Community volunteer roles in catford, greater london

We are an award winning charity that provides a school-based 1-2-1 mentoring programme for vulnerable young people, helping them to realise their full potential no matter what their circumstances.

Our mentors are volunteers who give just 1 hour a week to mentor the young person they are carefully matched to.

Through no fault of their own, young people who are care-experienced or facing challenges experience a significant gap in outcomes compared to their peers. They aren’t reaching their potential - but 1-2-1 mentoring can change that. Just one hour a week with a consistent, caring adult can boost confidence, academic performance and open doors to a brighter future. 

We’re transforming the lives of the young people we support, recognising their talent, we help them to grow and utilise their abilities. We want everyone to get a fair chance at life. 

As a mentor you would provide encouragement, reassurance and a safe space to build confidence and self worth, ultimately helping the young person to unlock their potential.

No prior experience is required - we say that if you care, you qualify! If you are good at listening and keen to make a difference, you can mentor. We will provide excellent training and on going support. 

By volunteering as a mentor you really can transform the life of a young person who is facing challenges. You will be a caring, positive, consistent adult , a supportive friend, a role model, and a trustworthy listening ear. We are sure that you will also find the role incredibly rewarding whilst also developing your skills in active listening and empathy.

"Everybody's got something to offer. Everybody's got life skills. It doesn't matter where you come from. It was the best thing that I've ever done."

We are looking to recruit volunteer mentors in different locations in Ealing.

If you would like to help young people flourish and make a positive difference to your local community, please do get in touch! 

An hour a week - a lifetime of impact! 

Are you a friendly, patient, and supportive individual who loves to connect with people?

As a Club Support Assistant, you will be on the front lines, directly engaging with our club members during sessions. You'll play a vital role in creating a warm, inclusive, and fun atmosphere, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and encouraged to participate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Welcoming and Engaging: Greet club members as they arrive, help them settle in, and ensure they feel comfortable and included.
• Encouragement and Support: Provide positive encouragement and support to members as they choose songs, take turns singing, and interact with each other.
• Facilitating Participation: Assist members with selecting songs, navigating the karaoke equipment (with guidance), and gently encouraging participation in singing and social activities.
• Creating a Positive Atmosphere: Help maintain an energetic, respectful, supportive environment where friendships can grow.
• General Assistance: Support the Music Leader and Singing Tutor with practical tasks during sessions, such as setting up/packing away equipment, managing song queues, and ensuring smooth transitions.
• Safeguarding: Be aware of and adhere to the club's safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is:

• Naturally compassionate, patient, and empathetic.
• Friendly, approachable, and a good listener.
• Enthusiastic about music and community.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Comfortable interacting with adults with learning difficulties (previous experience is a bonus, but a willingness to learn and adapt is key).
• Able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Committed to promoting an inclusive and respectful environment.

Time Commitment: Approximately 1-2 hours per week (during club sessions), plus occasional brief pre- or post-session discussions.

DBS checks will be required.

As a SANEline volunteer, you will support callers who contact SANE's national, out of hours, helpline, SANEline, and make a real difference and support people affected by mental illness. 

SANE is a UK-wide mental health charity working to improve the quality of life of anyone affected by mental illness, including families and carers. SANEline volunteers provide telephone emotional support, information and guidance to those who call our helpline SANEline. 

Hours and location: Our trained volunteers support on our helpline, between 4-10pm, 365 days a year. Volunteering training and shifts takes place in North London. All volunteers must be aged 21 years or over.

SANEline Volunteers provide support to callers with a wide range of mental health problems via our confidential crisis line.

We are looking for warm, compassionate, understanding people who are good communicators to join our services team as a volunteer. You don’t need to be a mental health expert: empathy matters more than academic qualifications or experience, and we’re keen to hear from people of all ages and walks of life.

Benefits to the volunteer: High quality training and regular social events for the volunteer community.  

Many of our volunteers find they benefit from these skills in their professional lives, where SANEline volunteering experience can prove invaluable for entering the field of mental health, as well as their personal lives.

SANE aims to:

·         Raise awareness and understanding of all mental health conditions.

·         Combat the stigma surrounding mental illness and fight to improve frontline services for individuals and carers.

·         Provide support, information and guidance through its helpline SANEline, email and ongoing support services, Textcare and Online Forum.

·         Promote and host research into the causes of mental illness and the effectiveness of treatments and therapies at the Prince of Wales International Centre for SANE Research in Oxford.

Our high-quality training programme helps volunteers develop the knowledge and skills needed to support the people who turn to us for help. We also offer further training and on-going development, which includes regular support from the senior team and personalised feedback.  

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

BFUK are seeking enthusiastic, compassionate volunteers to support the delivery of our creative and educational hospital workshops. These sessions not only offer children and young people the opportunity to be imaginative, learn something new, and socialise, but also serve as a welcome distraction from time spent in the hospital. There is always something new to experience; previous workshops have included various crafts, make-up artistry, indoor gardening, hands-on VR demonstrations and mocktail making!

Our workshops take place in Great Ormond Street Hospital on Tuesdays and University College Hospital on Wednesdays.

As a Workshop Volunteer, you will:

• Assist with the preparation of workshop activities and support the sessions to run smoothly
• Chat and engage warmly with children, young people and their families during activities, offering encouragement and support
• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
• Have the opportunity to plan and lead your own workshop, if you wish

What do we look for in our Workshop Volunteers?

• A desire to work with children (age 5-12) or young people (age 13-18)
• A passion for inspiring creativity and learning
• Commitment to BFUK’s core values: equity, empathy, empowerment, connection and advocacy

What do our Workshop Volunteers gain?

• Enhanced DBS will be provided
• Safeguarding Level One Training
• Direct experience working with children and young people
• Opportunities to develop teaching and facilitation skills
• Experience working within a hospital setting
• Opportunities to socialise with other members of our volunteer community

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Support Volunteer for the Surrey Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

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 confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Join FARA, a charity with over 30 years of experience and 40 charity shops across London. Our Fulham store is looking for a dedicated Book Volunteer to assist us on a Sunday. By volunteering with us, you'll not only support our charitable work but also contribute to creating a positive experience for our community of customers. You'll also play a key role in ensuring that items FARA cannot sell are responsibly redirected, helping us further our commitment to a sustainable economy.

The Role:

As a volunteer, your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Sorting book donations
• Pricing books
• Assisting with the placement of books on shelves
• Identifying valuable and collectable books
• Creating engaging book displays
• Greeting and assisting customers
• Till operations

The Volunteer:

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for books (and perhaps belongs to a book club)
• Is friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic
• Previous experience working with books is a plus, but not essential
• Ideally connected with the local area

What’s in it for You?

At FARA, our shops are run by welcoming, collaborative teams where everyone works together. You'll gain valuable experience, working alongside supportive colleagues who help each other develop, challenge, and celebrate each other's contributions. Full training will be provided, and we offer a positive and safe environment where you can learn and enhance your skills.

Your Time:

Our shop operates from 10:00 to 18:00, and we're looking for someone who can volunteer for a minimum of 4 hours on a Sunday.

If this sounds like the role for you, please click the "Apply" button.

FARA is committed to creating an inclusive environment. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please don't hesitate to let us know.

Volunteer for the friendliest club in London!

About the opportunity

Can you spare 2 hours a week on a Thursday evening to work with some of the most friendly, welcoming people you’ll ever meet? If so, then please come and help our volunteers to organise fun activities at our ever-growing club for people with learning disabilities. No previous experience is needed, you just need a caring attitude and sense of fun.

Our club is split into two age groups 14-25 yrs (Juniors Club) and 25 yrs+ (Vets Club). You have a chance to make a real difference to either group by creating new experiences, helping our members to grow in confidence, build friendships and learn new skills. Our specialist club leaders will support and train you and you’ll benefit from working in a very rewarding environment!

What are we looking for?

• You do not need previous experience, just an open mind and a positive attitude towards disability.
• You need to be willing to have fun and commit to The Vets Club or Juniors Club, on at least a fortnightly basis.
• You will need enthusiasm and good communication
• Available regularly (but not necessarily every week) on Thursdays between 7pm and 9pm.

Why take part?

The Squad helps to reduce social isolation; helps vulnerable people to grow in confidence and play a part in their wider community. 

In this scheme you will no doubt learn new things about yourself and life.  You will develop great skills and be part of a rewarding experience.  The Vets Club and Juniors Club will support you throughout, offering training, advice and supervision.

What does a typical Thursday night session look like?

It can be anything from cooking, visiting a local open mike night, museums, arts and crafts, the most competitive game of Uno you'll ever have, table tennis, basketball, musice, dance, we tried sound-bathing recently, basically anything and everything that we design with our members.

Please note: Applicants must be UK-based and able to travel easily to Wimbledon area. Living in London or near SW London. Travel expenses are not covered to and from Squad but reasonable expenses can be covered (when agreed in advance) for travel or other necessities as part of Squad sessions.

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that have been bereaved.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
• Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
• Are a good listener
• Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
• Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

Requirements of a Befriender include:

• Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
• Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
• Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
• Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

Benefits of this role may include:

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
• Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Support and training provided:

• Omega Chatterbox induction program
• Safeguarding training
• Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
• Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
• Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

Location of the role:

• Home-based

When are you needed:

• Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the Croydon Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

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 confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 500 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Location:

2 Broadway Parade, Crouch End, Greater London, N8 9DE, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 years

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

Use Your Commercial Expertise to Shape the Future of a National Health Charity

The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) is a UK-wide charity at the forefront of reducing avoidable infections and improving patient safety across health and care settings. We are clinically led, values-driven, and rapidly growing. Following the introduction of a professional staff team and a bold new strategy, we are entering an exciting period of transformation.

We are now recruiting a non-member trustee to join our Board and help shape our commercial direction and future growth.

This is an important and unique opportunity. We are looking for someone who can bring commercial insight, strategic thinking, and a fresh, external perspective to support our mission. You will be joining a committed and multidisciplinary Board that includes infection prevention experts, clinical leaders, and senior figures from across the health and charity sectors.

We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Commercial strategy or business development
• Corporate partnerships or sponsorship
• Marketing, brand development, or digital strategy
• Income generation or diversification in the charity sector
• Innovation and growth

You do not need to be a clinician or work in infection prevention. In fact, for this role, you must not be a current member of the Infection Prevention Society. We are actively looking for someone external to the Society who can bring new ideas and different perspectives.

As a trustee, you will:

• Contribute to the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity
• Support our CEO and staff to deliver the IPS strategy and diversify income
• Help identify new commercial opportunities and strengthen external partnerships
• Provide constructive challenge and guidance to the Board and senior leadership
• Champion the Society’s work with external audiences and stakeholders

The time commitment is modest (around 6–8 hours per quarter) but the potential impact is significant. You will help shape a charity that is improving lives across the UK by working to prevent infections in healthcare, community, dental, veterinary, and built environment settings.

This is a voluntary role. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to inclusive recruitment.

Closing date: 10pm, 7 September 2025

Position Overview:
The Programme Coordinator provides critical administrative and logistical support to ensure the smooth operation of the employability and skills development programme. As the first point of contact for participants, this role focuses on managing inquiries, maintaining records, coordinating schedules, and facilitating seamless communication between participants, trainers, and stakeholders. The Programme Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring participants feel supported and programme activities are delivered efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Participant Engagement & Support:

   • Serve as the primary contact for participants, responding to inquiries via phone, email, or in person, and providing guidance on programme logistics, enrollment, and resources.

   • Manage participant registration, onboarding, and attendance tracking for workshops, training sessions, and events.

2. Administrative Coordination:

   • Maintain accurate and up-to-date participant records, including personal details, progress updates, and post-programme employment outcomes, ensuring compliance with data protection policies.

   • Schedule and coordinate meetings, training sessions, and stakeholder events, including room bookings, material preparation, and calendar management.

3. Documentation & Reporting:

   • Prepare and distribute programme-related materials, such as handbooks, training agendas, and certificates of completion.

   • Assist in compiling data for reports on participant engagement, attendance, and feedback to support programme evaluation.

4. Logistics & Communication:

   • Manage programme logistics, including training materials, technology setups, and participant resources.

   • Draft and send routine communications (e.g., reminders, updates) to participants, trainers, and partners.

5. Compliance & Record-Keeping:

   • Ensure all participant files and programme documentation adhere to organisational policies and grant requirements.

   • Support audit processes by maintaining organised participant consent forms, evaluations, and feedback records.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: A high school diploma is required; an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in administration, communications, social sciences, or a related field is preferred.

• Experience:

  • 1–2 years in administrative support, customer service, or programme coordination, preferably in education, non-profits, or workforce development.

  • Experience managing high-volume inquiries and maintaining detailed records.

• Skills:

  • Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a customer-service-oriented approach.

  • Proficiency in Google products (Forms, Docs, Sheets, Slides) and familiarity with databases or CRM systems.

  • Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data entry and reporting.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF ROLE

MAIN ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Using the voluntary working practices, policies, procedures and values set by Alex TLC, work with paid staff to ensure the charity shop business is run accordingly.

Work to the high standards expected at all Alex TLC shop premises according to the requests of the Shop Manager.

Work as a team member, taking full responsibility for all shop duties undertaken.

Participate in all training and legislative checks required by Alex TLC, statutory and specific to role.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL)

Maintain excellent levels of customer service (remembering customer service extends to colleagues and service providers, as well as customers), going above and beyond where possible.

TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Expert knowledge of the safe and correct use of all equipment used in the day to day running of the charity shop, for example the till, steamer, pricing equipment. Training is provided.

OTHER FEATURES OF JOB

Hours of work are according to those agreed between yourself and the Shop Manager.

Opportunity for paid employment in our charity shops.

Opportunity to attend the Alex TLC Community Weekend and meet sufferers of leukodystrophy and their families. Volunteers assist in the running of activities during the Weekend and attend the social events included.

LOCATION

South East London Alex TLC charity shop premises.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

DESIRABLE:

· GCSE, ‘O’ Level or equivalent Mathematics and English Language

· customer service

EXPERIENCE

DESIRABLE:

· Willingness to learn about leukodystrophy and the challenges our beneficiairies face

· charity shop or other retail

WORK BASED COMPETENCIES

DESIRABLE:

· Good customer service skills

· Good telephone skills

· Good writing skill

· Good numerical ability

· Good organisational ability

· Flair for display

· Computer literacy

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

ESSENTIAL:

· Motivated

· Honest

· Committed

· Ability to work in a team

DESIRABLE:

· Enthusiastic

· Articulate

· Calm under pressure

· Methodical

· Resourceful

· Commercial acumen

We are only able to accept applications from UK residents.

Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for adults and children to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?

At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.

Hestia provides holistic, one-to-one support in our refuges and the community. Our refuge services are for women and children, offering a safe place to stay and vital emotional and practical support.

Outside of our refuges, most of our support services are accessible by anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, including men.

What you will be doing

• Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
• To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
• Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
• Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
• Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
• Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
• Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities

The skills you need

• A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
• Calm and patient approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

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 - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun