Charity manager volunteer volunteer roles in Kingston upon thames, cardiff

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.

Volunteering Coordinator – Build Our Family of Volunteers at SUNSHINE

Loneliness is one of the fastest-growing epidemics of our time. Across London, thousands of people feel isolated, disconnected, and unseen. At SUNSHINE, we believe no one should feel alone. Our mission is to bring sunshine into people’s lives through grassroots, community-led programmes that spark joy, foster friendships, and transform lives.

We are seeking a Volunteering Coordinator to lead the set-up and development of our volunteering programme, ensuring we have a pool of talented, skilled, and passionate volunteers driving SUNSHINE forward with huge team spirit and a family feel.

Why This Role Matters

Volunteers are the heartbeat of SUNSHINE. They bring our mission to life, create spaces of joy, and ensure no one feels alone. As Volunteering Coordinator, you will design and grow a programme that attracts, nurtures, and retains incredible people who want to make a difference. Your leadership will ensure every volunteer feels valued, heard, and part of the SUNSHINE family.

What You’ll Do

• Lead programme development: Build and shape SUNSHINE’s volunteering programme from the ground up.

• Recruit and onboard: Attract skilled, passionate volunteers and ensure they feel welcomed and supported.

• Retain and empower: Create a culture where volunteers feel valued, engaged, and motivated to stay.

• Champion team spirit: Foster a family-like environment where everyone contributes to shared success.

• Drive impact: Align volunteer efforts with SUNSHINE’s mission to tackle loneliness and spread joy across London.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people who believe in community, joy, and togetherness. Ideally, you will bring:

• Experience in volunteer management, recruitment, or programme development (desirable but not essential).

• Organisational skills to manage people and processes effectively.

• Leadership qualities to inspire and motivate volunteers with warmth and clarity.

• A passion for people, inclusivity, and building strong communities.

• Creativity, energy, and resilience to grow SUNSHINE’s volunteer family.

Join Us

At SUNSHINE, the Volunteering Coordinator is more than a coordinator — they are the architect of our volunteer community, the champion of team spirit, and the guardian of belonging. Together, we can make SUNSHINE one of the best charities to volunteer with in London.

Step forward. Shine bright. Build our family of volunteers. Because when you lead our programme, you’re not just managing people — you’re creating a movement of joy, connection, and impact.

SUNSHINE

Loneliness Charity in London

Lead a Movement. Change Men’s Lives.

Who We Are

MINDSET Charity is a new, volunteer-run organisation dedicated to transforming men’s lives across England. We support men on their journeys of mental wellbeing and self-improvement through workshops, creative programmes, and community-building activities.

We are building a movement of resilience, dignity, and brotherhood. To guide us from set-up to launch and beyond, we need a visionary Chief Executive Officer.

The Role of CEO

As our Volunteer CEO, you will:

• Direct, lead, and steer the charity through its foundation, launch, and growth phases.

• Shape and deliver our strategic vision, ensuring MINDSET becomes a trusted national movement.

• Build and inspire a volunteer team, fostering a culture of positivity, resilience, and impact.

• Represent MINDSET Charity to partners, funders, and the wider community, raising awareness and credibility.

• Ensure operational excellence, safeguarding governance, compliance, and sustainability.

This is a volunteer role, but your leadership will be the driving force behind MINDSET Charity’s success.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from leaders of all backgrounds who share our passion for men’s mental wellbeing. Experience in charity leadership, start-ups, or organisational development is valuable, but what matters most is your vision, resilience, and ability to inspire others.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a pioneering charity at its foundation stage.

• Lead a national movement tackling men’s mental health and self-improvement.

• Shape the future of a volunteer-run organisation with lasting impact.

• Collaborate with passionate volunteers united by purpose and brotherhood.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to lead MINDSET Charity from set-up to success, we’d love to hear from you.

This is more than leadership. It’s about building a legacy of resilience, dignity, and hope. Join us, and let’s build MINDSET together.

Trustee needed for Faith in Action Homelessness Project. We are seeking a Trustee to join our committed Board working to end homelessness in Merton.

