Community volunteer roles in wembley park, greater london

RSBC are looking for volunteers to help deliver our range of activities, visits and services to children and young people with visual impairments. 

The majority of activities are held at our Life Without Limits Centre by London Bridge. 

Role: Activities Volunteer

Commitment: Currently, sessions are run both during the week (mostly in the afternoon) and at weekends (usually on a Saturday). Activity volunteering is a flexible commitment, and you will be able to sign up for the session you like and when you have time. It really is up to you and your availability. 

Location: Life Without Limits Centre - 10 Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6EN 

Availability: RSBC Events · Events Calendar - https://lu.ma/rsbc

Age:  18+ 

Our Mission Statement: 

RSBC believes that every blind young person should have the chance to live life without limits. 

By giving young people the essential skills and confidence to take control of their life, they can unleash their true potential.

Our success depends on our values 

Underpinning all RSBC’s work are values embedded in trust and excellence: 

TRUST: Respect and accountability 

ENERGY: Straight talking and constantly learning 

AMBITION: Confronting reality and driving results 

MOTIVATION: Vision impaired children and young people are our number one priority, and we look for solutions, not problems 

What will I be doing?

Our amazing Activity Volunteers play a key role in supporting blind children and young people to take part in a variety of activities. These range from sports, creative (singing, performing, art), audiobook club and day trips. Our activities are designed for blind young people to meet new friends, gain confidence, learn new skills/sports, and become more independent. The skills you have developed in your career and personal life will be invaluable to our young people. 

Key Tasks and Main Duties 

Face-to-face activities 

• 1:1 sighted guiding from and to public transport locations 

• practical support onsite 

• supporting the sessions 

• facilitate social interaction between the participants 

Who are you?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow RSBC’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for RSBC. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of sight problems. 

What’s in it for me?

RSBC offers the opportunity to gain insight and experience into helping others with sight issues. As part of your volunteering, you will have access to Sighted Guide training, a training session designed to help you understand the issues and complexities of sight problems and give you the ability to help others navigate the world.

RSBC also provides paid expenses for your volunteering experience, you can claim up to £10 per day.

RSBC can also provide references and impact reports from your volunteering if required. 

You will be fully supported in your role by our team of expert and compassionate service delivery team.

Develop or utilise your skills – As a volunteer, you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to develop new skills or use those you already have, which can help to build your CV, boost your employability and give you a sense of satisfaction. 

What's in it for the Community? 

Make a difference to people’s lives

Help in your community

Help deliver creative services to help people with sighted issues feel included in the world around them.

Make a direct and tangible difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted children and young people. 

Safeguarding:

Due to the nature of the role, before you can begin volunteering with RSBC there are some required safeguarding checks which will need to be completed.

All RSBC volunteers undergo an Enhanced DBS check (paid for by RSBC) and must provide two references.

All volunteers will also be booked onto safeguarding training.

RSBC risk assesses all its services and activities.

Next Steps: 

If this sounds like you, please fill out an expression of interest, and one of our volunteer team members will get back to you!

About Us

Age UK London is a charity that campaigns for an age-friendly London. We have been working to promote the interests of older Londoners for over 20 years and support the network of London Age UK’s and other older people’s organisations across all 33 boroughs.

Our CEO, Abigail Wood, joined us in 2020 and under her leadership Age UK London has gone through a significant period of consolidation and transformational change, streamlining activities and organisational structure, whilst maximising our impact.

Background to the role

A highly successful recent strategy day highlighted that the staff and trustees are closely aligned and have a strong sense of being part of one team, all pulling in one direction. We want to build on that by welcoming new Board members with key skills and expertise to enhance and further sharpen our work.

The Age UK London board currently comprises seven trustees, one of whose term will finish at our AGM in the autumn. Our chair, Tony Burch, took on the role in December 2024, having been a trustee since 2018. Our former chair, Imogen Clark, left having stayed on as a trustee until our CEO had returned from maternity leave in February of this year, and two other trustees resigned earlier this year for personal reasons.

