Care volunteer roles

As a Volunteer Fundraiser, you’ll play a vital role in raising essential funds to support life-changing hospice care. From larger community events to bucket collections, you'll take part in a range of activities that help sustain our services.

You'll also represent the hospice in the community, building connections and raising awareness of our work and values. If you enjoy meeting people, exploring new places, and inspiring others to support a great cause, this role is for you.

Flexible and rewarding, you can volunteer as much or as little as suits your schedule.

About Bliss

With an impact in all corners of the UK, Bliss is the leading national neonatal charity, championing and developing the services for the 90,000 sick and premature babies born each year, supporting both them and their families. At Bliss, we are committed to improving care, giving voice to babies, and supporting parents to be partners in care. 

This is a really exciting time to join our board. We’ve just launched our new four-year strategy, which puts equity at the heart of everything we do. With NHS reforms underway, a new 10-Year Plan on the horizon, and growing attention on maternity and neonatal care, there’s a real opportunity to raise Bliss’s profile and make a lasting difference for premature and sick babies across the UK.

Chair opportunity

Our new Chair will be an experienced Trustee or Board member with proven ability to manage meetings effectively and foster productive, inclusive discussions. They will bring energy and drive, ensuring robust governance and alignment between strategy and operations. They will enjoy leading inclusive and thoughtful discussions, and share our passion for giving every baby the best possible start in life.

You can find more information about Bliss and the Chair role in our recruitment pack.

Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining Bliss!

Ready to apply?

Eastside People is supporting Bliss in the recruitment of these roles. Please by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• Why is Bliss’ work important to you and how can you contribute to the charity as our Chair?
• How do you ensure board meetings are focused, inclusive, and lead to clear decisions?
• How would you go about ensuring that our many stakeholders are heard and represented at Board level?

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

Bliss’ Chair, CEO and Trustees will be hosting a 30-minute drop-in session on Mon 8th December at 12pm via Teams. This is an opportunity to learn more about Bliss and what’s involved in joining our Board. You can register to attend here.

The closing date for applications is Mon 5th Jan. 

Longlisting interviews with Eastside People will take place mid-January, with shortlisted candidates invited to panel interviews with Bliss during the week commencing 2 February.

Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to take part in open sessions with staff and Board members, with final interviews scheduled for the week commencing 23 February.

Bliss is an equal opportunities organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and lived experiences. We strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to equity and inclusion at every level of our governance.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Art Explora is a non-profit arts organisation that aims to share arts and culture with everyone - locally, nationally and internationally - and inspire new encounters between arts and audiences.

Arts at Home supports older people to access arts and culture by encouraging conversation and connection through art. We are looking for volunteers to participate in our "Arts at Home" sessions in residential care homes. In these sessions, you will introduce works of art of your choice and facilitate conversations around the artworks with residents. No prior professional experience is needed; we will provide you with the necessary training.

You will need to be able to travel to Birmingham locations independently (pre agreed local travel expenses paid). 

Why you'll love it:

• You will meet new people & alleviate feelings of loneliness through creativity and connection.
• You will be offered spaces on trips to galleries and theatres with our care setting residents as part of our ‘Art Explorers at...’ project. 
• You will learn about art, heritage, and history, through your research and other volunteers.
• You will develop communication and public speaking skills
• You will gain experience working with vulnerable adults and build an understanding of how art can support a sense of community and wellbeing. 

If you are a confident communicator and passionate about arts, we would love to hear from you!

The ‘be you’ project aims to provide a safe and inclusive space in every Hestia refuge to support women to gain confidence, socialise, develop and most importantly enjoy themselves!

Each refuge will have a weekly or bi-weekly meeting, where all the women will be invited to join. There will be tea, coffee, juice, cake and fun activities such as knitting, colouring, jewellery making and much more.

What you will be doing

• facilitating an agreed time table of weekly activities for the women in the refuge to include set up, explaining any instructions, assisting women to complete the activities, keeping track of activity materials and keeping a note of needed replacements for staff to re-order
• Visit a refuge or refuges on a regular basis (once a week or once every other week).
• Purchase and bring refreshments and snacks (you will be given the money to do this)
• Facilitate each group – this will include chatting with the women about that week’s topic and what support the ‘be you’ project can offer them.
• Engaging with the women to find out how the activities are going and keeping staff up to date on feedback and on any suggestions for new activities or improvements
• Keep records and feedback important information to your supervisor.

The skills you need

• Compassionate, caring and patient nature
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Knowledge on useful life skills
• Good communication skills

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

Make a real difference in one person’s week, one visit at a time.

Adult carers in Solihull often put their own lives on hold to look after a family member. Many feel isolated or find it hard to get out to local activities. We are looking for Community Befriender Volunteers who can give a small amount of time to help carers reconnect with their community and build confidence again.

As a Community Befriender, you will meet adult carers aged 25 and over, get to know what interests them, and support them to attend local groups, classes, or social opportunities. Some may want to try a hobby they stopped years ago. Others may need help getting to an appointment or a wellbeing activity. Your support helps them take the first step.

Your role will include:

• Meeting carers in person in safe community settings.
• Helping them find suitable activities, groups, or events in Solihull.
• Supporting them to attend, using your own transport or public transport.
• Giving encouragement and practical help so they feel confident.
• Working towards the goal of them attending independently.
• Staying in touch with the Befriending Coordinator for guidance.

You choose the time you can offer. The role is flexible and fits around your life. We provide training, ongoing support, and clear guidance throughout.

This role suits you if you enjoy meeting people, know your local area, and want to support adults who care for loved ones. You do not need previous experience, only patience, reliability, and a kind approach.

People search terms included for Google: community befriender volunteer Solihull, adult carer support volunteer, volunteer with unpaid carers, flexible community volunteering, befriending roles Solihull.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY AND IS NOT OPEN TO STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

What is the purpose of this role?

The Sybil Levin Day Service is a specialist SPECAL-Led day service supporting people with dementia and their carers using the SPECAL method.

What activities might you be involved in?

• Assisting centre attendees to engage in activities.
• Serving meals and drinks.
• Helping to set up and clear away activities.
• Engaging in conversation with centre attendees.
• Volunteering in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures and adhering to the Volunteer Code of Conduct

What are we looking for?

• People with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of people with dementia.
• A friendly, sensitive and kind approach.
• Being comfortable in small groups or on a one to one basis.
• People with a commitment to using the SPECAL method at all times whilst at the centre.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The centre is open from Monday to Friday and would like volunteers to commit to a morning or afternoon at least once a week as a minimum.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role.  This will include a thorough Charity induction and a departmental induction to provide further information about the role.  You will also be given access to our online training library to complete the training modules that are mandatory for your role.

You will receive SPECAL training prior to commencing your role.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

• The chance to make a difference to the lives of people with dementia.
• Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one.
• A comprehensive training programme.
• The opportunity to learn new skills.
• Experience to add to your CV.
• The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
• Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Support inclusive spirituality, education, and compassionate leadership

OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation is a registered educational charity, founded in 1996, that promotes inclusive spirituality and serves people of all faiths, and none. We train open-hearted adults to serve their communities as interfaith ministers, celebrants, and spiritual companions, supporting life’s important moments through ceremony, ritual, and compassionate care.

Organisational purpose

To benefit the public by the education of mature adults in:

• the core principles of the world’s religions, faiths, and spiritual traditions;

• principles and methods of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace-making;

• and the practice of non-denominational spiritual and pastoral service in the community.

Our Vision

is a world in which humanity awakens into an inclusive global spirituality that encompasses us all in the field of love and life.

Our Mission

is to work towards evolving consciousness in the world, by facilitating open-hearted people to awaken to inner leadership and their capacity for forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace-making.

We are currently seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help shape the future of our organisation. We're especially interested in individuals with experience in marketing, legal affairs, HR, adult education, fundraising, finance, or IT.

This is a meaningful opportunity to:

• Help guide an organisation where spiritual exploration meets learning, where inclusive communities flourish, and where people are supported to offer spiritual care with courage, compassion, and understanding.

• Contribute your professional skills in a nonprofit trustee role aligned with your values

• Help grow an organisation at the intersection of education, spirituality, and social transformation

What We’re Looking For:

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in any of the following areas:

• Marketing, communications, or branding

• Charity law or legal compliance

• Fundraising, development, or grant-writing

• Finance, accounting, or business planning

• Human Resources or organisational development

• Education or curriculum development

• Interfaith ministry, chaplaincy, or spiritual direction

That said, please don’t be discouraged if you don’t tick every box. If you feel inspired by our values and can uphold our Code of Ethics, we warmly encourage you to apply or get in touch for a conversation! 

You do not need to be a OneSpirit minister or graduate, we welcome interest from both alumni and the wider community.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a values-led, inclusive team committed to compassion and transformation

• Support a charity making a meaningful impact in spiritual education and interfaith work

• Develop new skills in nonprofit governance and strategic leadership

• Connect with a thoughtful, heart-centred network of trustees, staff, and ministers

Commitment to Inclusion:

We believe our strength lies in the richness of our differences. We are wholeheartedly committed to building a Board that reflects the diverse communities we serve, across race, gender, age, sexuality, ability, culture, faith, identity, background, and lived experience.

Whether your path has been traditional or unconventional, whether you’re seasoned in governance or bringing your voice to a boardroom for the first time, you are welcome here.

If you feel called to contribute, we would be honoured to hear from you.

Interested in Joining Us? 

At OneSpirit, there are many ways to contribute to a more compassionate and connected world. Whether through leadership, service, or spiritual growth, your presence makes a difference.

If you feel drawn to our mission and want to offer your time, wisdom, and heart to OneSpirit’s future, we’d love to hear from you. 

You can learn more about our team, our work, and our organisation on our website.

Curious about the training we offer? Come and train with an organisation committed to spiritual exploration, nurturing inclusive communities of care, and creating spaces where understanding and belonging can flourish. Explore the Cherry Tree Pathway, our two-year ministry and spiritual development training, and begin your journey today. Learn more about our training from our website.

Purpose of the Role

This volunteer role is a key part of the HFEH Mind team delivering a range of services across Hounslow. Mind The Carer! is a new service designed to support and enhance Mental Health and Wellbeing, social connections and provide a Community Network for Adults Carers, (18 years and over), across the borough of Hounslow. By providing this direct support, we aim to reduce isolation, self-neglect and loneliness and as a result, facilitate access to local services and connect them with others who understand their day-to-day experiences. The Service will offer a platform and space for the Service Users to build Social Networks, through regular activities, provide psychoeducation, information and social prescribing pathways to other services, with Service Users shaping the project's direction and available support.

Main Responsibilities

To work closely with the team and Adult Services, Service Manager, attend weekly group sessions, (lasting up to three hours), offering opportunities for socialising and mental health support. Support with the Carers Activities Calendar, a monthly activity, for both Carers and their Cared For, as planned and support the service in general. There may also be further opportunities to train as a volunteer for other Services, in the future.

Tasks

All relevant training will be provided

· Attend weekly group sessions, (lasting up to three hours), with the team

· Attend weekly Carers Activities

· Attend monthly Carers and Cared For Activities

· Support/work with the Team to build the Carers Activities Calendar

· Provide information on the Mind The Carer! Service

• Support at outreach and community events

· Register potential Clients, wanting to access Mind The Carer! Service

· Support with follow up surveys for those who have accessed the Service and obtained their feedback to improve our services

· A willingness to undertake training courses

· Uphold HFEH Mind values and behaviours

General Responsibilities

All relevant training will be provided

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role

• Embrace diversity and share in our commitment to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination

• Share our commitment to safeguarding adults and children at risk of harm

• Use the charity’s resources efficiently and effectively to ensure that our financial resources are demonstrably used for the benefit of our service users

• Ensure that information is obtained, used and stored in accordance with our Data Protection and Confidentiality policy

Type of person we are looking for:

We welcome applications from those completing studies in Psychology, Counselling/Psychotherapy and/or any Allied Health Profession with a focus on supporting those with mental health needs.

However, your attitude, motivation and commitment are just as important as your training/qualifications and/or any previous experience. We will review all applications individually and assess them on their unique merits, so do not be discouraged from applying, even if you do not meet all the criteria listed below.  

We encourage applications from those with lived experience of mental health problems, as well as those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Essential

• An interest in identifying and working with hidden and identified Carers
• Supporting those with mental health needs to access Carers services

• An appreciation of the complex factors that can precipitate, maintain and exacerbate mental health problems 

• Good oral and written communication skills, (including listening skills); the ability to communicate in a patient, considered and empathetic manner 

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to follow administrative procedures

• A team player who is willing to chip in and work reflexively, responding to the challenges that arise from working in a dynamic environment

• IT skills: able to update spreadsheets, use web-based applications, video-conferencing software and Microsoft Office applications 

Desirable

• Carers experience, including with friends and family

• Experience of supporting people with mental health needs, in a voluntary, paid and/or personal capacity, (i.e. friends and family) 

• Previous involvement with local community groups / networks / feedback groups

• Awareness of the cultural barriers that may exist to seeking mental health support

Time commitment and expenses:

· 10 - 12 hours per week

· 2 - 3 days per week: Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays

• • Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s) on your application

· We request a minimum commitment of 3 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction

· We will provide volunteers with an induction, training and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role

HFEH Mind value equal opportunities; and are proud to foster a workforce of volunteers and employees that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

We are seeking a new Trustee to join our Board with a digital skill set and experience in marketing and communications as well as the ability to deliver core Trustee responsibilities. A background or interest in healthcare and/or education would be an advantage. We are looking to this Trustee to share their skills and expertise with the executive team to develop a highly effective digital, marketing and communications capability that supports our aspirations for growth. We would welcome applications from candidates who are early/mid career. 

Education for Health is a charity that aims to improve the lives of people with long term physical and mental health conditions by providing high quality education to health care professionals and others who support them.

The Board meet four times a year and this Trustee would also be a member of the Commercial Committee which typically meets four times per year. Meetings are a mixture of in person at our offices in Warwickshire and on line. The role is voluntary but we pay travel expenses. Trustees are recruited for an initial term of three years and can serve up to three consecutive terms.  

Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Education for Health and for developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals, whilst operating within financial, legal and regulatory guidelines. In addition to the core responsibilities of Trustees we are seeking an individual who can use their rpofessional expertise to fulfil the following responsibilities:

Working in support of the executive, use professional skills and expertise to provide advice, guidance and oversight of the digital, marketing and communications deliverables.

Oversight and contribution to the Education for Health marketing strategy through challenge and support

Scrutiny of the opportunities for growth identified by the executive with support to identify potential gaps in the market and ideas to penetrate new markets.

Support the executive with the creation of digital marketing strategies, website and social media management and content development to drive revenue growth

Guide the team to generate internet presence, search engine optimisation and creation of market funnels that lead to purchase of courses

Contribute to the development of the Education for Health brand and product development

Guide the Education for Health communication strategy to ensure appropriate channels for key messaging

Make recommendations to optimise digital solutions and AI to drive Education for Health profile and operational efficiency

Support the development of a comprehensive network of influential voices within the NHS and wider sectors that can provide further steer to the marketing strategy

Familiarity with learning technologies and the use of AI in an educational context would be an advantage

We are looking for volunteers who would like to play a role in building people’s confidence! As an English-speaking volunteer whether native or fluent and with any kind of accent or background, you will have the skills needed to support people who would like to improve and learn the English language. Just by talking to those wanting to learn, you will be helping and making a difference!

What you will be doing

• Prepare and deliver engaging and supportive ESOL sessions tailored to learners’ needs
• Help participants improve everyday English for social situations, key events, and community integration

The skills you need

• Patience, empathy, and a passion for empowering others
• Ability to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment
• Preferably hold a TEFL qualification but not a necessity

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

We are recruiting for volunteers to visit pharmacies to ascertain whether they have a consultation room to deliver the Safe Spaces Scheme.

Hestia and UK SAYS NO MORE operate over 4,500 Safe Spaces in pharmacies and banks across the UK, for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Anyone can be affected by domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, race or identity. Domestic abuse is not always physical violence, and it can take many forms including emotional, sexual abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour. One in three women and one in seven men are affected by domestic abuse.

What you will be doing

• To visit Pharmacies and Banks/Building societies to check whether they have a consultation room to deliver the Safe Spaces Scheme
• Asking questions following a script

The skills you need

• Good communication skills, verbal and written
• Calm, friendly and patient manner

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Are you passionate about health and wellbeing? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others through movement and mindfulness? We’re looking for a Yoga and Fitness Instructor Volunteer to support our service users at Medway Recovery House. This role is a fantastic opportunity to share your skills and promote physical and mental wellbeing in a supportive environment.

What you will be doing

• Leading weekly yoga or fitness sessions tailored to the needs of our residents
• Encouraging participation and creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere
• Supporting individuals in building confidence and improving their physical health

The skills you need

• Experienced and qualified in yoga and fitness
• A friendly, patient, and encouraging approach
• Good communication skills

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Independent visitors befriend and socialise with children & young people in care and care leavers up to the age of 25

 Responsibilities:

· An Independent Visitor provides a stable, adult role model for a young person.

· They visit monthly and befriend and listen to the young person and share their interests and hobbies.

· Provide support and empowerment to help the young person plan for their future

· Identify where the young person might benefit from specialist support and help them to access it

· To act within ONSIDE’s safeguarding policies

Skills & qualities required:

· Good communication and interpersonal skills

· Ability to build trust and a friendly relationship with children & young people in care and care leavers

· Be prepared for an open-ended supportive relationship within and potentially after care

· Demonstrate empathy and understanding to the needs of the children and young people

At St Helena, we help local people face incurable illness, frailty, dementia, and bereavement with dignity and compassion. As a Trustee, you will:

• Embody our values (bold, passionate, caring) in every aspect of governance and public representation
• Use your clinical networks to unlock new opportunities and partnerships
• Provide strategic challenge, ask the right questions, and support sustainable growth
• Lead on a topic area and build a relationship with relevant teams within St Helena
• Attend monthly Board meetings and an annual development day
• Be comfortable using Microsoft Teams (used for meetings and papers)