Advice information volunteer roles

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

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

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

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

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

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care. 

As a RPR support volunteer, you might:

• As an RPR Support Volunteer you might: 
• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support 
• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes 
• Raise concerns 
• Keep detailed notes and records 
• Make a real difference to someone’s life 

Support Session Volunteer

You’ll be supporting people over the age of 18 with disabilities, this may include those with poor mental health, learning difficulties, autism and other disabilities.  Your role will include supporting clients to understand and undertake a task on a one-to-one basis.  The task will vary from client to client as will the needs of the individual. 

As a support session volunteer, you might: 

• help people have their say when it matters most
• Helping individuals navigate challenges and ensuring their needs are met
• help people to make complaints and use local services

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

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

ED&I Statement

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

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

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

Location: Fully flexible / Remote – open to applicants anywhere in the UK
Time Commitment: Approx. 2 – 4 hours per month

About Us
Unseen Expeditions UK is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) supporting mission-led charities and expedition projects across the UK and internationally. Our flagship initiative, The Unseen Mile, is a 4.5-year journey covering 25,000 miles across 37 countries. Through this and future projects, we aim to inspire, raise awareness for important causes, and share unique storytelling and learning experiences from the field.

We are currently recruiting our initial trustee board to help launch and register the charity.

Role Overview
We are seeking a General Trustee to join our board, support strategic decision-making, and help ensure effective governance. This is a key role in shaping the charity’s early operations, supporting registration, and contributing to the delivery of our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend quarterly trustee meetings (in person or virtually) and participate in board decision-making

• Support governance, strategy, and operational planning for the CIO

• Contribute ideas, experience, and skills to help the charity grow

• Assist with compliance, reporting, and adherence to charity law and CIO regulations

• Support trustee recruitment, induction, and development as needed

Person Specification & Requirements

• Interest in charity governance, mental health, and expedition-led projects

• Willingness to work collaboratively with a small, remote trustee team

• Commitment to the mission and values of Unseen Expeditions and its partnered charities

• Comfortable working remotely and communicating online with a UK-wide board

• UK-based (required for legal trustee responsibilities)

• Approx. 2 - 4 hours per month commitment (more during start-up if possible)

• Basic tools for communication (email, phone, video calls)

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to help shape and govern a new, high-profile charity from launch

• Hands-on experience in charity leadership and governance

• Contribution to awareness-raising and adventure-led impact projects

• Recognition for your role in mission-driven initiatives, including The Unseen Mile and future projects

• Flexible, fully remote role within a passionate, purpose-driven team

Crossness Pumping Station (managed by the Crossness Engines Trust) is a unique and valuable museum of UK and world reknown telling the history of how the ambitious management of sewage transformed London as a city of growth and innovation in the 1860s and helped eradicate cholera. Preserved and restored by a group of enthusiasts since 1987, we are now entering a second phase of major restoration and we need visionary trustees who can help us achieve it.

This role is one of three we have created for experts in their field to help us implement a major programme over the next 5-10 years. It really is your chance to be part of our history!

As well as the usual trustee roles the specific skills needed for this role include:

SPECIFIC PURPOSE OF ROLE:

Role Objectives

• Acting as lead expert on the Board in relation to health and safety, particularly in relation to working with volunteers and members of the public.
• Advising on good practice and regulatory and policy issues in health and safety.
• Ensuring current and future engineering projects are developed in line with health and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Restoration, Electrical and other relevant teams on developing safe practices.
• Lead on the review and updating of all health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure volunteers are sufficiently trained to understand and practice good health and safety standards.

Candidate specification

Essential 

• Substantial current engineering experience (including engineering registration status – CEng/IEng) in health and safety.
• Relevant health and safety qualifications (eg IOSH etc)
• Ability to foster good practice in volunteers.
• Excellent communication skills including with staff and volunteers as well as fellow trustees.
• An understanding of the importance of collaboration and problem-solving.
• Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office 365.
• Commitment to attend board meetings regularly and volunteer for other sub-committees as appropriate.
• Able to devote around 2-3 hours per week on preparing for meetings.
• Treating colleagues with respect and politeness.

Desirable 

• Specific health and safety experience in the heritage/architectural restoration sectors.
• Experience in Digital, Marketing and Finance would also be useful.
• Experience in the charity sector.
• Experience as a volunteer in a similar organisation.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

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

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

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

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

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care. 

