Advocacy volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in London

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18.

Volunteering in the shop

Our Eltham Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.

Join Marie Curie as an Partnership Volunteer – Make a difference in your community.

Marie Curie has teamed up with Morrisons in an inspiring new partnership, aiming to raise £15 million over the next three years to support families with the best possible end-of-life care.

We’re looking for Partnership Volunteers to help us raise awareness and funds in your local Morrisons store. This is a flexible and rewarding role that fits around your schedule. Whether you have a few hours or more to spare, we'd love to hear from you

What you’ll be doing:

Choose from a variety of activities that suit your interests and availability:

• Host fundraising stalls in Morrisons – selling donated goods, tempting bake sales, and classic tombola's – just to name a few
• Take part in store collections during key campaign weeks
• Support your local Morrisons Community Champion during our 11 fundraising weeks, including:
  • Care, Comfort and Joy Festive Fundraising - 1 - 31 December 2025 
  • Great Daffodil Appeal - 23 February - 8 March 2026
  • Game On - 27 April – 10 May 2026
  • Paint It Yellow - 3 – 30 August 2026

You’ll be fully supported with training, tools, and a dedicated volunteer manager to guide you every step of the way.

We’re looking for Volunteers who are:

• Passionate about making a difference locally
• Creative and enthusiastic
• Good communicators
• Organised and reliable
• Friendly and approachable

Together, we can bring more care and comfort to those who need it most.

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.

Volunteer: The PR Officer of Hidayah plays a vital role in raising the profile of the organisation. The PR Officer will take the lead in managing relationships with external media, agencies, and partners to help Hidayah achieve its strategic aims. The PR officer will work closely with the Chair and two digital trustees, and focus on increasing visibility, strengthening our public image, and supporting advocacy through effective communication.
 

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

• Act as the main point of contact for external media outlets, journalists, and PR agencies on behalf of Hidayah.

• Work with the Chair to help implement their media strategy and PR aims.

• Draft, review and issue press releases, statements, and media content as needed.

• Identify media opportunities that can help platform Hidayah’s work, voices, and campaigns.

• Cultivate and manage relationships with media partners, influencers, and relevant organisations.

• Provide PR advice and guidance to the Chair and help ensure consistent messaging.

• Contribute to the development of key messaging and ensure alignment with organisational policies and values.

• Help monitor media coverage and report back to the Chair on PR impact and reach.

What do we expect from the PR Officer of Hidayah?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Knowledge:

• Experience in PR, communications, journalism, or media relations, ideally in the voluntary, charity or advocacy sector.

• Understanding of media landscapes, both mainstream and community-based, with an awareness of LGBTQ+ and/or faith-sensitive contexts.

• Knowledge of reputation management and crisis communications.

Personality:

• Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to represent Hidayah with professionalism, sensitivity, and integrity.

• Friendly, enthusiastic, dedicated, and committed to Hidayah’s mission and values.

• Creative thinker who can identify innovative ways to promote Hidayah’s work.

Personal Skills:

• Strong writing and editing skills for creating press releases and media content.

• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with external partners.

• Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, equality and diversity in communications.

• Ability to respond to media challenges and opportunities with diplomacy and care.

Administration Skills:

• Organised and methodical in managing media contacts and communications records.

• Competence in using email, social media platforms, and shared systems such as Google Drive.

• Ability to draft reports on PR activity for Board meetings.

• Familiarity with digital tools to track media coverage and public engagement.

How much commitment is required?

We are flexible around your own schedule. One average the role will require 2-4 hours per week. The following commitments are in place for all Hidayah volunteers:

• To be available for media requests or to coordinate timely responses as needed.

• To support Hidayah events through PR activity and promotion. 

• To help with fundraising efforts by securing media coverage for campaigns and initiatives.

• To check and respond to PR-related emails promptly.

• To maintain clear records of media engagement and press materials in the organisation’s shared systems (Google Drive).

We're STAMMA. We exist to create a world that makes space for stammering. Where a stammer is embraced as just a difference. Where no-one judges us on our stammer or the way we choose to deal with it. 

We will stand up for and empower those who stammer and challenge discrimination wherever we find it. We will provide support and information and fight for speech and language therapy services for those who want it. No matter how you talk, we're here for you. Join us and help the public understand that stammering is not a sign of being shy, drunk, dishonest, nervous or weak. It's simply how some of us talk.

We provide a free national helpline, email and webchat service, online resources and information, support for local groups and professional networks, for families with children who stammer, and an Advocacy Service for those who have been discriminated against because of their stammer.

STAMMA’s Helpline Services include our phoneline, webchat and email support services and are a hugely important part of STAMMA’s work. This is frontline stuff, responding to people reaching out for information and support. It’s a great opportunity to spend time chatting with people who stammer, as well as their parents, grandparents, teachers and employers, taking the time to make space to listen and to value what they have to say. Where appropriate we then signpost people to useful information, support and services.

We use a virtual call centre which means you can take calls and webchats from home, using a desktop or laptop computer.

Our helpline is manned by our amazing volunteers from 10am - 2pm (our morning shift), and from 4pm - 8pm (our evening shift), Monday to Thursday. We are looking for dedicated volunteers who can commit to one of the following shifts on a weekly basis:

Monday 18:00 – 20:00

Thursday 10:00 to 14:00

We think that you (and our callers!) will get the most out of this opportunity if you're able to volunteer with us for at least 12 months or more. By gradually learning and developing your confidence in the role, you can have the biggest impact. 

About the role

Working within our Helpline Services, we’re hoping you’ll feel comfortable to:

• Take helpline calls (listening and speaking on the phone)
• Respond to webchats (reading on-screen messages and typing responses)
• Sending occasional emails

If you wish to, you can also be linked to an area of project work. That way, if the helpline services are quiet during your shift, you can get involved in other areas of STAMMA’s work. Project work is likely to involve reading and reviewing documents and resources, contributing to discussions and campaign ideas, and helping develop new resources.

We provide structured, online training that you can complete at your own pace, but is likely to take about 8-10 hours in total to complete. Following the training, you’ll have practice helpline calls and webchats. If you feel ready after that, you’ll start working in the helpline services. Ongoing support includes:

• Monthly helpline services meetings where you can meet other helpline volunteers. These monthly meetings include a short training session and discussion where we share and learn from our experiences of different calls and webchats.
• We have a WhatsApp group where you can keep in touch with other volunteers.
• Volunteer supervisors are available for one-to-one support and discussions.
• Access the training modules as many times as you want.

Who are we looking for?

You’re likely to enjoy volunteering in the Helpline Services if you:

• have a genuine curiosity about people and their experiences
• are able to understand written and spoken English
• are comfortable enough to speak on the telephone
• are comfortable with basic email functions
• have good administration skills
• enjoy listening and talking to people

It’s not essential to stammer yourself if you’re interested in working in our helpline, but it can be an advantage if you do, or if you are the parent of a child who stammers. Many of our callers find it really helpful to know that they’re speaking to someone who really ‘gets it’ and who has that personal insight into some of the issues and questions they have.

This is a volunteer role is remote, so you will need access to:

• a quiet place where you can work in privacy and not be overheard during calls
• a mobile phone or landline
• a computer or laptop

What can you gain from this opportunity?

This is a wonderful opportunity to join a small and friendly team! We'll make sure you're supported in every step of your journey, and you'll get to meet some inspiring people. You'll gain skills that you'll be able to use in all areas of your life and build experiences for your CV. Most importantly, you will make a real difference in the lives of people who stammer.

How to apply

To apply, please fill in our volunteer form that is linked to this opportunity. 

We are dedicated to making sure our roles are accessible and open to all. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Role Description

Role Description Fundraising & Grant Writing Specialist Role Description Fundraising & Grant Writing Specialist Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid) �� Call for Volunteers: Fundraising & Grant Writing Specialist �� Are you passionate about driving impact through strategic fundraising? Do you have experience in securing grants, sponsorships, and donor contributions for social impact projects? UNIMAC is looking for a Fundraising & Grant Writing Specialist to help us expand our reach and empower more women and youth through education, advocacy, mentorship, and leadership development. About UNIMAC: It is a purpose-driven nonprofit organization committed to empowering women and girls through education, advocacy, mentorship, leadership training, and personal development. Our programs provide life-changing opportunities, but we need dedicated fundraising experts to help us sustain and scale our impact. What You’ll Do �� Grant Writing & Applications – Research, write, and submit compelling grant proposals to potential funders. �� Partnership Development – Identify and engage sponsors, donors, and corporate partners who align with our mission. �� Fundraising Campaigns – Plan and execute online and offline fundraising initiatives to support program sustainability. �� Donor Engagement – Develop strategies to maintain relationships with existing supporters and attract new donors. �� Impact Reporting – Assist in tracking and reporting fundraising outcomes to ensure transparency and effectiveness. Who We're Looking For ✅ Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or sponsorship acquisition. ✅ Strong research and proposal-writing skills. ✅ Ability to create and execute strategic fundraising plans. ✅ Passion for social impact, women’s empowerment, and leadership development. ✅ Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Why Join Us? �� Work with a global team of changemakers across Cameroon and beyond. �� Gain hands-on experience in fundraising for a high-impact social nonprofit. �� Be part of a mission-driven organisation transforming lives through education, advocacy, training, and mentorship. �� Help scale life-changing programs for women and youth.

Volunteer Fundraising Manager

Organisation: HomelessNest

Location: Flexible (remote with occasional London meetings)

Commitment: Approx. 6–8 hours per week

Type: Voluntary / Unpaid

About Us

HomelessNest is a registered UK charity committed to supporting individuals and families who are homeless, vulnerably housed, or otherwise at risk. We provide grants, essential items, advocacy, and practical services that create pathways to stability and independence.

The Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Fundraising Manager to help us grow our income, organise events, strengthen donor relationships, and ensure our services can reach more people in need.

You will play a key role in shaping and delivering our fundraising strategy, working closely with trustees and volunteers to build sustainable income streams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a fundraising plan aligned with our mission.
• Research and apply for grants, trusts, and foundations.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners.
• Coordinate community fundraising events and campaigns.
• Support and oversee volunteer fundraising officers and event coordinators.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations and reporting requirements.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience or strong aptitude in fundraising, bid writing, or donor relations (professional or voluntary).
• Excellent communication and networking skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently.
• A proactive, creative approach to problem‑solving.
• Passion for tackling homelessness and social inequality.

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
• Valuable experience in charity fundraising, leadership, and strategy.
• Flexible volunteering that fits around your schedule.
• The chance to be part of a supportive, passionate team.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Join us – Independent Age is looking for new trustees!

Would you like to use your skills and experience to help us end poverty in later life? Independent Age is the only national charity focused solely on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We currently achieve impact through three key activities: advice and support, grant-making, and policy, influencing and campaigning. This year, we have supported over 20,000 people who called our helpline and identified over £6.5 million in unclaimed benefits. We have awarded £3 million in grants, enabling local organisations to reach even more older people living in financial hardship. We also successfully campaigned for the Winter Fuel Payment to be restored to a large number of older people who rely on it, and to improve protections for older renters through the Renters’ Rights Act and the Housing (Scotland) Act.

We are looking to appoint several new trustees to our Board. We are interested in hearing from people who are concerned about the growing impact of poverty in later life on our society, and can bring us any of the following skills or experience:

•  finance

•  fundraising

•  brand / marketing / engagement

•  business development / transformation / innovation / technology.

Every day at Independent Age, we hear from older people who don’t have enough money for a decent standard of living. While they are resourceful, careful and resilient, and employ many tactics to make their low-income work for them, life is hard.

The people who engage with us are part of a group of two million older people living in poverty and a further million living with precarious financial security. Concerningly, our research shows that this number could rise to four million by 2040, without effective policy interventions. This projection must not become a reality.

Certain groups of people aged 65 and over are at greater risk of financial hardship, including one person households, women, people from racially minoritised groups, private renters, carers and people with long-term conditions or disabilities. We particularly encourage applications from people who have backgrounds, characteristics or perspectives that align with any of these priority groups. We’d also like to encourage applications from candidates outside the south-east of England and, in particular, from Scotland.

Previous trustee experience is not necessary because you would be joining a strong, experienced Board and we can provide mentoring and support. The time commitment will be around 1-1.5 days a month on average, focused around the quarterly cycle of board and committee meetings. Trustee roles are not paid. However, we want to help overcome the barriers some people might face to becoming a trustee. We pay reasonable travel, accommodation, subsistence and the cost of care provision for children and dependents when acting on behalf of the charity. Some of these costs can be paid upfront by the charity, if needed. We also pay reasonable costs associated with attending the initial interview.

How to apply

Further information and details on how to apply can be found in our Application Pack, which is included below.  A Basic DBS check is required for trustee roles in line with our safeguarding policy. 

The deadline for applications is Sunday 18 January. 

We are looking for new volunteers to join the Meet Me team to support Meet Me at the Albany in person and remote activities.

What is Meet Me at the Albany?

In 2013 Entelechy Arts and the Albany, in partnership with Lewisham Council, established Meet Me at the Albany – an arts and social club for over 65s. Meet Me… is led by a vibrant and diverse community of previously isolated older people, who come together weekly to run a cross-art form social and creative programme to make friends, be creative, advocate for themselves, and contribute to the vibrant cultural life of Lewisham.

On Tuesdays we get together at the Albany theatre in Deptford, and get involved with everything from singing to painting, from crafting to gardening. During the COVID pandemic we took our groups onto the telephone, and seeing the massive benefits these groups brought we have continued with our Meet Me on the Telephone programme. Find more detailed information further down this page!

Who we are looking for?

Our volunteers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of our weekly and monthly sessions. These roles are perfect for people who enjoy meeting new people, engaging in conversations, and trying new things. They’re also ideal for those who like to listen and provide support based on individual needs and interests.

Skills and experience:

Personable and Friendly: We need volunteers who are approachable and easy to talk to.

Strong Listening Skills: Essential for connecting with our members and ensuring their safety.

Experience with Older Adults: While prior experience working with older people or supporting their creativity is beneficial, it’s not required—just an interest in doing so.

Adaptable and Flexible: Activities may change, so volunteers should be open to adjusting their approach as needed.

Creative Sharing (Optional): Some volunteers enjoy sharing their creativity with our members, but this is not a requirement.

We’re also looking for volunteers who are interested in helping out with marketing and social media, so if that sounds like your cup of tea, get in touch! It would be great if you also have experience of working with people living with dementia.

What’s next?

Get in touch for an initial chat. We will then invite you to complete a registration form and book you on to our next available training session. Training will cover safeguarding, setting boundaries and explore the programme. It is a chance to work through possible scenarios and ensure you feel confident to join us for one of the in person or over the phone sessions.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.

Our Wandsworth Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.

Our Wimbledon Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick. 

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).

How to apply 

Express your interest on email via the apply button.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests

We are Forward, the social enterprise that empowers people to break the cycle of crime or addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

The Forward Enterprise Team is part of Forward’s employability service. The team supports enterprises and charities that create self employment opportunities for ex-offenders and people in recovery from addiction. Eligible applicants can benefit from a tailored mix of support to help grow their business and access investment.

As an Enterprise Mentor, you will be supporting clients of Forward’s Enterprise Support team to reach their full potential to start and build a successful business. Acting as a role model, you will use your personal experience and expertise to guide them with their personal goals and challenges. You will be matched to a mentee according to their aspirations and your personal expertise. You will meet with your mentees once to twice a month and will need to be able to commit to 4 to 6 hours a month to support your mentee . This is a just a recommendation and is flexible based on the Mentee's needs. Training is provided to all volunteers to support them with their volunteering duties and enable them to further their skills and experience with our client group.

