Community volunteers volunteer roles in sydenham, greater london

This role is key to building Aspire’s visibility in the local community and connecting with individuals who may be in need of support but unaware of available services. Outreach volunteers help create a warm, informed bridge between Aspire and the public.

About us

The Maudsley Hospital in Camberwell first opened in 1915, initially as a military hospital and then in 1923 as a psychiatric hospital. The hospital is home to both inpatient and outpatient services for children and adults. We provide more than 240 services to people in our local communities as well as being the UK's leading provider of national and specialist services.

About the role

We would like to develop a mobile library project across our wards at Maudsley Hospital in Southwark. We are looking for 2-4 volunteers to support this. With this project we envisage that volunteers would go onto the wards and sit or stand in communal areas offering and supporting service users to choose books of interest. The library would be a mixture of fiction and non-fiction books with some activity sheets e.g. word searches, cross words, therapeutic colouring in, journalling resources etc. The role could also involve procuring new book donations externally. 

You will help support service users to find books that match their interests and are accessible in font size, language, and current reading ability. You will also help to procure new book donations for the library from the public, staff at the Trust, and external sources. You will help to organise donated books into genres, which would include library spaces and bookshelves. You will have the opportunity to develop and evaluate the project in line with service user and staff involvement

About you

This role is available on weekdays between 9:00am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-5:00pm. The expected commitment is 2-3 hours a week, for a minimum of 9 months. 

This role is suitable for volunteers who are 18 years or older. People with lived experience of mental health conditions are encouraged to apply.

Overview:
We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to assist in the operation of our new community cafe. Volunteers will support the Community Cafe Managers in delivering excellent customer service, making & serving meals (sandwiches, salads, daily specials) maintaining the cafe, and engaging with the community. This is a great opportunity to contribute to a vibrant community hub, gain valuable experience, and meet new people.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Customer Service:
   - Greet and welcome customers warmly.
   - Take customer orders and process payments.
   - Make & serve food and beverages to customers.
   - Handle customer inquiries and provide information about the cafe and its offerings.

2. Cafe Maintenance:
   - Assist in setting up and closing down the cafe each day.
   - Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in all areas of the cafe, including the kitchen, dining area, and restrooms.
   - Wash dishes, clean tables, and ensure the cafe is tidy and presentable at all times.

3. Stock Management:
   - Help monitor stock levels and report low supplies to the manager.
   - Assist with the receipt, storage, and organisation of deliveries.
   - Restock shelves and display areas as needed.

4. Community Engagement:
   - Support community events and group activities held in the cafe.
   - Engage with customers and community members, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
   - Help promote community programs and initiatives.

5. Team Collaboration:
   - Work collaboratively with other volunteers and staff members.
   - Attend training sessions and team meetings as required.
   - Provide feedback and suggestions to improve cafe operations.

Qualifications:
- Passion for Community Service: Enthusiasm for helping and engaging with the community.
- Customer Service Skills: Ability to interact positively with customers and provide excellent service.
- Reliability: Dependable and punctual, with a commitment to fulfilling scheduled shifts.
- Team Player: Willingness to work as part of a team and support fellow volunteers and staff.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to assist with various tasks and adapt to changing needs.
- Basic Food Handling Knowledge: Understanding of basic food hygiene practices (training will be provided).

Time Commitment:
- 4 hr shifts are available on weekdays and weekends, with flexible scheduling options.

Benefits:
- Experience: Gain valuable experience in customer service, hospitality, and community engagement.
- Training: Receive training and support from experienced managers and team members.
- Community Involvement: Make a positive impact in your community and meet new people.
- Recognition: Be part of a supportive team that values your contributions.

Application
Please fill in this application form: https://zfrmz.eu/teuq7xUKAFr5FfxDGQ9V and we will give you a call
 

Community Co-Lead

Role Type: Volunteer
Time Commitment: Flexible – support at 1–2 events/month or as needed
Location: In-person at walks/events

About the role:
This is a people-first role. As Community Co-Lead, you help ensure everyone feels welcome and looked after at events. You’ll be the warm, grounding presence who checks in on attendees, helps ease social nerves, and sets a kind tone for the space.

You might enjoy this role if you:

• Naturally check in on people and help them feel included

• Are warm, grounded, and good at reading group energy

• Love community and believe in gentle leadership

• Want to help create a safe, open-hearted atmosphere

Role Description: 

This role sits within our new Coproduction and Transformation Project

The role of the Co-Production Volunteer is central to the success of the Co-Production and Transformation and Engagement Project. Volunteers bring lived experience, local knowledge, and critical perspectives to support the redesign of mental health services, so they are inclusive, accessible, and rooted in the real needs of those who use them.

This role exists to ensure that service users, carers, and community members have a meaningful voice in shaping decisions that affect care delivery. Volunteers will work alongside professionals, clinical teams, and other stakeholders to challenge assumptions, identify gaps, highlight strengths, and co-create improvements. Whether drawing from personal experiences of mental health challenges, supporting someone through the system, or working in the community, volunteers act as equal partners in transformation. They help build bridges between professionals and service users, promote accountability, and encourage a culture of openness and innovation.

Through structured engagement such as workshops, advisory groups, feedback panels, and co-design activities, the Co-Production Volunteers will contribute to the long-term sustainability and responsiveness of mental health services. Their insights help ensure that care is not only clinically effective but also emotionally safe, culturally sensitive, and aligned with what matters most to the people it serves.

Main Tasks

· Attend monthly co-production workshops, steering groups, or feedback sessions

· Share personal and/or collective experiences to inform service transformation

· Provide administrative support- send and respond to emails, input information on our database

· Review materials and provide feedback (e.g., policies, pathways, information leaflets)

· Participate in recruitment panels, focus groups, and pilot testing where appropriate

· Help create accessible, inclusive spaces that welcome diverse voices

· Promote equality, dignity, and psychological safety within meetings

· Support evaluation activities and co-authoring of reports or recommendations

· Uphold HFEH Mind values and behaviours

We are looking for someone who:

· Has lived experience of mental health challenges

· Good communicator

· Passionate about improving NHS West London Mental Health services

· Are a non-judgmental and friendly individual 

· Lived experience of mental health services (personal or as a carer/family member/community member)

· A commitment to improving mental health care and reducing stigma

· Willingness to share personal insights in a respectful and constructive way

· Openness to listen and engage with others from diverse backgrounds

· Ability to attend meetings and participate reliably (online or in person)

· Basic communication and interpersonal skills (speaking, listening, expressing views)

· Comfortable working as part of a group, including with professionals and other volunteers

· Respect for confidentiality and group boundaries

· Ability to reflect, ask questions, and provide feedback on ideas, documents or processes

· Interest in learning about co-production, service transformation or health improvement

· Respect for inclusion, anti-discrimination, and safeguarding practices

· Willingness to learn digital tools (such as Zoom or MS Teams) with support if needed

· An understanding of the local community context and the challenges people may face accessing care

As part of our commitment to equality and inclusion, we actively encourage applications from people with lived experience of or a strong interest in:

• Black and Minority Ethnic Communities
• Civic Responsibility and Communities
• Disability
• Employment, Education and Training
• Health and Social Care
• Homeless and Housing

What's in it for the Coproduction Volunteer? 

Joining our Service User Network is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognized charity, whilst supporting positive changes within the NHS West London Trust. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organization. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector. 

Do you believe that no one in North and East London should have to call the streets ‘their home’ and that everyone deserves the right to a safe, secure, and settled home?

If yes, we are the opportunity for you!

Citadel Community Connectors London is a community-based, volunteer-led support service, designed to help end homelessness and make a real difference to the lives of those who need it most.

Our volunteers help individuals both emotionally and practically in making the move to safe and secure housing. This can include finding and settling into a new home, setting up utilities and bills, sourcing furniture and decorating. Volunteers also help individuals to connect and engage with relevant support providers and networks to help ensure new tenancies are a success.

Our support can be as simple as having a coffee, providing a listening ear, and letting an individual know that someone cares. Our volunteers also bring us ideas, and experiences to shape how we make a difference.

Volunteers receive a full induction, training, and ongoing supervision. This is a great opportunity to make a real difference in the community while connecting with like-minded, caring individuals.

We ask that you commit to volunteering for at least an hour a week, for up to six months, and participate in our induction, training, and ongoing support. We will arrange a DBS check, and you will be entitled to reasonable expenses and travel costs.

Could you lend a hand and be part of the solution?

If you live in any of the following Northeast London boroughs Newham, Havering, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, Hackney, Islington, Barnet, or Enfield or if you are willing to travel across boroughs, we would love to hear from you.

Job Types: Volunteer part-time

Contract length: 6 months Expected hours: 1-3 hrs per week

Benefits:Travel and Refreshments costs

Schedule: Flexitime (Mornings, afternoon or evening) Work Location: In person

Contract length: 6 months      

Expected hours: 1 – 3 per week

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

Bromley Experts by Experience runs different events for our members, and for the wider local Deaf and Disabled Community. Most events are monthly – apart from our annual Disability Pride. Events offer opportunities for Deaf and Disabled people to share ideas, feedback on local issues and get to know each other. Each event has two members of staff present, organising the agenda, setting up the room and supporting the tech to include online attendees. 

Welcome Volunteers help event attendees have a comfortable, accessible experience. They greet attendees arriving by taxi, direct people around the venue, pop the kettle on, and say hello to those coming along for the first time. Right before, and right after the event can get busy, having someone to specifically welcome attendees, and get them settled in, makes a big difference! 

What is involved:

Our Community Events include monthly Coffee & Chats – where members can socialise and meet new people and Forums – where members can share their lived experience and feedback on local services. 

• We send event dates, regularly in advance, and ask you to indicate which you can do. We’ll then check shortly before if anything has changed – we understand it sometimes does! 
• On the day – attend the relevant venue, for the events you are supporting. 

Staff will ask you to support attendees, by doing one or more of the following: 

• Meeting attendees from taxis and show them into the venue. 
• Greeting attendees as they come into the event space. 
• Helping attendees find a seat. 
• Making new or nervous attendees feel comfortable and welcome. 
• Introducing new attendees to each other or to staff at the event. 
• Asking if attendees would like a drink and popping the kettle on. 
• Letting people know where the toilets and other facilities are. 
• Handing out and collecting feedback forms. 
• Taking attendees back to taxis after the event closes. 

IMPORTANT: As a Deaf and Disabled People’s organisation, our regulations require that our staff, trustees and volunteers bring with them lived experience of disability (self-identified or otherwise). See how we define this below.

When / Where / How often?:

• We ask Welcome Volunteers to help at a minimum of two events each year. 
• Monthly events (Coffee & Chat and Forums) happen at Community House, South Street, Bromley, BR1 1RH on selected Thursday afternoons between 2pm to 4pm. Check the events page of our website for dates. 
• For monthly events, you will usually be needed at the start and end. 
• We ask Welcome Volunteers to arrive by 1.30pm. 
• You are welcome to stay for refreshments, or to go and come back. (You need to return by 3.55pm ready to help attendees leaving).

What you will get out of it:

• Receive a Volunteer Welcome and ongoing support from X by X.  
• Meet new people and be part of a team.  
• Experience of inclusive and accessible events. 
• Practice your interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Out of pocket travel expenses and free refreshments during the event. 
• Know you are part of creating a more accessible experience for attendees.

What we ask of you:

• Attend the events and meetings that you agree you are available for, and if something changes in your availability, let us know as soon as you can.
• Treat everyone with respect and in an inclusive way.  
• Follow event staff instructions on the day. 
• Volunteer at a minimum of two events each year. 
• Be on time and let us know if you’re running late. 
• Be available for the duration of the event, unless otherwise agreed. 

Key skills and qualities

• A belief that Disabled People can and should be actively welcomed and included in our communities. An understanding that it is barriers in society that make that harder. This is called the Social Model of Disability. 
• Lived Experience of disability (can be self-identified)
• An inclusive, non-judgemental attitude. 
• Able to make people feel included and relaxed. 
• Comfortable with people and communicating in a way that is accessible to you. 

What we mean by lived experience of disability:

As we follow the Social Model of Disability, our definition of Disabled person includes anyone who is being discriminated against or disabled by barriers in society, including:

• People with physical impairment
• People with visual impairment
• Deaf people
• People with hearing impairment
• People who are neurodivergent
• People with learning difficulties/disabilities
• People who experience mental health conditions/mental distress
• People with long-term health conditions

We recognise that a lot of these impairments are invisible and many people have more than one impairment.

We are currently looking for a Volunteer Trustee to join our Charity to further the aims of the organisation, in keeping within its charitable objectives.

Please see attahced Role Description with full details of the role.

About Life: 

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.   

Our services include   

• Supported housing and community support   
• Counselling and skilled listening   
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies  

Our values 

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values: 

• Humanity – All people are special and equal 
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you 
• Community – We’re better together 
• Charity – Doing good for one another 
• Common good – Building a better world 

At BIAS, we’re looking for personable and kind individuals to join our Be-A-Friend scheme and help reduce social isolation amongst older members of the Irish community in Brent.

Our Be-A-Friend scheme connects volunteers with older people who may be living on their own. Whether through a friendly visit or a chat on the phone, your time will bring companionship and joy to someone, making a real difference in their life.

The role is flexible, allowing you to volunteer at times that suit your schedule. While we encourage a regular commitment (such as once a week) to build meaningful connections, we’re happy to work with you to find a routine that suits best! Our coordinator will also be available to support you throughout your volunteering experience.

Volunteering as a Befriender is a great way to become more involved in your community, meet new people and make lasting friendships!

If you’re interested in becoming a Befriending volunteer, we’d love to hear from you!

IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need.

IAPWA are currently seeking a Community Fundraising Co-ordinator to join their UK team to support their development of volunteer community fundraisers throughout the UK.

From identifying ways to engage with potential animal lovers who would be interested in supporting our cause to nurturing those relationships and helping them to make an impact, you will be part of a charity who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of animals in need.

Do you - want to establish closer working relationship with the local police to improve community safety in Barnet?

Can you - spare a few hours a month to make this happen?

If so - we need volunteers to join the Barnet Safer Neighbourhood Board.

A Safer Neighbourhood Board is established in every borough giving local Londoners and victims a greater voice.

Barnet’s Safer Neighbourhood Board entails a team of volunteers and local agencies who will work together to advise the Borough Commander.

 The Board consists of a wide range of individuals representing Barnet’s diverse communities alongside the statutory positions defined in the MOPAC Guidance, involving people of all ages and from all sections of the community. This includes those who may not have been actively involved before, who may be vulnerable or who have been a victim of crime.

Barnet’s Safer Neighbourhood Board will be required to:

 · Help identify and advise on Barnet’s local policing

· Monitor police statistical data, performance and confidence

· Fulfil a range of specific functions.

Please see the role profile for further information.

Our network of committed local vegans across the country is growing! The Vegan Society organises various outreach activities to influence change in every level of society. There are a range of activities going on all the time, from general educational stalls at events to meeting with local policy influencers.

What does the Advocate role involve?

Being an Advocate for veganism with The Vegan Society will mean communicating with people in your local community. You'll share the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. You will form part of a local group, headed up by a local Organiser. The Organiser will feed back your collective efforts to staff. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group, for vegan socialising and ideas sharing.

You’ll stay in touch with the Organiser and bring your passion to tasks. Activities can range from staffing a stall to giving a talk at an employee event. It could also mean writing to a local newspaper or lobbying an MP.

Messaging can differ every month. Part of our mission statement is to ensure people can remain vegan, so you might focus on getting more vegan options available in local businesses. Or within our Live Vegan for Less campaign, you may share cheap vegan recipes to help people with the cost of living.

When acting as an Advocate, you will use The Vegan Society’s branding and messaging guidelines. Your local Organiser will guide you in doing this, as they hold physical resources and handbooks. You can report any issues and feedback you have to your Organiser. You can also contact staff if your Organiser isn't available or you have any problems.

What training and support is available?

You will be provided with a big welcome and full induction from your local Organiser. They will introduce you to the group and any actions that are ongoing. Any training and development will be provided via your Organiser, and you can also ask for specific training on any areas that you need some development in.

What skills would be useful in doing this role?

• The ability to stay motivated in order to achieve the best possible outcomes
• Good email etiquette, responding in a timely manner
• Committed to veganism and the mission of The Vegan Society
• Ability to stay calm if confronted with differing opinions or challenges
• A good communicator, with the ability to be persuasive
• Confident in communicating with people from a range of backgrounds
• Experience of campaigning
• Any experience in talking with members of the public through customer/public service would be helpful
• Awareness of current affairs, especially those that relate to veganism
• Regular availability and a willingness to stay committed to actions
• Good team player

How much time do I need to invest?

For Advocates, we ask for people to engage in a minimum of four to six actions per year. An example of an action could be writing to an MP or holding a stall. But the more you can do, the better! On occasion, there may also be online meetings to plan for actions or provide training.

Who can I contact to find out more?

Enquiries are welcome! Please contact Katy Malkin (Volunteering Coordinator).

How do I apply?

Interested? Simply fill in our Community Advocate application form. This should take a few minutes.

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

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.

In this role you will be:
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment – Welcoming new members to the group and encouraging participation.
• Supporting group conversations – Instigating dialogue based on eye health related days/events or more interest-based topics.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator and engagement Team to create engaging content for the Group.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• A chance to build a strong community; by engaging with the people with sight loss and local and national organisations.
•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, sharing information and working as a team to create and share content.
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups, both with your manager and your fellow moderators and engagement volunteers.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers through regular moderator meetings.

How often will I be needed?

• 5 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires 1 reference

Location

Region

• North East, West Midlands, South West, Wales, Yorkshire and the Humber, Greater London, South East, Northern Ireland, Scotland, East Midlands, North West

Home based

• This role is home based

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• An understanding and interest in maximising the benefits of social media platforms. A willingness to learn about local services and activities to inform the community as appropriate. Interested in helping people get the information they need. Good communication skills.

Offer your time. Share a pot of tea/coffee. Be there when it matters most.

Marie Curie is looking for compassionate, everyday people to join our Companion Team within the surrounding areas of: East Surrey - Reigate, Caterham, Tandridge, Merstham

What will you actually do?

• Visit and connect with someone through shared stories, hobbies, or simple conversation.
• Offer emotional support to patients, families, and carers.
• Help signpost helpful local services and resources.

You’d be a great fit if you:

• Are patient, friendly, and non-judgmental.
• Can commit to 3 hours per week.
• Are comfortable using email and completing short reports.

What You’ll Gain:

• A real sense of purpose and connection.
• Full training, support, and a welcoming volunteer community.
• Recognition for your time and reimbursement of expenses.

Whether you’re looking to give back, build experience, or just connect with others in a more meaningful way - this is an opportunity to do something truly rewarding.

Ready to Find Out More?

Fill out our application form and we'll guide you through the next steps