About Us: FiA runs a twice weekly drop in for homeless and vulnerably housed people and a Winter Night Shelter which works in collaboration with faith groups including a Mosque, a Synagogue, a Hindu Temple and Christian churches to provide overnight accommodation and support to find long term housing solutions.

Our Small Team consists of a Manager, a Winter nightshelter co-ordinator and seven part time staff.  The Trustee team is a very hands on group - many are volunteers at the night shelter or drop in and it is a very committed and passionate team.

We are looking for three new trustees to make our board up to 12. 

The Trustee role

This role involves more than just attending meetings.  We are responsible for:

Setting the strategic direction of the charity

Ensuring tranparency and accountablity

Taking specific areas of responsibility - leading on fundraising, or staff recruitment, or governance or communication and PR for the charity.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuatls who can lead on the following areas:

1. Fundraising - especially developing partnerships with local businesses

2. Communications - including managing our strategy on social media and community engagement

3, Governance - supporting the development of policies and procedures

4. HR - offering advice on recruitment and management of staff

Treasurer (Trustee) – Share Your Heart of Gold with SUNSHINE

Loneliness is one of the fastest-growing epidemics of our time. Across London, thousands of people feel isolated, disconnected, and unseen. At SUNSHINE, we believe no one should feel alone. Our mission is to bring sunshine into people’s lives through grassroots, community-led programmes that spark joy, foster friendships, and transform lives.

We are now seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and lead on the set-up, development, and management of all financial aspects at SUNSHINE. This is a pivotal role ensuring our charity is financially sustainable, well-governed, and equipped to grow its impact across London.

Why This Role Matters

Strong financial management is the backbone of any successful charity. As Treasurer, you will safeguard SUNSHINE’s resources, ensure transparency and accountability, and help us build a resilient organisation that can deliver joy and connection for years to come. Your leadership will give confidence to funders, partners, and volunteers that SUNSHINE is a charity they can trust.

What You’ll Do

• Lead financial management: Establish and oversee systems, controls, and reporting for SUNSHINE’s finances.

• Guide the Board: Provide financial insight and advice to fellow Trustees, supporting strategic decision-making.

• Ensure compliance: Oversee budgets, accounts, and statutory obligations, ensuring SUNSHINE meets charity governance standards.

• Support sustainability: Help identify funding opportunities and ensure resources are used effectively.

• Champion transparency: Build confidence among stakeholders by ensuring clear, accurate financial reporting.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people with a Heart of Gold who believe in community, joy, and togetherness. Ideally, you will bring:

• Experience in financial management, accounting, or charity finance.

• Knowledge of charity governance and compliance (desirable but not essential).

• Organisational skills to set up and manage financial systems and processes.

• Leadership qualities to serve as a Trustee and guide SUNSHINE’s strategic direction.

• A commitment to impact and a passion for tackling loneliness.

Join Us

At SUNSHINE, the Treasurer is more than a financial manager — they are the guardian of sustainability, the steward of trust, and the architect of growth. Together, we can turn the tide on loneliness and create a London where everyone feels part of something bigger, brighter, and more joyful.

Step forward. Shine bright. Share your Heart of Gold. Because when you lead our finances, you’re not just balancing books — you’re helping bring sunshine into countless lives.

SUNSHINE

Loneliness Charity in London

Volunteer Team Leader (Employability)

Support. Guide. Empower.

Unlock YOUR Potential – Empowering Adults Across the UK

Do you believe in the power of employability to transform lives?

Do you want to help lead a programme that restores dignity, unlocks opportunity, and builds resilience for adults from low-income backgrounds?

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we are seeking a Volunteer Team Leader (Employability) to support our Delivery Manager in running our flagship employability programme. This is a hands-on leadership role — a chance to shape journeys, strengthen systems, and ensure every session flows with clarity, warmth, and impact.

Your Role

As Team Leader (Employability), you will:

• Support the planning and delivery of our Employability Programme, ensuring sessions are engaging, inclusive, and transformative.

• Guide volunteers and facilitators with clarity, compassion, and structure.

• Help monitor progress, gather feedback, and ensure each participant feels seen, supported, and empowered.

• Collaborate with the Delivery Manager to uphold the emotional and operational integrity of the programme.

• Be a steward of our mission — helping adults unlock their potential through skills, confidence, and opportunity.

Why Join Us?

• Impact lives: Help adults build confidence, skills, and pathways to employment.
• Grow together: Support a team of facilitators, mentors, and wellbeing coaches.
• Belong: Join a movement rooted in warmth, clarity, and empowerment.
• Legacy: Help build a charity that restores hope, resilience, and opportunity for generations.

Step forward. Lead with purpose. Support our mission as Team Leader (Employability).

Together, we will unlock potential, restore dignity, and create opportunity across the UK.

GET INVOLVED | VOLUNTEER | HELP CHANGE LIVES

Unlock YOUR Potential

BREAKING BARRIERS | UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. As a member of the board of trustees you will be responsible for setting the strategic aims, objectives, and direction of the charity. You will use your knowledge, skills, and experience to ensure we achieve our charitable objectives and represents the interests of all stakeholders.

Kidney Research UK has been at the forefront of pioneering research for six decades, investing in talented researchers and funding work that could ultimately lead to a cure. Our work has resulted in vital breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of those affected, changing the future for many kidney patients.

We have made remarkable progress but there is still much to do. The number of people living with kidney failure continues to rise and we must go further to drive innovation and increase investment in renal research. Of course, like so many other charities and organisations we are doing this important work during challenging times.

We have adapted well to the changing world, and we are finding exciting new ways to reach our goals. We know we must rise to the challenge for kidney patients everywhere and we remain determined to grow our income so we can deliver more impact.

Our trustees play a vital role in the governance of Kidney Research UK, which enables and accelerates the impact that we have as an organisation for our patient community. Working closely with your fellow Trustees, the chief executive and wider leadership team, you will be part of a team that guides and oversees the delivery of Kidney Research UK's strategic priorities. We have a number of trustees who are due to retire from their roles during the next 12 months, and we are looking for new trustees to join our board and be part of this exciting transformation.

If this sounds like you and you think you could make a difference, we’d encourage you to review the attached role description below and apply to join our dedicated board of trustees.

We are a dynamic charity, focused on helping survivors of modern slavery rebuild their lives and achieve sustainable freedom by providing invaluable training, coaching, work experience and advocacy across the UK.   It is now two years since we launched a new strategy from which we have increased our impact whilst strengthening and broadening our services for survivors of modern slavery.  In these challenging times it is even more important that we continue to be bold, resilient and effective.  We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who has the vision, passion and expertise to collaboratively lead the organisation during this exciting period.   The Chair together with the trustees will work to ensure effective governance and provide guidance and support to the executive to ensure that we continue to support and advocate for survivors of modern slavery.

Chair Role & Responsibilities

SHF aims to work in a proactive and collaborative manner, and the Chair will play an important part in setting the tone and bringing all the stakeholders together.  We are looking for someone who has considerable experience of leadership at an executive or board level in the charity or corporate sector and has an understanding of the modern slavery sector.   

The people that we work with come from all over the world and have a wide variety of beliefs, experiences and backgrounds. We are committed to sharing in and reflecting this rich diversity amongst our staff, volunteers and trustees and would strongly encourage applicants from minority and under-represented groups, and from those with lived experience. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are.   

Governance and Culture

• Provide leadership and oversight to the board and executive team on strategy, governance and risk, ensuring that we meet our obligations and responsibilities, including but not limited to governance structures, financial responsibilities, ethos and charity law.
• Ensure that the charity is acting in accordance with its constitution and uses its resources responsibly and exclusively to further its charity objects.
• Support the strengthening of accountable and effective practice within the charity’s governance, helping to cultivate clear commitments, regular learningSustainable freedom from modern slavery 6 focused reviews, and a transparent understanding of impact against strategic priorities. 
• Ensure effective scrutiny of finance at board level and that the charity is financially sustainable.

