Community companion volunteer volunteer roles in reigate and banstead, surrey

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people remotely, in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:

• A companion telephone/video caller                                                               

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

• Or a combination of all three.

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Telephone / video calls for an older person/s on a regular basis at a mutually agreed time for a friendly chat. 

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

Please do note, however, that at the moment we are not looking for Volunteer Telephone Companions.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Visit someone and share stories over a cup of tea/cofee, connect through hobbies/interests, chat about life, update them regarding local or wider activities.

Be a steady presence for someone who has received a termianl diagnosis

Marie Curie is looking for compassionate, everyday people to join our Companion Team within the surrounding areas of Bournemouth

What you’ll be part of:

• Offering emotional comfort and conversation
• Help someone express what matters most to them
• Share helpful information
• Point them to local resources and services
• Support family members or carers, before and after bereavement.

You’d be a great fit if you’re:

• Patient and good at listening
• Non-judgmental of others and friendly
• Emotionally mature and steady in sensitive moments
• Able to commit to 3 hours p/week
• Comfortable using email and completing short visit reports

What we will provide you with:

• A deep sense of purpose and connection
• Ongoing support, training and guidance
• A welcoming volunteer community
• Recognition and appreciation for the time you give
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses each month

Ready to take the next step?

Here is what you’ll need to do:

1. Firstly, be 18 years or older to apply
2. Secondly, complete an online application form, providing 2 non-family references

Apply now or get in touch to find out more

Join us this summer to help grow a nationwide dog-walking fundraiser and support animals in need around the world. As our Volunteer Walk for Paws Co-ordinator, you’ll inspire fundraisers, spark new ideas, and help raise life-changing funds for stray dogs and cats.
 

VOLUNTEER WALK FOR PAWS CO-ORDINATOR

Location: UK (remote)
Reporting to: Head of Campaigns
Hours: Approx. 3-5 hours per week (flexible)
Time period: Approx 4 months (July - October 2025) with the opportunity to continue beyond this if interested.  

ABOUT US

We’re IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) - a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need. 

Our charity is small but mighty! Since our inception in 2009 we have helped over 50,000 animals through our projects and support programmes across the globe. From managing humane dog and cat population projects to reduce the number of puppies and kittens born to suffer on the streets, to providing aid to companion animals, working donkeys, and endangered wildlife - our work is vast. And we're not slowing down any time soon.

As a small charity we can’t do what we do without the support of volunteers and fundraisers. That’s where you come in.

THE ROLE

Walk for Paws is an exciting fundraising initiative that empowers supporters to organise sponsored dog walks to raise vital funds for dogs and cats in need. This summer, we’re scaling it up to support our huge upcoming animal welfare project. We urgently need to raise money to help dogs and cats living in terrible conditions in an animal centre in Borneo - but we need your help to make it a success.

We’re looking for a passionate and proactive Volunteer Walk for Paws Co-ordinator to help grow this campaign over a 4-month period. You’ll play a key role in growing, inspiring and supporting our community of Pack Leaders - the people who run Walk for Paws events in their local area.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in community fundraising and supporter engagement, while directly contributing to improving the lives of animals in need.
 

The Volunteer Walk for Paws Co-ordinator will:

• Help grow our Walk for Paws programme by identifying and reaching out to potential supporters, such as dog walking groups, community organisations, and local businesses

• Onboard new Pack Leaders, supporting them to set up and promote their Walk for Paws fundraising events

• Maintain regular, friendly communication with Pack Leaders, answering questions and helping them feel confident and supported

• Come up with creative ideas and mini campaigns to encourage more people to take part in Walk for Paws

• Track fundraising activity and work closely with IAPWA’s team to support Pack Leaders with resources and recognition

• Be an ambassador for IAPWA and the Walk for Paws initiative, helping raise awareness and support for our cause

The ideal person will be:

• A friendly, enthusiastic communicator who enjoys engaging with people and building relationships

• A self-starter who is happy working independently and bringing their own ideas to the table

• Organised and reliable, with good attention to detail and follow-up

• Passionate about animal welfare and making a difference

• Experience in fundraising, supporter care, or community outreach (even in a voluntary or informal setting) is helpful but not essential

What you’ll gain:

• A chance to be part of a meaningful campaign supporting animals in need

• Experience in charity fundraising, community engagement and volunteer management

• Flexible hours and remote working

• A reference from IAPWA and the potential to continue volunteering with us beyond the initial four-month term if desired

• The satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped raise life-changing funds for vulnerable animals

Location:Remote

Time commitment:Flexible

Duration:Approx. 2 months (flexible)

Start date:As soon as possible

Application deadline:01 July 2025

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. 

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 its website is our gateway to the world.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Website Developer – Digital Volunteer with experience designing WordPress websites that work well on both mobile and desktop. An interest in international animal welfare is a bonus. You’ll help us redesign and improve the PositiveCities webiste, shaping how the campaign is presented to governments, NGOs, and the public around the world.

Whether you’re a student, early-career professional, amateur developer, or someone more experienced, this is a chance to use your skills to make a real impact – and to take creative ownership of a live, mobile- and web-friendly site with global reach.

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.

How to Apply 

Please send the following through the Charity Job recruitment portal:

• A CV (maximum 2 pages) highlighting your experience with WordPress and any previous digital/web projects.
• A short cover letter (maximum 1 page) telling us why this role interests you and what you could bring to it.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds – including students, early-career professionals, amateur developers, and experienced developers looking to build project experience.

If you’d like to ask a question before applying, feel free to get in touch with to Patrick Gerard at Patrick [at] icam-coalition [dot] org:

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.

Location

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