Counselling volunteer volunteer roles

Are you looking for a fresh challenge that makes a positive difference to the lives of Young People throughout the UK?

At Childline we are actively recruiting new Volunteers. 

What will I be doing?

• Your shift will consist of 3hrs30mns counselling, sandwiched between a 15mns brief before your shift and a 30mns debrief post shift. This is to ensure that you can start and finish your shift with any support you require from your Practitioners.
• On shift you will take contacts from Young People who rely on the service that Childline offers. Childline is not there to solve problems, we are a listening service for Young People and in each contact your role is to engage the Young Person, explore their situation and to support them in deciding their next steps.
• The contacts you would take from Young People can come in 3 ways. Traditional phone call contacts, live chats via instant response typed messaging or less commonly via 'PIBS' which are essentially emails sent by Young People in the knowledge the response will not be 'live' and instant.

What impact will this have?

• Childline is a unique service, valued greatly by the Young People who contact us.
• It provides a safe place for Young People to talk confidentially to our Volunteer Counsellors, an option that many of them do not have elsewhere.
• Young People rely on us being there for them 24/7. In an average month, Childline London takes approx. 1,500 live chats, 900 voice calls and 300 PIBs.
• However, the demand for the service often outstrips the supply as Young People who desperately need our service cannot always get through.
• That is why we are actively recruiting new Volunteers to be able to meet the need of all Young People who are in distress and need the support that Childline provides.

Training

• Childline offers a full 12 week online training programme to new Volunteers. This consists of one 4 hour session per week.
• During the training, you will meet other Volunteers in your cohort and have access to your 2 dedicated Childline Trainers.
• As part of the training, you will also go in person to the London Base for observation and mentored shifts which give you a face to face insight into how the Counselling Room works.
• You will also have access to a dedicated Volunteer Engagement Lead to give you a London Base tour (optional) and generally be on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have - big or small, if they matter to you they matter because you are giving your time to volunteer and Childline wants to offer you every level of support.
• Once you pass through training and become a qualified Childline Volunteer Counsellor, the development opportunities do not stop there. You will have access to a multitude of mandatory and optional training courses that are accredited and 100% free to all Volunteers.

Do you love to lend an empathetic ear? 

Be a part of an amazing group of women supporting other women.

The Womankind helpline offers emotional support to women struggling with their mental health and past experiences. Helpline volunteers offer empathy and nonjudgmental listening to the women who contact us over the phone and webchat.

Womankind is an established charity helping hundreds of women every year to improve their mental health and wellbeing.  Our wonderful volunteers are the backbone of our organisation. We need you!

Whether you are looking for work experience, community, to learn, develop new skills or fulfil a passion to help other women, volunteer with us!

Training 

Our training comes with over 30 years’ experience of working with women’s mental health and will fully equip you to work on our helpline.

Over 6 sessions, our training covers a range of topics from women’s mental health to sexual violence and domestic abuse.

The dates and structure of our autumn training will be:

• Session One - Friday 10th October – 10am-4pm at our offices in Brunswick Square

• Session Two – Sunday 12th October – 10am-4pm at our offices in Brunswick Square

• Skills Practice - week commencing 13th October - 2-hour remote skills practice at home to be arranged with your training triad

• Session Three - Friday 24th October – 10am-4pm at our offices in Brunswick Square

• Session Four – Sunday 26th October – 10am-4pm at our offices in Brunswick Square

• Skills Practice - week commencing 27th October - 2-hour remote skills practice at home to be arranged with your training triad

• Session Five - Monday 3rd November – 7-9pm online

• Webchat Skills Practice - week commencing 3rd November - 2-hour remote skills practice at home to be arranged with your training triad

• Session Six - Monday 10th November – 7-9pm online

• Post-training Interview – to be arranged on a one-to-one basis after 10th November 

The Role 

Once you have successfully completed the training, you will be offered a place on our helpline. Each volunteer works the same shift every week, with the same volunteers – so you can make friends and support each other on shift!

You can come into our offices to do your shift or work remotely if you have a confidential and quiet space at home.

Your role will be to offer empathic, non-judgemental listening support to the women who contact us on the phone or through our webchat, with calls or chats lasting up to 50 minutes. You will also take more administrative calls, where you will talk about our counselling services and calls where you need to signpost to other services. Our training will fully equip you for this as well.

A three-hour shift includes: 

30 minutes to check in with your supervisor at the beginning 

2 hours taking calls or chats on the helpline 

30-45 minutes to debrief with the other volunteers and your supervisor at the end of your shift

You will also be expected to attend group supervision with all the other volunteers, which runs in the evening on alternating Mondays and Wednesdays each month.

There will always be a supervisor available during your shifts to support you, and we often run extra training to support the work you do on the helpline.

You 

We are looking for volunteers who are enthusiastic and interested in supporting other women to improve their mental health and wellbeing. You will be honest, friendly and reliable with good communication skills, as well as a non-judgmental and patient listener.

The helpline role can be challenging and emotionally demanding at times. Therefore, we need women who have adequate life experience and feel emotionally resilient enough to take on the role. We welcome volunteers with personal experience of mental health and other relevant issues, but we require you to have had a one-year period of stability at least before starting the training.

While most of our helpline opening hours are during the daytime, we have two evenings shifts on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

What Past Helpline Volunteers Say 

‘Womankind is doing amazing and essential work for women, and I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to be involved’.

‘Having completed the helpline training, I have never been in a learning environment in which I felt so supported and received so non-judgementally. It felt like a huge privilege to get to hear such expertise and insights’. 

***Please note, we are currently advertising two befriending roles. This listing is for in-person befriending in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

We are also recruiting for remote befrienders (over the phone/videocall). Please see separate advertisement for this role***

Womankind is recruiting reliable and resilient women to join our Volunteer Befriending Service, able to commit to 2-3 daytime hours each week for one year. Befrienders encourage and support vulnerable women to become more independent, empowering them to make their own decisions, find new hobbies and get involved in their local community.

Training:

Befrienders receive 3 in person taught sessions of comprehensive training over one weekend in-person, with an additional 3 online sessions, plus additional home study

between sessions. Our training comes with over 30 years of experience working in women’s mental health, giving volunteers the very best preparation for the role, and a support network of like-minded women.

The Role:

Upon the completion of training, each volunteer is matched with one woman who has experienced childhood abuse, trauma, sexual violence and/or domestic abuse, and will be experiencing mental ill health and social isolation.

As a befriender you would be expected to commit to 2-3 hours on a weekly basis for one year and attend monthly group and individual supervision.

You and your befriendee would start by getting to know each other and gradually, getting out and about. As the relationship develops, you would support and empower her to make changes and develop her confidence in doing everyday things such as getting the bus, joining a class or finding a new hobby.

You would also support her emotionally, using active listening skills and providing her with the space to discuss the issues she is struggling with and be expected to demonstrate a healthy and boundaried relationship.

You:

You will be enthusiastic and interested in helping another woman improve her mental health and wellbeing, be honest and friendly with good communication skills, confident in social situations, non-judgmental, reliable, patient and a good listener.

The befriending role can be challenging and emotionally overwhelming at times, therefore we need befrienders who have adequate life experience and feel emotionally robust and resilient enough to take on the role. We welcome volunteers with personal experience of mental health and other relevant issues but will require you to have at least a one year period of stability and ideally to have received professional help like counselling in your recovery.

Please note, there is very limited availability for women who can only volunteer during the evenings and weekends.

Because of the nature of the role it is only open to women applicants and is exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 Equalities Act 2010.

At Womankind we recognise that while women share many characteristics and experiences as a result of living within a patriarchal society, women belonging to marginalised groups experience discrimination on multiple fronts. It is really important to us that the women who use our services feel represented amongst our volunteers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, especially from groups which are marginalised and underrepresented in our organisation, such as working class women and Black and Minoritised women.

What Past Befrienders Say:

“Through doing the befriending training, I have been able to broaden my knowledge of mental health services in the Bristol area, inspiring my future ambitions.”

“The training has given me the toolkit I need to be a good listener and to motivate my befriendee to live her best life and move on from her past. I can't recommend Womankind enough!”

“Womankind is doing amazing and essential work for women and I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to be involved.”

Childline is a vital service available 365 days a year to support children and young people, whatever their worry or concern. Childline Prestatyn currently have vacancies for Volunteer Counsellors.

If you are interested in volunteering for Childline in Prestatyn and want to find out more about the roles available, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting, which is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
• Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey

Our meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply – there's no obligation or expectation that you'll apply if you attend one. At the meeting, you'll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.

To book a place at one of our online Volunteer Information Meetings, please click 'Join Us' to register your interest.

Please note: You need to be at least 16 years old to apply for this role

As a Telephone Support volunteer you will contact all new referrals to the MND Association in South Yorkshire, introducing the MND Association's services and support available, provide active listening and keep in touch with people living with MND and their families, whilst using your own PC and mobile phone from home.

Are you a good listener? Do you have good communication skills? Are you friendly with good interpersonal skills?

This role might just be what you have been looking for, get in touch today. 

Please note all applicants will need to provide two referees and participate in e-learning and interactive learning online by Zoom. Applicants must live in South Yorkshire. 

About Us

At Guyatt House Care, we provide inclusive, person-centred supported living services to adults with complex mental health needs. Our work is underpinned by values of dignity, creativity, respect, and empowerment. We support individuals to lead fulfilling, independent lives through therapeutic, relational, and community-based approaches.

Many of our service users are neurodivergent, including individuals with autism, ADHD, and other cognitive differences. Our approach is trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and tailored to meet the unique emotional and psychological needs of each person.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Volunteer Therapist to join our therapeutic team for one day per week. This is a voluntary (unpaid) position best suited to an experienced or semi-retired therapist who is passionate about working with adults with mental health challenges and neurodivergence in a supported living context.

The successful applicant will work alongside our Psychotherapist/ creative therapist , assisting with a range of clinical and duties, including client-facing work, documentation, and session planning.

Please note: This role does not include clinical supervision, supervision will be discussed in interview or with the successful candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of 1:1 and group-based therapeutic or creative interventions
   

• Assist with preparation, documentation, and clinical note-taking
   

• Contribute to case discussions and planning of therapeutic programmes
   

• Engage compassionately with service users, respecting diverse communication styles and support needs
   

• Maintain confidentiality and work in accordance with professional ethical guidelines (e.g. BACP, UKCP, HCPC) and organisational policies.
   

Essential Criteria

• Qualified Therapist a range of disciplines will be considered
   

• Experience or strong interest in working with adults with mental health needs and neurodivergent profiles
   

• Strong interpersonal, organisational, and reflective skills
   

• Able to commit to one consistent day per week
   

• Understanding of, and commitment to, equality, inclusion, and person-centred practice
   

• Comfortable working collaboratively and supporting a trauma-informed environment
   

Desirable Experience

• Qualification or background in a creative therapy discipline (art, music, drama, dance/movement)
   

• Familiarity with supported living, community-based mental health services, or therapeutic environments
   

• Knowledge of neurodivergence-informed practice
   

Our Values

At Guyatt House Care, we believe:

• Everyone has the right to be heard, respected, and supported
   

• Therapy should be accessible, creative, and relational
   

• Diversity strengthens our community, and all neurotypes are valued
   

• Healing takes place in safe, consistent, and affirming spaces
   

Equal Opportunities

Guyatt House Care is proud to be an equal opportunities organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly value applications from neurodivergent therapists and those with lived experience of mental health challenges.

We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is inclusive, anti-discriminatory, and affirming for all.

Location

This role is based in our supported living services across the Huntingdon and Cambridge area. Travel details and service locations can be discussed at the interview.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a CV and a short cover letter outlining your qualifications, experience, and your interest in this voluntary role. Informal enquiries are welcome. 

A message from our Chair of Trustees – Andrew Carter

Thank you for your interest in joining the team at Off The Record South East Hampshire (OTR).

This recruitment pack provides the information you need to apply to be a Trustee including:

• Details of our vision, mission and values.

• Information about the work we do, our impact and our future plans

• An overview of our organisational structure

• Information about the role and expectations of our trustees

If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please advise in your cover letter and she can arrange an informal chat with me.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Best wishes,

Andrew

Chair of Trustees

OTR

A message from our CEO: Corniche Plumridge

As the chief executive,  my role and the trustees is all about teamwork and support. I'm here to bring Off The Record’s strategic vision to life by sharing accurate and timely information, making sure they have what they need to make great decisions. In return, the trustees provide valuable guidance and oversight, helping us stay on track with our organisation's mission.

ADVERT

Are you passionate about young people's wellbeing?

Off The Record (OTR) are looking for new trustees to join our Board of Trustees.

Our vision is to support young people’s mental health to fulfil their potential for a brighter future.

We believe that young people should have more control and influence in how services for them are managed and changed, by being part of the organisation that develops the services that support their community.

We particularly want to attract applications from young people, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent and disabled, and people of colour, because they are under-represented in our Trustee team.

Off The Record (OTR) is an independent charity based in the Havant Borough. We have been supporting young people and their families in Southeast Hampshire and surrounding areas since 1977.

We offer free 1-2-1 and family counselling, group work services for those 11 to 25 and support for their families, we deliver a young carer programme to young people ages 8 to 25.

This is an opportunity to really make a difference to the lives of young people in our community!

We are actively seeking trustees from all areas of life,

You will play a crucial role in guiding the governance of OTR. You will work collaboratively with other members of the Board of Trustees to ensure effective management and sustainability of our charity.

This is an unpaid voluntary position, requiring a commitment of approximately 4-6 hours per month. 

Our Trustee board meet every month; in-person bi-monthly for 2 hours with the months in between a shorter 1-hour online meeting. On occasion there will ad-hoc meeting to meet the needs of the organisation and to carry out the trustee role.

OTR embraces equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Responsibilities:

· Provide strategic guidance and expertise to support Off The Record's vision and mission.

· Actively participate in board meetings, contributing ideas, insights, and constructive feedback.

• Assist in the development and provide oversight of operational policies, procedures, and initiatives to further the organisation's objectives.
• Help oversee the governance of the charity in accordance with the Charity Commission’s published guidelines. 

· Promote the Charity’s work and values within your networks and wider communities.

· Collaborate with fellow trustees, staff, and volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the charity's operations.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The statutory duties of a trustee

· To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

· To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document

· To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objective

· To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

· To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.

· To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation

· To ensure the financial stability of the organisation

· To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds

· To observe and follow the latest version of the Charity Commission Guidance

Other duties

· Scrutinising board papers

· Leading discussions

· Providing guidance on new initiatives

· Other issues in which the trustee has special expertise

· Participating in working groups outside of Board meetings

Trustee person specification

 · Commitment to the organisation

· Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort – which could be several hours per week to keep up with incoming emails and correspondence, Monthly Trustee meetings and the Annual General Meeting.

 · Strategic vision

· Good, independent judgement

· Ability to think creatively

· Willingness to speak their mind

· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

· Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

Qualifications and Skills:

· A genuine interest in the well-being and mental health of young people.

· Previous experience as a trustee or in a similar governance role would be advantageous but not essential.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

· Knowledge and understanding of the voluntary sector and charity governance or willingness to learn.

• Ability to promote the Charity’s work and values within your networks and wider communities.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: safeguarding, counselling, mental health, fundraising, finance, marketing, law, or HR would be desirable (but not essential).

Benefits:

· The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people through Off The Record (OTR).

· Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a governance role within a charity.

· Expand your professional network and collaborate with like-minded individuals.

· Gain satisfaction from being part of a dedicated team working towards a common goal. 

About us

You will be joining the charity at an exciting time.

OTR has been part of our community since 1977, our purpose has remained the same throughout, to

support young people’s mental health to fulfil their potential for a brighter future, however during this

time we have evolved, expanded and developed our services. We put young people at the heart of what

we do, by integrating youth voice into our services we are continuously evolving to meet current needs

of young people and their families.

You will be joining an amazing and established team.

A staff of 16 cover all bases, with an established admin and front-line group work and Young Carer

teams, and leadership team that oversee admin, therapeutic and youth services, business support,

volunteers, finance, safeguarding and clinical supervision. Our dedicated counsellors and volunteers

deliver the therapeutic services and information and support calls. Our trustees meet every month,

alternating between formal board meetings, and trustee ongoing development meetings.

You will be joining a safe and respected service, that is long standing and held dearly by our

local community.

Our policy and procedures ensure a high standard of operational and clinical governance across the

organisation, that is brought to life with an excellent induction and training programme, and varied and

topical CPD opportunities throughout the year. We are always reminded of our legacy by the continued

support from local community groups and businesses because of the difference our support made to

them or someone they care about.

You will be joining an inclusive and caring culture.

If you feel you have the expertise,please apply with the following:

· A full CV

· A covering letter detailing all of the below:

o What skills/knowledge will you be bringing

o Explanation of any gaps in your CV

Successful applicants will be invited for an informal chat with the chair of trustee and CEO prior to an interview being arranged.

As part of our commitment to safe recruitment, all appointments are subject to Enhanced DBS with

Barred List checks and references will be taken up.

OTR embraces equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that

represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our

work will be.

Please advise us of any requirements to support your application to us.

Details:

· Hours; 4-6 per month

· Location: Online and in person

· Application deadline: Ongoing

Want to support a good cause?

We offer:

· A team that really cares, supports and champions one another.

· Friendly environment and practices.

· Access to training.

· Social events to spend time with the team and have some fun!

We are recruiting for a volunteer who would like to play a role in helping others to express themselves through writing. Would you like to support others to use their imagination to portray a message?

Creative writing is a great way to express yourself using your own creativity and imagination through story telling or poetry. It is an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and put it down on paper. Creative writing has been shown to improve emotional and mental well-being. Through creative writing, we can gain insight into our emotions, develop self-expression and communication skills, cultivate empathy and understanding of others, boost our imagination and creativity.

What you will be doing

• Lead and facilitate a weekly Creative Writing Group, encouraging participants to explore their thoughts and feelings through writing exercises, prompts, and storytelling.
• Guide a subsequent Feelings Forum where participants can share and discuss emotions sparked by the writing session or current experiences in a respectful and supportive atmosphere
• Foster an inclusive, non-judgmental environment where all voices are heard and valued
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the organisation’s safeguarding and mental health protocols
• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants

The skills you need

• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to mental health challenges
• Ability to facilitate group discussions and manage diverse emotional responses constructively
• Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach.
• Training or experience in mental health, counselling, social work, or a related field is advantageous but not essential

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.

Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy meeting new people? Are you sociable with good interpersonal skills? Could you support people living with a challenging terminal illness? 

Our Association Visitor role might be the right role for you. 

We ask for a few hours each week to visit people in their own homes or to keep in touch by phone, email, video, text or WhatsApp

By becoming an Association Visitor and donating your time, energy and skills, you can make a real difference to the lives of people affected by Motor Neurone Disease. 

The MND Association was founded in 1979. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We also fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.

“I am extremely honoured to be a volunteer for the MND Association. The most rewarding thing is knowing that I have helped people to access the services, equipment and support they need.” Jo-Ann, Volunteer

Womankind is recruiting reliable and resilient women, who are able to commit to 1-2 daytime hours each week for six months, to join our Volunteer Befriending Service. Befrienders encourage and support vulnerable women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse, empowering them to make their own decisions and improve their mental health and wellbeing so that they can lead more fulfilling lives. 

Training: 

Befrienders attend an initial online meet & greet session and then receive 4 taught sessions of comprehensive training over Zoom. These sessions will take place over 4 weeks, starting in Autumn 2025 (DATES AND TIMES TBC). Befrienders will be expected to complete homestudy in between sessions. You will be part of a team of trainees and benefit from peer support as well as help and guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator. Our training comes with over 30 years of experience working in women’s mental health, giving volunteers the very best preparation for the role, and a support network of like-minded women. 

The Role: 

Upon the completion of training, each volunteer is matched with one woman who has experienced childhood abuse, trauma, sexual violence and/or domestic abuse, and will be experiencing mental ill health and social isolation. 

As a befriender you would be expected to commit 1-2 hours on a weekly basis for 6 months and attend monthly group and individual supervision. Many of our volunteers decide they would like to be matched with another woman after the completion of their first match and continue volunteering with us for another 6 months. 

You and your befriendee would start by getting to know each other gradually. Once you have built up your relationship, you would support her emotionally, using active listening skills and providing her with a space to express her feelings and feel heard. You would help her to believe that she can achieve her goals and have safer relationships. Part of your role would be demonstrating what a healthy and boundaried relationship looks like. 

You: 

You will be enthusiastic and interested in helping another woman improve her mental health and wellbeing so that she can lead a more fulfilling life. You will be friendly and non-judgemental, have good communication skills and be a reliable and patient listener. 

The befriending role can be challenging and emotionally overwhelming at times. Therefore, we need befrienders who have adequate life experience and feel emotionally robust and resilient enough to take on the role. We welcome volunteers with personal experience of mental health and other relevant issues but will require you to have at least a one-year period of stability and ideally to have received professional help like counselling in your recovery. 

As this is a remote service, we welcome applications from women who are based across the UK. 

Please note, there is very limited availability for women who can only volunteer during the evenings and weekends. 

Because of the nature of this role, it is only open to women applicants and is exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 Equalities Act 2010. 

At Womankind we recognise that while women share many characteristics and experiences as a result of living within a patriarchal society, women belonging to marginalised groups experience discrimination on multiple fronts. It is really important to us that the women who use our services feel represented amongst our volunteers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, especially from groups which are marginalised and underrepresented in our organisation, such as working-class women and Black and Minoritised women. 

 What Past Befrienders Say: 

“I loved the training, that was possibly one of my favourite things about this whole experience...it was really thorough. I loved being in a space with like-minded women – and it was also challenging, which I liked.” 

“In terms of supervision and knowledge, how to prepare the role – it was much more prepared, much more in depth than other places I’ve volunteered.” 

“It’s been a pleasure, I love volunteering with you guys. It’s special being part of this – in a world where are so few spaces where you can have a direct impact on someone’s life, doing this role is really special.” 

Closing Date: 31/08/2025 

Job Type: Volunteer 

Work Location: Remote, must be UK-based 

This role involves making regular contact with an older person who feels lonely or isolated. Befriending volunteers also encourage customers to become more independent inside and outside of their home with regards to activities, appointments and domestic lifestyles. This will reduce social isolation, promote independence, improve self-confidence and enable older people to take control of how they manage their physical and mental wellbeing, so they can age well and live healthier for longer.  Volunteers are matched based on location, interests and needs.

Volunteer Opportunities with Unique Support Hub: Asylum Support Team – Croydon & Crystal Palace Areas

Are you passionate about social justice, community engagement, and making a lasting difference in the lives of migrants and those seeking sanctuary?
We are seeking dedicated, compassionate, and experienced volunteers to join our Asylum Support Team in Croydon and Crystal Palace.

As part of this vital team, you will contribute directly to enhancing the wellbeing and experience of asylum seekers living in the community and those in Home Office accommodations. Your support will play a critical role in helping individuals navigate the complexities of the asylum process and build connections within their new communities.

Volunteer Roles Available

We are looking for individuals to take on a variety of essential roles, including:

• Community Activities Coordinator
  Organise and facilitate inclusive, engaging activities both within the reception centres and in the wider community to foster wellbeing, integration, and resilience.
• Advice & Advocacy Support Volunteer
  Provide one-to-one guidance on asylum procedures, support clients in understanding their rights and entitlements, and escalate cases where needed in collaboration with Migrant Help and AASC providers.
• Wraparound Services & Signposting Volunteer
  Assist asylum seekers in accessing crucial wraparound services including housing support, digital inclusion, mental health, education, and employment advice. 
  Provide effective referrals to legal aid solicitors and community organisations.

What We Offer Our Volunteers

• A volunteer allowance per visit
• Paid training sessions to equip you with the necessary skills
• DBS checks fully funded
• Continuous support and professional development
• The opportunity to work within a passionate team making meaningful impact in people’s lives

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with:

• Lived or professional experience in migration, advocacy, or community work
• Strong organisational and interpersonal skills
• A deep sense of empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to social equity
• Availability for regular visits and engagements in Croydon and/or Crystal Palace

How to Apply

Please apply by submitting your CV and a brief personal statement by EMAIL  outlining your motivation and any relevant experience. Indicate clearly which role(s) you are most interested in.

Application Deadline: Rolling recruitment until positions are filled. Early application is encouraged.

Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.

We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference.

Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.

Purpose of the role:

To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.

Our volunteers take calls from parents and carers on a wide range of subjects, whether that might be issues around separation and divorce, isolation, depression, bullying and abuse, dealing with behavioural problems, etc. You can find out more about our services on our website. We are a national service with home-based call takers county wide and a call centre in Old Hatfield Hertfordshire.

Once trained volunteers sign up for a weekly 4-hour shift comprising 3 hours ‘online’ followed by a debrief session with your supervisor which can last around half to one hour.

We recruit volunteers with a range of backgrounds and experiences though we ask that volunteers have experience of parenting or working with children and young people, are good listeners and have a willingness to learn. Being remote it will be very important that you have a PC/laptop, plug in headset with microphone, good Wi-Fi and a private place to work from home. You need to be a UK resident.

Our volunteers often tell us how rewarding their time with us is.

You'll be part of a compassionate community and feel a real sense of pride for what you do. You'll meet new people, gain valuable experience, and develop your skillset. We're passionate about helping people to reach their full potential, so we'll offer you full training suitable for the role, supervision from a named member of staff, including help setting personal development goals, and opportunities to increase skills and input into practice via regular Practice Development Groups.

Our training programme is excellent and will give you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to offer empathic support and guidance to callers whatever their circumstances; all shifts are overseen by a regular shift supervisor who provides ongoing remote support.

We ask our volunteers to make a commitment of 1 year (with time off for holidays), obviously we understand that circumstances sometimes make that an impossibility but can be helpful to know at the outset that is the general expectation.

We have remote call taker training sessions that run over five sessions and is done remotely connecting you via a Microsoft Teams link. Our next training is starting in September 2025.

Module One = Tues 16th Sept

Module Two = Wed 24th Sept

Module Three = Weds 1st Oct

Module Four = Weds 8th Oct

Module Five = Wed 15th Oct

10am to 2pm

You would need to be able to attend all five sessions and be available on four occasions to listen into calls, this can be organised remotely. If you are unable to attend the training however are interested, please do apply as we run training throughout the year.

Our core Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow. They may have a physical or sensory disability, or they may have mild dementia, and are sometimes housebound.

This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.

On successful completion of the training, Befrienders are matched with someone who lives close to them.

They make a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea or, where possible, go out for a walk together, visit a cafe or undertake a local activity.

These visits make such a difference for the client, but volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.

As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.