Adult education volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Edinburgh

About Our Time
Our Time is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of children growing up with a parent who has a mental illness.

Around 4 million children in the UK are affected, yet there is still no dedicated national support for this group. For over 20 years, Our Time has been making sure these children aren’t overlooked. We work across a child’s whole support network, offering training for professionals, resources for schools, and safe, welcoming spaces for families through our unique KidsTime Workshops.

Our mission is to break the cycle of intergenerational mental ill health by supporting and empowering children to live confident, connected, and emotionally healthy lives. We’re a small team with a big mission, and we’re always looking for passionate people and partners to help us reach more children and families.

About the “I Wish” campaign
Launching in September 2026 and running through to Mental Health Awareness Week 2027, “I Wish” is an ambitious awareness raising campaign. People with lived experience of parental mental illness share, in their own handwriting, in their own words, the one thing they wish an adult had known, asked, or done. The photograph series creates a powerful visual campaign that calls professionals to act and invites everyone to listen.

The campaign aims to:
• Reach new audiences and reduce stigma around parental mental illness
• Drive teachers and education professionals to sign up to Our Time’s training and school support services
• Build a cohort of committed schools across the academic year
• Generate national and education press coverage using compelling human stories backed by statistics
• Engage the wider public, supporters and donors

The role
We are looking for a PR-savvy volunteer to support around media outreach for the I Wish campaign launch. Working closely with Our Time’s Communications Lead, you will help us get this campaign in front of the journalists and editors who can amplify it; from education press to national human interest desks.

This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role. The campaign has a clear press release angle, strong statistics, and compelling human stories ready to go. We need someone to help us pitch them effectively.

What you’ll be doing
Building the media database
• Research and compile a tailored media list covering our priority target outlets: education press (TES, SecEd, Schools Week, Headteacher Update), national titles (Guardian Education, BBC, i paper), parenting media (Mumsnet, Netmums, Mother & Baby), mental health charity sector press, and relevant regional outlets
• Identify the right individual contacts (journalists, editors, and news desks) for each outlet and audience
• Maintain and organise the database so it is clear, up to date, and easy for the team to use going forward
• Access to Cision, Vuelio, or a similar media database is a significant advantage for this part of the role

Preparing pitches
• Working with the Communications Lead, develop tailored pitch angles for different outlets and audiences. For example, a data-led pitch for education press versus a human-interest pitch for national titles or parenting media
• Draft pitch emails and follow-up copy that is concise, compelling, and campaignready
• Help prepare supporting materials including ambassador story profiles and key statistics for journalists

Pitching and follow-up
• Send pitches to target journalists and editors, ahead of the campaign embargo lift (approx. 1–5 September 2026)
• Manage follow-up contact in a timely and professional way
• Track responses and coverage, flagging interest and opportunities to the Communications Lead
• Support any requests for interviews or additional information from media contacts

Who we’re looking for
We’d love to hear from you if you have:
• Experience in PR, journalism, communications, or a related field; agency, in-house, or freelance all welcome
• A good working knowledge of the UK media landscape, particularly education, national, and/or charity sector press
• Strong written communication skills and confidence drafting pitches and press materials
• A systematic, organised approach to building and maintaining media lists
• Access to Cision, Vuelio, or a similar media intelligence tool (desirable but not essential, we can work together on this if not)
• An interest in mental health, children’s wellbeing, education, or the charity sector
• Availability from August 2026, with the ability to commit through to October 2026

You don’t need to have volunteered for a charity before. What matters most is your PR instinct, your ability to craft a pitch, and your willingness to get stuck in.

What you’ll get in return
• The chance to work on a powerful campaign with real social impact
• Hands-on experience working with a small, dedicated charity team
• A named credit and reference on request
• Flexibility to fit the role around your existing commitments
• The knowledge that your work directly helps more children of parents with mental illness feel seen and supported

Time commitment
We’re asking for up to one day per week across August and September 2026, with the possibility of lighter-touch support continuing through to Mental Health Awareness Week in May 2027. That said, we know schedules vary, if you have more or less time available, but are keen to get involved, we'd love to chat. We’re happy to be flexible and work around what’s realistic for you

How to apply
Please get in touch with a brief note about your background and why this role appeals to you. We’d also love to hear if you have access to any media database tools. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We hope to have someone in place by late July / early August 2026.

Read Easy Waltham Forest is a local group that provides free, confidential, one-to-one reading coaching for adults who want to learn or improve their reading skills. We match local residents with trained volunteer coaches for sessions every week, meeting in safe, convenient places around the borough of Waltham Forest. By teaching adults to read, we do so much more than just improve literacy—we help boost mental health, build daily independence, and transform lives across our community.

We are now looking for our new Team Leader.

The Read Easy Management Team Leader is a vital volunteer position for our local branch of the adult literacy charity Read Easy. The purpose of the charity is to help adults in the area who want to improve their reading skills, and we are currently supporting 15 readers.

Your role is to oversee and support a small team of enthusiastic and friendly volunteers and to manage monthly meetings. The role requires leadership and administrative skills to keep the group running smoothly. Key responsibilities include leading a team of skilled and experienced volunteers and working with them to plan activity and set future goals. You will also occasionally liaise with the Read Easy area co-ordinator for the South East and ensure the group is run in compliance with Read Easy policies.

The time commitment is flexible but would be around 4 to 5 hours per week, plus one monthly management team meeting which is in the evening.

Volunteering with Read Easy is fun and rewarding. To hear that a parent can read to their child for the first time, that someone can read the aisle names in supermarkets or that someone has been able to fill in a form by themselves for the first time in their life means that we know that we are making a positive change.

SV 2 has been supporting victims and survivors of sexual abuse since 1994, and today provides a range of services to anyone in Derbyshire and Derby City who has experienced sexual abuse, assault or violence, including their friends and family members. We support people irrespective of age, gender or when the abuse occurred.

We are looking to recruit a team of events volunteers to help raise awareness of SV2 services at external events, celebrations and various festivals across Derbyshire.

Requirements: You must be over the age of 18 along with having great communication and interpersonal skills. You must be flexible and willing to volunteer at various locations including outside events on a rota basis with the expectation of approximately 1-2 events per month (travel expenses will be covered).

You must be enthusiastic about raising awareness of sexual abuse. You will also need access to a car with business insurance which can be used to transport marketing material such as banners and leaflets to events for this role.

If you think you have the right skills and experience, then we are keen to hear from you.

Responsibilities: You will be working with a small team of volunteers to provide a visible presence in order to promote SV2 services and raise aware of sexual abuse at various events within the county. At the start and end of the event you will be expected to set up and pack away SV2 promotion materials and banners.

You must have excellent communication skills and the ability to build rapport with a wide range of people. You will need to be non-judgemental and stay calm in sometimes challenging situations.
 

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 Maths tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"Thanks to the tutoring and exam prep I was able to achieve over 85% on all my exams, which resulted in me getting distinction credits on my course." - A-Level maths student

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person for one hour per week

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS3 Maths concepts and specifications.
2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided
2. Safeguarding Level One Training
3. Skill Development opportunities
4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

Location 

Remote/Online

Time 

1 Hour per Week 

 Duration: 14 Weeks minimum

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 English tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"The phrase "time flies when you are having fun" comes to mind. It's been a really joy teaching my student." - Volunteer Tutor

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person for one hour per week

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS3 English

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS3 English concepts and specifications.
2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided
2. Safeguarding Level One Training
3. Skill Development opportunities
4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

Location 

Remote/Online

Time 

1 Hour per Week 

 Duration: 14 Weeks minimum

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.ed

About us: 

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C is a pioneering Podcast/YouTube Channel and healing membership organisation. We provide a platform for survivors and whistleblowers to share their lived experiences, highlight systemic frustrations and offer solutions rooted in culturally trauma-informed care.

Our membership offers young people and survivors a path to heal, learn digital skills and interactively participate in our Alchemic 369 Book Club, where members engage in weekly interactive discussions, debates and critical analysis of African, Caribbean and world history, Ifa, classics and political thought. Members will sharpen their reading, reasoning and imagination skills, with opportunities to discuss works directly with authors, highly subsidised plant-based transformative retreats and join a community designed to empower and educate.

We are a mission-driven, collective-focused C.I.C building a movement that combines healing, re-education and empowerment.

Our content focuses on:

• Survivors of CSA, RSA, CT, CA stories

• Whistleblowers and retired experts

• Generational trauma and healing

• Youth empowerment and education

• Community transformation through honest storytelling

Our mission is to challenge generational cycles, expose hidden truths, fight for justice and create a platform rooted in authenticity, deep healing, and transformation.

Job Purpose:

To design and oversee a safe, ethical, and structured outreach system for engaging potential CSA survivors who may want to share their stories publicly or anonymously.

About the role:

This role leads the entire outreach strategy for survivor engagement across social media, podcasts, referrals, and community networks. They ensure all communication is trauma-informed, consent-led, and does not exploit or pressure vulnerable individuals.

They create safe entry points for survivors to self-identify interest in sharing their story and establish referral pathways into the production team.

They also act as the final gatekeeper before any survivor is contacted for interview consideration.

Ideal Candidate

• Experience working with trauma survivors, advocacy groups, or social impact organisations

• Deep understanding of safeguarding principles

• Emotionally mature, calm, non-reactive communicator

• Experience in ethical storytelling or documentary/podcast environments

• Comfortable working in sensitive, high-emotion subject matter

Experience

• Trauma-informed care training or equivalent lived/professional experience

• Background in NGOs, survivor support organisations, or advocacy

• Experience in safeguarding frameworks (children/adults at risk)

• Media or communications experience in sensitive storytelling

What You Will Gain

• Real-world hosting and interviewing experience

• Opportunity to build a public profile and media presence

• Portfolio-building opportunities across podcasting and storytelling

• Networking and relationship-building opportunities

• Experience working within a growing media and advocacy platform

• Creative freedom and personal growth opportunities

• Leadership and media mentorship

• Opportunity to develop your own audience and storytelling identity

• Potential future paid opportunities and long-term media career pathways

• Direct pathway into a future paid role

• The chance to help build a nationally recognised media and survivor-support platform

• COS opportunities for top performing staff members 

This role is designed as a long-term pathway opportunity to a paid position and lifestyle transformation.

We don’t operate on individualism—we build through collectivism, meaning:
  As the platform grows, your role, influence, and opportunities grow with it

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable A-Level History tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"Over time I have become much more confident in tutoring and in essence this is making the sessions much more enjoyable for me. I like preparing new slides every week and discussing new content with my student." - Volunteer A-Level Tutor

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person. 

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to A-Level History

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of A-Level History concepts and specifications.

2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.

3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.

4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.

5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.

2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.

3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided

2. Safeguarding Level One Training

3. Skill Development opportunities

4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

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 events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help cats. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake 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:

• planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances
• providing the treasurer with information on funds raised 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 events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

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.