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The Association of Illustrators (AOI) is seeking up to two non-executive directors to join our Board and help shape the future of a thriving global illustration community.

We support over 2,000 illustrators, agents and educators – championing rights, delivering industry-leading events, and celebrating excellence through the World Illustration Awards.

This is an exciting time to join the AOI as we enter a new phase of strategic growth, responding to rapid changes across the creative industries.

The Role

As a non-executive director, you will:

• Contribute to the AOI’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability
• Support good governance and decision-making
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation and its members
• Bring insight, challenge and expertise to Board discussions

This is a voluntary (unpaid) role, with travel expenses covered where needed.
Time commitment is approximately half a day per month.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. You might bring:

• Experience in strategy, leadership, or board-level decision-making
• A connection to, or strong interest in, the creative industries
• Strong judgement, collaboration skills, and a commitment to equity and inclusion

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:

• Finance (Treasurer)
• Fundraising & development
• Marketing & communications
• Organisational development & business growth

What’s Involved

• 4 Board meetings per year (in person, London)
• Attendance at events such as World Illustration Awards and AGM
• Occasional advisory support 
• Acting as an advocate and connector for AOI

Why Join the Board?

• Make a meaningful impact on the illustration industry
• Support emerging and established creatives
• Expand your network and leadership experience
• Access AOI events and professional development opportunities

How to apply 

We welcome applications from individuals with a variety of backgrounds, experience and perspectives. 

Please apply by sending the following:

1. A letter of interest setting out why you wish to join our Board and the skills and experience you can provide (no more than two pages)
2. An up-to-date CV

Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 12 May 2026

Administrative Support Volunteer - Lancashire

Information about the role

You’ll be completing a range of administrative tasks to help the local team assist people who are experiencing the housing emergency or need support with benefits and debt issues. 

Location: Shelter Lancashire Hub, Blackburn Central Library, Town Hall Street, Blackburn. Volunteering activity could be in the Hub or in our community settings.

Availability: Volunteering will take place within our Hub service hours of Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now or read on for more details.

Range of activities may include

• • Scanning and photocopying documents
  • Collating or organising information and documents
  • Preparing information packs for advisors, workshops and events
  • Help with planning events and activities
  • Updating our local information/resources documents
  • Distributing post
  • Contacting clients for information or for updates
  • Inputting confidential client information on to our Case Management System
  • Attending meetings and note taking

This role fights the housing emergency by supporting people who are struggling with housing and bringing them one step closer to a safe home.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter:

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Your skills and experience

We’d love the volunteer in this role to have good communication skills and be confident with using IT. But the most important thing is that you are friendly and caring, with enthusiasm for fighting the housing emergency.

Supporting you

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.
• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.
• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.
• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

Next steps

If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us.

We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a basic level Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information.

End of document.

It’s an exciting time to join Victim Support, as we prepare to begin delivery of the Witness Service from April 2026. We look forward to welcoming current Witness Service staff and volunteers to Victim Support — and we’re also now beginning recruitment for several new roles and to fill vacant positions.  

The Witness Service provides free, independent support to any witness giving evidence in criminal courts in England and Wales — both for the prosecution and the defence.  

Our trained staff and volunteers help people understand what to expect before, during and after a trial, and offer practical and emotional support every step of the way, so witnesses can give their best evidence.   

The Witness Service also supports bereaved family members, and friends and family who are accompanying witnesses in court.   

This is an exceptional opportunity to help us ensure a smooth transition and shape a high-quality, high-impact and trauma-informed service — so every witness feels informed, supported and more confident in court.  

Witness Service Volunteers provide support to victims and witnesses of crime prior to and during the court process helping them to feel safe and informed. 

Why volunteer with us?

• Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and witnesses.

• Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.

• Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 2,000 volunteers and staff. 

• Beyond your role – attend one of our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

What do we ask of you? 

In order to join us as a Witness Service Volunteer, you must: 

• Be 18 years of age or over. 

• Be able to volunteer for at least 1 day per week, for at least 12 months. 

• Undertake training - this includes virtual training days as well as completing online learning modules. 

• Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.

• Be able to provide two satisfactory references. 

• Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Diversity Matters 

• VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need. 

• VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role. 

• We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

It’s an exciting time to join Victim Support, as we prepare to begin delivery of the Witness Service from April 2026. We look forward to welcoming current Witness Service staff and volunteers to Victim Support — and we’re also now beginning recruitment for several new roles and to fill vacant positions.  

The Witness Service provides free, independent support to any witness giving evidence in criminal courts in England and Wales — both for the prosecution and the defence.  

Our trained staff and volunteers help people understand what to expect before, during and after a trial, and offer practical and emotional support every step of the way, so witnesses can give their best evidence.   

