Community volunteer roles in abbey wood, greater london
"Before I never used to open a book because I thought I couldn’t read but now I can. I used to think it was boring reading before but now I don't." - from a learner working with an ALT Reading Coach
The Adult Literacy Trust (ALT) wants to help adult learners break the cycle of poor literacy by offering them personalised reading support.
We offer one-to-one literacy support as a complement to formal teaching in education settings. We are dedicated to ensuring that adults who wish to improve their literacy skills - and to increase their life chances - receive the help they need to become confident readers.
Would you like to support an adult learner to become a confident reader? We are looking for volunteers to become trained Reading Coaches and work with adult learners on a one-to-one (or sometimes one-to-two) basis.
What it looks like in practice:
- Meeting a learner weekly, on-site at their college campus, typically before or after their formal classes for about an hour a week
- Building a constructive relationship with a learner
- Helping to check the learner’s understanding, build their confidence in reading, and provide support where needed
- Helping the learner practice skills they’re learning in the classroom and encourage confidence and resilience so that they persist with their studies
Where and when:
We have opportunities across London and we'll work around your schedule.
ALT is partnered with a range of colleges across London as we assign you to a location that works for you. All our locations are listed on our website.
The timings are flexible - ALT match you to a learner based on your respective availability. Typically, most ALT sessions take place sometime between 10am-6pm, Monday to Friday.
Personal Specification:
No prior teaching experience or qualification is needed. We provide full training so that volunteers are confident to start their sessions. However, volunteers must:
- Be at least 18
- Be able to speak and write English well enough to communicate clearly.
- Have a minimum education of a secondary school level or equivalent (i.e. hold a GCSE or equivalent, in any subject).
- Be willing to undergo a DBS check (provided by ALT)
- Have the right to volunteer in the UK
About us:
The Adult Literacy Trust provides adults with one-to-one support to improve their reading skills and confidence, as a complement to formal education provision, ensuring that individuals who wish to improve their literacy skills receive the help they need to become successful readers, and to increase their life chances.
Delivered through a network of specially trained volunteer Reading Coaches, our charity works closely with learning providers - such as Further Education Colleges and Institutes for Adult Learning - to assist people from some of the most disadvantaged communities who could benefit from enhanced support, strengthening learners’ outcomes from their participation in adult community education.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are recruiting for a volunteer who would like to play a role in helping others to express themselves through writing. Would you like to support others to use their imagination to portray a message?
Creative writing is a great way to express yourself using your own creativity and imagination through story telling or poetry. It is an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and put it down on paper. Creative writing has been shown to improve emotional and mental well-being. Through creative writing, we can gain insight into our emotions, develop self-expression and communication skills, cultivate empathy and understanding of others, boost our imagination and creativity.
About the service..
We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.
In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.
We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.
What you will be doing
- Lead and facilitate a weekly Creative Writing Group, encouraging participants to explore their thoughts and feelings through writing exercises, prompts, and storytelling.
- Guide a subsequent Feelings Forum where participants can share and discuss emotions sparked by the writing session or current experiences in a respectful and supportive atmosphere
- Foster an inclusive, non-judgmental environment where all voices are heard and valued
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the organisation’s safeguarding and mental health protocols
- Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants
The skills you need
- Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to mental health challenges
- Ability to facilitate group discussions and manage diverse emotional responses constructively
- Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach.
- Training or experience in mental health, counselling, social work, or a related field is advantageous but not essential
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!
Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.
Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.
As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.
This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.
Apply
1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)
2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member
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!
Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.
Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.
As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.
This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.
Apply
1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)
2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member
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!
Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.
Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.
As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.
This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.
Apply
1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)
2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member
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!
Call for Online Volunteer Country Directors – Africa
Organization: HELPING CHILDREN INC (Nonprofit Registered in California, USA)
Position Type: Remote | Volunteer | Unpaid
HELPING CHILDREN INC is seeking passionate individuals to serve as Online Volunteer Country Directors in the following African countries:
Northern Africa: Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Libya
West Africa: Niger, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Togo, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone
Central Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Central African Republic
Southern Africa: Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, Namibia
East Africa: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Zimbabwe
Requirements:
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Passionate about child rights
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Local knowledge & community connections
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Internet access and basic digital skills
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Able to volunteer ~5 hours/week
To Apply:
Send your CV and a passport-sized photo
Subject: “Country Director – [Your Country]”
Let’s build a brighter future for children—together.
"HELPING CHILDREN INC is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of children and youth worldwide.
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!
Help Us Resore Hope: Join as a Trustee of Women on the Frontline Ministries (WOFM) Are you passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable women? Do you ahve the heart to serve and the skils to lead? We're looking for compassionate, committed trustees both women and men to join growing, Christian-led charity and help shape a future filled with restoration, justice and hope.
We exist to reach and support women affected by prostitution, sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. Rooted in Christian values, we walk alongside those who have been marginalised, offering holistic support, safety, and the hope of a life with purpose. Our work is deeply relational, trauma-informed, and driven by the belief that every women is precious and deserving of dignity.
As we grow we're seeking trutees who will bring wisdom, governance, and strategic oversight to our mission. You'll help guide the vision, ensure accountability, and prayerfully steward our resources so we can continue to serve the most vulneraable with excellence and intergrity.
We're Looking for Individuals Who:
- Share and support our Christian ethos
- Bring experience in areas such as finance, safeguarding, charity governance, lived experience, community development, commercial strategy and planning for sustainable growth.
- Are committed to inclusion and gender equity in leadership
- Want to see both women and men engaged in the fight against sexual violence and exploitation
While our work focuses on women, we believe that men play a vital role in helping shape a safer, more compassioante society. We encourage applications from both men and women who feel called to help lead with humility and courage.
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!
***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***
Department: Health and Wellbeing
Role Location: Supporting people in their own homes across the city and county.
Role Support: You will be supported by the Companion Service Team
What is the purpose of this role?
To provide personalised digital/IT support to older people
What impact does this role have?
Supports older people to gain or improve technical skills and to become digitally included. This inclusivity results in reduced loneliness and isolation and helps older people lead more healthy and independent lives.
What activities might you be involved in?
The purpose of this role is to provide personalised digital/IT support to older people to gain or improve technical skills and to become digitally included. This may include but is not limited to supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.
What are we looking for?
· Individuals with an interest in the wellbeing of older people and who are committed to volunteering
· IT literate with good digital skills and who are confident using different Apple and Android devices (including smart phones and tablets, laptops, and smart speakers).
· Individuals who can work with learners with different levels of knowledge and skill and to be able to demonstrate empathy when needed.
· Excellent interpersonal skills.
· Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly.
· Ability to travel to visits either by car or public transport.
When would you be needed to volunteer?
Volunteering will be on an ad hoc basis to meet the needs of the older person that you are supporting in line with your availability.
What training will you be given?
You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough departmental induction.
What can you gain from this opportunity?
· The chance to make a difference to an older person’s life
· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one
· The opportunity to learn new skills
· Experience to add to your CV
· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends
· Reimbursement of travel expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook
Additional Information
Please note an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.
***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***
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 vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
- Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
- You MUST live in the Grantown-on-Spey/Strathspey area of Scotland
- A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
- Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
- A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
- Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
- You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are currently recruiting volunteers to be part of our Governance team. The Data Protection Consultant will be responsible for overseeing the clinic's use of data and legal obligations under GDPR, maintaining high standards throughout. They will respond to the Governance and Compliance Manager.
We are a forward-thinking advice and support charity for the Trans Community. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Data Protection Consultant to consult on our data protection procedures to ensure we are compliant with all regulations relating to data privacy. The Data Protection Consultant will play a pivotal role in guiding our clinic through the data protection processes.
This senior consultancy position will involve overseeing the clinic’s data protection policies and procedures, ensuring best practices are followed, and fostering a culture of compliance. You will work closely with senior leadership to develop strategies for growth while safeguarding the clinic’s data protection.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a growing legal clinic through a pivotal stage of development. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the clinic, ensuring it meets the highest professional standards while contributing to a meaningful cause.
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!
Ever been told you that you're a good listener, or that your calm presence helps others feel at ease?
Marie Curie is looking for compassionate, everyday people to join our Companion Team within the surrounding areas of Huddersfield, Halifax or Bradford
What you’ll be part of:
- Visit a person weekly in their home and spend time with them and their family members
- Have a chat, a cuppa, or share some quiet time
- Listen to memories, share stories, or talk about everyday things
- Support carers or family members by giving them a short break
You’d be a great fit if you’re:
- Patient and good at listening
- Non-judgmental of others and friendly
- Emotionally steady in sensitive moments
- Able to commit to 3 hours p/week
- Comfortable using email and completing short visit reports
What we will provide you with:
- A deep sense of purpose and connection
- Ongoing support, training and guidance
- A welcoming volunteer community
- Recognition and appreciation for the time you give
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses each month
You must be ages 18 years or older to apply and be willing to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) applicaiton
Want to know more before applying?
Whether you're curious about the role, have questions, or simply want to get a sense of what it's really like - feel free to reach out and connect with us. We're always happy to chat and give you an insider's view.
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!
Do you want to make a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of women?Kingston Women’s Centre (KWC) is looking for a Trustee to join our Board of dedicated professionals.
KWC is a highly regarded and well-established charity providing low-cost counselling and therapy within a safe and caring environment for women of all backgrounds in and around Kingston upon Thames.For over 40 years KWC has been a cornerstone of our community supporting thousands of women with their mental welfare.Our vision is to see women thrive in all areas of life and achieve their goals and aspirations.
As a Trustee of KWC, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our charity and amplifying our impact.We are seeking women with diverse skills and experience who will bring enthusiasm and commitment to the role and broaden the diversity of our thinking on the Board. We’re particularly interested in candidates with experience in fundraising, social media, marketing and finance.
Successful candidates will need to attend six board meetings per year (usually on Fridays 09.30 – 11.30).Additionally, you’ll be invited to participate in other projects/meetings with time commitments discussed beforehand.
Due to the nature of our services, applications are invited from women only.This is a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) as set out in the Equality Act 2010.We welcome and encourage applications from women of all backgrounds.
Our aim is to provide counselling and therapy for women of all backgrounds in and around Kingston Upon Thames in a warm, safe and caring environment
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.
You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Youth leaders will be expected to regularly attend weekly youth meetings and undertake mandatory training to support the role. There will be e-learning to complete and three day courses, dates to be confirmed.
Pursuing the role
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
- Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025
Candidates will be invited to a selection event in Liverpool where they will meet local youth teams and young people, have an interview and talk to experienced youth leaders about the role.
Closing date for these opportunities is - 30/09/2025
To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We're seeking a volunteer who can take up the challenge of being one of our first ever Trustees at URBAN YOUTH. A brand new youth work organisation in London.
Who Are We?
We're setting up a new youth project in London called Urban Youth. Our aim is to create a positive community for young people, offering a number of activities and programmes that forge connections by getting young people together and away from their phones and social media. We want them to actively take part in fun and engaging interactive activities that create memories, boost confidence and resilience, and teach key skills for life – skills that young people can take with them into adulthood, helping to build their future.
Why We Are Doing This?
In a city grappling with the cost of living crisis, rising crime rates, and pervasive worry, it's easy to feel helpless. London is a city of dreams, but for many young people, it can also present unique challenges. Access to positive spaces, mentorship, and opportunities to develop crucial life skills can be limited. We saw a need for a fresh, vibrant approach to youth work – a place where young voices are heard, and potential is unleashed.
Can You Help Us Achieve This?
We need a volunteer with a passion for our mission and a commitment to good governance to join us as a Trustee. You’ll play a crucial role in providing strategic oversight and guidance, ensuring Urban Youth is well-managed, compliant, and effectively delivers on its mission to empower young Londoners.
We know you're busy. We know you have choices. So, why dedicate your precious time to Urban Youth in this crucial role? Because this isn't just volunteering; it's an unparalleled opportunity to:
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Shape Our Strategic Direction: You'll be instrumental in guiding the overall strategy and direction of Urban Youth, ensuring our programmes are impactful and sustainable.
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Ensure Good Governance: Help us establish and maintain robust policies, procedures, and financial oversight, ensuring Urban Youth operates with integrity and accountability.
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Leverage Your Expertise: Apply your professional skills and experience in areas such as finance, HR, legal, marketing, fundraising, or youth work to a cause that genuinely makes a difference.
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Be a Critical Sounding Board: Work closely with our founding team, offering valuable insights and contributing to key decisions that will define Urban Youth’s success.
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Experience Unrivalled Satisfaction: Feel the profound satisfaction of knowing your strategic contributions directly contribute to the laughter, breakthroughs, and blossoming confidence of young people across London.
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Join a Dynamic Community: Become part of a passionate, supportive, and fun-loving team of like-minded individuals. Forge new friendships and find your own sense of belonging.
We Need You!
If you have experience in governance, strategic planning, or a relevant professional field, a keen eye for detail, a commitment to our mission, and the ability to contribute effectively to board-level discussions, then we would really love to have you join us in this exciting adventure. We’re seeking individuals with enthusiasm, a willingness to get hands-on, and a desire to help a new charity get set up and thrive, ultimately shaping and changing young people's lives.
Ready to Ignite Young People's Future by Guiding Our Mission?
This is your chance to be part of something extraordinary. To turn worry into hope, isolation into connection, and potential into reality, by ensuring Urban Youth has the strong leadership and strategic vision it needs to thrive and shine.
Don't just watch Young People's future unfold. Help lead the way!
URBAN YOUTH
Forging Connections | Creating Memories | Building Futures
Positive and engaging youth work activities and programmes that help young people discover themselves, build life skills and help shape their destiny.
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!
Events Volunteer
We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.
About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Regional Development Event Volunteer for the London area. As an Event Volunteer, you will be participating in events and promoting them locally.
We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally.
You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers.
You’ll be friendly and welcoming and able to work as part of a team, with flexibility to travel across London.
Apply
- Read through the role description and project brief carefully
- Apply by clicking the ‘Apply’ link provided.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.