Community group volunteer volunteer roles in epsom and ewell, surrey

We are seeking a compassionate and reliable befriender volunteer to support an individual who is working hard to rebuild his life and reconnect with his community. Your role will involve offering encouragement, structure, and practical support to help him increase confidence, independence, and social engagement.

What you will be doing

• Provide friendly, non-judgmental support and encouragement.
• Help identify local community, cultural, or wellbeing activities.
• Support the individual in researching and attending suitable training, volunteering, or employment opportunities.
• Accompany the individual to local groups or activities where appropriate (e.g., community centres, courses, clubs).
• Assist with setting achievable personal and social goals, and celebrate progress.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
• Communicate regularly with the supervising coordinator regarding progress, concerns, or safeguarding issues.

The skills you need

• Empathetic, patient, and non-judgmental approach.
• Good listening and communication skills.
• Understanding or willingness to learn about recovery from alcohol use and the challenges of mental health conditions such as anxiety and ADHD.
• Reliable, consistent, and able to maintain confidentiality.
• Comfortable supporting someone who may experience periods of low motivation or confidence.
• Knowledge of local community resources, or willingness to research them.

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Home-Start Croydon is a charity dedicated to helping parents give their children the best possible start in life.

 As a volunteer, you will help run a warm and welcoming peer-to-peer stay and play group for families with children aged 0–5. You will engage with parents, share information about local services, and take part in play activities that encourage children to learn and explore.

 Your support will help strengthen community bonds, promote inclusion, and reduce isolation—creating a safe, supportive space where families and children can flourish and thrive.

Role title: Stay & Play Group Volunteer

Hours: 3 hours per week, term-time only

Key activities

v Setting up the group room and tidying up afterwards

v Chatting with parents and making them feel welcome

v Making refreshments for adults/healthy snacks for children

v  Encouraging children to play and explore

v  Participating with the families in the activities organised for the day

v Inspiring parents to build friendships and support networks amongst themselves

v  Providing information on childcare options / signposting to local services for families (training provided)

v  Being attentive, observant, able to read situations and respond with care

v  Building a good knowledge of your own community and links with local families

v Collaborating and coordinating with fellow volunteers to ensure sessions run smoothly

v Recording and documenting basic but essential information needed for funding purposes

v Attending training

v  Regularly meeting with the Parent Champion Coordinator and other volunteers to share good practice

Skills and Experience

v  Have experience of being a parent or carer

v  Have a positive experience of using formal childcare and local family services

v  Having an understanding of professional and personal boundaries

v  Being warm, jovial and welcoming with the families and colleagues

v  Have a non-judgemental attitude, able to communicate and listen with kindness and understanding

v  Have the ability to empathise with some of the difficulties parents face

v  Be able to work collaboratively in small teams

v  Have an awareness of Confidentiality and Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults (training provided)

v  Have knowledge of and commitment to equal opportunities, fairness and diversity

v  Be able to keep basic records as requested by Home-Start Croydon

Prospective volunteers will be contacted and invited to attend an induction training course provided by Home-Start Croydon and Coram Family and Childcare. An enhanced DBS check is required and will be carried out as part of the application process by Home-Start.

Home-Start Croydon is committed to safe recruitment practice as an important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults.

This role involves volunteering with families who may be going through difficult times. It is essential that candidates are in a stable and positive place themselves, meet the above criteria, and are prepared to work sensitively and responsibly with families. Home-Start Croydon reserves the right to decline any volunteer application if the individual does not meet the requirements or if it is considered not suitable for the families’ well-being.

Why do we need your help?

Food banks provide three-day emergency food parcels for people in crisis, working in partnership with organisations across the community. Drivers play a fundamental role in the running of the food bank, collecting food donations from a variety of locations such as supermarkets or churches across the local area as well as distributing the sorted donations from the warehouse to the local food bank centres. You will be given all the required training and provided with ongoing support and development opportunities. You will also have a main contact at the food bank throughout your time volunteering with us.

What will you be doing?

• Collecting food donations from collection points such as supermarkets, schools and churches within Brent

• Coordinating with the warehouse manager and supermarket community champions

• Delivering the food donations to the warehouse, located in Willesden

• Transporting sorted food from the warehouse across two food banks within Brent

• Regular loading and unloading of vehicles, helping your driver buddy

• Regular driving across the local area

The skills you need:

• Clean and current driving licence

• Physically strong and capable of carrying heavy boxes of canned foods

• Experienced and confident driver, you will be driving a small van around Brent

• Adaptable and flexible, sometimes we need to change your driving route or times

• Personable and committed, you will be the representatives of Brent Foodbank amongst our supermarket community

• You will need to follow the driving policy of the food bank

• You should enjoy being part of a volunteer team

• Have an eye for detail and be able to solve problems

• If you can’t drive but enjoy being out on the road, you can also be a driver buddy!

What’s in it for you?

• Using your existing skills to make a difference

• Meet new people who share your passion to end poverty in the community

• Make a real difference to the running of your food bank

• The opportunity to serve your local community

You will be given all the required training and provided with ongoing support and development opportunities. You will also have a main contact at the food bank throughout your time volunteering with us. 

We recognise that we have under-represented groups within our team. As part of our commitment to diversity and equality of opportunity we are actively encouraging applications from under-represented groups such as parents or carers who are re-entering volunteering after a career break, people who are LGBTQ+, from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, with a disability, impairment, learning difference or long-term condition.

Why do we need your help?

Food banks provide three-day emergency food parcels for people in crisis, working in partnership with organisations across the community. Drivers play a fundamental role in the running of the food bank, collecting food donations from a variety of locations such as supermarkets or churches across the local area as well as distributing the sorted donations from the warehouse to the local food bank centres. You will be given all the required training and provided with ongoing support and development opportunities. You will also have a main contact at the food bank throughout your time volunteering with us.

What will you be doing?

• Collecting food donations from collection points such as supermarkets, schools and churches within Brent

• Coordinating with the warehouse manager and supermarket community champions

• Delivering the food donations to the warehouse, located in Willesden

• Transporting sorted food from the warehouse across two food banks within Brent

• Regular loading and unloading of vehicles, helping your driver buddy

• Regular driving across the local area

The skills you need:

• Clean and current driving licence

• Physically strong and capable of carrying heavy boxes of canned foods

• Experienced and confident driver, you will be driving a small van around Brent

• Adaptable and flexible, sometimes we need to change your driving route or times

• Personable and committed, you will be the representatives of Brent Foodbank amongst our supermarket community

• You will need to follow the driving policy of the food bank

• You should enjoy being part of a volunteer team

• Have an eye for detail and be able to solve problems

• If you can’t drive but enjoy being out on the road, you can also be a driver buddy!

What’s in it for you?

• Using your existing skills to make a difference

• Meet new people who share your passion to end poverty in the community

• Make a real difference to the running of your food bank

• The opportunity to serve your local community

You will be given all the required training and provided with ongoing support and development opportunities. You will also have a main contact at the food bank throughout your time volunteering with us. 

We recognise that we have under-represented groups within our team. As part of our commitment to diversity and equality of opportunity we are actively encouraging applications from under-represented groups such as parents or carers who are re-entering volunteering after a career break, people who are LGBTQ+, from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, with a disability, impairment, learning difference or long-term condition.

Why we want you:
Food banks provide three-day emergency food parcels for people in crisis, volunteering in partnership with organisations across the community. Through our social media platforms, we are aiming to gain support for our activity as a food bank and raise awareness in our local community of the drivers pushing people into poverty in order to inspire local people to take action and support us. We are looking for a Social Media volunteer to help oversee and drive this important activity forward and enable us to elevate the voice of food bank staff, volunteers, and those with first-hand experience of hardship. 

