Community volunteer roles in isle of north uist, na h eileanan an iar

The Vision Friends project has been running successfully for the past five years, providing free, Welsh Government-funded training to health and social care professionals across Wales. The training is designed to help professionals better understand and support people living with sight loss.

This year, we are launching a new strand of the project: Vision Friends: First Responders. The aim is to adapt our existing training to specifically support first responder services to enhance their ability to support individuals with sight loss in emergency and urgent care situations.

We are seeking a committed and empathetic volunteer to help us shape a more inclusive future by gathering valuable feedback from blind and partially sighted individuals, as well as first responders via online forums. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact on how services are developed and delivered across communities in Wales and beyond.

What you will be doing:

Facilitate engaging and accessible online forums with blind and partially sighted people to gather feedback for an RNIB led project;

Run structured feedback sessions with first responders to understand the service experiences and identify areas for improvement;

Ensure participants feel comfortable, heard and respected throughout all discussions;

Capture key insights and report findings clearly and accurately to the health and social care training team;

Support RNIB in creating a positive and inclusive environment for all forum participants.

What you will gain:

Valuable experience in community engagement and facilitation;

The opportunity to influence real change;

Full access to training and ongoing support from the health and social care training team;

A supportive, inclusive volunteering environment.

Please note, this volunteering opportunity takes place on Fridays only and is expected to last until Autumn 2025.

Experience of Welsh language skills and/or Microsoft Teams or Zoom would be helpful but not essential. Previous experience of facilitation isn't essential as long as you have excellent communication skills including active listening skills and are confident in facilitating groups discussions and handling sensitive topics with empathy and discretion.

You will also need to have strong organisational skills, be reliable and and are committed to RNIB’s values of inclusivity and respect

Volunteering will take place remotely over Microsoft Teams or Zoom but there is also the option to attend Vision Friends training sessions and meet the team in person in Cardiff.

Volunteer Befrienders needed now in Cardiff and the Vale

Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale are reaching out to find new volunteers to help our older clients stay in contact with the outside world. Many older people remain alone at home for long periods of time, with only the TV for company. You can get out into your community and help an older person combat loneliness and isolation.

No experience is necessary. If you could spare just an hour a week to support an older person and bring some cheer into their lives, we would love to hear from you.

You just need to have good communication skills, be a good listener and enjoy having a chat.

Opportunities across Cardiff and the Vale, South Wales

Volunteer today to support older people in Cardiff and the Vale. Volunteers need to be aged 18 + and make a minimum commitment of 6 months..

We are seeking a passionate and committed Trustee to join our Board and help guide our strategic growth. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an organisation that places local people at the heart of creating positive change. We are particularly interested in recruiting candidates that have skills in finance and legal compliance.

As a Trustee, you will:

Strategic Leadership
o Help shape our strategic direction and ensure we fulfil our charitable objectives
o Monitor progress against our "Empowering Futures" 2024-2026 strategy
o Contribute to developing future strategic plans

Governance
o Ensure the charity operates within its governing document and legal framework
o Safeguard the charity's reputation, values, and integrity
o Approve policies, annual budgets, and financial statements
o Ensure proper financial controls and risk management systems are in place
• Financial Oversight
o Review financial performance and ensure financial stability
o Ensure charitable funds and assets are used appropriately
o Support the development of diversified income streams
• Advocacy
o Act as an ambassador for The Mason Foundation
o Use your networks to support our mission and expand our reach
o Promote our work and impact to potential partners and supporters

Safeguarding
o Ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are in place to protect vulnerable individuals
o Foster a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility

What You'll Bring
• Strategic vision and good judgment
• Commitment to our mission of reducing inequalities
• Willingness to devote time and effort
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Understanding of charity governance (desirable)

What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey

What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey

Help children as Trustee of an innovative, enterprising Tees Valley Charity that is increasingly supporting children in care through fostering and a planned residential provision. Join an agency that transforms children's lives.

What will you be doing?

You will join us at an exciting time as we pursue growth of fostering and residential services, as well as growth of our early help offer. 

You will work across the Charity and the subsidiary fostering company (which we will amalgamate back into the parent Charity). 

You will have a particular focus on helping the fostering agency drive growth, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver excellent care for children and support for foster parents. You will provide support and challenge to the management team.

You’ll contribute 2 to 6 hours a month. The Charity board meets every 8 weeks (shifting to quarterly after September) and the fostering board meets every 8 weeks. 

You’ll join a Charity that’s brought £millions of investment into Tees Valley and that helps over 1000 local people a year. We’ve been runners up at the national Charity Governance Awards and ‘community’ winners at the Hartlepool Business Awards. 

We are looking for experienced professionals who share our values and want to help. 

What are we looking for?

At this time we are specifically looking for Trustees with some of these areas of skills or experience:

Business development 

Safeguarding management

Fostering or children's residential care or childrens social work management 

Financial management 

What difference will you make?

We want to help children and family members heal from trauma, primarily through helping them develop a network of nurturing, loving and appropriately challenging relationships with people in their close and wider communities. Any small surplus we make from helping children in care will be diverted into work to help families stay together and thrive. You will join a team that strives to make this difference. You will help ensure the Charity keeps a strong focus on children and young peoples needs whilst being sustainability and ensuring the agency manages the risks associated with growth and investment in new services. 

Before you apply

After expressing an interest through the site, we'd welcome an initial conversation with our CEO and/or Chair. After that, we usually  take applications to the Board for consideration. This is usually quite a quick process. 

Who are we?

We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We work with children, young people, families and other professionals associated and affected by illness and disability. We have several different services including inclusive characters, sensory workshops, resources, events, advocacy and more.

What are we looking for?

Do you enjoy art? Graphic design? Are you an amazing illustrator? Then we might just have a project for you. One of our aims is to have every type of disability in every culture, religion and ethnicity depicted through our characters. And yes, we know that’s going to mean a lot of hard work and a lot of characters! But NO we are not asking you to complete this entire project!

We’ve created 11 characters so far that depict a variety of conditions. We want to look at potentially re-developing these characters and starting work on some new ones!

What do we expect?

• Be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.

• Have an Enhanced 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 answer questions on this.

  What can you expect?

  • A community group that does not currently operate a rota system of any kind. You don’t have to regularly commit your time.

• A kind, caring, nurturing company who cares about people, staff and volunteers. Our aim is to keep your wellbeing at the centre of our work.

• A very positive and proactive approach to disability and illness. Any and all accommodations will be made that you require. If there is anything you wish to discuss in private please email us and we will arrange a confidential chat.

Benefits to Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles CIC

• Gaining valuable experience and improving your confidence

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest.

• Make a difference to community

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills.

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers.

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future employment.

For further information or to apply email us and we will be happy to chat. 

We're seeking a volunteer who can take up the challenge of being our first ever Graphic Designer at URBAN YOUTH. A brand new youth work organisation in London.

Who Are We?

We're setting up a new youth project in London called Urban Youth, that aims to create a positive community for young people that will offer a number of activities and programmes that forge connections by getting young people together and away from their phones and social media to active take part in fun and engaginging interactive activities that create memories, boost confidence and resilence and teach key skills for life that young people can take with them into adulthood, helping to build their future.

Why We Are Doing This?

In a city grappling with the cost of living crisis, rising crime rates, and pervasive worry, it's easy to feel helpless. London is a city of dreams, but for many young people, it can also present unique challenges. Access to positive spaces, mentorship, and opportunities to develop crucial life skills can be limited. We saw a need for a fresh, vibrant approach to youth work – a place where young voices are heard, and potential is unleashed.

Can You Help Us Achieve This?

We need a volunteer with a creative spark to join us as a Graphic Designer who is passionate about visual storytelling and eager to make a tangible difference, who can design us a modern, vibrant, uplifting youthful logo and with it a brand guidelines that will help us ensure our brand is consistent.

We know you're busy. We know you have choices. So, why dedicate your precious creative time to Urban Youth in this crucial role? Because this isn't just volunteering; it's an unparalleled opportunity to:

• Define a Movement: You'll be the visionary behind our logo and core brand identity, creating the visual language that will represent Urban Youth to young people, communities, and funders across London. This is your chance to leave a lasting mark from day one!

• Build a Portfolio Piece with Purpose: Create a high-impact, real-world design project for a meaningful cause that you can proudly showcase. We can also write you a brief refernce or testimony for your portfolio too.

• Fuel Our Impact: A strong, inspiring brand identity is crucial for attracting young people to our programmes, engaging volunteers, and securing vital funding. Your design will directly enable our mission.

• Collaborate & Innovate: Work closely with our passionate team, bringing your creative ideas to life in a dynamic startup environment.

• Experience Unrivalled Satisfaction: Feel the profound satisfaction of knowing your design will be seen by thousands and directly contribute to the laughter, breakthroughs, and blossoming confidence of young people across London.

• Join a Passionate and Dedicated Community: Become part of a passionate, supportive, and fun-loving team of like-minded individuals. Forge new friendships and find your own sense of belonging.

We Need You!

If you have a keen eye for aesthetics, an understanding of youth culture, and the ability to translate a vibrant mission into compelling visuals with lots of enthusiasm, a willingness to get hands-on, and a desire to help a new charity get set up with a powerful visual presence and with your own design software and tools, then we would really love to have you join us in this exciting adventure.

Ready to Ignite Young People's Future with Your Design?

This is your chance to be part of something extraordinary. To turn worry into hope, isolation into connection, and potential into reality, by giving Urban Youth a visual identity that truly shines.

Don't just watch Young People's future unfold. Help design it!

URBAN YOUTH

Forging Connections | Creating Memories | Building Futures 

Over past decades, enormous advances have been made in our understanding of MS. Research has got us to a critical point, and we can see a future where nobody needs to worry about their MS getting worse. Our Stop MS Appeal needs to raise £100 million to find treatments for everyone with MS.

Our Stop MS Champions help us reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal by encouraging raising funds and awareness by delivering presentations, attending events and identifying new audiences to speak to. They inspire people to engage with and influence fundraisers and groups, enthuse people and make sure our community’s voice is heard.

As our Lead Stop MS Champion, you’ll motivate your team of Stop MS Champions to help reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal.

By using your ability to motivate and support, you will oversee and lead a team of 5-10 Stop MS Champion volunteers, encouraging them to engage the people they know to raise funds and awareness, and provide reliable information and guidance.

You’ll also network to engage with and influence fundraisers and community groups, enthusing people by delivering presentations at events and finding new audiences to speak to. In this role, as well as developing your leadership, networking, influencing, communication, organisation and presentation skills, you’ll have a chance to be part of something amazing – you could help us stop MS.

Women's Aid Luton is seeking a visionary and dedicated Chair of the Board to lead and support the transformation and growth of our small yet impactful charity.

Women’s Aid Luton supports over 800 of society's most vulnerable women and children each year, helping them escape horrific abuse and violence. We provide a safe haven across our five refuges in Luton, operate a helpline, and offer bespoke assistance for families. Our services include access to legal advice, mental health support, employment assistance, and resettlement aid.

One of our refuges is dedicated to women from South Asian communities, with staff who speak Punjabi, Bengali, and Urdu. We also have a refuge for single women with complex support needs, such as mental health issues and drug and alcohol dependencies, often stemming from the trauma of domestic violence and abuse.

In addition to our direct support services, we focus on prevention and intervention by working with schools to raise awareness of domestic abuse. We are committed to disrupting exploitative and abusive relationships to prevent loss of life and reduce the long-term economic and social costs to society. Our services contribute to creating a safer, more compassionate community, supporting women and children from diverse socio-economic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, including those with complex needs.

With the current challenges facing our sector, we are focused on creating financial sustainability and resilience within the organisation, focusing on a robust funding strategy and a dynamic response to risk.

Our current Chair will come to the end of their term next year, and therefore we’re seeking a new Chair to support the charity in delivering our vital work.

The Chair of Trustees is a pivotal role within our organisation. Your leadership and dedication will be instrumental in ensuring we not only maintain but also expand our vital support and services for those in need. By guiding our strategic vision and fostering a culture of compassion and excellence, you will directly impact the lives of countless vulnerable women and children, helping them rebuild their lives and find hope for the future. Your commitment will drive our mission forward, creating lasting change and a safer, more supportive community for all.

What are we looking for?

EXPERIENCE

• An understanding and passion for the violence against women and girls sector
• Significant experience as a non-executive
• An understanding of UK charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level
• An ability to network with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Sensitivity and discretion in dealing with staff and service user issues.
• Significant experience and success in leading groups of people in either a professional or voluntary capacity to achieve results.
• Experience of chairing meetings.
• Significant experience of managing, motivating, and developing people.
• Strong experience of developing, deploying, and evaluating strategic plans with a view to maximising impact and benefit.
• Experience of financial management and a broad understanding of charity finance issues

 SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional leadership skills; able to cultivate effective collaboration but also comfortable in taking responsibility for difficult choices.
•  Effective strategic communicator: able to articulate Women’s Aid Luton’s vision and engage and inspire others both within the organisation and externally.
• Highly effective relationship and alliance building abilities.
• Sound judgement with high capacity for self-reflection.
• Capacity to support both Board and Executive development.
• An ability to work within the realistic expectations and limitations for the Charity

ATTRIBUTES

• Dynamic leadership style that guides and inspires the Board and Executive to fulfil their respective responsibilities.
• A strong personal commitment to improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Collaborative approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
• A strong personal commitment to Women’s aid Luton’s vision and mission replace with: Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

The initial appointment is for a three-year term but can be extended for one further term for a maximum of six years. 

 “Joining Women’s Aid in Luton as a Board member has enabled me to use my professional expertise in a way that gives back to the community. I know that all the energy and time I give is helping to strengthen the organisation and ultimately the women and children it seeks to support. Joining the Board has been immensely rewarding and I highly recommend it as a valuable way to volunteer your time for a good cause.” – current Board Trustee at Women’s Aid in Luton.

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, we will be considering female volunteers only for this post in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to schedule 9 part 1). Applicants will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We actively encourage applications from women from a variety of backgrounds, and with a range of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested to hear from women from Black, Asian and minoritised communities and women who have personal experience of domestic abuse.

If you have some time, energy and interest in the domestic abuse sector and believe you can make a difference to Women’s Aid Luton, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for someone to support our small Communications & Marketing team with content and communications activity, as well as some marketing initiatives.

Develop and implement effective content and communications to engage and grow Mast Cell Action’s impact across the UK. Main responsibilities include management of website content, design and development of social media content and plans, as well as executing corporate communication strategy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Support delivery of our communications strategy, with focus on digital communications, content and community events.

Social media management and planning, including content creation (which must include video and design)

Administer and manage the creation and publishing of relevant, original, high-quality content (for all channels and member communications)

Assist in the development and deployment of the communications & marketing strategy

Undertake innovative marketing of events, with a focus on delegates and sponsors/advertisers

Planning, writing and coordinating of corporate communications, including Mast Cell Action's website and e-newsletters

Assist in the planning and execution of media relations and public affairs

Prepare accurate reports on overall performance across all of our key channels

Manage Mast Cell Action's brand and application

This job description should be seen as a guide to the main duties and responsibilities of the role and not as a permanent, definitive statement. The organisation will change and develop, and the duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time.

Join our amazing volunteer team in this flexible opportunity that puts you at the heart of our work supporting blind and partially sighted people. You’ll make taking part in events and carrying out volunteering easier and more enjoyable for our customers and volunteers with sight loss.
You’ll take some of the stress and anxiety out of getting around and taking part in activities as a blind or partially sighted person. The help you give will encourage people to do more.

What you’ll be doing
• Sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals in and around venues, so they can take part in events.
• Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities which range from facilitating a regular community group to delivering a talk about sight loss to a local business. Your role would involve things like guiding; Meeting and greeting at group activities or creating a welcoming and interesting display stand at events.

In this role you will only be helping individuals in places open to the public, often in a group setting. We will provide training in sighted guiding techniques and understanding sight loss.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Event

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference.

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people. • An empathetic and professional manner. • The ability to take the supportive and helpful role.

Position Overview:
The Customer Service Representative (CSR) plays a dual role in driving programme enrollment and delivering exceptional service to prospective participants. Focused on sales and outreach, this position generates leads, conducts cold calls, and converts inquiries into enrollments for the employability and skills development programme. With a strong emphasis on meeting sales targets, the CSR will articulate the programme’s value proposition, address concerns, and guide prospects through the enrollment process while maintaining a participant-centric approach.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sales & Lead Generation:

   • Proactively identify and engage potential participants through cold calling, email campaigns, social media outreach, and community partnerships.

   • Achieve monthly enrollment targets by converting leads into committed participants, tracking conversion rates and pipeline progress.

2. Participant Onboarding:

   • Serve as the first point of contact for inquiries, providing detailed information about programme benefits, eligibility criteria, and enrollment steps.

   • Guide prospects through the application process, ensuring a seamless transition from inquiry to enrollment.

3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM):

   • Maintain accurate records of leads, interactions, and conversions in the CRM system.

   • Follow up with prospects to address concerns, nurture interest, and close enrollments.

4. Reporting & Feedback:

   • Provide weekly updates to the Programme Lead on sales performance, challenges, and market insights.

   • Share participant feedback to improve programme positioning and outreach strategies.

1. Compliance & Ethics:

   • Adhere to organisational policies and ethical standards in all sales activities, ensuring transparency and respect for participant needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field preferred.

• Experience:

  • 2+ years in sales, telemarketing, or customer service roles with a proven track record of meeting/exceeding targets.

  • Experience conducting cold calls, managing leads, and closing conversions.

• Skills:

  • Strong persuasive communication and active listening skills.

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

  • Ability to articulate complex programme details in a clear, motivating manner.

  • Resilience in handling objections and rejection.

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

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

While gaining invaluable experience in recruitment, human resources and NFP Social enterprise,                           practice your passion within real-life scenarios.

We are looking for Recruitment Managers to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in sourcing, engaging and will help us build a diverse and dedicated team to support our brand messages and visions.

If you are enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated about building a dynamic team and are excited to contribute your recruitment skills to a meaningful cause, join us as a Recruitment Manager Volunteer. Together, we can create a positive and lasting impact in our community.

Please note the role is a voluntary position and could be entirely remote. Any incurred reasonable expenses will be paid.

Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with HR and leadership team to understand needs, roles and requirements.
- Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies and campaigns.
- Utilise online platforms, social media, and community networks to advertise opportunities.
- Assist with review applications and inquiries, and assess candidate suitability.
- Conduct interviews with potential candidates to determine their skills, motivations, and alignment with our values and visions.
- Maintain a database of potential and current candidates and keeping track of their skills, interests, and availability.
- Work closely with leadership team and other team members to ensure a seamless transition from recruitment to engagement.
- Regularly report on recruitment metrics and effectiveness to the leadership team.
- Continuously seek opportunities to improve recruitment process.

Requirements:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to effectively market and promote opportunities.
- Experience in recruitment, human resources, or volunteer management is a plus.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
- Proficiency in using online platforms, social media, and communication tools.
- Dedicated and willing to learn.
- Committed to our values and mission 

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can become a vital part of our team.​

ABOUT TESYouth 

TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.

Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you! 

As a Puppy Raiser, you'll provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.

There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.

What you'll be doing:

• Engaging with our world-class training programme to prepare your puppy for the next stages of becoming a guide dog.
• Providing care and support for your puppy at home e.g., loving, grooming and feeding him or her. 
• Socialising your puppy and introducing him or her to a variety of environments to increase confidence – this can be as simple as taking your puppy with you to the shops, office or park as you go about your everyday life.
• Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone - gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of four hours.
• Taking your puppy to monthly puppy classes, and interacting with other puppy raisers in your community whilst refreshing your training and sharing tips.
• Meeting with your volunteer manager as frequently as needed to discuss any changes or issues with your puppy.
• Completing short questionnaires about your puppy’s development.

You'll ideally have:

• A loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training). If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these.
• Someone at home who is physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
• Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling.
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in the property if you rent your home. 
• A safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet.

What you'll get:

• The satisfaction of knowing you're supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of watching a mischievous puppy learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• The opportunity to participate in our bespoke world-class training programme – this can help you train your own dogs or advance a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to have a loveable, canine companion, proven to reduce feelings of stress and improve fitness – you’ll be out walking rain or shine!
• The chance to be part of the inspirational Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people and interacting with a community of puppy raisers in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

s a volunteer you'll have access to our world-class training programme, to implement with your puppy in training, a great bonus for any dog owner! This is delivered in an interactive and engaging manner, using a mixture of different learning techniques virtually e.g., videos, documents and e-learning modules. Examples of the modules you'll have access to include:

• Food manners
• Greeting new visitors
• Being home alone
• Settling in new environments

You'll receive plenty of support from your volunteer manager who will help you work through these training modules with your puppy. We also offer puppy classes for puppy raisers in the local area to get together, share stories and provide refreshers on training techniques. 

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs for the puppy and other materials needed for the puppy’s training. We will also pay an optional allowance of up to £100 a year to offset additional costs, and we have working agreements with certain bus and train operating companies, letting you take your puppy on short training journeys free of charge.

Minimum age of applicant: 18.

Who are we?

We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We work to increase inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.We have several different services including inclusive characters, sensory workshops, resources, events, advocacy and more.

What are we looking for?

Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity that you can do in your own time and without having to leave the comfort of the sofa? Do you have a good imagination? Are you interested in graphic design? Or have an artistic flair?

We’ve created ‘Bubble World’ which is home to our characters. We have had some graphics made for ‘Bubble World’ but we would love more! We can then use them and others such as little Santa Hats, Pumpkins and Easter Eggs to keep creating our resources and activity packs.

What do we expect?

• Be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.

• Have an Enhanced 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 answer questions on this.

What can you expect?

• A community group that does not currently operate a rota system of any kind. Youdon’t have to regularly commit your time.

• A kind, caring, nurturing company who cares about people, staff and volunteers. Our aim is to keep your wellbeing at the centre of our work.

• A very positive and proactive approach to disability and illness. Any and all accommodations will be made that you require. If there is anything you wish to discuss in private please email us and we will arrange a confidential chat.

Benefits to Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles CIC

• Gaining valuable experience and improving your confidence

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest.

• Make a difference to community

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills.

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers.

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future employment.

For further information or to apply email us and we will be more than happy to have a chat. 

Please note we are looking for volunteers who are based in the UK.