Community volunteer roles in cobham, surrey

Are you passionate about making a difference?

Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?

No Going Back, an innovative and forward-thinking charity, is looking for dedicated volunteers to support a series of pre-employment workshops for ex-offenders preparing to re-enter the workforce. This is a powerful opportunity to help individuals on their journey to rebuild their lives, gain confidence, and take meaningful steps toward sustainable employment. Join us and be part of a movement that changes lives - one second chance at a time.

About Us

We are a committed and compassionate charity focused on providing support and opportunities to individuals who have faced significant challenges in their lives. Our mission is to empower ex-offenders by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to secure meaningful employment and lead fulfilling lives.

As a Workshop Support Volunteer, you will:

- Assist in the preparation and delivery of pre-employment workshops.

- Provide one-on-one support to participants during sessions.

- Help facilitate group discussions and activities.

- Offer encouragement and guidance to participants as they develop their CVs, cover letters, and interview skills.

By volunteering with us, you will:

- Make a positive impact on the lives of ex-offenders.

- Gain valuable experience in teaching, mentoring, and community support.

- Meet new people and expand your professional network.

- Receive training and support from our experienced team.

- Be part of a supportive and friendly community of volunteers.

Join us in supporting ex-offenders as they reintegrate into the workforce. Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, but we do have a few requirements:

- A genuine desire to help ex-offenders integrate back into society.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

- Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude.

- Availability to commit to a regular schedule of workshops and mentoring sessions.

Job Summary

Job Title: Digital Marketer
Salary: Voluntary
Working Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm (Flexible shifts)
Reporting to: Project Leader
Location: NIAS Creative Campus, Holborn, London

�� Volunteer Digital Marketer Needed for Cultural Takeover – Rhythms of Kolonga ��
NIAS Creative Campus | A Transnational Campaign for the DRC

Do you believe in the power of digital storytelling to change the narrative? Are you ready to help lead a cultural takeover that redefines how the world sees the Democratic Republic of Congo?

NIAS Creative Campus is looking for a Volunteer Digital Marketer to help drive our campaign:
Rhythms of Kolonga: The Democratic Republic of Congo Beyond the Headlines — a transnational movement rooted in cultural rhythm, memory, and narrative justice.

This is not just marketing. This is movement work. This is digital activism through music, memory, and storytelling.

What We’re Doing:

Rhythms of Kolonga is a bold campaign reclaiming Congolese stories from the margins. We’re staging an online cultural takeover where sound, art, rhythm, and movement drown out outdated, one-dimensional headlines and amplify authentic, lived Congolese narratives.

Who We’re Looking For:

A visionary digital marketer with the heart of an activist and the skills of a strategist. You understand what an online takeover means and you’re fired up to help make it unforgettable.

Your Mission Will Be:

• Co-create and implement an online cultural takeover strategy across platforms.

• Craft powerful messaging rooted in narrative justice and cultural memory.

• Coordinate digital content, music drops, artist stories, campaign visuals, and live interactions.

• Engage communities, influencers, and allies in a bold online presence that reclaims the narrative.

• Help build a digital ripple effect that sparks conversations and shifts perceptions worldwide.

You Might Be:

• A digital activist, social media maven, or comms creative.

• Deeply connected to or interested in African cultural narratives, especially around the DRC.

• Someone who thrives in creative, collaborative environments and wants to leave a mark.

What You’ll Gain:

• Be part of a historic transnational campaign for cultural truth and justice.

• Grow your experience in high-impact digital advocacy.

• Collaborate with artists, thinkers, and changemakers across the globe.

• Make your voice part of a movement that matters.

What we are offering:

• Travel Expenses
• Reasonable Lunch Expenses (after probation period)
• Industry links
• Opportunity for growth through our training and development programme
• Potential for career mentoring by experienced staff

Ready to help us rewrite the narrative of the DRC?
Apply now with a short note on why this campaign matters to you, plus any links to relevant work or profiles.

Let’s move hearts and headlines—together. ����✊

Time2Share@WECIL’s Befriending Service links volunteers 1:1 with a Disabled child / young person. Links are based on shared interests and activities which the volunteer and young person can enjoy doing together either in the child/family home or out in the community.

What experience do I need?