What you will be doing:

• Lead the development and delivery of our social media and communications plan.
• Prepare a social media calendar of key annual activities for the next 12 months.
• Increase our Social media presence and grow our follower numbers.
• Create regular, innovative and engaging social media posts that reflect our campaigns, key activities, events, and requests for support.
• Engage and interact with our followers, keeping them up to date with activities and developments.
• Follow, reshare, and like posts from our key audiences, ensuring our accounts remain active and relevant Identify new trends we might use to strengthen our position within the community.
• Monthly meetings with the food bank manager to plan our social media activity.
• Once a month, visit our 3 sites to create content and stories.
• 4-6 hours per week

The skills you need:

• Experience and understanding in using social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter (privately or professionally)
• Ability to think creatively to deliver engaging and authentic online content with accuracy and good attention to detail.
• Strong in your writing skills and able to deliver messages clearly and confidently.
• Ability to operate in a professional manner when communicating online.
• Understanding the need for confidentiality, safeguarding, and data protection.
• Ability to get on with others and be part of a team, as well as being motivated to complete tasks independently

What's in it for you

• Using your existing skills to make a difference
• Meet new people who share your passion to end poverty in the community
• Make a real difference to the running of your food bank
• The opportunity to serve your local community

Disclaimer

We recognise that we have under-represented groups within our team. As part of our commitment to diversity and equality of opportunity we are actively encouraging applications from under-represented groups such as parents or carers who are re-entering volunteering after a career break, people who are LGBTQ+, from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, with a disability, impairment, learning difference or long-term condition

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Are you passionate about supporting people to improve their language and communication skills? Are you working towards a teaching qualification and looking to gain relevant experience? 

We are looking for new ESOL volunteers to support our qualified tutors in the classroom. Volunteers play a fundamental role in our classes. All of our classes are led by paid teachers, however, they are also often supported by volunteer teaching assistants.

Whether helping to set up the classroom, supporting participants during group work or offering support and advice on local services, the contribution made by volunteers in our classrooms is vital.

Skills/ experience

• CELTA or similar qualification is desirable
• Teaching experience is desirable

In return, volunteers will have the opportunity to:

• Gain experience of English language teaching in a community setting with a friendly team
• Gain support and advice on professional development for those looking to become an ESOL teacher

Most of our classes are held face to face in West London, with some having a blended / online learning approach with Zoom.

If you are interested please send your CV and cover letter via Charity Jobs and our volunteer coordinator will get back to you. Please let us know your relevant experience, availability and why you would like to support Nova.

Give Back to Children in Your Community with The Kids Network

Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or find a meaningful way to use your time? The Kids Network offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children while practicing your skills and connecting with others.

If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.

Why Choose The Kids Network?

• Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
• Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
• Proven Impact: With 100% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring.

Impact on Mentees

• Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
• Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Connection

• Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
• Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
• Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.

Join Us Today

Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.

For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website

The Deputy Chair of Hidayah provides essential support to the Chair, helps ensure the effective governance of the organisation, and stands ready to act in the Chair’s absence. This role helps maintain the smooth functioning of the Board and the organisation overall.

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

· Support the Chair in providing strategic leadership and overseeing Trustee meetings, stepping in as Chair when needed

· Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of Hidayah’s Strategic Plan, Annual Report, and key governance policies

· Help manage volunteers and support fellow Trustees to ensure shared responsibility, accountability, and active engagement across the Board

· Assist in planning and delivering core governance activities, such as the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Trustee votes

· Act as a signatory on financial matters, supporting the smooth running of Hidayah’s operations.

· Lead or support outreach activities, including identifying and engaging new partners, drafting proposals, and maintaining outreach records

· Help plan and promote events and campaigns, and contribute to the development of inclusive outreach strategies

· Represent Hidayah at external events, building relationships with individuals and organisations aligned with our mission

What do we expect from the Deputy Chair?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Essential:

· A strong commitment to Hidayah’s mission and values, particularly around LGBTQ+ Muslim inclusion

· Reliable, organised, and able to manage tasks independently

· Good written and verbal communication skills

· Basic digital literacy – including use of email, Google Drive, and Microsoft Office tools

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with integrity

· Respectful, inclusive, and collaborative working style

· Willingness to take initiative, contribute ideas, and stay engaged with wider organisational activity

Desirable:

· Experience in community outreach, project support, or partnership building – particularly in a grassroots, voluntary, or equalities-focused setting

· Familiarity with governance, quality assurance, or safeguarding in the charity or community sector

· Experience facilitating or supporting meetings and group discussions

· Ability to resolve conflict or challenges with empathy and professionalism

· Knowledge or lived experience of LGBTQ+ Muslim identities or the intersection of faith, gender, and sexuality

· Awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices

How much commitment is required?

This is a voluntary role with flexible hours, and can be carried out around your existing commitments. The role will take approximately 2 - 4 hours per week (flexible depending on needs and availability). You are also required to attend monthly board meetings. There is also an expectation of willingness to commit to the role for at least 3 months.

Organisation: YourGateway2Success (Charity no. 1199249)

Location: Croydon and surrounding areas

Hours: Flexible, voluntary position

About Us
At YourGateway2Success, we empower young people aged 16–25 to thrive through mentoring, skills training, advice, and community activities. We believe every young person deserves the chance to arrive with a dream and leave with a future.

Job description

We are looking for Youth Mentor Volunteer to empower and uplift young people, specifically those aged 16-25, who reside in the Croydon and the surrounding areas, by providing the support and opportunities they need to thrive. We are committed to creating a brighter future where every young person has the tools and confidence to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Mentor and guide young people through one-to-one or group sessions
• Support delivery of workshops, skills programmes, and community activities
• Act as a positive role model, promoting confidence and personal growth
• Assist with events, outreach, and recreational projects
• Provide encouragement to help young people achieve their goals

What We’re Looking For

• Good communication and listening skills
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in supporting young people
• Willingness to work as part of a team
• Commitment to our mission and values
• Previous youth work or mentoring experience is helpful but not essential full training provided

What We Offer

• Training and ongoing support
• Valuable experience in youth and community work
• Opportunities to develop leadership and mentoring skills
• The chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people

Additional Information

This role is unpaid.

Send your CV and a short statement on why you’d like to volunteer as a Youth Mentor.

About Care4Calais 

Care4Calais is a volunteer-led charity delivering essential aid and support to people seeking asylum living in the UK and Northern France. We provide direct aid and advocate for a fair asylum system, including safe routes to claim asylum.

The UK Direct Aid team delivers essential support through practical services; such as running distributions, delivering English classes and casework-style support through drop-ins. The UK Direct Aid team also provides services to promote wellbeing such as trips and sports activities.

UK Area Lead Volunteer

We are looking for a compassionate, organised, and motivated Volunteer Area Leads to oversee a team of volunteers and the delivery of essential services and activities in their area. You must be committed to anti-racism and social justice, particularly for people seeking safety.

We are looking for Leads in the following areas:

• North London (including Brent, Barnet, Camden and Harrow)
• West London (Ealing/Acton)
• Reading
• Oxford
• Surrey (Redhill/ Reigate)
• Bedfordshire 
• Southampton
• Birmingham
• Nottingham
• South Yorkshire
• West Yorkshire

Responsibilities include:

• Organising activities (distributions, drop-ins, conversation clubs)

• Monitoring WhatsApp groups

• Attending and leading meetings

• Sharing updates and resources with volunteers

• Partnering with local organisations and councils

• Attending training

• Ensuring best practice and reflecting Care4Calais objectives

• Monitoring group funds and purchases

• Recording services and support provided

• Ensuring your group reflects Care4Calais’ values and messaging

What you will get

• Comprehensive training to equip you in your role; including safeguarding training, Induction Training, Activities and Distribution Training and Boundaries and Resilience Training. 