We are a friendly, committed and effective board, and we foster a productive relationship with the Age UK London CEO and her team. We are passionate about campaigning to improve the lives of older Londoners.

We’re now keen to welcome someone who brings skills and experience in campaigning, public affairs and policy. Given that this is the key focus of our work, it’s important that our Board is replete with a deep understanding of the challenges as well as the possibilities for influence and change. 

If you feel you are the right person to join our board, we would be delighted to hear from you!

Main Responsibilities

• To be aware of and accept the responsibilities of a charity trustee and director of a charitable company.
• To ensure equality, diversity and inclusion is promoted and sustained through all aspects of Age UK London’s work and relationships.
• To represent the board as necessary, on internal disciplinary and complaint panels or other panels, and on external bodies by agreement.
• To act properly at all times, declaring any conflict of interests or perceived conflict of interests which may have a bearing on their role as a trustee.
• To act in good faith with due care and diligence for the best interests of Age UK London and working within the charity’s vision, mission and values.
• To attend and actively participate in board meetings, contributing own opinions and ensuring that papers are read in preparation for meetings.
• To undertake training and attend induction.
• To respect the confidentiality of matters discussed at board and any other meetings set up by the board.
• To evaluate the performance of the board in relation to the agreed objectives.
• To engage with the wider work of Age UK London and its network.
• Willingness to commit to a minimum of two years in the role.

In addition to the above duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they may have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing advice and guidance on new initiatives or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Person Specification

Among your key attributes, we are looking to secure experience at a senior level of public affairs, including how organisations can engage with Government and influence policy through a combination of lobbying and public campaigning, as well as:

• Ability to understand and accept the duties and liabilities of a Trustee and how they  differ from operational management
• Empathy with the vision, mission and values of the charity
• Willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort
• Ability to think and apply knowledge strategically
• Ability to analyse and evaluate management information and any other evidence
• Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively and to participate in discussions
• Ability to work effectively in group situations
•  Ability to constructively challenge and ask questions in an appropriate manner
• Ability to manage difficult/challenging situations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality on confidential and sensitive information
• Ability to manage boundaries and conflicts of interest appropriately

Our commitment to diversity

We value equity, diversity and inclusion. We value and respect all the differences that make us who we are, including age, cultural background, ethnicity and race, disability and mental health, neurodiversity, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, social background and lived experience.

We believe that effective leadership and good decision-making is enabled through a diverse board membership, a culture of listening to, and acting on, diverse perspectives and, having board behaviours that embody respect, openness and constructive challenge. We are seeking to increase the diversity of our broad and warmly welcome qualified candidates who bring new perspectives.

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting Age UK London in the recruitment of these roles. Please click here to apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• Why are you interested in a Trustee role at Age UK London 
• Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role? This might come from paid work, study, community or voluntary work or other experience.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

The closing date for applications is 15 September. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with Age UK London during the week beginning 22 September.

What we're looking for

We need a finance-minded trustee who can keep us on the right track financially while we focus on creating real change. You don't need to be a charity expert (we'll teach you that), but you do need to care about what we're doing and have the skills to help us do it properly.

Your background might include:

• Professional experience in finance, accounting, or bookkeeping

• An ability to make sense of financial information and explain it to others

• Strong attention to detail (because the small stuff does matter)

• A genuine enthusiasm for our mission and charitable objects

What would be brilliant (but not essential):

• Previous charity sector experience

• Formal accounting qualifications

• Experience with charity accounting software

• Understanding of what it's like to run a small charity on a tight budget

What you'll be doing

This isn't about sitting in boardrooms making abstract decisions. You'll be:

• Keeping our finances healthy: Overseeing day-to-day financial operations and making sure our bookkeeping stays accurate

• Being our financial voice: Presenting clear, understandable financial reports at monthly trustee meetings

• Planning ahead: Leading our annual budget process and helping us make smart financial decisions

• Staying compliant: Ensuring we meet all charity financial regulations and coordinate our annual independent examination

• Managing risk: Helping us spot potential financial challenges before they become problems

• Helping with fundraising: Writing grant applications, helping come up with fundraising ideas

The need-to-know

Time commitment: Around 4-8 hours per month - this includes one monthly trustee meeting, your financial review work, and the occasional extra task that crops up

Term: We're looking for a minimum 2-year commitment initially, which then becomes a rolling 1-year term subject to the constitutional requirements. 

When we meet: We will be setting our meeting dates at the start of the organisation's year (October 2025) so everyone can plan ahead. 

Next steps timeline:

• Applications close: 5 September 2025 at 17:00

• Interview dates: TBC - dependent on application numbers

• Next board meeting: TBC

Why this role matters

Every month, we see the difference our work makes to neurodivergent legal professionals who've struggled to find their place in traditional firm culture. Your financial expertise won't just keep our books balanced - it'll help us scale our impact responsibly and ensure we're here for the long haul.

What we offer in return

• Real impact: See directly how your skills contribute to meaningful change

• Supportive team: Work with a committed and welcoming board that'll have your back

• Professional development: Gain valuable charity governance experience

• Flexibility: We’re a team of working professionals and always work around professional commitments

• Recognition: References and recommendations for future opportunities

• Reimbursed expenses: We cover reasonable costs related to your trustee duties

We're committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you need any adjustments to our application process, just let us know.

Application deadline: 5 September 2025 at 17:00

Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for adults and children to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?

At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.

Hestia provides holistic, one-to-one support in our refuges and the community. Our refuge services are for women and children, offering a safe place to stay and vital emotional and practical support.

Outside of our refuges, most of our support services are accessible by anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, including men.

What you will be doing

• Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
• To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
• Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
• Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
• Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
• Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
• Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities

The skills you need

• A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
• Calm and patient approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

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 - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit an Activities Organiser for the West Hertfordshire Group. As our local group Activities Organiser you’ll play a crucial role in developing and planning activities and events with your local group. You’ll be responsible for creating and coordinating an annual calendar of events and making sure they’re run safely and effectively to make the most impact. You’ll take a lead role at events on the day and inspire your fellow volunteers to get involved.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication, administration and negotiation skills. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers.

You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2.Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

We are an award winning charity that provides a school-based 1-2-1 mentoring programme for vulnerable young people, helping them to realise their full potential no matter what their circumstances.

Our mentors are volunteers who give just 1 hour a week to mentor the young person they are carefully matched to.

Through no fault of their own, young people who are care-experienced or facing challenges experience a significant gap in outcomes compared to their peers. They aren’t reaching their potential - but 1-2-1 mentoring can change that. Just one hour a week with a consistent, caring adult can boost confidence, academic performance and open doors to a brighter future. 

We’re transforming the lives of the young people we support, recognising their talent, we help them to grow and utilise their abilities. We want everyone to get a fair chance at life. 

As a mentor you would provide encouragement, reassurance and a safe space to build confidence and self worth, ultimately helping the young person to unlock their potential.

No prior experience is required - we say that if you care, you qualify! If you are good at listening and keen to make a difference, you can mentor. We will provide excellent training and on going support. 

By volunteering as a mentor you really can transform the life of a young person who is facing challenges. You will be a caring, positive, consistent adult , a supportive friend, a role model, and a trustworthy listening ear. We are sure that you will also find the role incredibly rewarding whilst also developing your skills in active listening and empathy.

"Everybody's got something to offer. Everybody's got life skills. It doesn't matter where you come from. It was the best thing that I've ever done."

We are looking to recruit volunteer mentors in different locations in Ealing.

If you would like to help young people flourish and make a positive difference to your local community, please do get in touch! 

An hour a week - a lifetime of impact! 

Are you a friendly, patient, and supportive individual who loves to connect with people?

