Care volunteer roles
YHA Board Recruitment Committee - Association Members
YHA enables everyone, especially young people, to connect with each other, nature and heritage through hostels in amazing places throughout England and Wales. Since 1930, we’ve been increasing access to travel and adventure. It’s our aim to reach and positively impact the lives of more people from more diverse backgrounds. And we target our support to young people and groups from underserved communities.
Right now, our Board Recruitment Committee is looking for new members to help us find and shortlist candidates for YHA Trustee elections. The committee includes a Chair, a YHA Trustee, a member from what was our Youth Advisory team (now Youth Voice panel), and two Association Members. We currently have two Association Member spots open, and we'd love for you to join us!
Benefits of joining the Board Recruitment Committee:
- Make a difference: Help shape YHA's future by selecting top candidates for Trustee positions.
- Develop skills: Gain experience in recruitment, interviewing, and strategic decision-making.
- Networking: Connect with passionate YHA members and build valuable relationships.
- Contribute to a worthy cause: Support a charity dedicated to making travel and adventure accessible to all.
- Leadership experience: Enhance your leadership skills and understanding of charity governance.
Who can apply? If you're a YHA member, you're eligible to apply! The committee will review applications, interview selected candidates and choose who to put forward for the election.
What are we looking for? We seek candidates with the skills to help us shortlist a diverse range of high-quality candidates for the Trustee elections.
We understand that lived experiences can be just as vital as professional expertise. At YHA, we value a wide range of backgrounds, believing they enrich our work and enhance our impact.
Check out the Board Recruitment Committee role profile for more details on the skills needed.
YHA’s Board is committed to reflecting the communities and society we serve. We believe true diversity makes us a stronger organisation, which is why we’re interested in who you are. Your lived experiences and your values are as important as your professional achievements. To reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, and would particularly like to encourage applications from certain groups who are likely to be underrepresented in our organisation.
These include:
- young people
- people who are disabled or neurodivergent
- people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds
- people without academic qualification
- people who are LGBTQIA+
A few things to note:
- Applications are welcomed from YHA members over 16 years old (excluding current Trustees and staff members). You may become a member prior to submitting an application.
- The role is for three years, ending at the 2028 AGM, with the possibility of re-election for another three years.
- The commitment is virtual attendance at Board Recruitment Committee meetings, with five to six meetings throughout the year together with additional virtual meetings (March to October) to select and interview Trustee candidates to put forward to the Trustee election. There is also some time required outside of meetings to review documentation and provide feedback.
How to apply:
- Fill out a short online application form (including diversity monitoring) and a candidate statement.
Make sure we receive your complete application by 9am on Monday 21st July. Your candidate statement will be used by the committee to evaluate your application and will also appear on the voting website for our members.
We've attached the role profile and application form questions for your review before you begin your application.
Enrich the lives of all, especially young people, by providing brilliant hostel stays and experiences that improve physical health & mental wellbeing.

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!
This collections volunteer role involves managing all static collection tins within your local area including identifying opportunities to place a collection tin, emptying the tin and banking the money.
There is no minimum time commitment, but the role requires a level of regular commitment to ensure that tasks are completed.
Canine Partners is a registered charity that transforms the lives of people with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs. Our amazing dogs bring a greater independence and quality of life to their partners, offering support, security, companionship, and practical help with everyday household tasks.
By volunteering at Canine Partners, you contribute to something incredibly special - ‘transforming the lives of people with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs’
By volunteering you will:
- Be a valued member of our Charity
- Can work with dogs without lifelong commitment or costs associated with dog ownership
- Be able to meet like-minded people
- Gain practical experience in the field of canine care and welfare.
‘With out the continued hard work and support from our volunteers, we would not be able to provide our clients with our life changing dogs’
What we require from you
- Age 18 or over
- Access to your own transport with flexibility to visit different locations
- Polite, confident and personable manner
- Excellent customer service skills
- Excellent record keeping skills
Support and Training
- Public Liability Insurance
- Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from a talk.
- Volunteer clothing and ID badge
- Dedicated point of contact in the fundraising team
- Guidance on cash handling
- Income monitoring sheet provided
- Access to our volunteer portal with many resources for your use.
- Invitation to join our Official Canine Partners Community Facebook Group
We will change the lives of disabled people using expertly trained dogs to improve physical, emotional and social wellbeing.





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!
Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that have been bereaved.
This role could be for you, if you:
- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
- Are a good listener
- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect
Requirements of a Befriender include:
- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults
Benefits of this role may include:
- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
- An opportunity to engage with your community
Support and training provided:
- Omega Chatterbox induction program
- Safeguarding training
- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app
Location of the role:
- Home-based
When are you needed:
- Provided on enquiry
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.
Omega is a registered charity dedicated to reducing social isolation and loneliness.
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!
Independent Visitor: Mentor a young person for 2 – 4 hours per month for at least 1 year.
An Independent Visitor is usually an adult volunteer who befriends a young person in care and develops a long-term friendship with them. This often involves helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as going to the cinema, bowling or just walking in the park.
The aim is to provide support, confidence, and fun experiences outside of the young person’s daily environment. If you are looking for a rewarding role with an organisation that makes a difference in young people’s lives, we want to hear from you.
About the role:
•Visit a young person monthly and become a trusted adult friend to them.
•Build a trusting, consistent and positive relationship with the child.
•Provide a child with the opportunity to try new activities (e.g., cinema, bowling, museums, nature walks, or simply having a chat) and spend time with them away from their placement.
•Provide visit reports and feedback after visits to help us monitor and improve the service.
In return, we offer a range of benefits including:
• Make a real difference – be a positive, stable influence in a young person’s life.
• Have fun and create memories – enjoy activities while building a meaningful bond.
• Gain valuable experience – develop skills in mentoring, communication and young people’s support.
• Access to training and job opportunities – acquire knowledge and experience in a fun setting.
• Flexible and rewarding – just a few hours a month can change a life!
You will be allocated a budget for each visit for your travel and activity.
Skills:
• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to easily build rapport and identify with young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Communication – Excellent communication skills and good report writing skills.
• Committed – Willing to commit to a child for at least one year.
• DBS Check – We will carry out safer recruitment checks, and you will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check.
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!
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 Support Volunteer for the Reading, Wokingham and District Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need.
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 local 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!
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
At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You’ll be:
- Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
- Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
- Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
- Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
- Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
- Organising and chairing team meetings
- Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


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!
At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education.
We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.
Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.
Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.
You will be required to attend training evenings twice a month.
Interviews to take place from 21st June 2025 until 4th July 2025
Induction to be held at Dickens Heath Community primary school from 2nd August to 6th September 2025
Closing date for these opportunities is: 20/06/2025
To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:
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!
Make a real difference to children in Wales with a life-shortening condition by becoming a Fundraising Volunteer today!
As a Fundraising Volunteer you’ll assist with fundraising events and collections throughout the year, as and when you can.
You’ll engage with members of the public and use your knowledge of your local area to promote the work of Ty Hafan.
By becoming a fundraising volunteer, you'll help us raise essential funds for children with life-shortening conditions and their families.
Considerations:
Age requirement: 16 (If under 18 you will be required to provide parental permission)
Location: Throughout South/West Wales
Commitment: Flexible
Background checks: We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees. A DBS check may be required for roles with more responsibility.
We welcome applications from individuals with disabilities and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments. Please let us know if you require any adjustments during the informal chat for this role.
Activities include:
• Take part in our bucket collections throughout the year in town/city centres, supermarkets, shopping centres and other venues. You'll be added to our mailing list and receive occasional emails throughout the year with information about upcoming volunteering opportunities. You can then register your interest when you see something that appeals to you
• Use your knowledge of your local area to place collection tins in your community, visiting the premises on a regular basis and count and bank the money on our behalf
• You will promote Ty Hafan fundraising events and campaigns in your community (for example Tea for Ty Hafan) and encourage others to register to hold their own tea party
•You will encourage local community groups and organisations to support and fundraise for Ty Hafan, using your existing networks and knowledge of your community
• You will work closely with the Regional Fundraiser to maximise all opportunities within your area
This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not a legally binding one or an employment contract.
Providing care and support is something we are only able to do because of the kindness and commitment of our wonderful staff, supporters and volunteers.
A Wales where every child with a life-shortening condition lives a fulfilling life, supported with the compassion and specialist care they need.



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 volunteers who can spend time with our clients in and around Central London. Meetings are regular over a period of 6 months; weekly or fortnightly. Many volunteers stay involved for much longer but only because they enjoy what they do!
Befriending is a simple way to make a positive difference to someone who is lonely or socially isolated and your gift of time, will give them, and you, something to look forward to. As one of our volunteers once told us, “this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”
Your meetings could be in the local community, having chats in a coffee shop, visiting places of interest, or in our client’s home; all activities are risk assessed so what you do together will depend on the results of this, and / orour clients abilities and interests. Most of our clients are older 1st and 2nd generation Scots living in London who simply want to do the activities that most of us take for granted but have no-one to do them with.
ScotsCare works across London and beyond so we're looking for volunteers who live in the area or can travel to the following areas; Lambeth, Islington, Camden, central London and Broxbourne EN10. We may have clients in more locations so please contact us to learn more if you want to be involved in this rewarding and impactful activity.
We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters to keep you informed.
This could be the ideal opportunity to gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting, or for anyone who enjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter.
Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must be living in or around the London area.
Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!
Skills & Characteristics Required for Befriending are:
- English spoken, good communication skills for listening and talking
- Friendly, warm, non-judgemental
- Honesty, reliable and committment to helping others
- Empathy and patience
- An ability to follow policies and procedures
We will process a DBS check for all successful applicants and request two references.
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 seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Community First Aid Network Leader who can work and lead volunteering groups and leaders in their own way, supported by our central teams
At St John Ambulance we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.
We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.
As Network Lead, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.
We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.
Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.
If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.
Closing date for these opportunities is: 3rd July 2025.
To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:
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 Support Volunteer for the Surrey Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need.
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 local 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!
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 Support Volunteer for the Camden Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need.
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 local 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!
Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.
We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.
Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.
Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement.
The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do:
- Community fundraising
- Talks and demonstrations
- Support at events
- Volunteer welfare
- Community Roadshows
- Supporting national campaigns
- Counting and banking money
- Booking events
- Supporting Networks
- Administration support
- Writing thank you and community letters
- Media and social media
- Community news and Network newsletters
Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.
Interviews are due to take place on the following: Tuesday 24th June, 18:30-21:30 @ York Tuesday 8th July, 18:30-21:30 @ York Tuesday 15th July, 18:30-21:30 @ York
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates: Welcome Event (Induction) -Tuesday 22nd July, 19:30-21:00 @ York
Closing date for these opportunities is: 13/07/2025
To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:
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!
Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Caseworker?
Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.
What would you be doing?
- Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
- Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
- Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
- Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system
- Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
- Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
- Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
- Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
- Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
- Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
- Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
- Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
- Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
- Good communication skills both written and verbally.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
- Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
- Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
- Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
- Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)
*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.

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!
Travel expenses reimbursed only!
Location: 81 Brigstock Road, CR7 7JH or other areas within Croydon
Duration: Ongoing, flexible commitment
Reports To: Volunteer Coordinator
About Age UK Croydon
At Age UK Croydon, our mission is to reach, involve, support, and connect older people so they can age well in Croydon. We work to reduce loneliness, promote well-being, and ensure older residents have access to the resources and support they need to enjoy a fulfilling later life.
Purpose
As a Volunteer with Age UK Croydon, you will play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission by engaging with the community and providing support. Your contribution will directly impact the well-being of older residents and help foster an inclusive, caring community.
Key Responsibilities
− Reach out to older adults through phone calls, home visits, or community events to reduce loneliness and promote social inclusion.
− Assist in organising and supporting local events, activities, and outreach initiatives.
− Help coordinate and promote access to services such as information and advice, health and wellbeing programs, and social activities.
− Support with data entry, maintaining volunteer and participant records, and administrative tasks as needed.
− Help distribute newsletters, flyers, and promotional materials.
− Assist in raising awareness about Age UK Croydon’s services through community engagement.
− Respect client confidentiality and uphold the dignity and independence of older people.
Essential Skills and Qualities:
- Compassionate, patient, and empathetic nature
- Good communication and active listening skills
- Reliable, respectful, and sensitive to diversity and individual needs
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Basic computer skills (for administrative tasks) are desirable but not essential
Commitment
- Flexible hours, typically ranging from a few hours a week to a regular schedule, to fit your availability
- Commitment to safeguarding policies and confidentiality
Benefits of Volunteering
- Make a positive difference in the lives of older people
- Develop new skills and gain valuable experience
- Meet new people and become part of a supportive community
- Receive training and ongoing support from our team
Age UK Croydon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all volunteers and clients. All volunteers will be required to undertake relevant background DBS checks and training.
Thank you for considering volunteering with Age UK Croydon—together, we can help older people age well in Croydon!
Our mission is to reach, involve, support and connect people so they can age well in Croydon.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.