Community volunteer roles in catford, greater london

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

We are delighted to have secured funding to deliver a 24-month befriending programme. This exciting opportunity will support the delivery of our ambitious five-year strategy by:

- Promoting Independence - ensuring more older people can stay independent for longer

- Providing Connection - enabling friendship and social connection for older People

The befriending service will be provided through 2 different strands which aim to support older people in different ways based on the needs identified via an assessment. Clients will enter the strand that is most appropriate to their needs.

- Strand A: We will offer a local face-to-face service of up to 1 hour for 26 weeks. Strand A provision would be appropriate for older people who have experienced a recent life event, such as a hospital admission, bereavement or home move and who need time limited support and guidance to connect with suitable services and activities.

- Strands B: We will offer ongoing support either face-to- face of up to 1 hour or by telephone between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Strand B provision is for older people leaving Strand A that require long term support or for those who are identified as needing ongoing face-to-face or local telephone befriending support on entry to the programme. As a befriender you will be asked to select your type of volunteering preference.

Purpose of Role 

• Provide companionship, emotional support, and a listening ear to people who may be lonely or isolated. 

• Provide monthly reports to the Volunteer Manager on your client. 

Key tasks 

• Make a regular weekly visit or phone call to a client who has been matched to you, at a time suitable to the older person.

• Provide conversation and company. 

• Spend time chatting with the client, talking with them about their current and past life experiences. 

• Report any emerging issues or concerns that the older person has agreed to be shared with us such as safeguarding issues or a change in personal circumstance or health. 

• Make the client aware of any other services across AUKEL they may benefit from. 

• Maintain records of client contact and send this to the Volunteer Manager on a monthly basis. 

• Regularly meet with your befriending peers and supervisor, to share experiences, get support and reflect. 

Skills and attributes 

• Understanding loneliness and social isolation. 

• Good communication skills with a friendly approachable manner. 

• Keen on building a strong befriending relationship. 

• A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history. 

• Consistency and reliability.

• Understanding of Confidentiality. 

• Understanding of and empathy with the needs of older people. 

• Patience and Sensitivity. 

• Confidence to deal with emergencies. 

• Record keeping.

• Basic IT skills. 

Support Provided 

• You will be inducted in cohorts with other volunteers. 

• Training for the role is provided including Safeguarding, Making Every Contact Count, Sexual Harassment and Building a positive volunteering experience and other more. 

• Ongoing support including regular supervision by the Volunteer Manager. 

• Goup supervision with other befrienders. Groups supervision is a safe place where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes, process emotion and learn from each other. 

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses.

• Access to an AGE UK Discount portal provided by Aon.  

• Monthly volunteer newsletter 

We hold an annual Volunteer Award event where we celebrate and recognise the contribution of our Volunteers! 

Benefits 

• Making a Difference: Volunteering allows you to have a tangible impact on someone's life, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Helping older people can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose. 

• Emotional Rewards 

• Intergenerational Connections 

• Learning and Skill Development 

• Enhancing Career Prospects 

• Building Empathy and Compassion 

• Giving Back to the Community 

• Social and celebration events 

Commitment 

• We expect a minimum of 6 months commitment but would ideally prefer more of a longer-term commitment.

• Weekly commitment is between 30 minutes to 1 hour for client plus one/two hours monthly for reporting. 

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.

Every child deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of their background. Action Tutoring is a charity dedicated to closing the attainment gap and creating a more equitable future for young people.

We're building a diverse community of tutors passionate about educational equity. We are seeking dedicated volunteers from all walks of life to tutor and support pupils facing socio-economic disadvantage in maths and English.

As a volunteer tutor, you’ll:

• Tutor a group of 1-3 pupils (primary or secondary), with options to support online or in-person.

• Dedicate just one hour a week for a 10-20 week programme.

We provide the resources - you bring your enthusiasm! You’ll use our workbooks to deliver your sessions.

Whether you're a university student, a working professional, retired or simply looking to give back, your hour a week can open doors to brighter futures for these young people and make a lasting impact.

What you'll gain:

• Comprehensive training (2-hour induction, technical training for online tutors, optional further skills training).

• Ongoing support from your dedicated programme coordinator.

• Structured session plans and workbooks.

• Travel expense reimbursement (up to £5 per session).

• Free DBS check.

• Optional tutor socials and buddy system.

We look for volunteers with:

• Solid subject knowledge in the area they wish to tutor, which may be demonstrated by a degree or grade B at A-level qualification (or equivalent) or relevant experience.

• The ability to explain concepts clearly and patiently.

• A commitment to supporting pupils’ academic progress.