The Witness Service also supports bereaved family members, and friends and family who are accompanying witnesses in court.   

This is an exceptional opportunity to help us ensure a smooth transition and shape a high-quality, high-impact and trauma-informed service — so every witness feels informed, supported and more confident in court.  

Witness Service Volunteers provide support to victims and witnesses of crime prior to and during the court process helping them to feel safe and informed.

Why volunteer with us? 

• Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and witnesses.

• Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.

• Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 2,000 volunteers and staff. 

• Beyond your role – attend one of our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks. 

What do we ask of you? 

In order to join us as a Witness Service Volunteer, you must: 

• Be 18 years of age or over. 

• Be able to volunteer for at least 1 day per week, for at least 12 months. 

• Undertake training - this includes virtual training days as well as completing online learning modules. 

• Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service. 

• Be able to provide two satisfactory references. 

• Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Diversity Matters 

• VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need. 

• VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role. 

• We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

Why we want you

As branch chair you and your branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising activities so that potential beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters are aware of SSAFA as first in mind for support.
• Building relationships with the regional and national SSAFA team, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA serving community teams, local military establishments, etc.
• Attending events as a key SSAFA representative.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Working with other volunteers, regional and national team members to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Work closely with the community engagement co-ordinator to recruit, welcome, induct, support, and manage volunteers in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.

The skills you need

• Motivating leadership with an ability lead a team of volunteers.
• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community.
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Are you looking to get involved in the local community or perhaps have an interest in mental health?

We are looking for a volunteer to facilitate a Men’s group in a local cafe. The group provides a safe, welcoming place for people to meet, share experiences and support each other’s growth whilst connecting over board games.

What you will be doing

• Meet service users in a local Cafe every Thursday from 11-12pm to play board games and facilitate discussions
• Create a supportive environment for men to connect, share experiences, and empower each other
• To negotiate/facilitate conflicts or disagreements that may arise during group meetings.

The skills you need

• Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participants’ thoughts and feelings are valued, and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect
• Experience of facilitating groups.
• Strong listening and 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.

Job Title: Personal Assistant                                                                         

Reports To: Department Manager 

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Personal Assistant to support daily coordination, scheduling, and communication tasks across departments. This remote volunteer opportunity is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, proactive, and looking to gain experience in nonprofit administration while contributing to a meaningful community-driven programme. 

Position Overview:
The Personal Assistant will be responsible for organising meetings, managing calendars, supporting internal communications, and assisting in day-to-day administrative operations. This role plays a vital part in ensuring smooth coordination between teams, and offers autonomy, flexibility, and mentorship opportunities for someone looking to develop or apply their administrative and organisational skills in the Third Sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative Support & Coordination:

• Manage meeting schedules, appointments, and internal calendars.

• Organise virtual events, staff briefings, and team check-ins.

• Support in planning and executing internal conferences or training sessions.

Data & System Management:

• Maintain and update internal databases and contact lists.

• Implement and uphold procedures and administrative systems.

Staff Liaison & Communication:

• Act as a point of contact between managers and teams.

• Assist in internal communications and task follow-ups.

General Administrative Tasks:

• Contribute to internal meetings with updates and suggestions.

• Provide ad hoc administrative support to leadership and teams as needed.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• No specific degree required, but relevant administrative or office support experience is preferred.

Experience:

• Prior experience as an administrative or personal assistant is an advantage.

• Familiarity with coordinating meetings, managing data, or supporting organisational logistics.

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication.

• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.

• Proactive, professional, and able to work independently or collaboratively.

• Strong team player with attention to detail.

Benefits:

• Gain valuable administrative and coordination experience in the nonprofit sector.

• Receive support and mentorship to build confidence and skills.

• Work flexibly in a fully remote setup with a collaborative team.

• Build your network within a mission-driven cultural organisation.

• Reimbursement of local travel expenses (if in-person support is required for specific events).

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Why we want you

As branch chair you and your branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising activities so that potential beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters are aware of SSAFA as first in mind for support.
• Building relationships with the regional and national SSAFA team, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA serving community teams, local military establishments, etc.
• Attending events as a key SSAFA representative.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Working with other volunteers, regional and national team members to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Work closely with the community engagement co-ordinator to recruit, welcome, induct, support, and manage volunteers in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.

The skills you need

• Motivating leadership with an ability lead a team of volunteers.
• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community.
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive, confident, and highly organised Volunteer Housing & Asset Management Administrator to support our busy Housing and Asset Management teams.

This role is ideal for someone looking to gain experience within a housing association or supported housing environment while making a meaningful contribution to services supporting vulnerable residents.

What we do

Causeway is a small housing association, originally set up to accommodate young Irish migrants, and now providing housing and support services to people from anywhere in the world, with a wide range of needs – from those who just need an affordable place to live, to those who need a helping hand to achieve their life goals.

What we offer

We offer the opportunity to be part of a diverse, multi-disciplinary team, where your skills and creativity will be valued. You will grow and develop with colleagues in similar roles and work collaboratively with other team members, gaining experience in new areas while contributing to the learning of others. As a volunteer, we will cover reasonable travel expenses, provide training opportunities internally and externally, and offer fully flexible working days and hours. 

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and abilities. We can provide reasonable adjustments to support volunteers who may need them, at interview stage and/or once in the role.

Minimum Age: 18

References Required: We will ask for two employment/character references: These can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Criminal record check: This is conducted by CIHA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires a basic check.

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not nessessarily mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Step Forward as Deputy Head of the Volunteer Corps of the Principality of Lys

A Call to Service. A Call to Imagination. A Call to Build a Legacy.

For twelve years, the Principality of Lys has been quietly shaping its cultural foundations, preparing its identity, and laying the groundwork for a future unlike any other. In 2027, we begin a new era — one of public presence, international engagement, and the first steps toward settling our 2.7 square miles of claimed European land.

To rise into that future, we need leaders. Not just one — but a pair of guiding lights.

And this is where you come in.

Become the Right Hand of the Volunteer Corps

Deputy Head of the Volunteer Corps

A volunteer role for those who feel the pull of purpose.

This is your chance to stand at the heart of a growing nation — not as a politician, but as a guardian of community, creativity, and service.

You will work alongside the Head of the Volunteer Corps to build an international volunteer programme that spans:

• Remote roles

• Hybrid opportunities

• In‑person service on the land of Lys itself

Your leadership will help shape the culture of honour, chivalry, and civic spirit that will define the next era of our Principality.

Why This Role Matters

Every great nation is built not only by its leaders, but by those who stand beside them — the ones who carry the torch, steady the course, and help transform vision into reality.

As Deputy Head, you will be:

• A builder of systems

• A supporter of people

• A champion of creativity

• A steward of community

• A co‑architect of the future of Lys

Your work will help us grow faster, stronger, and with deeper purpose.

You will be part of the team that sows the foundations of a new chapter in our history.

What You Will Do

As Deputy Head of the Volunteer Corps, you will:

• Support the creation and management of the volunteer programme

• Help recruit, train, and guide volunteers across the world

• Assist in designing hybrid and in‑person opportunities

• Strengthen community engagement and volunteer wellbeing

• Uphold the values of honour, service, and creativity

• Step into leadership when needed, ensuring continuity and stability

This is a role for someone who wants to build, not just follow.

Who You Are

You don’t need titles or credentials. You need heart.

You are someone who:

• Believes in service

• Thrives in teamwork

• Enjoys organising and supporting others

• Has a creative spark

• Wants to be part of something meaningful

• Feels called to help shape a nation from the ground up

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of history — not as a spectator, but as a builder — this is your moment.

Your Invitation to Step Forward

The Principality of Lys is ready to grow. We have the land. We have the vision. We have the foundations.

Now we need those who will help bring it all to life.

1. Will you stand with us?
2. Will you help shape the future?
3. Will you take your place in the story of Lys?

Why we want you

As branch chair you and your branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising activities so that potential beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters are aware of SSAFA as first in mind for support.
• Building relationships with the regional and national SSAFA team, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA serving community teams, local military establishments, etc.
• Attending events as a key SSAFA representative.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Working with other volunteers, regional and national team members to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Work closely with the community engagement co-ordinator to recruit, welcome, induct, support, and manage volunteers in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.

The skills you need

• Motivating leadership with an ability lead a team of volunteers.
• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community.
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Could you help your local SSAFA branch recruit volunteers in your area? You just some basic I.T and admin skills, patience, the ability to get on with a wide range of people and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Recruitment Coordinator?

Recruitment Coordinators help us find local people interested in supporting SSAFA and take them through our recruitment and selection process.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

To offer the best possible service to our clients we need to match the right volunteers to the right role. Could you spare a few hours a week to help recruit new volunteers and welcome them to SSAFA by supporting them through their induction phase? We’d love to hear from you if think you could help with this important role.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The role is about recruitment and so will involve attending local recruitment fairs a few times a year as well as meeting volunteers both face-to-face and virtually. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but the administration part of the ole can be done form home.

What would you be doing?

· Be the first point of contact for all volunteering enquiries, ensuring that all potential volunteers receive a timely response.

· Supporting volunteers through the recruitment and induction process and ensuring volunteers are communicated with throughout.

· Arranging informal interviews for new volunteers conducted in-line with SSAFA policies.

· Conducting ID checks (where relevant) so the volunteer can begin the vetting process

· Supporting volunteers to book onto role specific training and ensuring they complete their mandatory training.

· Working with the VDM to ensure branch vacancies are advertised on the branch website and national websites and support any national recruitment campaigns

· Maintaining good relationships with local Volunteer Centres and other local sources of volunteer promotion and attend local recruitment fairs.

· Evaluating volunteer recruitment activity, experimenting with creative ways to recruit volunteers from a variety of sources to create a diverse network of volunteers.

· Treating all potential volunteers inclusively with respect and sensitivity, regardless of age or background

· Supporting any volunteers facing barriers to find a suitable role.

· Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.

· Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

· Use your skills, knowledge, and experience to benefit others.

· Appreciate that your role has a positive impact on the quality of service we can provide to beneficiaries as well as providing volunteering opportunities.

· Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community

· Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

· Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

· Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. This training would take approx. 3 hours.

· Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.  

· Access to a range of e-learning courses.

· Support from the Volunteer Development Manager and Trainer (per region)

· Access to the Volunteer Experience Team based at our central office.

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

· Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

· Friendly and approachable people, with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude  

· Good communication skills, both written and verbal

· Good written and spoken English.

· Respectful and non-judgemental with potential volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues

· Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and during the role, including accessing and responding to emails and using Microsoft offices software.

· Ability to encourage and motivate all volunteers to undertake training.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely., in line with SSAFA policies.

· Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings and events and t meet volunteers.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

We are looking for volunteers to spend some time with our clients  in and around Central London or  to speak to them over the phone.  Our current needs are in Tulse Hill, Stockwell, Annerly, Barnes, Luton and Stepney Green.  If your time is more restricted, you could potentially offer a weekly phone call rather than a visit. Locations change as new referrals come in, so if you are interested in befriending and want to make positive difference to  an older persons emotional well being, please contact us, we may have a client in your area!  

 Meetings are regular, usually weekly or fortnightly, for at least six months although most of our volunteers stay involved for  longer, only because they enjoy what they do!  Phone calls can me made from any quiet space at your home or workplace. 

Befriending is a simple way to make a positive difference to someone who feels lonely or is socially isolated.  Your gift of time and companionship will give them, and you, something to look forward to. As one of our volunteers once said,“this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”  

Meetings are held in our client's home or in the community, chatting in coffee shops or talking while you walk - this really depends on what our client wants to do.  Our clients are Scots aged 60 and over, who simply want to do the activities that most of us take for granted.

We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters. 

This could be the ideal opportunity gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting, or for anyonewhoenjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter. You will both look forward to your meetings. 

Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must live in or around the London area for meetings, or in the UK for phone calls. 

Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!

Skills & characteristics required for befriending are:

• English speaking, clear communication for coversation
• Good listening skills
• Friendly, warm and non-judgemental 
• Honest, reliable and committed
• Empathy 
• Understanding of the need to maintain confidentiality (covered in training) 

An enhanced DBS check will be processed  for successful applicants and two references are required. 

Volunteer Driver – David Lewis

“Help us get where we want to go… and be part of our journey.”

A Message From the People We Support

“We’re looking for Volunteer Drivers who will help us get out into our community, enjoy activities, make appointments, meet friends, and live the lives we choose.
Sometimes we just need someone kind, reliable, and friendly to help us get from A to B — so we can do the things that matter to us.”

Your time, even a little, helps us stay connected, independent and included.

What You’ll Do — From Our Perspective

As a Volunteer Driver, you will help us to:

• Travel safely to activities, appointments, events, and days out
• Feel comfortable and supported during journeys
• Stay independent by helping us access places that are important to us
• Experience new things and take part in opportunities we enjoy

You might drive your own car or one of our David Lewis vehicles — whatever works best for you.

What We’ll Provide to Support You

“You don’t need to know everything — just be willing to help and show up with a smile.”

You’ll receive:

• Full induction and ongoing support
• Out‑of‑pocket expenses covered
• Access to our vehicle fleet if you prefer not to use your own
• A friendly, helpful team around you
• The chance to make a meaningful difference in our everyday lives

Who We’re Hoping to Meet

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a full, clean driving licence
• Is reliable, calm, and a good communicator
• Treats people with kindness, patience, and respect
• Is happy to complete the necessary checks and training

If that sounds like you, we’d love to have you on our journeys.

Why Volunteering With Us Matters

“When you volunteer with us, you’re not just giving a lift — you’re giving us freedom, choice, and connection.”

Your time helps us:

• Reach our personal goals
• Feel confident travelling
• Stay active in our community
• Enjoy richer, more meaningful experiences

Every journey you support makes a difference.

Interested? Let’s Talk.

We’d really like to hear from you.