Community services volunteers volunteer roles in redbridge, blackpool
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 our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of the issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sport. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to sports clubs, sporting venues and facilities and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a sporting world without barriers.
What you’ll be doing
1. Talks to sports and physical activity providers to support and encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local leisure centres, sporting venues and sports clubs.
2. Delivering talks to raise awareness of existing sporting and physical activity opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
3. Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service.
What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies
In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training, in particular training in public speaking and story telling will be given.
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers
How often will I be needed?
- 4 Hours per Month
Key requirements
- This role requires 1 reference.
Location
Region
- Scotland
Who this opportunity will suit
- This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- You’ll ideally have 1. Lived experience in playing, spectating, or delivering sport or physical activity sessions as a blind or partially sighted person. 2. Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sports and physical activity. 3. Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your sporting story, or a willingness to try with our support. 4. Have effective communication skills. 5. An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people
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 an Italian speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!
Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Italian-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By giving just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference — offering companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.
What is the Talking Bubble Project?
A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular calls, you’ll help build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and offer emotional support — especially for those more comfortable speaking Italian.
Why volunteer with us?
✔ Support members of the Italian-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a real difference in someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your own sense of fulfilment and purpose
✅ What’s required?
✔ Completion of online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training (funded by us)
✔ A DBS check (funded by us)
✔ A kind and compassionate approach, and a willingness to engage in friendly conversations
How to get involved:
Apply through the CharityJob website — no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.
Help us bring connection and kindness to the Italian-speaking community across the UK!
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!
Orchards is looking for a reliable and organised volunteer to support our vision to see more women free from sexual exploitation. This role offers hands-on experience in the VAWG sector and the chance to contribute to the smooth running of our supported accommodation services.
At Orchards our vision is to see women free from sexual exploitation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you looking for a meaningful, flexible way to support others? Join the Talking Bubble Project and help tackle loneliness through the power of a simple phone call.
Since the pandemic, many befriending services have wound down—but Talking Bubble remains one of the few projects still offering regular, phone-based companionship to those who need it most. Demand for this kind of support remains high, and we’re actively looking for kind, compassionate English-speaking volunteers to help meet this growing need.
What is the Talking Bubble Project?
☎︎ It’s a phone-based befriending service that connects volunteers with older adults and vulnerable individuals across the UK who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation. By committing just a little time each week, you can offer someone the warmth of conversation and a regular point of connection.
Why Volunteer With Us?
✔ Make a genuine impact on someone's life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours from the comfort of your home
✔ Receive full training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your sense of purpose and community
What You’ll Need
✅ No experience required—just a kind heart, a listening ear, and a willingness to talk
✅ Volunteers must complete Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check—we cover the cost of both
✅ Must be a UK resident
How to Get Involved
Apply now via the CharityJob website, or contact us directly for more information. Together, we can keep connection alive—one call at a time.
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!
The Stroke Association - Fundraising Project Volunteer
Our Regional Fundraising Team work closely with individuals, groups, and organisations who are raising money for us or have the potential to raise funds. This can be through our campaigns, active challenges, partnerships or through their own ideas. Fundraising is important to our charity as our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the generosity of supporters. In this role you will help with projects that will help us find new fundraising supporters, help with promoting our campaigns or be involved with ensuring our supporters have a fantastic experience
What the role involves:
As a fundraising project volunteer, there are a wide range of activities that you might be involved with. When you enquire about volunteering, we will find out about your interests and skills to find the right projects for you to support us with. Tasks may vary throughout the year. They include:
- Researching organisations and community groups that may be able to support the charity financially.
- Promoting our fundraising campaigns in communities to encourage them to get involved.
- Helping ensure our supporters have a great experience by thanking them, wishing them good luck or sharing charity updates. This could be through cards, emails or phone calls.
- General administrative tasks on word or excel.
- Support with our events in person if they are near to you. This could involve meeting fundraisers, cheering along our runners or talking about the charity.