You do not need any previous experience with disabled children or young people, but we ask that volunteers are friendly, caring, reliable and able to make a commitment to visit a young person regularly.

What will I be doing?

You will volunteer within Time2Share@WECIL’s befriending service for disabled children/young people (aged 5-18 yrs) and their families. This involves spending time regularly with a disabled child or young person in their home or supporting the young person to take part in social and leisure activities in their local community. You will not be asked to administer medication or deliver personal care in this role.

Who am I responsible for?

You are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the child or young person you are linked with. All links are risk-assessed and carefully monitored by your co-ordinator.

Who am I responsible to?

The parent / carer. You must ensure that the parent / carer’s reasonable instructions and guidance regarding the welfare of their child are adhered to and that clear communication is maintained. Feedback must be given to the parent/carer following a visit.

How often will I be needed?

Time2Share@WECIL typically ask for volunteers to commit to 2-4 hours a week and the days / times are agreed between the volunteer and the family. We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months to ensure the child and their family are able to benefit fully from the relationship.

This is a fantastic role to get involved locally and be at the forefront of solutions to help save nature in your community. It is an opportunity to try new things and use your skills to make a valuable contribution to the work of your RSPB Local Group. We are a friendly and supportive team, so you will get the chance to build new relationships and meet new faces.

You will be leading the group in developing a range of activities designed to encourage wide participation from the group membership and to attract new group members, as well as heading the committee comprising individuals which assist with the running of the group and the activities which we run. You will have the support of Area/Country offices, and HQ.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Job Title:
Freelance Creative Workshop Facilitator (Artist Role – Comics, Zines & Social Impact)

Working Hours:
Flexible and sessional – approx.1-hours per session, approx.2-4-hours per session for longer sessions
Most workshops take place in London, with occasional sessions across the UK

Pay Range:
£30–£40 per session (inclusive of expenses)
Rates may increase for longer or specialist sessions

Job Type:
Freelance / Sessional

Location:
Primarily London — including schools, community centres, and events. Occasional sessions delivered in other parts of the UK.

About the Role:
Are you a visual artist passionate about using your creativity to inspire and make a difference?

Penificent is seeking talented freelance artists to lead our comic and zine-making workshops. These sessions empower young people to express themselves while tackling real-world issues like identity, mental health, social media, and financial literacy ,all through storytelling and illustration. Being arisit  is not esstinial but could be really useful.

You’ll not only facilitate impactful workshops, but you’ll also have the chance to represent Penificent at Comic Con events, collaborate with fellow creatives, and even have your work featured in our published comics and online content.

Key Responsibilities:
�� Lead comic and zine-making workshops in schools and community spaces
�� Help participants create original characters and stories around social themes
�� Use art to spark dialogue and build confidence
�� Prepare and manage workshop materials (resources provided)
�� Support feedback collection and session reflections
�� Ensure a safe, inclusive creative environment and follow safeguarding policies

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Demonstrated art skills (digital or traditional)

• Experience leading or supporting creative sessions or youth workshops

• Passion for visual storytelling and creative education

• Strong communication and organisation skills

• Committed to inclusion, creativity, and making an impact through art

Desirable:

• Experience with comics, zines, animation, or sequential storytelling

• Previous work with young people or in community-based roles

• Willingness to travel across the UK

• Interest in collaborating on Penificent’s comics, animations, and live events

What We Offer:

• £30–£40 per session will be more depending on length of session (inclusive of prep and expenses)

• Comic Con involvement — help us represent Penificent, cosplay characters, and engage with fans

• Opportunities for your artwork to be featured in published comics and animations

• Access to a growing artist network and potential paid commissions

• Training and creative freedom within our proven workshop structure

• Flexible freelance work with social purpose

To Apply:
Email us your CV and a short message about why this role excites you  along with a portfolio or 3–5 samples of your art work

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those whose lived experiences reflect the issues we explore through our comics.

The Diana Award are thrilled to invite you to volunteer for our Mentoring Programme this Autumn 2025, which operate across London. 

We collaborate with volunteer mentors to support young people aged 14-18 who are at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) through mentoring interventions, career skills development programmes, and support with their youth-led social action projects. 

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER AS A MENTOR? 

We welcome applicants of all industries and levels of experience. Through mentoring you will gain skills in communication and leadership, building empathy and understanding of issues and barriers facing young people in their communities. 

OUR MENTORING PROGRAMMES  

We will be running our exciting Twelve-week Mentoring Programme from October 2025 - February 2026, across London, in the boroughs of Enfield, Tower Hamlets and Sutton. 

The programme will involve: 

• Twelve weeks of in-person weekly mentoring sessions that last one hour (excluding travel) and are delivered on the same day and time each week. 

• Group mentoring, where a group of volunteer mentors work together to support a group of mentees, with the help of a Diana Award Facilitator. 

• Volunteer mentors will share advice and guidance with young people who are at risk of becoming NEET.

We will train you to mentor and provide ongoing support for the duration of your programme. 

The Diana Award can provide you with a professional reference, paid for DBS check, and refund your travel expenses in exchange for your voluntary work. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Requirements 

• A minimum of 18-years-old.

• Willing to complete a DBS Check (paid for by The Diana Award).

• Willing to provide contact details for two referees.

• Has the right to work and volunteer in the UK. 

• Able to attend a three-hour in-person mentor training session. 

• Able to commit to weekly face-to-face sessions. 

• Lives or works in London.

Skills 

• Passion for working with young people. 

• Has developed or willing to develop active listening skills. 

• Ability to see solutions and opportunities when working with people or in a group setting. 

• Ability to show resilience when faced with challenging situations or behaviours. 

Experience / Knowledge 

• Has work experience, this can be professional, from previous volunteering, or social action initiatives. 

• Has developed or willing to develop experience of picking, planning, and delivering a social action campaign. 

Optional Experience / Knowledge 

• Has prior experience working with young people. 

• Has experience in organising grassroots activism. 

• Has experience or knowledge in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). 

• Has experience or knowledge in Widening Participation. 

• Has experience in project management. 

Responsibilities

• Commit to weekly sessions for twelve weeks, demonstrating consistency and punctuality. Mentoring Programme sessions last 60 to 90 minutes (excluding travel time). Follow through is key when working with young people at risk of becoming NEET. 

• Collaborate with a Diana Award Facilitator and other volunteer mentors to deliver and support group mentoring sessions within a school setting. 

• Review session plans and prepare for weekly sessions. Communicate weekly and in a timely manner with other volunteer mentors and a Diana Award Facilitator. 

• Create a safe and positive learning environment and provide young people with encouragement, guidance, and constructive feedback. 

• Nurture positive relationships with young people. Listen, understand, and acknowledge their feelings and experiences. 

• Support young people to plan a social action project. 

• Foster a growth mindset and encourage young people to challenge themselves to work towards their goals. 

• Support young people’s professional development by connecting them with further opportunities. For example, workplace visits, work experience, resources, relevant networks etc. 

• Identify and report any safeguarding and child protection concerns or disclosures to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, as per The Diana Award Safeguarding Policy. 

OUR CHARITY 

The Diana Award is the charity legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world. We seek to empower young people, delivering bespoke youth programmes for children and young people aged 9 – 25. We work with young people to unlock their potential, create opportunities for their growth, and inspire action from them to lead the change they want to see. 

HOW CAN I APPLY?

1. Read the Mentor Application Pack attached, so you have all the necessary information before applying. 

2. Apply now using the Online Application Form

The deadline to apply is 6th August 2025 you will hear back about your application in mid-August 2025. 

If your application is successful, volunteer mentoring will begin in October 2025, following identity checks and training. 

We can’t wait to receive your application! 

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

We’re looking for trustees

We’re looking to recruit dynamic, committed and motivated people with professional skills and experience who are as passionate as we are about empowering individuals to work through and beyond their experience of sexual abuse.

Specific qualifications are not necessarily required and we welcome applicants with lived experience. A genuine interest in learning about our charity and our services within the local community is essential.

These trustees will help to form a new board dedicated to supporting the charity and contributing to the effective and quality governance of Trust House. You will play an active role in developing the strategic direction of the charity and provide guidance to ensure the charity continues to support anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse in the Thames Valley area.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Join us our Chair of the Board of Trustees

 We are seeking an inspiring Chair who will play a vital role in shaping our future.

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the community? Do you have a strong desire to contribute your skills to a cause that matters? We invite you to become the new Chair of our Board of Trustees and be a driving force for change!

Who we are

CAYSH is a purpose driven charity, dedicated to making a difference to the lives of young people. We believe in the power of community, collaboration and transparency to create lasting change. We provide supported housing, advice and guidance to more than 100 vulnerable, homeless young people.

Our Community Interest Company has a separate board and exists to provide 24/7 concierge services to young people at CAYSH and externally to vulnerable adults with complex needs.

What we are looking for: An individual who will provide strategic guidance, support our growth and provide governance leadership. You will also support us in making a difference to the lives of young people and vulnerable adults.

While working collaboratively with our CEO, dedicated team of staff, trustees and directors you will support and oversee the activities of our organisation and have oversight of board and committee activity and decision making.

 Why you should join us as our Chair:

Impact: Be part of an organisation making a real difference to the lives of homeless young people. Leadership: Support our strategic decision-making and shape the future direction of the organisation. Fulfilment: Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts contribute to positive change.

We want to work with a Chair who is an experienced trustee or director, with a career background that will raise the work of the CAYSH Group and champion our vision and mission. We endeavour to grow our organisation and particularly welcome applications from anyone who will support our business growth strategy. Commitment to safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults is essential, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discriminatory practice.

Time commitment:

Our Trustees and Directors provide a valuable and positive contribution, building on our strengths and ensuring our results are sustained. There are currently 9 Trustees / Directors within the Group who bring a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to the organisation.

You will attend an average of 4 Board meetings and up to 4 Committee meetings a year, plus Trustee / Director away-days & other events, such as AGM. Meetings are held outside regular business hours and are mostly online. Events (including strategy days, AGM and service user get-togethers) usually take place at our offices in Croydon.

How to Apply: If you are ready to embark on a rewarding journey and to become the Chair of Board of Trustees with CAYSH, we would love to hear from you! Please submit a brief statement outlining your interest and the skills you bring to our organisation.

Apply now and become a catalyst for positive change! Together, let's build a better future.

Become our Trustee Tresurer and chair our Finance Committee.We need a Trustees with energy, enthusiasm and commitment to help accelerate our influcence on wildlife and nature recovery issues in the country and beyond.

With a refreshed 3-year strategy (23-26), “A Wilder Herefordshire, More Nature Everywhere” we’re working hard to recover nature at scale through deeper collaborations, working with local community organisations and networks to develop a clear plan for nature’s recovery. We are also working with neighbouring Wildlife Trusts, river partnerships and national partners such as the Woodland Trust, National Trust, and Duchy of Cornwall.

So, with lots happening, it’s an exciting if challenging time for the Trust.  Urgent action is needed to address the decline of wildlife in our beautiful county – and we need to muster all the resources and skills we can to succeed.

We are a welcoming board who support and challenge each other to do better for wildlife.

We look to recruit trustees from a range of backgrounds, life stages and skills to join us.

At this time, we wish to recruit someone to take on the role of Treasurer, and chair our Finance Committee. You would need the following skills and qualities:

· A strong commitment to wildlife conservation and the Vision of the Trust;

· Demonstrable experience of financial management;

· The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences;

· A good understanding of governance, gained either as a Trustee of another charity, a director of a company, or as a manager who has worked with Boards;

· The ability to apply clear logical thinking and creativity to developing our strategy

If you are successful, you will be welcomed and supported by a talented and committed board of trustees, a strong and experienced staff team and an active and expanding band of volunteers and by the wider Wildlife Trust movement. We hope you are inspired to apply, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Alison McLean OBE, Chair, March 2025

Who are we?

Switchboard LGBTQIA+ exists to provide members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as their friends, family and those supporting them, with a listening service that they can contact via phone, instant message and email between the hours of 10am to 10pm every day.

We are happy to talk to service users about any topic they wish. Topics we often talk to service users about include: sexual health, safer sex, relationships, coming-out, gender identity, transitioning, mental health, experiences of hate crimes, support for meeting other LGBTQIA+ people and making friends, and much more.

However, we want to also be upfront and transparent about the fact that not all of our conversations are positive or constructive. Our volunteers can also be exposed to abuse from the public, manipulative callers, sexual fantasies and safeguarding concerns.

What is our over 50's club?

Our over 50's club is a new initiative for Switchboard. 

We want to create a space that enables older members of the LGBTQIA+ community to volunteer with us on our phone lines and instant messaging service, whilst providing a social element that encourages volunteers to come together at our London HQ. 

This club will meet on both Mondays and Tuesdays during the day (you can choose which day works better for you), completing a shift either between 10am to 1pm or 2:00pm to 5:00pm. You can join us weekly or bi-weekly, whichever you prefer.

We then come together between 1pm and 2:00pm to have lunch (paid for by us) and a good natter! 

Volunteers who support Switchboard in this capacity are trained to take both phone calls and respond to instant messages. They do not respond to emails, however. 

Who are we looking for?

To ensure we can provide a high quality service to those who contact us, we are looking for volunteers who:

• Simply put, like communicating and chatting with other people (you’re most likely a people-person who feels energised by this type of communication)

• Feel comfortable taking calls and speaking over the phone to people you do not already know

• Are familiar with different instant messaging platforms (such as WhatsApp and other chat tools) and the types of communication they might receive

• Are able to read between the lines to decipher messages

• Are good listeners who let others lead conversations and instead create the space they need

• Are able to ask broad, open questions to keep conversations flowing

• Understand the importance of using the right tone when communicating in writing, and are able to flex their writing style to suit different people

• Have a strong attention to detail, with a particular focus on spelling and grammar

• Are able to evaluate sources of information and identify those that can be trusted, from those that cannot

• Know when to challenge and when to step back

• Have essential digital literacy skills (such as using email tools such as gmail and outlook, search the web for information and copy and paste website URLs)

• Understand and support our mission

• Have an awareness of the challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community

• Are empathetic in nature

• Agree to uphold our values of being non-directive and non-judgemental

Join the Board of ScotsCare, a historic charity making a real impact for Scots in London.

Applications close on: Monday 14th July 2025

Location: London EC1Y 2AJ

Time commitment: c.1 day per month

About ScotsCare

For over four centuries, ScotsCare has been a beacon of hope for Scots navigating life’s challenges in London. Our journey began in the early 17th century, and today, we stand as a testament to resilience, compassion, and community support.

Our mission goes beyond simple financial aid. We understand that true support means addressing the complex, interconnected challenges individuals and families face. Whether it’s a family struggling with complex issues, a homeless individual seeking support, or an older person experiencing isolation, ScotsCare offers a holistic approach to support.

Our work spans multiple dimensions of care. We provide financial grants to alleviate immediate economic pressures, but we don’t stop there. Our team of dedicated professionals offer bespoke mental health services, including substance misuse, job coaching, housing and homelessness support, and advocacy services. We see each person as an individual with unique strengths and potential, not just a set of challenges to be solved.

The heart of ScotsCare is our people – both staff and volunteers. We’re constantly seeking passionate professionals who believe in our mission of breaking cycles of deprivation. Our team represents diverse backgrounds and skills, united by a common goal: creating meaningful opportunities for Scots in London.

We operate three sheltered housing sites, provide psychotherapy sessions, and run community-building programmes like our ScotsCare choir. These initiatives are more than services; they’re pathways to reconnection, healing, and empowerment.

About the role

As we establish our newly formed Property Sub-Committee, we are looking for a new Trustee to join our board and committee.

As a Trustee, this is an opportunity to be part of shaping ScotsCare’s vision.

Who we are looking for

We seek an individual passionate about supporting Scots in London with executive-level property experience to join our existing, skilled, and diverse team of Trustees.

Experience in property, asset management, estates management, housing and/or development or construction will be vital in ensuring the property strategy is congruent with strategic direction.

You will demonstrate an ability to provide constructive challenge, offering insights that support. Communication is key, so we are looking for a Trustee who is personable, approachable, and able to work seamlessly with our Chief Executive and property lead.

You will be a trusted advisor who brings both professional rigor and a genuine commitment to the charity’s goals, helping to drive ScotsCare’s vision and supporting its important work for Scottish communities.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Monday 14th July 2025.