Fundraising and communications volunteer volunteer roles in dalston, greater london

Would you like to work at the frontline of suicide prevention? 

At our sanctuary (Finsbury Park, North London) for those in suicidal crisis, we offer a potentially transformative experience with a once-only 4-night stay at our non-medical, family-style house. Through respite, time and space for reflection and compassionate and nurturing care, our Volunteer Befrienders and Lead Befrienders support an opportunity for the revival of hope and resilience.  

Volunteer Befrienders are key to Maytree and work alongside Lead Befrieders to provide an open and containing space for people who are feeling suicidal. Befriending is as its sounds: sitting alongside our guests as a compassionate, confidential, and non-judgemental friend. Through active listening and human warmth our volunteers enable our guests to explore their feelings and their options in their own way and in their own time. This face-to-face support is not therapy; it is about being calm and committed and not afraid of difficult subjects, including suicide.  

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Would you like to be a part of the elimination of viral hepatitis?

Operating since 2001, The Hepatitis C Trust (HCT) is the only national UK hepatitis C charity. It is a peer-led and peer run organisation; most of its board, staff and volunteers have been affected by hepatitis C. Alongside the delivery of a national peer support programme we lobby and educate policy makers and raise awareness to ensure hepatitis C stays on their agenda and we reach elimination. 

We are routed in lived experience…Our Peer delivery model is at the core of everything we do.

Our mission is to see the elimination of hepatitis C as a serious public health issue by 2030. 

As a Trustee at The Hepatitis C Trust with a focus on the Treasurer role, you will play a vital part in ensuring the financial stability and integrity of The Hepatitis C Trust.

The role of the treasurer 

·Oversee the charity’s financial management and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.

·Work closely with the CEO and Board to develop a long-term financial strategy.

·Ensure compliance with charity finance regulations and best practices.

·Contribute to financial reports to the Board, making complex information accessible and actionable.

Would you like to become an Ambassador for knus? We've introduced our new arm-chairing volunteer position.

If you're interested arm-chair volunteering (our most flexible, low commitment role) and applying to volunteer at knus, simply read through the information on this page and apply.

• Are you over 18 and living in the UK? You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
• Do you have a mobile phone or laptop? You can do this role whether you are, whether it be on a sofa or on a plane.
• How much time can you give? As much as you want to do. We are flexible and like to work around you.
• Do you like to learn? We provide training for all volunteers that join us. You'll have access to our CPD courses to help you advance your knowledge and certificates to add to your CV.

How does it work?

In 2025 we launched our arm chair volunteering initiative to help us spread the word about our service and to give people the opportunity to take part in surveys and projects to help us deliver the best mental health support to the UK public.

We'd like to embrace what you love doing, whether that be sharing on socials, proof reading, surveys, sharing experiences or getting involved in our fabulous projects.

Important information:

In order to volunteer for knus as an ambassador, you will need to complete a brief application form and a ID check. A DBS is not required for this role, however, if you wish to progress to another role you may need a disclosure. We do this to ensure of service remains a safe place to volunteer for all. Please do not worry about this, we will help you as much as we can.

Training is provided by us and our training partners. You will be required to attend this training using online conferencing software such as zoom or teams.

We are looking for visionary, creative, and detail-oriented individuals to join us as Volunteer Graphic Designers, helping bring our mission to life through compelling visual storytelling. Whether you're a student or recent graduate building your portfolio, or a seasoned professional eager to give back, this is an opportunity to contribute your talents to a vibrant, inclusive, and purpose-driven charity.

Your work will amplify the voices of young people, support our community-based programmes, and help us visually communicate the transformational impact of our initiatives. If you’re passionate about design, social equity, and youth empowerment—we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Design branded materials including flyers, posters, digital assets, presentations, infographics, reports, and social media content
• Assist in developing visual campaigns for events, fundraising drives, and programmes such as Degrees of Opportunity and I’m One of a Million
• Maintain consistency with existing brand guidelines across all visuals
• Work collaboratively with the communications and marketing teams to create engaging visual content
• Update and refine existing design assets as needed
• Support in the creation of print and web-ready formats for campaigns and public communications
• Participate in virtual check-ins and planning meetings as required

Skills and Experience Required

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) or Canva
• Strong understanding of visual communication, layout, and typography
• Ability to take creative direction and work independently

• Keen attention to detail and consistency
• Understanding of branding and audience-centred design

What You Will Gain

• An opportunity to contribute to a growing, values-driven organisation working with diverse communities
• Experience in the third sector and real-life application of design for social impact
• Portfolio development with a variety of campaigns and design challenges
• Mentorship and support from experienced leaders in youth, education, and nonprofit development
• Professional references and LinkedIn endorsements upon successful contribution
• Giving back and supporting our aims

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Creative thinker passionate about making a difference through visual storytelling
• Enthusiastic team player who understands the power of design to inspire and engage
• Culturally aware and respectful of diverse backgrounds and communities

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

We are seeking to add to the expertise of our experienced, professional Board of Trustees all of whom are volunteers.  All our Trustees require excellent communication skills, the ability to work effectively as part of a team, strategic vision and good independent judgement. Although not limited to, we would particularly value the experience and skills in the following areas : 

• Company Secretary/Legal Experience 
• Fundraising in the following areas – Grant, Corporate and Public 
• Marketing 

Lived or shared experience of mental health – desirable. 

Inclusion is one of our values and we are looking for diversity in the makeup of our Board. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented communities. The Board of Trustees meets every six weeks (in-person), in the evening at 7 p.m. for approximately 2 hours in the Borough of Sutton. 

As background information, Sutton Mental Health Foundation was established as a charity in 1998. Its aim is to support individuals experiencing serious mental health issues in the London Borough of Sutton. We aim to keep such individuals well and active helping them to have a voice in the provision of mental health care in the Borough.  Our vision is to provide a community in Sutton which values mental wellbeing and understands how to respond positively to individuals’ anxiety and distress.  The Foundation works together to promote mental wellbeing resilience and recovery from mental distress.We provide nonclinical support through our Intentional Peer Support programme together with a Day Service and a Crisis Cafe at our centre in Belmont. We receive funding mainly from the NHS and the London Borough of Sutton although we are part of the Voluntary Sector. 

We believe that every child should have access to a quality education at a safe, inclusive school, with the opportunity to become a truly global citizen… do you too?

It’s an incredibly exciting time at African Adventures Foundation as we develop the vital programmes we deliver at the 34 partner schools we work with in Ghana, Kenya, and Zanzibar.

We have ambitious plans to help drive greater impact at our partner schools, and are looking to strengthen our existing Trustee Board that’s full of energy and experience!

 Do you have experience in charity governance, delivering projects in an African culture and context, or delivering WASH or female empowerment/education/menstrual health programmes?

If so, read on… we’d be keen to hear from you about becoming one of our amazing volunteer trustees! 

Introduction to African Adventures Foundation

African Adventures Foundation is a registered charity set up in 2013 to provide support to 34 schools in developing areas of Ghana, Kenya and Zanzibar.

These schools provide education, health and food security, and social support to young people whose access to these basic services would otherwise be very limited. African Adventures Foundation helps by funding food security programmes, the construction of important school facilities, and hygiene projects that will benefit children’s health and education.

Our mission is to provide more children with a quality education and better opportunities in life.

 All trustees are responsible for governing a charitable company and directing its management and operation. They must also ensure that the trust complies with all legal and statutory requirements.

Trustee Responsibilities:

The role of a Governance & Delivery Trustee is to ensure the Foundation complies with its charity obligations, maximise impact through effective in country project delivery, and bring valuable insight into the specific cultural and operational context of working in Africa.

We are looking for two Trustees to bring specific expertise to the overall Trustee Board alongside the Chair, Fundraising, and Treasurer Trustee positions.

Governance (role specific)

● Understand and represent the needs of the charity’s governing framework on behalf of the Chair and board.

● Recommend relevant changes or documentation, and identify any areas od noncompliance to be addressed within improvement plans.

● Act as spokesperson and figurehead for African Adventures Foundation internally and externally concerning our charity governance.

 Delivery (role specific)

 ● Contribute to governance, approval, and impact assessment processes at board level for the successful delivery of Foundation projects.

● Provide best practice advice, support, and oversight to the projects being delivered on behalf of the board as required.

Context & Culture (role specific)

●    Bring experience, knowledge and good judgement relating to the culture and context of the communities and territories we operate in.

● Bring an understanding of delivering charitable projects in an African educational context to board level.

● Bring an understanding to Trustee Board level, of delivering WASH programmes and Female empowerment, education, and menstrual health projects.

General (all Trustees)

 ● Support and provide advice on AAF’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities while working alongside the trustee Board, founder, and African Adventures personnel.

● Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation, adding to overall good charity governance.

● Support broad decision-making, risk management, and charity planning through a range of platforms and processes.

● Keep abreast of changes in AAF’s operating environment through your external experience.

● Be fully prepared to attend, participate and contribute in Board meetings and Trustee events.

● Act as AAF ambassador applying your skills, experience and knowledge in a range of scenarios including government, fundraising and networking events.

● Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect African Adventures Foundation’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

● Support the Chair with administrative tasks as required.

 What we are looking for:

● Attention to detail.

● A good knowledge of charity governance and willingness to challenge.

● A good understanding of delivering charity/NGO projects.

● A good understanding of operating and/or overseeing delivery in an African culture and context.

● Background in WASH and/or female empowerment, education, and menstrual health projects.

  Essential qualities and attributes of all our trustees

● Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees, and to act in the organisation's best interests.

● Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

● Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussions.

● A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

● Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

● Willingness to lead according to African Adventures Foundation’s values.

● Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

 Terms of appointment

 ● Trustees are appointed for a 2-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 6 years.

● This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

 Time commitment (estimated at one day every month)

● Attending quarterly Trustee Board meetings. Currently, these are alternating between online and in-person at HQ near Southampton, UK. 

● Flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue and Trustee comms

● Attending occasion workshops and fundraising & networking events as per availability.

We are looking for people to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role and broaden the diversity of thought within our board.

Purpose

Our Associate Counsellors provide emotional support to adult members of families where there is a child or children with complex medical needs.

Tasks

Families who have been assessed by an experienced therapist from the project will be referred to the Associate Counsellor who will:

• Make contact with families, organising timing and frequency of sessions
• Provide counselling/therapy sessions to a member of each family
• Undertake a minimum caseload of 2 clients
• Attend monthly, mandatory, group supervision (2 hours)
• Undertake The Maypole Project initial training (20 hours)
• Work to The Maypole Project model of support (including flexibility in location of sessions)
• Complete client notes and The Maypole Project paperwork as required
• Liaise with supervisor or the Lead Therapist in case of questions/difficulties
• Follow The Maypole Project policies and guidelines at all times whilst volunteering
• Attend service-wide activities including family activity events and fundraising events

For students: Please check whether your course placement requirements would enable you to provide counselling at external venues (clients home, hospitals, hospices etc). This would occur only after a settling in period and with additional training and support provided by The Maypole Project.

Support

Whilst volunteering you will have support from our Family Support Co-ordinator for day to day issues and our Lead Therapist or another qualified counsellor for monthly clinical supervision.

Location

At our offices in Orpington and Greenwich or, after a settling-in period, in local schools, hospitals, hospices and client’s homes.

Time Commitment

Volunteers days and hours are negotiable but, due to the long-term promise of support to our clients, a most valued aspect of our service, we do ask volunteer applicants to be available to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months from acceptance onto the volunteering programme at The Maypole Project. We would ideally like volunteers to aspire to offering 2 years commitment to the role.

Note

STUDENT PLACEMENTS ONLY: We will review your work with the project throughout your placement to your graduation. If appropriate after either 2 years experience volunteering with us in therapies OR 3 months minimum experience post qualification with The Maypole Project you will be considered for a sessionally paid role with the organization.

Person Specification

Education & qualifications

• Good general education (essential)
• Placement: Final year student studying on a counselling diploma (level 4) or a degree/masters in counselling or counselling/clinical psychology or psychotherapy OR Qualified counsellor, therapist or clinical/counselling psychologist (diploma or first degree or masters) (essential)
• Courses must be accredited by BACP or approved equivalent (essential)
• Associate Counsellor (essential)
• Qualified as outlined above (essential)

Previous experience

• Student placement: 20+ hours of support to adult clients (essential)
• Associate Counsellor: 100+ hours of counselling support to adult clients (essential)
• 20+ hours of face to face counselling experience to adult clients (desirable)

Skills & knowledge

• Good communication and interpersonal skills (essential)
• Person-focused approach (essential)
• Experience of supporting children and families (desirable)

Attributes

• Self-motivated (essential)
• Able to work flexibly (essential)
• Approachable (essential)
• Ability to empathise with families in difficult situations (essential)
• Discreet and able to adhere to confidentiality procedures (essential)
• Commitment to equal opportunities and a non-judgmental attitude (essential)
• Commitment to further training and personal development (essential)

Exemption clause

• 2 years without significant loss (including divorce/diagnosis of chronic illness)

Thanks for your interest in volunteering for The Maypole Project

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Purpose of the Role

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on connecting with others and enjoys being active in the community. As a Volunteer Engagement & Outreach Ambassador, you will play a vital role in promoting RollaDome’s roller skating clubs, birthday parties, and employability programs by visiting schools, attending events, and networking with local organisations. Your energy, people skills, and passion for getting others involved will help bring new participants into our programs and increase our presence across boroughs.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent RollaDome at schools, youth centres, and community events.
• Promote our services, including skating clubs, classes, parties, and training programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with school staff, community leaders, and youth organisations.
• Distribute leaflets, posters, and program information within schools and key community venues.
• Gather expressions of interest and pass them to the relevant team members.
• Share regular updates on outreach activities via email, short voice notes, or a simple log sheet.
• Provide informal feedback from schools and communities to help us tailor our services.

What You Bring

• Confidence in speaking with people and promoting activities you believe in.
• A friendly, enthusiastic, and proactive approach to engaging with new communities.

• Basic IT confidence (email, WhatsApp, and phone communication are sufficient).
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.

Support & Training Provided

• Full induction and ongoing support from the team.
• Access to clear promotional materials and talking points.
• Flexible work style – no fixed desk, no set times, just impactful engagement.
• Reimbursement of pre-approved travel costs related to outreach activities.

While gaining invaluable experience in recruitment, human resources and NFP Social enterprise,                           practice your passion within real-life scenarios.

We are looking for Recruitment Managers to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in sourcing, engaging and will help us build a diverse and dedicated team to support our brand messages and visions.

If you are enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated about building a dynamic team and are excited to contribute your recruitment skills to a meaningful cause, join us as a Recruitment Manager Volunteer. Together, we can create a positive and lasting impact in our community.

Please note the role is a voluntary position and could be entirely remote. Any incurred reasonable expenses will be paid.

Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with HR and leadership team to understand needs, roles and requirements.
- Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies and campaigns.
- Utilise online platforms, social media, and community networks to advertise opportunities.
- Assist with review applications and inquiries, and assess candidate suitability.
- Conduct interviews with potential candidates to determine their skills, motivations, and alignment with our values and visions.
- Maintain a database of potential and current candidates and keeping track of their skills, interests, and availability.
- Work closely with leadership team and other team members to ensure a seamless transition from recruitment to engagement.
- Regularly report on recruitment metrics and effectiveness to the leadership team.
- Continuously seek opportunities to improve recruitment process.

Requirements:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to effectively market and promote opportunities.
- Experience in recruitment, human resources, or volunteer management is a plus.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
- Proficiency in using online platforms, social media, and communication tools.
- Dedicated and willing to learn.
- Committed to our values and mission 

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can become a vital part of our team.​

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.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind
• Access to Sense discounts and advice, including cashback and discounts on hight street brands, as well as 10% off at Sense charity shops.

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Overall purpose

To support children (the child/ren who have complex medical needs and/or their siblings) in 1:1 sessions through the integration of counselling and play skills

Role responsibilities

Children, who have been assessed by an experienced therapist from the project and with parental consent, will be referred to the Child Therapist who will:

• Make contact with the client’s parent/guardian organising an initial 1:1 meeting with them to talk through the issues their child faces and establish the time, location and frequency of sessions
• Provide support through an integration of counselling and play skills
• Attend monthly group supervision (2 hours)
• Undertake The Maypole Project initial training (20 hours)
• Work to The Maypole Project model of support for children and young people
• Attend a training update session at least once per annum
• Complete client notes and The Maypole Project paperwork as required
• Liaise with their supervisor or the Clinical Supervisor in case of questions/difficulties
• Follow The Maypole Project policies and guidelines at all times whilst volunteering
• Attend service-wide activities including family activity events and fundraising events

For students: Please check whether your course placement requirements would enable you to provide counselling at external venues (clients home, hospitals, hospices etc). This would occur only after a settling in period and with additional training and support provided by The Maypole Project.

Support

Whilst volunteering you will have support from our Family Support Co-ordinator for day to day issues and our Lead Therapist or another qualified counsellor for monthly clinical supervision.

Location

At our offices in Orpington and Greenwich or, after a settling-in period, in local schools, hospitals, hospices and client’s homes.

Time Commitment

Volunteers days and hours are negotiable but, due to the long-term promise of support to our clients, a most valued aspect of our service, we do ask volunteer applicants to be available to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months from acceptance onto the volunteering programme at The Maypole Project. We would ideally like volunteers to aspire to offering 2 years commitment to the role.

Person Specification

Education & qualifications

• Good general education (essential)
• Final year student on counselling or therapies course; including study of child development and child therapies (essential)
• Courses must be accredited by BACP, IATE, BAPT or approved equivalent and require the student to engage in personal therapy across one year (essential)
• Qualified at diploma/degree or masters level in child and young person counselling or play therapy or equivalent (desirable)

Previous experience

• 20+ client hours supporting children and/or young people (essential)
• 20+ face to face client hours supporting children and/or young people (desirable)
• Experience of working with people impacted upon by complex medical needs/loss and bereavement (desirable)
• Working with people from a diversity of backgrounds (desirable)
• Working with diversity of disability in families (desirable)

Skills & knowledge

• Good communication and interpersonal skills with all ages – focusing on children and young people (essential)
• Child and Family centred approach (essential)
• Experience of supporting children and families (desirable)

Attributes

• Self-motivated (essential)
• Able to work flexibly (essential)
• Approachable (essential)
• Discreet, boundaried and able to adhere to confidentiality procedures (essential)
• Commitment to equal opportunities and a non-judgmental attitude (essential)
• Commitment to further training and personal development (essential)

Exemption clause

• 2 years without significant loss (including divorce/diagnosis of chronic illness)

Thanks for your interest in volunteering for The Maypole Project

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Job Title: EPAfrica Summer Team – Project Manager (PM)
Location: Kakamega, Kenya
Duration: Approximately 1st July – 13th September 2025, with limited flexibility on start and finish dates.
Start Date: UK-based training and preparation begins in June, with travel to Kenya for final pre-summer preparation in late June.

Compensation: Non-salaried placement, with the following expenses covered:

• Flights: Round-trip flights to Nairobi, and internal travel from Nairobi to Kakamega, covered.

• Accommodation: Fully covered throughout the EPAfrica summer. No contribution required towards rent or utilities.

• Programme delivery costs: All costs associated with programme delivery paid for by the charity.

• Additional Costs: Limited personal subsistence costs, plus any personal travel elsewhere within Kenya (e.g., for your holiday week). 

About EPAfrica

EPAfrica (Education Partnerships Africa) is a volunteer-run charity that works in partnership with rural secondary schools in East Africa. We focus on sustainable improvements in education by investing in infrastructure, resources, and people. Our volunteers play a crucial role in delivering meaningful, long-term impact through grassroots engagement and collaborative problem-solving.

Role Overview

As a Project Manager (PM), you'll be part of EPAfrica’s Summer Team, which is our in-country leadership group responsible for overseeing and supporting Project Workers (PWs) to deliver meaningful programmes of investment in Kenyan schools. You’ll take on a leadership role that blends operational oversight, pastoral care, and high-level decision-making to ensure the success and safety of our summer projects. This is a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, contribute meaningfully to international development, and support passionate volunteers in-country.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct managerial responsibility for our volunteers in-country, including our Project Workers (PWs) and a “Summer Team” of coordinators. 

• Lead and support a cohort of PWs throughout their placements in partner schools, including:

  • With the support of coordinators, deliver trainings on topics such as project management, effective international development practices, safety and wellbeing, and cultural awareness

  • Provide pastoral support and act as the first point of contact for volunteers in-country

  • Oversee project progress, support PWs in addressing challenges, and ensure investment projects stay aligned with EPAfrica’s mission and theory of change

• Implement our in-country monitoring and evaluation programme, enabling us to effectively plan for and deliver future investments. This includes:

  • Monitoring visits to current & recent investment schools to gauge impact of EPAfrica’s work

  • Assessment visits to potential future EPAfrica participant schools

  • Staying up-to-date research into developments in the Kenyan education system and potential impacts on our work

  • Maintaining relationships with our network of local partners.

• Managing risk and implementing an emergency response to crises.

• Maintain clear and proactive communication with the central UK-based charity team. 

What We’re Looking For

• Strong familiarity with, and demonstrated interest in, EPAfrica’s values and operating model.

• A keen demonstrated interest in grassroots international development is required; previous experience in this setting (volunteering, fieldwork, or prior work experience) preferred.

• Experience managing teams to deliver project-based work, and leading with empathy. 

• Effective communication skills and the ability to work with stakeholders from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. 

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and solve problems under pressure, with good  judgement, and decision-making skills.

• Willingness to operate in a challenging, fast-paced environment, taking accountability for team decisions.

• Experience as a Project Worker or previous Summer Team involvement preferred.

What You’ll Gain

• Real, hands-on leadership and project management experience. 

• Exposure to international development at a grassroots level, with concrete opportunities to deliver meaningful work.

• A rich cultural experience and the opportunity to immerse yourself in semi-rural communities in Western Kenya. 

• Volunteers benefit from one week’s holiday in the middle of the programme, allowing the opportunity to explore the rest of the country (previous volunteers have travelled to Mombasa, Nairobi and the Maasai Mara). 

• Opportunity to lead a team of passionate, like-minded individuals and build a strong professional network within the charity and our wider community.

• A standout experience for your CV, and the chance to develop transferable skills in stakeholder management, communication, logistics, and more. Previous EPAfrica volunteers have leveraged their experience with us to secure roles with the FCDO, WHO, UN, Civil Service and in a variety of consultancies. 

Interested?

We’d love to hear from you! If you’re enthusiastic about education, development, and making a difference, this is a unique opportunity to get involved and get hands-on, meaningful experience delivering grassroots international development projects in Kenya. You’re also welcome to apply with a friend and complete a summer placement alongside them; just let us know in your application.