As a Club Support Assistant, you will be on the front lines, directly engaging with our club members during sessions. You'll play a vital role in creating a warm, inclusive, and fun atmosphere, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and encouraged to participate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Welcoming and Engaging: Greet club members as they arrive, help them settle in, and ensure they feel comfortable and included.
• Encouragement and Support: Provide positive encouragement and support to members as they choose songs, take turns singing, and interact with each other.
• Facilitating Participation: Assist members with selecting songs, navigating the karaoke equipment (with guidance), and gently encouraging participation in singing and social activities.
• Creating a Positive Atmosphere: Help maintain an energetic, respectful, supportive environment where friendships can grow.
• General Assistance: Support the Music Leader and Singing Tutor with practical tasks during sessions, such as setting up/packing away equipment, managing song queues, and ensuring smooth transitions.
• Safeguarding: Be aware of and adhere to the club's safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is:

• Naturally compassionate, patient, and empathetic.
• Friendly, approachable, and a good listener.
• Enthusiastic about music and community.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Comfortable interacting with adults with learning difficulties (previous experience is a bonus, but a willingness to learn and adapt is key).
• Able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Committed to promoting an inclusive and respectful environment.

Time Commitment: Approximately 1-2 hours per week (during club sessions), plus occasional brief pre- or post-session discussions.

DBS checks will be required.

As a SANEline volunteer, you will support callers who contact SANE's national, out of hours, helpline, SANEline, and make a real difference and support people affected by mental illness. 

SANE is a UK-wide mental health charity working to improve the quality of life of anyone affected by mental illness, including families and carers. SANEline volunteers provide telephone emotional support, information and guidance to those who call our helpline SANEline. 

Hours and location: Our trained volunteers support on our helpline, between 4-10pm, 365 days a year. Volunteering training and shifts takes place in North London. All volunteers must be aged 21 years or over.

SANEline Volunteers provide support to callers with a wide range of mental health problems via our confidential crisis line.

We are looking for warm, compassionate, understanding people who are good communicators to join our services team as a volunteer. You don’t need to be a mental health expert: empathy matters more than academic qualifications or experience, and we’re keen to hear from people of all ages and walks of life.

Benefits to the volunteer: High quality training and regular social events for the volunteer community.  

Many of our volunteers find they benefit from these skills in their professional lives, where SANEline volunteering experience can prove invaluable for entering the field of mental health, as well as their personal lives.

SANE aims to:

·         Raise awareness and understanding of all mental health conditions.

·         Combat the stigma surrounding mental illness and fight to improve frontline services for individuals and carers.

·         Provide support, information and guidance through its helpline SANEline, email and ongoing support services, Textcare and Online Forum.

·         Promote and host research into the causes of mental illness and the effectiveness of treatments and therapies at the Prince of Wales International Centre for SANE Research in Oxford.

Our high-quality training programme helps volunteers develop the knowledge and skills needed to support the people who turn to us for help. We also offer further training and on-going development, which includes regular support from the senior team and personalised feedback.  

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

BFUK are seeking enthusiastic, compassionate volunteers to support the delivery of our creative and educational hospital workshops. These sessions not only offer children and young people the opportunity to be imaginative, learn something new, and socialise, but also serve as a welcome distraction from time spent in the hospital. There is always something new to experience; previous workshops have included various crafts, make-up artistry, indoor gardening, hands-on VR demonstrations and mocktail making!

Our workshops take place in Great Ormond Street Hospital on Tuesdays and University College Hospital on Wednesdays.

As a Workshop Volunteer, you will:

• Assist with the preparation of workshop activities and support the sessions to run smoothly
• Chat and engage warmly with children, young people and their families during activities, offering encouragement and support
• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
• Have the opportunity to plan and lead your own workshop, if you wish

What do we look for in our Workshop Volunteers?

• A desire to work with children (age 5-12) or young people (age 13-18)
• A passion for inspiring creativity and learning
• Commitment to BFUK’s core values: equity, empathy, empowerment, connection and advocacy

What do our Workshop Volunteers gain?

