Early years volunteer roles

Become a Trustee at York Childcare

York Childcare is on the lookout for passionate and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing high-quality early years education and care, we play a vital role in supporting families and children across York.

We are particularly keen to hear from people with experience or expertise in the following areas:

Human Resources (HR)

Finance and Accounting

Early Years and Childcare

Out of School Clubs

Legal Services

Marketing and Promotion

What’s involved?

Trustees meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month for a couple of hours, either online or in person. It’s a manageable commitment with a meaningful impact.

Becoming a trustee is a great way to give back to your community, share your knowledge, and be part of something that makes a real difference to children and families in York.

Interested?

We’d love to hear from you!

Become a Trustee at Union Grove Community Nursery – Help Shape a Brighter Start for Local Children 

Role: Trustee (Voluntary Position)
 Location: Union Grove Community Nursery, Lambeth, London
 Commitment: Approx. 1 hour per month; online or occasionally in person
 Start Date: Ongoing

About Us
Union Grove Community Nursery is a warm, welcoming, not-for-profit nursery rooted in community values. Run by a small, passionate team and guided by a dedicated board of trustees, our nursery offers high-quality, affordable early years education in a nurturing, play-based environment.

We believe that early childhood is a precious time – full of exploration, creativity, and connection. As a community-led nursery, we work hand in hand with families to ensure that every child is seen, heard, and supported to thrive.

The Opportunity
 We’re looking for new Trustees to join our friendly Management Committee. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute your skills and passion to a truly meaningful cause – supporting young children and their families at the very start of their journey.

As a trustee, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of the nursery, helping us remain sustainable, inclusive, and community-focused. You don’t need previous trustee experience – just a willingness to learn and a desire to make a difference.

Your Role as a Trustee

● Provide strategic direction and oversight to help the nursery flourish

● Support decision-making around finances, governance, staffing, and long-term planning

● Act as an ambassador for the nursery in the wider community

● Champion our values of inclusion, play, creativity, and child-led learning

● Work collaboratively with other trustees, staff, and parents

We’re Especially Keen to Hear From People With Skills or Experience In:

● Early years education or child development

● Child nutrition and exercise

● Finance or accountancy

● HR, legal, or safeguarding

● Fundraising or community engagement

● Charity governance or management

● Communications and marketing

But if you don’t tick these boxes and still feel you have something to offer – please reach out! Lived experience, passion for early years, or being part of the local community is just as valuable.

What You'll Gain
 ✨A deeply rewarding role supporting children’s growth and well-being
✨ A chance to develop leadership and governance skills
✨ Connections with a warm, values-driven team of staff and volunteers
 ✨Opportunities for training and learning
 ✨ A direct impact on your local community

How to Get Involved
Interested? We’d love to have a conversation with you. Please send a brief email telling us a little about yourself and why you're interested in the trustee role. Don’t worry about formal CVs – we’re all about people, not paperwork.

Union Grove Community Nursery celebrates diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Whether you're a seasoned trustee or completely new to governance, we’ll support you every step of the way.

Let’s grow something special together.

Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.

Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.

The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:

• An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
• Support to prepare for parenthood
• Support to build confidence in parenting skills
• Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
• Support to establish daily and weekly routines
• Support to take time for self-care
• Support to manage the things that are causing stress
• Support to access relevant services
• Support to access local green spaces
• Support to make connections with other parents

No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.

We are looking for friendly people to get involved in becoming Parent Champions!

Are you interested in making a difference?
Would you like to help other parents and carers?
Do you enjoy meeting new people?

If so, this could be the volunteering opportunity for you!

Families who access our services are regularly consulted with, and now we would like to invite some parents to join us, to volunteer, and to help make a difference to their local community.

PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST BE INVOLVED WITH FAMILY HUBS CALDERDALE, LIVE IN NORTH HALIFAX OR LOWER VALLEY, AND BE A PARENT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE. 

Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?

Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.

Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.

Our aims are:

To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:

Offering support, friendship and practical assistance

Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected

Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.

Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.

Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.

Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.

Independent visitors befriend and socialise with children & young people in care and care leavers up to the age of 25

 Responsibilities:

· An Independent Visitor provides a stable, adult role model for a young person.

· They visit monthly and befriend and listen to the young person and share their interests and hobbies.

· Provide support and empowerment to help the young person plan for their future

· Identify where the young person might benefit from specialist support and help them to access it

· To act within ONSIDE’s safeguarding policies

Skills & qualities required:

· Good communication and interpersonal skills

· Ability to build trust and a friendly relationship with children & young people in care and care leavers

· Be prepared for an open-ended supportive relationship within and potentially after care

· Demonstrate empathy and understanding to the needs of the children and young people

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.  The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development 
• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting 
• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust 
• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community 
• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

Bright Futures UK are looking for warm, energetic, and experienced volunteer tutors to provide educational support remotely and a fun, safe space for young people living with serious illness.

Please note you must be 18+ and live in the UK for this opportunity.

Starting from as little as one hour per week, you will:

• Offer engaging and dynamic online tutoring sessions to support a young person.
• Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions.

You are the perfect fit if you have:

• Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of subject concepts and theories.
• Teaching Skills: Ability to explain ideas in a clear and engaging way.
• Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
• Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment for a minimum of 14 weeks.

Your valuable time and experience will make a difference by:

• Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
• Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
• Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. 

In return, Bright Futures UK will support you by:

• Covering all expenses and materials used
• Providing DBS where needed
• Training you in safeguarding and other skill development opportunities
• Keeping in contact throughout your programme to ensure you feel comfortable and capable

If you are ready to make a difference in a young person's life and have the opportunity to tackle educational inequality, we would love to hear from you!

YMCA Trinity Group – Trustees

‘Inspiring communities, transforming young lives’

Job Advert Ref: Trustees2025

Registered Address: YMCA Trinity Group, Queen Anne House, Gonville Place, Cambridge CB1 1ND

YMCA Trinity Group is seeking passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees. Our programs span Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, putting people at the core of our mission. We take time to find the right fit, believing that open dialogue builds the strongest Board. We're a dynamic, team-oriented group seeking members who can contribute their unique skills and experience.

We are specifically looking for expertise and skills in the following areas;

· Business Development

· Strategic Planning

· Change Management

· People and Culture

· Finance

· Marketing

· IT

YMCA Trinity Group has served local communities since 1852, and we're committed to a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We also welcome young people seeking Board experience.
 

Trustee roles are both rewarding and demanding. Join us in creating new possibilities for young people and communities. If you're ready to make a difference, we want to hear from you!

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

YMCA Trinity Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all staff to share this commitment.

​We hold new volunteer inductions at the start of each term, so apply ASAP to be in time to join our next induction.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in Lewisham. At the Rainbow Club supplementary school we aim to help children between the ages of 4 and 11 to improve their literacy, numeracy and social skills in a friendly and supportive environment.  We need your skills and enthusiasm to assist the teacher in the delivery of a literacy and numeracy class and work with other volunteers to develop a programme of recreational activities. The Rainbow Club runs on Saturday mornings during term-time.

Your duties will include:

• Arriving punctually for the 9am briefing by the Rainbow Club Headteacher;
• Working in a team with other volunteers and teachers to deliver literacy, numeracy, arts, sport activities – this includes ensuring children remain engaged throughout the lesson and carry out set tasks as instructed by the teacher;
• Working one-to-one with specific children if and when required;
• Filing classroom work and homework in children’s individual files and keeping all materials and resources tidy and properly stored;
• Liaising with parents as and when required for example distributing leaflets and news about future meetings and events and also assisting with parents' day;
• Following the teacher’s policies on discipline and classroom management;
• Supervising the children during break times;
• Supporting the children during class trips;
• Ensuring classrooms are clean and tidy at the end of each day – this may include being part of a regular team rota;
• Providing feedback and comments to the Rainbow Club Headteacher when required.

Position: Volunteer Urban Ranger
Responsible to: Urban Ranger
Location: Various outdoor spaces across BD3, BD4 and BD5
Hours: Anything from two hours here and there, to two days a week.
Expenses: Travel expenses will be reimbursed for bus tickets, train tickets or car mileage

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At Better Place Bradford, our mission is to identify and oversee improvements to local parks and outdoor spaces with the aim of providing a healthier and happier environment for babies, young children and families. We work across larger parks, pocket parks, community centres, streets and green spaces across BD3, BD4 and BD5.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, passionate, and highly motivated individual, who is looking to gain some practical landscape maintenance experience.

As a Volunteer Urban Ranger, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the upkeep of our sites, regularly checking that each site is safe, inviting, and free from rubbish — noting any issues that arise.

Duties include: Litter clearance, sweeping sand back into the sand pits, weeding, planting, watering plants, affixing signs, checking in on the Little Free Library boxes, strimming, raking leaves, supporting at event days, promoting responsible use and enjoyment of our sites.

This role is for you if you;

• Enjoy being outdoors (in all weather)
• Are not afraid of physical work
• Want to make a difference in your local area
• Are comfortable getting to sites across BD3/BD4/BD5
• Enjoy interacting with members of the public
• Want to gain practical landscape maintenance experience
• Are looking for an intro into the environmental / conservation / ranger sectors

Volunteers must be in the UK already.

Public Programme Volunteers are a big part of making sure our diverse range of events go off without a hitch. They’re creative, enthusiastic, and great with people. They’re also keen to get stuck in and learn more about how public programmes in the heritage sector are put together and delivered.

The museum offers a range of public programming throughout the year but particularly in the summer (Wednesday to Sunday), and during Holiday periods (Monday to Sunday): February Half Term, Easter Holidays, May Half Term and October Half Term. We are looking for volunteers who are available during these periods to support with a range of activities.

How you will help

• Providing a friendly greeting for all visitors.
• Supporting the set up and take down of workshops, activities, and events
• Facilitating activities such as: Tower building in the Splash Zone, Bubble discos, crafts, Water Filtration Experiments, and more!
• Supporting visitors way-finding and access through the museum
• Working collaboratively with the wider LMWS volunteer team

Time Commitment

Volunteers can book a full day, or a half-day shift. Shifts are flexible and you can choose the number of days you work. As stated above, we particularly needs support during our Holiday periods. Full training will be provided.

London Museum of Water and Steam

The London Museum of Water and Steam tells the story of London’s water supply, the site, its people and the amazing pumping engines that helped to make London the city it is today.

Today the museum is at the heart of the community, working in partnership with community groups and welcoming many residents.

Volunteer Befriender: Home-Start Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham

Do you have experience with young children and have two hours to spare a week?

Are you a compassionate and reliable person who wants to make a real difference in the lives of families?

Home-Start WKCHF is looking for volunteers to support parents and children who are facing challenges such as isolation, mental health struggles, or financial difficulties.

About the Role

As a Home-Start volunteer, you will provide emotional and practical support to families with young children in their own homes. Your role may involve:                                                                                                                                                     

• Offering friendship, a listening ear and encouragement
• Helping parents build confidence in their parenting skills
• Providing practical support such as accompanying families to appointments, family hubs or groups
• Signposting to additional services and community resources

What We’re Looking For

• A friendly and non-judgmental attitude
• Experience parenting or caring for children
• Good listening and communication skills
• Commitment to volunteering for two hour per week for a minimum of six months
• Willingness to attend free preparation course and undergo a DBS / reference checks

What We Offer

• Free Volunteer Preparation Training Course
• Regular 1-to-1 supervision and ongoing support
• Additional training opportunities to enhance your skills and experience
• Reimbursement of travel and out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteer Social Events
• A chance to develop new skills and meet like-minded people
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on families’ lives

Join Us!

Become a Trustee

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your local community?

Do you want to contribute your skills and expertise to a worthy cause?

If so, this could be the opportunity for you!

What does becoming a Trustee mean?

Becoming a Trustee is a hugely rewarding experience.

You will have the opportunity to shape the direction of our charity and make a real difference to the lives of others.

We welcome people from across Calderdale who are passionate about our community and/or early years education.

We particularly encourage applications from people of colour and under 30’s to ensure our board represents the communities we serve.

We are also encouraging those with leadership skills in marketing and communications, but welcome a diverse range of other skills and backgrounds.

As a member of our board, you will be be responsible for providing strategic guidance and oversight to ensure we are fulfilling our mission and achieving our goals.

You will have the opportunity to work closely with our dedicated staff, service-users and volunteers to make a positive impact in our community.

If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back and make a difference, we encourage you to apply.

Join us today and help create a better future for all generations.

Get in touch.

“I am proud to be a Trustee, helping to ensure we strive to achieve our vision of creating ‘a better future for all generations’. Our Trustees are representatives from all aspects of the community and are helping to shape the future for their communities. Want to help your community?

Then why not become a volunteer Trustee and make a difference?”David Eyers, Chair of the Board