Community Development Volunteer Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are based in Camden, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth and Westminster.
At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.
With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.
What’s Involved?
As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families at their homes every week with a backpack full of books to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.
You will:
- Handpick books based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
- Visit their homes with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions
- Leave behind a selection of books for the children to borrow for the week
Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.
When and Where?
We have volunteer opportunities in: Hammersmith, Parsons Green, Fulham Broadway, Shepherds Bush, East Acton, Latimer Road, Euston, Kings Cross, Marylebone, Edgware Road, Queens Park, Pimlico, Brixton and Tulse Hill.
- Time commitment: One evening a week, or once every 3 weeks as a Stand-In Volunteer
- Hours per week: 2.5
- Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays depending on where you are based from 4:30pm – 7:00pm
Skills/Experience Needed
- Be able to make a regular weekly commitment or once every 3 weeks for a Stand-In Volunteer during school term time
- Be compliant with our safeguarding procedures, complete an Enhanced DBS, Child Barred List check, and provide 2 references
- Enjoy spending time with children and believe in education for all
- Have comfortable fluency in English
- Be non-judgmental and respectful of a variety of lifestyles and children’s learning
- Have excellent communication skills – be able to listen to families and communicate effectively with Project Leaders (including via text/emails/calls with Doorstep Library staff)
- Be reliable – always attending a pre-agreed session and giving plenty of notice in advance of absences
- Be friendly – to build good relationships with families, your volunteer partner and the rest of the team
- Be confident – to lead the session or mentor a new volunteer
- Be patient, persistent and flexible – tailoring your approach to each family’s needs
Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references. Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people?
We are offering 1 young person aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer for up to 11 months with the French Red Cross in Lille. The programme will run from September 2024 – August 2025.
You will be working on a range of projects, which will give you the chance to explore the different kinds of social action that the French Red Cross undertake in Lille. This is a great opportunity to get involved in these projects and find out what you are interested in. For more details on the role and the projects available, have a look at the role description. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement!
The French Red Cross operates a project called “Mobile support programme for migrants” (DMSE) along the shores of northern France. This programme aims to “go towards” migrants and provide them support directly in the makeshift camps. The project offers three main services: access to care, maintaining and restoring family links and supporting unaccompanied children. The successful volunteer will likely spend 2 days a week in the field supporting migrants, 1 day in the office providing administrative and logistical support and 1 day will be dedicated to their individual Element project, a chance for the volunteer to develop their own project or cultural exchange activity. The remaining day will be treated flexibly and could see the successful volunteer supporting the French Red Cross on their other projects such as helping the FRC in launching first aid training for migrants.
Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role. We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 1 May 2024.
Successful applicants will ideally satisfy any one of the following criteria:
- Low household income (under £26,000).
- Are carers/have experience in the care system.
- Have accessed free school meals.
- Are a refugee.
- Are currently seeking asylum.
- Are disabled or have additional needs.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Transform lives through education by coordinating impactful workshops and mentoring programs. As the Education and Skill Development Programme Manager at Barawak, you'll foster economic empowerment and skills advancement within our community.
Introduction to the Education and Skill Development Programme at Barawak
At the heart of Barawak's mission to empower and uplift the Afro-Hebrew community is our Education and Skill Development Programme. This vital service line is a direct response to our core objective of fostering economic empowerment through education and skill enhancement. By providing access to aspirational, transformative and essential learning resources, practical workshops, and mentorship opportunities, this programme aims to unlock the full potential of our community members. This programme is integral to achieving our vision of a thriving Afro-Hebrew community with access to opportunities that empower them to overcome socio-economic challenges. By offering workshops on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, job skills, mentoring, and work experience opportunities, as well as sponsoring educational resources like school supplies and private tuition, we directly support our mission to uplift those in need. This programme not only aligns with Barawak's objective to foster economic empowerment but also embodies our commitment to providing the tools and knowledge necessary for personal and community growth and success.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Plan and execute the Education & Skill Development strategy and service line:
• Workshop Coordination: Organize quarterly workshops on key topics such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and job skills, ensuring these sessions are informative and engaging for the community.
• Mentoring and Work Experience: Facilitate biannual mentoring events, pairing community members with experienced mentors. Arrange work experience opportunities to enhance vocational skills and job readiness.
• Resource Distribution: Oversee the annual sponsorship of educational resources, such as school supplies and private tuition, to support the educational development of community members.
2. Measure performance: Keep accurate count of the number of workshops held; the participant satisfaction rates; and the number of educational resources sponsored. Provide this data to the Governance Team and Trustees on request.
3. Collaboration with Verticals Teams:
• Partnership Development & Collaboration Team: Coordinate with this team to identify and establish alliances and partnerships with local, regional and global organisations, businesses, councils, and thegovernment to acquire education and skill development resources, speakers or information.
• Fundraising & Financial Management Team: Collaborate with this team to conduct fundraising activities and financial planning for the Education and Skill Development service line. Identify diverse revenue streams, such as grants, donations, corporate sponsorships, fundraising events for the Education and Skill Development service.
• Volunteer Engagement Team: Work with this team to recruit, train and manage volunteers to support the Education and Skill Development service delivery.
• Marketing Outreach & Advocacy: work with this team to enhance visibility of the Education and Skill Development service across social media, press, andcommunity events.
4. Governance Team Interaction: Provide regular updates and reports to the Governance, Secretariat & Performance Reporting team. Ensure programmealignment with Barawak policies, procedures, strategyand objectives. Collaborate on monitoring and evaluation efforts to assess Education and Skill Developmentservice impact and effectiveness.
Person Specification:
• Skills: Strong organisational and leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and adept at working in a collaborative environment. Eagar to learn new skills.
• Attributes: Deep understanding of the challenges faced by the Afro-Hebrew community in the UK. Commitment to Barawak's values of helping out, sticking together, and staying strong. Ability to work flexibly and respond to evolving community needs.
• Commitment: Passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families dealing with poverty. Innovative thinker with a focus on creating sustainable, long-term solutions.
Important: This advert is for a voluntary role, which is unpaid and not subject to reimbursement of expenses. Any agreement with the successful candidate is not intended to be a legally binding contract between us and may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. By applying for the role, candidates agree that neither of us intend any employment relationship to be created either now or at any time in the future.
To relieve the poverty of persons and families of African and Caribbean decent.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.
With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.
What’s Involved?
As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families via Zoom every week with eBooks to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.
You will:
- Handpick eBooks from our online portals based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
- Join families via Zoom with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions
- Make notes after the session to keep track of how the child/ren are progressing
Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.
When and Where?
You can be based anywhere in the UK to become a Doorstep Library online volunteer.
- Time commitment: One evening a week, or once every 3 weeks as a Stand-In Volunteer
- Hours per week: 2
- Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Skills/Experience Needed
- Be able to make a regular weekly commitment or once every 3 weeks for a Stand-In Volunteer during school term time
- Be compliant with our safeguarding procedures, complete an Enhanced DBS, Child Barred List check, and provide 2 references
- Enjoy spending time with children and believe in education for all
- Have comfortable fluency in English
- Be non-judgmental and respectful of a variety of lifestyles and children’s learning
- Have excellent communication skills – be able to listen to families and communicate effectively with Project Leaders (including via text/emails/calls with Doorstep Library staff)
- Be confident using technology – for connecting with families via Zoom and completing records
- Be organised – be able to multi-task in a multi-faceted role comprising of much more than solely reading to children
- Be reliable – always attending a pre-agreed session and giving plenty of notice in advance of absences
- Be friendly – to build good relationships with families, your volunteer partner and the rest of the team
- Be confident – to lead the session or mentor a new volunteer
- Be patient, persistent and flexible – tailoring your approach to each family’s needs
Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references. Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the Role
We are looking for a Volunteer to assist in the running of the daily programme of activities at Headway East London. The Day Service is a new opportunity for people living with brain injury in the East London area to join our community.
Volunteering with us, you’ll get involved in the fun and creative activities going on at our Day Service. Every week is different: you could help in our art studio, assist in the kitchen or take part in a music session. You’ll be supporting our members one-to-one and in groups. You don’t need any special skills or knowledge, we’ll give you the induction you need, and support is always on hand, with regular volunteer meetings, training sessions and supervision.
Main Duties
- To help Headway staff manage the activity programme for each member by offering one-to-one support or in small groups.
- To assist members with specific activities that prove challenging for them i.e., using computers, cooking, engaging in art activities.
- To initiate discussion, games or activities and encourage members to take part.
- To help floor staff around lunch time (food preps. setting up tables, dishing out and serving food).
