Community services volunteers volunteer roles in waltham forest, greater london

About the project 

We are the Guild Church for Workers in the City of London, building a multilingual community where those in often low-paid or precarious occupations are at the heart of our life and leadership.  As part of our support of workers, we provide free beginner English classes every Saturday morning in partnership with English for Action. As these classes have grown, we have provided a homecooked meal for everyone, to share conversation and build community. 

We believe in the power of shared meals to foster community and connection. We're looking for Volunteer Community Cooks to help us create a welcoming space on Saturday mornings, where everyone feels at home. 

Are you a passionate cook with a heart for community? 

St Katharine Cree is seeking warm and enthusiastic volunteers to join us on Saturday mornings to cook a delicious and nourishing meal for around 30 people to enjoy after their beginner English language class. 

More than just cooking 

This is more than just a culinary role! We're looking for people who love to create delicious, hearty meals that build community. You'll be responsible for preparing a meal that brings people together. 

Passion for building community

We want people who enjoy connecting with others and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. We welcome those who want to assist in the kitchen, regardless of their experience. Your patience and encouragement will be invaluable. This is a chance to be part of a vibrant community and make a real difference in people's lives. 

What you'll bring

A love for cooking and a desire to share your skills

A friendly and approachable personality.

A willingness to work as part of a team.

A genuine interest in connecting with others.

A food hygiene certificate would be a bonus, but it is not essential, we can help you obtain one.

What you'll do

Prepare delicious, healthy meals using the ingredients available to you in our community kitchen.

Help foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Work alongside community members who will assist with cooking and take care of the washing up.

What you'll gain

The opportunity to make a positive impact on your community.

The chance to share your passion for cooking.

The joy of building meaningful relationships.

A rewarding and fulfilling volunteer experience.

St Katharine Cree is a church, and our community activity is rooted in our Christian faith, but being a Christian is not required for this volunteer role. We welcome all who share our passion for community and service and ask that volunteers respect our values and ethos and help create a welcoming environment.

Safeguarding

St Katharine Cree is committed to safeguarding the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable adults throughout our work and in our partnerships with other institutions. This role is subject to the completion of a standard DBS check. The role will require undertaking relevant Diocese of London safeguarding training, if a current certificate is not already held, which will be arranged by the Line Manager or CSO. SKC’s full Safeguarding Policy will be provided to all new staff on joining the organisation and they are expected to read it and act in accordance with it at all times.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people remotely, in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:

• A companion telephone/video caller                                                               

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

• Or a combination of all three.

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Telephone / video calls for an older person/s on a regular basis at a mutually agreed time for a friendly chat. 

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

Please do note, however, that at the moment we are not looking for Volunteer Telephone Companions.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

IvybridgeLink the charity for the BridgeLink Community Centre is looking for trustees with a passion for social justice, a concern for under represented groups and the willingness to support our staff in developing activities and services for our diverse local community.  Useful previous experience would be: fundraising, governance and compliance, community work, education, human resources, IT, buildings management, food and catering.

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR CHARITY TRUSTEES

Overall Purpose

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity Ivybridgelink, supporting its values and developing the organisation's aime and objectives.

Main Responsibilities

• To ensure that the charity and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of the sector continually striving for best practice in governance.
• To uphold the aims and objectives of the charity IvybridgeLink:
  • To promote learning and educational achievement
  • To encourage pathways into employment
  • To support healthy lifestyles and emotional wellbeing
  •  To offer opportunities for recreation / leisure activities
  • To build a positive sense of community
• To determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning.
• To follow non-discriminatory and non-judgemental practice, and adhere to the confidentiality policies and procedures.
• To ensure the charity complies with regulatory requirements, as laid out in the governing document. 

 Main Duties

• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times.
• Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to meet the needs of local residents. 
• Overseeing sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisation’s objectives, and investment activities meet accepted standards.
• Overseeing recruitment processes following safer recruitment procedures.
• Monitoring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources.
• To follow the IvybridgeLink confidentiality policy and maintain absolute confidentiality regarding all information shared or received.
• An understanding and commitment to equalities issues in relations to working in the community.
•  Support the centre’s management team to deliver projects and run events

Accountable to:

As the board are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity,they are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders, including: service users, members, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House. Close attention must be given to the governing document to ascertain the type of organisational structure and the range of interested parties.

You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wandsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents

Joining our amazing team of volunteers is a fantastic way to give back to the community by providing company and support to an older person in your area.

About the role 

You will be volunteering alongside our Community Engagement team, where activities will change and adapt based on client feedback and their evolving needs. Volunteers will help to facilitate activities and events across the borough, including but not limited to our digital inclusion drop-in sessions, coffee mornings, LGBTQ+ group and future activities which will include a gardening club and walking group. Most of our activities run for an hour or two, and we require volunteers to commit to attending at least one session a month. 

About the service 

Various opportunities are available based on our event schedule, which runs weekdays between the hours of 9am-4pm for 1–2 hours..

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Friendly
• Patient
• Great listening skills

Latin American House (LAH) is an organisation led by and for Latin Americans in the UK. Our work is dedicated to supporting the needs of the Latin American community in London and beyond, particularly those most disadvantaged or at risk, for example, those enduring living and working conditions in low-paid jobs, facing barriers to social protection, elderly and those without skills or knowledge of social support systems in the UK. The individuals and families using our services benefit from efficient and practical support, learn new skills and improve their opportunities. We strive to provide essential tools to Latin Americans to empower themselves in their pursuit of personal and social change.

As a Community Centre Receptionist Volunteer, you'll be the friendly face welcoming visitors, answering inquiries, and ensuring the smooth operation of our front desk. Your role is pivotal in creating a warm, inclusive environment for all who visit.

Enthusiastic, hands-on volunteers needed to help provide food to the community. A key role, you will work at the main hub of the food bank and help the food service run as smoothly as possible. An exciting opportunity to make a real, immediate impact to those in need of support. 

Hours: Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, 10:00-12:30, 12.30-15:00 or 14:45-17:00. 

Book shifts to suit your own schedule!

Location: St Michaels Church Hall, 37 Bounds Green Rd, London, N22 8SD

About Bounds Green Food Bank: 

Open since June 2020, we serve over 1,500 children and adults in the community. We are committed to improving lives by providing food and essential household items to build a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow. We strive to promote social inclusion by supporting people who find themselves in a crisis situation where they need assistance to feed themselves and their families.

The role: 

• Help with setting up the food service and replenishing goods when needed, including decanting and repacking items.

• Warmly welcome guests, serving them the appropriate number of items depending on their household size and needs.

• Follow food bank policies including Health and Safety procedures e.g. wearing gloves when handling fresh food and lifting boxes safely. 

• Keep the hall tidy throughout the food service e.g. tidying away boxes and neatly restocking items. 

Person specification: 

• Patient and flexible

• A team player 

• Understands and is sensitive to the challenges and difficulties faced by guests accessing the food bank e.g. food and fuel poverty, feelings of shame and embarrassment, language barriers.

Benefits:

• Flexible - book shifts to suit your own schedule!

• Give back to the community - one of the NHS’ 5 Ways to Wellbeing!

• Gain access to free workshops for volunteers and upskill on a range of topics (conflict resolution, mental health first aid, arts and crafts, and more)

• Join free social events for volunteers (such as picnics, walks, games nights and celebration events)

• Gain a sense of community and meet the huge team of volunteers

Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.

Tasks and Responsibilities

If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.

Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.

As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week. 

Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.

Selection Criteria

A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:

• Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend

• Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing

• Be open-minded

• Be supportive

• Be reliable

• Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times

• Be accepting and non-judgemental

• Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout

• Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback

Requirements

• You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering. 
• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
• All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.

It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health. 

Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:

• Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.

• Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?

Benefits to Volunteers

The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.

Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.

Application Process

You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.

You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you. 

We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send. 

Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way. 

This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.

We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents. 

Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision. 

If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.

At a glance

Join our team of amazing volunteers and help us at various fundraising collections, special events and sporting challenge events throughout the year.

What will I do?

Roles vary depending on the event. You may be involved with: 

• Collecting donations with our collection buckets
• Manning a charity stand at an event
• Cheering on our challenge event participants at a race
• Marshalling a race route
• Welcoming guests at events
• Selling raffle tickets
• Offering general information about the charity and our services to the public
• Speaking at events, collection cheques
• Being a friendly face to represent the charity!

Time commitment

No minimum commitment is required but we would be grateful if you could attend at least three events a year. You will be emailed when opportunities come up to then discuss availability.

Location

The majority of events take place in the Borough of Bromley but we also have some events in south London and Kent.

What will I gain?

• Experience of supporting charity events (all proceeds come to The Maypole Project)
• Become part of a friendly staff and volunteer team at The Maypole Project

What skills will I need?

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Enthusiasm 
• Reliability & Punctuality

*We always welcome specialist skills, so please do let us know if you are confident with any of the following/or anything you think may be of use (facepainting, balloon modelling, public speaking etc.)

About The Maypole Project

The Maypole Project provides a lifeline of support for children with complex and life threatening illnesses and their whole family; aiming to relieve and help preserve the mental and physical well-being of children and young people who have complex medical needs. We provide a range of support services to all members of the family from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.

Thanks for your interest in volunteering for The Maypole Project

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.

About Crisis

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We believe everyone should have somewhere safe and warm to call home and are committed to ending homelessness. Every year we work side by side with thousands of people from all sections of our communities to help them rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind for good.

You will contribute to ending homelessness by...

Helping us better respond to the needs of the people accessing our services. You know your community better than we do - by identifying and creating connections with a network of Eritrean organisations and community groups, such as churches and support groups, we’ll be better able to support Eritrean people who are experiencing homelessness or who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless.

Timings

Flexible, but approx. 7 hours per week – this may include evenings and/or weekends depending on the availability of community groups/organisations.

Location

Skylight London, 50 Commercial St, London E1 6LT and remote/community-based .

Responsible to

Eritrean Community Connection Volunteer Supervisor.

Core tasks

• With the Volunteer Supervisor, hold focus groups with Crisis members to identify potential contacts within Eritrean community groups and increase our knowledge and cultural awareness of the Eritrean community
• Proactively source and arrange meetings with different Eritrean community groups to:

1. Help link these organisations with Crisis so that information can be shared about the realities of homelessness in London and the work of Crisis Skylight
2. Gain valuable knowledge about cultural sensitivities so that we can improve staff awareness and better support people from the Eritrean community

Who we are looking for

To be successful in this role we’re looking for someone who:

• Is fluent in English and Tigrinya and/or Amharic and can translate and interpret between them
• Is knowledgeable about the culture and practices in the countries where Tigrinya/ Amharic are spoken
• Has the confidence and motivation to source opportunities to link with Eritrean organisations and community groups and represent Crisis independently
• Has excellent communication skills and is confident networking and talking to new people
• Has good IT skills with the ability to use email and the internet proficiently
• Is organised and reliable, non-judgemental, patient and friendly
• Is passionate about ending and preventing homelessness for people from the Eritrean community
• Understands the importance of adhering to policies and processes, including confidentiality, safeguarding, data protection and professional boundaries
• Is able to commit to the role for 6 months

What you will gain

Engaging your community with a cause you are passionate about is an incredibly rewarding experience. It is a good way to affect change at a local level, improve services and inspire others to consider how they too can take action to end homelessness.

• This is a new volunteering role, which you have the unique opportunity to help develop
• Opportunities to learn about the causes and effects of homelessness and how to engage others in the conversation
• Networking experience for a national organisation including public speaking and relationship management
• The opportunity to share your existing or develop new skills in a friendly and supportive environment
• Regular meetings to discuss how your volunteering is going and what other opportunities and training may be available to you
• Being part of a wide network of staff, volunteers and supporters all working together to end homelessness
• A reference for volunteering at a national organisation

Additional information

• Following a successful interview and references, completion of essential e-learning and training is required before starting the role
• A Crisis IT account will be issued for the role and must be used for all communications and record keeping connected with the role
• Out of pocket travel expenses and meal allowance will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy
• We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply and particularly welcome Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, LGBTQ+, disabled and male applicants as well as those with lived experience of homelessness as these are currently under-represented groups in our volunteer pool

Applications will be considered as they're received so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

At BIAS, we’re looking for personable and kind individuals to join our Be-A-Friend scheme and help reduce social isolation amongst older members of the Irish community in Brent.

Our Be-A-Friend scheme connects volunteers with older people who may be living on their own. Whether through a friendly visit or a chat on the phone, your time will bring companionship and joy to someone, making a real difference in their life.

The role is flexible, allowing you to volunteer at times that suit your schedule. While we encourage a regular commitment (such as once a week) to build meaningful connections, we’re happy to work with you to find a routine that suits best! Our coordinator will also be available to support you throughout your volunteering experience.

Volunteering as a Befriender is a great way to become more involved in your community, meet new people and make lasting friendships!

If you’re interested in becoming a Befriending volunteer, we’d love to hear from you!

Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP)
Part-time | Volunteer | Remote | 12 hrs/week | 16-week commitment

“We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer-enhanced professional development programme and gain real-world experience in your chosen field. While we only have three vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria.”

About Us

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.Our mission is to encourage unity across diverse communities, sharing and celebrating cultural lessons through workshops, training programmes, events and research. We challenge racial and societal stereotypes while delivering practical initiatives such as unconscious bias training in the workplace. We develop and deliver projects that promote inclusion, representation, and social change by partnering with local organisations and stakeholders.

Role Description

Quilombo UK is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Services Sales Executive to join our team through the Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP). This is a target-driven, client-facing volunteer sales role focused on direct outreach and conversion of potential service users into paying clients. You will be responsible for actively identifying leads, initiating conversations, pitching our services, and closing deals.

The successful candidate will sell Quilombo UK’s key service offerings:

• Workshops (e.g. Unconscious Bias, Inclusive Leadership)

• Training Programmes

• Research Services

• Event & Partnership Opportunities
   

As a member of the Sales & Business Development function, you will be managed by a Director and accountable for results that directly impact the organisation’s financial sustainability and growth. This role provides real-world, high-impact experience that mirrors the standards and performance expectations of a paid sales role.

Main Responsibilities

• Proactively research and identify prospective clients aligned with Quilombo UK’s mission and services

• Initiate direct outreach (calls, emails, online meetings) to decision-makers across public and private sectors

• Deliver compelling sales pitches and presentations tailored to each client’s needs

• Handle end-to-end sales processes, from lead generation and qualification through to closing deals

• Secure confirmed bookings or contracts for services, including workshops, training, research, or event partnerships

• Develop and maintain a strong client pipeline, updating CRM or tracking systems regularly

• Consistently meet or exceed weekly/monthly KPIs related to outreach, meetings, and conversions

• Collaborate with the Director to refine messaging and sales strategy for maximum impact

• Maintain a consultative, value-led sales approach while staying aligned with Quilombo UK’s mission and ethos

• Provide performance updates and sales reports to the Director and Senior Leadership Team

• Stay updated on industry trends, client needs, and potential growth areas relevant to our services

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in a sales, business development, or account management role

• Proven track record of generating leads and closing deals, preferably in a service-based or social enterprise environment

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong presentation and negotiation abilities

• Confidence to work independently and take initiative, while collaborating within a remote team

• Passion for social justice, community engagement, and inclusion

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Desirable

• Familiarity with CRM tools and remote communication platforms

• Experience selling services to the public sector or third-sector organisations

• Understanding of social enterprises or community-based businesses

• Ability to work without close supervision and meet deadlines

What We Offer

• Real-world, results-driven sales experience with clear KPIs and performance feedback

• A unique opportunity to influence revenue and impact within a mission-driven organisation

• Coaching and mentoring from experienced directors and leadership

• A collaborative, diverse, and inclusive environment

• Certificate of completion and reference upon successful programme completion

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID, and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday.

Application Process

Our HR team will contact you upon successful application to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, onboarding documents will be sent. Once completed, you’ll be invited to a 6-hour HR and Systems Induction, followed by a meeting with your assigned Director for your first day.

Job Type: Part-time (Volunteer)
Expected Hours: 12 per week
Location: Remote
Schedule: Monday to Friday | Day Shift | No Weekends

At a glance

Raise awareness and promote the work of The Maypole Project by attending local events and giving talks about the charity’s work.

What will I do?

• Deliver talks and presentations to local organisations and community groups e.g. WI, Round Table, Rotary, schools, multi-faith groups etc.
• Attend cheque presentations and officially thank donors for their support.
• Keep up to date with current work and projects at The Maypole Project.
• Encourage individuals, local organisations and groups to fundraise and/or volunteer on behalf of The Maypole Project.
• Co-ordinate information stands at local events on behalf of The Maypole Project, providing information on the charity’s work.
• Distribute leaflets and posters for local organisations and businesses to display.
• Full training will be given in this role and all materials, posters, leaflets etc. will be provided .

Time commitment

Specific times will be agreed depending on the volunteer’s availability. A willingness to work unsociable hours e.g. morning assemblies, early evening meetings and weekends would be appreciated.

Responsible to

Fundraising Manager      

Location

Out and about in your local community and surrounding area in South London and Kent.

What will I gain?

• Opportunity to meet a variety of new people
• Experience of marketing and fundraising in the charity sector
• Satisfaction from supporting our work with families with children with complex medical needs 
• Become part of a friendly staff and volunteer team at The Maypole Project

What skills will I need?

• A good communicator with an interest/experience in speaking to an audience
• Sociable, adaptable and reliable
• Confident in using IT/PowerPoint to demonstrate our services
• Enthusiastic and positive in your support of the work of The Maypole Project
• Able to use your own initiative and work in an independent and proactive manner
• Able to travel to different events and locations at different times 

About The Maypole Project

The Maypole Project provides a lifeline of support for children with complex medical needs and their whole family. We provide a range of support services to all members of the family from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.

Thanks for your interest in volunteering for The Maypole Project

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.

Our network of committed local vegans across the country is growing! The Vegan Society organises various outreach activities to influence change in every level of society. There are a range of activities going on all the time, from general educational stalls at events to meeting with local policy influencers.

What does the Advocate role involve?

Being an Advocate for veganism with The Vegan Society will mean communicating with people in your local community. You'll share the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. You will form part of a local group, headed up by a local Organiser. The Organiser will feed back your collective efforts to staff. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group, for vegan socialising and ideas sharing.

You’ll stay in touch with the Organiser and bring your passion to tasks. Activities can range from staffing a stall to giving a talk at an employee event. It could also mean writing to a local newspaper or lobbying an MP.

Messaging can differ every month. Part of our mission statement is to ensure people can remain vegan, so you might focus on getting more vegan options available in local businesses. Or within our Live Vegan for Less campaign, you may share cheap vegan recipes to help people with the cost of living.

When acting as an Advocate, you will use The Vegan Society’s branding and messaging guidelines. Your local Organiser will guide you in doing this, as they hold physical resources and handbooks. You can report any issues and feedback you have to your Organiser. You can also contact staff if your Organiser isn't available or you have any problems.

What training and support is available?

You will be provided with a big welcome and full induction from your local Organiser. They will introduce you to the group and any actions that are ongoing. Any training and development will be provided via your Organiser, and you can also ask for specific training on any areas that you need some development in.

What skills would be useful in doing this role?

• The ability to stay motivated in order to achieve the best possible outcomes
• Good email etiquette, responding in a timely manner
• Committed to veganism and the mission of The Vegan Society
• Ability to stay calm if confronted with differing opinions or challenges
• A good communicator, with the ability to be persuasive
• Confident in communicating with people from a range of backgrounds
• Experience of campaigning
• Any experience in talking with members of the public through customer/public service would be helpful
• Awareness of current affairs, especially those that relate to veganism
• Regular availability and a willingness to stay committed to actions
• Good team player

How much time do I need to invest?

For Advocates, we ask for people to engage in a minimum of four to six actions per year. An example of an action could be writing to an MP or holding a stall. But the more you can do, the better! On occasion, there may also be online meetings to plan for actions or provide training.

Who can I contact to find out more?

Enquiries are welcome! Please contact Katy Malkin (Volunteering Coordinator).

How do I apply?

Interested? Simply fill in our Community Advocate application form. This should take a few minutes.

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.

Role: Welcome volunteer

Team: Tooting Hub – CARAS ESOL (Youth/Adult)

Supervised by: Team Project Coordinator

Location: Tooting Hub site

Activity times: Monday or Wednesday

Time commitment: 2 hour shifts on a rolling basis.

We ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 4 months

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work:

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.

About the Role:

We are currently recruiting a team of volunteers to join our new Welcome team at Tooting Hub. This is a new role. Welcome volunteers will provide a friendly face to existing community members attending our regular projects. They will also be the important ‘face of CARAS and our welcome at the door’ to people attending projects for the first time, to visitors and to people dropping in unannounced to enquire about CARAS’s service. Volunteers will meet and greet, and ensure all visitors are responded to appropriately and introduced to the relevant member of staff, activity, project, or meeting. There will be an administrative element to the role (updating registers and emailing enquiries to CARAS staff, for example).

Who will you be?

We work hard to ensure our services feel welcoming and inclusive. It is important that this new team is representative of our diverse local and internal CARAS community. Whether you are new to volunteering with CARAS or are a regular volunteer looking to vary your role or a community member wanting to develop some leadership skills or volunteering experience, this might be the exact project for you.

Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities: 

· Signing up to a shift/s on the Tooting HUB welcome team rota

· Able to be at Tooting Hub in person to complete agreed shifts

· Welcoming staff, volunteers, existing and potential new community members and visitors

· Ensuring all visitors are responded to appropriately and introduced to the relevant member of staff, activity, project, or meeting

· Ensuring everyone completes the onsite register on arrival to comply with safeguarding, health and safety and fire evacuation policies

· Taking agreed initial intake information for new / drop in visitors wanting to attend a taster activity

· Conducting induction tours of the building and introductions to facilities, key staff, and partners

Requirements (all experience can be from paid or voluntary roles): 

Essential: 

· A calm, friendly, kind, and patient approach

· Happy and confident to meet new people and put them at their ease

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds

· Confidence in using one’s own judgement to follow agreed policy

· Good IT admin skills in using Microsoft office, outlook, Google search, online forms etc

· A commitment to confidentiality and data protection

· Punctual and reliable

· To be able to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays for a minimum of four months

Desirable:

· Lived experience of seeking sanctuary and/ or the UK immigration system.

· Personal experience of working with people seeking asylum.

· Proficiency in one or more of the following community languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu, or Vietnamese.

We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process.

Benefits to Volunteering:

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum.

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team.

· Develop your skills and competencies.

· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.

· Obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering

· All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. *

· You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.