Community volunteers volunteer volunteer roles in West ealing, greater london
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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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!
Become an Enter & View Volunteer
Do you want to help improve local health and social care services?
We’re looking for volunteers who live in Barking and Dagenham and can take a fresh, solution-focused approach to assessing how services are run.
As an Enter & View Volunteer, you’ll:
✔️Receive full training from Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham
✔️Visit health and social care settings to gather feedback from patients and residents
✔️Help identify what’s working well and where improvements are needed
What you’ll need:
❤️Good communication and listening skills
❤️Professionalism, reliability, and empathy
❤️Ability to follow guidance and work as part of a team
Time commitment:
Flexible – you can choose when and how often you volunteer.
All reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
Please get in touch to express your interest and request an application form.
Please complete our application form and send it to us for processing.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The “Friends of St Helena Hospice” is our well known Collection Pot scheme that runs across the local area. Yearly the donations from the pots bring in over £20,000 for the hospice, which helps local people facing incurable illness and bereavement. We are looking for Volunteer Pot Collectors in local communities to assist in the collection and distribution of St Helena collection pots to local businesses in and around their own local area.
Due to the nature of this role and the requirements to visit licenced premises, we cannot accept applications from anyone aged 18 and under.
Main duties of the role
• To issue and collect St Helena Collection pots to businesses in the local community in your specific dedicated area.
• Maintain own records relating to those pots and to be always aware which pots are being given out and which are due for collection.
• Build a relationship with businesses that host a pot and liaise with the community team to ensure supply of new pots.
• Look for new pot locations across the area you cover and liaise with the community team to let them know the new locations.
Training & supervision
Full training and support will be provided in addition to an induction and Health and Safety training. You will also have a line manager who you can report to when needed.
Experience and Qualifications Required
• Organised with a methodical approach
• Confident to approach new and existing businesses to establish a relationship
• Excellent communication skills
• Car driver and access to own vehicle (essential)
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.
We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.
As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.
We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.
Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, and to attend regular network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.
If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.
Closing date for these opportunities is: 18/01/2026
To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:
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!
Create Hope is a therapeutic service that provides emotional and mental health support to children, young people, and families. Our goal is to offer a safe space where individuals can explore their feelings, build resilience, and self-awareness through creative and relational approaches.
Our therapeutic services include:
● Play & Creative Therapy
● Systemic Family Therapy
● Person-Centred or Integrative Adult Counselling
● NVR Therapy
● Couples Therapy
● Workshops for parents/carers
As Volunteer Admin Support, you play a key role in enabling these services to happen smoothly by ensuring the background systems and processes are managed well.
Your Role as Volunteer Admin Support
Responsibilities:
● Updating and maintaining client and referral information on Salesforce (training provided)
● Preparing and sending standard emails, agreements, and communication
● Assisting with filing, scanning, and organising paperwork
● Supporting with data entry and record-keeping for monitoring and evaluation
● Helping prepare resources and materials for therapy sessions or events
● Ensuring all records are handled securely and in line with confidentiality requirements
Time Commitment:
We ask that volunteers offer a regular commitment of a few hours each week. This can be flexible and, in some cases, carried out from home.
Location:
Tasks may take place at our Bracknell office or remotely, depending on the type of support being given.
Support & Training
We want to ensure you feel equipped and supported in your role. As Volunteer Admin Support, you will have access to:
● Induction and training on Create Hope systems (including Salesforce and GDPR requirements)
● Ongoing supervision and support from the Create Hope team
● Opportunities to develop new admin and organisational skills
● Being part of a supportive and friendly community
If you ever need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
All volunteers must adhere to Create Hope’s Safeguarding and confidentiality policies.
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!
Fundraising events helper
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
You can expect us to
- make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You’ll be:
· help set up and/or man stalls at events
· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events
Time expectation
This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.
We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.
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.
Applicants will be asked to complete and application and provide details for two references
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
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!
Volunteer Role: Trusts and Foundations
We were set up to transform the former Edward Hain hospital, in St Ives, Cornwall, into a community centre for health and wellbeing. The hospital was founded in 1920, with funds from the Cornish Hain Steamship Company. When it closed n 2021, our community, led by the hospital’s League of Friends, came together to save the building for the town. Now it brings together much needed health and wellbeing services, along with social, community and welfare support, all under one roof.
About the role
We are looking for volunteers to help us raise funds from Trusts and Foundations. Grants, such the one we secured from National Lottery, already help keep us open all year. Although previous experience in grant writing would be welcomed, it is absolutely not required. More important are your enthusiasm and desire to help local people. ideally, you will be able to volunteer at least one or two days a month on a regular basis and preferably have access to a computer.
What’s involved?
· Drafting and submitting funding applications with help and support from our team.
· Working with other volunteers and staff to identify new funding opportunities.
· Researching grant-making bodies, trusts, and foundations that can fund the Centre.
The role will suit you if you
· Are comfortable with a computer.
· Have good written communication skills.
· Want to help local residents thrive.
· Can pay attention to detail and follow funder guidelines.
We will support you with
· An induction to volunteering for Edward Hain
· Training and briefings on how trusts and foundations fundraising.
· Coaching on how to draft and submit applications, supported with tools and templates.
- Occasional meetings at the Centre with other volunteers and staff.
We are looking for up to five regular volunteers. There is also an opportunity for significant coaching and development for those interested in pursuing jobs in this field in the longer term and wanting to use this role to develop the necessary skills. For more information contact:
Claire Jefferies Community Hub Officer
Our mission is to provide affordable and accessible health, well-being and community services for St. Ives and surrounding areas, across all ages.



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!
Fundraising events helper
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
You can expect us to
- make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You’ll be:
· help set up and/or man stalls at events
· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events
Time expectation
This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.
We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.
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.
Applicants will be required to complete an application for and provide two references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Role purpose: Complete administrative tasks predominantly for Penfriends in our London office. Volunteer Penfriends need to be over 21 years old, so this is also a requirement of the administrators role. Other tasks may be included to support our Programmes and Office Administrator.
Responsible to: Volunteers are supported by the Programmes and Volunteer Coordinator.
Location and commitment: We are located in an office near Vauxhall station, London. The role is flexible and time committed can be discussed.
At The Hardman Trust we have a Mission, Purpose and Vision
Mission: Specialising in the unique needs of people on long sentences, we provide tailored practical and financial support to help people find belonging, move into work or training, and reach their personal goals.
Purpose: We support people on long sentences to take their next steps in life so they benefit, their families benefit and the wider community benefits too.
Vision: A future where everyone can achieve their potential within and beyond prison.
Who are Penfriends and how do they fit in?
Penfriends are part of The Hardman Trust. We make it possible for volunteers to write safely to prisoners, who are serving any length of prison sentence, giving friendship, hope and a reminder of the outside world to people at all stages of their sentence. Our The Penfriends programme supports the wellbeing of prisoners by encouraging safe, non-judgemental connection and friendship via letters and emails from volunteers across the UK.
By supporting prisoners who have been sentenced to any length of imprisonment, not just a long sentence, we provide support to the wider prison population. We are therefore available to any prisoners at any stage of their prison sentence, allowing us to support the wellbeing of more prisoners and the mission, purpose and vision of The Hardman Trust as a whole.
Role Summary
As a volunteer administrator you will support with the processing of letters received and sent from prisoners and their penfriends. This can include:
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Opening, sorting, checking and redistributing post to prisoners and penfriends
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Using our databases and other IT systems to record and maintain data
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Respond to emails and support prisoners and penfriends who communicate via email
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Work with other admin volunteers and the office administrator
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Support other office admin tasks to make a good use of your time
Relevant Skills and Experience
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Good communication and listening skills
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Good administrative and organisational skills
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Be IT literate
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Have good attention to detail
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Show reliability / commitment
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Ability to work within guidelines and expectations set by The Hardman Trust
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Be able to set and work within set boundaries
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Have an understanding of GDPR and confidentiality
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Willingness to attend any relevant training for the role
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Adhere to our safeguarding rules and remain vigilant at all times
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Have a current DBS check or willingness to undertake a DBS check (this is because of the sensitive and confidential information you will have access to and The Hardman Trust has a duty to safeguard prisoners, volunteers and staff)
What will you gain from this role?
You will join a volunteer community at The Hardman Trust, which is dedicated to supporting people serving long prison sentences..
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Work experience
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Knowledge of the criminal justice sector
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Be part of a friendly and diverse team working in a modern and ethical office space
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Travel and subsistence expenses
How to apply -
Please contact us by the 31st January 2026 to request an application form. Contact details can be found in attached role description.
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!
Fundraising events helper
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
You can expect us to
- make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You’ll be:
· help set up and/or man stalls at events
· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events
Time expectation
This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.
We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.
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.
Applicants will be asked to complete and application and provide details for two references
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
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
As branch chair you and your branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.
What you will be doing
- Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising activities so that potential beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters are aware of SSAFA as first in mind for support.
- Building relationships with the regional and national SSAFA team, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA serving community teams, local military establishments, etc.
- Attending events as a key SSAFA representative.
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
- Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
- Working with other volunteers, regional and national team members to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
- Work closely with the community engagement co-ordinator to recruit, welcome, induct, support, and manage volunteers in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
The skills you need
- Motivating leadership with an ability lead a team of volunteers.
- Friendly and approachable
- Great written and verbal communication skills
- Basic IT skills
What's in it for you
- Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area.
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community.
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can 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!
ScotsCare's reception is run by a team of friendly volunteers who each cover one shift per week.
We are looking for a volunteer who is free to commit to this role for at least 6 months, longer if possible. The shift is weekly on Friday mornings from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
As our receptionist you will:
- Use Outlook to check staff availability and wherabouts
- Screen and transfer phone calls to staff or pass messages on by email
- Provide a warm welcome to visitors and ensure they sign in and out
- Deal with requests to send information out, mainly application packs andletters
- Assist with outgoing mail, franking, posting and ocasionally going to the post office
- Assist with other admin tasks as they arise - skills and interests dependent.
You will need to be confident answering the phone, clearly spoken in English and a good listener. Ideally, you will be experienced in using Outlook and Excel for basic tasks although we can provide training if necessary. Most importantly, you will need to be reliable,good with timekeeping, non-judgemental and committed to helping Scots living in London who are struggling with life.
If you have the time to spare, can commit to volunteering with us on a regular basis for at least six months, preferably longer, want to meet new people or gain experience of working in an office /charity environment, please get in touch.
Applications are welcome from adults aged 18 and over. Our office has no step free access.
In return, we can offer:
- Travel expenses with proof of purchase
- Training and induction to help you feel confident in your role
- A 4-weeks trial period
- Regular newsletters and annual volunteer social events
- An opportunity to work within a small friendly team (23 staff working from home , office and in the community)
- Opportunities to help in other areas of our work if interested in doing more
- A very warm welcome, plus an endless supply of tea, coffee, fresh fruit and biscuits!
To improve the lives of Scots and the children of Scots in London
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
If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food – and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.
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.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
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!
Shape the Heart of MINDSET Charity – Build a Community of Purpose
Who We Are
MINDSET Charity is a new, volunteer-run organisation dedicated to transforming men’s lives across England. We support men on their journeys of mental wellbeing and self-improvement through workshops, creative programmes, and community-building activities.
We are building a movement of resilience, dignity, and brotherhood. To make this possible, we need a dedicated HR & Volunteering Manager to create and nurture our volunteer community.
The Role of HR & Volunteering Manager
As our Volunteer HR & Volunteering Manager, you will:
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Design and launch our volunteering programme, ensuring clarity, inclusivity, and impact.
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Recruit, onboard, and retain volunteers, building a team of talented, skilled, and positive individuals.
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Foster a brilliant team-spirited culture, where volunteers feel valued, supported, and inspired.
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Develop policies and processes that safeguard wellbeing and sustain long-term engagement.
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Champion our values of brotherhood, empowerment, integrity, and growth in every aspect of volunteer management.
This is a volunteer role, but your leadership will be the heartbeat of MINDSET Charity — creating a community that makes a real difference in men’s lives.
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who share our passion for men’s mental wellbeing. Experience in HR, volunteer management, or team leadership is highly valuable, but what matters most is your commitment to building a culture of positivity, dignity, and purpose.
Why Join Us
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Be part of a pioneering charity at its foundation stage.
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Shape the volunteer culture of a national movement.
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See your work directly empower men and communities.
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Collaborate with passionate volunteers united by vision and brotherhood.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to build a community of purpose and help shape MINDSET Charity’s future, we’d love to hear from you.
This is more than HR. It’s about creating a family of volunteers who stand together, uplift one another, and change lives. Join us, and let’s build MINDSET together.
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!
elop runs a programme of weekly and monthly LGBTQ+ social, support and wellbeing clubs, groups, meet-ups and events; provided by and for LGBTQ+ communities.
Joining our LGBTQ+ volunteer facilitator team you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who value & appreciate the benefit of face-to-face socialising & networking, supporting LGBT people to come together in a welcoming, safe and supportive environment with opportunities to meet new people, form new friendships, gain peer support and much more.
Each of elop’s dedicated clubs, groups or meet-ups run planned activities that supports shared interaction, positive LGBTQ+ identities and a feeling of being valued.
Volunteering in this role will give you opportunities to contribute & support the planning & promotion of group programmes, help in organising & facilitating sessions, along with supporting & enabling the involvement, voice & inclusion of all members attending, ensuring a welcome, supported, safe and comfortable environment for all.
Our clubs, groups, meet-ups and activities are delivered on various days and times across the week and weekends, plus during the day and evenings, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
You may already have some previous experience of activity facilitation, which is fantastic; however it isn’t necessary to come with all the skills & experiences already on board, just a friendly or outgoing personality with good communication abilities, the rest you’ll be supported to develop.
Respecting diversity, understanding and upholding professional boundaries and confidentiality are of course fundamental to all of our work and you will be required support this.
What you can expect as part of Team elop is to feel proud of being part of our dynamic team & volunteer community, to develop confidence, have enjoyment and know your contribution really does make a difference.
We know life can be busy, but ask all group volunteers to make a 6 month minimum commitment or around 2-3 hours a week average.
All our volunteer facilitators must positively identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/ or trans (Schedule 9, Part 1, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010 applies).
To better the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people, and to challenge the discrimination and inequalities that our community face.


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!
Adult Casework Volunteer - Role description
Role: Adult Casework Volunteer
Team: Casework
Supervised by: Adult caseworker
Location: Tooting office on a Thursday afternoon (2-5.30pm)
Time commitment: 3.5 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months
About CARAS :
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.
Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.
We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do
About CARAS casework:
CARAS works with adults and young people of a refugee and asylum seeker background to find solutions to their problems. There are two separate sub-teams within the Casework team; young people and adults. We support adults to navigate the asylum system, understand their options, access benefits, connect with services and realise their goals. We are a non-specialist casework and advocacy service, so we work in close partnership with other local organisations to whom we refer people with more complex issues.
Using the empowerment model, our casework service embodies CARAS’ values of ‘with not for’, always striving to ensure people are armed with the information and resources they need to make decisions and take action for themselves.
About the Role:
We are currently recruiting for 2 volunteers to join our Adult Casework team.
The purpose of the Adult Casework volunteer role is to support adults with a refugee or asylum seeking background to understand their rights, access information and services, and ultimately, take control of their own lives. You will work with individuals to address problems they may face relating to, among other issues, asylum support, accessing healthcare and education, access to legal advice and finding activities and opportunities.
You will start from an understanding that individuals are always best placed to solve their own problems, and often need nothing more than to talk out a problem and find the solution themselves. When helpful, you will provide information to clarify and support to take action.
The Adult Casework team hold a support session at our office in Tooting on Thursday afternoons from 2-5.30pm. Volunteer caseworkers have 1:1 appointments, either in person or by phone, with CARAS members. These can be related to a range of topics. Currently our biggest areas of work are around housing for people seeking asylum, access to college, nursery/school places for children, referrals to mental health providers, searches and signposting to activities, finding solicitors and supporting people to apply for bus passes and ID cards. Volunteers also support with administrative tasks such as updating our databases, collating resources and creating information guides.
Adult Casework Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities:
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Working in an empowering way with individuals and promoting their independence through goal-setting.
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Supporting people to develop their knowledge of rights and entitlements.
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Assisting with filling out forms
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Signposting and referring onto other services and organisations.
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Gathering information from experts and disseminating information to people in an accessible manner.
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Engaging in collaborative internet and phone research on services, organisations and grants.
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Flagging safeguarding concerns and other issues where further support is required.
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Keeping accurate casenotes
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Supporting to maintain our signposting database
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Researching and collating resources
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Working collaboratively as a team and assisting to shape the Adult Casework project.
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Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
Essential
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Experience of doing 1:1 advice work/casework.
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Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English.
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Confidence in using IT (Microsft office, outlook, zoom, Google search, online forms)
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To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;
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A commitment to confidentiality and data protection
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Thorough with good attention to detail
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Reliable
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A high level of spoken and written English
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Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way
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A calm, friendly, kind and patient approach
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Enjoyment in speaking to new people
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A commitment to working in an empowering way
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Able to maintain boundaries
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Able to work autonomously
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Currently resident in the UK
Desirable
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Working knowledge or experience of relevant law and policy around asylum support, the asylum process, rights and entitlements for people seeking asylum
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Experience of working with interpreters
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Direct experience of the UK immigration system.
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Past experience of working with people seeking asylum
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Proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu or Vietnamese.
We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process
Benefits to Volunteering:
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Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
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Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
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Develop your skills and competencies;
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Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
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Obtain a reference from us relating to your volunteering
All volunteers must complete a basic DBS check for volunteers working with adults and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.
To Apply:
To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form, using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.
Applicants will have an informal meeting with the Adult caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP.
Successful applicants will undergo training and induction with our team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

