Engagement volunteer volunteer roles in ferryhill, county durham

Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups.

What you’ll be doing:
• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate).

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• 1 reference Criminal record check

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An interest in group or community work. • A sociable personality. • A commitment to working towards a society where people with sight loss are equal participants.

KIPAWA DREAMS INITIATIVES

Kipawa Dreams Initiatives (K-DI) is a women-led Organization. Our mission is to empower youth, especially girls and women, by equipping them with the knowledge and opportunities to foster sustainable communities through extensive education, health, and technology-related initiatives. At K-DI, we prioritize tackling significant challenges in education and health, particularly for marginalized youth. We focus specifically on women and children aged 10 - 25. Our strategy is built on collaborating with local stakeholders, governments, and development partners, which allows us to create community-driven solutions and enhance capacity within our communities.

KIPAWA Dreams addresses the intertwined social and environmental challenges facing youth in rural Tanzania, including poor mental health awareness, cultural stigma, gender inequality, and lack of supportive spaces. Many young people struggle in silence with trauma, anxiety, or abuse, worsened by poverty and harmful norms. Girls are especially vulnerable due to early marriage, menstrual stigma, and limited educational access. Through peer-led clubs, community dialogues, and youth mental health training, KIPAWA Dreams fosters safe and inclusive environments that promote resilience, emotional expression, and support. The organization empowers young people to heal, lead, and drive change within their schools, families, and communities.

KIPAWA Dreams tackles mental health stigma, gender inequality, and youth marginalization through culturally rooted, community-driven solutions. It trains teachers, health workers, and youth leaders in Mental Health issues, builds school-based peer support clubs, and facilitates intergenerational dialogues to break harmful silences. By integrating arts, sports, and storytelling, the startup creates safe spaces for youth expression and healing. Girls are empowered through leadership roles and reproductive health education, while all youth gain tools to navigate trauma and stress. KIPAWA Dreams fosters resilience, inclusion, and early intervention transforming communities from within and ensuring that no young person is left behind.

Join Us in Making Mental Health Matter in Rural Tanzania.

Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Advisor (Volunteer).

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

KDI is seeking a mental health professional to enhance the technical quality of our Mental Health Awareness and Education Campaigns, as well as our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training and youth-led support clubs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and guide MHFA training materials.
• Support the establishment of referral pathways and trauma-informed practices.
• Assist in the development of school-based psychosocial activities.
• Contribute to parent engagement and facilitate community dialogues.

Ideal Candidate:

• A background in mental health, such as psychology, counseling, or social work.
• A passion for community-based and youth-focused interventions.
• Familiarity with delivering mental health services in low-resource or rural settings.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

KIPAWA DREAMS INITIATIVES

Kipawa Dreams Initiatives (K-DI) is a women-led Organization. Our mission is to empower youth, especially girls and women, by equipping them with the knowledge and opportunities to foster sustainable communities through extensive education, health, and technology-related initiatives. At K-DI, we prioritize tackling significant challenges in education and health, particularly for marginalized youth. We focus specifically on women and children aged 10 - 25. Our strategy is built on collaborating with local stakeholders, governments, and development partners, which allows us to create community-driven solutions and enhance capacity within our communities.

KIPAWA Dreams addresses the intertwined social and environmental challenges facing youth in rural Tanzania, including poor mental health awareness, cultural stigma, gender inequality, and lack of supportive spaces. Many young people struggle in silence with trauma, anxiety, or abuse, worsened by poverty and harmful norms. Girls are especially vulnerable due to early marriage, menstrual stigma, and limited educational access. Through peer-led clubs, community dialogues, and youth mental health training, KIPAWA Dreams fosters safe and inclusive environments that promote resilience, emotional expression, and support. The organization empowers young people to heal, lead, and drive change within their schools, families, and communities.

KIPAWA Dreams tackles mental health stigma, gender inequality, and youth marginalization through culturally rooted, community-driven solutions. It trains teachers, health workers, and youth leaders in Mental Health issues, builds school-based peer support clubs, and facilitates intergenerational dialogues to break harmful silences. By integrating arts, sports, and storytelling, the startup creates safe spaces for youth expression and healing. Girls are empowered through leadership roles and reproductive health education, while all youth gain tools to navigate trauma and stress. KIPAWA Dreams fosters resilience, inclusion, and early intervention transforming communities from within and ensuring that no young person is left behind.

Join Us in Making Mental Health Matter in Rural Tanzania.

Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Advisor (Volunteer).

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

KDI is seeking a mental health professional to enhance the technical quality of our Mental Health Awareness and Education Campaigns, as well as our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training and youth-led support clubs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and guide MHFA training materials.
• Support the establishment of referral pathways and trauma-informed practices.
• Assist in the development of school-based psychosocial activities.
• Contribute to parent engagement and facilitate community dialogues.

Ideal Candidate:

• A background in mental health, such as psychology, counseling, or social work.
• A passion for community-based and youth-focused interventions.
• Familiarity with delivering mental health services in low-resource or rural settings.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

KIPAWA DREAMS INITIATIVES

Kipawa Dreams Initiatives (K-DI) is a women-led Organization. Our mission is to empower youth, especially girls and women, by equipping them with the knowledge and opportunities to foster sustainable communities through extensive education, health, and technology-related initiatives. At K-DI, we prioritize tackling significant challenges in education and health, particularly for marginalized youth. We focus specifically on women and children aged 10 - 25. Our strategy is built on collaborating with local stakeholders, governments, and development partners, which allows us to create community-driven solutions and enhance capacity within our communities.

KIPAWA Dreams addresses the intertwined social and environmental challenges facing youth in rural Tanzania, including poor mental health awareness, cultural stigma, gender inequality, and lack of supportive spaces. Many young people struggle in silence with trauma, anxiety, or abuse, worsened by poverty and harmful norms. Girls are especially vulnerable due to early marriage, menstrual stigma, and limited educational access. Through peer-led clubs, community dialogues, and youth mental health training, KIPAWA Dreams fosters safe and inclusive environments that promote resilience, emotional expression, and support. The organization empowers young people to heal, lead, and drive change within their schools, families, and communities.

KIPAWA Dreams tackles mental health stigma, gender inequality, and youth marginalization through culturally rooted, community-driven solutions. It trains teachers, health workers, and youth leaders in Mental Health issues, builds school-based peer support clubs, and facilitates intergenerational dialogues to break harmful silences. By integrating arts, sports, and storytelling, the startup creates safe spaces for youth expression and healing. Girls are empowered through leadership roles and reproductive health education, while all youth gain tools to navigate trauma and stress. KIPAWA Dreams fosters resilience, inclusion, and early intervention transforming communities from within and ensuring that no young person is left behind.

Join Us in Making Mental Health Matter in Rural Tanzania.

Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Advisor (Volunteer).

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

KDI is seeking a mental health professional to enhance the technical quality of our Mental Health Awareness and Education Campaigns, as well as our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training and youth-led support clubs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and guide MHFA training materials.
• Support the establishment of referral pathways and trauma-informed practices.
• Assist in the development of school-based psychosocial activities.
• Contribute to parent engagement and facilitate community dialogues.

Ideal Candidate:

• A background in mental health, such as psychology, counseling, or social work.
• A passion for community-based and youth-focused interventions.
• Familiarity with delivering mental health services in low-resource or rural settings.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers.

What you’ll be doing:
• Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups.
• Delivering Talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people

• Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• 1 reference

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people • Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your story, or a willingness to try with our support. • Able to communicate effectively. • Have an outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people.

                    While gaining invaluable experience, practice your passion within real-life scenarios. 

We’re looking for Social Media Manager volunteers to join our team, who will play a key role in the growth of our brand messages and visions. The ideal candidate will assist us grow our on-line presence and increase traffic to our digital channels.

Responsibilities
Increase traffic to our digital channels
Grow our brand messages, visions and on-line presence.

Requirements
Working experience with online digital marketing & Social Media
Strong verbal, written, and organisational skills.
Enthusiastic, Dedicated and willing to learn.

The role could be entirely remote and is unremunerated but all reasonable expenses will be met.

About TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Trustees manage the affairs of our local RSPCA Branch to promote and provide animal welfare within the branch area. 

We are the Surrey East Branch of the RSPCA, and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. 

Main activities: 

• To be familiar with and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA. 

• To be familiar with our branch rules and follow them at all times. 

• To work with your fellow trustees and branch officers to jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of our branch and the RSPCA. 

• To ensure the branch meets all the minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS). Where they are not met, work with national RSPCA staff to meet the standard as soon as practicable. 

• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch support specialist (BSS), to write, adopt, monitor and review a branch development plan setting out the short and long-term aims of our branch. 

• To actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the branch annual general meeting, and regional conference. 

• To be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives. 

• To attend the trustee training course. 

• To actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers. 

• To welcome new trustees and volunteers to the branch. 

About the RSPCA

We’re proud to be the oldest welfare charity in existence

• We were the first to introduce a law to protect animals and we work hard to ensure that all animals can live a life free from pain and suffering. 

• Through our campaigns we raise standards of care and awareness of issues for the animals who have no voice. We push for laws to be changed, improving the welfare of animals on farms, in research labs, in the wild, in paddocks or in our homes. 

• Through investigations and prosecutions, we stand up to those who deliberately harm animals to send out a clear message - we will not tolerate animal abuse. 

• Our highly trained officers tackle neglect and cruelty at every level and are working hard to stamp out large-scale serious, organised and commercial animal cruelty. 

• We believe every animal has the right to be counted as an individual. Animals can rely on us to rescue them when they need us most. To rehabilitate them wherever possible, provide them with the very best veterinary care and to find them new homes, either through rehoming or release.

What are we looking for? 

• Most people aged 18 or over are eligible to become a trustee. You will need to become a member of the RSPCA. Good interpersonal skills are important. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense and the ability to be objective is vital. 

• Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, and awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential. 

• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and that they accept the post. 

• In addition to our standard declaration of willingness, trustees also need to complete a declaration from the Charity Commission and read their guidance for individuals on who can’t be a trustee or senior manager of a charity. 

What can we offer you? 

• It’s a great way to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare. 

• You will have the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals. 

• New RSPCA trustees are provided with a document “Trustees handbook” and asked to attend a training course which provides information and guidance about a trustee’s role and responsibilities. 

• Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch. 

• Volunteer at the heart of the local community. 

Experienced contributing writers (remote) are invited to join our global team to make a difference by creating impactful articles and that reach millions in over 120 countries.

Big-time sustainability is a global media platform of a United Nations CSO.  Join our global team of experienced contributors and change perspectives.

Join us as a volunteer writer (not limited to) UG-PhD and postdoctoral researchers in any field of sustainability, industry experts and leaders (sustainability execs and C-suite), scientists, marketeers DEI contributors, innovators and trailblazers, Professors and academics, thought-leaders, influencers and global voices. 

Themes (not limited to): Policy & Economics, Finance, Pollution, Climate Change, Oceans, Biodiversity, Energy, and Solutions, Innovations, DEI, ESG, SDGs, Water, Food, Material sciences, Fashion, Consumerism, Marketing, Ethics, AI, Art and all topics in sustainability. 

A Rewarding Opportunity: Why Write With Us

• Make a tangible impact by volunteering your skills for a purpose-driven global media platform
• Work flexibly, remotely, and around your schedule
• Write  about sustainability topics that you are an expert of or issues you care about the most
• Boost your portfolio and visibility through global distribution across our site, newsletters, and social media.

What You'll Do

• Research and craft well-informed, compelling articles aligned with our editorial themes
• Translate complex topics into digestible insights for broad audiences
• Meet deadlines and contribute reliably.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience (3 or more years) of contributing to written pieces at work and in other media outlets 
• Fluent, engaging command of English
• Expertise in the area of contribution
• Skilled in selecting credible sources to support writing
• Academic background (any discipline) or professional experience in sustainability fields
• A genuine passion to make a difference through impactful storytelling.

What difference will you make?

Be part of the global sustainability media platform reaching millions in over 120 countries.

Over 85% of people in the UK and even more, globally, are unaware of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) let alone take any steps to create a more sustainable world for themselves and in the process for others in this complexly interconnected world.

This highlights the need for such initiatives to educate the British as well as global societies about the UN SDGs. Your contributions can educate and inspire millions to act on the SDGs and bring positive changes that will impact all of us in this complexly interconnected world.

Your contributions will play a vital role in sparking thoughtful conversations, spreading meaningful insights, and motivating others to take action for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Most importantly your efforts will ensure that both individuals and organisations we reach via the global platform can come together and join forces to work in synergy, thus, benefitting more lives than acting alone.

Before you apply

Please provide a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working to secure funding that will see us through our first year, and the role of the Social Media and Communications Co-ordinator will play a key role in this.

If you are well versed in social media, have experience or a passion for communicating with wide audiences across pretty much all social media platforms, this is a role for you.

Living Reasons, at the core of what we want to achieve, doesn't just value experience from employment but from personal experience and based on you as a person, everything else comes from the relationships built and trust given to each other and we want to learn from you, just as much as you will learn from us.

You will work with the volunteers and trustees to create engaging content that focuses on the current needs of the charity and in the first 3-6 months will be very much focused and 2 areas - fundraising and communicating the charity message and gaining support for the charity as we establish ourselves. We want to do things differently, so there are no boundaries other than legal requirements and ensuring we stick to the charity values, which, as you will see, are very much about making change and doing things differently.

Living Reasons – What we are planning, who we are and where we are now:

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

If you think you would enjoy this role, please apply, we want to hear from you!

About the Hawk and Owl Trust
The Hawk and Owl Trust is a national UK charity (registration no. 1058565), established in 1969, committed to the conservation of owls and birds of prey in their natural habitats. The charity works to protect these species through practical research, habitat creation and management, public education, and outreach.

The Trust develops and maintains nesting and roosting sites, advises on feeding habitats, and welcomes visitors to its nature reserves in Norfolk and Somerset. It also runs education centres and outreach initiatives designed to foster greater public understanding and appreciation of raptors and their ecosystems.

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Purpose of the Role
The Chair will provide strategic and inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Operating Director, and the wider team of staff and volunteers. The role is instrumental in ensuring that the charity remains focused on its mission and vision, and that governance is effective, collaborative, and forward-thinking.

Working closely with the Chief Operating Director, the Chair will help strengthen internal relationships, support strategic delivery, and serve as a key ambassador for the Trust, representing the organisation externally with professionalism and enthusiasm.

Key Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated senior leadership experience, ideally with a governance or non-executive background

• Strong interpersonal and communication capabilities

• Sound understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities

• A clear commitment to and passion for wildlife and environmental conservation

Principal Responsibilities
The Chair will:

• Provide strategic leadership to ensure the charity maximises its impact in protecting birds of prey

• Guide the Board in fulfilling its governance duties, including oversight of risk, performance, and financial sustainability

• Champion best practice in governance, fostering a culture of integrity and transparency

• Support and appraise the Chief Operating Director, building a strong and effective working partnership

• Encourage Board development, succession planning, and a balanced skills matrix across trustees

• Lead conflict resolution, promote constructive challenge, and ensure decisions are made in the charity’s best interest

• Represent the organisation in public, media, and stakeholder engagements as appropriate

Location

• Administrative base: Sculthorpe, Fakenham, Norfolk

• Flexible and remote-friendly, with most Board meetings held virtually

• Some in-person attendance required in Sculthorpe (Norfolk), Shapwick (Somerset), or London

Remuneration

• This is a voluntary role

• All reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed

Time Commitment

• Approximately 1–2 days per month

• Attendance at 4–5 Board meetings annually (a combination of virtual and in-person)

• Optional participation in up to two subcommittees (each meeting quarterly)

• Additional time as needed to represent the Trust at events, media opportunities, or stakeholder meetings

Term of Appointment
The Chair will serve a three-year term, with the option to be reappointed for one additional term.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to ensure that all of our operational activity, whether internally or with people who come in contact with the organisation, are having the best experience they can possibly have and that the work we are carrying out, the campaigns we are focusing on and where we are focusing our time and our money, is relevant and remains so moving forward.

That is where I lived experience board of volunteers comes in. In essence that lived experience board is the driver for all that we do as an organisation and will inform, guide and develop the organisation.

The board is broken in to separate lived experiences which hold focus groups, support groups and communicated with each other to talk about members lived experiences, support each other and feel part of a community, while also using the voice and power of that lived experience to bring about change. The board chooses what information is passed on to the organisation and what is not.

Additionally, to the community aspects of the role, you will also be sent specific materials to share your experiences or take part in research or in new policy discussions or campaign ideas as the organisation evolves.

Additionally, to the specific lived experience groups, the full board can communicate with each other and will have periodic full board meetings that will allow people to share their experiences from various viewpoints, so that cross overs and shared experiences can become strength but can also guide the overall operation of Living Reasons.

For this role, all you need is to have lived experience of autism, ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia, either from a personal viewpoint, or as a supporter/care giver/guardian/family member. There will be two separate groups (one for personal experience and people who are supporting someone – this allows for different conversations to happen).

This role will really drive change, not just in Living Reasons as an organisation, but in society as a whole.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

East London Waterworks Park is looking for volunteers to lead social media and content creation for communications and campaigning for our community-owned park.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for social media and content creator leads to participate in our community-led working group who are promoting public awareness and support of the project. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects across communications, content creation, social media, PR, newsletters, film, podcasts or any other channels of interest, and facilitate the direction of the working group.

The Comms Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

You will be at the forefront of our digital strategy to create a huge new biodiverse park and natural swimming ponds. We’re looking for creative and strategic thinkers who can craft compelling narratives and visually stunning content. You should have a deep understanding of social media platforms and analytics tools to measure and optimize our campaigns. Your ability to build and engage with online communities is crucial, as is your skill in managing media relations. We value individuals who are passionate about our mission and can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the role. You will be comfortable with community-led processes. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your strategic content creation will be instrumental in fostering a strong connection between our community, the park, and its biodiversity. Your input will help us craft compelling narratives that inspire, educate, and engage our service users, stakeholders, funders, and the general public, ultimately driving support for the park's mission and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to ensure that all of our operational activity, whether internally or with people who come in contact with the organisation, are having the best experience they can possibly have and that the work we are carrying out, the campaigns we are focusing on and where we are focusing our time and our money, is relevant and remains so moving forward.

That is where I lived experience board of volunteers comes in. In essence that lived experience board is the driver for all that we do as an organisation and will inform, guide and develop the organisation.

The board is broken in to separate lived experiences which hold focus groups, support groups and communicated with each other to talk about members lived experiences, support each other and feel part of a community, while also using the voice and power of that lived experience to bring about change. The board chooses what information is passed on to the organisation and what is not.

Additionally, to the community aspects of the role, you will also be sent specific materials to share your experiences or take part in research or in new policy discussions or campaign ideas as the organisation evolves.

Additionally, to the specific lived experience groups, the full board can communicate with each other and will have periodic full board meetings that will allow people to share their experiences from various viewpoints, so that cross overs and shared experiences can become strength but can also guide the overall operation of Living Reasons.

For this role, all you need is to have lived experience of mental health conditions, either from a personal viewpoint, or as a supporter/care giver/guardian/family member. There will be two separate groups (one for personal experience and people who are supporting someone – this allows for different conversations to happen).

This role will really drive change, not just in Living Reasons as an organisation, but in society as a whole.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

Marie Curie is calling on local people to help us fundraise together. No cape needed - just a bit of time and good vibes.

Coordinate collections - pick and drop off dontation tins

Spread the word

Collect and bank donations

You just need to:

• Be 18+
• Know your area
• Enjoy meeting people

We’ll give you:

• Quick and easy training 
• Ongoing support and expense covered
• Discounts & loyalty perks
• Feel-good impact

Ready to make a difference?
Apply now or get in touch with us