• Support from a wonderful team

• Opportunity to develop skills including casework, team management/leadership, admin, organisational, delegating, networking, funding bids, sourcing donations, and building partnerships in the sector

• Greater understanding of the UK asylum system

There are a range of activities that you can organise, including the following:

• English classes/ conversation clubs 

• Drop-ins - help with requests and signpost to support.

• Distributions - provide essential items like clothing, shoes, and toiletries. 

• Sports - activities like yoga, football etc., are a great way to improve wellbeing, and for people to connect with others.

• Trips - organise trips to places such as the park, cinema to help boost mood and give people time away from the hotel.

• Wellbeing activities - sessions like crafts and cooking are popular. 

• Workshops - help with housing once someone receives Leave to Remain; familiarise people with life in the UK.

• Events - mark specific days or holidays to get people together and celebrate. 

• Media/ Press/ Engagements - as a volunteer you may be asked to share a story for our social media or help someone with lived experience to share.

• Remote working - support with tasks such as contacting Migrant Help, helping individuals register with GPS, researching local support, or general admin. 

Care4Calais strongly encourages people with experience of the asylum system to apply, and recognises the specific value that lived experience brings to an organisation.

About Us

Suicide Awareness Prevention UK (SAPUK) is a dedicated, non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), established in 2016, focused on providing support to individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Our goal is to guide people from distress toward hope, helping them regain the strength to live their lives to the fullest.

Our Work Environment Includes:

• On-the-job training
• Growth opportunities
• A relaxed atmosphere
• Flexible working hours

Job Description

SAPUK is looking for volunteers to assist with our support services, which run daily from 6am to 11pm. Volunteers will engage through our instant messaging support line, which operates via Meta and offers anonymous communication via our website. The service is managed through a free app, available for download on all smart devices.

Over the years, our dedicated team has supported countless individuals, helping them overcome feelings of distress and guiding them away from the darkness. As a volunteer, you’ll be part of a compassionate team, committed to providing life-changing support.

SAPUK offers regular training to help volunteers enhance their skills and gain invaluable experience. Volunteers will become part of a supportive, collaborative team that prioritizes mental health and the well-being of both those we serve and our volunteers.

Volunteer Requirements:

• A minimum of 6 hours per week (one shift, or split into two 3-hour shifts).
• Flexible shift options to fit your schedule, with shifts ranging from 6am to 11pm.
• We’re looking for individuals who can commit to at least one shift per week, though we’ll work to accommodate your availability.

Shift Patterns Available:

• 6am - 12pm
  1. 6am - 9am
  2. 9am - 12pm
• 12pm - 6pm
  1. 12pm - 3pm
  2. 3pm - 6pm
• 6pm - 11pm
  1. 6pm - 9pm
  2. 9pm - 11pm

Application Process:

• You must be based in the UK (no overseas applications accepted).
• Strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills are required.
• Strong proficiency in English is essential.
• Successful candidates will be contacted to complete an application and confidentiality form and provide two references (one work-related, one educational or work-related).
• Following the submission of the forms and references, we’ll arrange a call to discuss the role, then provide you with a training video.
• Volunteers will be added to our WhatsApp groups, and you’ll begin shadowing more experienced team members before taking on your own chats.
• Shadowing typically requires 9-18 hours, depending on your confidence level.

Please note: This role may be distressing at times. Our team is incredibly supportive, and volunteers are encouraged to reach out to team members whenever necessary.

Person Specifications

If you’re passionate about mental health and want to help those in need, SAPUK is the place for you. As a volunteer, you’ll make a significant difference while joining a caring and selfless team.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 or older.
• Minimum commitment of 6 hours per week, with flexible scheduling options.
• Must have WhatsApp and Facebook (or be willing to get them).
• A working email address and phone number linked to WhatsApp are required.
• Willingness to download an additional app and join multiple WhatsApp groups to communicate with the SAPUK team and support individuals.

