Community volunteers volunteer roles in blackheath, greater london
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.
Registered Charity
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.
Thank 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!
Volunteering for Sense
Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales. Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.
What your role will involve
There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:
- Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
- Receiving donated goods from members of the public
- Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
- Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
- Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
- Processing sales and serving on the till
- Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
- Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
- Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
- Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone
Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:
- Motivated and hardworking
- Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
- A team player
- Friendly and helpful
- Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
- Respectful of others and their diversity
- Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.
What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?
- A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
- Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
- A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
- The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
- The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
- The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind
- Access to Sense discounts and advice, including cashback and discounts on hight street brands, as well as 10% off at Sense charity shops.
About Sense
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.
We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.
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Thank you!
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 Brompton Fountain is a children's charity working with those impacted by heart and lung conditions in Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals. Our charity provides a wide range of vital resources, services, parent/carer amenities, and accommodation. We also fund medical equipment, facilities improvements and projects outside of the NHS remit. We are currently looking for a Fundraising and Events Volunteer to help our organisation .
We would like the volunteer to help with:
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Stewardship at events to help families and guests.
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Supporting staff with admin at these events so that processes run smoothly.
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Communicating with families and guests who may share personal stories related to the charity. Feeling comfortable and confident to speak to people about our charity and what we do.
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Organising resources for fundraising and event days e.g care packs, running shirts, signage.
You will be supporting our Community Lead and Fundraising Officer who will provide an overview of our existing processes and be there to help you every step of the way. The Brompton Fountain has a strong team of staff and volunteers who you will be working collaboratively with as a team to support the families we are in contact with.
Your input will greatly affect not only the current impact of the charity and how we are able to support the families who need our services, but the longevity and outreach of our work by committing yourself to fundraising for our cause.
Criteria
We are looking for a volunteer who:
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Does not need prior experience, passion and confidence are far more important!
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Is a great communicator and loves talking to people.
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Is confident and able to be proactive.
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Is flexible and adaptive.
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Is able to partake in physical labour e.g putting up gazebos and carrying around packages for events.
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Has attention to detail.
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Has the ability to drive or access travel around London and South-East as large/many items will be needed at events.
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Is an empathetic person who is willing to have discussions with families around topics like health issues, additional needs, and bereavement.
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Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these.
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Is willing to have an enhanced DBS check.
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Is willing to partake in safeguarding training.
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Is willing to partake in onboarding training to understand our charity and the mission in more detail.
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Must be over 18.
Location
Whilst we are based at Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney St, London SW3 6NP, your role will mainly be off site at different locations around London and the South-East to help at fundraising and community events.
Time
Due to our mission, we would greatly appreciate at least 6 weeks of your time, preferably more. This role would not be a set day a week, but rather be for fundraising and event days. These days would normally be Saturdays and Sundays, averaging once a month. We are an understanding and flexible organisation, and would be happy to discuss options with you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank 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!
�� Help us grow a movement – one post, one story, one child at a time.
About Us
Unify Giving India connects donors directly with education opportunities for underprivileged children through trusted local charities. We believe giving should be personal, transparent, and impactful – and we’re building the digital tools to make that happen.
The Role
We’re on the lookout for a Digital Marketing Volunteer to help shape our online presence and grow a vibrant, engaged community of changemakers. You'll have real ownership, creative freedom, and the chance to help us scale something meaningful.
What You’ll Be Doing
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Running our social channels (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter/X)
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Creating and managing smart, targeted ad campaigns
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Optimising our website content and boosting SEO
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Bringing our mission to life through powerful digital storytelling
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Tracking progress and learning what works – and what doesn’t
What We’re Looking For
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2+ years of digital marketing experience
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Comfortable across social media and ad platforms
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Great communicator in English (and ideally Hindi too)
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Creative, curious, and detail-oriented
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Genuinely passionate about social impact
What You’ll Get Out of It
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A chance to create real change in Indian communities
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Portfolio-worthy projects and new skills
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A flexible, remote setup (5–10 hours per week)
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A growing global network of purpose-driven people
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Certificate of volunteer service (and lots of gratitude!)
Sound like you?
Drop us a message – we’d love to chat ��
Non Charity Employer
11 - 20
Connecting donors directly with individuals expriencing homelessness.
Thank 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!
As a County Lead of South London you will be part of the establishment of a County St John Council to oversee and guide volunteer Community Networks aims to create a structured and supportive framework that empowers volunteers to operate more effectively and efficiently. By providing strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight, the council ensures that volunteer efforts align with community needs and priorities while avoiding duplication of services.
St John has embarked on a journey to achieve the goal of ensuring that every community and young person across the country is first aid confident.
We are looking for a leader with a passion for local volunteering and helping communities to inspire and support volunteers on this journey across your county
The post will also interact with relevant Communities of Practice to share learning, advice and best practice
Within this role, there will be focus on the fundraising element, so we would want you to be passionate about supporting, inspiring, and working with networks to develop fundraising plans and activity.
We are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to join our team as a Fundraising & Priory Lead. This role is a job share, where the post holder will focus primarily on the Fundraising aspect. You will work collaboratively with the Community Fundraising Manager and County President to craft and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan for the County.
The closing date for this vacancy is 16th July 2025
Thank 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!
We are recruiting Volunteer Team Leaders to lead and inspire! This is your chance to meet new people, gain new skills and experience and have fun whilst being part of a great cause.
Location: London, working from home
Recruiting for various Team Leaders for- so please specify.
-West London Sister Team Leader
-Slough Sister Team Leader
-Slough Brother Team Leader
-South London Brother Team Leader
-Luton Team Leader
Expenses: This is a voluntary position, but we reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy
Main tasks
We need individuals who can manage a group of volunteers within their region and work with Human Appeal staff members to ensure volunteers’ active involvement in events and campaigns.
Recruit new volunteers and lead current volunteers who will be allocated to your team
Communicate important campaign-related information to your team
Organise 2 Fundraising events or community projects with your team within an assigned budget in the year.
Actively attend and participate in Team Leader meetings and complete any actions allocated to you E.g Recruiting volunteers for online fundraising.
Work with the Human Appeal staff team to deliver campaigns and 2 in-person events for the year.
Organise and attend Monthly Meetings with your Volunteers
Where possible, support with Team Leader recruitment by joining the interviewing panel
Knowledge/Experience/Skills
We will provide you with the tools, training and support you need but here are a few things we are looking for:
Excellent communication, negotiation, influencing, innovation and interpersonal skills
Willingness to learn and develop as an individual and accept constructive feedback
Ability to build and maintain relationships with all levels of people
Ability to support and coordinate a diverse group of individuals
Ability to prioritise workload and work well in a team
Learning and Development
To enable you to take part in this opportunity Human Appeal will provide:
Leadership training to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to fulfil the role
A dedicated member of staff to provide ongoing support and supervision
Payment of “out of pocket” expenses in line with Human Appeal’s expenses policy
Webinars to provide you with the information you require for the campaign
A volunteer handbook that outlines the policies and procedures you need to be aware of whilst volunteering
Benefits of volunteering with us
By volunteering in an international charity, you will gain valuable skills, experience and knowledge. We will also offer:
Opportunities to take part in Human Appeal events and training programmes
Opportunity for you and your team run your own event for a Human Appeal project of your choice
Support from our HR Team in developing your CV and interviewing skills
Experience of operating within an international humanitarian charity
Offer to provide references after 3 months of volunteering
Excellent support as part of a friendly team with fun away days
Develop knowledge and skills in people management, social media, recruitment and project management
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We are looking for dedicated and experienced individuals to join our team at Sharewear Clothing Scheme as volunteer Trustees. In particular we are seeking to recruit a Chair of the Board of Trustees and are also interested in members of the Board of Trustees. Those with expertise in marketing, fundraising, financial management, safeguarding, people management or operational delivery would be particularly welcome. We are looking for individuals with previous experience as a trustee or other applicable skills to contribute through this volunteer role to our continued growth and achieving our mission.
Please submit a CV and brief covering letter outlining your motivation for and suitability for the post.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Birkbeck Students' Union is looking for two exceptional individuals to join our Board of Trustees as volunteer Lay Trustees. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the student experience at Birkbeck, guiding our strategic direction and ensuring we continue to support and enrich the lives of our diverse student body.
Role Overview: As a Lay Trustee, you will attend and actively participate in five Board of Trustee Meetings and five Finance & Audit Committee meetings per year. Your strategic oversight and governance will help ensure the Students' Union operates in line with its mission, values, and legal obligations. You will provide guidance and insight based on your expertise in one of the following areas Cybersecurity; Fundraising; Legal; and Marketing.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and motivation for applying. Applications should be sent via email by 13th April 2025.
Any questions about the role please email Yousuf Joondan (CEO).
Birkbeck Students' Union is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all individuals, regardless of background, who meet the role's criteria.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank 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!
Join Manor Gardens Welfare Trust (MGWT) as a Trustee and play a pivotal role in empowering communities to thrive. Help us deliver innovative, culturally competent services tackling inequalities and improving lives across Islington and beyond.
MGWT has been at the heart of community support since 1913, continuously evolving to meet contemporary challenges. Our dynamic hub in Upper Holloway supports over 2,600 people annually, promoting health, wellbeing, and social inclusion among diverse, underserved communities. Our services include multilingual advocacy, mental health support and therapy services, youth service provision as well as chairing Islington's award-winning Food Partnership working for a sustainable food system in the borough.
Although MGWT is a local charity, we have a notable track record of innovation and wider impact. We pioneered the first LGBTQ+ youth group in Europe and launched the UK's first specialist psychotherapy service for survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Our groundbreaking work continues to inform practices and policies at both local and national levels.
We are particularly seeking trustees with skills in fundraising (including expertise in securing grants from trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, statutory funding, legacies, and major gifts), Human Resources, and communications. Knowledge, experience, and a thorough understanding of the charity sector are essential, alongside a demonstrable commitment to our values. Previous board experience is desirable but not essential. We particularly welcome candidates with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address, including socioeconomic inequality, mental health, and the asylum process.
Trustees commit roughly 6 hours monthly, guiding strategic direction, ensuring effective governance, promoting equality and inclusion, and serving as ambassadors for MGWT’s vital work.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Become a Trustee at Sunrise Multicultural Project
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?
We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the future of Sunrise Multicultural Project.
As a trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping our strategy, ensuring we stay true to our mission, and supporting the development of initiatives that promote inclusivity and integration. We are seeking individuals with a range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences – whether in community work, finance, governance, fundraising, or marketing – who share our commitment to empowering minority groups and fostering a more connected, diverse community.
If you are eager to contribute your time, expertise, and passion, we would love to hear from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank 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 Clifford Heart Foundation
The Clifford Heart Foundation addresses a range of urgent social challenges affecting underserved communities, particularly individuals and families facing homelessness, poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to basic resources in Florida, USA. We recognize the systemic barriers that leave people without stable housing, proper hygiene, emotional support, or community reintegration opportunities. Our programs offer not just relief but also dignity, empowerment, and long-term solutions.
By providing essentials like care baskets, meals, community events, mentorship, and advocacy, we help people navigate hardship and rebuild their lives. Additionally, we aim to reduce the social isolation and stigma that often accompany homelessness by fostering a culture of compassion, community involvement, and systemic change. Our work is rooted in empathy and driven by the belief that everyone deserves to be seen, supported, and given a fair chance.
To Our Volunteers �� We’re a small but mighty nonprofit and we mean it. Most of the work we do is powered by just a few hands, a lot of heart, and a deep commitment to serving our community. That’s why your support means everything.
You're not just filling a role, you're helping us grow, scale, and reach more people who truly need us.
Whether you’re editing a video, sending an email, or showing up to serve, your time and energy matter deeply. We’re building something special, and we’re so grateful to have you as part of it.
We see you. We appreciate you. We’re growing because of you.
With love, Kytana & The Clifford Heart Foundation Team
Assistant (Operations & Admin)
Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)
Be the organized magic behind the mission. We’re looking for an Assistant who’s down to help keep things running smoothly. This role supports the founder directly and is perfect for someone who’s organized, proactive, and wants to get hands-on experience in nonprofit work, event planning, and social impact.
✨ What you'll do:
- Help with scheduling, outreach emails, and basic admin tasks
- Coordinate logistics for events, donations, and volunteer activities
- Assist with social media planning and content uploads when needed
- Keep track of supplies, vendors, and community requests
- Provide general support to help the team stay focused and moving
�� Bonus if you:
- Love organizing and can stay on top of a to-do list
- Are comfortable using Google Drive, email, Canva, etc.
- Want to learn how nonprofits are built from the inside out
Weekly Time Commitment
4-6 hours per week
Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)
3-5 months
Non Charity Employer
6 - 10
We connect professionals with impact startups matching their causes, skills & schedule.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank 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!
Volunteer Befriender
Octavia works with people affected by unemployment, ill health, social isolation or low income to connect them with opportunities for positive personal change. Our vision is to build stronger, happier and healthier communities in central and west London to help create an enriched life where we live. Please help us to do this by volunteering to befriend a member of the local community, who is isolated and vulnerable, in Westminster or Kensington and Chelsea.
Reasons to volunteer
Would you like to assist an isolated person in your local area? Would you like to provide them with the emotional support, social skills and confidence that will help them to feel happier in their everyday life?
You will know that you have helped someone to move on in their life and take part in society
Full induction, ongoing training and support. This includes training on: communication, empathy, health and safety, confidentiality and safeguarding
Opportunity to enhance your CV and to learn new skills
We are able to provide references to employers and/or further education establishments
Travel costs and out of pocket expenses reimbursed on the provision of receipts*
What would I be doing?
Meeting once a week with the person you have been matched with, in their own home or an agreed public place, at a mutually agreed time
Encourage communication on a shared interest or topic
Arrange activities and listen to your Befriendee with empathy and encouragement
On occasion you may be asked by your befriendee to accompany/escort them outside on a one to one basis or do some shopping in circumstances where they are unable to
What skills are we looking for?
Good communication skills
Understanding of empathy and the needs of people with isolation issues
Understanding of confidentiality
Able to use own initiative and work unsupervised, reliable and trustworthy
We ask that you volunteer for 1 hour per week, for a minimum of 6 months
Sounds great! How do I sign up?
When you aplply, we ask for 2 references but these do not need to be from employers. For instance, they can be character references from college tutors or support workers who know you well. We also carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks on all volunteers, but this would only happen if we both agree that Befriending is the right fit for you.
We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please contact us should you prefer to apply over the phone or via hard copy, for accessibility reasons. If you require any adjustments due to a disability (including: physical, psychological or neurological disease or disorders) in order to get the most out of your time volunteering with us, please do let us know so that we can ideally facilitate this.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank 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!
Volunteer Befriender
Octavia works with people affected by unemployment, ill health, social isolation or low income to connect them with opportunities for positive personal change. Our vision is to build stronger, happier and healthier communities in central and west London to help create an enriched life where we live. Please help us to do this by volunteering to befriend a member of the local community, who is isolated and vulnerable, in Westminster or Kensington and Chelsea.
Reasons to volunteer
Would you like to assist an isolated person in your local area? Would you like to provide them with the emotional support, social skills and confidence that will help them to feel happier in their everyday life?
You will know that you have helped someone to move on in their life and take part in society
Full induction, ongoing training and support. This includes training on: communication, empathy, health and safety, confidentiality and safeguarding
Opportunity to enhance your CV and to learn new skills
We are able to provide references to employers and/or further education establishments
Travel costs and out of pocket expenses reimbursed on the provision of receipts*
What would I be doing?
Meeting once a week with the person you have been matched with, in their own home or an agreed public place, at a mutually agreed time
Encourage communication on a shared interest or topic
Arrange activities and listen to your Befriendee with empathy and encouragement
On occasion you may be asked by your befriendee to accompany/escort them outside on a one to one basis or do some shopping in circumstances where they are unable to
What skills are we looking for?
Good communication skills
Understanding of empathy and the needs of people with isolation issues
Understanding of confidentiality
Able to use own initiative and work unsupervised, reliable and trustworthy
We ask that you volunteer for 1 hour per week, for a minimum of 6 months
Sounds great! How do I sign up?
When you aplply, we ask for 2 references but these do not need to be from employers. For instance, they can be character references from college tutors or support workers who know you well. We also carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks on all volunteers, but this would only happen if we both agree that Befriending is the right fit for you.
We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please contact us should you prefer to apply over the phone or via hard copy, for accessibility reasons. If you require any adjustments due to a disability (including: physical, psychological or neurological disease or disorders) in order to get the most out of your time volunteering with us, please do let us know so that we can ideally facilitate this.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank 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!
Could You Help a Young Refugee Find Their Path?
Are you passionate about supporting young refugees and asylum seekers as they begin their journey into the UK workforce? Become a Volunteer Mentor with Breadwinners!
What Does a Volunteer Mentor Do?
As a volunteer mentor, you'll be paired with a young person in one of our two core programmes:
- Risers Programme (2 months): For young asylum seekers aged 16-24 who are awaiting refugee status.
- Breadwinners Programme (6 months): For refugees with the right to work in the UK, helping them gain vital skills and experience.
Most mentors will work with our Risers, as this program is more fast-paced, but opportunities exist to mentor our Breadwinners too.
Your role? Help your mentee gain hands-on work experience at one of our weekend market stalls and lead weekly 1:1 mentoring sessions. These sessions are designed to develop employability skills, explore future goals, and foster social connections. Many of our mentors build lasting relationships with their mentees even after the program ends.
Time Commitment:
- Market Shifts: 2 hours per weekend (Saturday or Sunday).
- 1:1 Mentoring: 1 hour per week, in person or online, to support career development.
- Ongoing Support: Stay in touch via text or calls during the week to help with logistics and provide encouragement.
What Our Graduates Say:
“Having a mentor helped me feel more confident. I could ask questions, felt motivated, and learned new things. It was nice to have conversations about my future and how to succeed.”
— Sura, Risers Graduate
Who Are We Looking For?
You don’t need special qualifications to be a mentor—just a good understanding of working in the UK, strong communication skills, and a passion for helping young people succeed. If you’re ready to make a real difference and become part of a fun, supportive community, this role is for you!
Feeling Inspired?
Apply today and join us in helping young refugees build brighter futures!
We recruit every January, April, July, October.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
We support young refugees well-being by providing them with work, training and mentoring.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Help shape the future of Merton’s vibrant voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.
Merton Connected is seeking two to three new trustees to join our experienced board at an exciting time of growth. We’re looking for people who bring curiosity, strategic thinking, and a commitment to inclusive community development; whether this is your first governance role or you’ve supported other organisations before.
You’ll help shape our strategy, strengthen good governance, and champion the voices of local organisations and residents. You’ll be part of a collaborative board that works closely with our leadership team to support a thriving voluntary, community and faith sector in Merton.
We’re particularly keen to hear from individuals with insight or experience in:
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Marketing and communications
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Digital and AI operations
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Income generation and fundraising
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Impact and performance measurement
We also welcome diverse lived experience, fresh perspectives, and strong local connection to Merton.
What you’ll gain:
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A chance to influence local priorities and make a meaningful difference to people’s lives
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Insight into the workings of a well-connected, values-driven infrastructure charity
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Opportunities to share your knowledge and develop your strategic and leadership skills
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A welcoming, inclusive board committed to learning and collective impact
Time commitment: 4–6 meetings per year (including strategy days), with occasional subgroups or events
Support offered: Full induction provided, with out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed
We’re taking a flexible, phased approach to recruitment to make it easier for people to apply over the summer, while encouraging early applications where possible.
- Apply by 17:00 on Friday 11th of July to be considered as part of our first round of shortlisting
- Interviews for this first phase are likely to take place in mid to late July
- Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis until places are filled.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.