Community manager volunteer roles in nine elms, greater london

Background

Our Time Charity is a unique and pioneering organization dedicated to supporting children and young people who have parents with mental illness. Our mission is to ensure that these young individuals do not feel isolated, misunderstood, or overlooked, and to provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. We achieve this through innovative programmes, education, and advocacy, making a tangible difference in their lives.

Established in 2012, Our Time has grown from a small initiative into a nationally recognized charity. Our founders, driven by personal experiences and a profound understanding of the challenges faced by children of parents with mental illness, have created a compassionate and impactful charity. Over the years, we have developed a range of innovative interventions and expanded our reach, positively improving the lives of thousands of young people across the UK.

We are proud to be partnering with Save the Children to deliver a new 6-month programme of KidsTime Workshops in Tower Hamlets, focused on mothers with mental health challenges and their young children (aged 2–6). These twice-monthly, multi-family workshops offer a safe, supportive space for connection, creativity, and healing. 

The Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Practitioner to join a small, committed team in delivering these community-based workshops. This role is ideal for someone with some experience in perinatal or family mental health or play therapy. This role is suited to someone pursuing training in psychology and early years development. You will be expected to bring warmth, professionalism, and a belief in the strength and potential of families to cope with the challenges of parenting with a mental illness.  You will play a vital part in creating a space that builds relationships, fosters resilience, and nurtures the emotional bond between mothers and their young children.

Benefits
This volunteer placement will offer valuable clinical experience in understanding and supporting mothers who have mental illness and children aged between 2 and 6 years.  You will be involved in the design and implementation of this family mental health intervention. Depending on the interest and experience of the volunteer, the role will include supporting the running of creative activities with the children's group and providing support where needed to the Mental Health Workshop Lead.

Volunteer Responsibilities

● To attend all 12 groups over a 6 month period, plus meetings with the Our Time Charity team throughout the project.

● Co-facilitate workshops, alongside 2 lead practitioners, for mothers and their children aged 2–6, ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging atmosphere.

● Support families using a non-clinical, relational approach that values lived experience, emotional safety, and mutual respect.

● Promote attachment, attunement, and resilience within the parent-child relationship.

● Participate in team meetings and supervision (held virtually).

● Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of workshops and share learning with the wider project team.

● Ensure all safeguarding, data protection, and equality practices are embedded in your work.

● To complete online Safeguarding Children Level 2 training organised  by Our Time and report any safeguarding concerns that arise during  workshops immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.

● To complete an enhanced DBS form which can be organised by Our  Time.

● To read and abide by all Our Time policies and procedures.

Essential Requirements

● Experience in facilitating or supporting therapeutic practice/interventions/settings. 

● Experience in using creative tools and activities with young children and therefore ability to contribute to the design and implementation of such activities in this group.

● Confidence in supporting group sessions in a warm, collaborative way.

● Clear, compassionate communicator with excellent organisational and time management skills.

● Committed to working flexibly and non-hierarchically, building relationships based on empathy and mutual trust.

● Familiar with safeguarding, data protection, and equality, diversity and inclusion best practices.

Desirable Requirements

● Understanding of parent-child relationships, particularly attachment and attunement in early childhood.

● Experience supporting families where mental illness is a factor, ideally in early years or perinatal settings

● Understanding of the challenges children face when a parent has a mental illness.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind
• Access to Sense discounts and advice, including cashback and discounts on hight street brands, as well as 10% off at Sense charity shops.

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

VOLUNTEER CASE OFFICER

Across the UK, our 65 local branches work with disabled people to help them live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Case Officers are a vital part of our local branch activities. They use their organisational and IT skills, sometimes along with a knowledge of engineering, to make sure their branch is best able to support people.

What the role involves

This is a varied role that each branch tends to do a bit differently, but it will involve:

• Processing and allocating cases which have come to the branch

• You may have engineering experience or be a skilled craftsperson, but this is not essential

• Using our online referral portal to manage and update case notes

• Attending regular meetings of the local branch

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

• Warm, approachable and confident to call referrers/clients to initiate discussions

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and a reference check.

If it works better for you, there’s a possibility this role could be done remotely.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without  your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

InterVol is a student volunteering charity in the United Kingdom that connects students with volunteering opportunities locally and overseas. InterVol supports students to develop their skills with community projects in the UK and then use those skills to support the work of charitable partners overseas on health, education, refugee support, and conservation placements. Our project placements and volunteering opportunities are designed by our local partners and with the long-term needs of beneficiaries and communities in mind. InterVol supports a network of five student societies at English universities with around one hundred volunteers annually.

InterVol is looking for new trustees to join our board. Trustees are responsible for ensuring that InterVol follows our guiding principles and acts within the law. This includes the timely submissions to the Charity Commission, ensuring that volunteering is safe and appropriate, and developing and maintaining a long-term strategy for InterVol. InterVol is a small charity with no staff, so trustees also play an important role in maintaining institutional memory for student committees which change annually. 

We are recruiting for general trustee roles and for a treasurer. For the treasurer role, we are looking for applicants with a specialism in financial management to oversee our bank account, monitor our online donation platform, make grants, donations and payments, and report on our finances annually to the Charity Commission. Trustees in non-finance roles will be allocated roles most relevant to their own experience e.g. specific university group support, specific placements, or thematic areas such as training or research.

As a trustee you are expected to take on roles including:

• Attend termly meetings (three annually, online) and annual meetings, where possible.

• Provide advice to the trustee board and our committees. This is either by email, or through the Trustees WhatsApp group.

• Work on specific projects with other trustees and advisors, e.g. managing interns, setting up new placement partnerships, and conducting/reviewing risk assessments.

• Identify potential partnerships in both the United Kingdom and overseas to forward the goals of the charity and strengthen our existing university projects.

• Attend training and network events to represent InterVol, make new connections and bring new ideas into the charity.

• Commit to 2-3 years of supporting the charity before handing over or renewing your term.

• Be based in the United Kingdom to allow travel to meetings.

Person Specification:

• Significant experience of volunteering in either the UK or overseas

• Passionate about ethical volunteering practises

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills

• Flexible and able to provide support on an ad hoc basis

• Understanding of international development issues (desirable)

• Accounting and finance experience (treasurer role)

ABOUT TREES FOR CITIES

Trees for Cities is an independent national charity that engages local people and volunteers to plant, protect and promote trees in towns and cities worldwide. We cultivate lasting change in urban neighbourhoods by revitalising forgotten spaces, creating healthier places, and getting people involved in their local environments. In a world facing unprecedented threats from climate change, loss of biodiversity, and disconnection from nature, our work has never been more urgent or important.

The charity has seen significant growth and development over recent years, with expansion of our Trees for Streets, Trees for Schools and Trees for Neighbourhoods programmes in towns and cities across the UK.  It is imperative that the Charity continues to evolve as we move towards a new strategic phase (2025-30), with the strategic goal to create a movement for urban trees and tree equity.

We currently seek a Trustee with fundraising expertise to join our Board. This is a new role and an exciting opportunity to support the charity as we embark on our new strategic ambition to take a prominent, influential and leading role in urban forestry. We are particularly looking for someone with senior-level strategic experience and networks in corporate and grant fundraising.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The trustee will maintain an overview of Trees for Cities’ fundraising strategy.  The trustee will work closely with the Board and Executive Team, particularly the Chief Executive and Fundraising Director, to support the charity in pursuing its vision and mission and achieving its agreed objectives.  In addition to the skills, experience and qualities required of all Trustees, this trustee will have significant senior-level experience of fundraising strategy, policy and regulations as outlined in the person specification.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Everyone is welcome to apply. At Trees for Cities, we want to reflect and represent the diversity of communities that we serve. Few of our employees or trustees have lived experience (or close connection to someone with lived experience) of environmental injustice, and few are from Black, Asian or other minority ethnic groups, disabled, or lower socio-economic backgrounds. We encourage applications from senior fundraising professionals in one or more of these groups. 

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to learn more about the role, please email Kate Sheldon, Chief Executive or direct message via Linked In.

To apply, please follow the link on our website. Applications should include a CV and short covering statement. 

Deadline to apply at 9am on Monday 30 June. 

In-person interviews scheduled Tuesday 15 July 2025 in Brixton SW9. 

This recruitment is not open to agencies.

CAT FOSTERER

Cat Fosterer (RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch)

We’re looking for cat-loving volunteers to play a vital role in helping us improve the wellbeing of the cats in our care whilst they wait to be rehomed. Can you help them by providing a calm and caring home whilst we find their purrfect forever home?

Overview of the opportunity

As a cat fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing our cats with the safety of your home whilst tending to their welfare needs such as feeding and grooming. In addition to this, by providing a temporary loving environment, you will play a crucial role in a cat’s wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.

Once everything is in place, the animal centre will guide you through the fostering process and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care for your fostered cat. The RSPCA is also happy to reimburse any other pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Whilst our cats are in your foster care, you will:

•  Provide them with care, suitable housing, and a safe environment as per our policies and guidelines.
•  Feed, water, and groom them in line with our advice.
• Transport them to any veterinary appointments if required.
•  Provide them with your time and patience.
•  Help us spread the word about the cats in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
•  Playing and cuddles are also a must!        

What we are looking for in a volunteer Cat Fosterer                                                                                                                                                                                             

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for cats.
• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
• For their wellbeing, our cats need to be kept in a separate room, so the whole family should be on board.
• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they cannot be so, please let us know if this is the case). 

​What we can offer you as a volunteer Cat Fosterer

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the cats in your care.
• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
•  Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.
•  Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

It is worth mentioning that our cats do have different needs as whilst some are ready for rehoming others may require rehabilitation or ongoing medication. Therefore, we also aim to understand your situation and circumstances to ensure that we match you with your perfect foster cat.

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Animal Fosterer

As an animal fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing either our cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, or other small furries with the safety of your home whilst tending to their welfare needs such as feeding and grooming. In addition to this, by providing a temporary loving environment, you will play a crucial role in their wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.

Once everything is in place, the animal center will guide you through the fostering process and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care for your foster. The RSPCA is also happy to reimburse any other pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Whilst our animals are in your foster care, you will:

• Provide them with care, suitable housing, and a safe environment as per our policies and guidelines.
• Feed, water, and groom them in line with our advice.
• Transport them to any veterinary appointments if required.
• Provide them with your time and patience.
• Help us spread the word about the animals in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
• Playing and cuddles are also a must!

What we are looking for in a volunteer Fosterer

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for animals.
• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
• For their wellbeing, the whole family should be on board with fostering an animal.
• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they cannot be so, please let us know if this is the case).
• You will need to live in our branches area.
• You will need to be able to pick up supplies from our office in Eastcote and transport animals to the vets for routine and emergency appointments.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Fosterer

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the animals in your care.
• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.
• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

It is worth mentioning that our animals do have different needs as whilst some are ready for rehoming others may require rehabilitation or ongoing medication. Therefore, we also aim to understand your situation and circumstances to ensure that we match you with your perfect foster animal.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

We are recruiting Volunteer Team Leaders to lead and inspire! This is your chance to meet new people, gain new skills and experience and have fun whilst being part of a great cause.

Location: London, working from home 

Recruiting for various Team Leaders for- so please specify.

-West London Sister Team Leader

-Slough Sister Team Leader

-Slough Brother Team Leader

-South London Brother Team Leader

-Luton Team Leader

Expenses: This is a voluntary position, but we reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy

Main tasks

We need individuals who can manage a group of volunteers within their region and work with Human Appeal staff members to ensure volunteers’ active involvement in events and campaigns.

 Recruit new volunteers and lead current volunteers who will be allocated to your team

 Communicate important campaign-related information to your team

 Organise 2 Fundraising events or community projects with your team within an assigned budget in the year.

 Actively attend and participate in Team Leader meetings and complete any actions allocated to you E.g Recruiting volunteers for online fundraising.

 Work with the Human Appeal staff team to deliver campaigns and 2 in-person events for the year.

 Organise and attend Monthly Meetings with your Volunteers

 Where possible, support with Team Leader recruitment by joining the interviewing panel

Knowledge/Experience/Skills

We will provide you with the tools, training and support you need but here are a few things we are looking for:

 Excellent communication, negotiation, influencing, innovation and interpersonal skills

 Willingness to learn and develop as an individual and accept constructive feedback

 Ability to build and maintain relationships with all levels of people 

 Ability to support and coordinate a diverse group of individuals

 Ability to prioritise workload and work well in a team

Learning and Development

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Human Appeal will provide:

 Leadership training to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to fulfil the role

 A dedicated member of staff to provide ongoing support and supervision

 Payment of “out of pocket” expenses in line with Human Appeal’s expenses policy

 Webinars to provide you with the information you require for the campaign

 A volunteer handbook that outlines the policies and procedures you need to be aware of whilst volunteering

Benefits of volunteering with us

By volunteering in an international charity, you will gain valuable skills, experience and knowledge. We will also offer:

 Opportunities to take part in Human Appeal events and training programmes

 Opportunity for you and your team run your own event for a Human Appeal project of your choice

 Support from our HR Team in developing your CV and interviewing skills 

 Experience of operating within an international humanitarian charity

 Offer to provide references after 3 months of volunteering 

 Excellent support as part of a friendly team with fun away days

 Develop knowledge and skills in people management, social media, recruitment and project management 

IGNITE THE SPARK 

Become SUNSHINE's Volunteer Coordinator and Build Our Family!

Are you a natural people-person, brimming with enthusiasm, and passionate about empowering others?

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, dedicated to combating loneliness and radiating joy throughout our community. Our mission lives and breathes through the incredible individuals who volunteer their time – and we urgently need a warm, dynamic Volunteer Coordinator to bring them all together!

This isn't just about managing schedules; it's about building a vibrant, supportive family. You'll be the heart of our volunteer team, playing a pivotal role in:

• Recruiting & Welcoming: Finding and onboarding the amazing people who will spread our message and our mission.
• Training & Empowering: Equipping our volunteers with the skills and confidence to shine.
• Motivating & Valuing: Ensuring every volunteer feels appreciated, supported, and truly part of the SUNSHINE mission and family.
• Fostering Connection: Creating a strong, happy team that embodies the very spirit of our charity.

If you are passionate, dedicated, and committed to nurturing talent, building relationships, and seeing the direct impact of a thriving volunteer force – this flexible volunteer role is calling you! Your efforts will directly enable us to reach more isolated individuals and transform more lives.

Ready to build the most joyful volunteer family and truly spread SUNSHINE?

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Board of Trustees.  

Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core service and increase the number of women we can support into work by dressing and coaching women for interview and job success.

The time commitment for this voluntary, unpaid role is an average of a day a month, with more time given at busy periods of the year. There will be a requirement to attend board meetings, with some trustees also sitting on subcommittees that meet around 4 times a year. In addition, there are events to attend and occasional additional duties to support our wider work. 

If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Smart Works mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you. 

Please see the job pack attached for full details and apply via the portal by 31st July 2025.

ShowerBox is a registered charity that has been providing free and secure showers as well as toiletries and supplies, warm drinks, snacks and haircuts to individuals facing homelessness since 2018. Our mission is to enhance our guests’ sense of physical well-being and dignity, help combat social isolation, and provide access to other essential resources such as health clinics and mobile libraries. By empowering individuals, we hope to help them make long term improvement in their lives.

Learning of individuals having passed away from preventable illnesses on the streets due to an inability to get clean and the social stigma associated with poor personal hygiene, Sarah Lamptey (our CEO) started offering weekly showers in St. Giles churchyard in Soho, London, from 2019. ShowerBox became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2021 and since then has been expanding nationally. Now, we operate in multiple sites – Central London, Birmingham, and Barking – either independently or in partnership. Central London remains our biggest site, followed by Birmingham and Barking, and we are in initial discussion with others. We receive our funds through philanthropy – currently supported by National Lottery Community Fund, Vitol Foundation, HS2, amongst others. 

As we look to expand to new sites, we are seeking two passionate new trustees to help us grow and thrive. As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping our strategy, expanding our network, and ensuring our charity is impactful. It will be a volunteer role.

What are we looking for?

• Interest in making a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness/housing security

• Experience serving as a Trustee or Board member (in either for-profit or non-profit organisation)

• An understanding of legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

• Ability to devote time and effort to support a small and growing charity

• Prepared to attend four board meetings per year (mostly online) plus one or two ad hoc committees and/or events in line with their expertise, specific interest, or as needed

We are keen to hear from individuals with the skills and experience to help direct our organisational development within: 

• Operations, HR & Compliance

• Fundraising & Communications

We are particularly interested to hear from professionals with expertise in the following areas:

• UK charity law and compliance

• Risk management & GDPR

• Safeguarding, staff and volunteer wellbeing

• Fundraising and communications strategy (charity / social enterprises)

• Philanthropy or Corporate Partnerships 

• Individuals with a track record in income diversification, particularly from trusts/foundations, major donors, or Corporate Social Responsibility.

• Experience working in the Homelessness or public health sector, especially in the UK 

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining why you are interested in working with ShowerBox. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

We are seeking a creative and results-driven Social Media Volunteer to join our new community interest company. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing effective social media strategies to enhance our online presence, engage with our audience, and promote our brand. This role requires a strong understanding of social media management and public relations, as well as the ability to create compelling content that resonates with our target market. We are also looking for someone who has a genuine interest in counselling, therapy or mental health.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage social media strategies across various platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Create engaging content tailored to different audiences and platforms, ensuring alignment with brand messaging.
• Monitor social media channels for trends, customer feedback, and engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to integrate social media efforts with broader marketing campaigns.
• Analyse performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of social media initiatives and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Engage with followers by responding to comments and messages in a timely manner.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in social media management and public relations.
• Assist in the development of public relations strategies that align with social media efforts.

Requirements

• Experience in social media management or a similar role is not essential, but we are looking for someone with genuine interest in developing their skills and abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an eye for detail.
• Proficiency in using social media management tools and analytics platforms.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Creative thinking skills with the ability to generate innovative ideas for content creation.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

If you are passionate about social media and eager to make an impact through engaging content, we would love to hear from you!

Unfold 

Unfold is led by the people it serves and gets them where they want to be. For 35 years, Unfold has been providing support to vulnerable families who are at risk of social exclusion, offering mentoring to women with children and young people in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea and the neighbouring boroughs. We’re a bold, agile and growing organization, with a friendly, energetic and welcoming team.  As an established local charity (previously known as Westminster Befriend a Family), we’re powered by volunteers who support young people and families to identify and achieve goals that matter to them.

Your role 

The purpose of your role is to assist Unfold’s volunteer applicants in a smooth and timely onboarding experience.  The role will provide you with an opportunity to gain or further develop administrative, organisational, data processing and communication skills in a welcoming and supportive environment, whilst gaining an understanding of the charity business and development.

What will you be doing? 

On a weekly basis you will be supported to carry out the following:

• Send next step emails following mentoring training.
• Request, track and confirm receipt of references.
• Create volunteer profiles on our online training platform.
• Send DBS application invites and see DBS applications through to completion 
• Communicate updates with the Volunteer Coordinator and share any challenges or concerns regarding the onboarding process.
• Work in line with GDPR guidelines.
• Any other duties as reasonably required.

Training  

• You will be trained by the Volunteer Coordinator and supported throughout your role in Unfold’s systems and processes.
• You are welcome to attend our mentoring training, giving you the opportunity to further understand the needs and lives of the communities your role will help us to serve.

About you 

This is a great opportunity to gain experience working with a charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of families and young people in Westminster. 

You will be an individual who: 

• Has good organisational and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Is confident with or willing to learn the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook). 
• Is willing to develop skills in the use of our CRM system.
• Is committed to working as a team to achieve Unfold's aims. 

This role may particularly appeal to you if you are studying or interested in Psychology, Sociology or learning more about the charity sector. Previous Office Volunteers have undertaken studies on Unfold’s service user trends as part of their Master's degree dissertation, which we would welcome should you like to initiate a similar project, however, this is absolutely not a requirement for the role!

The Commitment

Minimum 6 hours weekly, Monday to Friday, including Tuesdays or Wednesdays at Unfold’s Office in Victoria. 

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind
• Access to Sense discounts and advice, including cashback and discounts on hight street brands, as well as 10% off at Sense charity shops.

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.