Assistant volunteer roles in manchester, greater manchester
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role overview
We are looking for a self-motivated individual who can work efficiently and independently to help us create an exciting and dynamic marketing strategy to improve and increase our social media channels to reach our stakeholders and relevant communities.
Main duties of the role
- Update social media, manage channels and grow YSS’s social media presence.
- Standardise branded materials for reports, presentations, bid submissions and other external communications.
- Assist in the development of the YSS website, ensuring it is up to date, dynamic, user friendly and factually correct.
- Adhere to company policies, particularly our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy, GDPR policy and Safeguarding policy.
What we're looking for:
- Knowledge of marketing and social media channels
- Experience of using relevant design software
- Disciplined in home working
- Ideas and up to date thinking to reach target audience
- Able to travel to the office when needed (e.g., occasional meetings in Worcester)
What we can offer:
- Autonomous working within a small friendly team. Flexible working arrangements
- Basic training in relevant social media platforms and management tools (if required)
- Access to specialist advice from our business partners and analysts to further your knowledge and experience.
- Experience of networking across multiple organisations both in the public and private sector
- References for your C.V /job applications
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising events helper
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
You can expect us to
- make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You’ll be:
· help set up and/or man stalls at events
· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events
Time expectation
This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.
We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Applicants will be required to complete an application form, with references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Share Our Story
Become SUNSHINE's our Communications & Social Media Lead!
This isn't just a volunteer role; it's an invitation to ignite a movement.
SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, born from a fervent belief that no one should face loneliness alone. We are on the cusp of bringing immense joy, genuine connection, and vital community spirit to countless lives. But to truly shine, we need YOU.
We're looking for a visionary storyteller to join our passionate team – one of the very architects of SUNSHINE's voice and public presence. As our Communications & Social Media Lead, you won't just post; you'll build, shape, and drive the cohesive visual and written narrative of a charity set to transform lives.
This is a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding opportunity to leverage your expertise at a pivotal moment. Imagine the profound satisfaction of knowing your creativity directly establishes our brand, amplifies our message, and brings our warmth to screens and communities, creating a lasting impact on wellbeing.
We urgently need a Communications & Social Media Lead with exceptional creative and strategic skills and a burning desire to make a difference.
Your crucial role will be to:
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Amplify our voice across all digital platforms, ensuring our message of joy and connection reaches far and wide.
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Create a coherent branding style for all our materials – from vibrant social media posts and compelling posters to heartwarming booklets and engaging motion graphics.
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Drive online engagement, building a thriving virtual community that supports our mission.
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Tell our powerful stories of impact and transformation, inspiring others to join our cause, volunteer, or attend our events.
Why step up now? Because this is your chance to be part of something truly special from its very inception. Your digital leadership will directly enable SUNSHINE to get formally set up, registered, and launch the vital programmes that will change lives by fostering connection and combating isolation.
Are you ready to build a brighter future, one compelling post and powerful story at a time? Are you passionate, dedicated, and committed to taking on this powerful challenge with flexible hours?
Your legacy of impactful communication and community outreach awaits.
SUNSHINE is London based dedicated to bringing people together, fostering connections, enhancing wellbeing and transforming lives.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Help us to grow brand-new online charity platform A Good Thing! Come on board to help us manage relationships with the businesses that have joined us: use your communications skills to drive more businesses to engage with the platform and to make donations of things they no longer need.
A Good Thing is a not-for-profit set up with one mission: to send less to landfill, and more to a good cause. We're rolling out fast across the UK, momentum is building, and we're growing a network of passionate local volunteer champions right across the country to drive our growth.
You’ll be using both your communications skills and your project management expertise to help us grow the number of businesses engaging with the platform and giving things away.
Come with us on our journey towards reducing waste and boosting wonderful local charities at the same time.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Volunteering Opportunity
How you can make a difference
As a volunteer you'll make sure that everyone has a great time and can make the most of the activities on offer. You'll need lots of energy, a warm and welcoming personality and to be happy getting stuck into a wide range of tasks and activities, all of which make sure that everyone has the best day they can together.
Key Duties
What your role will involve
- Taking part in activities alongside disabled young people. You could be joining creative activities, movement or sports session, trips out into the local community or seasonal themed activities.
- Helping to set up the activities at the start of the day, clear away at the end and keep activities safe, clean and running smoothly throughout.
- Helping to welcome young people to the group, find their way around and between activities, enjoy breaks and lunchtime and generally have a great day with the team and Sense.
A basic / enhanced Disclosure & Barring check will be required for this volunteer role.
Skills & Qualities
Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:
- Fun and friendly and confident to meet and spend time with disabled young people.
- Willing to develop the knowledge and skills to communicate with young people who have multi-sensory impairments and who may use a wide range of communication methods
- Able to work well in a team and be flexible about the role you play during the day depending on what’s needed by individuals and activities
- Reliable and punctual.
- Committed to providing support in a way that offers choice, independence and dignity
- We welcome volunteers of all ages to this role who can create an inclusive and welcoming peer environment for everyone involved in the group.
Benefits
What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?
- Induction information to prepare you for your role, a briefing at the start of each event, and lots of on-site support and guidance from our experienced staff team who will be running the day
- Agreed out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed, in line with Sense policy
- The chance to get to know new people, try new activities in your local community and to have lots of fun taking part together
- To develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with children and young people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairment
- To know you’re part of a passionate and committed team making a big difference to how young people can get the most out of both new and favourite activities and to have a great time together.
- If you are 16 or 17 we will ask to make contact with a parent or other appropriate adult to share details of your volunteering role, timings and contact / emergency information.
About us
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Purpose of the Role
You will support the Digital Marketing & Communications Officer with marketing and communications tasks, helping promote Equality in Tourism’s work across our website, social media, newsletters and PR. Typical tasks might include researching and writing blog posts, creating our monthly newsletters in HubSpot, and social listening.
Person Specification
This role would suit students or recent graduates looking to gain more experience in marketing and the non-profit and/or tourism sectors.
We’re looking for someone who has…
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An excellent understanding of digital marketing and social media, with some relevant work experience;
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Strong writing and proofreading skills;
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Good organisation and time management, able to manage deadlines and keep the team updated on progress;
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Committed to gender equality and has enthusiasm towards our goal of creating a fairer, more sustainable tourism industry.
It’s a bonus if you have…
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Graphic design experience, using tools like Canva or Adobe;
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Video editing skills;
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Knowledge of SEO and keyword tools;
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Familiarity with CMS, especially WordPress and HubSpot.
Why Volunteer With Equality in Tourism?
You’ll be joining a small team but one with a wealth of knowledge on gender, tourism and marketing. While most of your contact will be with the Digital Marketing Officer, you’ll also get to work and connect with our directors, trustees and fellow volunteers.
You’ll have the opportunity to influence our campaigns and make a difference with your ideas. We’ll work with you to ensure you’re developing skills to enhance your CV and portfolio.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for enthusiastic and energetic volunteers to help at this Wellness Walk for the morning, for the afternoon or for the whole day.
How can you get involved?
Help us set up in the morning and prepare for the big day and welcome walkers. This could include helping hand out event t-shirts, route maps or answering questions. You could then take on the walk or relax.
Help us throughout the day, supporting our team as we set walkers off and welcome them back to our wellness celebration.
Cheer our supporters on as they come back from their walk and hand out medals.
Help us pack down at the end of the day.
Volunteers who are based at the event site can take on a variety of different roles and work in morning or afternoon shifts, including:
- Answering walkers’ questions and directing around the site
- Handing out t-shirts and event packs at the registration tent
- Cheering our walkers back into the Finisher’s Area and on the route
- Handing out medals
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking to build our LinkedIn profile and our reach into the business world. The role will include advancing our connections and cultivating lasting relationships in communities of like minded companies. Content creation, updating on news and arranging in person meetings when needed are a key part of the role so candidates will need good communication skills, creative writing experience and be tech savvy. Although remote the team are in daily contact when needed and meet in person at major fundraising events where live updates can be posted. We are passionate about animal welfare so if you love dogs and have a creative skillset and some business flair come and join us.
Please tell us why you want to volunteer for our charity
We save dogs from the streets and death row and restore their health and dignity. We rehabilitate and rehome where possible respecting their sentience




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the Warrington Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels.
Time commitment
We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.
Apply
1. Read through the role description carefully
2. Please apply online
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Description
Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.
In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is 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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Travel Radar is a passionate media organisation committed to making travel more meaningful and accessible for everyone. Since 2015, we've grown into one of the leading online sources for aviation and air-travel news, reaching over 20 million people worldwide.
Powered by a diverse, fully remote team of 50+ volunteers and contributors, we provide around-the-clock coverage of global travel developments. Our mission is to change the way people experience travel — helping them make every journey more enriching, informed, and enjoyable through timely news and helpful insights.
Join us in reshaping the future of travel and making a global impact through the power of storytelling and information.
We're on the lookout for a Social Media Manager to head up a range of exciting work including:
- developing creative and engaging social media strategies for our platforms;
- managing the day-to-day handling of all social media channels such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube, adapting content to suit different channels;
- overseeing, planning and delivering content across different platforms using scheduling tools such as Buffer and Meta Business Suite;
- developing, launching and managing new competitions and campaigns that promote Travel Radar and the brand;
- forming key relationships with influencers in the aviation and air-travel space across the social media platforms;
- managing and facilitating social media communities by responding to social media posts and developing discussions;
- researching and evaluating the latest trends and techniques in order to find new and better ways of creating and measuring social media activity;
- managing, motivating and coaching junior staff such as social media executives or assistants;
We're looking for a passionate and creative individual to lead and grow Travel Radar’s presence across social media. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the voice of one of the most engaged aviation communities online and create impactful content that inspires millions of travellers worldwide. We already have a strong foundation and loyal following — now we need someone who’s ready to take it to the next level. Whether you're a recent graduate full of fresh ideas, an experienced social media pro seeking a meaningful new challenge, a travel and aviation enthusiast, or a current student eager to gain hands-on experience — we care more about your passion and creativity than your CV.
If you're excited by the idea of building community, creating compelling content, and being part of a mission-driven team, we’d love to hear from you!
✨ Perks of Volunteering with Travel Radar:
(Please note: This is a voluntary, unpaid role — but we make it worth your time!)
- Flexible workload – Contribute as and when you’re available each month
- Fully remote – We can provide a laptop, desktop, or virtual machine if needed
- Lunch & travel expenses covered – For in-person events, conferences, or meetings
- Exclusive discount program – Access deals with 3,000+ retailers, from travel to insurance
- Professional training – Fully funded CPD Level 3, 5, or 7 accreditation included and access industry leading support and mentoring
- Latest tech tools – Free access to Office365, Grammarly Premium, Adobe Photoshop, Canva Pro — for both Travel Radar and personal use
Our mission to change how travel is seen involves showing people how to make their journeys as fulfilling as possible whilst empowering our team!

Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) have an exciting new opportunity to join their Board of Trustees. In a bold step toward broadening our vision and impact, FST recently updated our governing documents to welcome Non-Executive Directors from outside our membership. This change opens the door to fresh ideas, diverse expertise, and valuable insights from beyond the arts—strengthening FST’s leadership and enriching our work. We are particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in finance, public policy and research, and legal and/or finance.
FST are actively working to build a Board and staff team that reflects the richness and variety of the communities we serve, believing that diversity fuels creativity and strengthens leadership. We’re looking for curious, and collaborative thinkers—people who bring different perspectives and challenge the status quo. We particularly welcome applications from people of colour, gender-diverse individuals, disabled people, and others whose voices have historically been underrepresented in our sector. This is a space where your voice matters—and will be heard.
What’s Involved
The Board of Trustees work on a voluntary basis and meet four times a year. We welcome candidates from all over Scotland and can facilitate online attendance at meetings as required.
Role of a Trustee:
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To play a key role in the development of the FST vision, contributing to the strategic leadership, sound management and proactive development of the organisation.
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To ensure that the FST principles of good and proper governance continue to be upheld, and to fulfil duties and responsibilities in line with the organisation’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
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To ensure that FST protects its future through robust policies, risk management, accounting procedures, internal controls and systems and to ensure that these are audited and reviewed in line with all regulatory and legal requirements.
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To attend and contribute to Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting.
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To work closely with the Chair and all other Trustees and to advise on major issues to the Board as required.
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To work constructively with the Chief Executive, and as appropriate with senior management and the wider staff, to ensure that FST delivers on its core vision, mission and business plan.
Additional information about the responsibilities of being a Trustee can be found on the website of Scottish Charity Regulator - more information in the job pack.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking to recruit two Co-opted Board members over the coming months.
Following a recent review of Board membership, we have identified the need for new Trustees and are looking for candidates with skills and experience in each of the following areas:
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Financial – Strong financial background, ideally with expertise in charity and not-for-profit accounting and experience working with small charities
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HR/Legal - Senior level experience in HR and/or the legal landscape surrounding employment with knowledge of of best practices in people management, organisational culture, and employment law—particularly within the charity or arts sector
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Public Policy and Research - Senior experience in public policy and research, ideally within Scotland. For example, you may have worked on developing policy positions, conducting sector-specific research, or creating tools to influence change at a national or local level
As well as the skills and experience aligned to one of the two candidate opportunities described above, we expect all Board members to embrace the following qualities :
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An understanding of (or willingness to learn) the culture sector
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Advocacy experience
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Sound analytical and problem-solving skills
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Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of colleagues and stakeholders
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An understanding of access, inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities issues
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Experience of working effectively as part of a team, project group or committee
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Good, independent judgment
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An ability to think creatively
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Awareness of risk and the need to balance ambition with sustainability
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Ability to conduct oneself with integrity, objectivity, and honesty
Recruitment timeline
The deadline for applications is 10am on Tuesday 22 July 2025.
You will receive a response from FST by 6pm on Friday 25 July 2025.
Interviews will be held from w/c 28 July onwards depending on individual candidates' availability.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***
Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.
Volunteers will be supporting people remotely, in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.
The companion service volunteer can choose to be:
• A companion telephone/video caller
• A companion within the person’s home
• A companion outside the person’s home
• Or a combination of all three.
Examples of the type of support the service offers include:
• Telephone / video calls for an older person/s on a regular basis at a mutually agreed time for a friendly chat.
• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.
• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.
• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups.
• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.
We are looking for the following skills/interests:
• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.
• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly.
• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.
• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.
Please do note, however, that at the moment we are not looking for Volunteer Telephone Companions.
We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC) is a small, independent rare disease charity competing for essential resources within an extremely competitive arena.
Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to the recognised voice for leukodystrophy patients and their families. In order to fulfil our charitable objectives we need to increase and sustain our corporate income levels.
Could you spare a few hours a week to help us?
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for volunteers, preferably with corporate fundraising experience to:
• research the corporate giving landscape and the interests of potential donors
• identify potential corporate donors and partners whose corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals align with our mission and values
• approach local and national businesses in person and over the telephone to inform them of the work of Alex TLC
• keep a record of all approaches
Time Commitment
• This role is flexible and can easily fit round your other commitments.
Location of Volunteering
• Homebased
ABOUT YOU
• an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do
• access to a computer/laptop with an internet connection, and a printer
• basic understanding of the complexities of leukodystrophy
• excellent written skills
• excellent organisational and administrative skills
Benefits to you:
• Meeting and working with new people
• The ability to volunteer around your own commitments
• Learning new skills whilst having fun!
• Adding to your CV
• Helping those affected by leukodystrophies
We can only accept applications from UK residents.
Our Mission is to support anyone affected by leukodystrophy, support research, raise awareness and improve best practice within healthcare systems.


Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.
Tasks and Responsibilities
If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.
Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.
As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week.
Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.
As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.
Selection Criteria
A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:
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Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend
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Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing
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Be open-minded
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Be supportive
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Be reliable
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Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times
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Be accepting and non-judgemental
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Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout
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Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback
Requirements
- You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering.
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
- All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.
It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health.
Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:
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Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.
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Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?
Benefits to Volunteers
The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.
Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.
Application Process
You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.
You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you.
We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send.
Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way.
This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.
We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents.
Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision.
If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.
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