Communications volunteer volunteer volunteer roles
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?
Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.
We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.
Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.
Volunteer recruitment dates
The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.
Training:
You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.
Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:
-
17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
-
24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)
You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.
Why we want you
Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.
What you will be doing
- Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
- Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
- Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
- Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
- Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
- Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
- Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
- Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
- Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
- Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
- Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering
The skills you need
- A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
- Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
- Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
- Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
- Able to manage own time and prioritise
- Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
- Able to use IT
What's in it for you
- Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
- Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
- You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
- All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
- We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
- We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role
Disclaimer
In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoy multi-tasking and coordinating events? Is attention to detail one of your strengths? If so, we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need an Armed Forces background, just good organisation, and IT skills.
What is an Administration Coordinator?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas, each delivering support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Every branch has a team of volunteers who make this possible.
The Administrator Coordinator is a key member of the team, ensuring the smooth running of the branch and supporting day to day operations. This role is at the heart of the branch, overseeing the group inbox, organising meetings, and liaising with volunteers and external stakeholders.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
We aim to provide financial, practical, and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need excellent administrators to keep things running efficiently behind the scenes.
What would you be doing?
· Every SSAFA Branch has different needs, however, below are the main activities of a Branch Administration Coordinator.
· Overseeing enquiries: Overseeing the administration of the branch shared inbox and post, ensuring queries are answered.
· Getting people together: Organising internal meetings, both virtually and face to face
· Planning and organising: Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to arrange events such as the Branch Annual General Meeting
· Note taking and recording: Maintaining accurate records of meetings and decisions.
· Communicating: Supporting the Branch Chair with internal communications, keeping other volunteers up to date and informed
· Tracking and ordering: Keeping a record of branch assets, ordering stationery, and ensuring maintenance of equipment
· Supporting health and safety: Supporting the Branch Chair with administration of personal, office and event risk assessments where required
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
· Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
· Give back to the Armed Forces community.
· Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across your local area.
· Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
· Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would I receive?
· Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
· Local induction and support, from other branch volunteers
· Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
· Support from regional volunteering and operations employees
· Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
· Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
· Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
· Some experience of coordinating people or events is beneficial.
· Good IT skills e.g., confident using email and online diaries– you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
· Respectful and non-judgemental approach.
· Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
· This role would suit someone who would like to volunteer regularly, each week.
· We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA takes the utmost care at every step of volunteer recruitment to ensure that the people we involve are suitable and appropriate. All measures taken are to help make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
Are references required? Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
Digital Marketing Manager Volunteer
Remote Volunteer
ZAKKI is a social startup focusing on creating an inclusive community for the elderly and people with disabilities. Our mission is to facilitate alms and donations collection and distribution to help the elderly and people with disabilities who work in the informal sector to get better livelihood through micro-business management, giving them greater market exposure.
Currently, we are still redesigning ZAKKI fully function product. We are expecting to develop the ZAKKI fully function product in the upcoming years.
ZAKKI is a non-profit foundation, and all ZAKKI teams and volunteers do not receive a salary. In return, the volunteer can enlist their contribution as part of ZAKKI as their portfolio during executing the project and upon the project completion. Furthermore, English proficiency will be required as the central communication, both in the documentation and verbal communication.
ZAKKI provides equal volunteering opportunity for everyone regardless of age, sex/gender, color, race, creed, nationality/origin, marital status, sexual orientation, political belief, or disability that does not prohibit essential performance job functions. All matters relating to volunteering are based upon one's ability to perform the job, as well as one's dedication to ZAKKI's Mission and needs.
As a digital marketing volunteer, you will also need to:
• Create and implement effective social media strategies
• Assist with email marketing for campaigns
• Creating monthly reports
• Support our digital marketing team
• Assist with social media campaigns
• Assist with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a must
• Assist with Search Engine Marketing (SEM) is a must
• Produce website and social media content
• Complete other administrative tasks as needed
• Prepare weekly updates and reports to track growth and success rates of campaigns
• Implement marketing strategies
Qualifications:
• Ability to take initiative, employ good judgment, and manage projects from beginning to end
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Exceptional ability to manage details
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to meet deadlines and to anticipate next steps or needs
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Understands and can utilize emerging platforms, digital media, and web/social media management and measurement tools (e.g. HootSuite, Google Analytics)
• Strong working knowledge of email marketing applications
• Experience using Adobe Photoshop and other content creation tools
• Graphic design skills
• Computer skills
This is an unpaid volunteership.
Interested applicant required to fill up this Google Form, based on the team he/she interested to be part of;
https://forms.gle/QzsA56SJZvCxFBey8
select role DIGITAL MARKETING
To become a socially-based technology platform with integrity, setting trends and assisting others in making the world a better place for everyone
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
What will you do?
• Explore different ways of fundraising to help the local Citizens Advice obtain money, either for specific things, or for ongoing running costs of the local Citizens Advice
• Help organise fundraising events to raise money from the local community and encourage volunteers and staff to get involved
• Create materials, such as newsletters or presentations, which can be used to raise the profile of the local Citizens Advice and for raising money
• Explore other ways of fundraising, including identifying new sources of funding from organisations
• Help to build relationships with local organisations or businesses
• Help staff put together some information to send to potential funders and to complete applications for funding bids
What is in it for you?
• Make a real difference to people’s lives
• Learn about a range of issues such as benefits, debt, employment and housing
• Build on valuable skills such as communication and problem solving, and increase your employability
• Work with a range of different people, independently, in a team and within your local community
• Have a positive impact in your community. And we’ll reimburse expenses too.
What do you need to have? You don’t need specific qualifications and skills, but you’ll need to:
• Be friendly and approachable • Be non-judgemental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• Have a positive attitude towards fundraising
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Have good IT skills
• Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• Be willing to undertake training in your role
How much time do you need to give?
We can be flexible about the time spent and how often you volunteer so come and talk to us.
Valuing Inclusion
Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from racially minoritised people, people with colour, disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBTQ+ and nonbinary people.
If you are interested in becoming a fundraising volunteer and would like to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you, please contact us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.
Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.
We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work:
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.
About Youth Club:
Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games.
Youth club takes place at Tooting Hub- Beechcroft Road, Tooting, SW17 7B
About the Role:
CARAS is looking for volunteer Football Assistants to support our Football sessions on Mondays, 5.30-7pm in Balham.
Football coaching sessions are led by Fulham FC Kicks programme weekly, supported by CARAS volunteers to offer welcome to young people.
Volunteer tasks and responsibilities
· Welcoming young people to the session;
· Helping young people to register for sessions;
· Join in and be role model for young refugees and asylum seekers;
· Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;
· Following FULHAM FC safeguarding policy and CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management, online communications and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
Essential
· To be 18 years or older;
· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;
· To be reliable and punctual;
· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;
· The ability to volunteer on Monday evenings for a minimum of four months;
· Currently resident in the UK;
- A love of football, and wanting to encourage others to play.
· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check (residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);
· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to start of role
Desirable
· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).
Through volunteering with us you will:
· Meet new members of your local community;
· Learn about different cultures;
· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
- Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering
· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
· Develop your skills and competencies;
· Be able to access relevant training;
We provide firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer: The PR Officer of Hidayah plays a vital role in raising the profile of the organisation. The PR Officer will take the lead in managing relationships with external media, agencies, and partners to help Hidayah achieve its strategic aims. The PR officer will work closely with the Chair and two digital trustees, and focus on increasing visibility, strengthening our public image, and supporting advocacy through effective communication.
What are the key responsibilities of this role?
This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:
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Act as the main point of contact for external media outlets, journalists, and PR agencies on behalf of Hidayah.
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Work with the Chair to help implement their media strategy and PR aims.
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Draft, review and issue press releases, statements, and media content as needed.
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Identify media opportunities that can help platform Hidayah’s work, voices, and campaigns.
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Cultivate and manage relationships with media partners, influencers, and relevant organisations.
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Provide PR advice and guidance to the Chair and help ensure consistent messaging.
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Contribute to the development of key messaging and ensure alignment with organisational policies and values.
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Help monitor media coverage and report back to the Chair on PR impact and reach.
What do we expect from the PR Officer of Hidayah?
Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:
Knowledge:
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Experience in PR, communications, journalism, or media relations, ideally in the voluntary, charity or advocacy sector.
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Understanding of media landscapes, both mainstream and community-based, with an awareness of LGBTQ+ and/or faith-sensitive contexts.
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Knowledge of reputation management and crisis communications.
Personality:
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Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
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Ability to represent Hidayah with professionalism, sensitivity, and integrity.
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Friendly, enthusiastic, dedicated, and committed to Hidayah’s mission and values.
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Creative thinker who can identify innovative ways to promote Hidayah’s work.
Personal Skills:
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Strong writing and editing skills for creating press releases and media content.
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Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with external partners.
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Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, equality and diversity in communications.
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Ability to respond to media challenges and opportunities with diplomacy and care.
Administration Skills:
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Organised and methodical in managing media contacts and communications records.
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Competence in using email, social media platforms, and shared systems such as Google Drive.
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Ability to draft reports on PR activity for Board meetings.
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Familiarity with digital tools to track media coverage and public engagement.
How much commitment is required?
We are flexible around your own schedule. One average the role will require 2-4 hours per week. The following commitments are in place for all Hidayah volunteers:
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To be available for media requests or to coordinate timely responses as needed.
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To support Hidayah events through PR activity and promotion.
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To help with fundraising efforts by securing media coverage for campaigns and initiatives.
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To check and respond to PR-related emails promptly.
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To maintain clear records of media engagement and press materials in the organisation’s shared systems (Google Drive).
Our mission is to provide support and welfare for LGBTQI+ Muslims
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?
Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.
We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.
Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.
Volunteer recruitment dates
The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.
Training:
You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.
**Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying: **
-
17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)
-
24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams))
-
3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)
-
24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)
You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.
More Information
Why we want you
Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.
What you will be doing
- Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
- Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
- Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
- Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
- Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
- Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
- Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
- Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
- Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
- Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
- Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering
The skills you need
- A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
- Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
- Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
- Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
- Able to manage own time and prioritise
- Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
- Able to use IT
What's in it for you
- Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
- Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
- You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
- All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
- We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
- We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role
Disclaimer
In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.
Please note you must be over 18 to volunteer with us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.
Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.
What you will do as a prison volunteer:
- Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
- Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
- Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
- Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.
Who we are looking for:
- Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
- Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
- Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
- Someone who is an excellent team worker.
- Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.
Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.
You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.
Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers.
At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?
Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.
We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.
Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.
Volunteer recruitment dates
The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.
Training:
You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.
Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:
-
17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)
-
24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams))
-
3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)
-
24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)
You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.
Why we want you
Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.
What you will be doing
- Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
- Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
- Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
- Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
- Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
- Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
- Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
- Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
- Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
- Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
- Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering
The skills you need
- A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
- Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
- Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
- Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
- Able to manage own time and prioritise
- Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
- Able to use IT
What's in it for you
- Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
- Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are reimbursed
- You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
- All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
- We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
- We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role
Disclaimer
In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.
Please note you must be over 18 to volunteer with us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role Description:
This role sits within our new Coproduction and Transformation Project
The role of the Co-Production Volunteer is central to the success of the Co-Production and Transformation and Engagement Project. Volunteers bring lived experience, local knowledge, and critical perspectives to support the redesign of mental health services, so they are inclusive, accessible, and rooted in the real needs of those who use them.
This role exists to ensure that service users, carers, and community members have a meaningful voice in shaping decisions that affect care delivery. Volunteers will work alongside professionals, clinical teams, and other stakeholders to challenge assumptions, identify gaps, highlight strengths, and co-create improvements. Whether drawing from personal experiences of mental health challenges, supporting someone through the system, or working in the community, volunteers act as equal partners in transformation. They help build bridges between professionals and service users, promote accountability, and encourage a culture of openness and innovation.
