Communications volunteer roles

About The Role

Volunteers are integral to the running of our Welney reserve and visitor centre and without their help we wouldn’t be able to welcome our visitors to this amazing 1300 acre wetland of international importance. Our volunteer team are friendly and committed, and say they benefit by gaining new experiences, meeting new people and sharing the story of our work.

At WWT Welney Wetland Centre we want to ensure that our visitors receive a warm, friendly welcome to ensure they have a memorable visit to our Visitor Centre and Reserve. In this role, you will be helping to bring people of all ages and backgrounds closer to wetland wildlife, by providing assistance for visitors to explore the reserve and learn about WWT’s pioneering wetland conservation work, to save wetlands for wildlife and people. In this role you will support the delivery of a range of interactive visitor engagement activities, including guided walks, and other seasonal activities, drawing people in by telling engaging stories about our work and inspiring people to support us as members of the WWT.

On a day-to-day basis, you’ll be answering visitor questions, helping them to navigate the reserve, and identifying basic wildlife. You'll get regular briefings to keep you up to date with what's going on at the centre, and we can offer coaching to help you feel more confident talking to our visitors and leading guided activities.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us or leave us a message. 

About You

This role will suit you if you have a positive, friendly, can-do attitude and are committed to delivering excellent customer service. Welney has a close-working team, however, the ability to work under your own initiative and being self-motivated during quieter times is also needed. You’ll have a real interest in and enthusiasm for WWT’s work, nature and the outdoors and can share this with others. Having, or being happy to develop, the confidence to engage our visitors simply and effectively around their needs is also a key part of this role, being a good communicator in English (other languages are also useful!).

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

Practicalities

Where will you be based? Welney Wetland Centre

Who will you volunteer with? Visitor Engagement Team, Events & Marketing Officer

Time commitment?  We are looking for volunteers who can ideally commit to one day a week on a regular basis. Shifts are from 9.15am to 3pm, with suitable breaks. However, we will mutually agree the hours that you can contribute.

We want your volunteering to be a positive and fun experience. You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and other information you need. This will include risk assessments based on your role and any particular support you need. Volunteers receive access to our sites, and discounts in our shops and cafes. Some roles include a uniform or require the use of equipment or protective clothing. If you are based at a particular site or office location, you’ll need to be able to get yourself there and back. Information on locations can be found on our website. We will keep you up to date with what’s happening across WWT and the difference you will be helping to make happen.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role...

Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our Collection Box Volunteers help us raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

What can I expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• Researching local shops, pubs and businesses to place Collection Boxes
• Delivering Collection Boxes to locations
• Recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters
• Collecting and replacing Collection boxes when they're full
• Sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of Volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathy to cats and our values
• Good communication skills
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Confidence in handling money

How much time is expected of me?

Our Collection Tin Volunteer role is very flexible and can be completed at your own pace, independently with our dedicated support.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

Lead with Heart: Become SUNSHINE's Charity Manager!

Are you an exceptional leader with a passion for positive change? Do you dream of using your management skills to build a thriving community and spread joy? SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, starting our exciting journey and we're looking for an inspiring Charity Manager to help us get off the ground and truly shine!

We believe in the power of connection – of bringing people together to spread joy, build community spirit, and transform lives. From fostering new friendships to enhancing well-being, our mission is to create a ripple effect of positivity, one meaningful connection at a time.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a vital new organisation. As our volunteer, Charity Manager, you'll be instrumental in guiding our mission, supported every step of the way by our Founder and dedicated Board of Trustees. Your exceptional leadership skills will be crucial in managing our operations, coordinating our wonderful volunteers, and ensuring our programmes effectively bring people together and make a real difference.

Imagine the profound satisfaction of leading a team dedicated to spreading happiness, the pride of seeing our initiatives flourish under your guidance, and the immense impact you'll have on countless lives. This isn't just volunteering; it's an invitation to be a strategic leader, a community builder, and the driving force behind a truly heartwarming cause.

Ready to lead with heart and help us light up the world? Join the SUNSHINE family today!

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Chair of Board of Trustees

About The Connection at St Martin’s

Our vision:

We believe that no one should have to sleep rough on London’s streets, and that everyone should get the support they need to find a place to call home.

Our mission:

We support people sleeping rough to find a way off London’s streets. We get to know every person we work with, understanding what they need to recover.

Trusting relationships are at the heart of everything we do, with our clients and our colleagues. It is vital that the way we work provides the conditions to facilitate these relationships. We have agreed 4 core cultural traits which guide our day to day behaviour at The Connection. These are Curious, Safe, Together and Motivated.

About the Role

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Connection achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that The Connection has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision and mission.

While trustees share collective responsibility, the Chair of the Board of Trustees leads the board, ensuring it functions effectively and fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the charity.

The Chair also acts as a lead point of contact with the Chief Executive, providing line management—as well as support and challenge. In the context of the cross-site community at St Martin-in-the-Fields and externally, the Chair plays an important ambassadorial role for The Connection

The Board of Trustees at the Connection have adopted the Charity Governance Code for larger charities which sets out the principles and key elements of good governance. Trustees will support the integration of the key principles of the Code which are described under the following areas: organisational purpose; leadership; integrity; decision making, risk and control; board effectiveness; equality, diversity and inclusion; openness and accountability.

The Connection at St Martin in the Fields is a company limited by guarantee, therefore each Trustee is also a company director and must fulfil the legal and financial responsibilities required under the Company Act 2006.

Full role description can be found on our website
Closing Date: Friday 4th July
Interview Date: First round (online) – w/c 14th July. Second round (in person) – w/c 28th July.

Fundraisers wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in developing and implementing our fundraising strategy.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for fundraisers to contribute to our community-led fundraising strategy, to develop relationships with funders and to write funding applications. 

You would join our fundraising circle, which coordinates our fundraising efforts. It is currently exploring grant opportunities and developing relationships with businesses and other funders. We meet online on Google Meet and volunteers complete agreed tasks remotely. 

If you have experience in writing grants and funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you. 

We are keen fundraisers but we are lacking professional expertise and experience and we would love your help and input. We would welcome one-off advice on the phone or in person, as well as longer term volunteers. 

We would also love to hear from potential volunteers without experience but with transferable skills.

East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project. Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen, so you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.

Join Us as a Volunteer Champion and Make a Difference!

Did you know that 18% of adults in England struggle with reading below a 9–11-year-old level? Or that 54% of the UK’s working-age population has low numeracy skills?

Here in Hartlepool and Tees Valley, we're committed to changing this. We're working to ensure that adults who struggle with reading or numeracy can access the support they need to improve these essential skills.

We’re looking for a Volunteer Champion to represent us locally. In this role, you’ll connect with key local stakeholders and partners to help bring our Turning Pages (literacy) and Count Me In (numeracy) programmes to the people who need them most.

These one-to-one programmes are free, tailored specifically for adults, and have already made a real difference to people’s lives.

Why get involved?

Transform Lives: Help people gain the skills they need to access education, training, and employment.

Support Communities: Improving someone’s skills doesn’t just benefit them — it has a ripple effect on the wider community.

Be a Local Changemaker: This is your chance to make a real impact where you live.

We don't need you to have any formal qualifications to volunteer with us; this role may appeal to you if you have a background in areas such as community networking, partnerships, sales, management. We think this is an exciting chance for you to make a really big impact. You will receive a full induction and training, as well as ongoing support and supervision from us.

If you're passionate about helping others and want to support your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date: 22 June Interview dates: w/c 30 June

Please note: this role covers areas in Worcestershire and Herefordshire only. 

Relevant Persons Representative (RPR) Volunteers ‘looks out’ for an older or disabled person living in a Residential and Nursing care home, making sure they are getting the right care and support and are being treated fairly. This role provides support for people with a Deprivation Of Liberty Safeguard (DOLS) in place. A DOLS is a deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding meaning the person you support is unable to leave of their own free will. A DOLS is put in place to protect individuals from harm or abuse. 

Benefits of volunteering with Advocacy Services

• Be part of a growing charity with ever expanding exciting new projects!
• You are provided with FREE training
• Reimbursed for public transport fair and/ or partial mileage costs
• Get experience in the field of mental health
• References are available from us on request
• Fulfilment in helping your local community
• Meet new and likeminded people - we hold regular volunteer catch ups to have your say and meet other volunteers
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme benefits

Overview of Onside

ONSIDE is an independent charity promoting the rights and interests of people facing disadvantage. We believe that everyone is entitled to fair, equal treatment and opportunity. Our skilled staff and volunteers make a real difference to the lives of over 11,000 people a year across Worcestershire and Herefordshire. 

Work Type: Hybrid
Location: Remote & In-Person (London-based office)
Role Type: Voluntary (Unpaid, with expenses covered)
Status: Actively Interviewing

Time Commitment & Work Schedule:

• First Month:

  • 16 hours total (4 hours per week on Tuesdays)

  • Office-based every Tuesday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM to shadow the current Project Manager (Michelle)

• Ongoing (After Month 1):

  • 2–3 hours per week on Tuesdays (remote/office-based as needed)

  • Attendance at weekly Jumping Beans team meetings every Tuesday from 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (online)

• Additional Requirements:

  • Required to be in the office at least two weeks before each school holiday period for planning and final confirmations

  • Must attend at least 2–3 Jumping Beans sessions per term

About the Role:

Are you an organised and proactive individual passionate about community-led programmes that support children and families? We are looking for a dedicated Volunteer Project Manager to oversee and lead our Jumping Beans Team—a vibrant, child-focused initiative offering enriching experiences for local families.

Key Responsibilities:

General Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Jumping Beans Team to ensure project success

• Coordinate and chair weekly Tuesday evening meetings

• Track team tasks, monitor progress, and ensure timely delivery

• Report regularly to the leadership team

• Collaborate across departments to align project goals and resource needs

On-Site Responsibilities During Jumping Beans Sessions:

1. Staff & Volunteer Coordination

• Brief staff and volunteers on the day’s plan and their roles

• Ensure child-to-staff ratios are maintained

• Manage volunteer and staff attendance

• Act as the main point of contact for staff and volunteer concerns

2. Activity Oversight

• Ensure activities run on schedule and engage children effectively

• Troubleshoot or adapt plans as needed

• Confirm all materials and equipment are prepared

3. Child Safety & Welfare

• Oversee child sign-in/sign-out

• Monitor for safeguarding issues and respond appropriately

• Manage minor incidents and maintain accurate records

• Ensure the venue is safe, clean, and child-friendly

4. Communication

• Welcome and update parents, address any concerns

• Serve as liaison between staff, children, parents, and visitors

• Escalate significant issues to senior leadership

5. Logistics & Administration

• Manage session supplies and resources

• Track attendance, consent forms, and incident logs

• Ensure awareness of allergies and special requirements

• Uphold all safeguarding, emergency, and first aid policies

6. Evaluation & Reporting

• Take note of successes and areas for improvement

• Gather informal feedback from children, parents, and staff

• Report session outcomes to leadership

Qualifications & Experience:

• Previous experience in project management or team leadership (paid or voluntary)

• Excellent organisational, communication, and time management skills

• Creative thinker with strong problem-solving abilities

• Experience working with or supporting children or families is a plus

Benefits & Impact:

• Help bring joy, structure, and support to children and families

• Gain valuable experience in project and team management

• Be part of a passionate, values-driven team

• Expand your network through connections with community leaders

• Personal and professional growth through hands-on leadership

Apply Now
Make a real impact in your community and develop leadership skills that last a lifetime.

Trailblazers’ mission is to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures and the charity has been providing mentoring services to people in prison since 1998. We provide support to men between the ages of 18 - 35 in custody who have 6 months left of their prison sentence, and then 'through the gate' into their community for up to 12 months.

In the West Midlands, services are delivered near Wolverhampton at HMPYOI Brinsford. We are looking for volunteer mentors who can spare half a day per week to support young men to change their life by acting as an inspirational role model and helping with goal setting. Mentoring sessions usually last 1 hour per week; allowing enough time for travel and liaising with Trailblazers staff will take about half a day.

Your support will help a young man to reconnect with his own community, friends and loved ones, go into education, training and employment, and to give a person a sense of hope for the future. As a charity we are reliant on volunteers; with your help we can continue to support people in prison to make and change to their lives, their family and wider society. We welcome all skill sets within Trailblazers as we work with a diverse group of men, all we ask if you have a genuine passion for social change and that you can commit to at least 1 young man for up to 12 months, so they have a consistent person in their life - something that some of our mentees have never had. The national average re-offending rate for a person leaving prison is up to 55%, the rate for those who have a Trailblazers mentor is lowered to 9%. 

We are actively looking for people to join our mentoring community with lived experience of the criminal justice system, underrepresented groups from BAME community, creative arts, business skills, wellbeing - whatever your skills and background we are open to hear from you to support our diverse group of men.Out of pocket expenses are covered as well as training to equip you for your role. More information and the application form can be found on the website. 

Role activities:

• To provide a positive role model for people in prison and in their own community, to be empathic and to have a desire and commitment to support people to fulfil their potential.

• To attend and participate fully in the initial and ongoing mentor training.

• To attend group support/supervision meetings and review performance within mentoring relationships.

• To complete mentoring session notes relevant to the mentoring service for monitoring purposes.

• To take part in introductory meetings with mentees and set ground rules and boundaries.

• To report safeguarding concerns immediately.

• To follow relevant policies and procedures. 

• To perform your role in line with the aims of the organisation.

• To meet with and actively develop a supportive relationship with mentees.

• Be prepared to travel and undertake visits for mentoring sessions. 

• To make the necessary practical arrangements to meet the mentee on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

• Assist the mentee to celebrate their achievements.

• Support the mentee to meet identified goals.

• Develop an understanding of the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a volunteer mentor.

• Be committed to the project for a minimum of 12 months.

• Regular communication with Trailblazers staff in support of your mentee. 

Skills/behaviours/knowledge required:

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and challenges faced by mentees (Desirable) full training will be given. 

• Awareness of own professional boundaries and the ability to report any concerns within the mentoring relationship that could be pertinent to risk to the mentee, or to others. 

• To be an advocate for a mentee and to actively seek opportunities for mentees for resettlement back into their own community in conjunction with Trailblazers staff. 

• To be non-judgmental, focus on the person rather than the offense. 

• Professional but relatable with strong communication skills. 

• Awareness of adversity and how to overcome barriers to build a supportive network around the mentee. 

• Basic IT skills. 

• Be able to take advice and guidance from Trailblazers staff. 

Criteria: 

• Over 21. 

• We encourage applications from those with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System but you must be off licence for a minimum of 12 months, and not in crisis yourself. 

• You cannot apply to a project if you have been a resident in the same prison yourself. 

• A good level of fitness to able to move around a prison at fast past that does include stairs 

• Due to security checks at the prison you must be a British citizen.     

• Not committed an offense where you are barred from working with vulnerable adults or children. 

• Live within a 30-mile radius from the prison at which you would like to volunteer.

About Roots Academy 

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 2,000 students across the UK, Canada, Australia & USA.

Position Summary:

As a Content Creator, you will play a vital role in visually narrating our journey, mission, and impact. You will be responsible for filming, photographing, editing, and producing engaging content for our website, social media, and marketing campaigns.

Key Responsibilities:

Videography & Photography:

• Plan, shoot, and edit high-quality videos and photos for digital platforms, events, and promotional materials.

• Capture key moments at Roots Academy campuses, events, and student experiences.

• Ensure all content aligns with Roots Academy’s brand identity, values, and messaging.

Editing & Production:

• Edit videos and images using professional software

• Add graphics, animations, subtitles, and effects to enhance storytelling.

• Maintain a consistent visual style across all platforms.

Content Strategy & Social Media:

• Collaborate with the marketing team to create engaging visual content for social media, website, and digital campaigns.

• Stay up-to-date with content trends, video styles, and social media best practices.

• Suggest creative ideas for short-form (Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts) and long-form video content.

Project Management:

• Organize and manage content shoots, including scheduling, locations, and logistics.

• Maintain and manage photography and videography equipment, ensuring quality and readiness.

Preferred Experience:

• Marketing & Branding

  • Some experience in digital marketing, social media, or event promotion.

  • Basic knowledge of social media management, and content creation.

• Experience with Muslim Student Associations (MSAs) or Islamic Societies (ISOCs) as a member, volunteer, or organizer.

• Comfortable engaging with Muslim communities and student networks.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Marketing Skills: Proven expertise in brand strategy, digital marketing, and campaign management.

• Creative Storyteller: You have a keen eye for capturing powerful moments and translating them into compelling visual stories.

• Innovative: Demonstrated ability to drive growth through innovative and data-driven marketing strategies

• Community-Oriented: A deep understanding of the Muslim community in Ontario, especially in relation to university students and local mosques.

• Relationship Building: Proven experience in building and maintaining meaningful relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.

• Project Management: Strong organisational skills with the ability to support program delivery efficiently.

• Communication: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences, from students to community leaders.

• Commitment to Ihsaan: This role requires someone who strives to deliver their responsibilities with ihsaan.

• Dedication to Service: A heart for khidma (service), and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young Muslims through education.

What We Offer:

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers from across the globe.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Receive in-house Tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

Please Note: This is an unpaid volunteer position. Volunteers can claim expenses for food, travel, and equipment in line with the Expenses Policy.

We are seeking a creative and results-driven Social Media Volunteer to join our new community interest company. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing effective social media strategies to enhance our online presence, engage with our audience, and promote our brand. This role requires a strong understanding of social media management and public relations, as well as the ability to create compelling content that resonates with our target market. We are also looking for someone who has a genuine interest in counselling, therapy or mental health.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage social media strategies across various platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Create engaging content tailored to different audiences and platforms, ensuring alignment with brand messaging.
• Monitor social media channels for trends, customer feedback, and engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to integrate social media efforts with broader marketing campaigns.
• Analyse performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of social media initiatives and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Engage with followers by responding to comments and messages in a timely manner.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in social media management and public relations.
• Assist in the development of public relations strategies that align with social media efforts.

Requirements

• Experience in social media management or a similar role is not essential, but we are looking for someone with genuine interest in developing their skills and abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an eye for detail.
• Proficiency in using social media management tools and analytics platforms.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Creative thinking skills with the ability to generate innovative ideas for content creation.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

If you are passionate about social media and eager to make an impact through engaging content, we would love to hear from you!

URBAN YOUTH - VOLUNTEER WITH US!

New Start-Up - New Beginning - Endless Opportunities

Are you passionate about empowering young people and coordinating impactful services? Urban Youth is looking for a dedicated and proactive Youth Programme Manager or Youth Work Lead to join our team as a volunteer. In this role, you’ll help shape and oversee the delivery of engaging, meaningful youth programmes that inspire and uplift young people across London, including virtual/remote/online and satellite services, as well as outreach, detached youth work and centre based activities.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and Manage our Youth Services, by overseeing the planning and delivery of youth programmes, ensuring activities run smoothly and meet the needs of young people within the community.

• Support Young People, by building strong relationships with young people, acting as a key point of contact for their feedback and supporting their personal development.

• Collaborate with our Teams, by working closely with our volunteers, mentors, and other team members to ensure the effective coordination of services. This includes sourcing, mentoring and managing volunteers.

• Promote Engagement, by developing strategies to encourage young people to participate in Urban Youth’s activities, fostering inclusivity and belonging.

• Monitor and Evaluate, by tracking the success of programmes, collecting feedback to continuously improve the quality and impact of our services.

• Build Partnerships, by engaging with local schools, community organisations, and other stakeholders to expand our reach and enhance service delivery. This includes satelite services with other charities and orgnaisations.

We're Urban Youth

Urban Youth is an exciting and vibrant new start-up youth work organisation based in London, passionate about empowering London's youth to get involved, discover their path, and shape their destiny. Our vibrant community organisation is dedicated to uplifting young people through engaging, impactful youth work activities that inspire growth, connection, and self-discovery.

JOIN US AT URBAN YOUTH

Get Involved | Discover YOUR Path | Shape YOUR Destiny

Various locations (Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland)

SUMMARY

Prison volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work. Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.

Our prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as to provide information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills and tasks will vary slightly from prison to prison.

Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work ideally requires not only a good level of needlework skill but also some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively.

This document describes the role of prison volunteering teams as a whole. Individuals who do not have all the skills described below may find a role alongside other volunteers who do.

PURPOSE

• Developing stitchers’ skills and confidence
• Acting as FCW ambassadors in the prison
• Building effective working relationships with prison staff, stitchers, and other volunteers
• Providing information to the FCW office for administrative and evaluative purposes

ACTIVITIES

Teaching and support

• Teaching prisoners to stitch FCW products using our premade kits
• Encouraging and supporting stitchers to take on responsibility as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake our accredited training courses with the Open College Network

Admin and liaison

• Ensuring a supply of kits and training materials appropriate to stitchers’ individual skill levels and learning needs
• Returning completed kits to the FCW office with invoices
• Regularly communicating with the Fine Cell Work programmes team

Monitoring and information-gathering

• Ensuring accurate record keeping of stitchers' pay, productivity and progress 
• Occasionally gathering other information requested by the office

Meetings/training

• Participating in occasional volunteer meetings
• Participating in training and workshops as requested by FCW or the prison

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED

Essential

• Support for FCW’s ethos
• Ability to observe boundaries in personal behaviour
• Teamwork
• Experience of tapestry and/or embroidery techniques
• Reliability, patience and flexibility
• Accurate record-keeping
• Access to the internet
• Able to use email and word processors to a basic level
• Ability to travel to prison

Desirable

• Teaching experience and/or experience of working with vulnerable and socially excluded groups
• Able to use spreadsheets to a basic level
• Access to a car

You must be over 18 to carry out this role.

COMMITMENT REQUIRED

Prison volunteers generally run classes for two hours every 2 weeks.

With travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set 
 aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

We hope that most prison-based volunteers will be able to commit themselves to working with us for at least a year or two as this allows time for group participants to complete qualifications and develop their skills to a high standard.

LOCATION

Volunteers work in prisons around the UK dependant on where groups are based.

SUPERVISION AND COMMUNICATION

Each group has a lead volunteer who reports to the Volunteer & Programmes Manager at the Fine Cell Work office however we do encourage regular communication between the programmes team and all volunteers.

We also have regular reflective practice sessions for prison volunteers which take place on Zoom every other month.

BENEFITS

Fine Cell Work will cover your travel costs and out-of-pocket expenses related to posting kits to the office. We can also pay out-of-pocket expenses for purchasing materials and other items, but you must agree this in advance with the Production team at Head Office.

We provide induction training before you start volunteering in prison, and training thereafter at intervals throughout the year.

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