Communications assistant volunteer volunteer roles in loughton, essex

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Bright Futures UK is looking for compassionate and knowledgeable career guidance and advice professionals to mentor young people living with serious illnesses.

What will you be doing?

• Run six mentoring sessions online

• Offer advice and insights related to CV and career goals

• Help the young person explore potential next steps after education and career pathways

• Share your own experiences and knowledge to inspire and motivate.

• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for?

• Expertise in Careers Guidance: Profound knowledge and experience in advising young people about their futures, with a focus on areas like pathways into a career and CV support.

• Mentoring and Communication: Ability to mentor effectively, offering guidance and support to a young person with clarity and empathy.

• Flexibility and Commitment: Willingness to commit to 6 weeks of 1-hour sessions

What difference will you make?

• By volunteering as a Mentor, you’ll play a vital role in empowering a young person to take control of their health and future, helping them to achieve their goals despite the challenges they face.

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.

An ideal opportunity to make a lasting diference in the lives of vulnerable women those who have experienced some form of abuse, violence or trauma and sexual exploitation. To be part of a team providing practical help and support within a women's only space, offering compassionate care and a listening ear. To engage in and also opportunity to lead creative activities, exploring faith and helping build trustful friendships, providing hospitality and friendly conversations. The ability to identify women that may need extra support or referral to external agencies. 

The ideal person volunteering for this role should have the ability to relate sensitively to vulnerable women, with various needs, able to build rapport and boundaries in relationships. A commitment and compassion for our cause, preferably Christian, have good communication and listening skills. Good time management and able to work well as part of a team. Be friendly, approachable, a positive outlook and enthusiastic, with a willingness to learn. Preferably knowledge, understanding or lived experience of sexual exploitation and or domestic abuse, an awareness of the needs of the vulnerable.

We are seeking a new Chair to provide strategic leadership at a time when demand for our advice services is at an all-time high. Help shape our vision, champion our mission, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing challenges.

About Citizens Advice East Berkshire
Citizens Advice East Berkshire offers crucial help and advice when people need it most. No one but Citizens Advice sees so many people with so many different kinds of problems, and that gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today. 

What will you be doing?
We are at an important stage in our development and we are seeking a new Chair to replace our current Chair who will be standing down as her term finishes. We have ambitious plans for our future and we are looking for a Chair who can help drive our mission forward.

Building on our successes to date, we want a new Chair to lead us through the next exciting phase of our journey. You will have a strong background and track record of providing leadership at board and/or senior executive level and will have a passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges. You should have the judgement and vision to operate effectively at strategic level and you should demonstrate the skills and expertise to help drive our mission forward. We are looking for someone with 3 years+ professional experience in one of the fields of Fundraising strategy, Governance, Operations management or Advice / Advocacy. 

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges
• Ideally has served as a Chair or Vice Chair and is familiar with leading a Board

What are we looking for?

You’ll need to:

• Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice and the Citizens Advice network
• Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee
• Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• Have a good basis of leadership skills (and preferably you have served within a Board, ideally as Chair or Vice Chair or led a Committee)
• Have the ability to facilitate and lead meetings
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Have good listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Be able to exercise good independent judgment
• Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer
• Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• Be willing to undertake mandatory training in your role
• Line manage and support the Chief Executive Officer

What difference will you make?
Citizens Advice East Berkshire makes transformational differences to people who need support when facing life crises. As Chair you will play a significant part in ensuring we are able to expand and grown our services to make a significant difference to many more individuals and families. 

PNH Support is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year! Much has changed for patients living with the ultra-rare blood condition paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) during this time including the development of a number of new treatments which have transformed many lives. Despite this, patients still face other continuing challenges, for example, dealing with fatigue and the psychological impact of living with a chronic disease. Importantly, patients also need their voices to be represented independent of healthcare professionals. As PNH Support can only continue to support the PNH community with the help of Trustees and volunteers, we are seeking new Trustees to become actively involved in our management and governance including the implementation of our recently developed 5 year strategy. Whether you are an experienced Trustee, or are considering your first appointment, wewould love to hear from you!

Our vision is “No PNH patient in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is alone. All are represented and enabled to live to their full potential with PNH.”

Our mission is to provide support through peer-to-peer contact, educational resources and advocacy.

