Communications volunteer roles in cotonou, littoral department

Volunteer Website Designer – Build the Digital Home of MINDSET Charity

Are you a creative web designer with a passion for purpose? Do you want to help launch a charity that could transform lives across the UK?

MINDSET is a bold new charity supporting men’s mental health and personal growth. We offer peer-led support, practical workshops, and a community built on courage, connection, and resilience. Now we need a website that reflects our mission—and we need your help to build it.

Your Role: Website Designer/Developer (Volunteer)

We’re looking for a talented and passionate volunteer to design and build our charity’s website from the ground up. You’ll work closely with our Founder and creative team to craft a site that’s:

• Visually striking and aligned with our brand identity.

• User-friendly and accessible across devices.

• Functional, with donation integration, volunteer sign-up forms, and event listings.

• Empowering, with resources, blog content, and community features.

What You’ll Help Us Achieve

• A powerful online presence that inspires trust and engagement.

• A central hub for men seeking support, growth, and connection.

• A platform for volunteers, donors, and partners to get involved.

• A space that reflects our values: openness, empowerment, and action.

Skills We’re Looking For

• Experience in web design and development (WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or custom builds).

• Strong eye for visual design, UX, and accessibility.

• Ability to integrate forms, donation platforms, and basic CMS features.

• Bonus: SEO knowledge, animation, or experience with charity websites.

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Shape the digital identity of a vital new charity.

• Use your skills to make a real difference in men’s lives.

• Collaborate with a passionate, creative team.

• Gain portfolio-worthy experience and recognition.

• Flexible hours, remote working, and full creative input.

Apply Now

Send a short expression of interest and portfolio/CV.

Deadline: 15th August 2025 before 12pm

Let’s build a stronger MINDSET—for every man who needs it.

Design the platform. Empower the mission.

MINDSET Charity

Welcome to Unlock YOUR Potential, a brand new dynamic organisation starting up thats dedicated to transforming lives and empowering individuals aged between 18 and 60 years old from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are passionately committed to creating new pathways for positive change through our comprehensive programmes and holistic support.

We are planning to create a small social mobility charity that provides a range of services and support. Currently we are a not-for-profit organisation, about to go through charity registration. 

Our Vision: We envision a world where every individual has the opportunity to unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

Our Mission: Our mission is to empower, inspire, and support those facing barriers and challenges. We deliver tailored programmes that foster skills, confidence, and networks, paving the way for success.

Our Values:

• Passion: Our work is fuelled by a deep care for the communities we serve.

• Results: We are driven by the tangible outcomes and achievements of our beneficiaries.

• Innovation: We constantly seek innovative methods to enhance our programmes.

• Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnership and inclusivity.

• Integrity: Our operations are marked by professionalism, ethics, and transparency.

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we will be offering a suite of transformative programmes and services designed to empower individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our holistic approach will address key areas such as employment, education, life skills, mentoring, and personal development.

Its an exciting time to launch our new charity with the new governments focus on getting people back to work or in training and development, there will be plenty of opportunities for us to make a huge impact but we need to set the foundations and get ourselves ready to launch. 

Delivery Manager (DM):

We are looking for a Delivery Manager, who can join our new charity start-up and help us build a solid foundation and help to create, design, develop and immpliment our core delivery programmes at Unlock YOUR Potential, providing our key services to those who need it. This includes Employability and Enterprise Programme, Health and Well-Being Programme, Life Skills, Mentoring and Personal Development Programme.

As our Delivery Manager you will be responsible for the delivery and long-term strategy of Unlock YOUR Potential's delivery programmes. You will be responsible for;

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of all programmes and services.
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to enhance our offerings.
• Ensure that all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve programme delivery and impact.
• Monitor and report on the outcomes and achievements of our programmes.
• Support the team in troubleshooting and resolving any issues that arise during programme delivery.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the delivery team.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in programme/project management, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for social impact and creating opportunities for those facing socio-economic challenges.

Time Commitment:

• Approximately 6-8 hours per week, with flexibility to fit around your life.​
• We are starting off small and there will be plenty of flexibility and you will manage your own workload and time.

Join us in making a difference and unlocking the potential of disadvantaged people in our community!

Unlock YOUR Potential

• BREAKING BARRIERS
• UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

Join Us as a Charity Trustee: Help Shape the Future of Befriending 

Are you passionate about building a more connected society, where no one feels forgotten or alone? 

Befriending Networks, the world’s largest network of befriending projects, is recruiting two trustees to help us champion the vital role of befriending in reducing loneliness and social isolation.

Around 1 in 6 people worldwide experience loneliness. Befriending services respond to this need by matching people in their communities for planned social activities that build meaningful connections.

Befriending Networks supports over 300 member organisations to deliver quality befriending services, through sector-specific training, events, resources, awards and 1:1 support. 

As a Befriending Networks trustee, you will be part of a welcoming and active board that enables befriending services across the UK and beyond to thrive. You will join us at an exciting time, as we begin to deliver our next strategic steps as an organisation. 

Following a recent board skills review, we are seeking two individuals who can offer skills in the following areas: 

• Income generation – This trustee will have an enterprising mindset, with experience of strategic fundraising, working with grantmakers, trusts and foundations or devising corporate sponsorships. Their guidance will help our charity to move into new ways of generating income, allowing us to become more resilient and advance our vision for a society where the importance of meaningful connections is valued. 
   
• Sector influence and advocacy – This trustee will be a great communicator, with a skill for forming and sustaining effective relationships. They will have a broad professional network which might include national or international connections. They may have connections which include the private sector, academia, thinktanks or investors interested in making social impact. Their experience might include research, policy making or campaigning. Their guidance will help us advocate for the befriending sector with greater impact and effectiveness. 

By joining the Befriending Networks board, you will play an integral role in moving our charity forward and helping us champion the impact of befriending on loneliness and isolation.  If you have the skills we’re looking for and are energised by working collaboratively to help organisations (and others) succeed, we’d love to hear from you. 

We are keen to hear from applicants with diverse lived experiences, especially those currently underrepresented in trustee boards. No previous board experience is required and you do not need to meet all requirements listed in the role descriptions to apply. 

Location: Remote/UK-wide (with one in-person meeting in Edinburgh per year) 
Time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per month. We have 6 board meetings per year (5 online and 1 in-person) 

Applications close: Monday 18th August 2025 

Our Board Executive will review all expressions of interest and will want to set up an online call with applicants to discuss their suitability for the role.

Marie Curie is calling on local people to help us fundraise together. No cape needed - just a bit of time and good vibes.

Coordinate collections - pick and drop off dontation tins

Spread the word

Collect and bank donations

You just need to:

• Be 18+
• Know your area
• Enjoy meeting people

We’ll give you:

• Quick and easy training 
• Ongoing support and expense covered
• Discounts & loyalty perks
• Feel-good impact

Ready to make a difference?
Apply now or get in touch with us

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative

Through grassroots initiatives, advocacy, and partnerships, the Obuyisibwomu Initiative aims to uplift marginalized groups—particularly women, youth, and children—while fostering long-term, sustainable change.

Obuyisi bw’omu Initiative addresses critical challenges faced by underserved communities in Uganda. These include limited access to mental health support, poor water sanitation and hygiene practices, barriers to quality education, and the escalating effects of climate change.

Mental Health: Stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to mental health services leave many—especially youth—without the support they need for emotional well-being.

Water, Sanitation & Health (WASH): Inadequate clean water sources and poor sanitation infrastructure contribute to preventable diseases and poor health outcomes in rural communities.

Quality Education: Many children face barriers such as lack of resources, insufficient learning environments, and limited access to inclusive education opportunities, hindering their personal and community development.

Climate Change & Environmental Degradation: Communities experience direct impacts of climate change, including environmental degradation and food insecurity, but often lack the tools or knowledge to mitigate these effects.

Through our programs, we aim to empower communities, raise awareness, and drive sustainable solutions to these interconnected social and environmental issues.

Obuyisi bw’omu Initiative provides community-driven, practical solutions that empower individuals and promote sustainable development in Uganda.

Mental Health Awareness: We create safe spaces for dialogue, organize awareness campaigns, and engage youth in mental health education to reduce stigma and promote emotional well-being.

Water, Sanitation & Health (WASH): We work with communities to improve access to clean water, promote proper sanitation practices, and conduct health education to prevent disease and improve public health outcomes.

Quality Education: We support learners by providing educational resources, mentorship, and advocacy for inclusive, quality education—ensuring that children and youth in rural areas have better opportunities for growth.

Climate Action: We engage communities in environmental conservation activities such as tree planting, climate education, and sustainable practices that build resilience to climate change.

By combining grassroots engagement with volunteer expertise, we foster community ownership, empower young people, and promote lasting positive change.

Public Relations Officer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Media & Press Relations Build relationships with international media outlets to secure coverage of the organization’s work and campaigns. Draft and distribute press releases, media kits, and statements.

Reputation & Brand Management Ensure consistent, positive representation of the organization across all communication channels.

Storytelling & Impact Communication Develop compelling human-interest stories, success profiles, and campaign highlights for public sharing. Work with program teams to translate impact data into relatable, inspiring messages.

Content & Messaging Strategy Create and manage high-quality content (articles, speeches, newsletters) that aligns with the organization’s mission and tone. Assist in shaping talking points for spokespersons and leadership.

Event & Campaign Promotion Support promotion of events, fundraising campaigns, and community activities through strategic communication efforts. Coordinate media coverage and documentation

Weekly Time Commitment

10+ hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative

Through grassroots initiatives, advocacy, and partnerships, the Obuyisibwomu Initiative aims to uplift marginalized groups—particularly women, youth, and children—while fostering long-term, sustainable change.

Obuyisi bw’omu Initiative addresses critical challenges faced by underserved communities in Uganda. These include limited access to mental health support, poor water sanitation and hygiene practices, barriers to quality education, and the escalating effects of climate change.

• Mental Health: Stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to mental health services leave many—especially youth—without the support they need for emotional well-being.
• Water, Sanitation & Health (WASH): Inadequate clean water sources and poor sanitation infrastructure contribute to preventable diseases and poor health outcomes in rural communities.
• Quality Education: Many children face barriers such as lack of resources, insufficient learning environments, and limited access to inclusive education opportunities, hindering their personal and community development.
• Climate Change & Environmental Degradation: Communities experience direct impacts of climate change, including environmental degradation and food insecurity, but often lack the tools or knowledge to mitigate these effects.

Through our programs, we aim to empower communities, raise awareness, and drive sustainable solutions to these interconnected social and environmental issues.

Obuyisi bw’omu Initiative provides community-driven, practical solutions that empower individuals and promote sustainable development in Uganda.

• Mental Health Awareness: We create safe spaces for dialogue, organize awareness campaigns, and engage youth in mental health education to reduce stigma and promote emotional well-being.
• Water, Sanitation & Health (WASH): We work with communities to improve access to clean water, promote proper sanitation practices, and conduct health education to prevent disease and improve public health outcomes.
• Quality Education: We support learners by providing educational resources, mentorship, and advocacy for inclusive, quality education—ensuring that children and youth in rural areas have better opportunities for growth.
• Climate Action: We engage communities in environmental conservation activities such as tree planting, climate education, and sustainable practices that build resilience to climate change.

By combining grassroots engagement with volunteer expertise, we foster community ownership, empower young people, and promote lasting positive change.

Public Relations Officer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

• Media & Press Relations Build relationships with international media outlets to secure coverage of the organization’s work and campaigns. Draft and distribute press releases, media kits, and statements.
• Reputation & Brand Management Ensure consistent, positive representation of the organization across all communication channels.
• Storytelling & Impact Communication Develop compelling human-interest stories, success profiles, and campaign highlights for public sharing. Work with program teams to translate impact data into relatable, inspiring messages.
• Content & Messaging Strategy Create and manage high-quality content (articles, speeches, newsletters) that aligns with the organization’s mission and tone. Assist in shaping talking points for spokespersons and leadership.
• Event & Campaign Promotion Support promotion of events, fundraising campaigns, and community activities through strategic communication efforts. Coordinate media coverage and documentation

Weekly Time Commitment

10+ hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

Join our amazing volunteer team in this flexible opportunity that puts you at the heart of our work supporting blind and partially sighted people. You’ll make taking part in events and carrying out volunteering easier and more enjoyable for our customers and volunteers with sight loss.
You’ll take some of the stress and anxiety out of getting around and taking part in activities as a blind or partially sighted person. The help you give will encourage people to do more.

What you’ll be doing
• Sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals in and around venues, so they can take part in events.
• Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities which range from facilitating a regular community group to delivering a talk about sight loss to a local business. Your role would involve things like guiding; Meeting and greeting at group activities or creating a welcoming and interesting display stand at events.

In this role you will only be helping individuals in places open to the public, often in a group setting. We will provide training in sighted guiding techniques and understanding sight loss.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Event

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference.

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people. • An empathetic and professional manner. • The ability to take the supportive and helpful role.

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

We are looking for trustees who will offer challenges, experience, and expert knowledge to help us think differently. We are looking for individuals who will take an active role in the governance of the Charity and support our expansion objectives - to remain financially stable whilst actively growing our volunteer network, our geographical coverage and our paid services to increase the number of families and young people we can support each year.

Person specification:

• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision.

• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness and ability to devote the necessary time & effort to the role.

• An understanding of, or interest in, special educational needs and disability affecting children and young people and their families.

• Skills to analyse proposals, examine their strategic consequences and make concise recommendations as part of the Board.

• Ability to cooperatively work with the whole team of trustees, and with employees and volunteers.

• Willingness to speak your mind and appropriately challenge other trustees and employees; but also listen to the views of different people before reaching a decision.

• Secure personal access to digital communication technology with an ability to competently and efficiently use those resources.

• Willingness to be available to employees for advice and enquiries on a scheduled or ad-hoc basis.

The ideal applicant would also possess the following:

• Extensive networks, and a willingness to draw on contacts as appropriate.

• Experience of working at a senior management / leadership level.

We are keen to hear from anyone who has a passion for our cause and feels that their experiences and expertise could be beneficial to our Board.

If you would like to be considered, please contact us for an application form link and provide a copy of your CV.

The application process will comprise of a two-stage interview, followed by referencing. We anticipate that successful applicants will be invited to join the Board in Autumn 2025.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Location:Remote

Time commitment:Flexible

Duration:Ongoing (flexible)

Start date:                      October 2025

Application deadline:15 September 2025

1.Our vision

At the International Companion Animal Management Coalition (ICAM), we're driving a global transformation in dog and cat welfare. Our focus is on free-roaming animals - those often labelled as strays or street dogs and cats.

With our global reach, credibility, and expertise, we're not just envisioning change - we're making it happen. Our approach is rooted in science, collaborating with leading academics to ensure our work is always evidence-led.

Through policy work, advocacy, and knowledge exchange, we're transforming lives, one paw at a time. Our coalition unites some of the world's most respected animal welfare organisations, including:

• Humane World for Animals
• RSPCA
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association
• World Animal Protection
• Four Paws
• Dogs Trust
• International Cat Care
• Global Alliance for Rabies Control
• Battersea

Together, we're creating a world where every companion animal lives a life worth living. 

2.About the Positive Cities campaign

Positive Cities is a new global initiative from ICAM, launched at UN-Habitat’s World Urban Forum in November 2024, to support cities in taking practical action for vulnerable street dogs and cats. By signing the Positive Cities pledge, city leaders commit to a series of steps that improve animal welfare, make communities safer, and support the wellbeing of both animals and people.

The campaign is still in its early stages – and strong, thoughtful design will play a vital role in how it's understood, shared, and supported around the world.

3.The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Graphic Designer to help shape the look and feel of ICAM’s online presence and our global Positive Cities campaign. Your work will include creating logos, icons, and visuals for our websites, reports, and digital publications – with a special focus on designs that feature dogs and cats in ways that are creative, honest, and compelling.

You don’t need formal qualifications or agency experience, but you should have a good visual eye and feel confident in your graphic design skills. Whether you’re self-taught, a student, a hobbyist with a strong portfolio, or an early-career professional, we’d love to see what you can do. Proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, or similar is important, along with a good eye for layout, colour, and composition. A basic understanding of things like file formats and resolution is helpful too.

This is a great chance to make a real impact, contribute to an international campaign, and take creative ownership of designs that will be seen by cities, NGOs, and animal advocates around the world.

4.Why ICAM

ICAM is a small but influential international coalition working to improve the lives of companion animals through collaboration, evidence-based policy, and practical support. This voluntary opportunity offers:

·A supportive and friendly environment with space to be creative.

·The chance to shape the look and feel of a campaign launched on the world stage.

·Flexibility – no fixed hours or expectations; you decide what time you can offer.

·Full reimbursement of any agreed expenses.

·Optional opportunities to explore other areas of ICAM’s work and access learning or training resources in areas such as advocacy, policy, communications, or animal welfare.

5.How to Apply 

Please send the following to Patrick Gerard at Patrick [at] icam-coalition [dot] org:

• A CV (maximum 2 pages) highlighting your experience with graphic design, including any relevant tools or projects.
• A short cover letter (maximum 1 page) telling us why this role interests you and what you’d bring to it.
• You're very welcome to include a few samples of your work or a portfolio – especially anything featuring icons, illustrations, or animals.

If you’re unsure whether your background or experience is the right fit, feel free to get in touch and ask – we’re happy to hear from anyone with the right skills and a passion for design.

6.Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity 

ICAM recognises that companion animal welfare is a global concern that affects people from all walks of life. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, marriage, or civil partnership. Our strength lies in the diversity of our coalition and the varied perspectives they bring to our mission.

7.Location

This is a remote voluntary role, so you can be based anywhere in the world. All you need is an internet connection.

Womankind is recruiting reliable and resilient women, who are able to commit to 1-2 daytime hours each week for six months, to join our Volunteer Befriending Service. Befrienders encourage and support vulnerable women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse, empowering them to make their own decisions and improve their mental health and wellbeing so that they can lead more fulfilling lives. 

Training: 

Befrienders attend an initial online meet & greet session and then receive 4 taught sessions of comprehensive training over Zoom. These sessions will take place over 4 weeks, starting in Autumn 2025 (DATES AND TIMES TBC). Befrienders will be expected to complete homestudy in between sessions. You will be part of a team of trainees and benefit from peer support as well as help and guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator. Our training comes with over 30 years of experience working in women’s mental health, giving volunteers the very best preparation for the role, and a support network of like-minded women. 

The Role: 

Upon the completion of training, each volunteer is matched with one woman who has experienced childhood abuse, trauma, sexual violence and/or domestic abuse, and will be experiencing mental ill health and social isolation. 

As a befriender you would be expected to commit 1-2 hours on a weekly basis for 6 months and attend monthly group and individual supervision. Many of our volunteers decide they would like to be matched with another woman after the completion of their first match and continue volunteering with us for another 6 months. 

You and your befriendee would start by getting to know each other gradually. Once you have built up your relationship, you would support her emotionally, using active listening skills and providing her with a space to express her feelings and feel heard. You would help her to believe that she can achieve her goals and have safer relationships. Part of your role would be demonstrating what a healthy and boundaried relationship looks like. 

You: 

You will be enthusiastic and interested in helping another woman improve her mental health and wellbeing so that she can lead a more fulfilling life. You will be friendly and non-judgemental, have good communication skills and be a reliable and patient listener. 

The befriending role can be challenging and emotionally overwhelming at times. Therefore, we need befrienders who have adequate life experience and feel emotionally robust and resilient enough to take on the role. We welcome volunteers with personal experience of mental health and other relevant issues but will require you to have at least a one-year period of stability and ideally to have received professional help like counselling in your recovery. 

As this is a remote service, we welcome applications from women who are based across the UK. 

Please note, there is very limited availability for women who can only volunteer during the evenings and weekends. 

Because of the nature of this role, it is only open to women applicants and is exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 Equalities Act 2010. 

At Womankind we recognise that while women share many characteristics and experiences as a result of living within a patriarchal society, women belonging to marginalised groups experience discrimination on multiple fronts. It is really important to us that the women who use our services feel represented amongst our volunteers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, especially from groups which are marginalised and underrepresented in our organisation, such as working-class women and Black and Minoritised women. 

 What Past Befrienders Say: 

“I loved the training, that was possibly one of my favourite things about this whole experience...it was really thorough. I loved being in a space with like-minded women – and it was also challenging, which I liked.” 

“In terms of supervision and knowledge, how to prepare the role – it was much more prepared, much more in depth than other places I’ve volunteered.” 

“It’s been a pleasure, I love volunteering with you guys. It’s special being part of this – in a world where are so few spaces where you can have a direct impact on someone’s life, doing this role is really special.” 

Closing Date: 31/08/2025 

Job Type: Volunteer 

Work Location: Remote, must be UK-based 

About us

Care4Calais is a volunteer-based charity providing essential aid and support for refugees in France and the UK.

In northern France we operate year-round from Calais, providing warm clothing, bedding, food and assistance to refugees who live in appalling and dangerous conditions. 

Across the UK we collect and distribute clothes, shoes, mobile phones and other essential items, as well as offering social support and interaction, including language lessons, sport and music workshops. We also help with vital access to legal, medical and educational services.

Our Legal Access Department is an access to justice project that exists to arrange critical legal representation for people seeking asylum and, more than this, to support people through the hostility and difficulty of claiming asylum. The department, made up mostly of volunteers, works tirelessly to ensure that people feel informed, empowered, and far less isolated and alone.

The Role

In this busy, hands-on role, you’ll gain an understanding of how the UK asylum system works, enabling us to provide the highest standards of service to those who need us most. Your work will focus on maintaining accurate records, following clear processes, and delivering high-quality support to every one of our vulnerable clients.

This will include working with individuals in UK detention centres. As a Detention Team Volunteer Caseworker, you’ll be speaking to clients impacted by the government’s “one in, one out” policy. You will be taking them through our client questionnaire to gather information important for their referral to legal support.

This role requires a commitment of 10 hours per week distributed evenly across the week.

We’re looking for people with a genuine passion for human rights and refugee protection. If that’s you, please get in touch. This is a fantastic opportunity to help asylum seekers access the legal support they deserve.

Responsibilities include:

• Attend induction, ongoing training and keep up to date with resources and procedure to ensure you can carry out the role effectively and efficiently.
• Able to work independently and manage your time effectively, sometimes working to tight deadlines
• Take on new cases each week, whilst also providing ongoing support to previous clients
• Be organised and accurate with information, with an eye for detail
• Maintaining and updating client records
• Sorting and organising client’s paperwork
• Ability to use spreadsheets, Google Workspace, messaging platforms and secure databases.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate with people who do not have English as their first language, working alongside interpreters to ensure clients understand the process
• An understanding of the traumatic experiences that our clients have been through and the emotional resilience to cope with this
• Liaising with other professionals including lawyers and Migrant Help
• Professional and dedicated to ensure that the best interests of the clients and Care4Calais are represented at all times
• Attend regular team meetings and contribute effectively
• Understand the remit of the role, we do not give legal advice, we are a referral mechanism
• Following safeguarding procedures and reporting safeguarding incidents appropriately
• Referring clients to other teams within the organisation, when necessary
• Keeping your line manager updated on any issues which may impact your ability to carry out the role effectively.
• Maintaining communication with the management team throughout your role, available for regular check-ins to ensure the best service is provided to our clients.
• To participate in promoting the work of the legal access team as directed by the management team
• Comitting to your weekly volunteering hours

To apply please provide a covering letter outlining why you want to volunteer for the Legal Access team, and why you think you would be suitable for this role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Ability to work sensitively and effectively with a diverse range of clients, demonstrating cultural competence, respect and compassion.

• Resilience in the face of challenging and emotionally demanding situations, with a positive and solution-oriented mindset.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.

• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative.

• Strong working knowledge of Google Workspace.

Preferable Criteria:

• Proficiency in one or more of the languages spoken within asylum seeking communities, such as but not limited to Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Kurdish Sorani, Tigrinya, Amharic is a strong asset. 

• Having experience of the asylum system in the UK is a strong asset.

• Experience working with vulnerable communities

Lived Experience Inclusion:

We are an anti-racist organisation and a proud member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network (EBE), which aims to create a charitable sector led by individuals with lived experience of the asylum system.

As part of our membership, we are dedicated to creating inclusive employment practices that recognise and accommodate the unique circumstances and strengths of people with lived experience. We actively move away from a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring our recruitment processes are fair, supportive, and accessible.

We warmly encourage applicants with lived experience to make use of the guidance and resources available on the EBE website (ebeemployment)

In addition, applicants with lived experience are welcome to connect with the EBE support team for tailored assistance with completing the application form and, where available, one-to-one interview preparation. 

Importantly, we recognise the significant cultural, linguistic, and experiential insights that individuals with lived experience of the UK asylum system bring to this role. As such, all applicants from this background who meet the essential criteria will be automatically shortlisted and invited to interview.

Are you passionate about the power of creativity? Volunteer with Little Green Pig as a Story Mentor or Illustrator Mentor.

Mentors work alongside our workshop leaders, providing children and young people, aged 7-18 with in-depth support, helping to create a safe space for them to write for pleasure and purpose.

At Little Green Pig we believe that offering children and young people the opportunity to develop writing skills and invest in their imaginations can truly change their lives. It’s a vital form of self-expression that builds confidence, communication and literacy skills - and it’s fun!

We’re looking for volunteer Story Mentors and Illustrator Mentors to support our after-school clubs and on-off projects in Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne and across Sussex. Please note that these roles are in-person only at various community-based locations.

We’d love to hear from you if you’re:

• Aged 16+

• Based in Sussex

• Patient, enthusiastic and passionate about creativity

• Interested in working with children and young people

• Looking for a fun and fulfilling way to learn new skills and connect with other people.

No training necessary as full training will be given. DBS check and travel expenses provided.

Main purpose of job: To host our Parent/Carer online community support group as part of Mast Cell Actions community support services.

Key tasks include:

· Host support sessions with professionalism and enthusiasm.

· Moderate Q&A sessions, and facilitate audience interaction to keep participants engaged.

· Manage technical aspects of virtual events, to ensure smooth execution.

· Take the register and send post event emails using our bespoke event platform

· Raise safeguarding concerns using internal processes and procedures. Training will be provided

· Maintain confidentiality and follow charity policies and procedures

· Undertake relevant training

Key Objectives Include:

· The main purpose of this role is to facilitate and host our Parent/Carer Support Sessions alongside another volunteer

· Host support sessions in a manner that captivates and engages the audience, keeping them interested and actively participating throughout the event.

· Reassure and validate participants' experiences whilst encouraging story-sharing.

· Manage the technical aspects of virtual events proficiently.

· Represent Mast Cell Action professionally at all times, demonstrating strong communication skills, reliability, and adaptability in a virtual environment.

Experience/skills required:

· Proven experience as a virtual event host, moderator, or similar role is desirable but not essential as we can train you.

· Must have personal experience of being a parent or carer for a child with MCAS or suspected MCAS