Community leader volunteer roles in barkingside, greater london
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
*Join AfriLife M.I.N.D. as Volunteer Trustee Director
Southeast London (Remote/in-person)
Voluntary, flexible hours
Deadline: 18 August 2025
Send CV,+ 2 references + short interest note:
Are you a values-driven leader in social justice, mental health and community empowerment? We’re seeking two Trustee Directors to guide our mission empowering BAME communities with culturally responsive, (w)holistic care.
Who We Are
AfriLife M.I.N.D. is a profit-for-purpose setup transforming lives through mental, emotional, physical and social wellbeing services. We centre BAME lived experience and deliver inclusive, culturally competent supporting health and wellbeing.
Our Approach
We apply a (w)holistic lens—recognising how health, identity and community intertwine. Our work is rooted in compassion, collaboration and cultural relevance.
Our Values
- Abundance: investing in purpose and growth
- Empowerment: helping people own their lives
- Introspection: reflecting to refine impact
- Unity: celebrating diversity and solidarity
About the Role
You’ll help shape strategic direction, uphold strong governance and drive mission growth. Collaborate with a passionate board and contribute your expertise to help us thrive.
You Bring
- Experience in leadership, governance or community development
- Strategic thinking and a collaborative spirit
- Passion for health, education or social equity
- Commitment to inclusive, values-led service
- Bonus: interest in (w)holistic living or plant-based lifestyles
What You Gain
- A meaningful leadership role in a grassroots organisation
- The chance to influence positive change and grow your network
- A platform to live your values and make a real difference
Note
All Trustee Directors must be registered with Companies House, providing basic personal details (name, birth year, service address, nationality) for public record—standard UK requirement.
We welcome applications from African, Caribbean and other ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with lived mental health experience and those with diverse abilities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for women who hold feminist values and principles and who are passionate about the mission and values of TRC. We are particularly looking for Trustees who have relevant qualifications and/or experience in the following areas:
- Safeguarding, offering support to the chair and safeguarding leads with the management of safeguarding cases and keeping up to date with best practice
- Legal and Governance, including strategic planning and understanding of the wider political Greater Manchester landscape
- Human resources and personnel management, including a knowledge of employment legislation
- Financial management, planning and budgeting
- Public Relations, Marketing and fundraising, including awareness raising and campaigning through social media
- Capacity building and training, especially for volunteers
- Women’s health and mental health, outreach and partnership work with local services
TRC was set up in 2010 to provide a free, confidential and non-judgemental specialist support service run by women for women and girls who have experienced any form of rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence at any time in their lives. We are a feminist organisation and we actively challenge the values, beliefs and behaviours that contribute to women’s
oppression. Our mission is to raise awareness about sexual violence through providing training, guidance and information and working in partnership with local service providers and communities to promote the values of TRC.
We are a feminist charity providing essential support for survivors of sexual abuse and rape in Greater Manchester.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units, by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.
You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Pursuing the role
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
This group meet on a Wednesday evening.
- Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025
Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/09/2025
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units, by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.
You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Pursuing the role
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
- Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025
Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/09/2025
This Group meet on a Tuesday.
Join the London Wildlife Trust Youth Board
Applications now open for 8 new Youth Board members (ages 16–25)
Are you passionate about nature, social justice, and making real change in your community? London Wildlife Trust is looking for enthusiastic, motivated young people from diverse backgrounds to join our Youth Board. The Youth Board consists of 15 motivated young people (aged 16-25) who are passionate about London’s wildlife and ensuring young people’s voices are heard. Over the year we meet every month in person at one of our London Wildlife Trust sites to discuss and plan a range of projects and topics.
Why join?
- Paid-for residential nature retreat in Norfolk
- Monthly in-person meetings and mentoring from senior leaders
- Create campaigns, curate events, speak in front of new audiences, and more
- Training in leadership, public speaking, careers, and conservation
- Build your network, boost your CV, and inspire others
- All travel and food expenses covered
You do not need experience in nature or conservation — just passion, commitment, and a desire to create change.
Some examples of what we've achieved in 2024/25
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Created an eco-anxiety zine
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Wrote and produced a short film on connecting with nature in London
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Presented at events such as the Wildlife Trusts' Hope Week and House of Lords Maiden Speech
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Take part in interviews for Director vacancies in the Trust
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Meeting with the Deputy Mayor to discuss plans for London
Deadline: Sunday 3rd August at 11:59pm
Must live in Greater London at least 7 months of the year (see GLA postcodes attached)
Residential dates: 26–28 September
Apply in writing, video or voice note
Let your voice be heard!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Say Aphasia is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled volunteer grant writer to join our small but dedicated team. As a proactive member of our charity, you will help secure funding to support people living with Aphasia—a communication disability that affects over 360,000 people across the UK.
Job description:
As our Grant Writer you will be responsible for identifying appropriate grant opportunities, and managing the grant development and proposal process from research to submitting grant applications with any supporting documents.
As our grant writer, you will:
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Identify appropriate sources of funding where we fit their criteria.
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Write appropriately tailored grant/funding bids that meet funders’ interests and requirements and to write any additional documents in support of funding bids.
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Help develop a Trusts and Foundations strategy to help create and maintain strong and diverse income that meets Say Aphasia’s funding needs.
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Create a calendar of grant deadlines and track submitted funding proposals.
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Help us develop a case for support.
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The bid writer will receive a percentage from successful funding received from their submitted applications.
If you are an experienced grant writer or you just enjoy researching and persuasive writing then we would love to hear from you.
We are looking for a someone who has:
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Experience of being a grant writer, project proposal writer, marketing, or nonprofit development.
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Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential.
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Creative and persuasive written and spoken communication skills.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to inspire and engage diverse audiences.
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Self-motivated and highly-organised.
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Ability to work remotely.
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Ability to search online databases and other sources to identify appropriate funds.
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An understanding of how grant funding works, and the variety of requirements from different Trusts and Foundations.
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Ability to organise your own work, track and report back regularly.
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Ideally have a good network of people, organisations and charities which can help us to support our projects.
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Determination to get the job done.
You would be working closely with the charity’s Service Manager, with regular updates and remote meetings as needed. We have an induction process that will help successful applicants to understand how our charity operates. We would like to offer the volunteer a commission on successful grant applications.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about the power of creativity? Volunteer with Little Green Pig as a Story Mentor or Illustrator Mentor.
Mentors work alongside our workshop leaders, providing children and young people, aged 7-18 with in-depth support, helping to create a safe space for them to write for pleasure and purpose.
At Little Green Pig we believe that offering children and young people the opportunity to develop writing skills and invest in their imaginations can truly change their lives. It’s a vital form of self-expression that builds confidence, communication and literacy skills - and it’s fun!
We’re looking for volunteer Story Mentors and Illustrator Mentors to support our after-school clubs and on-off projects in Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne and across Sussex. Please note that these roles are in-person only at various community-based locations.
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
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Aged 16+
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Based in Sussex
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Patient, enthusiastic and passionate about creativity
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Interested in working with children and young people
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Looking for a fun and fulfilling way to learn new skills and connect with other people.
No training necessary as full training will be given. DBS check and travel expenses provided.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Birkbeck Students' Union is looking for two exceptional individuals to join our Board of Trustees as volunteer Lay Trustees. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the student experience at Birkbeck, guiding our strategic direction and ensuring we continue to support and enrich the lives of our diverse student body.
Role Overview: As a Lay Trustee, you will attend and actively participate in five Board of Trustee Meetings and five Finance & Audit Committee meetings per year. Your strategic oversight and governance will help ensure the Students' Union operates in line with its mission, values, and legal obligations. You will provide guidance and insight based on your expertise in one of the following areas Cybersecurity; Fundraising; Legal; and Marketing.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and motivation for applying. Applications should be sent via email by 13th April 2025.
Any questions about the role please email Yousuf Joondan (CEO).
Birkbeck Students' Union is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all individuals, regardless of background, who meet the role's criteria.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We're on a mission to "remix young lives" from disadvantaged backgrounds across London. By providing positive role models, comprehensive personal development, and vital employability skills, we aim to guide, nurture, and inspire young people towards brighter futures. We're in our crucial set-up phase, and we need your leadership and expertise to help us get registered, establish robust governance, and prepare for launch.
This is a unique and impactful opportunity to apply your professional skills at the highest level, directly influencing the strategic direction and foundational success of a charity poised to make a deep, positive impact for generations.
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
We are building a diverse and collaborative team and need a leading force to drive and steer our new youth charity in the form of YOUTH CHARITY MANAGER and help us set up REMIX as a registered charity in England. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who reflect the rich diversity of London's communities, including those with lived experience relevant to our mission.
YOUR ROLE AS OUR YOUTH CHARITY MANAGER:
In this critical initial phase, you will be responsible for:
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Leading the Charity Setup: Overseeing Charity Commission registration, developing key policies and procedures (including robust safeguarding), and establishing operational frameworks.
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Driving Fundraising Strategy: Actively seeking and securing initial seed funding to enable the charity's launch.
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Programme Development: Refining and preparing our mentoring, personal development, and employability programmes for launch.
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Building Core Partnerships: Establishing relationships with community groups, schools, businesses, and other organisations.
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Recruiting Key Volunteers: Attracting and onboarding our initial cohort of mentors and operational volunteers.
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Working Closely with the Board of Trustees: Reporting to and collaborating with the Board to ensure good governance and strategic alignment.
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Steering, Directing and Guiding REMIX: Leading the day to day aspects of the management of REMIX, including steering and guiding the team to make REMIX a huge success.
WHAT WE OFFER:
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The incredible opportunity to be a founding leader of a charity poised to make a significant difference in young people's lives across London.
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A chance to utilise your professional skills for profound social good and see your impact firsthand.
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Collaboration within a passionate, dedicated, and diverse team.
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The deep satisfaction of knowing you are directly contributing to social mobility and creating pathways to success for disadvantaged youth.
This is a voluntary role, with an active contribution to specific areas aligned with your expertise. We are flexible and understand the demands of professional life.
READY TO REMIX YOUNG LIVES WITH US?
If you are a strategic thinker, a passionate advocate for young people, and ready to lend your expertise to help REMIX flourish, we want to hear from you.
Join us in building a future where every young person in London has the chance to thrive.
REMIX
EMPOWER. INSPIRE. TRANSFORM.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About QuilomboUK
QuilomboUK is a dynamic organisation that fosters diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. We believe in a People First approach, ensuring our strategies and operations align with our mission to create equitable workplaces and communities. Join us during this exciting phase of growth as we amplify our impact through innovative people practices.
Role Overview
As a People Partner, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our organisational culture by driving initiatives in organisational development, change management, employee engagement, and recognition. You’ll act as a strategic partner to all departments, ensuring their goals align with our People First philosophy. This role is ideal for someone passionate about social justice, D&I, and building inclusive environments where every voice matters.
Key Responsibilities Organisational Development & Change Management
- Design and implement OD initiatives to enhance team effectiveness, agility, and alignment with QuilomboUK’s mission.
- Lead change management projects, ensuring smooth transitions during organisational growth or restructuring.
- Develop strategies to foster leadership capabilities and a culture of continuous learning.
Employee Engagement & Recognition
- Create innovative engagement programs (e.g., surveys, focus groups) to elevate employee voice and belonging.
- Design recognition frameworks that celebrate contributions aligned with our values, especially in D&I and social justice.
- Analyse engagement data to identify trends and recommend actionable improvements.
People Partnership & Collaboration
- Partner with department leaders to integrate People First strategies into their operations and objectives.
- Provide coaching to managers on inclusive leadership, conflict resolution, and team dynamics.
- Ensure departmental policies reflect QuilomboUK’s commitment to equity and social justice.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice
- Embed D&I principles into talent processes, from recruitment to career development.
- Lead initiatives that advance social justice internally (e.g., ERGs, bias training) and externally (community partnerships).
- Track and report on D&I metrics to measure progress and identify gaps.
Compliance & Best Practices
- Stay updated on employment law and HR trends, ensuring compliance while advocating for progressive practices.
- Promote a culture of accountability and inclusivity through equitable policies.
Qualifications
- Experience: 5+ years in HR, organisational development, or as a People Partner, ideally in mission-driven sectors.
- Skills:
- Expertise in change management, engagement strategies, and OD frameworks.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Proficiency in HR analytics and project management.
- Knowledge: Deep understanding of D&I practices, employment law, and social justice principles.
- Alignment: Passionate about QuilomboUK’s mission and values.
Personal Attributes
- A champion for equity and inclusion, with empathy and cultural competence.
- Adaptable and resilient in fast-paced environments.
- Proactive problem-solver with a collaborative spirit.
Why Join QuilomboUK?
- Impact: Drive meaningful change in D&I and social justice through your work.
- Culture: Join a supportive, inclusive team where innovation and authenticity thrive.
- Growth: Opportunities for professional development in a scaling organisation.
The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
Let’s build a more equitable future together. ✊#PeopleFirst #SocialJustice #DiversityAndInclusion
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Position Summary:
Leads end-to-end Talent Acquisition (TA) and Onboarding functions, driving strategies to attract, hire, and seamlessly integrate top talent. Manages Team Leaders for Talent Acquisition and Onboarding, ensuring alignment with workforce plans, compliance, and candidate/employee experience excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Talent Leadership
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Develop and execute TA and Onboarding strategies to meet current and future workforce needs, including diversity hiring goals and skills gap mitigation.
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Partner with senior leaders to forecast talent demands, refine employer branding, and align processes with business growth objectives.
Team Management & Development
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Directly manage Team Leaders: Talent Acquisition (recruitment focus), Team Leaders: Onboarding (documentation readiness), and the Workforce Planning Team, providing coaching, mentorship, and performance oversight.
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Foster collaboration between the TA, workforce planning, and Onboarding teams to ensure seamless handover from hire to Day 1 readiness.
Recruitment Excellence
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Oversee sourcing, selection, and offer management processes, ensuring efficiency (e.g., time-to-fill ≤30 days) and quality of hire.
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Optimise the use of tools and metrics to drive data-driven recruitment decisions.
Onboarding & Documentation Readiness
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Ensure flawless onboarding processes, including right-to-work checks, contract execution, and pre-employment compliance (e.g., UK right-to-work, GDPR).
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Audit onboarding documentation for accuracy and audit readiness, addressing gaps in collaboration with Legal and Talent Advisory.
Compliance & Risk Mitigation
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Ensure adherence to employment laws, data protection regulations, and internal policies across TA and Onboarding.
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Resolve escalated issues (e.g., background check discrepancies).
Stakeholder Collaboration
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Partner with diverse stakeholders to streamline onboarding logistics (e.g., system access, equipment provisioning).
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Advise senior leadership on talent market trends, competitor insights, and process innovations.
Requirements:
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Education & Certification: CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent (e.g., Bachelor’s degree in HR Management, SHRM-CP, or PHR certification).
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Experience: 8+ years in talent acquisition and onboarding, with 3+ years managing multi-functional teams (TA and Onboarding).
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Technical Expertise: Proficiency in relevant systems and programmes.
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Legal Knowledge: Mastery of UK employment law, right-to-work requirements, and GDPR compliance.
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Leadership Skills: Ability to mentor leaders, resolve cross-functional conflicts, and drive process improvements.
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DE&I Focus: Track record of designing inclusive hiring and onboarding practices for underrepresented groups.
The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
As the welcoming face of the food bank you’ll be sociable, enjoy meeting people and able to offer friendly and caring support to those in crisis. You’ll receive and check food vouchers, prepare food parcels and make refreshments for the people who visit the food bank. You’ll provide a listening ear and support people in accessing other services with compassion and dignity.
Why we want you
We are committed to ensuring anybody visiting a food bank is welcomed, valued and treated with dignity. Volunteers take time to share a warm drink, discuss food requirements, offer a listening ear and, when appropriate, signpost people for further support and help.
As a Food bank centre helper you will play a vital role giving direct support to people who use food banks, meeting and greeting people coming into the food bank, packing their food parcels, making them feel comfortable and providing further signposting support where appropriate.
In this role you can make a real difference to people’s lives providing vital help and support to those in crisis in your local community.
What you will be doing
- Welcome clients to the foodbank centre
- Receive vouchers, check validity, and prepare food parcels according to the standard packing lists
- Make refreshments and tidy up as required during the session
- Offer a listening ear and signpost clients, as required, to further support, using information from the signposting folder/leaflets
- Work under the guidance of the session leader and report any health & safety or safeguarding concerns to the project manager/session supervisor
The skills you need
- Strong team player
- Excellent communication skills
- Empathetic
- Has an eye for detail
- Organised and self-motivated
What's in it for you
- Using your existing skills to make a difference
- Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the community
- Make a real difference to the running of your food bank
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Your role
Amazing, giving, and inspiring are just a few words we would use to describe our volunteers.
Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.
About the role
As a Regional Fundraising Volunteer, you will support Rethink Mental Illness in generating income, raising awareness, and building community engagement through local fundraising initiatives. The role will involve event planning and support, and public engagement to help achieve regional fundraising goals.
You will play a major part in bringing to life regional fundraising activities in line with our “Rethink in the Community" concept and increase regional awareness to generate much needed additional income and amplify the impact of the work Rethink Mental Illness do.
You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role.
Regional locations
Whilst this is a home based role, you will occasionally attend events within your region. We're particularly interested in receiving applications from people who live in the following areas:
Yorkshire & Northeast: Newcastle, Gateshead, York, Sunderland
Northwest: Manchester, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent
Midlands: Birmingham, Solihull, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton, Walsall
Southwest: Gloucester, Bristol, Plymouth, North Devon, South Devon, Cornwall
East of England: Norfolk, Norwich, Ipswich
What you will be doing as a Regional Fundraising Volunteer:
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Support and assist in organising and participating in local fundraising events.
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Help with event logistics, set-up, and participant engagement to ensure smooth delivery.
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Take part in local initiatives acquiring donors and do it yourself fundraisers.
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Increase awareness of the organisation’s work by helping to promote regional fundraising activity.
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Represent the organisation at schools, community groups, and public events, delivering presentations to inspire support.
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Communicate with supporters via phone, email, and face-to-face interactions.
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Attend and contribute to meetings with the fundraising team and supporters to share updates and ideas.
What will make you a great fit for this role?
You will have good knowledge of your local community and be passionate about making a difference to those severely affected by mental illness. You will also have:
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The ability to organise events and activities
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The ability to inspire and motivate others
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Good communication skills
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Creative ideas to promote diverse fundraising activities
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Dedication to our cause
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.
We’re Rethink Mental Illness and no matter how bad things are, we can help people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives.
Founded in 2011 by Sophie Hayes, a British woman trafficked into sexual exploitation, Sophie Hayes Foundation’s work has always been centred around sustainable freedom. This means freedom from exploitation, slavery, and trafficking, and also the freedom to look to the future with renewed confidence, rebuilt skills, and a sense of purpose for survivors. Our mission of sustainable freedom has continued over the last 13 years, however, the forms of exploitation, as well as the landscape of support to survivors, have changed beyond recognition. To respond to this, we launched a new strategy in 2024, which set out how we will ‘meet survivors where they are and take them to where they want to be’
Sophie Hayes Foundation aims to work in a proactive and collaborative manner. The Chair plays an important part in setting the tone and bringing all stakeholders together.
Governance and Culture: As Chair, you provide appropriate leadership, oversight and support to the Board and management team on strategy, governance and risk, ensuring that we meet our obligations and responsibilities. The Trustee Board is made up of a diverse group of people, each bringing their own ideas, skills and networks to support the executive team. A new CEO joined the charity about 18 months ago. She has worked to build a strong team and achieved a great sense of community amongst staff, volunteers and programme participants. She worked closely with the Board in the development of a new strategy, is building strong relationships with donors and supporters, and continues to oversee the management of the day to day - with an eye on both long-term needs and immediate challenges.
Development: We rely on support from foundations, key donors and the public, and as Chair, you will be an important representative of the organisation, working with the CEO and other Trustees to build and maintain strong relationships.
Advocacy: Sophie Hayes Foundation is working to improve understanding of the Modern Slavery sector, enhance understanding of the issues, build recognition of the impact of our programmes and influence key decision makers. As Chair, along with other Trustees, you may be called on to assist the CEO with advocacy and to build our brand.
Commitment: We have a bold vision to increase our impact through a combination of direct programming with survivors and through advocacy to build awareness and support. You will need to have the time to contribute to our growth strategy by chairing Board meetings, supporting Committee Chairs, Board officers, and our small but mighty management team, and represent Sophie Hayes Foundation to key stakeholders.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Amazing, giving, and inspiring are a few words we would use to describe our volunteers.
Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.
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 aim of the Befriending Service is 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 in order to meet the needs of the service users
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.
We’re Rethink Mental Illness and no matter how bad things are, we can help people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives.