Community volunteer roles in stoke newington, greater london
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are recruiting for a volunteer who would like to play a role in helping others to express themselves through writing. Would you like to support others to use their imagination to portray a message?
Creative writing is a great way to express yourself using your own creativity and imagination through story telling or poetry. It is an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and put it down on paper. Creative writing has been shown to improve emotional and mental well-being. Through creative writing, we can gain insight into our emotions, develop self-expression and communication skills, cultivate empathy and understanding of others, boost our imagination and creativity.
About the service..
We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.
In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.
We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.
What you will be doing
- Lead and facilitate a weekly Creative Writing Group, encouraging participants to explore their thoughts and feelings through writing exercises, prompts, and storytelling.
- Guide a subsequent Feelings Forum where participants can share and discuss emotions sparked by the writing session or current experiences in a respectful and supportive atmosphere
- Foster an inclusive, non-judgmental environment where all voices are heard and valued
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the organisation’s safeguarding and mental health protocols
- Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants
The skills you need
- Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to mental health challenges
- Ability to facilitate group discussions and manage diverse emotional responses constructively
- Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach.
- Training or experience in mental health, counselling, social work, or a related field is advantageous but not essential
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.




Role title: Honorary Therapist for Traumatic Grief Counselling (Suicide Bereavement) x 10
Responsible to: Senior Suicide Bereavement Practitioner and Deputy Director of Psychological Therapies
Hours: 3 client hours per week, 2 hours biweekly attendance of supervision with flexibility
Contract length: 12 months (with option to extend)
Location: 12 Orsman Road N1 5QJ and online
We are recruiting for clinical placements at Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest in the Psychological Therapies Team. We have clinical placements in the Grief in Pieces & Wellbeing Network Talking Therapies Services.
About Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest:
We are a multi-disciplinary provider of specialist mental health services and a part of the Mind Federation.
We promote both recovery from ill health for people with recurrent and enduring mental health difficulties and early intervention for those at risk of developing mental health issues, or who struggle with common mental health conditions.
We currently support around 5,000 people a year through a variety of services focusing on psychological, social, economic and workplace wellbeing, and support minoritised communities.
Our values are:
Connected: Creating a compassionate and supportive community.
Fair: We strive for equity- no-one's needs should go unmet.
Brave: We walk with people, offering help by doing what works - proven or new
Working with Mind CHWF means you’ll be part of a dedicated, passionate, and professional workforce who cares about the work they do and make a real difference to the lives of the people in the City of London, Hackney, and Waltham Forest.
We are committed to actively becoming anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind CHWF. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation that recognises different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services.
We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.
Those with lived experience of Mental Health are encouraged to apply.
Value-based Recruitment:
We know that for various reasons, not everybody who can successfully perform in a role, performs their best under traditional interview/selection procedures. We are therefore seeking ways to breakdown further barriers in our recruitment & selection process.
Shorted-listed candidates will be provided with some questions to help them prepare for the interview.
How to apply:
For more information on the vacancy and how to apply, click the ‘Apply’ button - Please note that we are unable to consider incomplete applications.
The closing date is by 3rd September 2025, however, please do not delay applying as this advert may close before the stated deadline if we find a suitable applicant for the role.
We are a disability confident employer. All applicants with a disability, who meet the minimum essential short-listing criteria are guaranteed an interview. If this applies to you, please let us know in your application.
Your privacy and the security of your data is our top priority. Please take a moment to read through our applicant’s privacy notice.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.
Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.
As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.
This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.
Apply
1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)
2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.
Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.
As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.
This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.
Apply
1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)
2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.
The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.
The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield.
We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.
We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:
- Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
- Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
- Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.
About the Role
All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.
Effective Trustees support our work by:
- ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
- ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
- approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
- appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
- constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
- actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.
Maximise benefit entitlement, ensuring access to expert advice, improving the capability of advisers, disseminating information and influencing policy




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.
Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.
The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:
- An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
- Support to prepare for parenthood
- Support to build confidence in parenting skills
- Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
- Support to establish daily and weekly routines
- Support to take time for self-care
- Support to manage the things that are causing stress
- Support to access relevant services
- Support to access local green spaces
- Support to make connections with other parents
No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.
Home-Start Croydon is a voluntary organisation committed to helping local families through emotional & practical support.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Title: Personal Assistant
Reports To: Department Manager
Location: Remote
Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)
About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.
As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Personal Assistant to support daily coordination, scheduling, and communication tasks across departments. This remote volunteer opportunity is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, proactive, and looking to gain experience in nonprofit administration while contributing to a meaningful community-driven programme.
Position Overview:
The Personal Assistant will be responsible for organising meetings, managing calendars, supporting internal communications, and assisting in day-to-day administrative operations. This role plays a vital part in ensuring smooth coordination between teams, and offers autonomy, flexibility, and mentorship opportunities for someone looking to develop or apply their administrative and organisational skills in the Third Sector.
Key Responsibilities:
Administrative Support & Coordination:
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Manage meeting schedules, appointments, and internal calendars.
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Organise virtual events, staff briefings, and team check-ins.
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Support in planning and executing internal conferences or training sessions.
Data & System Management:
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Maintain and update internal databases and contact lists.
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Implement and uphold procedures and administrative systems.
Staff Liaison & Communication:
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Act as a point of contact between managers and teams.
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Assist in internal communications and task follow-ups.
General Administrative Tasks:
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Contribute to internal meetings with updates and suggestions.
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Provide ad hoc administrative support to leadership and teams as needed.
Required Qualifications:
Education:
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No specific degree required, but relevant administrative or office support experience is preferred.
Experience:
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Prior experience as an administrative or personal assistant is an advantage.
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Familiarity with coordinating meetings, managing data, or supporting organisational logistics.
Skills:
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Strong written and verbal communication.
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Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.
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Proactive, professional, and able to work independently or collaboratively.
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Strong team player with attention to detail.
Benefits:
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Gain valuable administrative and coordination experience in the nonprofit sector.
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Receive support and mentorship to build confidence and skills.
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Work flexibly in a fully remote setup with a collaborative team.
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Build your network within a mission-driven cultural organisation.
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Reimbursement of local travel expenses (if in-person support is required for specific events).
Equality Statement
Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you be the person who helps a young man rewrite his future?
At Trailblazers, we believe in second chances. Since 1998, we’ve been mentoring young men in prison to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures. Through a programme of 1:1 mentoring and practical support, we support men aged 18–35 during the last 6 months of their sentence and for up to 12 months after release.
In London, our services run at HMP Brixton and HMPYOI Isis, and we’re looking for volunteer mentors who can commit half a day per week to help someone change their life.
What You’ll Do
- Be a positive and empathetic role model whilst supporting someone to fulfil their potential
- Meet regularly to build a supportive, consistent relationship with a mentee for a minimum of 12 months
- Help set goals and celebrate achievements
- Support reintegration into the community, education, and employment
- Attend and participate fully in mentor training and develop an understanding of the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a volunteer mentor
- Engage with ongoing support and supervision sessions to regularly review performance within mentoring relationships
- Perform your role in line with the aims of Trailblazers, following relevant policies and procedures and reporting safeguarding concerns immediately
- Keep mentoring session notes and communicate regularly with Trailblazers staff
Mentoring sessions last around 1 hour per week, with additional time needed for travel and liaison. We ask for a 12-month commitment to ensure consistency for the mentee.
Why It Matters
The national re-offending rate is up to 55%. For those with a Trailblazers mentor, it drops to just 7%. Your time could be the turning point in someone’s life.
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome all backgrounds and skill sets, especially those with experience in:
- The criminal justice system
- Underrepresented communities (including BAME groups)
All we ask if that you are:
- Empathetic, non-judgmental and committed to social change
- Professional but relatable with strong communication skills
- Able to advocate for your mentee and help them to overcome barriers
- Comfortable using basic IT and taking guidance from staff
- Willing to travel and undertake visits for mentoring sessions on a weekly or fortnightly basis
- Committed to supporting one young man for up to a year
Requirements
- Aged 21+
- British citizen (due to prison security checks)
- Live within 30 miles of the prison at which you want to volunteer
- Good level of fitness (prison visits may involve stairs and fast-paced movement)
- Not barred from working with vulnerable adults or children
- If you have lived experience of the criminal justice system, you must be off licence for at least 12 months and not in crisis
- You cannot volunteer at a prison where you were previously a resident
What We Offer
- Full training and ongoing support
- Out-of-pocket expenses covered
- A chance to make a real difference
Ready to be the change?
Visit our website for more information and to apply. We’d love to hear from you.
Trailblazers’ mission is to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures for young men (18-35) leaving prison.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a new trustee with legal (and ideally, public policy) expertise to help strengthen our governance, advise on risk, and support our influence in law and policymaking spaces.
You’ll support our work to improve legal protections for LGBT+ people, guide strategic decisions on risk and compliance, and help Galop navigate legal landscapes around advocacy, safeguarding, and survivors’ rights.
Key Responsibilities
Fulfil the core duties of a charity trustee. For more information on these responsibilities please download the attached job description.
Person Specification
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An in-depth knowledge and understanding of LGBT+ issues and communities
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A demonstrable commitment to Galop’s vision, mission, and values, including anti-racism and diversity and inclusion
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Good independent judgement
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Commitment to work effectively as a member of a team
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Consensus building skills
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Tact and diplomacy
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Good communication and interpersonal skills
What We’re Looking For
We are keen to hear from:
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Practicing or former lawyers (especially equality, public, human rights, family, safeguarding, or charity law).
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Policy professionals with experience in government, advocacy, or regulatory sectors.
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Individuals who bring insight into legal systems, public sector strategy, or policy reform.
You don’t need to have been a trustee before. What matters is your commitment to our values and your ability to think strategically, challenge constructively, and act in the best interests of the charity.
Terms of Appointment
Appointments are for an initial term of three years, renewable for up to two further terms of three years.
Remuneration
This is a voluntary role and there is no remuneration. Reasonable expenses incurred in the role will be reimbursed in line with the organisation’s expenses policy.
Location
Generally, meetings are held remotely online, with an annual Board Strategy Day being held in London.
Time Commitment
There are currently 4 formal Board meetings per year and more regular sub-committee meetings. The board meetings currently take place on Zoom on a Wednesday evening for approximately 2.5 hours. Sub-committee dates and times are flexible.
Other time commitments will include ongoing liaison with the Chair of the Board, Chief Executive and other senior staff, as well as attendance at other meetings, such as interview panels and events as required. We anticipate the overall time commitment being approximately 3-4 days per month for the first 12-18 months, settling to 2 days per month after that.
How to apply
This post is only available to applicants from the LGBTQ+ community as permitted under the Equality Act 2010 as a Genuine Occupational Requirement.
To apply, please complete the application form by 23:59 on Sunday 31st August 2025.
About the role
The County Lead Volunteer is a key volunteer role within local Scouting with responsibility for providing outstanding leadership and support for the Districts within the County. The primary focus for the County Lead Volunteer is to ensure that Scouting is able to reach every young person in the County; open to all regardless of faith, colour or social background, because we believe Scouting has the ability to change lives. This is achieved by leading the team of District Lead Volunteers, and other County volunteers as well as working with the Growth & Communities Teams (employed staff) to provide enough places to meet the demand for Scouting, and by ensuring that every youth member has access to a high-quality balanced programme that is challenging, relevant and rewarding.
Key tasks
- Ensure that every Squirrel Drey, Beaver Scout Colony, Cub Scout Pack, Scout Troop, Explorer Scout Unit and Scout Network within the County is able to deliver a high-quality programme which is challenging, relevant and rewarding for every young person.
- Provide proactive line management, including coaching, mentoring and guidance to District Lead Volunteers as well as other adult volunteers in the County who directly report to you including setting objectives for their work, holding regular one-to-one meetings and reviews.
- Build and maintain a sense of County team by holding regular team meetings with the District Lead Volunteers, County Chair, County team Members and other appropriate volunteers within
your County team to collaborate and provide peer support. - Lead a safe, open and transparent culture around keeping young people and adults safe through our Yellow Card and key policies.
Ensure the timely recruitment and appointment of new District Lead Volunteers where required and ensuring that interim arrangements are put in place for any vacant posts. - Together with the District Lead Volunteers, agree the priorities for the County and produce a plan to deliver these to meet The Scout Association’s vision and strategic objectives.
- Ensure that problems within the County are resolved so that an effective volunteering culture is encouraged and District Lead Volunteers and Group Lead Volunteers feel supported to deal with challenging issues, including complaints in a timely manner.
- Ensure that the County has an adequate team of supported and appropriate adults working effectively together and with others to meet the Scouting needs of the area.
- Ensure that problems within the County are resolved so that excellent Scouting is provided to young people in the County.
- Act as an ex-officio trustee as a member of the County Trustee Board, and an ex-officio member of the Council of The Scout Association.
- Play an active part within the Regional Team by joining short MS Teams calls and in person meetings led by the Regional Lead Volunteer and twice yearly by Team England for all County Lead Volunteers to contribute to the development of Scouting within England as part of the Headquarters team.
We're Scouts and everyone is welcome here. Every week, we help almost half a million people aged 4-25 develop skills for life.

Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Getting the right support at the right time can make a world of difference.
In the challenging times following a terminal diagnosis or the death of a loved one, the Hospice has a range of support available. The Man Shed provides an alternative to formal support, enabling ‘Shedders’ to spend time with others in similar situations while engaging in a purposeful activity, learning new skills and enjoying friendship and support along the way. The primary aim of the Man Shed is to be a place to talk with others about anything and everything. Volunteers also help ‘Shedders’ to plan and safely work on their DIY projects, and make sure sessions run smoothly.
We’re looking for Man Shed Session Leader Volunteers for all sessions but especially Mondays and Thursdays. This is a weekly commitment of 6 hours per week, you will commit to 2 sessions on 1 day per week. Sessions take place from 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm, with some time required to set up and leave the workshop tidy afterwards.
You’ll enjoy helping and teaching other users, be comfortable supervising the safe use of equipment, and offer a listening ear to the attendees.
Full training and support will be provided. You must be able to attend equipment training day.
If you’re motivated by the idea of joining a community where your time will make a difference to those who have experienced bereavement, we’d like to hear from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about the power of creativity? Volunteer with Little Green Pig as a Story Mentor or Illustrator Mentor.
Mentors work alongside our workshop leaders, providing children and young people, aged 7-18 with in-depth support, helping to create a safe space for them to write for pleasure and purpose.
At Little Green Pig we believe that offering children and young people the opportunity to develop writing skills and invest in their imaginations can truly change their lives. It’s a vital form of self-expression that builds confidence, communication and literacy skills - and it’s fun!
We’re looking for volunteer Story Mentors and Illustrator Mentors to support our after-school clubs and on-off projects in Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne and across Sussex. Please note that these roles are in-person only at various community-based locations.
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
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Aged 16+
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Based in Sussex
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Patient, enthusiastic and passionate about creativity
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Interested in working with children and young people
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Looking for a fun and fulfilling way to learn new skills and connect with other people.
No training necessary as full training will be given. DBS check and travel expenses provided.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking new people to join our Board of Trustees to support the good governance of our charity. It is an exciting time to join us as we work to launch our new strategy from 2026; an important timeframe as we await a Government White Paper on SEND and consider how best to adapt our services to ensure we reach those who need us most.
Who we are
Founded in 1983, IPSEA is a leading national charity focussed on supporting families to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the education they are legally entitled to. Since our formation, we have actively helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people with SEND. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.
Who are we looking for?
We wish to recruit a number of new trustees who are committed to our vision and values and who bring complementary skills to those of our current Board members.
Trustees are expected to gain an understanding of the organisation’s purpose, and to contribute their own expertise, ensuring IPSEA fulfils its objectives, and in accordance with our charitable objects and Articles of Association
Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise and skills in one or more of the following areas:
- IT / Digital transformation / cyber security
- Volunteer management
- Local Authority / Education
- Disabilities
Please note: a lack of expertise in these areas does not mean that an application will not be considered.
Our Board should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.
What we can offer you
- an in-depth induction programme, training and reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
- the opportunity to be involved in making strategic decisions and developing new skills
- the opportunity to apply your knowledge and experience to an important cause
- a buddying system for new trustees as you settle into the role
The expected time commitment is six trustee meetings per year (meetings are held on weekdays in central London or at IPSEA’s office in Takeley, Essex with the option to join some meetings virtually), usually one strategic planning/training day and some other ad hoc time for occasional meetings and events.
To apply
Please visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.
Closing date for applications: 5pm on Friday 12 September 2025
First-round interviews: Monday 29 September and Monday 6 October 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Organisation
Muscular Dystrophy UK is the leading charity supporting over 110,000 people in the UK living with one of more than 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions. The organisation connects people affected by these conditions—including individuals, their families, healthcare professionals, and scientists—ensuring that everyone can access the healthcare, support, and treatments needed to thrive both mentally and physically.
Muscular Dystrophy UK provides support across all stages of life, from diagnosis to living well. The charity:
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Shares expert advice and guidance to help people live well today.
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Funds pioneering research to improve understanding of different conditions and drive the development of new treatments.
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Works with the NHS to achieve universal access to specialist healthcare.
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Campaigns to improve rights, accessibility, understanding, and access to treatments for people affected by muscle-wasting conditions.
The Role
This is an exciting time for Muscular Dystrophy UK, which will soon publish a bold new strategy guiding its work over the next decade. With strong financial foundations, diverse income streams, and robust external partnerships, the organisation is well positioned to scale its impact.
The charity is seeking to appoint a Vice Chair to support the Chair and play a pivotal role in guiding the organisation forward, helping Muscular Dystrophy UK achieve its ambitious vision for the future.
The Vice Chair serves as a Trustee and, in addition to standard Trustee responsibilities, supports the Chair in leading the Board to ensure strong governance and strategic oversight. The Vice Chair acts as a supportive and critical friend to the Chief Executive and may deputise for the Chair as required.
Person Specification
Muscular Dystrophy UK is looking for engaging individuals who bring credibility, experience, and a genuine passion for contributing at Board level. Candidates should demonstrate:
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Proven leadership experience, ideally at Board level within the charity, public, or private sector.
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Knowledge of charity governance and Trustee responsibilities.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to maintain relationships, build consensus, and manage differing perspectives.
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Commitment to the mission and values of Muscular Dystrophy UK.
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Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and integrity.
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Availability to commit approximately 20 days per year to the role.
The charity is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities it serves. Applications are particularly encouraged from underrepresented groups, including individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities, and those with lived experience of the conditions represented. Muscular Dystrophy UK believes diversity strengthens its work and enhances its ability to support beneficiaries effectively.