We recommend that the Mentor commits to volunteering to 4-6 hours a month for a period of 6 months. This is just a recommendation and can be flexible according to the needs of the Mentee.

Task description:

• Build a trusting and supportive relationship with your mentee
• Be a consistent ear to listen
• Support your mentee to formulate realistic and achievable goals
• Support your mentee with the barriers they encounter and provide guidance on how to overcome these
• Support your mentee by using your professional expertise and knowledge of the sector to guide them
• Listen to the mentees’ concerns and work with them to overcome these
• Listen to your mentee’s ideas and give honest feedback on them
• Be a positive role model to your mentee

Specific duties:

• Arrange and attend monthly meetings with your mentees
• Set targets at the meetings and encourage your mentee to work towards those
• Provide practical support to help your mentee with their concerns and barriers to enable them to overcome them
• Keep a record of your meetings by completing the relevant paperwork after each meeting
• Ensure that notes of meetings are sent to your placement supervisor
• Attend monthly mentor meetings to hear group feedback, raise any concerns and learn from other mentors’ experiences

Perks and Benefits:

Induction training will be provided to the volunteer and will include the following E-Learning:

o Induction to the Forward Trust
o Safeguarding
o Data Protection & GDPR
o Health and Safety
]

Additional internal training will be discussed and offered according to the need of the volunteer in placement to support you with your personal development goals. This may include: group facilitation skills, 12 Steps awareness. External training requests will need to be agreed with placement supervisor and submitted to Head Office for approval prior to completing a course.
 

Skills You'll Need

Below is a list of the qualities that we are looking from volunteer:

• If in Recovery from Addiction, to be 12 months abstinent from all mood altering substances. 
• To have the ability to engage effectively with the client group.
• To have a clear understanding of confidentiality.
• To have a clear understanding of how to set and maintain boundaries.
• To be able to communicate and actively listen to client’s concerns.
• To be able to treat clients in a positive and non-judgemental manner.
• To be committed to own learning and development
• To have experience of setting and managing your own business

Our challenge

Our community is at the centre of everything we do. We’re committed to working with people affected by a brain tumour, ensuring they’re at the heart of everything we do. We can create real, positive change together. From diagnosis to support to treatment, we’re pushing toward one big vision: for everyone diagnosed with a brain tumour to live longer, better lives.

Our Young Ambassadors programme, for 18 – 25 year olds, is built on diversity. We welcome people living with low and high grade tumours, carers supporting loved ones, and those who have cared for someone who has sadly passed away. Partners and siblings are also welcome. Every voice counts, and every experience helps us create meaningful change.

How can you help?

As a Young Ambassador, you’ll play a big role in representing The Charity and standing up for young people affected by brain tumours. This two-year programme is open to 18-25 year olds, and gives you the chance to influence real decisions, be a critical friend, and make sure the voices of our community are heard loud and clear.

You’ll help shape the future of brain tumour care and research — all while meeting new friends, growing your confidence, and gaining skills that look great on a CV and feel good in your heart.

Across your time as a Young Ambassador, you’ll get stuck into exciting projects both inside the Charity and across the wider brain tumour community. You might work with researchers, healthcare teams, partner organisations, and other passionate young people, sometimes in person, sometimes online, all united by one mission: keeping those affected at the centre of every decision we make.

Ready to create change, learn loads, and be part of something meaningful? This is your chance.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking passionate, collaborative young adults who want to create change and improve outcomes for everyone affected by a brain tumour.

You’ll get to choose the projects you’re most passionate about and take part in a way that feels right for you. Whether you’re someone who likes speaking up in groups, prefers sharing ideas one to one, or enjoys contributing behind the scenes.

Person Specification

We welcome applications from anyone affected by a brain tumour (carers and patients), but it’s important this feels like the right time for you. By sharing your insight, you’ll help strengthen and amplify the voice of our community. 

We’re looking for young adults who are:

• Aged 18- 25 years old and based in the UK

• Open to meeting new people, learning new skills, and being part of something meaningful.

• Care about making things better for everyone affected by brain tumours

• Open to sharing your story (only if and when you feel comfortable) and you respect that everyone’s experience is different.

• Kind, collaborative, and supportive, and you enjoy being part of a team.

As a Young Ambassador, you will:

• Use your lived experience to represent others in the brain tumour community and help shape the work we do — both inside the Charity and out in the wider world.

• Be open to making friends, learning new skills, and making a real difference alongside other young people who care as much as you do.

• Listen to and respect different perspectives, knowing that everyone’s journey is unique and people may face challenges that look different from your own.

• Make sure real experiences, especially youth voice, guide research, campaigns, policy, and services, so the things we create truly reflect what young people need.

Some of the ways you can get involved include:

• Explore and develop fundraising ideas – Get creative and help us dream up fresh, exciting ways to raise the vital funds that keep our work moving forward.

• Create social media content – Use your creativity to help us tell powerful stories, spread awareness, and reach more young people online. Whether it’s Insta posts, videos, or LinkedIn your ideas can make a real impact.

• Contribute to campaigns and events – Use your story and your voice to support reports, raise awareness, and even help us engage MPs and decision-makers.

• Feed into research projects and focus groups - Help make sure research is easy to understand, accessible, and benefits the community it aims to support

• Speak up on bigger platforms – From press interviews to conferences, media pieces, or blog posts, you’ll have opportunities to share your experiences publicly and help shine a light on brain tumours and the work of the Charity. 

• Shape services that work for young people – Be part of developing and improving the support we offer, including our Young Adult service, making sure our services are practical, inclusive, and focused on real needs. 

In addition to all of this, we are very open to hearing your ideas about how you would like to contribute and get involved.

Practical considerations

This is a voluntary role with a term of up to two years, though we understand circumstances may change and you may need to step away earlier. 

• Induction: You’ll start with a 2-day induction on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th April  at our office in Fleet, Hampshire

• In-person meetings: Two further in person events will take place during the two-year programme. These have previously included training days and residential.  

• Online meetings: We’ll meet monthly on Microsoft Teams during a weekday evening 

• Other opportunities: You can choose activities that fit your interests, availability, and preferences. These will be shared via Volunteero, our volunteer app, which all Involvement Champions use. Opportunities may take place on both weekdays and weekends.

Please note, for in-person meetings, all travel, accommodation, and meal expenses are covered by The Charity.  Find out more in our Volunteer Expenses Policy. We suggest a time commitment of around 1–2 hours per week, but this is flexible. You’ll receive training, regular updates, and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role.

Wellbeing and connection   

Many past Young Ambassadors say one of the absolute best parts of the programme is the friendships they build and the sense of connection they feel.

Because this role involves hearing and talking about a wide range of lived experiences, it’s worth taking a moment to think about whether this feels like the right time for you. The work is incredibly rewarding but it can also be emotional. 

Application process

Complete our application below! The application form will ask for information about your personal connection to brain tumours and any skills/qualities you would bring to the role.

Additionally, you will be asked to record a 2-minute video or provide a written statement (200-300 words) answering the following questions:

Motivation:

“Why do you want to be a Young Ambassador, and what does this opportunity mean to you personally?”

Representation and voice:

“In what ways do you hope to use your voice, whether online, in discussions, or in person — to help shape the future of brain tumour support and research?”

Key Dates

Applications close: Monday 9 February at 9am

Online Informal interviews*: Monday 16 February - Friday 20 March

Feedback and offers: Week commencing Monday 23 March

Induction date (in person event): Wednesday 29 April and Thursday 30 April

*Depending on the volume of applications we receive, we may shortlist applicants for these interviews. 

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.

The reading group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the reading group sessions are as follows: 

• Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm 

• Wednesday mornings 11am to 1pm. 

Volunteers are required to attend either one of both sessions. Volunteers are also welcome to stay and support the more traditional English language classes either before the reading session on Mondays or after the reading session on Wednesdays. 

Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.

The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.

The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.

Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering.