Community volunteer roles in edinburgh

About ShowerBox

ShowerBox is a registered charity dedicated to providing free, safe showers and essential supplies to people experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment that restores dignity, improves wellbeing, and helps to reduce isolation. We also connect our guests with health clinics and other vital services, supporting them to make long-term, positive changes in their lives.

Founded by our CEO, Sarah Lamptey, in response to the urgent need for accessible hygiene facilities, ShowerBox began in 2018 as a grassroots initiative and became a registered charity in 2021. Since then, it has grown into a multi-site service, operating both independently and in partnership with other organisations.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a dynamic and committed Chair to lead ShowerBox into its next phase of growth. Building on the success achieved since becoming a CIO and expanding to three locations, the Chair will work closely with the CEO to shape the organisation’s future and strengthen its impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing effective strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring sound governance and clear direction.
• Supporting and constructively challenging the CEO, while holding them accountable for delivering agreed objectives.
• Ensuring the Board remains effective and diverse, with the right balance of skills, knowledge, and experience.
• Acting as an ambassador for ShowerBox, representing the charity externally and serving as a spokesperson when appropriate.
• Safeguarding the charity’s values, reputation, and financial sustainability.

We are looking for someone who can bring:

• A strong commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness and hygiene poverty.
• Previous experience as a Trustee or Board member (experience as a Chair of a voluntary organisation is highly desirable).
• A solid understanding of the legal, financial, and governance responsibilities of trusteeship.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to chair meetings effectively.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative approach.
• The time, energy, and commitment to support a small but growing charity.

Time commitment and terms:

• The Chair of Trustees is appointed for a renewable term of two years.
• Expected time commitment: up to two days per month, with flexibility for additional time during new projects or unexpected challenges.
• Board meetings are held four times a year (mostly online), with occasional subcommittees and events depending on interest and expertise.
• This is an unpaid voluntary role; reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining why you are interested in working with ShowerBox. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Volunteer Trust & Grant Bid Writer to help secure funding that will enable us to continue and grow our life-transforming work in Christian mental health. Working with the Director of Development, the role will involve identifying funding opportunities, preparing compelling grant applications, and helping us build strong relationships with trusts and foundations aligned with our mission.

Mercy UK is a Christian mental health and wellbeing charity, committed to equipping people to live free and stay free through a range of trauma-informed, faith-based support services. From our flagship Freedom Journey programme to practical resources like Keys to Freedom, we support individuals navigating emotional and spiritual challenges and empower churches and Christian organisations to provide meaningful, transformational support.

Key Responsibilities

● Research suitable grant-making trusts and foundations, with a particular focus on those funding mental health, faith-based initiatives, and/or community wellbeing.

● Work closely with the Director of Development to maintain a pipeline of prospective funders.

● Draft high-quality, tailored funding applications that reflect the heart, outcomes, and impact of Mercy UK’s work.

● Collate and interpret project data, outcomes, and financial information to support applications.

● Support the development of template responses and maintain accurate records of submissions and outcomes.

● Assist in preparing follow-up reports or updates required by funders.

What We’re Looking For

● Strong written communication skills with the ability to craft persuasive and inspiring content.

● Attention to detail and the ability to work independently.

● Experience of fundraising through trusts and foundations, or equivalent transferable experience in writing bids or proposals.

● An ability to articulate and represent Christian values and ethos respectfully and effectively in written applications.

● Passion for mental health and wellbeing, and alignment with Mercy UK’s mission and values. 

What You’ll Gain

● The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a growing, impactful charity.

● Experience in trust and grant fundraising, with support and guidance from our development team.

● A chance to use your skills to directly support the emotional, spiritual, and mental wellbeing of individuals across the UK and beyond.

● References and testimonials for future opportunities.

● Access to Mercy UK’s Employee Assistance Programme with Health Assured

We're a brand new start-up at the very begining of our journey and looking to recruit this exciting new role of Volunteering Officer (Volunteer) for approx 4 hours per week at MINDSET. This is a Flexible and Remote Volunteer Role.

About MINDSET:

MINDSET is a brand new UK charity on a mission to empower men through mental wellbeing and personal growth, guided by positive role models. We believe that every man deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that true strength lies in vulnerability, connection, and purpose. Our Brotherhood is a community built on shared experience and mutual support.

Do you have a knack for recruitment and a passion for building powerful communities?

At MINDSET, we are creating a unique brotherhood, empowering men through authentic connection and shared experience. We need an enthusiastic Volunteering Officer to find and engage the incredible men who will become our next generation of role models and change-makers. This role is about outreach, connection, and bringing new energy into our charity. You'll be responsible for crafting compelling messages, running recruitment campaigns, and welcoming new volunteers into the MINDSET family. If you're a creative communicator, a natural networker, and deeply believe in the power of giving back, this is your chance to significantly expand our reach and impact.

We're looking for someone with:

• Strong communication and marketing skills.

• Experience in recruitment, outreach, or community engagement.

• A creative approach to attracting diverse talent.

• Highly organised and proactive.

• A genuine passion for our mission and the power of brotherhood.

Join us and be the voice that calls new heroes into action, growing our vital network of support. Your efforts will directly lead to more men being supported.

Ready to grow a movement and expand our brotherhood?

MINDSET Charity

@MINDSETCharity

Group B Strep Support (GBSS) is seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the charity through its next phase of growth and impact.

Following a recent skills audit, we are keen to strengthen our Board with individuals who bring expertise in key strategic areas, including fundraising, change management, external/public affairs, financial accounting, and governance. Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone with transferable experience and a passion for our mission, we would welcome your application.

About GBSS

GBSS is the UK’s leading charity working to prevent life-threatening group B Strep infections in babies. Our Trustees play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring it remains true to its mission, well-governed, financially sound, and impactful.

You will be part of a committed and collegiate Board, working alongside fellow Trustees, our Clinical Advisory Panel and our Staff Team to uphold GBSS’s values and objectives.

Key Trustee Responsibilities

Trustees contribute actively to the Board, which:

• Sets and maintains the vision, mission and values.
• Develops strategic direction and longer-term strategies.
• Establishes and monitors policy.
• Ensures compliance with the Governing Document and the law.
• Ensures accountability and that resources are used exclusively in furtherance of GBSS’s objectives.
• Maintains proper fiscal oversight.
• Promotes the charity externally.
• Appoints, supports and monitors the performance of the CEO and Senior Leadership Team.
• Maintains effective Board performance.

We have four Trustee positions available and we’re particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising & income generation
• Change management
• External/public affairs
• Finance, accounting & governance

We especially welcome applicants with recent UK maternity care experience and those from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic communities.

***This is a voluntary role, open to UK residents only. We are looking for people who are normally resident in the UK. This is to ensure compliance with governance, legal, and operational requirements relevant to our charity’s work.***

Are you obsessed with making short-form videos that grab attention, inspire action, and build communities? Do you thrive on creating reels, TikToks, and YouTube shorts that people actually stop scrolling for?

What will you be doing?

We’re breaking barriers to employment for jobseekers across the UK who are too often shut out because of age, background, or “imperfect” career paths. With your video skills, we can amplify their voices and show the world the value of untapped talent.

Your focus will be video-first content that connects, inspires, and drives growth:

• Filming, editing, and publishing short-form videos (reels, stories, TikTok/YouTube shorts) that showcase our work and motivate jobseekers.
• Repurposing longer content into bite-sized, shareable clips.
• Creating social-first trailers and snippets.
• Adding engaging captions, subtitles, and visuals that boost watch time and shares.
• Testing new video trends and formats to grow our reach on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

What are we looking for?

We’d love you to bring:

• Proven skills in video creation and editing (reels, shorts, TikTok-style).
• Experience with tools like Canva, or similar.
• A creative eye for storytelling and pacing that works in under 60 seconds.
• A collaborative, can-do mindset and great communication skills.
• The ability to adapt and deliver impactful content in a small not-for-profit environment.

What’s in it for you?

• A chance to shine as a video-first content creator with real creative freedom.
• Portfolio-worthy projects that showcase your ability to build audiences through video.
• Learning opportunities through our Practice Hub to grow your own skills.
• Collaboration with our Director, who will support you with strategy and ideas to fuel your success.

What difference will you make?

Your videos will do more than entertain; they’ll help real people get jobs, rebuild confidence, and prove that careers aren’t defined by age, background, or “perfect” CVs.

This is your chance to use your creativity, storytelling, and video skills to change lives, one reel at a time.

Please provide a brief cover letter explaining why you would like to volunteer with us. Interviews will be an informal online chat with our Director. 

Must have Right to Work in the UK.

About Us

The Pathfinders Organisation CIC is a community-focused, values-driven social impact organisation based in Birmingham. We’re dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through creativity, collaboration, and meaningful opportunities.

As a volunteer with us, you’ll gain real-world experience, build transferable skills, and connect with a supportive, mission-led team.

The Opportunity

We’re currently looking for volunteers to join our organisation across a number of departments. This is a generalised volunteer post – once you apply, we’ll connect with you to explore your skills, interests, and which team you’d be best suited to. This is a flexible opportunity, yet a commitment of 6-8 hours per week is required.

Our departments include:

• People & Culture (HR & Wellbeing): Recruitment, onboarding, volunteer engagement, and supporting a positive team culture.

• Creative: Content creation, design, storytelling, branding, and social media support.

• Data & Reporting: Research, impact measurement, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Outreach: Community engagement, partnerships, events, and external communications.

What You’ll Gain

• Practical, hands-on experience in a social impact organisation.

• Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.

• Transferable skills in teamwork, communication, and organisation.

• Certificate upon successful completion.

• A supportive and inclusive environment where your ideas are valued.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from students who want to grow their skills while giving back.

Some general qualities we look for:

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• A proactive and curious mindset.

• Organisational and time-management skills.

• Willingness to learn and take initiative.

• Basic IT literacy (Google Workspace, MS Office, or similar).

Additional skills (depending on department) may include:

• Creativity (graphic design, content writing, video editing).

• Data analysis and reporting.

• HR/people management interest.

• Community engagement or event support.

Important Information

• This is a voluntary position (unpaid) and not a contract of employment.

• We ask for a minimum commitment of three months (flexible around academic schedules).

• Volunteers are expected to comply with our confidentiality, data protection, and equal opportunity policies.

• You will receive regular supervision and feedback to support your development.
   

Could you be the new Chair of CPRE Buckinghamshire (one of the branches of CPRE – the Countryside Charity)? Do you care about your local community and environment?

We have a long and successful history of campaigning on items that matter to the local area – canvassing, prompting and lobbying local authorities, Councillors and MPs. In doing so, we have been able to ensure that the views of the people who depend on, work on and cherish the Buckinghamshire countryside are reflected in local decision-making.

The Chair role will suit someone living in Buckinghamshire or the Milton Keynes area, who has a keen interest in the countryside and is excited by the prospect of helping to direct the future of CPRE Buckinghamshire over the next 5–7 years. It is an exciting time to join our team, as CPRE nationally is celebrating 100 years in 2026; you can be involved in making plans as to how we will celebrate this with the Buckinghamshire community through various events and activities.

You will help to:

• direct our important campaigns, engaging the local community and raising awareness of the issues that the countryside faces
• lead our Trustee board, and recruit new Trustee members
• increase our membership, so that we can continue to do the work we are doing
• expand our team of volunteers, so that we can widen and increase the work that we do
• liaise with stakeholders and partners, and forge new partnerships
• ensure that we as a charity meet our legal requirements, adhering to our governing document, and have the necessary policies and resources
• nurture and shape the future of CPRE Bucks.

We estimate that the time commitment will be around 1 day a week, although this is variable and dependent on activities. You can of course do more if you wish! Our team works and meets remotely most of the time, but occasional travel may be necessary – to attend CPRE Head Office in London, for example.

This is a volunteer role in which you can really make a difference. We welcome applicants of any age, gender and background.

�� Volunteer with Unify Giving CIC

We’re building a movement of people who believe giving should be simple, human and direct. Our volunteers are at the heart of that.

We don’t care about age, background, or whether you’ve got a perfect CV.
We care about people who want to be part of a team, learn, and create real impact together.

All roles are 5–10 hours a month, minimum 3 months. You’ll be supported by the Volunteer Manager and the wider Unify Giving team.

Finance Lead

Turn resources into impact.

You’ll help Unify Giving grow by identifying grants, supporting with fundraising, and opening doors with businesses who want to back our mission.

What you’ll do:

• Research and apply for funding opportunities.

• Support with corporate fundraising and sponsorship.

• Advise on financial planning for campaigns.

This is for someone who enjoys problem-solving and isn’t afraid of a spreadsheet — but also loves seeing numbers translate into lives changed.

✨ Who we welcome

• No age limit. We believe good ideas and energy can come from anyone.

• Perfect if you’re out of work and want to build skills and confidence.

• A great chance to be part of a supportive team working on something meaningful.

�� If one of these roles feels like you, or like someone you know — we’d love to chat.

Would you like to improve the urban walking environment and our quality of life? Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced person to chair our board of voluntary trustees. 

We are a charity that can influence anyone’s daily life. Our mission is to achieve a better walking environment and inspire people to walk more. 

This is a pivotal time in our history: with a dynamic and experienced new Chief Executive, Catherine Woodhead; and a period of development, with a new strategy incoming that will take us towards our centenary in 2029. 

With our thousands of members and supporters we run campaigns for positive change and influence policies that improve our streets such as encouraging families to walk to school, 20mph speed limits and controlling pavement parking. 

We manage innovative national projects, engaging schools, communities and workplaces to encourage more people to walk short journeys. Our year-round walk to school challenge captures the imagination of children in over 2000 schools. 

We work with local authorities and businesses to improve streets and public spaces. Our reports, such as The Pedestrian Pound, make a substantial contribution to the active travel agenda. 

We are seeking someone with strong leadership and networking skills, with experience of good governance and helping organisations through growth. You will possess a substantial reputation which will add to the credibility of Living Streets. The role is a voluntary unpaid position, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The term of office is for six years.

Closing date: 03/11/2025 (12pm)

Interviews: 20/11/2025 

Interview Location: London Head Office 

Rising Capacities for Children Africa (RICCA)

Rising Capacities for Children Africa (RICCA) tackles child poverty in rural Kenya, especially in Kirinyaga County, by creating inclusive, child-friendly learning environments. Through the Ricca Afterschool Center, children aged 6–17 access personalized support, mentorship, and engaging programs in arts, sports, agriculture, and digital literacy. These activities foster academic success, creativity, social skills, and life competencies while making learning fun and accessible. RICCA also works with schools to improve teacher quality, infrastructure, and resources, and engages parents in the process. By bridging rural–urban gaps and promoting intercultural dialogue, RICCA empowers communities, protects children’s rights, and breaks cycles of poverty through education.

Curriculum Design Specialist
RICCA is a locally rooted NGO working with underserved children in rural Kenya. Our mission is to provide access to marginalized rural  children attending resource constrained public primary schools in Kenya, to an After School Centre.

Role Overview
We are seeking a Curriculum Specialist (Volunteer) to support the development of our existing after-school curriculum framework into a structured curriculum. This role will be critical in designing an engaging, child-centered curriculum that fosters literacy, numeracy, and life skills in innovative and enjoyable ways.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and structure an after-school curriculum targeting foundational skills (literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving).
• Incorporate fun, engaging, and culturally relevant learning methods suitable for children in rural settings.
• Work with our team to integrate play-based learning, creative arts, and interactive activities that promote critical thinking and confidence.
• Support training of facilitators and provide guidance on curriculum implementation.
• Develop learning materials and frameworks that can be easily adapted by community educators.

Qualifications & Skills

• Background in Project Led-Education, Alternative Experiential Learning Curriculum Development, Child Development, or a related field.
• Experience in developing or adapting learning programs for underserved or marginalized communities.
• Strong knowledge of literacy and numeracy instructional strategies.
• Creativity in integrating interactive and engaging approaches to learning like play based learning, Social Emotional Learning etc.
• Experience working with rural or resource-constrained environments is an added advantage.

Application Requirements
If you have experience in a similar assignment and are passionate about creating impact for marginalized rural children, we invite you to apply.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

3-4 weeks

Who are we?

We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for volunteers to help to create some backdrops (that fold down small please, storage is an issue!) that we can use at our events and interactive workshops. Our workshop and safe bubble is all about creating an imaginative world and we want to make the experience as immersive as possible for families. We have already created a magical world called Bubble World and now we want to bring it to life.

Who are we looking for?

• Somebody who is fun loving
• Creative
• Artistic
• Collaborative

What do we expect?

• Must be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.
• Have a basic DBS check (preferably be on the update system)
• Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if appropriate).
• A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answe questions on this.

Interested?

Email us and lets chat. 

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

Main activities/tasks:

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

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.  Suicide is the biggest killer of people aged 35 and under in the UK. We believe that suicide is preventable.

PAPYRUS was founded in 1997 by a group of bereaved parents, who had each lost children to suicide. Our founding parents shared core beliefs that suicide is preventable, and that those of us with lived experience of suicide have a valuable and unique contribution to make to the wider conversation around suicide. Since then, PAPYRUS has grown into a UK-wide charity.

We are a leading suicide prevention charity in the UK. Our suicide prevention helpline, HOPELINE247, is staffed by highly trained professional advisers, who work with young people – and anybody concerned for a young person – to help keep them safe from suicide.

We work with communities across the UK, engaging them in our mission to prevent suicide in children and young people. We engage them through our resources and training, learning with them and galvanising them to help save young lives.  We also press for change to current legislation around suicide prevention on a regional and national level.

The Board of Trustees works with the Chief Executive to ensure that PAPYRUS has a clear strategy in place to deliver its charitable purpose. As detailed in our governing document; a majority of the trustees will be those who have been touched by suicide.

We are recruiting a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. We are looking for a diverse range of people with passion, commitment, energy and a range of experience and expertise.

PAPYRUS is committed to the principle of equal opportunity, and its recruitment policies are designed to ensure that no job applicant, employee or volunteer receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

To apply for this opportunity, please visit our careers site.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 19 October 2025 (midnight).

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

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

We are...

• Youth Founded

• Black Led & Centred

• LGBTQ+ Led & Centred

• UK Based & Globally Grounded

Volunteer Coordinator

The Volunteer Coordinator will oversee and support the Research Collective, Care Practice Collective (Peer Support), Media Team, and Membership Team, ensuring volunteers feel valued and engaged. This role involves team management, volunteer support, and fostering a positive volunteer experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Management:

  • Oversee all volunteer teams across NEUROMANCERS.

  • Ensure volunteers are aligned with organisational goals and tasks.

• Volunteer Support:

  • Facilitate a monthly drop-in session or one-to-one check-ins with volunteers as needed.

  • Act as a point of contact for volunteer questions, concerns, and feedback.

• General Support:

  • Assist with onboarding new volunteers.

  • Collaborate with the Administrative & Operational Assistant to streamline volunteer-related processes.

Ideal Candidate:

• Able to gain a fast understanding of how NEUROMANCERS works and our community programs.

• Experience in volunteer coordination or team management.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, flexible to different access needs, and prompt at responding. 

• Empathetic and supportive, with the ability to motivate and engage volunteers.

• Organized and able to manage multiple tasks effectively.