Community volunteers volunteer roles in east molesey, surrey
Design the Programmes That Bring People Back to Life
We are a brand NEW start-up Charity and WE need YOUR Help!
Loneliness doesn’t always look like silence. Sometimes it’s a smile that doesn’t reach the eyes, or a voice that hasn’t been heard in days. SUNSHINE is a new, grassroots charity built to change that—by creating spaces where people feel connected, confident, and cared for.
We’re launching coffee mornings, digital inclusion workshops, fitness groups, and befriending programmes—all designed to rebuild community from the ground up. But we need someone to lead the charge.
Why This Role Matters
As our Programme and Projects Manager, you’ll be the architect of impact. You’ll take our vision and turn it into real-world programmes that combat isolation and foster belonging. From planning to delivery, you’ll help shape the heartbeat of SUNSHINE.
This is a vital role for someone who wants to make things happen—and make them matter.
What You’ll Do
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Design and launch community programmes that address loneliness and promote wellbeing.
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Coordinate volunteers and partners to deliver impactful, inclusive activities.
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Develop project plans, timelines, and feedback loops to ensure continuous improvement.
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Collaborate with our Founder and our Trustees to align programmes with our mission and values.
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Help us measure impact—capturing the stories and statistics that show real change.
What You’ll Bring
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Experience in project or programme management (professional or volunteer).
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A creative, compassionate mindset and a drive to make things better.
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Strong organisational skills and the ability to turn ideas into action.
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A belief in the power of community to heal and uplift.
What You’ll Gain
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The chance to shape a charity from the ground up.
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A meaningful role in transforming lives and building connection.
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A team of passionate changemakers who value your leadership and care.
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Legacy, purpose, and the joy of seeing your work make a real difference.
Let’s build programmes that bring people back into the light. Let’s be the sunshine.
JOIN OUR TEAM
Be The SUNSHINE In Peoples Lives
SUNSHINE is London based dedicated to bringing people together, fostering connections, enhancing wellbeing and transforming lives.

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: Fundraising Events Volunteer – Event Organiser
Location: Watford (hybrid)
Time Commitment: Flexible depending on events, 6 months minimum
About Us
Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership is committed to supporting refugees and asylum seekers through practical help, advocacy, and community connection. Fundraising events are essential to raising the funds and awareness needed to continue our work.
Role Summary
We are looking for an organised and motivated volunteer to take the lead in planning and delivering fundraising events. From idea to execution, you will play a key role in creating impactful, engaging events that support our mission and bring communities together.
Key Responsibilities
· Plan and organise fundraising events (e.g. benefit concerts, community dinners, quizzes and sponsored walks)
· Coordinate logistics such as venues, suppliers, schedules, and permits
· Recruit and manage other event volunteers, with support from the volunteer coordinator
· Promote events through flyers, social media, and local networks
· Manage event budgets and donations, with support from the fundraising team
· Ensure health and safety and accessibility considerations are met
· Evaluate event success and contribute to future planning
Skills and Qualities
· Strong organisational and time management skills
· Creativity and initiative in developing fundraising ideas
· Good communication and teamwork abilities
· Comfortable working independently with guidance
· Passion for refugee support and social justice
· Experience in events is a plus, but not essential
What You’ll Gain
· Hands-on experience in event planning and nonprofit fundraising
· Development of leadership, coordination, and communication skills
· Opportunity to see the direct impact of your work
Training and Support
. Induction and event planning guidance and training
· Ongoing support from the Fundraising Lead
· Access to charity resources and networks
· Reimbursement of expenses
Apply:
Please apply by sending you CV.
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!
Why we want you: Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. The friendly faces and warm welcome provided by branch volunteers mean attendees get the most from the group, with the activities on offer running smoothly.
What you will be doing: Core to group meetings, you'll help set up the venue, offering a warm welcome to all attendees; assist with fundraising events; getting involved in the activities the group offers - joining in to get the most out of these for you too.
The skills you need: Good communication skills; supportive; able to listen to the needs of people with Parkinson's, and reflect these to the group to shape the support provided; honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group.
What's in it for you: You'll make new friends and meet new people, both in the branch and in the local community; you'll be making a real difference for people affected by Parkinson's in your community; developing valuable organisational and people skills; you'll be part of a movement of people improving the lives of people affected by Parkinson's; you'll be able to take part in the activities of the group.
We exist to make every day better, for everybody living with Parkinson’s. Right now.

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!
Join FARA, a charity with over 30 years of experience and 40 charity shops across London. Our Chiswick Kids store is looking for a dedicated Retail Volunteer to assist us a minimum of 4 hours per week. By volunteering with us, you'll not only support our charitable work but also contribute to creating a positive experience for our community of customers. You'll also play a key role in ensuring that items FARA cannot sell are responsibly redirected, helping us further our commitment to a sustainable economy.
The Role:
As a volunteer, your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):
- Tagging clothes
- Pricing books
- Assisting with the placement of merchandise on shelves
- Creating engaging displays
- Greeting and assisting customers
The Volunteer:
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has a genuine passion for volunteering
- Is friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic
- Ideally connected with the local area
- Has a minimum of 4 hours per week to volunteer with us
What’s in it for You?
At FARA, our shops are run by welcoming, collaborative teams where everyone works together. You'll gain valuable experience, working alongside supportive colleagues who help each other develop, challenge, and celebrate each other's contributions. Full training will be provided, and we offer a positive and safe environment where you can learn and enhance your skills.
Your Time:
Our shop operates from 09:30 to 17:30, and we're looking for someone who can volunteer for a minimum of 4 hours per week. We are happy to accommodate flexible hours to fit your schedule.
If this sounds like the role for you, please click the "Apply" button.
FARA is committed to creating an inclusive environment. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please don't hesitate to let us know.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a qualified Yoga Instructor who would enjoy facilitating weekly sessions to help individuals with their general well-being. This is an opportunity for you to share techniques with others.
Practicing yoga and mindfulness aim to quiet the mind in order to cultivate a deeper connection to and understanding of oneself. They both help with breathing techniques, pay attention to bodily sensations and learn to accept reality as it is in that moment. Mindfulness refers to focusing your attention on what you are experiencing in the present moment without judging yourself. Practicing yoga has been shown to increase mindfulness not just in class session, but in other areas of a person's life.
We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.
In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.
We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.
What you will be doing
- Design session plans enabling all group members to increase fitness, suppleness and help them relax
- Teach the group yoga postures and breathing techniques which allow a range of mixed ages and abilities to participate
- Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group activities where possible and encourage the group to help design future sessions
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team
The skills you need
- Skilled and qualified Yoga Instructor
- Good communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.




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 Role
At Living Reasons, we want to change the face of fundraising and entertainment events. We’re not interested in repeating outdated models — instead, we want to create immersive, innovative, and accessible experiences that engage supporters in brand new ways.
The Events & Entertainments Lead will play a key role in making this vision a reality. You’ll oversee events and entertainment coordinators working on specific projects, ensuring events are well-planned, properly funded, safe, and accessible to all. At the same time, you’ll work with the wider team to design bold, creative, and inclusive experiences — from accessibility-led escape rooms to sensory events, to interactive challenges inspired by shows like The Traitors.
This role is about big thinking, imagination, and leadership. It’s perfect for someone who wants to push boundaries and reimagine what fundraising and entertainment events can look like.
Key Responsibilities
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Oversee and support Events & Entertainments Coordinators delivering specific projects.
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Ensure all events are effectively planned and funded, including managing:
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Health & Safety requirements
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Insurance needs
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Accessibility and inclusivity considerations
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Work with the wider Events, Entertainments & Challenges team to design new, engaging opportunities for supporters.
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Develop immersive, creative experiences that break the mould of traditional fundraising events.
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Build and lead a team of creative volunteers, supporting them to contribute ideas and take ownership of projects.
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Help ensure events raise vital funds to support Living Reasons’ work, while also being enjoyable, inclusive, and meaningful for all participants.
What We’re Looking For
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A creative thinker who sees beyond traditional event formats.
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Strong organisational and planning skills.
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Ability to lead and inspire a team of coordinators and volunteers.
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Confidence in problem-solving and thinking outside the box.
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A commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in every project.
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Enthusiasm for fundraising and creating unique supporter experiences.
What You’ll Gain
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A chance to develop and showcase leadership, event management, and creative design skills.
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Experience in building and leading a team of passionate volunteers.
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The opportunity to test bold ideas and bring innovative events to life.
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The knowledge that your creativity is directly supporting meaningful change.
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A supportive, collaborative environment where your ideas are valued.
Interested?
If you’re excited about reimagining events and entertainment, we’d love to hear from you. Bring your ideas, your energy, and your creativity — and let’s design the future of events together.
To create equality and equity in all areas of society, opening opportunities that are less damaging and focused on the person as a whole.

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!
Providing a confidential non-judgemental listening ear to Residents and Staff. Supporting those wishing to develop their spiritual journey from a Christian perspective. The role will be based across one of our hostels in Watford, Borehamwood, Bishop's Stortford, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield or High Wycombe,
Activities include:
- Proactively engaging with Residents and staff to build safe relationships and trust
- Offering a ‘listening ear’ to all and giving emotional support
- Sensitively discerning when to offer prayer and support from a Christian perspective, and when to use faith based language
- Be inclusive and welcoming to people of all religious faiths and none, referring people to other faith communities as appropriate
- Working alongside support staff, volunteers & local agencies
- Maintaining records of support and feeding back concerns about Resident welfare to Staff/Line Manager.
- Attend regular volunteer team meetings
- Being proactive in seeking spiritual and emotional support for your own benefit as this is a challenging role.
Additional activities could include:
- Facilitating group work for example: Retreat Programme, Bible Study, prayer or Mental Health Support.
- Welcoming new Residents by phone or in person
- Leading or helping with Chaplaincy lead events: Easter/Christmas activities, Remembrance Services
- Being an ambassador for YMCA’s mission in local Churches
Skills/Qualities/Experience:
- Be a good and active listener who can support others
- Be of a friendly, welcoming and cheerful disposition
- Self-motivated, reliable and punctual
- Sensitivity and courage to care for people experiencing a range of distressing situations including: grief, trauma, poor mental health, substance misuse, suicidal thoughts.
- A commitment to your own spiritual development
- A good understanding of the Christian faith, as well as some understanding of other faith traditions
- Ability to use both faith and non-faith based language, as appropriate
- Good communication skills in English; in person & over the phone
- A willingness to learn new things and get stuck in
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Respect the Christian ethos of the YMCA and uphold its values
- Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have
Training Support:
- A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided
- A one day ‘Chaplaincy Essentials’ training, plus a menu of additional training will be made available
- Online training: Safeguarding (Adults & Young People), Fire Awareness, Manual Handling
- Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line-manager
- Team meetings and social events
- Mileage and expenses may be payable
You will need 2 x references and a DBS (we will apply for and fund this).
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
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!
Join FARA, a charity with over 30 years of experience and 40 charity shops across London. Our New Kings Road store is looking for a dedicated Retail Volunteer to assist us on a Thursday. By volunteering with us, you'll not only support our charitable work but also contribute to creating a positive experience for our community of customers. You'll also play a key role in ensuring that items FARA cannot sell are responsibly redirected, helping us further our commitment to a sustainable economy.
The Role:
As a volunteer, your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):
- Assisting customers behind the till
- Assisting with the placement of merchandise on shelves
- Creating engaging displays
- Greeting and assisting customers
The Volunteer:
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has a genuine passion for volunteering
- Is friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic
- Ideally connected with the local area
What’s in it for You?
At FARA, our shops are run by welcoming, collaborative teams where everyone works together. You'll gain valuable experience, working alongside supportive colleagues who help each other develop, challenge, and celebrate each other's contributions. Full training will be provided, and we offer a positive and safe environment where you can learn and enhance your skills.
Your Time:
Our shop operates from 10:00 to 18:00, and we're looking for someone who can volunteer for a minimum of 4 hours on a Thursday. We are happy to accommodate flexible hours to fit your schedule.
If this sounds like the role for you, please click the "Apply" button.
FARA is committed to creating an inclusive environment. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please don't hesitate to let us know.
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!
Be a hero to a young person in care!
Are you looking for a meaningful, long-term volunteering role where you can make a positive difference in a young person’s life?
If yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
We’re seeking compassionate, reliable adults to become Independent Visitors - volunteer mentors and trusted friends to children and young people in care.
What is an Independent Visitor?
An Independent Visitor (IV) is a volunteer befriender and mentor who visits a young person in care once a month, usually on weekends, to enjoy fun, supportive activities together. As an IV, you’ll be a consistent, caring adult outside their professional network - someone who chooses to be there, just for them.
This is a long-term role, and we ask volunteers to commit to at least two years to help build a strong, stable relationship.
We’re especially keen to hear from volunteers based in or near London and Kent, where many of our young people live.
Why it matters
Young people in care often face instability and frequent change. Having a consistent adult who listens, encourages and simply spends time with them can be life changing.
“My IV is the one person who’s always there for me. They make me feel like I matter.” Young Person in Care.
Who can volunteer?
You don’t need previous experience - just the right values and commitment. We’re looking for caring people who are:
- Friendly and approachable
- Patient, empathetic and consistent
- A good listener
- Committed to visiting once a month for at least two years
- Willing to complete training and safeguarding checks
We particularly welcome applications from male volunteers and individuals from Black, Asian and other underrepresented communities.
What will you be doing?
As an Independent Visitor, you’ll:
- Meet your young person once a month for activities like going to the cinema, bowling, exploring parks or just having a chat
- Suggest age-appropriate outings based on their interests
- Keep in touch between visits with a weekly call or message (if they’d like)
- Occasionally join in on group events
- Create meaningful, lasting memories
Please note that all travel and activity expenses will be covered.
Training & ongoing support
Before you start, we’ll provide:
- Full initial training
- Ongoing support and one-to-one supervision
- Access to additional training through Southwark’s volunteer resources
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!
Who are we?
We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for volunteers to help to create some backdrops (that fold down small please, storage is an issue!) that we can use at our events and interactive workshops. Our workshop and safe bubble is all about creating an imaginative world and we want to make the experience as immersive as possible for families. We have already created a magical world called Bubble World and now we want to bring it to life.
Who are we looking for?
- Somebody who is fun loving
- Creative
- Artistic
- Collaborative
What do we expect?
- Must be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.
- Have a basic DBS check (preferably be on the update system)
- Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if appropriate).
- A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answe questions on this.
Interested?
Email us and lets chat.
If you require any adjustments please feel free to talk to us. Any information given will be kept in the strictest of confidence.
To increase inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.
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!
Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the Croydon Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels.
Time commitment
We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.
Apply
1. Read through the role description carefully
2. Please apply online
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
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!
Give Back to Children in Your Community with The Kids Network
Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or find a meaningful way to use your time? The Kids Network offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children while practicing your skills and connecting with others.
If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.
Why Choose The Kids Network?
- Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
- Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
- Proven Impact: With 100% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring.
Impact on Mentees
- Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
- Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
- Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
Connection
- Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
- Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
- Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.
Your Role as a Mentor
As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.
Join Us Today
Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.
For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website
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 a small charity with a big heart and help shape our future.
Barefoot and Free is a grassroots UK-based charity funding respite breaks for families with neurodivergent children or children affected by trauma. We're growing from the ground up and we’re looking for passionate, creative Volunteer Fundraising Champions to grow with us.
This is more than a stepping stone role. It’s a real opportunity to be part of something long term that's meaningful, mission-driven, and deeply rewarding. You'll play a key role in shaping a small charity with huge potential and your efforts will directly impact the lives of families who truly need support.
Why Join Us?
Grassroots charity work is full of heart but it’s not without its challenges. We don’t have huge budgets, so we need fundraisers who can think outside the box, raise funds rather than spend funds and inspire others to get behind the cause.
But the rewards? They’re immense:
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You’ll see the direct results of your work as we grow together.
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You’ll gain invaluable experience for your CV and future roles in the third sector.
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You’ll be part of a close-knit team where your ideas and efforts are truly valued and supported.
Your Role
As a Volunteer Fundraising Champion, you’ll help us raise the funds we need to provide life-changing breaks for families. You’ll be the creative spark and the friendly face behind fundraising efforts that make a real difference.
Key Responsibilities:
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Plan, organise and deliver creative fundraising activities (raffles, online quizzes, challenge events, etc.)
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Engage and support individual fundraisers (e.g. sponsored runners, event hosts)
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Act as a key contact for fundraising volunteers providing encouragement, advice, and practical support
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Develop and maintain a central fundraising tracker (Excel or similar)
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Log all fundraising activity, targets, and deadlines
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Collaborate with our social media volunteer to promote campaigns
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Support recruitment and onboarding of new fundraising volunteers
What You’ll Bring
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Clear, friendly written and verbal communication
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Creativity and confidence in engaging with people online and offline
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Strong organisation and time management skills
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Self-motivation and the ability to work independently
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A genuine passion for our mission and grassroots charity work
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Experience in fundraising or event planning is helpful but not essential, heart and drive matter more
Time Commitment
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Flexible and remote
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Around 2 to 5 hours per week
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We’ll work around your availability this role can fit around your life, studies, job, or family
What You’ll Gain
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Hands-on experience in fundraising, event planning and project coordination
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Something impressive and meaningful for your CV or portfolio
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Real-world charity sector experience
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Friendly support and mentoring from a passionate team
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A strong sense of purpose, knowing your efforts directly support families in need
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References available on request
How to Apply
Please send a recent CV along with a short note about yourself, including any relevant fundraising or event planning experience (formal or informal!).
We can’t wait to hear from you and hopefully welcome you to the Barefoot and Free family.
Providing funded respite breaks for families of neurodivergent children and children affected by trauma.
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!
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
Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. The purpose of this role is to support the organisation with communications and administration at a local level. You’ll play an active part in the branch committee and support the branch with record keeping and planning, thus enabling more cats to be helped.
You 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:
- Disseminating relevant organisation-wide information and updates to the branch volunteers
- Supporting engagement and communication between the branch and wider organisation
- Drafting committee meeting agendas and taking and sharing meeting minutes
- Supporting the efficient running of the branch by ensuring administration processes are carried out effectively
- Supporting the administration and update of the branch annual plan
- Sign-posting queries from members of the public
- Keeping branch records and information up to date and secure, using Cats Protection systems – training will be provided
Time expectation
Our support volunteers usually spend 2-5 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.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


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.