We recognise that valuable experience can be gained through diverse routes. If your qualifications differ from those mentioned, we still encourage you to apply. Please highlight any relevant experience or skills in your application.

We welcome applications from volunteers across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. (Please note: This is a volunteer, unpaid position.)

Our programmes run during term time, and you can sign up at ay time throughout the year.

Our volunteers say:

" The Action Tutoring team has been fabulous in their support: timely updates, always available, closely following progress, and ready to intervene where needed, very professional indeed!"

"Volunteering is very rewarding. I would say the skills that one develops from teaching the pupils are transferable to any walk of life and make you a better person. I would highly recommend it."

Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our weekly FAB Phone Cafe. In this role you'll be helping to create a friendly, welcoming space and community connections with a group of older people facing isolation.

At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs.  In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible.  We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.

We are currently looking for volunteers for our Phone Cafes on

Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 and 2:00-3:00pm

This role involves

• Welcoming older people who are new to the telephone group.
• Facilitating conversation in the group
• Keeping attendance sheets for group participants.
• Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team

The qualities and skills required for this role are

• A friendly disposition, with the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and include people so as to encourage an enjoyable experience.
• Ability to be assertive and intervene if necessary, for instance manage group members who may dominate the conversation
• Reliability and punctuality – calls need to run on time.
• Access to a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet.
• Confidence in using new software so that calls run on time and everyone connects with the group (training provided; the platform we use is quite straightforward and easy to learn).
• Good verbal communication skills to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible and encourage shyer callers.
• An understanding of the needs of older people.
• Ability to respond to any Safeguarding concerns and keep the environment safe.
• Willingness to follow Age UK Bristol’s policies, such as Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Equal Opportunities, and to complete any training and admin needed to perform the role.

About Brook

Brook is the UK’s leading sexual health and wellbeing charity. The organisation is committed to changing attitudes, challenging prejudice, and championing equality.

Combining clinical services with education programmes, Brook’s approach is designed to meet individual needs and foster positive behaviours that can influence people’s lives long-term. Its innovative digital solutions extend reach to even more young people and professionals, while its expansion into all-age services ensures that entire communities benefit from its support.

Trustee Opportunities

Brook is currently seeking to appoint new Trustees with expertise in the following key areas:

Charity Finance
In a climate where 80% of charities are exploring cost-saving measures, Brook is seeking a Trustee with robust knowledge and experience in charity finance. This individual will help the organisation navigate income challenges and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

Young People’s Mental Health
With a growing number of young people experiencing complex mental health issues and safeguarding concerns, Brook is looking to strengthen its expertise in this area. The ideal candidate will bring relevant knowledge to help expand Brook’s capacity to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

Violence Against Women and Girls
Violence against women and girls remains a deeply concerning issue, with at least one in twelve women affected each year, and over a quarter of women experiencing sexual assault in their lifetimes. Brook is seeking a Trustee who can support and guide the development of its work in this vital area.

About the Board

Brook’s Board of Trustees operates as a cohesive and supportive team, working collaboratively with the senior executive leadership. The Board adheres to the Charity Governance Code and the organisation’s own Code of Good Governance. New Trustees are provided with a comprehensive induction, access to ongoing training, and the opportunity to be mentored by an existing Trustee.

Purpose of the Role

Trustees are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run. As a trustee of The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre, you will help ensure the charity is well-run, financially sound, and working effectively to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for reptiles.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit

• Comply with the charity’s governing document and relevant laws

• Act in the charity’s best interests at all times

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly and ensure financial stability

• Safeguard the charity’s reputation and values

• Contribute to setting the charity’s strategy and long-term plans

• Monitor the charity’s performance against objectives

• Attend trustee meetings, read papers in advance, and contribute constructively

• Represent the charity positively in the community and at events

Skills & Experience

We welcome applications from people with a variety of backgrounds. Skills that are particularly helpful for our board include:

• Finance, accounting, or business management

• Fundraising or marketing

• Animal welfare knowledge (especially reptiles)

• HR, governance, or legal expertise

• Networking and relationship building

• Strategic planning

Qualities Needed

• Commitment to the charity’s aims and values

• Willingness to dedicate time and effort to the role

• Ability to think strategically and make balanced decisions

• Good communication and teamwork skills

• Integrity and sound judgement

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare

• Opportunity to use your skills and experience for a good cause

• Experience in charity governance and strategy

• Being part of a supportive and passionate team

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 London Borough of Sutton 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.

CPRE Buckinghamshire (part of CPRE – The Countryside Charity) is looking for a Trustee with a background, or strong interest, in the local farming community. This Trustee will take the lead in our campaign to support sustainable farming and agricultural practices, and will help us to partner with relevant groups, with the aim of enhancing and protecting Buckinghamshire’s wildlife and countryside. 

This volunteer role would suit someone living or studying in Buckinghamshire who would like to be involved in campaigning and sharing their expertise with other Trustees, volunteers and members of CPRE.

You will ideally have experience of, or a deep interest in, sustainable farming, and agricultural practices that ensure food production without compromising the environment or future generations' ability to meet their needs. Your expertise will help us to demonstrate how farming today can focus on reducing its impact on ecosystems, can promote biodiversity, and can minimise energy use.

As a Trustee, you will also be part of our small and collaborative Trustee board. You will help to deliver our strategy, vision and mission, and guide the future direction of CPRE Buckinghamshire. Along with the other Trustees, you will ensure that the charity has the necessary policies and resources, complies with legal requirements, and adheres to its governing document. 

This is a volunteer team that typically works remotely, though some occasional face-to-face meetings may occur when needed – we will pay expenses in these instances. We estimate that the commitment would be around 2–3 hours a week, but you can of course do more if you wish!

We welcome applicants of any age, gender and background. Students who are studying (or have studied) relevant courses are also welcome to apply.

��‍�� React Native Developer Volunteer – Join the Movement Behind MVP 2

Unify Giving is on a mission to change everything about giving — how it’s done, how it’s received, and how it’s perceived.

We’re building a world where people experiencing homelessness can receive digital donations with dignity, transparency, and choice — and we’re already live on the App Store. But now, we’re taking it further.

�� MVP 2 is here.
We’ve added powerful new features to give both donors and recipients the best possible experience — and we need your help to bring it to life.

✨ What you’ll do:

• Join our small but mighty team to help build and release MVP 2 of our React Native app.

• Collaborate with our designers, product leads, and community team to improve UX across the board.

• Work on meaningful features that directly impact people experiencing homelessness.

�� What we’re looking for:

• Experience in React Native, with solid understanding of mobile app dev (iOS & Android).]

• A belief that tech can be used for real, tangible good in the world.

�� Why it matters:

This isn’t just another side project. Unify Giving is already being used by real people across the UK. Your code could help someone access food, warmth, or support when they need it most.

�� What you’ll get:

• A chance to work on a live tech-for-good product.

• Your name in the credits (yes, we mean it).

• Weekly team check-ins, support from our founder, and full creative input.

• A front-row seat to building something that genuinely helps people — and is scaling fast.

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 London Borough of Sutton 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.

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.

EHRAC is a team of experts in international human rights law and international mechanisms. We support and collaborate with human rights defenders in Ukraine and the South Caucasus to litigate ground breaking strategic cases to secure justice and challenge impunity. 

EHRAC’s Advisory Board provides guidance to the Co- Directors on issues of finance, operations, communications and strategic direction, and provides insight and advice on the situation in EHRAC’s target region. 

The Advisory Board member with financial management experience maintains an overview of EHRAC’s financial affairs. They ensure that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place and provide support to EHRAC’s finance and grants team on an adhoc basis.

As well as attending the main meetings of the Advisory Board, they will join the Subcommittee, which consists of three Advisory Board members and meets quarterly (online or in person).

Position: Law Support Officer (remote position)

Role: Volunteering position for 2 hours a week (across 2 mornings a week)

Scope:

Along with all other staff, the worker may be required to:

a) carry out legal research of case outcomes, providing brief (approximately 200 words) case summaries in civil law, criminal law and family law.

b) assist with the general day to day administration (including providing case updates to clients and other third parties, drafting of documents and helping to create and update a monthly newsletter)

c) supervise and mentor student volunteers;

d) support the Centre in contact with the public, legal practitioners and other community sector organisations;

Organisation Summary:

Central and Direct Law Advice Centre promotes social justice through:

• providing legal advice, legal services and education to young people and people struggling to afford typical legal fees, and to groups who advocate for them

• participating in activities which reduce inequalities and administrative and social practices that impact on disadvantaged people.

Statement of Shared Philosophy and Values:

To achieve its purpose, Central and Direct Law:

• is committed to reducing social inequities for people striving and maintaining their

rights

• works with clients so they can assert their rights

• focuses on preventative measures

• seeks new and better ways of providing legal services to clients

• is flexible in its service so that it remains responsive to changing social needs

• advocates for the public interest through issues which affect the wider society or

significant sections of the society

• uses its resources efficiently and effectively

Expiry Date:

Rolling

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.

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 Croydon 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.