Community voice volunteer volunteer roles

Do you - want to establish closer working relationship with the local police to improve community safety in Barnet?

Can you - spare a few hours a month to make this happen?

If so - we need volunteers to join the Barnet Safer Neighbourhood Board.

A Safer Neighbourhood Board is established in every borough giving local Londoners and victims a greater voice.

Barnet’s Safer Neighbourhood Board entails a team of volunteers and local agencies who will work together to advise the Borough Commander.

 The Board consists of a wide range of individuals representing Barnet’s diverse communities alongside the statutory positions defined in the MOPAC Guidance, involving people of all ages and from all sections of the community. This includes those who may not have been actively involved before, who may be vulnerable or who have been a victim of crime.

Barnet’s Safer Neighbourhood Board will be required to:

 · Help identify and advise on Barnet’s local policing

· Monitor police statistical data, performance and confidence

· Fulfil a range of specific functions.

Please see the role profile for further information.

We are currently looking for a Volunteer Trustee to join our Charity to further the aims of the organisation, in keeping within its charitable objectives.

Please see attahced Role Description with full details of the role.

About Life: 

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.   

Our services include   

• Supported housing and community support   
• Counselling and skilled listening   
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies  

Our values 

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values: 

• Humanity – All people are special and equal 
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you 
• Community – We’re better together 
• Charity – Doing good for one another 
• Common good – Building a better world 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Manchester

Community Development Volunteer

Our Community Development Volunteers undertake an administrative role that provides support to our Community Development Co-ordinator in a variety of ways.

As a Community Development Volunteer in England, you might:

· conduct online research

· attend events to raise awareness or present

· engage with project participants on social media

· deliver promotional material in a variety of locations

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Bromley Experts by Experience runs different events for our members, and for the wider local Deaf and Disabled Community. Most events are monthly – apart from our annual Disability Pride. Events offer opportunities for Deaf and Disabled people to share ideas, feedback on local issues and get to know each other. Each event has two members of staff present, organising the agenda, setting up the room and supporting the tech to include online attendees. 

Welcome Volunteers help event attendees have a comfortable, accessible experience. They greet attendees arriving by taxi, direct people around the venue, pop the kettle on, and say hello to those coming along for the first time. Right before, and right after the event can get busy, having someone to specifically welcome attendees, and get them settled in, makes a big difference! 

What is involved:

Our Community Events include monthly Coffee & Chats – where members can socialise and meet new people and Forums – where members can share their lived experience and feedback on local services. 

• We send event dates, regularly in advance, and ask you to indicate which you can do. We’ll then check shortly before if anything has changed – we understand it sometimes does! 
• On the day – attend the relevant venue, for the events you are supporting. 

Staff will ask you to support attendees, by doing one or more of the following: 

• Meeting attendees from taxis and show them into the venue. 
• Greeting attendees as they come into the event space. 
• Helping attendees find a seat. 
• Making new or nervous attendees feel comfortable and welcome. 
• Introducing new attendees to each other or to staff at the event. 
• Asking if attendees would like a drink and popping the kettle on. 
• Letting people know where the toilets and other facilities are. 
• Handing out and collecting feedback forms. 
• Taking attendees back to taxis after the event closes. 

IMPORTANT: As a Deaf and Disabled People’s organisation, our regulations require that our staff, trustees and volunteers bring with them lived experience of disability (self-identified or otherwise). See how we define this below.

When / Where / How often?:

• We ask Welcome Volunteers to help at a minimum of two events each year. 
• Monthly events (Coffee & Chat and Forums) happen at Community House, South Street, Bromley, BR1 1RH on selected Thursday afternoons between 2pm to 4pm. Check the events page of our website for dates. 
• For monthly events, you will usually be needed at the start and end. 
• We ask Welcome Volunteers to arrive by 1.30pm. 
• You are welcome to stay for refreshments, or to go and come back. (You need to return by 3.55pm ready to help attendees leaving).

What you will get out of it:

• Receive a Volunteer Welcome and ongoing support from X by X.  
• Meet new people and be part of a team.  
• Experience of inclusive and accessible events. 
• Practice your interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Out of pocket travel expenses and free refreshments during the event. 
• Know you are part of creating a more accessible experience for attendees.

What we ask of you:

• Attend the events and meetings that you agree you are available for, and if something changes in your availability, let us know as soon as you can.
• Treat everyone with respect and in an inclusive way.  
• Follow event staff instructions on the day. 
• Volunteer at a minimum of two events each year. 
• Be on time and let us know if you’re running late. 
• Be available for the duration of the event, unless otherwise agreed. 

Key skills and qualities

• A belief that Disabled People can and should be actively welcomed and included in our communities. An understanding that it is barriers in society that make that harder. This is called the Social Model of Disability. 
• Lived Experience of disability (can be self-identified)
• An inclusive, non-judgemental attitude. 
• Able to make people feel included and relaxed. 
• Comfortable with people and communicating in a way that is accessible to you. 

What we mean by lived experience of disability:

As we follow the Social Model of Disability, our definition of Disabled person includes anyone who is being discriminated against or disabled by barriers in society, including:

• People with physical impairment
• People with visual impairment
• Deaf people
• People with hearing impairment
• People who are neurodivergent
• People with learning difficulties/disabilities
• People who experience mental health conditions/mental distress
• People with long-term health conditions

We recognise that a lot of these impairments are invisible and many people have more than one impairment.

Be the voice of Marie Curie in your local library network

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? We’re looking for dedicated Community Engagement Volunteers to support Marie Curie’s outreach efforts across libraries in Solihull.

This is a unique opportunity to help raise awareness of the vital support services Marie Curie offers to people living with terminal illness and their families.

What you’ll be doing

As a Community Engagement Volunteer supporting libraries, you will:

• Take responsibility for 3 - 6 local libraries, depending on your location.
• Build positive relationships with library staff and engage with library users where appropriate.
• Share key information and offer a listening ear to others
• Monitor stock levels of Marie Curie information materials and top them up as needed.
• Amplify the voices of those affected by terminal illness and bereavement
• Record stock checks and activity using a simple Microsoft Office form and return it to the Community Engagement Team.
• Look out for additional opportunities within the library to share Marie Curie’s Information & Support resources

You'd be a perfect fit if you are:

• Passionate about improving care for people with terminal illness and their loved ones
• Active in your local community and able to share Marie Curie's vision
• Friendly and enjoy meeting others from all walks of life
• Can collaborate with staff and fellow volunteers
• Committed to upholding Marie Curie's values with honesty and openness

What you can gain:

• A sense of purpose and connection in your local area
• Training and continued support from our Community Engagement Team
• Opportunities to grow personally and meet inspiring people
• Recognition for your time and skills.
• Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses
• Access to exclusive deals and discounts across retail, travel, entertainment, and more

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're passionate about making a difference in your community and helping Marie Curie ensure everyone has access to vital support, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Please note you must be aged 18 years or older to apply for this opportunity.

Ref: 6227

Community researchers wanted to help East London Waterworks Park ensure our community-owned park is inclusive and welcoming for all.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for community researchers specialised to contribute to our community-led working circle who are working on on a listening project to ensure often underrepresented voices in conservation and environmental projects are heard and centred. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects and facilitate the direction of the working circle.

The Inclusivity Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

While your experienced research skills are crucial, we also value your ability to engage with the community and build partnerships. Experience in conducting community-based research or working with community organisations is important. A strong understanding of community dynamics and the ability to collaborate effectively will be invaluable in ensuring your research findings are relevant and impactful. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your research expertise will be vital in shaping our new biodiverse park. By conducting listening research on community needs, and potential park uses, you'll help us create a sustainable and inclusive space. Your findings will inform our design, programming, and outreach efforts, ensuring the park meets the needs of our community and contributes to biodiversity conservation.

Role Description: 

This role sits within our new Coproduction and Transformation Project

The role of the Co-Production Volunteer is central to the success of the Co-Production and Transformation and Engagement Project. Volunteers bring lived experience, local knowledge, and critical perspectives to support the redesign of mental health services, so they are inclusive, accessible, and rooted in the real needs of those who use them.

This role exists to ensure that service users, carers, and community members have a meaningful voice in shaping decisions that affect care delivery. Volunteers will work alongside professionals, clinical teams, and other stakeholders to challenge assumptions, identify gaps, highlight strengths, and co-create improvements. Whether drawing from personal experiences of mental health challenges, supporting someone through the system, or working in the community, volunteers act as equal partners in transformation. They help build bridges between professionals and service users, promote accountability, and encourage a culture of openness and innovation.

Through structured engagement such as workshops, advisory groups, feedback panels, and co-design activities, the Co-Production Volunteers will contribute to the long-term sustainability and responsiveness of mental health services. Their insights help ensure that care is not only clinically effective but also emotionally safe, culturally sensitive, and aligned with what matters most to the people it serves.

Main Tasks

· Attend monthly co-production workshops, steering groups, or feedback sessions

· Share personal and/or collective experiences to inform service transformation

· Provide administrative support- send and respond to emails, input information on our database

· Review materials and provide feedback (e.g., policies, pathways, information leaflets)

· Participate in recruitment panels, focus groups, and pilot testing where appropriate

· Help create accessible, inclusive spaces that welcome diverse voices

· Promote equality, dignity, and psychological safety within meetings

· Support evaluation activities and co-authoring of reports or recommendations

· Uphold HFEH Mind values and behaviours

We are looking for someone who:

· Has lived experience of mental health challenges

· Good communicator

· Passionate about improving NHS West London Mental Health services

· Are a non-judgmental and friendly individual 

· Lived experience of mental health services (personal or as a carer/family member/community member)

· A commitment to improving mental health care and reducing stigma

· Willingness to share personal insights in a respectful and constructive way

· Openness to listen and engage with others from diverse backgrounds

· Ability to attend meetings and participate reliably (online or in person)

· Basic communication and interpersonal skills (speaking, listening, expressing views)

· Comfortable working as part of a group, including with professionals and other volunteers

· Respect for confidentiality and group boundaries

· Ability to reflect, ask questions, and provide feedback on ideas, documents or processes

· Interest in learning about co-production, service transformation or health improvement

· Respect for inclusion, anti-discrimination, and safeguarding practices

· Willingness to learn digital tools (such as Zoom or MS Teams) with support if needed

· An understanding of the local community context and the challenges people may face accessing care

As part of our commitment to equality and inclusion, we actively encourage applications from people with lived experience of or a strong interest in:

• Black and Minority Ethnic Communities
• Civic Responsibility and Communities
• Disability
• Employment, Education and Training
• Health and Social Care
• Homeless and Housing

What's in it for the Coproduction Volunteer? 

Joining our Service User Network is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognized charity, whilst supporting positive changes within the NHS West London Trust. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organization. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector. 

Location: Remote
Job type: Volunteer
Hours: Approx 6 per week

What will you be doing?

Join us as a Volunteer Content Editor & Community Storyteller at Long Covid Support. You’ll shape clear, compassionate messages that empower thousands of people living with Long Covid-right from your home. With your strong editing and writing skills, you’ll make a direct contribution to our cause by refining how we inform, support, and inspire both our community and the wider public. You’ll edit, proofread, and occasionally draft a variety of content, including website pages, blogs, newsletters, reports, policy briefings, and campaign materials.

What are we looking for?

You’re a confident writer and editor with a keen eye for detail, able to adapt tone and style to suit diverse audiences. You thrive on meeting deadlines and managing your own time remotely, and you’re passionate about using clear, inclusive language to support our community. Ideally, you’ll bring experience from health related charities or a lived-experience led setting, though this is desirable rather than essential.

What difference will you make:

By volunteering with Long Covid Support, you will directly influence public understanding of Long Covid. Your work will help thousands find reliable information, connect with peers, and ensure their voices shape research and services.

Key Responsibilities:

* Edit and refine newsletters, website copy, reports, policy briefings, and campaign materials so they’re accurate, engaging and accessible

* Write short blogs, community updates, and summaries that bring our stories to life

* Maintain and share editorial guidelines to keep our tone consistent and inclusive

* Collaborate with our teams to ensure every message supports our mission and values

Application Process:

Please submit a CV, and a brief writing sample demonstrating how you meet the criteria.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We actively encourage applications from all individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of Long Covid.

Ready to use your editing expertise for a cause that matters? Make your mark on a vital cause and apply today!

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.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.  The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development 
• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting 
• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust 
• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community 
• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

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 CARAS ESOL Team:

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to adults at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling people to attend college and access other services in the future.

About the Role:

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face adult ESOL classes in Tooting. Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session every Wednesday during these times: 

• Mondays ESOL 9:30 to 13:30

• Tuesday 9:30 to 11:30

• Tuesday One-to-one employability and language learning support 15:00 to 17:00 

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older; 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• An interest in education and English language teaching; 

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

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• The ability to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months; 

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• *Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; 

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role. 

 *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• 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 obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering; 

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

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

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 Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

• CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
• The reading group is in Tooting and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education.
• Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.
• The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.
• The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.
• Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.
• Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates. 

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

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

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

Volunteer Opportunities at Happy Smiles Training CIC

About Us
Happy Smiles Training is a multi-award-winning, disabled people's organisation based in the North West. With over 90% of our team being disabled people, we are passionate about creating inclusive communities through lived experience-led training and advocacy. We work with schools, community groups, businesses and more – challenging stigma, raising awareness and building a more inclusive society.

Role Title: Volunteer (Flexible Role Based on Skills and Interests)
Location: In-person (Wigan Borough and surrounding areas) and/or Remote
Time Commitment: Fully flexible – you choose your availability
Reporting To: Volunteer Coordinator 

Purpose of the Role

We’re looking for passionate individuals to support our mission in a way that works for them. Whether you bring creativity, organisation, tech skills or lived experience of disability, there’s a place for you on our team. This is a chance to be part of a movement led by disabled people, making real social impact across communities.

What You Could Be Doing

Depending on your skills, interests and availability, volunteer roles may include:

• Trainer with Lived Experience of Disability: Join our team of Inclusion Champions to co-deliver engaging training sessions across schools, businesses and community settings. Share your story, help break down barriers and inspire change. Training and ongoing support provided.

• Event Support: Help deliver training sessions and community events, supporting trainers with set-up, accessibility and participant engagement.

• Creative Media & Content Creation: Support with video editing, graphic design, social media content or photography to help spread our message.

• Admin & Organisation: Assist with behind-the-scenes tasks such as scheduling, emails, minute-taking or managing documents.

• Fundraising & Campaigning: Help us raise funds and awareness by organising local events, supporting campaigns or writing funding applications.

• Digital Support: Provide IT or accessibility support for our virtual sessions or help us improve our digital platforms.

• Research & Impact: Assist in gathering feedback, analysing data or helping us report on the social impact of our work.

• Wellbeing & Peer Support: Offer friendly peer-to-peer support, help with community connection or support our team’s wellbeing activities.

What We’re Looking For

There’s no single type of volunteer we’re after – if you’re enthusiastic about inclusion and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! You might have:

• A passion for disability rights, inclusion and social change

• Skills in communication, admin, creativity, tech or training

• Personal or professional experience related to disability – especially lived experience

• A desire to learn, grow and contribute to a values-driven team

All roles are flexible and can be adapted to meet access needs and availability.

What You’ll Get in Return

• A warm welcome into a supportive and empowering team

• Experience working within a leading disabled people's organisation

• Opportunities to develop skills, confidence and connections

• Recognition through regular volunteer spotlights and celebration events

• Reimbursement for pre-agreed expenses

• Full induction and training relevant to your role

• Flexible hours and support tailored to your needs

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and particularly encourage disabled people and people with lived experience of disability to get involved – your voice matters here.

Ref: V257 | Support Group Volunteer | Kent

We’re looking for one Support Group Volunteer over the age of 18 years old, based at Montgomery Court, Choir Close, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8FP.

You’ll be volunteering every Wednesday between 10:30am and 12:30pm.

As a support group volunteer, you will help with the running of the group.  The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.

The volunteer will be

· A people person, with good listening skills

· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people

· Good at putting people at ease

· Reliable and organised

· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke

· IT literate, have good administrative and record keeping skills and be able to follow relevant policies

A DBS check is required for this role.

Interested in this role?

Find out more by downloading the role description on our Stroke Association website.

If you are interested in this role, please register your interest by completing the web form found at the bottom of the volunteer advert on our Stroke Association website.

About Us

Stroke Association

Finding strength through support

The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke. 

We’re here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.

It’s only thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors that we can provide vital support. 

Stroke Association is driven by our ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means we’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by Our approach to solving inequity in stroke, we are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across our charity.

We are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Stroke Association and we are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how we work.

We are a Disability Confident employer, and we are making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. Our charity has a variety of staff network groups and we're committed to continuously improving our diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.