Benefits:

• Remote work (work from home)
• Gain valuable experience
• Be part of a supportive team
• Work flexible hours, including days, nights, and weekends
• Volunteer benefits package

Job Type:

• Volunteer

Location:

• Remote (UK-based applicants only)

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: None (Voluntary)

Expected Hours: Minimum 6 hours per week

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Night shift
• Weekend availability

Licence/Certification:

• DBS (preferred, not essential)

Work Authorization:

• Must be based in the UK 

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

Inspiring, supportive, and committed - just a few of the words we’d use to describe our volunteers. 

At Rethink Mental Illness, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They play a vital role in supporting our services and making a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can have a positive impact while developing your own skills and experience, we’d love you to join us. 

About the role

We are looking for Volunteer Befrienders to support our Brent Mental Health service in the London Borough of Brent. 

As a Volunteer Befriender, you will be required to travel across Brent to meet with service users and carry out your role. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 2 hours per week to volunteering. 

You will be supported by Befriending Volunteer Coordinators who will provide regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.

About the service

Our Brent Mental Health service provides support to people aged 18 and above, who live in the Borough of Brent, and who have a mental illness and are known to the local NHS trust Central and North West London (CNWL).

The Befriending Service aims to;

• Reduce social isolation of service users
• Increase the confidence of service users in accessing community resources independently
• Provide meaningful activities and peer support for service users 
• Help service users to live happier, healthier, independent lives
• Provide volunteering opportunities for people with mental health issues
• Reduce stigma and raise mental health awareness

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Befriender:

• Meeting with service users in locations and times which meet their needs (including evenings and weekends)
• Provide befriending support to a maximum of 2 service users at any one time
• Provide emotional support based on your own lived experience
• Support service users to access and build social and community networks and activities
• Act as a community connector to local services

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• You will have good communication skills
• You will be flexible to meet the needs of the service users

How to apply 

To apply, simply click the “apply now” button on the advert on our website and complete a short interest form. 

If you would like to express an interest in this opportunity, please complete an application as soon as possible, as the advert may close early if we receive a high level of interest.

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion  

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. 

Role Summary

Education Outreach Volunteers support the Reptile Centre by assisting with community education sessions, school visits, events, and public engagement activities. Volunteers help promote reptile welfare, conservation awareness, and responsible pet ownership. This role is ideal for people who enjoy working with the public, have an interest in animals, and want to make a positive impact in the community.

Key Responsibilities

Support Educational Sessions

• Assist staff during school visits, workshops, and community outreach events.

• Help set up and pack away educational materials, displays, and activity stations.

• Support the delivery of interactive demonstrations (with or without live animals, depending on training).

• Engage with visitors, answer basic questions, and help create a welcoming learning environment.

Animal Handling (Optional Based on Training)

• Handle reptiles safely during sessions once trained and approved by senior staff.

• Support welfare checks and ensure animals are comfortable during events.

• Help maintain safe handling practices with the public.

Community Engagement

• Represent the Reptile Centre positively at fairs, open days, fundraising events, and exhibitions.

• Share information about the centre’s conservation work, rescue stories, and how people can get involved.

• Encourage visitors to support fundraising campaigns and ongoing community initiatives.

Event Support

• Assist with coordinating groups during onsite and offsite sessions.

• Help manage queues, guide groups, and provide general visitor support.

• Prepare craft materials, activity sheets, or demonstration equipment.

Practical Support

• Help maintain the cleanliness and organisation of education and outreach equipment.

• Support the preparation of educational resources and displays.

• Assist with basic administrative tasks such as feedback collection or session records.

Skills & Qualities Needed

Essential

• Friendly, reliable, and comfortable speaking with the public.

• Enthusiastic about reptiles, wildlife, conservation, or animal education.

• Willingness to learn and follow safety and welfare guidelines.

• Good teamwork skills and a positive, helpful attitude.

Desirable

• Experience working with animals, children, or in an educational setting.

• Confidence handling reptiles (training will be provided).

• Knowledge of reptile care, conservation, or science communication.

What We Provide

• Full training in reptile handling, welfare, and safe educational practice.

• Safeguarding and health & safety guidance.

• Support from staff and fellow volunteers.

• Opportunities to develop skills in public speaking, education, and animal care.

• Experience that can support future employment or studies in animal care, conservation, or education.

Time Commitment

• Flexible volunteer shifts available (weekdays, weekends, or event-based).

• Volunteers can offer as much or as little time as they are comfortably able to.

• Outreach events may require occasional travel with staff.

Additional Requirements

• Minimum age (centre-specific, often 16+ or 18+).

• Willingness to undergo basic training and follow centre policies.

• Some roles may require a DBS check (depending on involvement with children).

Benefits of Volunteering

• Make a meaningful contribution to reptile welfare and conservation education.

• Gain confidence and skills in presenting and public engagement.

• Work closely with a variety of reptiles and learn from experienced handlers.

• Join a supportive team and become part of the centre’s community.

• Opportunities to assist in fundraising that supports vital veterinary and rescue work.

We are Forward, the social enterprise that empowers people to break the cycle of crime or addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

The Forward Enterprise Team is part of Forward’s employability service. The team supports enterprises and charities that create self employment opportunities for ex-offenders and people in recovery from addiction. Eligible applicants can benefit from a tailored mix of support to help grow their business and access investment.

As an Enterprise Mentor, you will be supporting clients of Forward’s Enterprise Support team to reach their full potential to start and build a successful business. Acting as a role model, you will use your personal experience and expertise to guide them with their personal goals and challenges. You will be matched to a mentee according to their aspirations and your personal expertise. You will meet with your mentees once to twice a month and will need to be able to commit to 4 to 6 hours a month to support your mentee . This is a just a recommendation and is flexible based on the Mentee's needs. Training is provided to all volunteers to support them with their volunteering duties and enable them to further their skills and experience with our client group.

We recommend that the Mentor commits to volunteering to 4-6 hours a month for a period of 6 months. This is just a recommendation and can be flexible according to the needs of the Mentee.

Task description:

• Build a trusting and supportive relationship with your mentee
• Be a consistent ear to listen
• Support your mentee to formulate realistic and achievable goals
• Support your mentee with the barriers they encounter and provide guidance on how to overcome these
• Support your mentee by using your professional expertise and knowledge of the sector to guide them
• Listen to the mentees’ concerns and work with them to overcome these
• Listen to your mentee’s ideas and give honest feedback on them
• Be a positive role model to your mentee

Specific duties:

• Arrange and attend monthly meetings with your mentees
• Set targets at the meetings and encourage your mentee to work towards those
• Provide practical support to help your mentee with their concerns and barriers to enable them to overcome them
• Keep a record of your meetings by completing the relevant paperwork after each meeting
• Ensure that notes of meetings are sent to your placement supervisor
• Attend monthly mentor meetings to hear group feedback, raise any concerns and learn from other mentors’ experiences

Perks and Benefits:

Induction training will be provided to the volunteer and will include the following E-Learning:

o Induction to the Forward Trust
o Safeguarding
o Data Protection & GDPR
o Health and Safety
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Additional internal training will be discussed and offered according to the need of the volunteer in placement to support you with your personal development goals. This may include: group facilitation skills, 12 Steps awareness. External training requests will need to be agreed with placement supervisor and submitted to Head Office for approval prior to completing a course.
 

Skills You'll Need

Below is a list of the qualities that we are looking from volunteer:

• If in Recovery from Addiction, to be 12 months abstinent from all mood altering substances. 
• To have the ability to engage effectively with the client group.
• To have a clear understanding of confidentiality.
• To have a clear understanding of how to set and maintain boundaries.
• To be able to communicate and actively listen to client’s concerns.
• To be able to treat clients in a positive and non-judgemental manner.
• To be committed to own learning and development
• To have experience of setting and managing your own business