The Board has recently undertaken a stakeholder engagement exercise to develop our new 5 year strategy to 2030 and new Trustees joining our Board will assist with executing and implementing this plan. Our Board will play a vital role in shaping the future of PNH Support, guiding our strategic direction, setting the budget, and making key decisions on significant initiatives. This is an exciting time to be joining PNH Support as our Board is expanding to drive the new 5 year strategic vision forward!

Becoming a Trustee at PNH Support is both a privilege and a responsibility. This role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact to the lives of people affected by PNH as well as for their families. As a Trustee, you will help guide the charity, ensuring we stay true to our mission and achieve significant results. Your leadership and insights will be vital to the charity’s success.

The Trustee Board is a diverse and committed team that provides governance and oversight. They ensure that the charity operates ethically, efficiently, and in line with its strategy.

This is an exciting time to be joining PNH Support as our Board is expanding to drive the new 5 year strategic vision forward! Becoming a Trustee at PNH Support is both a privilege and a responsibility. This role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact to the lives of people affected by PNH as well as for their families. As a Trustee, you will help guide the charity, ensuring we stay true to our mission and achieve significant results. Your leadership and insights will be vital to the charity’s success.

The Trustee Board is a diverse and committed team that provides governance and oversight. They ensure that the charity operates ethically, efficiently, and in line with its strategy. You are not expected to have in-depth knowledge of the legislation governing our work, as we will provide the necessary support and training as required. However, it’s important to be aware
that such legislation exists, and to ensure that PNH Support has the appropriate policies, procedures, and reporting mechanisms in place to maintain compliance where required.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership: Shaping and guiding PNH Support’s vision and future direction in line with the new 5 year strategy.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to UK charity laws and fulfilling all reporting obligations.
• Financial Oversight: Monitoring the charity’s finances, safeguarding its assets, and managing risks effectively.
• Governance and Accountability: Promoting transparency, participating in decisionmaking, and overseeing management practices.
• Advocacy and Representation: Acting as an ambassador for the charity, promotingits mission and values to the wider community.

We are seeking an experienced Events & Community Fundraising Officer (Volunteer) to join our Fundraising team on an unpaid, volunteer basis. This will be remote support, unpaid volunteering on average 8 hours or 1 day per week to drive funding for our International WASH projects.

EQUAL AQUA is an award-winning NGO providing equal access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in Uganda. Equal Aqua is managed by an international team of 30+ volunteers, based mainly in the UK and Uganda, but spanning over 10 countries.We are looking to expand and diversify our team of volunteers – seeking candidates with knowledge and skills in various fields, and a deep passion for our cause. 

JOB SUMMARY: 

Join our team as a Volunteer Events & Community Fundraising Officer, working alongside the Fundraising Manager to develop and expand our community engagement and events portfolio. Play a pivotal role in creating innovative fundraising products, fostering relationships within our local communities, and supporting key fundraising initiatives to drive income growth and supporter engagement. 

ROLE & RESPONSBILITIES  

• Collaborate with the Fundraising Manager to design and implement community and events strategies, including the development of new fundraising products and campaigns. 

• Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with local schools, community groups, corporate partners, and individual fundraisers to generate new income streams. 

• Develop engaging supporter journeys to inspire memorable experiences, encourage repeat contributions, and deepen supporter loyalty. 

• Support the team in planning and delivering special events, including the annual fundraiser concert, Water Wheel, and other high-profile fundraising activities. 

• Secure new corporate partnerships through sponsorships, Charity of the Year and other award programs, and collaborative fundraising initiatives. 

• Lead and coordinate supporter-led fundraising activities, fostering volunteer involvement and building a vibrant, diverse supporter community aligned with our mission. 

• Assist with planning, promotion, and execution of both EA-organized and third-party fundraising events. 

KEY REQUIREMENTS 

ESSENTIAL 

Experience: 

• Demonstrated success in achieving or surpassing fundraising or sales targets within the charity, nonprofit, or commercial sectors. 

• Proven experience working in supporter-focused environments. 

• Solid project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple activities simultaneously. 

• Experience working within high-performing teams, including remote working arrangements. 

Skills: 

• Excellent networking and relationship management capabilities. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation abilities. 

• Proficiency in IT tools such as Windows, MS Office, and fundraising databases, particularly Raiser’s Edge (or similar). 

• Exceptional time management and prioritization skills. 

Knowledge: 

• Good understanding of the charity sector, including its challenges and opportunities. 

• Knowledge of regional and corporate fundraising practices. 

• Familiarity with sector legislation and best practices related to fundraising, data protection, health and safety, etc. 

• Deep understanding of EA’s vision, mission, and achievements. 

DESIRABLE: 

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and to travel as needed. 

• Previous experience within the voluntary or charity sector is advantageous. 

COMPETENCIES 

• Proven ability to motivate and influence supporters to meet and exceed fundraising targets. 

• Confident in asking supporters for donations and ongoing support. 

• Skilled in creating compelling, engaging fundraising products. 

• Ability to match supporters' interests with suitable fundraising opportunities to maximize income. 

• Strong organizational skills to effectively allocate time and resources for maximum impact. 

• Recognizes and celebrates supporters' contributions to foster ongoing engagement. 

BENEFITS 

• At EAU all volunteers work remotely & flexibly, enabling you to balance work, holiday & personal commitments anywhere in the world.

• Join a diverse international community & gain a sense of fulfilment by contributing directly to impactful programmes that EAU delivers.

• Increase your opportunities for personal growth through exposure to new skills, experiences & perspectives that working for an NGO can bring.

• We also offer opportunities for networking, internships, mentoring & training to support you in your role.

Our Vision: To become a leading organisation in Uganda in addressing inequalities in WASH, and interrelated issues of gender and sustainability 

Our Mission: We will achieve this by working with partners and local communities to develop the required WASH skills, knowledge and practical interventions

Objectives: 

• To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda 

• To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples 

• To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: 

• 32,866 people with improved access to safe water 

• 11,044 people with improved sanitation 

• 11,755 people with improved WASH knowledge and skills 

• 3,877 people with improved menstrual hygiene knowledge 

• British High Commission award winner 

VALUES:

At Equal Aqua we champion bottom-up grassroots development. To make this possible, we have created a proactive and friendly environment, which strives to create practical and lasting solutions to WASH-related issues. Each member of Equal Aqua is passionate about WASH inequalities, and our values are a central basis for inspiration and the culture of the organisation. 

Why volunteer for EAU? 

By volunteering for EAU you will directly contribute to making tangible and positive changes to people’s lives in Uganda. Your efforts will help us to grow and empower our team of international volunteers, enabling us to reach more communities and transform more lives. You will also get to meet & collaborate with a great team of volunteers from all over the world.  If you like the sound of this role, we encourage you to apply even if you aren’t confident that you meet all of the requirements – you may be just who we’re looking for. 

*Please note that all members of Equal Aqua work remotely and on a voluntary basis. We ask that volunteers contribute on average 1 day per week and commit to the role for 12 months as a minimum. 

Interviews will take place via MS Teams where you will meet an informal panel of volunteers.  

Data Protection and Privacy: 

As a non-profit organization, we are committed to safeguarding the privacy and security of all applicants' personal information. We process your personal data in line with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where relevant. 

Any information you share with us during the recruitment process will be used solely for assessing your suitability for the position and will be handled confidentially. Your data will be stored securely, accessed only by authorized staff, and retained only for as long as necessary for recruitment purposes. 

You have the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of your personal data at any time. By applying, you consent to the processing of your information in accordance with these principles. 

DEI statement: 

EAU is committed to offering equal opportunities and treatment to all its volunteers. We see diversity as a strength and anyone seeking volunteering at Equal Aqua is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We don’t regard colour, religion, ethnicity, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status.

We are extremely proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. To make your recruitment experience with us accessible to you, we encourage you to let us know if you have any individual requirements.

‘Equal Aqua’ is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; it operates equally and in unison with ‘Equal Aqua Uganda’, a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (‘EAU’ refers to both). 

Acting as the link between food donations coming in and reaching those in crisis, you’ll support the smooth running of your local food bank. You’ll be part of a team overseeing and running the replenishment order, with large volumes of stock moving from the warehouse to the Foodbank distribution centre. This is a physical role as you’ll be on your feet a lot and you must be comfortable with some heavy lifting and maintaining a clean and safe warehouse.

Why we want you

Food banks provide essential community services to people in crisis. By volunteering as a warehouse assistant, you can make a real difference to people’s lives providing vital help and support locally. This role is an essential part of how Brent foodbank operates and without it we would not be able to run all of our weekly sessions.

What you will be doing

• Fulfilling the replenishment requests from our Foodbank shop
• Lifting cardboard and plastic crates in and out of the van in line with current manual handling guidelines
• Keeping warehouse area clean and tidy at all times, ensuring relevant materials are recycled
• Following Health and Safety guidance, manual handling training and the other policies and procedures related to the running of the warehouse
• Undertaking any other duties that may be reasonably expected to fulfil the role
• If applicable, and interested, becoming one of our van drivers (optional)

The skills you need

• Punctuality and reliability
• Good communication skills
• Good sense of humour
• Strong team player
• Ability to undertake heavy lifting (in line with manual handling guidelines)

What's in it for you

• Knowledge that you a vital part of the Foodbank
• Being part of a dynamic and fun team
• Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the community

Ready to help shape the future of students’ lives?
Middlesex Students’ Union (MDXSU) is looking for three new Trustees, including a new Chair of the Board, to join our vibrant and values-driven organisation.

At MDXSU, we empower Middlesex University students to shape their lives, build their futures, and create change—together. Through student communities, campaigning, events, and independent advice, we help turn a good education into a transformative one. 

About the Role

We’re looking for individuals who are passionate about education, social justice, and the power of student-led change. As a Trustee, you’ll help shape MDXSU’s strategic direction, scrutinise finances, and ensure we’re fulfilling our charitable purpose.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds—particularly those with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Membership-led or student-led organisations
• Finance or legal oversight
• HR and organisational development
• Higher education policy
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Fundraising and income development
• Charity governance
• Community connections in North London

About You

We're seeking individuals who are:

• Proactive, collaborative and strategic thinkers
• Committed to MDXSU's values and mission
• Confident communicators who can support and challenge effectively
• Passionate about student voice and social change 

For the Chair role, we're looking for an experienced leader to guide the Board, support the CEO, and help drive the organisation to new heights. If interested, please indicate this in your application.

Time Commitment & Expenses

• Approx. 5 board meetings per year (in-person in London)
• Optional involvement in sub-committees (4 additional online meetings annually)
• Occasional away days or events
• All reasonable expenses covered, with travel and accommodation booked by MDXSU

How to Apply

To apply, send your CV and a one-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your experience matches our needs. Please apply by midday on Monday 4th August 2025 to be considered for our next round of interviews in August. Applications will remain open until all positions are filled.

The International Council of Museums in the United Kingdom (ICOM UK) is seeking a new trustee with strong financial acumen and a passion for the museums and heritage sector and working internationally to be the Finance Lead on our Board. This is a strategic finance role to support the Strategic Director and advise the Board of Trustees in respect of the conduct of the charity’s financial affairs.  

The role requires experience and skills in financial planning and management, preferably in a charity and/or company, along with the ability to understand and communicate the impact of decisions on the organisation’s finances. 

We welcome applications from professionals with the skills, knowledge and lived experience that will strengthen and diversify our Board. 

 For further details on the roles and ICOM UK, you can view our Finance Lead Trustee Recruitment  Pack. 

At the Community Hospice we believe in making every moment count. We’re here to support people to live as well as they can, for as long as they can. Each year, we care for around 3,000 people with terminal illness, as well as their families. Our care isn't restricted to one place - we care for patients wherever they call home or wherever best suits their needs.

We are now looking for new trustees to help guide and grow the work we do across Greenwich and Bexley.

We’re looking for people who share our values and bring experience in the legal, estates/facilities, retail or commercial sectors or General Practice. Local knowledge is a bonus, but not essential.

Our trustees come from all walks of life, and we welcome interest from people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're an experienced trustee or looking to take your first step at Board level, we'd love to hear from you. To help broaden the diversity of our Board, we particularly encourage applications from people from marginalised communities—including those from Black African and other ethnically minoritised backgrounds, people from the LGBTQ+ community, people with neurodiverse and/or physical disabilities, and those with lived experience of hospice or palliative care services.

This is a real opportunity to make a difference in your community, apply your expertise and be part of a supportive, compassionate organisation.

Find out more about the role and how to apply by clicking on the link below to our application pack.

Applications close: 18 August