- To assist with keeping the Headway centre safe, clean, and tidy all times by taking on tasks such as collecting and washing cups, tidying up resources' shelves, wiping tables before lunch etc…
- To inform floor staff about activities undertaken with members and any significant changes in mood or behaviour. To take members to social events and outings and being able to assist individuals needing to use a wheelchair.
- To undergo training as required and attend volunteer debriefs and supervision. To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.
Person Specification
- Aged 18 or over.
- Experience working with people clear and sensitive communication.
- Ability to relate well to people on a one-to-one basis and be sympathetic to others’ situations.
- Willing to participate in a variety of activities appropriate for our members.
- Prepared to lead an activity with a small group of members.
- Committed to the values, vision, and objectives of Headway East London.
- Committed to equal opportunity and able to maintain confidentiality.
Commitment
The role requires a minimum commitment of at least 4 months,anyday from Monday to Friday between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Volunteers need to sign a volunteer agreement and confidentiality form.
Training/Support
Each volunteer is given an induction which includes information on health & safety, fire precautions, confidentiality, equal opportunities, and a brief outline of the long-term effects of head injury.
As part of this role, you will receive ongoing support and you will have the opportunity to gain experience in Health and Social Care.
- To fully support our volunteers in their role we provide: regular volunteer meetings.
- Training sessions delivered by our specialist staff a regular debrief session.
- One to one supervision starting after the first 4 months and yearly appraisal meetings.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Help us build the global movement where engineering benefits all people and the planet.
Engineers Without Borders International is working to bring together the global Engineers Without Borders movement and create a viable network of organisations that together can deliver demonstrable benefit to the world.
Right now we’re looking for a passionate and capable Digital Marketing volunteer to support our movement.
If this is you, we’d love to hear from you.
Engineers Without Borders International is seeking a passionate and creative Digital Marketing volunteer to join our team. Perfect for someone bolstering their CV or someone who has a few hours free to support a meaningful cause, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a global movement dedicated to addressing global inequity and injustice through engineering solutions.
As a Digital Marketing Volunteer, you will play a pivotal role in amplifying our message, engaging our audience, and promoting the voice of the Engineers Without Borders movement across various digital platforms.
Role responsbilities
Content Creation: Generate compelling and engaging content for social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter,, LinkedIn) that aligns with Engineers Without Borders International's mission and core goals. This includes but is not limited to creating posts, graphics, videos, and other multimedia content.
Content Curation: Stay informed about global engineering projects, humanitarian initiatives, and sustainability efforts to curate relevant content for our audience. Utilise credible sources to share impactful stories, success stories, and updates from Engineers Without Borders organisations worldwide.
Community Engagement: Foster meaningful interactions with our online community by responding to comments, messages and inquiries in a timely and professional manner. Encourage dialogue, share resources, keep our website updated and build relationships with followers to promote a sense of belonging and involvement in our movement.
Campaign Support: Collaborate with colleagues, our external marketing support and global communications representatives to support ongoing campaigns, fundraising efforts, and awareness initiatives. Create content that effectively communicates campaign messages, drives engagement, and encourages action among our target audience.
We are looking for someone who has
- A passion for social justice, sustainability, and global development.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, specifically in unpacking and communicating complex concepts in a digestible format.
- Proficiency in using social media platforms and familiarity with social media management tools.
- Experience with graphic design, specifically Canva.
- Experience with website editing tools such as WordPress.
- Ability to work independently and proactively, manage time effectively and meet agreed deadlines.
The opportunity for you
- Make a meaningful impact and contribute to a global movement for positive change.
- Gain valuable experience in social media marketing, content creation, and digital communications.
- Work closely with a passionate and diverse team of professionals dedicated to making a difference.
- Have a flexible schedule with the ability to volunteer remotely from anywhere in the world.
- Receive a letter of recommendation and recognition for your contributions to Engineers Without Borders International.
Renumeration
This is a voluntary role (non-remunerated) and offer exceptional professional development opportunities for the successful candidate.
Time commitment
Up to four hours a week inclusive of meetings.
Location
Our team is located internationally- you can be based anywhere in the world with the ability to hold meetings with team members in the Central European Timezone.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Engineers Without Borders International’s success is founded on a commitment to embracing diverse cultures, heritages, experiences and opinions to significantly enrich what we do and to foster inclusive decision making.
We are committed to selecting candidates based on aptitude and ability, irrespective of gender, race, ethnic origin, disability, nationality, sexuality, religion or belief, marital status or social class.
We want to make the recruitment process inclusive and accessible and would be happy to discuss any further support that you may require.
To apply, please email your CV, a short cover letter and examples of content you have produced.
In the cover letter please include:
- Your reasons for why you want to volunteer at Engineers Without Borders International.
- An overview of how your experience meets the role specification.
- How you would expect to manage your time during the week if you were successful.
- Your availability of when you could begin the role.
Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role posting closes on 9 June 2024. We may close applications early if we find a successful candidate before the deadline, as such, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Us:
Prospect Burma (PB) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, CIO number 1167686. For 35 years, it has worked to widen access to international higher education for Myanmar’s youth, supporting pathways to international study and funding scholarships for those marginalised by ethnicity, gender, socio-economic situation, conflict or displacement. PB has supported over 1,500 students on its scholarship programme and hundreds more through targeted post-secondary programmes in ethnic states and on Myanmar’s borders. In 2023, PB launched Myanmar’s first online scholarship opportunity, and continues to respond in an agile way as the current crisis evolves.
Our Theory of Change recognises that widening educational opportunity enables young people to gain the skills and knowledge to lead positive change in their communities and to build skills capacity to support Myanmar’s future development. We set the conditions where young people can achieve, and support them on their journey through higher education and into meaningful roles across civil society, business, I/NGOs, non-profits and community enterprise.
Our team members are based in the UK, Thailand and India. Programmes are run locally in Asia, supported by finance, strategy and fundraising through the UK office.
Why Volunteer with Us:
Using your time and skills to benefit others is great for humanity, and fantastic for your wellbeing too. Volunteering can give you a deep sense of meaning, usefulness and belonging. For many, it can be a useful career stepping-stone. We are a small and dedicated team. Our volunteers play a vital role supporting the work of Prospect Burma.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a dedicated Governance Volunteer to oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of our governance policies and procedures, manage organisational data effectively, and conduct compliance audits. The ideal candidate will have a background in governance, data management, or compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
Policy and Procedure Management
- Develop, review, and update governance policies and procedures to ensure alignment with organisational goals and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor adherence to established policies and procedures across the organisation.
Data Management
- Ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with data protection regulations.
Compliance Audits
- Conduct regular compliance audits to assess adherence to regulatory requirements, internal policies, and best practices.
- Prepare audit reports outlining findings, recommendations, and corrective actions.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Foster positive relationships with board members, volunteers, staff, and external stakeholders in governance and compliance.
- Facilitate board orientation and ongoing training sessions for board members in governance and compliance.
- Recommend training for UK and local team members where required.
Risk Management
- Identify potential governance risks.
Experience:
- Previous experience in governance, data management, compliance, or a similar role.
- Strong understanding of governance principles, regulatory compliance, and data management best practices.
- Excellent analytical, organisational, and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data management software.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the Role
We are looking for a Volunteer to assist in the running of our new Wednesday Evening Service programme of activities at Headway East London. The Evening Service is a new opportunity for people living with brain injury in the East London area to join our community.
Volunteering with us, you’ll get involved in the fun and creative activities going on at our Evening Service. Every week is different: you could help in our art studio, assist in the kitchen or take part in a music session. You’ll be supporting our members one-to-one and in groups. You don’t need any special skills or knowledge, we’ll give you the induction you need, and support is always on hand, with regular volunteer meetings, training sessions and supervision.
Main Duties
- To help Headway staff manage the activity programme for each member by offering one-to-one support or in small groups.
- To assist members with specific activities that prove challenging for them i.e., using computers, cooking, engaging in art activities.
- To initiate discussion, games or activities and encourage members to take part.
- To help floor staff around dinner time (food preps. setting up tables, dishing out and serving food).
- To assist with keeping the Headway centre safe, clean, and tidy all times by taking on tasks such as collecting and washing cups, tidying up resources' shelves, wiping tables before lunch etc…
- To inform floor staff about activities undertaken with members and any significant changes in mood or behaviour. To take members to social events and outings and being able to assist individuals needing to use a wheelchair.
- To undergo training as required and attend volunteer debriefs and supervision. To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.
Person Specification
- Aged 18 or over.
- Experience working with people clear and sensitive communication.
- Ability to relate well to people on a one-to-one basis and be sympathetic to others’ situations.
- Willing to participate in a variety of activities appropriate for our members.
- Prepared to lead an activity with a small group of members.
- Committed to the values, vision, and objectives of Headway East London.
- Committed to equal opportunity and able to maintain confidentiality.
Commitment
The role requires a minimum commitment of at least 4 months, every Wednesday from 3.30pm to 8.30pm. Volunteers need to sign a volunteer agreement and confidentiality form.
Training/Support
Each volunteer is given an induction which includes information on health & safety, fire precautions, confidentiality, equal opportunities, and a brief outline of the long-term effects of head injury.
As part of this role, you will receive ongoing support and you will have the opportunity to gain experience in Health and Social Care.
- To fully support our volunteers in their role we provide: regular volunteer meetings.
- Training sessions delivered by our specialist staff a regular debrief session.
- One to one supervision starting after the first 4 months and yearly appraisal meetings.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
One of the barriers for female refugee clients to access learning is finding suitable and reliable childcare, whilst they attend sessions. To help them overcome this barrier, we have set up an on creche on site for clients attending the course, managed by a member of staff who is qualified in Level 3 Childcare. Volunteers in this role will have the opportunity to support our operations and services by carrying out the main task of their role as set out below.
Specifically, the volunteer role includes:
- Assisting and taking direction from Refugee Council members of staff in helping to take care of the children by carrying out activities with them.
- Assisting with the set up and organising creative and play activities with the children.
- Assisting with song and story time
- Assisting with the set up and pack up of the Creche equipment for each session.
- Providing emotional support, especially for children new to the Creche
- Ensure children are playing in a safe environment.
- Offering a nurturing and supportive environment for the children
- Fetching the child’s parent from the course when they need changing, feeding or if they are unable to be soothed.
Please note that volunteers are not responsible for feeding or changing nappies as part of this volunteer role and remains the responsibility of the client during the course. Volunteers are never to be left alone with any child at any time. Otherwise, you will have to do enhanced DBS checks.
Useful skills and experience
- Reliability and commitment.
- Confidence and comfortable meeting new people.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries.
- Ability to build relationships and rapport with children and their parents.
- Ability to communicate with people of all abilities and culturally diverse backgrounds.
- Adaptability to new ideas and concepts
- An appreciation of the importance of confidentiality and data protection. Full training will be provided.
- An understanding of the need to keep children safe in line with our organisational safeguarding policy and procedures. Full training will be provided.
- Pashtu or Dari language skills are desirable but not essential.
This role is subject to a satisfactory basic level Disclosure and Barring Service check. Repeat checks are initiated every two years.
Skills and experience to be gained from the role.
- Experience in working with children in a welcoming environment.
- Induction into the work of the Refugee Council, as well as the role, data protection and safeguarding.
- Experience of volunteering in an early year setting
- Opportunity to improve future employment prospects.
- Support and guidance from Refugee Council team members, including 121 and group supervisions.
- Regular training and development opportunities
- We would be more than happy to provide references to volunteers.
- We would be more than happy to provide CV support, personal professional development.
How we support our volunteers
Volunteers are valued members of our teams, and we provide them with support and development opportunities. Volunteers will receive regular planned support sessions with their supervisors.
Refugee Council allows volunteers to attend our professional training courses, when possible, free of charge. Training will be discussed with you during support sessions with your supervisor.
Through sponsorship from the Marsh Trust, Refugee Council also provides volunteers with the opportunity to design and set-up a new service for new clients. There will be an opportunity to discuss this with your supervisor.
Volunteer roles are unpaid, but we can reimburse volunteers for lunch and travel costs. (Unfortunately our limited budget only allows for local travelling costs.)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Bipolar UK was originally formed in the 1980s as a local support system for the community by the community. Our first meeting was held in 1983 and since that day Bipolar UK has supported people living with the condition and their loved ones. Our aim is to enable everyone affected by bipolar to live well.
Each year we support thousands of individuals through our range of peer support services, which include:
- Peer Support Groups (in-person and online)
- A call-back Peer Support Line
- Our eCommunity
In the years ahead, providing peer support services will remain central to everything we do. This vital work is only possible because of volunteers such as yourself.
How volunteers support us
We couldn’t exist without the amazing support of our dedicated team of volunteers. They help us by giving us key insights from our community. They also provide hands-on support so we can run a significant network of peer support groups and a one-to-one peer support line via telephone and email.
Thanks to the incredible collaboration between our staff team and our volunteers we currently empower approximately 1,000 people a month to stay well, and we have the ambition to reach thousands more.
Our commitment to volunteers:
We want you to get the most out of volunteering with us and we take our responsibility towards you very seriously.
To support you, we will:
- Provide clear descriptions for our volunteering roles
- Treat volunteers fairly and in accordance with the Bipolar UK Equal Opportunities policy
- Ensure volunteers’ information is kept securely and in accordance with Bipolar UK Privacy policy, the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR
- Keep volunteers informed of relevant changes, including to policies and staff
- Provide appropriate training and support to encourage and develop volunteers in every role
- Work collaboratively with all our volunteers to improve the services we deliver, identifying training needs and providing additional learning
- Ensure our volunteering practices are compliant with current and relevant legislation
- Reimburse agreed out of pocket expenses in line with Bipolar UK’s policy and guidance
- Celebrate and recognise all our volunteers’ successes and ongoing contributions to the charity
- Support aspirations to upskill with relevant training and development
Training and development
All volunteers are given an induction and training relevant to their role before they begin volunteering so they can feel confident to carry out their tasks. Training is an ongoing commitment for both Bipolar UK staff and volunteers. Training sessions are usually held by the Bipolar UK team, although external training will be given whenever relevant and appropriate.
Who can volunteer?
As part of the volunteer recruitment process, we ask you to complete an application form. We will then invite you for an informal phone interview and ask you to provide two referees.
Roles within Bipolar UK are subject to an enhanced DBS check. The information gathered throughout this process helps us to make an informed decision about whether the volunteering role is right for you, as well as following our safeguarding procedures.
Skills and experience
We look for people who:
- Communicate well
- Enjoy teamwork
- Are able to adapt and willing to learn
- Are reliable, punctual and good at time management
- See situations with objectivity and compassion
- All our volunteers must be 18 or older.
Bipolar UK will make sure that people are judged on their ability and potential, not on their background and situation. We will seek to treat people fairly, regardless of visible and non-visible differences such as mental health, health, gender, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religious beliefs or practices, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability, age, family/marital status, social background, pregnancy or potential pregnancy, caring responsibilities, spent criminal convictions or trade union affiliation.
We appreciate that these differences will contribute to diverse experiences of life, attitudes, values, and ways of thinking and communicating - and that these different perspectives can make a valuable contribution to our work.
What we ask of volunteers:
We ask that all volunteers commit to a minimum of two to four hours a week for our phone/email service or up to 4 hours per month for our support groups, for at least six months wherever possible.
We expect all volunteers to attend regular training as part of role development and progression, and to abide by our policies and guidelines. A commitment to our mission and values is imperative, along with a desire to make a difference to those affected by bipolar. All volunteers represent the charity and must always remain professional when interacting with the public and external services.
Volunteers should:
- Have personal experience of bipolar if the role requires it
- Display empathy and understanding of the needs of others
- Understand and remain conscious of their own needs, including managing their own wellbeing
- Communicate effectively with the team
- Be always respectful of others, in line with Bipolar UK policies
- Have basic IT skills and computer literacy
Our volunteering roles:
- Support Group Co-facilitator (online)
- Support Group Co-facilitator (in-person)
- Support Group Administrator
- Peer Support Line Volunteer
- Media Ambassador
- Fundraising Assistant
- Events Assistant
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking experienced complemnetary therapists, preferably trained massage therapists, to join our team of volunteers offering therapies to our clients affected by cancer here at our Centre in Isleworth, at other agreed local community venues in Richmond or Hounslow, or ad-hoc at local community events. We are particularly keen to recruit massage therapists but we will also consider applications from therapists for reflexology, EFT, acupuncture, shiatsu and reiki.
Applicants need to have spare time of a weekday and be able to travel easily to our area.
All our therapists need to be CNHC registered, have insurance and have or be prpeared to have an enhanced DBS check.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? We are seeking a new chair to lead our board of trustees, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of volunteering and community projects in Kensington and Chelsea, one of London’s most diverse boroughs.
Established in 1969, we are the oldest Volunteer Centre in the country and are deeply rooted in the local community, empowering individuals to contribute positively through volunteering. Our programmes support diverse groups, including those living with disabilities and mental health challenges, ex-offenders, as well as marginalised residents seeking employment opportunities.
As chair, you will play a pivotal role in steering the Volunteer Centre towards its mission of fostering positive change in Kensington & Chelsea. Responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic leadership in partnership with the chief executive.
- Facilitating constructive decision-making within the board.
- Maintaining relationships with stakeholders and representing VCKC at various events.
- Supporting the development and cohesion of the board team.
By becoming chair of our board of trustees, you will have the opportunity to drive positive change and contribute to a vibrant community. If you are ready to make a difference, apply now and be part of something meaningful.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.
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 7BU.
About Sports Programme:
We work in partnership with Fulham Kicks to run a football session every Monday. We provide 1:1 sports advice to help build confidence and remove barriers by supporting young people to plan their journeys and accompanying them to join their first sessions. We find new sessions for young people at youth clubs, gyms and other sports providers. We arrange frequent trips to offer new sports to our young people including: boxing, yoga, trampolining and hopefully to go-karting.
We will also deliver a research project to sports providers, local authorities, support networks and other young people. The project will detail: (1) the accessibility barriers to sports faced by young people, (2) methods of best practice on including young refugees and asylum seekers, (3) funding and support options available from local authorities, and (4) what participatory 1:1 support looks like for young people.
About the role:
As a sports program volunteer, you would be helping young people to travel safely around London, to feel welcome in the city, to join in with sports activities where possible and to inspire young people to take part in sports. You will need to go on group trips to external sports providers and to attend our youth club occasionally. We welcome volunteers with any level of sporting ability, the only thing necessary is to be willing to give some sports a go when it is possible. Please note, some sessions you attend will be only for under 18’s, and so you will not always be allowed to take part, and then your role will only be to accompany. We are very happy to be flexible regarding which sessions you attend according to your interests.
We ask for a commitment of at least 1-2 sports sessions or youth club evenings every month. Our youth club runs every Wednesday from 6.00-8.00pm, the external sports trips will usually be weekday evenings. We are able to be flexible according to your schedule.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur after each session/trip.
- Providing feedback of your experience to contribute to the research project.
- To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.
- To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.
- To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.
- To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.
- To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.
- To occasionally research local sports providers to find sessions for our young people.
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;
- To be passionate about sports and helping young people to access sports.
- Current resident of the UK;
- Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;
- Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role
Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm – 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon – 2pm once every 3 months.
Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of community languages, such as 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 and their ability to access sports in London;
- Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
- Develop your skills and competencies;
- Be able to access relevant training;
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Together Talks Telephone Befriending Service is looking for people who would like to join us in helping to provide support to as many people as possible during challenging times. Telephone Befriending has the potential to be an important aspect of the overall approach to helping the most isolated and lonely individuals in our society. Telephone Befriending can also benefit the volunteer befrienders who are similarly able to reengage with their community and may derive health benefits from regular volunteering. Our aim is to alleviate feelings of anxiety, loneliness and isolation that may be experienced by many people across our communities, by contact from a volunteer befriender. If you’re a friendly person who likes talking to people, then this is the role for you. This service aims to capture volunteers who have their own telephone. Ideally, you will have unlimited minutes on your personal mobile so the calls should not cost you anything.
What does a Volunteer Telephone Befriender do?
To telephone Befriendee’s at their home for around 10 -30 minutes. You will arrange the exact times of your future calls direct with the Befriendee’s. This could range from once a day to once a week, but individual needs will be matched with your availability
To provide a telephone conversation, a listening ear and chat about interests and hobbies, helping to alleviate loneliness and feelings of isolation.
To provide companionship and human interaction at a time when this may be limited.
To provide an update after each call to the Together Talks support Team. This is so we can keep a track of the amount of befriending calls each volunteer is undertaking, the type of support being offered during these calls and if there is anything further required.
It is important to note telephone befriending is not counselling or therapy and other services must be sought if this is required.
Benefits
- Free DBS.
- Discounted food.
- Store discount.
- Work from home.
- Above all you will be making a positive difference in your befriendee’s life.
- As a volunteer telephone befriender, you will learn how to support others, make friends, become more confident, and practice communication skills.
- You will gain new and transferable skills. We offer support for you to increase your own job-readiness and personal development.
- Training opportunities,
- Volunteering experience
- Detailed references will be provided.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
An exciting opportunity to volunteer flexibly from home for Shout - a 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. We are looking for empathetic volunteers to join our amazing online community.
You’ll benefit from:
∙ Vocational development: develop digital mental health skills and experience recognised by universities and colleges and relevant to many professions
∙ Personal development: learn communication, active listening, problem solving skills and crisis management skills
∙ Supporting people who are struggling to cope: help those who have no-one
else to talk to and who really need ‘in the moment’ support
∙ Being part of a pioneering global community: connect with both UK and New Zealand volunteers via a digital hub
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.