Who the role might suit:
- To be an effective fundraising project volunteer you will need a methodical approach to work and be able to follow agreed systems and processes.
- Our fundraising project volunteers need to be thorough with a good eye for detail, and able to use office equipment and relevant computer software.
- Some of the tasks involved will need you to be someone who can communicate effectively in writing, over the phone and in person.
- You will have ongoing support from our staff but will spend much of your time working on your own so you will need to be someone who is comfortable working without direct supervision.
What the role can offer you personally:
- Being a fundraising project volunteer means you will gain practical experience of working in a busy team, supporting our ongoing work and on a variety of projects that make a real difference to people’s lives.
- The role provides an opportunity to learn new keyboard and IT skills and use various software and database packages.
- Fundraising project volunteers also find it helps them develop new skills with a well-respected charity which can improve their CV and employability.
- You would be able to see how your support has made an impact by seeing the amount of money raised or hearing feedback from our supporters.
Training for this role:
We provide all of our volunteers with training, so they feel confident in the role and give the best possible support to stroke survivors.
Essential training for the role will include some modules on our learn system, such as GDPR, safeguarding and information security. Other training may be required depending on the tasks you complete. We will confirm this as part of your induction.
We also offer a range of optional training courses to support you in your role and to support your knowledge of the Stroke Association.
We also offer ongoing support and expenses where appropriate.
Where and when you would volunteer:
The role is a remote volunteering role that you will complete from home at a time that suits you. There may be times when we invite you along to virtual meetings, but times would be discussed.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, an Access NI check or membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme is not required for this role.
Our vision is for there to be fewer strokes, and for people affected by stroke to get the help they need to live the best life they can.
Our core purpose is to be the trusted voice of stroke survivors and their families. We want to drive better outcomes in stroke prevention, treatment and lifelong support for everyone affected by stroke.
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.
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!
Volunteer Fundraising Manager
Organisation: HomelessNest
Location: Flexible (remote with occasional London meetings)
Commitment: Approx. 6–8 hours per week
Type: Voluntary / Unpaid
About Us
HomelessNest is a registered UK charity committed to supporting individuals and families who are homeless, vulnerably housed, or otherwise at risk. We provide grants, essential items, advocacy, and practical services that create pathways to stability and independence.
The Role
We are seeking a Volunteer Fundraising Manager to help us grow our income, organise events, strengthen donor relationships, and ensure our services can reach more people in need.
You will play a key role in shaping and delivering our fundraising strategy, working closely with trustees and volunteers to build sustainable income streams.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a fundraising plan aligned with our mission.
- Research and apply for grants, trusts, and foundations.
- Build and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners.
- Coordinate community fundraising events and campaigns.
- Support and oversee volunteer fundraising officers and event coordinators.
- Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations and reporting requirements.
Person Specification
We are looking for someone with:
- Experience or strong aptitude in fundraising, bid writing, or donor relations (professional or voluntary).
- Excellent communication and networking skills.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently.
- A proactive, creative approach to problem‑solving.
- Passion for tackling homelessness and social inequality.
What You’ll Gain
- The opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
- Valuable experience in charity fundraising, leadership, and strategy.
- Flexible volunteering that fits around your schedule.
- The chance to be part of a supportive, passionate team.
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.
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 are looking for a male mentor volunteer to provide guidance, support, and inspiration to young boys in our Brent Domestic Abuse Service. You will act as a positive role model by offering a listening ear for challenges, helping build social connections, and developing life skills like self-esteem, respecting others, and decision-making. This role requires empathy, reliability, and a commitment to a positive, non-judgmental approach. If you would like to make a difference, get in touch!
Hestia provides holistic, one-to-one support in our refuges and the community. Our refuge services are for women and children, offering a safe place to stay and vital emotional and practical support.
Outside of our refuges, most of our support services are accessible by anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, including men.
In the last year, 3,855 women and children were supported by Hestia to recover from domestic abuse.
Anyone can experience domestic abuse, at any point in their life, regardless of their background, age, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. However, it is a gendered crime, with women being three times more likely to be victims.
We help people understand what domestic abuse is and develop the knowledge, skills and tools they need to protect themselves, stay safe and leave a relationship, if and when they’re ready to do so.
What you will be doing
- Build a trusting relationship with a young boy by being a supportive, compassionate, and empathetic friend and role model
- Help the young person identify and work toward personal and academic goals
- Provide guidance and support on challenges the young boy faces, helping them consider various options and make positive life choices
- Support the young person in developing positive life skills and problem-solving abilities
- Assist in making social connections within the local community or through other positive activities and groups
The skills you need
- Ability to listen effectively and non-judgmentally
- A genuine desire to support young people and an ability to understand their needs and concerns
- Willingness to serve as a positive example and share experiences, if appropriate
- A commitment to working with the young person over a sustained period to foster growth and positive change
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 - 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.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



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 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.
Overview
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Fundraising Volunteer to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in developing and implementing fundraising strategies to support our mission. This position requires excellent communication skills, a strong ability to build relationships, and a commitment to achieving fundraising goals. The Fundraiser will engage with various stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and community members, to promote our cause and secure financial support.
Duties
- Develop and execute fundraising campaigns that align with the organisation's objectives.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors through effective communication and engagement strategies.
- Utilise software tools such as Raiser's Edge for tracking donations, managing donor information, and reporting on fundraising activities.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to create promotional materials that highlight fundraising initiatives.
- Organise fundraising events, including planning logistics, coordinating volunteers, and ensuring successful execution.
- Conduct outreach efforts to engage the community and raise awareness about the organisation's mission.
- Provide exceptional customer service to donors and stakeholders, addressing inquiries and fostering positive relationships.
- Monitor market trends in fundraising to identify new opportunities for growth and engagement.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in fundraising or a related field is preferred.
- Strong skills in relationship management and public relations.
- Proficiency in using software tools such as Raiser's Edge or similar fundraising platforms.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment while also being self-motivated.
- Strong organisational skills with attention to detail in managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- A passion for the organisation's mission and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: Up to £1.00 per year
Expected hours: No less than 2 per week
Benefits:
- Work from home
Experience:
- Fundraising: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: Remote
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.
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!
Providing a confidential non-judgemental listening ear to Residents and Staff. Supporting those wishing to develop their spiritual journey from a Christian perspective. The role will be based across one of our hostels in Watford, Borehamwood, Bishop's Stortford, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield or High Wycombe,
Activities include:
- Proactively engaging with Residents and staff to build safe relationships and trust
- Offering a ‘listening ear’ to all and giving emotional support
- Sensitively discerning when to offer prayer and support from a Christian perspective, and when to use faith based language
- Be inclusive and welcoming to people of all religious faiths and none, referring people to other faith communities as appropriate
- Working alongside support staff, volunteers & local agencies
- Maintaining records of support and feeding back concerns about Resident welfare to Staff/Line Manager.
- Attend regular volunteer team meetings
- Being proactive in seeking spiritual and emotional support for your own benefit as this is a challenging role.
Additional activities could include:
- Facilitating group work for example: Retreat Programme, Bible Study, prayer or Mental Health Support.
- Welcoming new Residents by phone or in person
- Leading or helping with Chaplaincy lead events: Easter/Christmas activities, Remembrance Services
- Being an ambassador for YMCA’s mission in local Churches
Skills/Qualities/Experience:
- Be a good and active listener who can support others
- Be of a friendly, welcoming and cheerful disposition
- Self-motivated, reliable and punctual
- Sensitivity and courage to care for people experiencing a range of distressing situations including: grief, trauma, poor mental health, substance misuse, suicidal thoughts.
- A commitment to your own spiritual development
- A good understanding of the Christian faith, as well as some understanding of other faith traditions
- Ability to use both faith and non-faith based language, as appropriate
- Good communication skills in English; in person & over the phone
- A willingness to learn new things and get stuck in
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Respect the Christian ethos of the YMCA and uphold its values
- Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have
Training Support:
- A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided
- A one day ‘Chaplaincy Essentials’ training, plus a menu of additional training will be made available
- Online training: Safeguarding (Adults & Young People), Fire Awareness, Manual Handling
- Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line-manager
- Team meetings and social events
- Mileage and expenses may be payable
You will need 2 x references and a DBS (we will apply for and fund this).
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
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!
The International Academy of Secrets Wisdom welcomes volunteers to contribute to its educational and administrative activities.
Even if you have no prior experience, you are welcome to join under direct supervision by experienced staff to ensure quality and skill development.
---
### Personal Information
- Full Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Country / City
- Age
- Primary Language (Arabic / English)
---
### Available Volunteering Fields (choose one or more)
- Human Resources (HR)
- Executive Assistant to CEO
- Trainer
- Marketer
- Sales Team
- Zoom Room Supervisor
- Content Writer
- Podcast Host
- Accountant
- Business Manager
- Fundraising Campaign Specialist
- Social Media Manager
- Certificates Officer
- Arabic–English Translator
- Lawyer (preferably specialized in corporate law, based in the UK)
---
### Benefits
- Experience certificate in the chosen field (minimum 7 months of volunteering required).
- Opportunity to obtain a paid contract after the volunteering period, as the academy grows.
- Work will be online (remote).
Academy Message: Providing comprehensive and innovative educational and training programs designed to develop individuals and prepare them to become c
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 are looking for volunteers who can spend time with our clients in and around Central London. Meetings are regular over a period of 6 months; weekly or fortnightly. Many volunteers stay involved for much longer but only because they enjoy what they do!
Befriending is a simple way to make a positive difference to someone who is lonely or socially isolated and your gift of time and regular companionship will give them, and you, something to look forward to. As one of our volunteers once told us, “this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”
Your meetings could be in the local community, having chats in a coffee shop, visiting places of interest, or in our client’s home; all activities are risk assessed so what you do together will depend on the results of this, and / orour clients abilities and interests. Most of our clients are older 1st and 2nd generation Scots living in London who simply want to do the activities that most of us take for granted but have no-one to do them with.
ScotsCare works across London and beyond so we're looking for volunteers who live in the area or can travel to the following areas; Lambeth, Islington, Camden, central London and Broxbourne EN10. We may have clients in more locations so please contact us to learn more if you want to be involved in this rewarding and impactful activity.
We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters to keep you informed.
This could be the ideal opportunity to gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting, or for anyone who enjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter.
Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must be living in or around the London area.
Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!
Skills & Characteristics Required for Befriending are:
- English spoken, good communication skills for listening and talking
- Friendly, warm, non-judgemental
- Honesty, reliable and committment to helping others
- Empathy and patience
- An ability to follow policies and procedures
We will process a DBS check for all successful applicants and require two references.
To improve the lives of Scots and the children of Scots in London
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!
Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:
1. It's fun
2. It's flexible
3. You'll learn and share skills
4. You'll be making a difference
5. You'll work with a great team
We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18.
Volunteering in the shop
Our Hendon Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.
It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.
Why volunteer with Save the Children?
In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.
Skills and experiences we seek
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.
We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.
What happens next?
After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).
How to apply
Express your interest on email via the apply button.
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.
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 a Romanian speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!
Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Romanian-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By giving just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference — offering companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.
� What is the Talking Bubble Project?
☎️ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular calls, you’ll help build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and offer emotional support — especially for those more comfortable speaking Romanian.
� Why volunteer with us?
✔ Support members of the Romanian-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a real difference in someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your own sense of fulfilment and purpose
✅ What’s required?
✔ Completion of online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training
✔ A DBS check (both fully funded by us)
✔ A kind and compassionate approach, and a willingness to engage in friendly conversations
� How to get involved:
Apply through the CharityJob website — no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.
Help us bring connection and kindness to the Romanian-speaking community across the UK!
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!
Our Linked Minds Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow due to a diagnosed mental health problem.
This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.
On successful completion of specialist mental health training, the Befriender is matched with someone suitable, by a Co-ordinator who then acts as a (non-clinical) supervisor for the befriending period, which is limited to a year.
Befriender, client and supervisor make a plan together with a goal to work towards, and the Befriender makes a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea, go out for a walk together, visit a café or undertake a local activity.
These visits make such a difference for the client, increasing their confidence and helping them explore and work towards getting a job, joining a club, meeting other people or whatever their goal may be.
The aim is that, by the end of the year, clients feel better about themselves, more valued, resilient, empowered, more linked to their community and better equipped for their journeys in recovery.
But volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.
As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.
This role is for UK residents only, and applicants are required to live in or very near the boroughs of Ealing or Hounslow.
After applying, volunteers will need to provide 2 character references and complete an enhanced DBS check (cost covered and organised by Linked Minds).
The check is carried out as part of our Safeguarding policy to protect our clients who are ‘vulnerable people’.
BEfriend is a one-to-one volunteer befriending service, supporting socially isolated people in the London boroughs of Ealing and Hounslow.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Organisation: Support U is a leading LGBTQIA+ resource and support service based in the Thames Valley area.
Location: Work from home but ideally based in or around Berkshire.
Commitment: Approximately 2-4 hours a week alongside any training and volunteer team catch ups / planning meetings
Overview:
Support U is launching Rainbow Line in January 2026 — a dedicated listening line for the LGBTQIA+ community — and we are seeking compassionate, committed volunteers to join us as Call Handlers. Rainbow Line has been created to offer LGBTQIA+ people a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to talk, be heard, and feel supported.
The service is designed for individuals who may be feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or in need of someone to listen. While Rainbow Line is not a professional counselling, psychotherapy or crisis service, volunteers play a vital role in offering empathetic listening and, where appropriate, signposting callers to specialist services and organisations for further support. By volunteering with Rainbow Line, you’ll be helping to reduce isolation and create a more connected, supportive community.
What You’ll Be Doing
-
This is a home based volunteering role, but you’ll ideally need to be based in or around Berkshire.
-
The telephone support service will run twice a week within a 2-hour time slot. You’ll ideally commit to 2–4 hours per week.
-
Service users will pre-book telephone appointments via our website.
-
You’ll answer pre-booked calls, providing a safe, non-judgemental space for users to talk openly and be heard, with signposting to other relevant services.
-
After each call, you’ll complete a short record noting topics that came up, and any safeguarding concerns.
-
Support U’s designated safeguarding leads will be available during service hours for any immediate advice or escalation.
Who This Role Would Suit
-
Someone looking for a long term volunteering opportunity.
-
Qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, or other talking therapy practitioners who wish to give back to the community.
-
Students or trainees in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, social work, or mental health nursing seeking practical experience.
-
Individuals with experience in other listening based support roles.
-
People with strong empathy, good listening skills, and an interest in supporting the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community.
What’s In It for You
-
Make a direct and positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals.
-
Help create a safe, judgement free space for those who may never have experienced one before.
-
Offer meaningful support, even a short 45 minute conversation can impact someone’s day or outlook.
-
Contribute to a wider effort to foster safety, inclusion, and understanding within the community.
-
Gain valuable experience in active listening, support work and working with diverse communities.
-
Be part of a welcoming, passionate and supportive team.
Requirements
-
Based in or around Berkshire (desirable, but not essential)
-
Able to realistically commit to a minimum of 2-4 hours per week for the long term.
-
Basic administrative skills and strong communication and organisation skills.
-
Some experience in a similar line of work (e.g. counselling, mentoring, support work) or willingness to learn and undertake training.
-
Willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
-
Evidence of completed safeguarding training or willingness to complete safeguarding training organised by Support U.
-
Comfortable using basic technology to answer calls/log call notes.
-
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding best practice.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.



