Community volunteer roles in catford, greater london

With an ageing population, more and more older people are at risk of isolation and loneliness as partners and friends pass away, children and grandchildren move away and the community around them changes at a fast pace.  As a Befriender you will become part of the solution to tackling the issues of isolation and loneliness by developing strong relationships with clients and encouraging them to engage in a variety of ways.

Main activities/tasks:

• Visit an older person in their home once a week for up to 2h
• Spend time getting to know them and to understand what things they may like to do at home (e.g. chess, knitting, reading)
• Offer healthy and fun conversation and encourage them to talk
• Give support to enable them to get out in the community and encourage participation in activities.
• Promote healthy living and wellbeing.
• Accompany on hospital visits or to the GP. Go for a walk, or shopping
• Support older person to find information as requested.
• Make monthly reports on visits carried out

Become a Volunteer Digital Buddy with Catbytes!

Are you passionate about helping others? Do you want to make a real difference in your community?

We’re looking for friendly, patient people to join our team as Volunteer Digital Buddies. You’ll support individuals in Lewisham, South East London who have little or no experience with computers, smartphones, or the internet.

As a Digital Buddy, you’ll help people with everyday digital tasks like:

• Setting up an email account
• Using WhatsApp or other messaging apps
• Filling in online forms
• Navigating their smartphone, tablet, or laptop

No tech expertise needed — just patience and a willingness to help!

�� Only 2 hours per week
�� Must be able to travel to Lewisham
�� A great way to meet new people and give back to your community

Catbytes has been running digital drop-ins in Lewisham since 2014, and our volunteers are at the heart of what we do.

If you’re interested or want to learn more, please get in touch using the contact details below. We’d love to hear from you!

This position is open to anyone with a keen interest in Friends of the Earth and our local campaigns in the borough of Camden. We are looking for someone interested in environmental and sustainability issues and environmental justice in the Camden community who enjoys digital design. 

Duties:

The designer will help with:

• Designing and producing event materials (brochures, flyers, posters)

• Designing social media post templates & banners

• Attending events and being part of the FoE Camden community

Desired attributes: 

• Experience with Image Editing software (Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Canva, etc.)

• Passion for the campaigning group’s mission and a commitment to communicating the impact of the charity's work 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Please send us a message stating clearly why you are interested in volunteering in our group. Also please be aware Friends of the Earth Camden is a local campaign group, so there's no need to apply if you're not UK/ London based. 

The Brompton Fountain is a children's charity working with those impacted by heart and lung conditions in Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals. Our charity provides a wide range of vital resources, services, parent/carer amenities, and accommodation. We also fund medical equipment, facilities improvements and projects outside of the NHS remit. We are currently looking for a Fundraising and Events Volunteer to help our organisation . 

We would like the volunteer to help with:

• Stewardship at events to help families and guests.

• Supporting staff with admin at these events so that processes run smoothly.

• Communicating with families and guests who may share personal stories related to the charity. Feeling comfortable and confident to speak to people about our charity and what we do.

• Organising resources for fundraising and event days e.g care packs, running shirts, signage.

You will be supporting our Community Lead and Fundraising Officer who will provide an overview of our existing processes and be there to help you every step of the way. The Brompton Fountain has a strong team of staff and volunteers who you will be working collaboratively with as a team to support the families we are in contact with.

Your input will greatly affect not only the current impact of the charity and how we are able to support the families who need our services, but the longevity and outreach of our work by committing yourself to fundraising for our cause. 

Criteria

We are looking for a volunteer who:

• Does not need prior experience, passion and confidence are far more important!

• Is a great communicator and loves talking to people.

• Is confident and able to be proactive.

• Is flexible and adaptive.

• Is able to partake in physical labour e.g putting up gazebos and carrying around packages for events.

• Has attention to detail.

• Has the ability to drive or access travel around London and South-East as large/many items will be needed at events. 

• Is an empathetic person who is willing to have discussions with families around topics like health issues, additional needs, and bereavement.

• Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these.

• Is willing to have an enhanced DBS check.

• Is willing to partake in safeguarding training.

• Is willing to partake in onboarding training to understand our charity and the mission in more detail.

• Must be over 18.

Location

Whilst we are based at Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney St, London SW3 6NP, your role will mainly be off site at different locations around London and the South-East to help at fundraising and community events.

Time

Due to our mission, we would greatly appreciate at least 6 weeks of your time, preferably more. This role would not be a set day a week, but rather be for fundraising and event days. These days would normally be Saturdays and Sundays, averaging once a month. We are an understanding and flexible organisation, and would be happy to discuss options with you. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Join our team of befrienders! You will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in your community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing. You will support people to relight a spark to continue a hobby, interest or encourage them to explore and participate in new social activities.

You will support individuals to rebuild their lives beyond crisis.

Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age or family situation. Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows that rates of depression doubled during the COVID pandemic, and one of the major causes of depression is isolation.

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals

The skills you need

• Good listening and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Willingness to engage in activities in the community
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries

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.

Trustees should be able to prepare for and attend six Board meetings and four committee meetings in London per year, as well as make some local visits throughout the Charity to understand our activities and increase Trustee visibility. The time commitment is around 20 days per year, with some evenings and weekends. Much of the activity can be undertaken working remotely or at home.

What you would be involved in (specific responsibilities) 

• Lead thinking and provide strategic advice to Board colleagues on education and outreach programmes, ensuring that community education is embedded into long-term strategic planning.
• Provide insight into the differing educational needs of young people and adults, helping to shape age-appropriate, inclusive learning experiences for all.
• Support the design and delivery of first aid training programmes that use face-to-face delivery as well as digital tools and AI to engage diverse audiences.
• Champion innovative approaches such as gamification, peer-led learning, and real-life scenario-based training.
• Advise on partnerships with schools, youth organisations, adult learning providers, and community groups.
• Help ensure that programmes are accessible, culturally relevant, and responsive to community needs.
• Assist with fundraising strategies and identifying funding opportunities for educational initiatives.
• Promote progression pathways for learners, including volunteering and community leadership roles.
• Contribute to the evaluation of programme impact and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with governance, safeguarding, and quality standards in education delivery.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 16/09/2025

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

Obuyisi bw’Omu Initiative 

Obuyisi bw’Omu Initiative empowers underserved communities in Uganda—particularly women, youth, and children—through grassroots action, advocacy, and partnerships. It addresses key challenges including limited mental health support, poor water and sanitation, barriers to quality education, and the impacts of climate change. Programs create safe spaces for mental health awareness, improve clean water access and hygiene, and provide educational resources and mentorship to promote inclusive learning. Climate action efforts involve tree planting, conservation, and sustainable practices. By fostering community ownership and engaging volunteers, Obuyisi bw’Omu drives practical, sustainable solutions that enhance well-being and resilience for lasting positive change.

Project Manager

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Obuyisi Bw'omu Initiative is seeking a dedicated Project Management Volunteer to support the planning, coordination, and delivery of our programs in Mental Health, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Health), Quality Education, and Climate Resilience. This is a remote/virtual volunteer role. The volunteer will play a key role in ensuring that all projects are well-structured, delivered on time, and aligned with our mission to create sustainable impact in the communities we serve.

Key Responsibilities Program Planning & Coordination: Develop project workplans, timelines, and activity schedules across all thematic areas (Mental Health, WASH, Education, Climate Resilience). Project Monitoring: Track progress of ongoing programs, identify gaps or risks, and recommend solutions. Documentation & Reporting: Maintain project records, compile activity reports, and prepare brief updates for internal and external stakeholders. Stakeholder Communication: Liaise virtually with partners, community representatives, and team members to ensure effective collaboration. Resource Management Support: Assist in organizing project resources, including digital tools, volunteers, and partner contributions. Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to lessons learned and best practices to strengthen program delivery and organizational impact. Support Grant/Proposal Inputs (if applicable): Provide project information and frameworks that can be used in donor proposals or reports.

Weekly Time Commitment

10+ hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

About NEUROMANCERS

NEUROMANCERS is a peer-led organisation providing autonomous, abolitionist, and accessible mental health care for and by the neurodivergent+ community. 

NEUROMANCERS was founded in 2021 by then-fifteen-year-old Aiyana Goodfellow in response to the lack of politicised community spaces for neurodivergent individuals. After years of incredible work, we are re-launching in 2025 in our new and improved form. 

We are...

• Youth Founded

• Black Led & Centred

• LGBTQ+ Led & Centred

• UK Based & Globally Grounded

What does ‘NEUROMANCE’ mean?

To NEUROMANCE means to 'fall in love with divergence'.

The mainstream healthcare system fails our community by labelling neurodivergent+ people 'defective' and 'disordered'. 

NEUROMANCERS seek to provide an alternative. Instead, we fall in love with divergence. Our traits are neither 'curses' nor 'superpowers'. We are simply people surviving a society that oppresses and excludes us in the best ways we know how. 

NEUROMANCERS is here to support you, at whatever stage of the journey you are on - by providing autonomous, abolitionist, and accessible mental health care, by us and for us. 

What is ‘neurodivergent’?

Neurodivergent means 'to diverge from the expectations of neuronormativity'. We use the term neurodivergent+ to include those under and adjacent to the neurodivergent umbrella.

NEUROMANCERS work centres neurodivergent individuals, with particular emphasis on those who are also Black and/or LGBTQ+. 

We know that many people who are severely impacted by neuronormativity and ableism may not specifically identify as neurodivergent. Therefore, our term neurodivergent+ acknowledges these extended and adjacent groups.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

All volunteers will receive training relevant to their role. Volunteers have access to our Volunteer Support Fund, complimentary membership, monthly check-ins, and support from our volunteer coordinator. 

You’ll also be part of an incredible community working with and towards autonomous mental health care! 

We are looking for volunteers who can dedicate their much-valued time and passion to an abolitionist community organisation seeking to create alternatives to mainstream mental health care. 

About the Role

The Administrative & Operational Coordinator Volunteer will provide essential support to ensure smooth day-to-day operations of NEUROMANCERS. This role involves handling administrative tasks, financial coordination, and operational design to improve efficiency across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administrative Support:

  • Manage straightforward administrative tasks (e.g., contacting people, making phone calls, sending emails, making queries on behalf of the organisation and the Founder).

  • Assist with proofreading and editing documents.

  • Handle contracting for guest workshops (inputting key details into pre-written contracts and ensuring they are signed).

• Financial Coordination:

  • Support basic financial management (e.g., tracking expenses).

• Operational Design:

  • Develop and implement systems to streamline repetitive tasks and improve organisational efficiency.

  • Identify opportunities for process improvements within volunteer teams and individual workflows.

  • Designing and outlining visual representations of workflows and systems for accessibility. 

Ideal Candidate:

• Strong organisational and administrative skills.

• Detail-oriented with excellent proofreading and editing abilities.

• Proactive problem-solver who can design efficient systems.

• Comfortable with basic financial tasks and contract management.

Be the difference on your doorstep.
Compassionate Neighbours are trained volunteers offering friendship, support and listening ear to people living in their local community, sometimes with serious, long-term or terminal illness who often struggle with loneliness.

By popping round for a cup of tea or a friendly chat once a week you can make a world of difference. You will be a good listener, kind and have a genuine interest in other people.

As a Compassionate Neighbour Volunteer you’ll not only gain new skills, confidence, and social networks; you’ll be making a difference in your local community.

Full training and support is provided. Training for our next intake will be held at the Hospice on the following dates:
Saturdays 21 & 28 June 2025, 9.30am – 3.30pm

If you are unable to attend those, we have scheduled training later on:
Tuesday 16 September & Friday 19 September 2025, 9.30am – 3.30pm

Are you passionate about helping your local community? Do you enjoy being part of a friendly, welcoming team? Join us as a Student Pantry Support Volunteer and make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience.

About the Role:

We’re looking for enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to support our pantry and community space on any of the following days:

Mondays & Saturdays:

• Receive stock. 

• Stock counting and repackaging

• Organising food and storage areas

Sundays you can join one of the teams that are responsible for the following:

• Welcoming the students.

• Preparing and serving teas/coffees and light snacks.

• Setting up for the pantry by putting out shelves and produce.

• Packing away at the end of the day.

What You Will Gain:

• Be part of a supportive, friendly, and fun volunteer team.

• Bolster your cv with work experience.

• Invitations to volunteer socials.

We would love to hear from You If You Are:

• Friendly and welcoming

• Reliable and committed

• Happy to pitch in where needed

• Looking to make a positive impact

Ready to join us?

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and levels of experience. Just bring your enthusiasm—we'll provide all the support and training you need.

Are you skilled in email marketing and love creating compelling content?
Join us at Bladder Health UK, the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting people living with bladder illness. For over 30 years, we’ve provided trusted advice, expert guidance, and emotional support — but we need your help to engage and grow our community through impactful email campaigns and newsletters.

InStudents

A global social enterprise that empowers students to lead local projects, dismantling educational barriers to ensure equitable access to opportunities for all.

• Lack of Access: Students in rural and underserved regions lack quality career guidance and opportunities equivalent to their privileged peers.

• Employability Gap: Students from less prestigious universities often struggle to gain the real-world work experience and confidence needed for employment.

• Ineffective Aid: Many top-down educational solutions fail because they lack crucial local context, cultural understanding, and input from the communities they aim to serve.

We are building a global, student-led movement for educational equity, empowering local leaders to solve local challenges.

• Equal Opportunities Project (EQOP): We deliver free, career-focused courses to students in underserved regions using accessible technology like WhatsApp. The content is co-created with UK university and corporate partners.

• Impact Champions Project: We are establishing a global network of student-led societies on university campuses. Each society identifies and tackles local education issues with our support, creating a sustainable, "locally led, globally connected" model for change.

Hello! We believe that a student's potential should be determined by their ambition, not their background. Right now, millions of students in underserved communities are being left behind, lacking the guidance and opportunities they need to thrive.

InStudents is changing that. We empower students to become leaders who solve educational challenges within their own communities, from running career courses via WhatsApp in rural India to building a global network of on-campus "Impact Champions".

We're looking for passionate people to help us scale this student-led movement. Whether you have skills in marketing, content creation, project management, or mentoring, your time and expertise can directly help a student discover a new career path or gain the confidence to lead. Join us and help build a world where every student has the chance to succeed.

Student Network Catalyst (Impact Champions)

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Be at the heart of building a global, student-led movement for educational equity. We are launching 'Impact Champions' - a worldwide network of student societies tackling local education challenges. We need a catalyst to help us find and empower the founding leaders of this network.

In this role, you will:

• Develop creative outreach strategies to find and recruit the most passionate student leaders, starting in South Asia.

• Build and nurture an inspiring online community for our first cohort of leaders, connecting them with each other and our mission.

• Help shape the support system for these new societies, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to create real-world impact.

• Your work will directly lead to the creation of new campus hubs for social change, empowering hundreds of students to become leaders in their own communities.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

About Waterwatch UK
Waterwatch UK is a grassroots initiative based in Southend with national ambition. We bring communities, regulators, water companies, MPs, and local authorities together to hold decision-makers accountable for water quality. We are transitioning to become a registered charity and are building a strong local base in Southend before scaling nationally.

Role Purpose
We are looking for a volunteer Communications & Marketing Officer to lead and grow Waterwatch UK’s communications. This role is central to raising awareness of our work, engaging the public, and ensuring transparency as we set up our Southend Committee, take over the Southend Water Quality Summits, and expand nationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver Waterwatch UK’s communications plan (starting locally, building to national reach).

• Lead on social media: create and schedule posts, engage followers, grow reach.

• Draft and publish news posts and updates on our website.

• Produce a regular newsletter for supporters, volunteers, and partners.

• Lead comms around key milestones:

  • Registration as a charity.

  • Launch of the Southend Community Committee.

  • Waterwatch UK taking over Southend Water Quality Summits (working with MPs, Anglian Water, Environment Agency, local council, and community partners).

• Build and maintain relationships with local press and media outlets.

• Support preparation of press releases, statements, and briefings.

• Ensure consistency of Waterwatch UK’s voice and messaging.

• Work with the CEO and volunteers to capture impact stories, case studies, and testimonies.

• Develop templates and systems so comms can scale to a national audience.

Commitment

• Approx. 5–10 hours per week, flexible to suit your availability.

• Mostly remote, with occasional Southend-based meetings or events.

What You Will Gain

• A leadership role in a fast-growing grassroots movement with national ambition.

• Hands-on experience in strategic communications, social media, and public engagement.

• Networking opportunities with MPs, local government, regulators, NGOs, and community groups.

• The chance to shape a new national charity from its early stages.

• Possibility of a paid role in the future, subject to funding.

Who We’re Looking For

• Experience (professional or voluntary) in communications, PR, or digital media.

• Strong writing skills with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences.

• Confident using social media platforms and tools for scheduling and analytics.

• Able to work independently and take initiative.

• Passionate about protecting the environment and empowering communities.