Board Effectiveness

• Facilitate and guide conversations in a way that enables constructive discussion, draws out diverse perspectives and supports informed, shared decision-making. 
• Encourage full participation from all trustees, recognising and valuing different skills, identities and lived experiences.
• Work with the Chief Executive and committee Chairs to ensure that board meetings are well planned with agendas that reflect the priorities of SHF and the responsibilities of the trustees.
• Meet as appropriate with the treasurer and Chairs of any board committees. 
• Build strong, respectful working relationships between trustees, addressing challenges or conflict with openness and fairness.
• Model and promote a positive and collaborative board culture based on mutual respect rooted in SHF’s values and an appropriate balance of support and challenge

Advocacy and Strategic Development

• Work with the CEO and trustees to strengthen understanding of modern slavery issues, build recognition of the impact of our programmes and influence key decision makers.
• Support the CEO when required to strengthen SHF’s advocacy impact.
• Ensure our strategy is ambitious and financially sustainable and that risks are identified and effectively managed by the executive.
• Bring strategic and planning expertise to the process of ongoing evaluation and refreshment of the strategy.

Development/Fundraising: 

• Act as an ambassador for SHF by raising its profile through your networks.
• Build, maintain and develop partnerships which reflect our values and directly benefit our mission. 
• Play an active role in supporting the executive to reach its revenue goals.

CEO Mentor and Constructive Friend to the Managing Executive

• Provide a supportive, confidential space for the CEO as a sounding board and constructive friend. 
• Build a strong working relationship with the CEO to maintain an overview of SHF’s affairs, to support as necessary the management of sensitive, complex or contentious issues and, where appropriate, provide constructive challenge to the CEO.
• Build a strong working relationship with the executive, offering constructive advice and support whilst maintaining the boundary between the operational decisionmaking of the executive and governance oversight of the Board.
• Lead the annual appraisal for the CEO in line with SHF’s appraisal process and in consultation with other trustees.  Ensure that any identified professional development needs are put in place.

Safeguarding Ensure that:

• A Safeguarding Policy and Procedure is in place, is reviewed as least annually and is available to and understood/applied by staff.
• A culture of safeguarding is championed, where wellbeing and psychological safety is prioritised and staff, volunteers and people with lived experience can raise concerns without fear of judgement or reprisal.
• There is a staff Code of Conduct and policies such as Speaking Out (formally Whistleblowing) and Safer Recruitment are in place.
• Safeguarding concerns are managed effectively; there are systems in place for its management; safeguarding resources including training; a DSL is appointed whose role is stated in their job description.
• Regular feedback on safeguarding activity is received (such as gaps, threats, risks), oversee a risk register and the remedial actions required and the track progress.
• Chair of Trustees undertakes enquiries in the event of an allegation being made against the CEO  
• Compliance with the Charity Commission serious incident notification requirements, and other bodies such as regulators, commissioners, grant makers, and insurance companies 

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.

Volunteer Head of Business Development & Operations

Lead. Build. Transform.

Unlock YOUR Potential – Empowering Adults Across the UK

Do you believe in the power of strategy and operations to transform lives?

Do you want to help steer a movement that restores dignity, unlocks opportunity, and builds resilience for adults from low-income backgrounds?

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we are seeking a Volunteer Head of Business Development & Operations, a visionary leader who will strengthen our charity’s growth, partnerships, and delivery. This is not just a role; it is a calling to shape futures, expand opportunities, and ensure every programme flows with clarity, impact, and dignity.

Your Role

As Head of Business Development & Operations, you will:

• Drive business development, building partnerships, funding streams, and opportunities for growth.

• Support the Delivery Manager in ensuring the smooth running of programmes in Employability, Personal Development, Life Skills, Mentoring, and Wellbeing.

• Oversee operational systems, governance, and volunteer structures with precision and warmth.

• Build sustainable frameworks that balance practical detail with emotional resonance.

• Be a steward of our mission — ensuring every initiative reflects dignity, opportunity, and transformation.

Why Join Us?

• Impact lives: Your leadership will unlock futures across the UK.
• Grow together: Guide a community of mentors, facilitators, and wellbeing coaches.
• Belong: Join a movement rooted in warmth, clarity, and empowerment.
• Legacy: Help build a charity that restores hope, resilience, and opportunity for generations.

Step forward. Lead as Head of Business Development & Operations.

Together, we will unlock potential, restore dignity, and create opportunity across the UK.

GET INVOLVED | VOLUNTEER | HELP CHANGE LIVES

Unlock YOUR Potential

BREAKING BARRIERS | UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

We’re Foothold, and we’re looking for a new Honorary Treasurer.
Our Trustees play a big part in helping us to achieve our strategic objectives and meet the needs of those we’re committed to support: engineers and their families worldwide.
 

What will you be doing?

Our Trustees get together five times a year for a mixture of virtual and in-person meetings (four Board meetings and one training day with staff), as well as spending time before meetings reading the Board papers and preparing, totaling a commitment of 50–70 hours a year of their time.
They’re responsible for providing strategic direction and making key decisions to ensure we’re delivering on our objectives.
They serve on three Committees.

 

What are we looking for?

Financial and audit/risk experience (a recognised financial qualification is desirable) and strong knowledge of Statements of Recommended Practice, charity and company law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Experience gained as Trustee or Non-Executive Director in a similarly complex service-orientated  organisation.
Strong understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.
 

What difference will you make?

Being a Trustee can bring unique opportunities
Develop skills you wouldn’t necessarily build in other roles, learn from and work with people from all walks of life. On top of this, you’ll also:
use your passion to help build a brighter future for engineers and their families
play a big role in strategically leading our charity

Join White Ribbon UK as a Trustee and help us end men’s violence against women. We are looking for someone who can bring experience, insight, and commitment to our board.

White Ribbon UK is the leading charity in England and Wales working to engage men and boys in ending men’s violence against women and girls. We do this by challenging harmful attitudes, behaviours, and systems that allow gender-based violence to continue. We encourage men and boys to take responsibility and become allies in creating a safer, more equal society.

As a trustee, you will help guide the charity’s work and make sure we stay true to our mission. You will work with other trustees and the CEO to oversee strategy, finances, and risk, and ensure the charity is well run and sustainable. This is a voluntary role; reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

What You’ll Do

• Attend six board meetings a year (mostly online) and read papers in advance.

• Help set the charity’s strategy and monitor progress.

• Support and challenge the CEO and senior team.

• Uphold our values and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Time Commitment

Around one day per month, including meetings and preparation.

Who We’re Looking For

We are in a period of growth, expansion and change.  So we are looking for people with  previous experience serving on a charity trustee board, with an understanding of small charities, who are keen to help us grow and an understanding that we will need to take some risks. We are looking for someone who understands charity governance and can bring skills in areas such as influencing policy makers, campaigning, fundraising, finance, and general governance.  You must share our commitment to ending men’s violence against women, social justice and gender equality and be willing to give your time and energy to help us achieve our goals.

Why Join Us?

By joining White Ribbon UK, you will help shape the future of a charity determined to make real change, by increasing our impact and reach. You will develop your skills, expand your network, and make a meaningful impact on society.

Closing date for Applications - Tuesday 13th 2026 (midnight)

First interviews - Saturday 17th January – to meet the CEO, get an update on where the board is and an opportunity to ask questions.

Second interviews - Saturday 24th January – meet the Chair, Treasurer and other trustees

If you would like to find out more before applying you are welcome to join us for a Discovery Session online on Tuesday 6th January at 6.30 pm.  Open to all, an Informal session to find out more about the work of White Ribbon and what we do, with a presentation from the CEO and a chance to hear from some of the trustees. 

We hope successful candidates will be able to join us in person at our annual Away Day on Tuesday 10th February – please save the date!

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

About CARAS: 

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

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

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

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

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

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

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

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

About Youth ESOL: 

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

About the Role: 

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

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

• Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm 

• Wednesday mornings 11am to 1pm. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

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

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

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

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

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

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

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

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

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

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

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

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

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

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

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

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

• To be reliable and punctual; 

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

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

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

Desirable: 

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

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

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

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

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

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

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

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

A pragmatic and dependable individual who takes a thoughtful, structured approach to their work and is motivated by supporting a charity with purpose. They are analytical, organised, and adaptable, able to balance attention to detail with awareness of the bigger picture, and communicate ideas clearly to help strengthen systems

Please send us your CV with a Cover Letter detailing why you would want this oppurtunity.