Community volunteer roles in east ham, greater london

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.

Our Little Venice Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Adventure Ashram is a small but mighty UK-based charity founded by adventurers in 2007. We support life-saving grassroots projects in India, focused on: 

• Combating human trafficking 

• Providing education for vulnerable children 

• Ensuring access to essential healthcare 

We work closely with our local Indian partners to deliver meaningful, sustainable change. Our UK-based operations raise vital funds through adventurous events, innovative campaigns, and international initiatives—most notably our global yoga campaign, Yoga Stops Traffick. 

Role: Trustee – Fundraising Specialist 

We are looking for a new Trustee with significant fundraising experience to help us grow and diversify our income and contribute to our overall strategic direction. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to use their professional skills to make a lasting impact on vulnerable communities, particularly vulnerable women and children in India.

What we’re looking for 

We welcome applications from individuals with fundraising expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

• Individual Giving & Major Donors 

• Trusts and Foundations 

• Corporate Partnerships 

• Community Fundraising and Events 

• Digital Campaigns and Innovation 

• Fundraising Strategy and Income Development 

Trustee Commitment 

• Board Meetings: 4 per year (weekday evenings, usually online) 

• Committee Involvement: All trustees join one of our committees (Fundraising, Finance, Programme Management), which meet every 2 months 

• Events: Attend 1–2 UK-based Adventure Ashram events per year (where possible) 

• Approximate time commitment: 1–2 hours per week 

We also hope that this new trustee would be open to supporting other trustees and staff in developing their fundraising skills to improve internal capabilities. 

Why Join Us? 

As a Trustee, you will: 

• Help shape the future of a unique, adventurous charity 

• Make a meaningful contribution to anti-trafficking and community development work 

• Be part of a passionate, values-driven team 

• Gain or develop experience in strategic charity governance and leadership 

“Adventure Ashram is a brilliant small charity; it supports fantastic projects in India and manages to have a lot of fun in the process. Volunteering as a trustee gives me a chance to do something meaningful with good people—and I can’t wait to welcome more members to the team.” 
— Current Trustee 

We are looking for someone keen to move into the area of advising small charities on management and governance issues and assessing their needs in these areas.

We are a very ambitious local grant-making charity that also offers various training, support and consultancy services to small charities and community groups in Ealing & Hounslow. Our broad-ranging plans are now beginning to bear fruit and so we need someone to help us in the following areas as demand for our services begins to grow:

• Supporting small groups and start-ups with basic governance and management issues
• Promoting our services to local groups and assessing their needs

Our ideal candidate would have a good all-round management or professional background gained over a number of years, but need not be experienced in the areas mentioned above. You'd be given full training, with the opportunity to shadow the people already working in these areas. Far more important is adaptability, initiative, an ability to get on well with people from all sorts of backgrounds, and good organisational and writing skills. Most crucially you would have a demonstrable commitment to our ideals of promoting a strong and influential civil society in West London. You will thrive on challenges and find rewards in seeing our objectives achieved.

The role would probably require an average of 1 day a week and would involve dealing with our clients during office hours, so you will probably be someone who is working part-time, or is perhaps retired or semi-retired, or is otherwise not in full-time employment.

Much of the work would be taking place from home, but it will also involve quite a lot of face to face contact with clients, so living in the Ealing and Hounslow area would be a definite advantage.

All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed and refreshments provided where suitable.

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie. 

In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

 As well as the responsibilities of being a trustee, which the Treasurer shares with all the Board members, the Treasurer is expected to be the financial expert on the Board, and to provide advice on all financial matters. Their role is to ensure the Board fulfils its duties to ensure the sound financial health of SMK, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability and sustainability.

For more information see our website, and the recruitment pack. 

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.

Role Summary

Mast Cell Action is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Volunteer Graphics Support Coordinator to assist with designing engaging and visually compelling graphics for our social media platforms. This role plays a key part in helping us raise awareness about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and fostering a sense of community.

Key Responsibilities

Design graphics for social media posts, stories, and campaigns in line with the Mast Cell Action branding guidelines.

Collaborate with the social media team to understand content needs and ensure timely delivery of assets.

Support the development of visuals for ongoing campaigns, such as "MCAS is..." and "Please Don't Test Me."

Create eye-catching visuals for announcements, events, and educational content.

Maintain and organise a library of graphics for easy future access and use.

Skills and Experience

Proficiency in graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar).

A keen eye for design, colour, and typography.

Ability to interpret and work within brand guidelines.

Ability to interpret briefs and translate them into creative designs.

Strong organisational and time management skills to meet deadlines.

Passion for raising awareness and supporting communities affected by health challenges (knowledge of MCAS is a plus but not required).

What We Offer

A chance to make a meaningful impact in a growing charity.

An opportunity to enhance your design portfolio.

Flexible volunteer hours that fit your schedule.

Support and guidance from a dedicated team passionate about our caus

Location: Remote (with occasional in-person meetings, if possible)
Time Commitment: Flexible hours + weekly team meeting (Tuesdays at 7:30 PM)

Are you an organised, proactive individual passionate about supporting meaningful community work? We're looking for a Volunteer Project Manager to lead our Jumping Beans Team—a child-focused initiative supporting local families through engaging programmes and activities.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and manage the Jumping Beans Team to deliver projects on time and effectively

• Coordinate and chair weekly Tuesday evening team meetings

• Track team tasks, monitor project progress, and ensure timelines are met

• Regularly report progress to the leadership team

• Collaborate across departments to align goals and resources

• Occasionally attend in-person meetings (if possible)

Qualifications & Experience:

• Previous project management or team leadership experience (paid or voluntary)

• Strong organisational and time-management skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities

• Experience working with or supporting children or families is a plus

Benefits & Impact:

• Play a key role in bringing joy and support to children and families in need

• Gain valuable experience in project leadership and charity operations

• Flexible, remote-friendly volunteering

• Work with a passionate, supportive team and make meaningful contributions

• Build connections with other professionals and community leaders

• Personal and professional development opportunities through mentoring and teamwork

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.

Would you like to work at the frontline of suicide prevention? 

At our sanctuary (Finsbury Park, North London) for those in suicidal crisis, we offer a potentially transformative experience with a once-only 4-night stay at our non-medical, family-style house. Through respite, time and space for reflection and compassionate and nurturing care, our Volunteer Befrienders and Lead Befrienders support an opportunity for the revival of hope and resilience.  

Volunteer Befrienders are key to Maytree and work alongside Lead Befrieders to provide an open and containing space for people who are feeling suicidal. Befriending is as its sounds: sitting alongside our guests as a compassionate, confidential, and non-judgemental friend. Through active listening and human warmth our volunteers enable our guests to explore their feelings and their options in their own way and in their own time. This face-to-face support is not therapy; it is about being calm and committed and not afraid of difficult subjects, including suicide.  

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

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.

The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Service

Our ESOL provision is part of the Centre’s Employment and Learning Service, which also includes digital inclusion and employment support.

We have qualified volunteer ESOL teachers providing 1:1 support to clients who want to improve their English.  We also have a couple of volunteers running small conversation classes at the Centre, within our Family Services.

We now want to expand our ESOL offer to include learning opportunities offsite in a group setting to adults and young people in temporary accommodation, mainly asylum-seeking families.

What will you be doing?

• Conversational English with a small group
• Find out from your students what areas they want to cover and what skills they want to develop
• Encourage a positive atmosphere where students feel they can make mistakes
• The aim of the groups is to help our clients to become more independent and to pursue their social and professional goals. 
• Be aware of the variety of levels within the class, providing support for weaker students and challenge for stronger ones
• Give students encouragement and constructive feedback
• To liaise with the manager of Family Services and communicate any issues that arise with the class 

How does this role make a difference?

This support provided by volunteers to our clients really helps them progress with their English. Often clients do not have opportunities to learn English or interact with an English speaking person, so this opportunity is invaluable to them. Improving our clients English also enables individuals to access our other services such as welfare rights and Immigration advice services, digital inclusion, which will in turn, improve their employment prospects and assist in integration in their local community.

Who will you be helping?

Our clients are refugees, migrants and asylum seekers who are unable to afford or access English classes at colleges. We have many clients at the Centre who need support with their English.

What are we looking for?

• Experience in teaching English as a second language to adults in a group setting and to mixed abilities and a range of languages.
• A recognised ESOL/EFL teaching qualification such as CELTA.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
•  An awareness of some of the issues that affect refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
• A commitment to upholding the Centre’s values of valuing each person, welcoming, encouraging potential, working together, reflecting and improving.

Time Commitment:

The class will run on Wednesdays from June 2025, from 10.30am – 12/12.30pm. We ask for a commitment to run this 90 – 120-minute class for at least two terms ideally. 

How will you be supported?

•  You will be supported by our Volunteer Coordinator, the Manager of Family Services and the wider team
•  You will receive a Centre induction.
•  You will have access to e-learning modules on a range of topics.
• You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out of pocket’ expenses such as travel.
• You will be invited to social and other events

We are looking for volunteers who would like to play a role in building people’s confidence. Would you be interested in supporting people to improve their conversational English skills?

English is a wonderful language, but it is also notoriously known to be difficult to learn. As an English-speaking volunteer whether native or fluent and with any kind of accent or background you will have the skills needed to support people who would like to improve and learn the English language. Just by talking to those wanting to learn, you will be helping and making a difference.

Improving someone’s understanding and spoken English language, will allow individuals to communicate and connect with people in their local community, widen their network of friendships and relationships and provide people opportunity to improve their employability skills

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!