Community volunteer volunteer roles in penge, 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!
About the Community Food Hub
Our Community Food Hub is dedicated to providing nutritious food to those in need while fostering a strong sense of community. We offer a sustainable model that involves food donations, partnerships with local organisations, and volunteer-led initiatives to ensure that food insecurity is addressed effectively and with care.
We are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our Board of Directors. If you have knowledge of food systems, a strong network, or experience in volunteer recruitment and community development, we would love to hear from you!
Role Overview
As a Board Member, you will play a vital role in guiding the strategic direction of the food hub. Your contributions will ensure that the hub continues to support the community through partnerships, volunteer recruitment, and maximising food resources for those who need them most.
Key Responsibilities
•Strategic Input: Contribute to the overall strategic vision of the Food Hub and its programs.
•Food Systems Knowledge: Share insights on food sourcing, sustainability, and distribution to ensure the hub operates efficiently and ethically.
•Networking: Leverage your connections within the food industry, local businesses, and community organisations to secure partnerships and support for the Hub’s initiatives.
•Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement: Help recruit, train, and retain volunteers to ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the hub.
•Community Outreach & Partnerships: Forge relationships with local agencies, schools, and organisations to enhance community engagement and food distribution efforts.
•Fundraising & Awareness: Support fundraising efforts by connecting the hub with donors, sponsors, and funding opportunities to sustain its operations.
•Oversight: Attend board meetings and contribute to decision-making that ensures the hub meets its goals and remains compliant with local regulations.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for individuals who have:
•Knowledge of Food Systems (e.g., food sourcing, distribution, nutrition, sustainability).
•Networking Skills: Ability to connect with local businesses, organisations, and individuals who can support the Hub.
•Experience in Partnerships: Proven ability to foster relationships with external stakeholders, including local food banks, schools, and community organisations.
•Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement: Experience in recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers.
•Interest in Community Development: Passion for making a tangible difference in addressing food insecurity and supporting community well-being.
Commitment
•Time Commitment: 6–10 hours per month (flexible)
•Location: Hybrid (Remote and in-person board meetings)
•Term: Minimum one-year commitment (renewable)
•Board meetings occur quarterly, with additional time as required for planning or networking
What You’ll Gain
•The opportunity to be part of a growing initiative that tackles food insecurity in your community.
•Experience in nonprofit governance, strategic planning, and community outreach.
•Access to a wide network of professionals, organisations, and partners in the food and nonprofit sectors.
•Personal satisfaction knowing you’ve helped nourish your community and support those in need.
How to Apply
To express your interest in joining the Board of Directors, please send your CV or a brief letter of interest to:
Subject: Board Member Application
We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
Join us in creating a future where everyone has access to nutritious food and a strong, connected community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
The Great Autistic CIC is Newly-Founded and exists to tackle rising mental health concerns, hypermobility, inadequate support systems, limited awareness and inclusion, educational barriers and community disconnection faced by neurodiverse individuals, particularly those with autism and learning difficulties.
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We believe that every neurodiverse brain has its own superpowers. Our organisation turns challenges into opportunities by offering tailored educational support, creative social activities like art clubs and nature walks, and strong advocacy that gives voice to those with autism. We’re a community built on lived experience and on a mission to help every unique individual shine.
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Are you a creative whiz with a knack for web design? Do you want to make a real difference in your community?
The Great Autistic CIC is looking for a passionate and talented Volunteer Web Designer to join our team! We're a friendly bunch dedicated to supporting the autistic community, and we need your help to make our online presence shine.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Help us create a beautiful and user-friendly website: We want our website to be a welcoming and informative space for everyone.
- Work on exciting projects: You'll get to use your design skills on real projects that make a difference.
- Learn and grow: We're a supportive team, and you'll have the chance to develop your skills and learn new things.
What We're Looking For:
- Someone with a passion for web design: Whether you're a beginner or a pro, we'd love to hear from you!
- A friendly and reliable person: We're looking for someone who's easy to work with and committed to helping out.
- Someone who's kind, honest, and understanding: We value these qualities in all our volunteers.
What You'll Get:
- The chance to build your portfolio: Showcase your skills and experience with real-world projects.
- Connect with a wonderful community: Meet new people and make a difference.
- Feel good about giving back: Your work will help us support autistic individuals and their families.
Interested: please email us!!
and tell us a bit about yourself and why you'd like to volunteer with us!
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: Fundraiser Trainer & Advisor
Reporting to: Operational Director
Hours: 2 to 4 hours per week (we can be flexible and work with your schedule)
Willowbrook Farm Charity
Willowbrook Farm Charity exists to create nurturing educational and cultural spaces in the Oxfordshire countryside that are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to communities who have been historically underrepresented in rural environments — including people from racialised backgrounds, neurodivergent individuals, and young people with diverse learning needs.
In partnership with Willowbrook Farm (www willowbrookfarm co uk), where we host our activities, we aim to build a nationally recognised centre of excellence that supports personal growth, wellbeing, and connection with nature. Through hands-on learning, community building, and cultural exchange, we empower individuals and groups to explore sustainable living, ethical land stewardship, and the transformative potential of nature-based education.
Our Values
Community
We foster a culture of care, connection, and belonging. We create space for people to come together in joy, learning, and mutual support, building relationships rooted in respect and shared purpose.
Stewardship
We honour the land as a living system and recognise that the wellbeing of people and nature are deeply interconnected. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of ethical and responsible stewards — who care for the earth, each other, and future generations.
Equity & Inclusion
We are dedicated to removing barriers so that people of all identities, backgrounds, and abilities can access and participate fully in experiences of farming, countryside living, and sustainability. We celebrate diversity and work to create welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive.
Connection with Nature
We centre our actions on a deep respect for the natural world. We believe in restoring and nurturing the bond between humans and nature, creating a place where both can flourish in harmony.
Job description
We are thrilled to welcome a Fundraiser Trainer & Advisor to support our Fundraising and Marketing Team at a pivotal time for our charity.
After a challenging period of inactivity due to the impacts of Covid, we are excited to embark on a new chapter, as we are ready to restart our activities in 2025 and to develop our projects and create a positive impact in our community.
This is a unique opportunity for those eager to be part of a project evolving from its early stages to the launch of new initiatives. The volunteer will have ample opportunity to grow with the charity.
We are looking for a passionate and articulate Fundraiser with extensive experience in fundraising strategy and bidding writing skills.
What this position entails
This role is designed for someone eager to share their fundraising knowledge by coaching our team to enhance their skills and gain a deeper understanding of the fundraising landscape.
We work with a dedicated team of volunteers, from our operational staff to those actively participating in our events, all of whom are enthusiastic about supporting our initiatives while gaining valuable experience and connecting with new people. Our Fundraising Trainer will provide valuable training to our fundraising and marketing team, focusing on enhancing their fundraising abilities, helping them to develop innovative strategies, and assisting with bid revisions by offering them constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
We seek a mentor rather than someone to handle fundraising tasks for the team; we want a guide who can empower others to learn from their expertise.
Therefore, the ideal candidate must possess excellent communication skills and the ability to train individuals in the art of fundraising with creativity and kindness.
The key focus of the role is:
- Train and guide the fundraising and marketing team, acting as a mentor.
- Revise bids and give insightful suggestions for improvement.
Essential:
- Highly experienced in Fundraising and with excellent communication skills.
- Able to produce training in Fundraising skills and deliver it to the team.
- Able to dedicate time to weekly catch-ups with the team and review actions, offering insightful tips for improvement.
- Able to give constructive feedback on bid applications.
We might consider multiple volunteers for this position if we get applications from fundraisers with specialised skills in different areas of fundraising.
By getting involved you will gain:
- This is an excellent opportunity for professionals eager to utilise their talents to address community needs and contribute to reducing inequality.
- Additionally, this is an excellent starting point for those wanting to transition their fundraising career to a mentor/coaching style and are looking for an opportunity to develop skills as a mentor/trainer, try new techniques and get useful feedback from the team in your mentorship style.
Location: Fully Remote. But we welcome those who wish to come and visit the farm at least once to understand more about us.
Commitment:
The estimated time needed is 2 to 4 hours a week, and we welcome those volunteers who can offer more, although it is not a requirement for the role. We can be flexible and work with you to find hours that fit ours and your schedule - all help is much appreciated!
As this is a trainer position, we unfortunately won’t accept applications from volunteers who do not possess a solid background in fundraising strategy.
Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.
Please send your CV and cover letter demonstrating your relevant experience and why you would like to get involved with our charity.
Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.
Interviews will be scheduled as the applications come in. If we find some great candidates, we may close the vacancy earlier than the application deadline mentioned. So don't delay - apply today!
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!
***This is an unpaid voluntary role***
A crucial volunteer role at the centre, volunteer Reception Helpers help out at least one morning per week to warmly welcome members to the centre, help with queries (in person, by email and over the phone) and direct people to our various activities. This is an active and varied way to volunteer where no two days are the same!
Qualities you need for this role
- Confidence and communication skills in person and over the phone
- Reliable, dependable and a good sense of humour
- Flexibility, happy to support staff as needed
- Able to think on your feet
- Basic IT skills
When you'll be needed
- A morning per week: volunteers must commit for at least six months
- Monday-Friday between the hours 9:30am – 1:00pm
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!
About the opportunity
We need dedicated volunteers to join our friendly team at our store on Wilton Road in the popular shopping area of Victoria. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.
About Octavia Foundation Shops
We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.
Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.
Job Type: Volunteer
Benefits:
- Travel Expenses claimable
- Store discount
Flexible language requirement:
- English not required
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
- Weekends only
Work Location: In person
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 description
We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Tooting store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.
About Octavia Foundation Shops
We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.
Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.
Job Type: Volunteer
Pay: n/a
Benefits:
- Travel Expenses claimable
- Store discount
Flexible language requirement:
- English not required
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
- Weekends only
Work Location: In person
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 description
We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Hampstead store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.
About Octavia Foundation Shops
We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.
Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.
Job Type: Volunteer
Pay: n/a
Benefits:
- Travel Expenses claimable
- Store discount
Flexible language requirement:
- English not required
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
- Weekends only
Work Location: In person
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 description
We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Ealing store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.
About Octavia Foundation Shops
We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.
Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.
Job Type: Volunteer
Pay: n/a
Benefits:
- Travel Expenses claimable
- Store discount
Flexible language requirement:
- English not required
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
- Weekends only
Work Location: In person
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 description
We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Olympia store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.
About Octavia Foundation Shops
We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.
Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.
Job Type: Volunteer
Pay: £0.01-£0.02 per year
Benefits:
- Free or subsidised travel
- Store discount
Flexible language requirement:
- English not required
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
- Weekends only
Work Location: In person
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!
The Open Age reception team builds the personal relationships that make our visitors feel comfortable and relaxed while we inform them of the activities we offer, help them select and book onto those that suit them best, and assist with the practical, ongoing event support that gives people a great customer experience. This is a frontline customer facing role which would suit a confident, approachable person, with good interpersonal skills and an awareness of the importance of providing great customer service to build positive relationships with our local community.
Reception Volunteer Role
· Support and strengthen Open Age reception team to provide a high-quality customer service experience to center visitors, members and potential volunteers.
· Provide relevant, current, information that informs customer choices and helps secure appropriate courses, events and activity bookings.
· Identify any improvable gaps in Open Age reception customer service and make positive suggestions for improvements to the wider staff reception team.
Reception Volunteer Tasks
· Greet members and drop-in visitors warmly, courteously and in a way that settles any anxiety or confusion on arrival at reception.
· Provide information and publications about upcoming activities and events, giving directions to venues and classes where needed.
· Assist staff in setting up rooms and providing refreshments for members when needed.
· Answer telephone and email enquiries in a prompt and courteous manner, and follow up members by phone and email to update them on any course changes and developments.
The Open Age Reception Volunteer is an unpaid, voluntary role, though any appropriate out-of-pocket expenses, including travel and subsistence will be reimbursed on production of the appropriate receipts. All volunteers receive an induction to the organisation, relevant training in the volunteer role and a volunteering reference after an appropriate period of satisfactory volunteering.
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!
MUSLIM VOLUNTEER MENTOR
Can you offer your support to a young person via mentoring?
FCCT are looking for volunteers to play a supportive role by actively mentoring young offenders (aged 15-30 in HMP/YOI Feltham) and to offer support under the ‘7 pathways to Reducing Reoffending’:
FCCT offer support under the seven pathways to reducing reoffending including signposting to relevant organisations:
- Accommodation
- Education, Training and Employment (ETE)
- Health
- Drug and Alcohol Misuse
- Finance, Benefits and Debts
- Children & Families
- Attitudes, Thinking and Behaviour.
Our aim is to help young people overcome hardships and make the positive transition back into wider society and to help to reduce reoffending rates.
Scope of Volunteer Main Role and Duties (not exhaustive):
Mentoring Arm:
- Work through a ‘Discharge List’ systematically, cross referencing with the Operations Manager, so as not to duplicate any work or contact with the young people (primarily of Muslim faith).
- Hand out and (where needed) help complete ‘Survey Questionnaires’ given to young people from the ‘Discharge List’, in order to ascertain what type of job or education sector the young person would be interested in going into. Forms to be given to the Operations Manager afterwards.
- Follow up with a one-to-one session – register the young person to the FCCT programme and completing relevant paperwork, which will include our ‘Client Profile Form’ and ‘Consent Form’.
- Update a shared ‘Client Spreadsheet’ which will be used to capture data information, as to the young people that FCCT are engaging with.
- Identify relevant Mosques etc for the young people to attend post release and contact said religious establishments, to understand their referral criteria and then make relevant referrals, where required.
- Collect testimonials from the young people in relation to the support FCCT have offered them.
- Mentoring of young people
- Make or facilitate family contacts for resettlement purposes, in relation to the young people.
We are looking for individuals who demonstrate the following attributes:
- Commitment: Shows commitment to the organisation, its values and its clients, understanding that the building of trust and consistency is key, in terms of the clientele FCCT work with.
- Communication: Communicates well both verbally and in writing. An ability to communicate effectively with young people would also be an added benefit.
- Resilience: Demonstrates patience and understanding in the face of challenges.
- Professionalism: Complies with all FCCT policies and procedures, particularly regarding Safeguarding, GDPR etc.
- Non-judgemental: Demonstrates empathy and openness and does not impose personal values or conscious or unconscious bias.
- Solution focused: Can help to identify issues and meets challenges with optimism and offers solutions, seeing them as an opportunity to learn.
Training and Support
We will provide all the necessary training. Training will be provided on an ongoing basis and volunteers will be given a full induction of the organisation and how the projects run. Volunteer expenses will be paid.
Time Required
FCCT ask for a minimum of 8 hours a month. Due to the flexibility of the role, the hours can be distributed over different days between the core hours of 9am - 5pm, including Sundays.
Benefits for Mentors Include
Volunteer Expenses will be paid
Training given, which includes modules such as an Introduction to Mentoring, The Criminal Justice System, Communication Skills etc
FCCT staff can provide references for other job/opportunities
Client front-facing work with people with complex needs
Liaison with statutory agencies within the prison
Liaison with community organisations
Liaison with other volunteers
Student Placements
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to make a real difference?
At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.
Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:
Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!
Increase Your Skills: Gain valuable retail experience you can add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.
Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.
Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.
Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!
What happens next?
After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!
We are Oxfam Together we can create a more equal future, free from poverty.



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!
Befriending Volunteer
You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wamdsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents.
Our Be-a-Friend service is one of our longest running services, matching people over 65, who live alone and have limited social contact, with a friendly local volunteer with similar hobbies and interests. The volunteer and their new friend set up a suitable time for them to meet each week for a chat and a cup of tea, which could be during the day, in the evening on the way home from work or even on the weekends . If you would prefer to volunteer from home, you can also be matched with an older person for telephone befriending. For many of our matched pairs, this is the beginning of a firm friendship.
Befriending Plus
Befriending Plus is an extended version of the Be-a-Friend programme, for individulas needing help with life admin and small tasks as well as companionship. For Befriending Plus pairs, time spent together can include helping to use a phone or tablet, helping the client to organise their file, going out for a coffee or popping to the post office together. This support can help older people to stay independent at home for longer, as well as increasing their confidence to do these tasks when the volunteer is not there.
Our mission is to help older people to age well in Wandsworth.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.
Tasks and Responsibilities
If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.
Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.
As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week.
Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.
As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.
Selection Criteria
A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:
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Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend
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Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing
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Be open-minded
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Be supportive
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Be reliable
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Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times
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Be accepting and non-judgemental
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Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout
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Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback
Requirements
- You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering.
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
- All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.
It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health.
Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:
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Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.
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Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?
Benefits to Volunteers
The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.
Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.
Application Process
You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.
You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you.
We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send.
Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way.
This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.
We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents.
Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision.
If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.
Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
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 description
We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Fulham Road store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.
About Octavia Foundation Shops
We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.
Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.
Job Type: Volunteer
Pay: n/a
Benefits:
- Travel Expenses claimable
- Store discount
Flexible language requirement:
- English not required
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
- Weekends only
Work Location: In person
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.