Event volunteer volunteer volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.
Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.
What you will do as a prison volunteer:
- Teach women in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
- Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
- Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
- Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.
Who we are looking for:
- Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
- Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
- Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
- Someone who is an excellent team worker.
- Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.
Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.
You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.
Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers.
At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
A charity based in Croydon, Surrey, London, UK is looking for volunteer Charity Volunteer Assistants; to volunteer 30 unpaid hours per week. The Charity serves a multi ethnic community especially people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds.
Responsibilities:
- To assist in the delivery of events (ours and those we are invited to), projects and our yearly summer community event.
- To assist in the daily collection and drop off of Greggs after day produce to various soup kitchens
- To assist in promotion of organisations services. eg flyer distribution, school workshops, etc.
- To assist in the delivery of essential services
- To assist in our soup kitchen projects
Person Specification:
- Someone enthusiastic and passionate about charity work and committed to working towards the achievements of the charities objectives.
- Knowledege of Black and ethnic minority tradition/culture is preferable however not essential.
- Experience is desirable.
This is a non-paid one year temporary position however accommodation and maintenance will be provided.
All interested candidates are required to send us a letter of application, a resume, and contact to the email provided. If your application is accepted, you will be invited for a telephone interview. Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered unless we have been unable to find a suitable candidate for this vacancy.
Successful candidates will require a DBS/POLICE check and references prior to commencement.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.
We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling.We’d love to hear from students with an interest in mental health, psychology, content development, and gaming.
If you are interested, your application should include a copy of your CV and a cover letter (of no more than two sides of A4) detailing what you would bring to the Ygam Student Ambassador team and how your experiences (life and/or work) demonstrate our values of integrity, empathy, innovation, and empowerment.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Help raise awareness and funds for Teckels in your local area. Our Community Volunteers champion our work, represent Teckels at events, and inspire others to get involved.
What you’ll be doing:
- Hosting stalls at local fairs and events
- Supporting supermarket collections or Pets at Home fundraising days
- Collecting donations and bringing them to the Centre
- Putting up posters, handing out leaflets, or sharing social posts
- Hosting fundraising events like bake sales or pub quizzes
- Supporting our fundraising events like the Spring, Summer and Winter Fairs and the Winter Ball
What you’ll need:
- Friendly, engaging, and confident talking to new people
- A passion for animals and Teckels’ mission
- Enthusiastic and proactive – happy to get stuck in
What’s in it for you:
- Induction, training and support
- New people, new experiences
- Skill-building and personal development
- A reference for employment or education
- A chance to help cats and dogs in your community
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
What will you do?
• Explore different ways of fundraising to help the local Citizens Advice obtain money, either for specific things, or for ongoing running costs of the local Citizens Advice
• Help organise fundraising events to raise money from the local community and encourage volunteers and staff to get involved
• Create materials, such as newsletters or presentations, which can be used to raise the profile of the local Citizens Advice and for raising money
• Explore other ways of fundraising, including identifying new sources of funding from organisations
• Help to build relationships with local organisations or businesses
• Help staff put together some information to send to potential funders and to complete applications for funding bids
What is in it for you?
• Make a real difference to people’s lives
• Learn about a range of issues such as benefits, debt, employment and housing
• Build on valuable skills such as communication and problem solving, and increase your employability
• Work with a range of different people, independently, in a team and within your local community
• Have a positive impact in your community. And we’ll reimburse expenses too.
What do you need to have? You don’t need specific qualifications and skills, but you’ll need to:
• Be friendly and approachable • Be non-judgemental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• Have a positive attitude towards fundraising
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Have good IT skills
• Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• Be willing to undertake training in your role
How much time do you need to give?
We can be flexible about the time spent and how often you volunteer so come and talk to us.
Valuing Inclusion
Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from racially minoritised people, people with colour, disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBTQ+ and nonbinary people.
If you are interested in becoming a fundraising volunteer and would like to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you, please contact us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Exeter Humanists bring non-religious people together to be happier and more fulfilled and to be a force for good in our community.
We are a Local Group of Humanists UK. All Humanists UK members and supporters in the local area are automatically part of the group.
Exeter Humanists aim to provide a range of activities for non-religious people living in and around Exeter to meet, socialise, campaign, raise awareness of humanism, participate in local civic life and support each other. The Local Group represents Humanists UK and the local humanist community at public events and in public forums. Exeter Humanists is led by a team of volunteers that organises events and activities throughout the year.
We are seeking a dedicated and driven Events Lead to join our Committee, to assist in delivering the activities of Exeter Humanists.
Take a look at the full role description and person specification to help you decide whether the role is right for you, including what you would get out of the role and what we expect you would bring to the role.
Whatever your background, or prior experiences, if you’re passionate about creating an inclusive, effective humanist community in and around Exeter, we’d love to hear from you.
At Humanists UK, our dream is of a tolerant world where rational thinking and kindness prevail.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Becky's Child Foundation was founded by Rebecca, a young Ugandan woman. Our vision is rooted in compassion and driven by the desire to support vulnerable children, Those with disabilities, improving medical care and supporting the elderly in Uganda with dignity, love, and sustainanble support. The foundation provides a safe home for orphans and vulnerable children. In addition to daily care, the team rganizes regular outreach missions in nearby communities, delivering essential goods such as clothing, food, and basic medical aid to those who need it most.
WORK
The program of your custom project will be tailored to the duration of your stay and your skills and may include the following components:
* Participarte in outreach trips in the community and provide basic needs such as clothing and food.
*Spend time with the children: reading, playing, teaching or just listening.
*Provide educational or health-related support {if you have the right skills}.
*Share daily life with the community and bring joy and connection.
STAY
Volunteers will be accomodated in a hotel/guesthouse near the project site. All basic amenities will be available. Meals can be provided entirely or partially at the project site, upon request.
SPARE TIME
In the evenings your free to explore the surrounding area and visit surrounding towns or explore nature.
TRAVEL
The nearest airport is Entebbe, where you will be met by the project partner.
Ensuring Sufficient care and support is provided to vulnerable children and the elderly
Want to make a difference without breaking a sweat? Join our incredible team of Cheer Team Volunteers and help support runners taking on the Brighton Half Marathon to raise money for Alzheimer's Society.
You'll be part of a high energy, feel-good atmosphere, giving our runners the boost they need with your cheers, claps, and encouragement.
By joining us, you’re helping us fulfil our mission: to give help to those living with dementia today and provide hope for the future.
What’s involved:
· Stand at a designated cheer point on the race route
· Clap, shout, wave flags and motivate runners
· Work alongside a friendly, supportive team
What you’ll get:
· A fun and rewarding experience
· Branded t-shirt
· A chance to make a real impact in just a few hours
No previous experience is needed just bring your energy, your voice, and your enthusiasm!
Ready to join our Cheer Squad? Sign up today and help us celebrate every step toward a dementia-free future.
Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoy networking and meeting new people? Are you passionate about volunteering? If so, we would love to hear from you. You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with people, and a good level of IT skills.
What is a Volunteering Coordinator?
Volunteering Coordinators are a key role within the team, leading on the local recruitment, induction, on-going support and celebration of volunteers. As the first point of contact for volunteering in the branch, they ensure volunteers are welcomed and supported.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles and fundraisers.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups. To continue providing help when it’s needed most, Volunteering Coordinators ensure that SSAFA has a diverse and committed network of volunteers who are skilled, supported and valued.
What would you be doing?
- Although every SSAFA Branch has different needs, below are the main activities of a Volunteering Coordinator.
- Keeping in touch: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date lists of branch volunteer details and checking in with people about their volunteer experience.
- Supporting volunteer recruitment: Working alongside the Branch Chair to monitor volunteer numbers and develop plans to recruit new volunteers as required, for example, using online volunteer recruitment platforms.
- Creating local links: Taking opportunities to advertise and promote volunteering opportunities locally, including linking with local volunteer centres and community groups.
- Welcoming and supporting: In partnership with SSAFA central office teams, supporting the recruitment and induction of new volunteers e.g., carrying out informal interviews and ensuring every volunteer has an identified volunteer manager.
- Celebrating and saying thank you: Seeking ways to celebrate volunteering and to say thank you to volunteers for their efforts.
- Being a volunteering champion: Working with the regional Volunteer Development Manager to promote volunteering best practice across the branch and ensure volunteers have the best possible experience with SSAFA.
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. This course lasts approx. 3 hours.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Local induction and support, from other branch volunteers.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Support from Regional volunteering and operations staff.
- Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out the role.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Give back to the Armed Forces community.
- Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across your local area.
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
- Good IT skills e.g., ability to use email and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach.
- Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
- A belief in the impact of volunteering.
- Some experience of coordinating people is beneficial.
- This role would suit someone who would like to volunteer regularly, each week.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA takes the utmost care at every step of volunteer recruitment to ensure that the people we involve are suitable and appropriate. All measures taken are to help make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
Are references required? Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?
Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.
We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.
Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.
Volunteer recruitment dates
The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.
Training:
You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.
**Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying: **
-
17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)
-
24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams))
-
3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)
-
24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)
You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.
More Information
Why we want you
Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.
What you will be doing
- Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
- Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
- Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
- Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
- Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
- Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
- Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
- Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
- Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
- Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
- Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering
The skills you need
- A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
- Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
- Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
- Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
- Able to manage own time and prioritise
- Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
- Able to use IT
What's in it for you
- Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
- Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
- You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
- All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
- We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
- We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role
Disclaimer
In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.
Please note you must be over 18 to volunteer with us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our programme provides young people with the chance to try new things and challenge themselves, experience success, learn to go beyond their expectations and grow in confidence. They have the chance to take part in a range of activities, work in a team, experience group living and challenge themselves in a new environment. The programme is built around three residential adventure camps.
As a Programme Volunteer at one of our camps you will work with groups of up to 10 young people alongside other experienced volunteers, trained members of staff and activity instructors. You will have the opportunity to take part in all of the activities with the young people, ensuring that they get the most out of their time on our programme.
You will ensure the welfare and organisation of the young people, help them to get involved and overcome issues, encourage and support their social relationships and help guide your team to work together.
With our support you will also help facilitate the young people’s learning and development by planning and delivering regular review sessions.
You will also be invited to join our annual volunteer training weekend in Wiltshire over the weekend of 11 and 12 July 2026.
We will call all applicants for a brief chat ahead of sending over our Volunteer Registration Pack. Applicants will also need to complete a Safeguarding Interview, provide 2 referees, complete an Enhanced DBS Check and complete online Safeguarding and Child Protection Training. Applicants must be 21 years or older.
We use outdoor adventure and one-to-one support to empower young people to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Children’s and Young People’s Activities Volunteer
Help young carers enjoy safe, fun, worry-free breaks from their caring role.
You support children and young people aged 5 to 25 during trips, club sessions, workshops, and holiday activities. You help them meet others, grow in confidence, and enjoy time for themselves. The role involves travel across Solihull so you can attend events and activities when needed.
Your tasks
• Support the Lead Sessional Worker during planned activities and outings
• Help create a safe, welcoming, inclusive space
• Encourage young carers to join in and feel confident
• Follow safeguarding, risk, and safety guidance
• Attend team check-ins and required training
What you bring
• Experience with children or young people
• Calm, adaptable approach
• Confidence working in busy group settings
• Good communication and teamwork
• Flexible availability for evenings and school holidays
What you gain
• Meaningful impact on young carers
• Training and skill development
• Experience in youth support and group work
• A place in a friendly, supportive volunteer team
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Community Engagement Volunteer
Why we want you
As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.
What you will be doing
· Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community
· Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities
· Helping at events
· Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through
· SSAFA’s speaker programme
· Event administration
· Social media marketing
The skills you need
· Friendly and approachable
· Happy to help
· Basic IT skills would be an advantage
What's in it for you
· Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
· Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
· Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?
Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.
We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.
Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.
Volunteer recruitment dates
The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.
Training:
You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.
Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:
-
17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)
-
24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams))
-
3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)
-
24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)
You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.
More information about this role
Why we want you
Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.
What you will be doing
- Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
- Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
- Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
- Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
- Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
- Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
- Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
- Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
- Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
- Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
- Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering
The skills you need
- A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
- Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
- Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
- Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
- Able to manage own time and prioritise
- Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
- Able to use IT
What's in it for you
- Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
- Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
- You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
- All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
- We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
- We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role
Disclaimer
In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.
Please note you must be over 18 to volunteer with us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?
Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.
We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.
Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.
Volunteer recruitment dates
The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.
Training:
You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.
Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:
-
17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)
-
24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams))
-
3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)
-
24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)
You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.
Why we want you
Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.
What you will be doing
- Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
- Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
- Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
- Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
- Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
- Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
- Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
- Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
- Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
- Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
- Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering
The skills you need
- A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
- Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
- Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
- Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
- Able to manage own time and prioritise
- Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
- Able to use IT
What's in it for you
- Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
- Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are reimbursed
- You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
- All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
- We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
- We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role
Disclaimer
In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.
Please note you must be over 18 to volunteer with us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


