Community volunteer volunteer roles in barnet, buckinghamshire

Fundraising team leader volunteer

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

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

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 and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· keeping financial records from fundraising events

· encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

 We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

A charity  based in  Croydon, Surrey, London, UK is looking for volunteer Charity Volunteer Assistants; to volunteer 30 unpaid hours per week. The Charity serves a multi ethnic community especially people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds. 

Responsibilities:

• To assist in the delivery of events (ours and those we are invited to), projects and our yearly summer community event.
• To assist in the daily collection and drop off of Greggs after day produce to various soup kitchens
• To assist in promotion of organisations services. eg flyer distribution, school workshops, etc.
• To assist in the delivery of essential services 
• To assist in our soup kitchen projects

Person Specification:

• Someone enthusiastic and passionate about charity work and committed to working towards the achievements of the charities objectives.
• Knowledege of Black and ethnic minority tradition/culture is preferable however not essential.
• Experience is desirable.

This is a non-paid one year temporary position however accommodation and maintenance will be provided.

All interested candidates are required to send us a letter of application, a resume, and contact to the email provided. If your application is accepted, you will be invited for a telephone interview. Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered unless we have been unable to find a suitable candidate for this vacancy.

Successful candidates will require a DBS/POLICE check and references prior to commencement.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

A charity  based in  Croydon, Surrey, London, UK is looking for volunteer Charity Volunteer Assistants; to volunteer 30 unpaid hours per week. The Charity serves a multi ethnic community especially people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds. 

Responsibilities:

• To assist in the delivery of events (ours and those we are invited to), projects and our yearly summer community event.
• To assist in the daily collection and drop off of Greggs after day produce to various soup kitchens
• To assist in promotion of organisations services. eg flyer distribution, school workshops, etc.
• To assist in the delivery of essential services 
• To assist in our soup kitchen projects

Person Specification:

• Someone enthusiastic and passionate about charity work and committed to working towards the achievements of the charities objectives.
• Knowledege of Black and ethnic minority tradition/culture is preferable however not essential.
• Experience is desirable.

This is a non-paid one year temporary position however accommodation and maintenance will be provided.

All interested candidates are required to send us a letter of application, a resume, and contact to the email provided. If your application is accepted, you will be invited for a telephone interview. Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered unless we have been unable to find a suitable candidate for this vacancy.

Successful candidates will require a DBS/POLICE check and references prior to commencement.

As a till volunteer, you'll be the friendly face of our shop, handling customer transactions with a smile. You'll provide top customer service, and help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps our customers coming back!

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
• Accepting donations from members of the public, speaking to the donors and asking them a few questions..
• Following clear instructions to label donations in order to maximise income.

Our challenge
Brain tumours do not discriminate and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly.

The Support Team at The Brain Tumour Charity are aiming to address the clear gap in emotional support available to those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, by expanding their counselling service. We know the difference that talking therapy can make and our goal is to reach more people, ensuring everyone that wants it, gets the support that they need.

How can you help?
As a Counselling Assessment Volunteer for this service, you will be the first point of call for new clients entering in to the service. This role will require you to talk to a wide range of people - from those newly diagnosed, to others at end of life and also bereaved. As a Counselling Assessment Volunteer, you will be required to:

• Carry out pre-booked counselling assessments with clients who have self-referred themselves into the counselling service
• Gather information through the assessment about the client’s circumstances, explore their needs, explain how the service can help and discuss with them whether the counselling service is suitable
• Confidently follow our safeguarding process, to ensure risk is assessed and appropriate steps are taken to safeguard each client’s well-being
• Observe confidentiality in line with our organisational policy
• Keep accurate and appropriate records on our internal database

We’re looking for...
Someone who is empathetic and supportive in nature, and who is excited by the opportunity to bring this counselling service to the wider brain tumour community. You will also need:

• Experience in providing emotional support to others, perhaps through another role focusing on bereavement, mental health or life limiting illnesses
• Ideally have had previous training in counselling, mental health first aid, or other relevant course
• Ability to work autonomously
• Relevant IT skills in order to maintain appropriate and accurate records on our counselling database
• As this is a home-based role, you will need access to a telephone and computer that you are happy to use for this service

The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals belonging to minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities.

What can you gain from volunteering?

• You’ll have the opportunity to apply your existing support skills in a new way
• You will join a pioneering team, who are passionate about expanding the counselling service
• You will be supported in your role and will have a check in and check out with a team member before and after each shift

Time commitment
We are looking for a commitment of 2 hours per week (minimum) which would allow you to carry out 2 assessments. All assessments must be carried out between 9:30am-4pm and we would ask all volunteers to work on a rota system, volunteering at the same times each week.

Practical considerations
You will receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific training for the role, as well as ongoing direction from one of the team, who will be your key contact. We carry out references for all individuals who will be volunteering with us on a regular basis. Volunteers will be required to complete some internal training, data protection and disclosure documentation before commencing the role. Volunteers must be over 18. We may close applications early if we recieve a high number of applications for this role. 

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.

Access All Areas is looking for volunteers to support both its Performance Making Diploma and Take Part programmes!

Are you:

• An artist trying to perfect your craft?
• A student looking for a placement in participatory arts?
• Or… simply interested in getting involved in your community and in knowing more about performance making and/or access?

Our volunteering opportunities might be the right fit for you!

Join as a volunteer on our Take Part programmes and Diploma and…

• Gain experience working within an established production company’s methodology
• Get to be creative, inspiring and bold with your ideas
• Be part of an inclusive performance-making process
• Build your toolkit and learn the ropes of what it takes to do inclusive creative work
• Work with emerging learning disabled and autistic artists

Performance Making Diploma overview
Run in partnership with the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, our Performance Making Diploma is known as one of the world’s leading courses for and by learning disabled and autistic creatives.Students work with celebrated theatre and TV professionals to learn performance skills, create scripts and performances, and prepare for different career options in the arts and media.

Take Part Programmes overview
Our Take Part programme works with participants across East London and beyond, building creative skills, increasing confidence and making performance. They take place in arts venues, day centres, care homes, community centres and colleges.

As a volunteer, you might…

• Work creatively alongside students and participants and act as a ‘creative partner’ to support their ideas; Provide access support for students and participants including note-taking, accessing sensory tool, repeating instructions, etc.;
• Support the devising of performances;
• Perform alongside participants as on-stage creative support or in forum theatre workshop exercises;
• Attend theatre trips with students and participants.

For all the info, visit our website or email us

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of the issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sport. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to sports clubs, sporting venues and facilities and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a sporting world without barriers.

What you’ll be doing
1. Talks to sports and physical activity providers to support and encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local leisure centres, sporting venues and sports clubs.
2. Delivering talks to raise awareness of existing sporting and physical activity opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
3. Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service.

What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies

In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training, in particular training in public speaking and story telling will be given.
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires 1 reference.

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Who this opportunity will suit

• This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• You’ll ideally have 1. Lived experience in playing, spectating, or delivering sport or physical activity sessions as a blind or partially sighted person. 2. Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sports and physical activity. 3. Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your sporting story, or a willingness to try with our support. 4. Have effective communication skills. 5. An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people

Why we want you: This vital role supports local groups across the UK, which are volunteer-run, offering friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's, their families, and friends. As a pivotal part of the local volunteer team, you will help plan group spending for the benefit of people affected by Parkinson's in your community.

What you will be doing: Be an ambassador for Team Parkinson’s, engaging with local staff, volunteers, and your community to ensure the group has the greatest possible impact. Accurately record financial activity, keeping the group and the Parkinson's UK local networks finance team informed of the group's financial position. With local staff support, stay updated on Parkinson's UK's financial policies, sharing them with the group and ensuring compliance. Provide regular financial reports to the committee, including final accounts at the Annual General Meeting. Deal with financial administration, from annual reports to legacy spending, and ensure accurate volunteer expense payments per policy. Be a signatory on the group's bank accounts.

The skills you need: Previous experience in finance, accountancy, or bookkeeping can be valuable but is not essential. You must be confident with numbers and able to lead the group’s finances, possessing confident computer and email skills and openness to using new systems and digital tools. A commitment to the wider charity’s aims and values is essential, as is the ability to contribute to balanced, collaborative, open, and inclusive decisions with committee and local staff.

What's in it for you: Develop valuable leadership, teamwork, and people skills. Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, Team Parkinson’s, and wider local planning, making new friends and building connections. Develop or maintain your accountancy or bookkeeping skills, along with administrative and communication skills; we are happy to provide references.

Disclaimer: As a Branch Treasurer handling personal or sensitive data, you must complete and maintain data protection and confidentiality training. To be a signatory on a local group account, banks will perform a credit check, and we will take up a reference. Volunteers cannot perform this role if they have been declared bankrupt.

We are seeking a Fundraising Volunteer to join our small, friendly team. In this rewarding role, you’ll play an important part in our busy organisation. You will be helping to strengthen relationships with our valued supporters, assist with a variety of fundraising activities, and contribute directly to our mission: to find a cure for Parkinson’s. Your support will help us raise vital funds and awareness, ensuring every supporter feels appreciated and engaged.

What you’ll be involved in

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you’ll be able to choose activities that match your skills and interests. Your tasks may include:

• Calling donors and fundraisers to thank them for their support
• Sending out fundraising materials and charity updates via post and email
• Processing donations, updating supporter records, and assisting with Gift Aid forms
• Engaging local businesses, schools, sports clubs and community groups to support our fundraising efforts
• Researching new partnership opportunities and potential supporters
• Assisting on the day of events with setting up stalls or cheering on participants Whether you prefer working behind the scenes or being out in the community, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference.

Personal qualities we’re looking for

You don’t need previous fundraising experience just a willingness to get involved! We’re especially looking for someone who is:

• Friendly and approachable
• A confident communicator (verbal and written)
• Reliable, with good initiative
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Comfortable using basic IT systems
• Passionate about making a difference

Join CARAS as Co-Chair of Trustees
Are you passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive environment for refugees and asylum seekers?
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is seeking a Co-Chair to join our Board of Trustees, working alongside our current Co-Chair, who has been in the role for two years and has served on the Board for nine years. Our outgoing Co-Chair will remain as a trustee, ensuring strong continuity.

About CARAS
CARAS works with people from refugee backgrounds to provide practical, educational, and social support. We build relationships, networks, and spaces that enable individuals to access what they need to improve wellbeing and safety. Our dedicated staff and volunteers offer a wide range of activities and services, creating a place of welcome and helping people recognise their skills and develop their potential.

As one of the largest providers of refugee support in South London—particularly for unaccompanied and separated children—we are proud of our agility in responding to changing needs.

The Role of Co-Chair

• Provide strategic leadership to CARAS and the Board, ensuring our mission is achieved.

• Work in partnership with the CEO, staff, and volunteers.

• Lead the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.

• Strengthen the relationship between the trustees and CARAS’s team.

• Plan and chair Board meetings and the AGM (with others as appropriate).

What We’re Looking For

• Experience as a trustee (chairing experience is not essential).

• A strong sense of strategic purpose.

• Inclusive leadership skills that inspire equal participation.

• Excellent listening and engagement skills, with the ability to encourage healthy debate in a collaborative environment.

• Advocacy skills and willingness to champion CARAS’s work through personal and professional networks.

• A firm commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of a growing charity.

We especially welcome applications from people with lived experience of the UK asylum or immigration system, people of colour, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people.

Time Commitment

• Four evening Board meetings per year (alternating between online and at our Tooting office).

• One away day annually (usually on a weekend).

• Membership of working groups.

• Regular meetings with the Co-Chair, CEO, and other trustees.

• Occasional attendance at activities (daytime, evenings, or weekends).

How to Apply
You can also request a conversation with our current Co-Chairs, Helen Gribble and Keith McGuinness, for more information.

Closing Date 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; we encourage early submissions.

As a stock volunteer, you'll be behind-the-scenes, sorting and organising donations to keep our retail spaces well-stocked. Your keen eye for detail and passion for helping others will ensure our customers always have a great choice of items to buy.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Chatting to customers who drop off donations and other members of the team.
• Preparing stock to be put out on the shop floor, ready for sale.
• Researching valuable and vintage stock.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Location: Oxfordshire Discovery College, Didcot
Commitment: To be confirmed with the volunteer – expected minimum 4 hours per month
Reports to: Volunteer Manager

Role Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented volunteer to assist our charity with essential administrative tasks. Your contribution will help maintain efficient operations and support our team in delivering vital services to the community.

Key Tasks

As an Administrative Support Volunteer, your activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting Facilitators: Assist in preparing programs for delivery, including printing and organising resources.

• Office Organization: Help maintain a tidy and well-organised office environment.

• Document Management: Organise and file physical and electronic documents, ensuring easy access.

• Data Inputting: Accurately input data into our systems and databases.

• Database Creation: Assist in creating and maintaining new databases, ensuring data is up-to-date and organised.

• General Administrative Support:

  • Answering emails and assisting with routine communications.

  • Preparing for events by managing logistics and resources.

  • Completing stock takes and keeping inventory organised.

Skills and Experience

• Attention to Detail: Ensure accuracy and precision in all administrative tasks, especially data inputting.

• Organisational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.

• Basic IT Skills: Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and basic database management (training provided if needed).

• Communication Skills: Ability to work well within a team, including collaborating with staff and other volunteers.

• Previous Experience (Optional): Any prior experience in administration, data entry, or office work would be beneficial but is not essential.

What We Offer

• Training: Full training provided for all tasks.

• Flexible Schedule: Volunteer hours can be arranged to suit your availability.

• Regular Supervisions: Supportive check-ins to review your role and tasks.

• Wellness Action Plan: We prioritise volunteer well-being through personalised wellness plans.

• Make an Impact: Your involvement will significantly enhance our ability to provide services effectively.