Through structured engagement such as workshops, advisory groups, feedback panels, and co-design activities, the Co-Production Volunteers will contribute to the long-term sustainability and responsiveness of mental health services. Their insights help ensure that care is not only clinically effective but also emotionally safe, culturally sensitive, and aligned with what matters most to the people it serves.
Main Tasks
· Attend monthly co-production workshops, steering groups, or feedback sessions
· Share personal and/or collective experiences to inform service transformation
· Provide administrative support- send and respond to emails, input information on our database
· Review materials and provide feedback (e.g., policies, pathways, information leaflets)
· Participate in recruitment panels, focus groups, and pilot testing where appropriate
· Help create accessible, inclusive spaces that welcome diverse voices
· Promote equality, dignity, and psychological safety within meetings
· Support evaluation activities and co-authoring of reports or recommendations
· Uphold HFEH Mind values and behaviours
We are looking for someone who:
· Has lived experience of mental health challenges
· Good communicator
· Passionate about improving NHS West London Mental Health services
· Are a non-judgmental and friendly individual
· Lived experience of mental health services (personal or as a carer/family member/community member)
· A commitment to improving mental health care and reducing stigma
· Willingness to share personal insights in a respectful and constructive way
· Openness to listen and engage with others from diverse backgrounds
· Ability to attend meetings and participate reliably (online or in person)
· Basic communication and interpersonal skills (speaking, listening, expressing views)
· Comfortable working as part of a group, including with professionals and other volunteers
· Respect for confidentiality and group boundaries
· Ability to reflect, ask questions, and provide feedback on ideas, documents or processes
· Interest in learning about co-production, service transformation or health improvement
· Respect for inclusion, anti-discrimination, and safeguarding practices
· Willingness to learn digital tools (such as Zoom or MS Teams) with support if needed
· An understanding of the local community context and the challenges people may face accessing care
Those from or have an interest in:
- Black and Minority Ethnic Communities
- Civic Responsibility and Communities
- Disability
- Employment, Education and Training
- Health and Social Care
- Homeless and Housing
What's in it for the Coproduction Volunteer?
Joining our Service User Network is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognized charity, whilst supporting positive changes within the NHS West London Trust. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organization. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.
We’re here to make sure that everyone suffering with a mental health problem gets the help they need to recover.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.
Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.
What you will do as a prison volunteer:
- Teach women in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
- Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
- Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
- Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.
Who we are looking for:
- Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
- Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
- Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
- Someone who is an excellent team worker.
- Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.
Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.
You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.
Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers.
At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Create Hope is a therapeutic service that provides emotional and mental health support to children, young people, and families. Our goal is to offer a safe space where individuals can explore their feelings, build resilience, and self-awareness through creative and relational approaches.
Our therapeutic services include:
● Play & Creative Therapy
● Systemic Family Therapy
● Person-Centred or Integrative Adult Counselling
● NVR Therapy
● Couples Therapy
● Workshops for parents/carers
As Volunteer Admin Support, you play a key role in enabling these services to happen smoothly by ensuring the background systems and processes are managed well.
Your Role as Volunteer Admin Support
Responsibilities:
● Updating and maintaining client and referral information on Salesforce (training provided)
● Preparing and sending standard emails, agreements, and communication
● Assisting with filing, scanning, and organising paperwork
● Supporting with data entry and record-keeping for monitoring and evaluation
● Helping prepare resources and materials for therapy sessions or events
● Ensuring all records are handled securely and in line with confidentiality requirements
Time Commitment:
We ask that volunteers offer a regular commitment of a few hours each week. This can be flexible and, in some cases, carried out from home.
Location:
Tasks may take place at our Bracknell office or remotely, depending on the type of support being given.
Support & Training
We want to ensure you feel equipped and supported in your role. As Volunteer Admin Support, you will have access to:
● Induction and training on Create Hope systems (including Salesforce and GDPR requirements)
● Ongoing supervision and support from the Create Hope team
● Opportunities to develop new admin and organisational skills
● Being part of a supportive and friendly community
If you ever need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
All volunteers must adhere to Create Hope’s Safeguarding and confidentiality policies.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.