Community Volunteers are vital in enabling us to continue to feed the 3 million children we feed every day and to help us reach the next child. They use their talents in their communities to spread the story of Mary’s Meals.

What is the role of a Community Volunteer?

Some of the things you can do as a community volunteer:

• Help us to share our story – arrange and give Mary’s Meals talks to local community organisations, schools, churches and faith groups to raise vital awareness and funds
• Use your networks and contacts to book talks, stalls and events and help us share our story
• Organise fundraising events in your local area such as coffee mornings, quizzes, supermarket bag packs and bucket collections
• Organise film screenings in your community to show Mary’s Meals films
• Volunteer at local fundraising and awareness events such as film screenings, bucket collections or concerts
• Promote Mary’s Meals’ fundraising campaigns and events in your community and across their networks and contacts
• Distribute and display promotional materials
• Place collection tins in local community areas
• Host community engagement events about Mary’s Meals’ work
• Come together as a group with other local volunteers to support each other with this work
• Lead a group in your community to fundraise for Mary’s Meals

What support and resources will I receive?

• Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
• A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
• Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
• Training and if desired, public speaking training
• Resources to fulfil your role
• A regular volunteer update e-mail

What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?

• Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
• Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
• Meeting new like-minded people
• Increasing confidence and team-working skills.
• Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
• Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that ESS Education and Support Services achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that ESS Education and Support Services has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable ESS Education and Support Services to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Duties:

· Support and provide advice on ESS Education and Support Service’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

· Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

· Oversee ESS Education and Support Service’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

· Review and approve ESS Education and Support Services’ financial statements.

· Provide support and challenge to ESS Education and Support Services’ CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

· Keep abreast of changes in ESS Education and Support Services’ operating environment.

· Contribute to regular reviews of ESS Education and Support services’ own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

· Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect ESS Education and Support Service’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

· Contribute to the broader promotion of ESS Education and Support Services objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge, and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

ESS Education and Support Service are looking for Trustees from the following backgrounds: Legal, Financial.

Personal skills and qualities

· Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

· Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

· Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

· A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

· Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

· Willingness to lead according to our values.

· Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

· Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

· This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

· Attending 6 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held virtually.

· Attending charity events and other such commitments.

Fundraising events helper

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!

You can expect us to

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

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· help set up and/or man stalls at events

· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections

· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances

· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

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

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

Organisation: Support U is a leading LGBTQIA+ resource and support service based in the Thames Valley area. 

Location: Work from home but ideally based in or around Berkshire.

Commitment: Approximately 2-4 hours a week alongside any training and volunteer team catch ups / planning meetings 

Overview: 

Support U is launching Rainbow Line in January 2026 — a dedicated listening line for the LGBTQIA+ community — and we are seeking compassionate, committed volunteers to join us as Call Handlers. Rainbow Line has been created to offer LGBTQIA+ people a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to talk, be heard, and feel supported.

The service is designed for individuals who may be feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or in need of someone to listen. While Rainbow Line is not a professional counselling, psychotherapy or crisis service, volunteers play a vital role in offering empathetic listening and, where appropriate, signposting callers to specialist services and organisations for further support. By volunteering with Rainbow Line, you’ll be helping to reduce isolation and create a more connected, supportive community.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• This is a home based volunteering role, but you’ll ideally need to be based in or around Berkshire.

• The telephone support service will run twice a week within a 2-hour time slot. You’ll ideally commit to 2–4 hours per week. 

• Service users will pre-book telephone appointments via our website. 

• You’ll answer pre-booked calls, providing a safe, non-judgemental space for users to talk openly and be heard, with signposting to other relevant services. 

• After each call, you’ll complete a short record noting topics that came up, and any safeguarding concerns. 

• Support U’s designated safeguarding leads will be available during service hours for any immediate advice or escalation. 

Who This Role Would Suit 

• Someone looking for a long term volunteering opportunity. 

• Qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, or other talking therapy practitioners who wish to give back to the community. 

• Students or trainees in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, social work, or mental health nursing seeking practical experience. 

• Individuals with experience in other listening based support roles. 

• People with strong empathy, good listening skills, and an interest in supporting the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community. 

What’s In It for You 

• Make a direct and positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. 

• Help create a safe, judgement free space for those who may never have experienced one before. 

• Offer meaningful support, even a short 45 minute conversation can impact someone’s day or outlook. 

• Contribute to a wider effort to foster safety, inclusion, and understanding within the community. 

• Gain valuable experience in active listening, support work and working with diverse communities. 

• Be part of a welcoming, passionate and supportive team. 

Requirements 

• Based in or around Berkshire (desirable, but not essential)

• Able to realistically commit to a minimum of 2-4 hours per week for the long term. 

• Basic administrative skills and strong communication and organisation skills. 

• Some experience in a similar line of work (e.g. counselling, mentoring, support work) or willingness to learn and undertake training. 

• Willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check. 

• Evidence of completed safeguarding training or willingness to complete safeguarding training organised by Support U. 

• Comfortable using basic technology to answer calls/log call notes. 

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding best practice.