• As an RPR Support Volunteer you might: 
• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support 
• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes 
• Raise concerns 
• Keep detailed notes and records 
• Make a real difference to someone’s life 

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

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

ED&I Statement

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

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

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

Family Friends carefully recruit, train, and match volunteers with families in Central-West London. Our volunteer befrienders offer practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two volunteer opportunities - Big Buddies and Parent Buddies.

Volunteers will aim to help parents to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties. Volunteers meet with their match weekly for a period of 6 -12 months.

Activities might include:

• Supporting a parent to take their children on days out.
• Helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Providing a listening ear.
• Helping parents to build confidence in themselves.

Essential Criteria:

• You must be able to commit to the Parent Buddy programme for a minimum of 6 months.
• 18+
• Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years

What we provide in return:

• Full induction training and ongoing training
• DBS check
• Weekly supervision and support
• The chance to learn new skills
• References provided after 6 months' commitment
• Reimbursement of travel and session expenses

We are an equal opportunities charity and value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.

In the first instance, please register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us - you can do that by contacting us here for an application form.

Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to ensure that all of our operational activity, whether internally or with people who come in contact with the organisation, are having the best experience they can possibly have and that the work we are carrying out, the campaigns we are focusing on and where we are focusing our time and our money, is relevant and remains so moving forward.

That is where I lived experience board of volunteers comes in. In essence that lived experience board is the driver for all that we do as an organisation and will inform, guide and develop the organisation.

The board is broken in to separate lived experiences which hold focus groups, support groups and communicated with each other to talk about members lived experiences, support each other and feel part of a community, while also using the voice and power of that lived experience to bring about change. The board chooses what information is passed on to the organisation and what is not.

Additionally, to the community aspects of the role, you will also be sent specific materials to share your experiences or take part in research or in new policy discussions or campaign ideas as the organisation evolves.

Additionally, to the specific lived experience groups, the full board can communicate with each other and will have periodic full board meetings that will allow people to share their experiences from various viewpoints, so that cross overs and shared experiences can become strength but can also guide the overall operation of Living Reasons.

For this role, all you need is to have lived experience of mental health conditions, either from a personal viewpoint, or as a supporter/care giver/guardian/family member. There will be two separate groups (one for personal experience and people who are supporting someone – this allows for different conversations to happen).

This role will really drive change, not just in Living Reasons as an organisation, but in society as a whole.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to expand its reach and part of that journey is to work on various platforms in new and creative ways, one of which will be Substack.

If you enjoy writing blogs or newsletters, are able to tell stories in an engaging way, this is the role for you.

This would include writing a weekly “point of view” piece that focuses on an area that Living Reasons engages in, whether this is research data reporting, lived experience storytelling or news highlight pieces.

Additionally to writing posts, you may also want to work with the social media coordinator to create video posts or even look at creating a podcast for the charity, the options are limitless as at Living Reasons, we encourage the entire team to bring ideas to the table and empower you to run with them, with the support of the organisation.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

Why we want you: Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. The friendly faces and warm welcome provided by branch volunteers mean attendees get the most from the group, with the activities on offer running smoothly.

What you will be doing: Core to group meetings, you'll help set up the venue, offering a warm welcome to all attendees; assist with fundraising events; getting involved in the activities the group offers - joining in to get the most out of these for you too.

The skills you need: Good communication skills; supportive; able to listen to the needs of people with Parkinson's, and reflect these to the group to shape the support provided; honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group.

What's in it for you: You'll make new friends and meet new people, both in the branch and in the local community; you'll be making a real difference for people affected by Parkinson's in your community; developing valuable organisational and people skills; you'll be part of a movement of people improving the lives of people affected by Parkinson's; you'll be able to take part in the activities of the group.

Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups.

What you’ll be doing:
• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate).

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 rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• 1 reference Criminal record check

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An interest in group or community work. • A sociable personality. • A commitment to working towards a society where people with sight loss are equal participants.

Why we want you

Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. Each group has a committee, who work together to plan the groups activities or fundraising - all in line with Parkinson's UK guidelines.

What you will be doing

• Keep up to date about the news and developments of Parkinson's UK more widely, sharing these with the group
• contributing ideas for fundraising, activities and speakers
• sharing experiences with the committee and connecting with the local community
• helping to prepare for and clear up after group meetings
• assisting at fundraising events and any activities arranged by the branch
• taking notes / minutes at meetings and events

The skills you need

• be a good communicator, as you will be working with a wide range of different people
• Honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group
• be collaborative and team focused, as you will take part in regular meetings and discussions
• be motivated and reliable, and able to show patience and empathy when dealing with sensitive situations

What's in it for you

• Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, making new friends and building connections
• You'll be part of a pioneering organisation, committed to finding a cure and improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson's - in your local area and beyond
• Gain valuable organisational, administrative and people skills

Disclaimer

It's important that people affected by Parkinson’s can trust us with their personal information. In this role you could be handling personal or sensitive data, so by undertaking this role you'll need to complete our Advanced Data Protection training. Your Parkinson’s UK staff contact can help you do this.

Work and Skills in an online personal development programme aimed at providing people living with HIV who are unemployed or in unsuitable work with online peer support, online work ready workshops and online 1-2-1 employment mentoring.

The online employment mentor is an integral part of the support structure for each individual, providing space for the participant to ask questions, set goals and plan how to achieve them, explore work and volunteering ideas, reflect on their skills and gain feedback on job/volunteering applications and interview technique. 

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!

Become a Trustee at Living Reasons
Help us build a revolutionary new charity from the ground up.

About Us

Living Reasons is a new organisation currently in the process of registering as a charity. We exist to tackle some of the deepest inequalities in society, guided by lived experience and driven by our mission to create lasting, revolutionary change.

Our work focuses on issues such as:

• Outdated and damaging employment practices.

• Poor access to healthcare.

• Inequity, discrimination, and lack of agency across society.

• Barriers in education, training, and support services.

We believe in challenging the status quo, proving that change is possible, and creating solutions shaped by the people who experience barriers every day.

Why Join Now?

This is an exciting time to join Living Reasons as we build the organisation from the ground up. As a trustee, you will:

• Play a key role in shaping strategy, governance, and direction.

• Help embed our Living Values into everything we do: Creativity, Prospectivity, Revolutionary thinking, and Attentivity.

• Ensure our ethos of “Nothing about us, without us” is central to our work.

• Contribute your skills, insight, and experience to create a charity that is bold, ethical, and sustainable.

What We’re Looking For

We want trustees who share our passion for fairness, equity, and innovation. You don’t need prior board experience — what matters most is your commitment to our mission and your willingness to bring your skills and voice to the table.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the challenges we exist to tackle, including disability, neurodivergence, long-term health conditions, mental health challenges, or discrimination.

Skills and qualities we are especially interested in include (but are not limited to):

• Governance, charity law, or finance.

• Campaigning and policy.

• Fundraising, income generation, or partnerships.

• HR, employment law, or organisational development.

• Communications, media, or digital innovation.

The Role of Trustee

As a trustee, you will:

• Ensure the charity is well run and compliant with charity law.

• Guide our strategy and oversee delivery of our mission.

• Hold the organisation accountable to our values and ethos.

• Support the team to deliver change effectively.

• Bring challenge, insight, and creativity to board discussions.

This is a voluntary role (reasonable expenses can be covered). Trustees meet around four times a year digitally, with additional input between meetings as needed.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to be part of a transformative new organisation at its very beginning.

• An opportunity to influence real change in society.

• The experience of working with a passionate, diverse team guided by lived experience.

• A chance to contribute your skills and values to something bold, exciting, and revolutionary.

Volunteer Befriender: Home-Start Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham

Do you have experience with young children and have two hours to spare a week?

Are you a compassionate and reliable person who wants to make a real difference in the lives of families?

Home-Start WKCHF is looking for volunteers to support parents and children who are facing challenges such as isolation, mental health struggles, or financial difficulties.

About the Role

As a Home-Start volunteer, you will provide emotional and practical support to families with young children in their own homes. Your role may involve:                                                                                                                                                     

• Offering friendship, a listening ear and encouragement
• Helping parents build confidence in their parenting skills
• Providing practical support such as accompanying families to appointments, family hubs or groups
• Signposting to additional services and community resources

What We’re Looking For

• A friendly and non-judgmental attitude
• Experience parenting or caring for children
• Good listening and communication skills
• Commitment to volunteering for two hour per week for a minimum of six months
• Willingness to attend free preparation course and undergo a DBS / reference checks

What We Offer

• Free Volunteer Preparation Training Course
• Regular 1-to-1 supervision and ongoing support
• Additional training opportunities to enhance your skills and experience
• Reimbursement of travel and out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteer Social Events
• A chance to develop new skills and meet like-minded people
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on families’ lives

Join Us!