• Enhanced DBS will be provided
• Safeguarding Level One Training
• Direct experience working with children and young people
• Opportunities to develop teaching and facilitation skills
• Experience working within a hospital setting
• Opportunities to socialise with other members of our volunteer community

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

We are delighted to have secured funding to deliver a 24-month befriending programme. This exciting opportunity will support the delivery of our ambitious five-year strategy by:

- Promoting Independence - ensuring more older people can stay independent for longer

- Providing Connection - enabling friendship and social connection for older People

The befriending service will be provided through 2 different strands which aim to support older people in different ways based on the needs identified via an assessment. Clients will enter the strand that is most appropriate to their needs.

- Strand A: We will offer a local face-to-face service of up to 1 hour for 26 weeks. Strand A provision would be appropriate for older people who have experienced a recent life event, such as a hospital admission, bereavement or home move and who need time limited support and guidance to connect with suitable services and activities.

- Strands B: We will offer ongoing support either face-to- face of up to 1 hour or by telephone between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Strand B provision is for older people leaving Strand A that require long term support or for those who are identified as needing ongoing face-to-face or local telephone befriending support on entry to the programme. As a befriender you will be asked to select your type of volunteering preference.

Purpose of Role 

• Provide companionship, emotional support, and a listening ear to people who may be lonely or isolated. 

• Provide monthly reports to the Volunteer Manager on your client. 

Key tasks 

• Make a regular weekly visit or phone call to a client who has been matched to you, at a time suitable to the older person.

• Provide conversation and company. 

• Spend time chatting with the client, talking with them about their current and past life experiences. 

• Report any emerging issues or concerns that the older person has agreed to be shared with us such as safeguarding issues or a change in personal circumstance or health. 

• Make the client aware of any other services across AUKEL they may benefit from. 

• Maintain records of client contact and send this to the Volunteer Manager on a monthly basis. 

• Regularly meet with your befriending peers and supervisor, to share experiences, get support and reflect. 

Skills and attributes 

• Understanding loneliness and social isolation. 

• Good communication skills with a friendly approachable manner. 

• Keen on building a strong befriending relationship. 

• A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history. 

• Consistency and reliability.

• Understanding of Confidentiality. 

• Understanding of and empathy with the needs of older people. 

• Patience and Sensitivity. 

• Confidence to deal with emergencies. 

• Record keeping.

• Basic IT skills. 

Support Provided 

• You will be inducted in cohorts with other volunteers. 

• Training for the role is provided including Safeguarding, Making Every Contact Count, Sexual Harassment and Building a positive volunteering experience and other more. 

• Ongoing support including regular supervision by the Volunteer Manager. 

• Goup supervision with other befrienders. Groups supervision is a safe place where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes, process emotion and learn from each other. 

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses.

• Access to an AGE UK Discount portal provided by Aon.  

• Monthly volunteer newsletter 

We hold an annual Volunteer Award event where we celebrate and recognise the contribution of our Volunteers! 

Benefits 

• Making a Difference: Volunteering allows you to have a tangible impact on someone's life, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Helping older people can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose. 

• Emotional Rewards 

• Intergenerational Connections 

• Learning and Skill Development 

• Enhancing Career Prospects 

• Building Empathy and Compassion 

• Giving Back to the Community 

• Social and celebration events 

Commitment 

• We expect a minimum of 6 months commitment but would ideally prefer more of a longer-term commitment.

• Weekly commitment is between 30 minutes to 1 hour for client plus one/two hours monthly for reporting. 

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the London Borough of Sutton Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 600 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Location:

62 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, SL9 8EF, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 years

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that have been bereaved.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
• Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
• Are a good listener
• Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
• Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

Requirements of a Befriender include:

• Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
• Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
• Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
• Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

Benefits of this role may include:

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
• Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Support and training provided:

• Omega Chatterbox induction program
• Safeguarding training
• Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
• Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
• Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

Location of the role:

• Home-based

When are you needed:

• Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection