Family development worker volunteer roles in london
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!
Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.
We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference.
Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.
Purpose of the role:
To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.
Our volunteers take calls from parents and carers on a wide range of subjects, whether that might be issues around separation and divorce, isolation, depression, bullying and abuse, dealing with behavioural problems, etc. You can find out more about our services on our website. We are a national service with home-based call takers county wide and a call centre in Old Hatfield Hertfordshire.
Once trained volunteers sign up for a weekly 4-hour shift comprising 3 hours ‘online’ followed by a debrief session with your supervisor which can last around half to one hour.
We recruit volunteers with a range of backgrounds and experiences though we ask that volunteers have experience of parenting or working with children and young people, are good listeners and have a willingness to learn. Being remote it will be very important that you have a PC/laptop, plug in headset with microphone, good Wi-Fi and a private place to work from home. You need to be a UK resident.
Our volunteers often tell us how rewarding their time with us is.
You'll be part of a compassionate community and feel a real sense of pride for what you do. You'll meet new people, gain valuable experience, and develop your skillset. We're passionate about helping people to reach their full potential, so we'll offer you full training suitable for the role, supervision from a named member of staff, including help setting personal development goals, and opportunities to increase skills and input into practice via regular Practice Development Groups.
Our training programme is excellent and will give you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to offer empathic support and guidance to callers whatever their circumstances; all shifts are overseen by a regular shift supervisor who provides ongoing remote support.
We ask our volunteers to make a commitment of 1 year (with time off for holidays), obviously we understand that circumstances sometimes make that an impossibility but can be helpful to know at the outset that is the general expectation.
We have remote call taker training sessions that run over five sessions and is done remotely connecting you via a Microsoft Teams link. Our next training is starting in September 2025.
Module One = Tues 16th Sept
Module Two = Wed 24th Sept
Module Three = Weds 1st Oct
Module Four = Weds 8th Oct
Module Five = Wed 15th Oct
10am to 2pm
You would need to be able to attend all five sessions and be available on four occasions to listen into calls, this can be organised remotely. If you are unable to attend the training however are interested, please do apply as we run training throughout the year.
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!
Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.
Remote Family Support Volunteer – Live Chat
We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference. Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.
Organisational values:
Mission: We build better family lives together.
Vision: Families should have access to active support and understanding.
Values: Trustworthy, Compassionate and Collaborative
Purpose of the role: To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.
Live chat: is a free confidential service that is accessed via our website. Service users are offered emotional support, information and advice and guidance on a broad range of family issues.
Supervised by: The Shift Supervisor
Activities: The volunteer will be fully supervised, supported and trained to provide the following activities:
·Provide emotional support to family members via our live chat service
·Use the Family Lives support model and tools to provide an empathic responses
·Ensure that all service users receive a high quality experience
·Sign post users to other agencies for information and additional support
·Complete conversation data records
·Alert the shift supervisor to any difficult situations
General: Volunteers should be willing to:
·Attend the relevant volunteer training
·Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the other policies and procedures of the organisation
·Participate in regular support, supervision meetings and learning sessions as agreed
For home based volunteers only:
·Volunteers will need a Laptop/PC, plug in headset with microphone, fast broadband and a private place to work from home
·Volunteers need to be IT/PC literate and confident troubleshooting should they have technical difficulties
Time: We would be looking for volunteers to commit to one four-hour shift per week, plus attending training and supervision.
Location: working remotely from home
You need to be a UK resident.
Supervision and Support:
·Supervision during shifts
·Debrief after every shift
·1 to 1 supervision every 6 months
·Staff available outside of shift within office hours
·Annual review
The Benefits of Volunteering:
·Satisfaction in making a real and lasting difference to families who are struggling
·An opportunity to develop experience for CV and references. Family Lives is committed to helping volunteers develop their own learning and development, gaining new skills, knowledge or work experience
·Being part of a team of Family Lives volunteers and staff
·Personal development
·Opportunities to meet and interact with a wide range of people
·Out of pocket expenses reimbursed to a maximum of £10 per session if working from a centre
·Flexible hours
Volunteer Person Specification. We are looking for individuals who:
·Have experience of parenting/being in a parenting role or demonstrable experience of working with parents or children e.g. in their work, previous volunteering or a previous role
·Have an ability to respond empathically to emotional content
·Good written and verbal communication
·Have good keyboard skills and IT skills, with a minimum of 45 wpm
·Can demonstrate a willingness to question their own attitudes e.g. toward different forms of parenting
·Have a fluent, descriptive and expressive use of English
·Can remain open minded and non-judgemental
·Willing to commit to work within Family Lives’ policies, in particular our Confidentiality Policy and Risk of Harm Procedures
·Willing to commit to attending regular supervision and support sessions
·Willing to work as part of a team
·Willing to commit to a mutually agreed period or ideally a 12 months commitment to the organisation.
Typing Task Prior to Application for Live Chat
Prior to you submitting your application for a Live Chat Volunteer, we will require you to do a speed test, we ask for a minimum speed of 45 words per minute.
Please take a screen shot and send it across with your application
You can have up to 3 attempts and decide which result you would like to forward as part of your application
Typing task
Go to the website typingtest
You are required to take the one minute typing test recording all of the results (speed, number of errors and adjusted speed).
We have remote voluntary call taker training groups the dates are below are you would need to be able to attend all 5 Modules from the training group.
Our next training groups are:
Tues 16th Sept = Please note different day
Wed 24th Sept
Weds 1st Oct
Weds 8th Oct
Wed 15th Oct
10am - 2pm
Please note that all roles offered are subject to a satisfactory DBS being obtained, you will receive details of documentation required prior to your training and this must all be in no later than the second session of your training.
Typing Task Prior to Application for Live Chat
Prior to you submitting your application for a Live Chat Volunteer, we will require you to do a speed test, we ask for a minimum speed of 45 words per minute.
Please take a screen shot and send it across with your application
You can have up to 3 attempts and decide which result you would like to forward as part of your application
Typing task
Go to the website typingtest
You are required to take the one minute typing test recording all of the results (speed, number of errors and adjusted speed).
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!
CFAB Experts by Experience Advisory Group Member
Volunteer role
Could you be part of our Experts by Experience Advisory Group to help make a positive contribution to our efforts to protect children and reunite them with family overseas?
Children and Families Across Borders protects children who have become separated from their families across international borders. As the UK member of the International Social Service network, our specialist team inter-country social workers, work with over 130 partners around the globe to reunite families. Our work is complex but life changing.
CFAB is creating an Experts by Experience Advisory Group and is looking for people to join and support our work. The purpose of our engagement would be to would be to embed the voices and insights of individuals with direct and personal experience of aspects of our work into the service design and decision-making processes within CFAB. We believe that the insights and input from those with experience of our work will help to ensure that our services, our strategies and our messaging are grounded in real needs and experiences rather than assumptions and ultimately lead to better outcomes for children.
We would consider individuals with direct, personal experience of international kinship care, international adoption, alternative care, international migration and asylum as experts by experience.
Requirements:
The Advisory Group will meet twice per year (either remotely or in person) and there will also be opportunities to feed in and participate in other ad hoc projects.
Experts by Experience will:
- Provide advice and recommendations on policy, program design, and delivery.
- Review and contribute to strategic documents, reports, and evaluations.
- Identify opportunities for co-production and co-design within the organization.
- Act as advocates and champions for the integration of lived experience.
- Ensure diverse experiences are represented and inform inclusive practices.
What can we offer you?
Though this is a voluntary role, your participation will be compensated. Expenses will also be covered in line with CFAB’s expenses policy.
We will ensure we offer pre and post meeting support to experts to identify and reflect on any issues that require processing.
We will provide training to support your skills development based on the opportunities you would like to be involved with. We will share with you the impact of your participation on our work.
CFAB exists to ensure that every child in the UK has the right to care, protection and family life, no matter where they come from.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
We’re looking for passionate and insightful Advisory Board Members to help guide the growth and impact of our work. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or mental health professional, your perspective will play a vital role in ensuring our programmes remain grounded, relevant, and effective for the young people we serve.
In this role, you’ll provide strategic input, share your expertise and lived experience, and act as a sounding board for our team as we develop new initiatives. You won’t be involved in day-to-day operations, but your advice and guidance will help us make stronger decisions, deepen our impact in schools, and stay aligned with the needs of students and families.
This is a flexible, voluntary position with quarterly meetings (held online – with one being in-person), and you’ll be joining a supportive and passionate group of people who share a commitment to improving youth mental health.
We are particularly interested to see applicants who have experience in any of the following roles:
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Secondary School Teacher
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Middle/Senior Management in Education (e.g., Assistant/Deputy Headteacher, Headteacher)
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School Counsellor or Wellbeing Lead
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Mental Health Professional (e.g., CAMHS clinician, therapist, nurse, psychiatrist)
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Parent/Carer with lived experience of supporting a young person’s mental health
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Youth Worker or Community Engagement Practitioner
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Academic/Researcher in child & adolescent mental health or education policy
To equip young people at school, and within the community, with the knowledge, confidence and skills to address their mental health needs.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Richmond Carers Centre, a network partner of Carers Trust, is a registered charity providing information, support, advice and a voice for carers living and caring in London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
Helping Carers to Live Well is our organisational aim. We are looking for someone with the skills and ability to offer a coordinated approach in supporting unpaid and family adult carers in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Carers provide vital support and can come from all walks of life and be of any age.
As a Volunteer Counsellor, you will be part of a small dedicated team and directly deliver our counselling service to adult carers. You will provide regular counselling sessions for carers each week. These will either be face-to-face at our centre or can be via a remote offer using either a video platform such as MS Teams or by telephone. The counselling service is part of a range of services offered to support carers with their emotional wellbeing. This work helps to enhance carers’ health and wellbeing. It also provides carers with a much needed break from their caring responsibilities, in a safe environment where they can focus on their wellbeing.
With your proven experience of working with carers or other vulnerable groups on an individual and/or group basis, you’ll recognise the importance of being client focused and have a commitment to enhance the lives of carers. You will be able to demonstrate a broad knowledge of carer’s needs and a wide range of skills in relation to working with individuals and groups.
You will be self-motivated and positive in your approach to working with both carers and staff and have a willingness to embrace our organisational values. Strong administrative, time management, IT and organisational skills are essential.
Benefits of volunteering for Richmond Carers Centre:
- Clinical supervision every fortnight
- Flexible working with counselling either offered face-to-face or remotely
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Training and personal development opportunities
- Access to shared resources and training opportunities
- Supportive and friendly working environment
- Staff and volunteer socials
Please use the application form only. CVs will not be accepted
Closing date – Tuesday 30th September 2025
Shortlisting – Week commencing Monday 6th October 2025
Provisional interview date – Monday 27th October 2025
If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please call us and ask to speak to Sophie Richardson, Operations Manager or Ellie Wright, Interim Adult Carers Support Team Leader.
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!
Hours: Variable – depending on individual circumstances and what people can do
Location: Variable – we are looking to extend our reach of peer support walks throughout Yorkshire
Main Tasks:
We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our
volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.
We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might
vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:
· Support our regular wellbeing/peer support walks
· Welcome participants and help them feel comfortable, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere
· Encourage conversations among participants, offering a listening ear
· Be attentive to the well-being of all participants during the walk
· Offer information on YBTC services
· Attending occasional training sessions or volunteer meetings organised by YBTC
We are looking for people who are:
· Are warm and non-judgemental
· Reliability – are punctual and committed to scheduled walks
· Collaborative mindset to work effectively with staff and volunteers
· Basic physical fitness to complete the walks, awareness of the needs of participants with
different mobility/health conditions
We can offer you the following:
· Full induction and ongoing training
· Ongoing support and supervision in your role
· Opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people
· The satisfaction of making a positive impact on those affected by brain tumours
Background
Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support
Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading
brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child
brain tumour patients, together with their families.
We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new
approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours will improve outcomes for patients.
At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain
tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumours are diagnosed in the region
every week.
Our charity values are: Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.
Our Vision/Mission
To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire through local support and research.
To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and research.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer with Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure
Stepping Stones is a small, friendly charity in Southwark providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.
We’re currently looking for volunteers to support our sessions in:
- Art (Friday mornings)
- Dance Fit (Thursday mornings and/or afternoons)
- Music (Tuesday mornings and/or afternoons)
- Social Club (Thursday afternoons)
These weekly groups offer creative, social, and wellbeing-focused opportunities for our learners, led by experienced tutors in a relaxed, supportive setting.
All sessions take place at St Faith’s Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations)
What You’ll Do
As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting adults with learning disabilities to participate fully in the sessions, connect with others, and enjoy meaningful activities. Your role might include:
- Setting up and packing away equipment and materials
- Welcoming students and their carers or support workers
- Offering encouragement and practical support in one-to-one or small group settings
- Helping tutors to deliver fun, engaging activities
All sessions are led by experienced tutors, and you’ll be part of a warm and supportive staff and volunteer team who are committed to inclusion, creativity and care.
What You’ll Gain
Volunteering with us is a chance to:
- Build experience working with adults with learning disabilities
- Gain hands on involvement in creative, wellbeing and social activities
- Be part of a welcoming and friendly team
- Develop your confidence, communication and teamwork skills
- Make a meaningful contribution to your local community
- Learn from people with diverse experiences
Whether you’re exploring a career in social care or looking to give back and become a stronger link in your community, we’d love to hear from you.
Who We’re Looking For
You don’t need to be an expert! We’re looking for people with the right attitude, values, and willingness to support others. Even if you don’t have experience of working with adults with learning disabilities, the following qualities are especially helpful:
- Enthusiasm and positivity. Your energy can set the tone for the group. A cheerful presence helps create a welcoming and encouraging environment.
- Patience. Some learners may take time to engage or communicate. Patience helps build trust and ensures everyone feels supported.
- Reliable and punctual. Many of our learners value consistency and routine. Being dependable helps build rapport and ensures the session runs smoothly.
- Inclusive communication skills. You should feel confident listening carefully, offering clear instructions or encouragement, and adapting your communication to meet individual needs.
- Inclusive and non-judgemental. We welcome people from all walks of life. An open-minded approach helps every learner feel accepted and valued.
- Adaptable and flexible. Things don’t always go to plan. A calm, flexible approach helps maintain a relaxed and safe environment for our sessions to run.
- Ready to get stuck in! Many sessions involve art, music or movement. You don’t need to be an expert, but a willingness to join in and get involved makes a big difference.
Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:
- Attend an induction meeting
- Provide two references
- Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
- Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we ask that you commit to volunteer for a minimum of a year with us.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and answer the following questions (these will come up when you hit "Apply"):
- What session(s) would you like to volunteer in?
- Why you would like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
- What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you will bring to your volunteering role?
Empowering adults with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling, connected lives through opportunities shaped by their ideas and aspirations.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Join Our Mission as Treasurer – Help Rescue Vulnerable Children in Nepal!
Are you an accountant looking to use your financial expertise for a powerful cause? We are seeking a passionate Treasurer to join our dedicated board and help transform the lives of vulnerable children in Nepal.
Who We're Looking For:
✅ Finance professionals - whether formally qualified (AAT, CIMA, ACCA, ACA), part-qualified, or experienced through practice
✅ Strong analytical skills and ability to translate financial insights into clear, strategic action
✅ Passion for making a real-world impact through good governance and financial stewardship
✨ Be part of a dynamic, supportive team committed to child protection.
✨ Shape financial strategy for an inspiring international charity
✨ Gain valuable trustee experience with flexible commitments (6 meetings/year + remote tasks).
✨ Potential to visit our life-changing projects in Nepal!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Us
Now in our 30th year, The Eikon Charity supports children and young people across Surrey to feel and be safe, heard, and supported.
Growing up in today’s world can be incredibly challenging. That’s why we empower children and young people to find the inner and outer resources they need – skills, knowledge and resilience – as they develop and navigate life.
So, we create spaces for them where they can be themselves and talk about their thoughts and feelings. They understand better than anyone what’s happening in their own lives, so we listen, without judging.
Background to the role
At Eikon we are poised to deliver an increase in our vital, evidence-based services across Surrey and the South-East, as well as to share our model of success and influence children and young people’s services across the UK. We know, and others know, that what we do has an impact on our children and young people who, tragically, need more of everything we offer as their challenges increase.
We are now looking for passion, commitment and bold leadership from our new Chair. You will have had a senior career in the public, private or voluntary sector, you’ll have grown an organisation sustainably, leading with vision and courage, and engaging and influencing stakeholders internally and externally. You will be entrepreneurial and forward-focused with ambition to effect the change that you will believe in as wholeheartedly as we do. You will lead the Board in a way that ensures we remain relevant and fit for purpose for our next season of growth and impact, while also retaining our resilience and sustainability. You will ensure our CEO and senior leadership team are empowered to lead as effectively as possible in an increasingly complex and challenging environment.
Qualities we’re looking for:
- Visionary leadership: demonstrates bold, strategic thinking and the ability to inspire and guide the Board and executive team toward long-term sustainable growth
- Commitment to mission: passion for the charity’s purpose and a deep understanding of its social impact
- Influencing & advocacy: skilled in representing the charity externally, influencing key stakeholders, and acting as an ambassador for its work
- Integrity & diplomacy: exercises sound judgment, tact, and discretion in complex and sensitive situations
- Inclusivity & collaboration: fosters a collaborative and inclusive Board culture, encouraging diverse perspectives and constructive challenge
What your day to day in this role will look like:
You’ll show bold and strategic leadership and build a good relationship with our CEO, along with the rest of our leadership team. Efficiency and effectiveness will be key in this governance role, as well as maintaining external relations.
How to Apply:
Eastside People is supporting The Eikon Charity in the recruitment of this role. Please click here to apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.
Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:
○ Why are you interested in the Chair role at Eikon?
○ Having read the information pack and understanding who we’re looking for, what relevant experience, skills and personal qualities would you bring to this role?
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.
The closing date for applications is 27 October. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with the panel at Eikon during the week beginning 3 or 10 November.
Helping young people feel safe, heard and supported




