Charity volunteer roles

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 North Durham 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.

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 an Activities Organiser for the South Northumberland Group. As our local group Activities Organiser you’ll play a crucial role in developing and planning activities and events with your local group. You’ll be responsible for creating and coordinating an annual calendar of events and making sure they’re run safely and effectively to make the most impact. You’ll take a lead role at events on the day and inspire your fellow volunteers to get involved.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication, administration and negotiation skills. 

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. Apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

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 Fundraising Volunteer for the Mid Cornwall Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Fundraising Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills. Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

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 an Activities Organiser for the Bradford and District Group. As our local group Activities Organiser you’ll play a crucial role in developing and planning activities and events with your local group. You’ll be responsible for creating and coordinating an annual calendar of events and making sure they’re run safely and effectively to make the most impact. You’ll take a lead role at events on the day and inspire your fellow volunteers to get involved.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication, administration and negotiation skills. 

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.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the Lincoln and District Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the Borders Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 500 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Disclaimer

We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please visit your local store for a paper application form or contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on our website.

Location:

Unit 2 11/15 Carolgate, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 6BZ, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

We are an award winning charity that provides a school-based 1-2-1 mentoring programme for vulnerable young people, helping them to realise their full potential no matter what their circumstances.

Our mentors are volunteers who give just 1 hour a week to mentor the young person they are carefully matched to.

Through no fault of their own, young people who are care-experienced or facing challenges experience a significant gap in outcomes compared to their peers. They aren’t reaching their potential - but 1-2-1 mentoring can change that. Just one hour a week with a consistent, caring adult can boost confidence, academic performance and open doors to a brighter future. 

We’re transforming the lives of the young people we support, recognising their talent, we help them to grow and utilise their abilities. We want everyone to get a fair chance at life. 

As a mentor you would provide encouragement, reassurance and a safe space to build confidence and self worth, ultimately helping the young person to unlock their potential.

No prior experience is required - we say that if you care, you qualify! If you are good at listening and keen to make a difference, you can mentor. We will provide excellent training and on going support. 

By volunteering as a mentor you really can transform the life of a young person who is facing challenges. You will be a caring, positive, consistent adult , a supportive friend, a role model, and a trustworthy listening ear. We are sure that you will also find the role incredibly rewarding whilst also developing your skills in active listening and empathy.

"Everybody's got something to offer. Everybody's got life skills. It doesn't matter where you come from. It was the best thing that I've ever done."

We are looking to recruit volunteer mentors in different locations in Ealing.

If you would like to help young people flourish and make a positive difference to your local community, please do get in touch! 

An hour a week - a lifetime of impact! 

Irise International is at a pivotal and exciting moment in our journey to achieve menstrual justice.

We are a small but globally respected charity based in Sheffield, working across the UK and East Africa to end menstrual injustice by shifting power to young activists and grassroots leaders. Our work is bold, inclusive, and grounded in lived experience. From launching youth-led policy tools in UK schools to co-hosting pan-African feminist gatherings, we amplify the voices of people who menstruate in spaces they’ve historically been excluded from.

We’ve just launched our 2025–2030 strategy and are entering a crucial phase of development. We’re building new income streams, deepening youth leadership, and evolving into a post-founder organisation under new leadership. We’re also piloting exciting collaborations—with councils, universities, and feminist businesses—while supporting our small team with the structure they need to thrive.

Our current Chair will step down in 2025, and we’re seeking someone to work alongside them and our CEO over the next 6–12 months to support a smooth and values-led transition.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a hands-on, relational governance role where your voice will help shape the next chapter of an ambitious and radically hopeful organisation.

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Lead with empathy, integrity, and a commitment to equity

• Champion inclusive, youth-led governance that centres marginalised voices

• Act as a sounding board and strategic partner to the CEO

• Facilitate a collaborative and engaged board culture

• Support fundraising, advocacy, and strategic partnerships where appropriate

We particularly welcome interest from individuals with lived or professional experience in menstrual health, youth-led activism, gender equity, or anti-oppressive practice. We value non-traditional leadership journeys and want this role to be accessible and sustainable for the right person.

As Chair, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the CEO between board meetings and leading their annual appraisal

• Chairing quarterly, inclusive board meetings

• Supporting board recruitment and mentoring

• Supporting strategic reflection on partnerships, funding, and risk

• Upholding Irise’s values and accountability to our menstrual justice framework

This voluntary role requires an average of 3–4 hours per month. We offer flexibility and support with access needs, caring responsibilities, or other adjustments. Travel expenses are reimbursed.

Family Friends carefully recruit, train, and match volunteers with families in Central-West London. Our volunteer befrienders offer practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two volunteer opportunities - Big Buddies and Parent Buddies.

Volunteers will aim to help parents to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties. Volunteers meet with their match weekly for a period of 6 -12 months.

Activities might include:

• Supporting a parent to take their children on days out.
• Helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Providing a listening ear.
• Helping parents to build confidence in themselves.

Essential Criteria:

• You must be able to commit to the Parent Buddy programme for a minimum of 6 months.
• 18+
• Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years

What we provide in return:

• Full induction training and ongoing training
• DBS check
• Weekly supervision and support
• The chance to learn new skills
• References provided after 6 months' commitment
• Reimbursement of travel and session expenses

We are an equal opportunities charity and value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.

In the first instance, please register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us - you can do that by contacting us here for an application form.

Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.

As a SANEline volunteer, you will support callers who contact SANE's national, out of hours, helpline, SANEline, and make a real difference and support people affected by mental illness. 

SANE is a UK-wide mental health charity working to improve the quality of life of anyone affected by mental illness, including families and carers. SANEline volunteers provide telephone emotional support, information and guidance to those who call our helpline SANEline. 

Hours and location: Our trained volunteers support on our helpline, between 4-10pm, 365 days a year. Volunteering training and shifts takes place in North London. All volunteers must be aged 21 years or over.

SANEline Volunteers provide support to callers with a wide range of mental health problems via our confidential crisis line.

We are looking for warm, compassionate, understanding people who are good communicators to join our services team as a volunteer. You don’t need to be a mental health expert: empathy matters more than academic qualifications or experience, and we’re keen to hear from people of all ages and walks of life.

Benefits to the volunteer: High quality training and regular social events for the volunteer community.  

Many of our volunteers find they benefit from these skills in their professional lives, where SANEline volunteering experience can prove invaluable for entering the field of mental health, as well as their personal lives.

SANE aims to:

·         Raise awareness and understanding of all mental health conditions.

·         Combat the stigma surrounding mental illness and fight to improve frontline services for individuals and carers.

·         Provide support, information and guidance through its helpline SANEline, email and ongoing support services, Textcare and Online Forum.

·         Promote and host research into the causes of mental illness and the effectiveness of treatments and therapies at the Prince of Wales International Centre for SANE Research in Oxford.

Our high-quality training programme helps volunteers develop the knowledge and skills needed to support the people who turn to us for help. We also offer further training and on-going development, which includes regular support from the senior team and personalised feedback.  

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

BFUK are seeking enthusiastic, compassionate volunteers to support the delivery of our creative and educational hospital workshops. These sessions not only offer children and young people the opportunity to be imaginative, learn something new, and socialise, but also serve as a welcome distraction from time spent in the hospital. There is always something new to experience; previous workshops have included various crafts, make-up artistry, indoor gardening, hands-on VR demonstrations and mocktail making!

Our workshops take place in Great Ormond Street Hospital on Tuesdays and University College Hospital on Wednesdays.

As a Workshop Volunteer, you will:

• Assist with the preparation of workshop activities and support the sessions to run smoothly
• Chat and engage warmly with children, young people and their families during activities, offering encouragement and support
• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
• Have the opportunity to plan and lead your own workshop, if you wish

What do we look for in our Workshop Volunteers?

• A desire to work with children (age 5-12) or young people (age 13-18)
• A passion for inspiring creativity and learning
• Commitment to BFUK’s core values: equity, empathy, empowerment, connection and advocacy

What do our Workshop Volunteers gain?

• Enhanced DBS will be provided
• Safeguarding Level One Training
• Direct experience working with children and young people
• Opportunities to develop teaching and facilitation skills
• Experience working within a hospital setting
• Opportunities to socialise with other members of our volunteer community

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.