Group support volunteer roles
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:
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17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)
-
24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams))
-
3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)
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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.
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 (Tuesday afternoons)
- Dance Fit (Thursday mornings and/or afternoons)
- Social Club (Thursday afternoons)
- Drama (Friday 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.
PDA Society are excited to share that we are looking for 2 new Trustees to join our board.
Trustees play a key role in providing strategic direction, oversight, and support to ensure that the PDA Society continues to grow sustainably and deliver real impact for the community we serve.
Following the retirement of two Trustees we’re keen to broaden the range of skills and experiences represented. Our work is guided by people with lived experience, and our Board of Trustees plays a central role in shaping our strategy and ensuring that our values are embedded across everything we do.
Appointments are made on merit, and we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive Board that truly reflects the communities we serve.
We particularly welcome applications from anyone who has experienced marginalisation due to their race or religion, as these voices are currently underrepresented on our Board.
This is a voluntary position, and Trustees are not remunerated, although reasonable expenses are reimbursed. Trustees are appointed for an initial 3-year term.
Our mission is to improve the lives of PDA children, PDA adults and their families. We are working hard to build awareness and understanding.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are recruiting Youth Helpers to assist at our various Cadet and Badger groups in the East Midlands.
Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.
You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Pursuing the role
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
- Welcome Event (Induction) - to be discussed with candidate.
Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/01//2026
To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:
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!
We are recruiting Youth Helpers to assist at our various Cadet and Badger groups in the East Midlands.
Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.
You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Pursuing the role
If you are successful, you will need to undertake induction & training for the role on these dates:
- Welcome Event (Induction) - to be discussed with the candidate.
Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/01/2026.
To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:
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!
Would you like to help end food poverty and tackle climate change and CO2 emissions in Greater Manchester, whilst at the same time gaining valuable CV-enhancing experience and skills?
What we offer you
Induction, training and support from the staff of FareShare and its parent charity, EMERGE 3Rs.
Practical experience and transferable skills in warehousing and food redistribution.
A reference after 2 months with us.
An understanding of warehousing and logistics, and the importance of food surplus and recycling initiatives.
Expenses:
We reimburse travel expenses up to £6 for car drivers, and up to £5 for public transport costs.
Up to £3 is given towards the cost of lunch if a volunteer has special dietary requirements. (We provide lunch for our volunteers, so will contribute towards the cost of a volunteer's meal, should they bring their own, if what we are offering in the canteen isn't considered suitable; for example, a diet that's restricted for reasons of health, religion, or ethics).
As a sustainability charity, we take surplus food that's donated to us and redistribute it to people in need. The front line initiatives we support include food banks, schools, community groups and charities who, in turn, help people who are disadvantaged by poverty.
Our vital work supports people experiencing extreme hardship and prevents perfectly good food going to landfill, where it would otherwise contribute to climate warming.
We need helping hands in our busy warehouse to receive and catalogue supplies, to load and unload vans, and to prepare orders for delivery. In return we offer training and support to help you obtain skills and experience to boost your CV if you are seeking work. If you're not looking for employment, volunteering with us is rewarding in many other ways; offering an opportunity to make friends, keep physically active and support your community.
This role is vital to the work of FareShare, ensuring that the food in our warehouse is correctly sorted, labelled and organised into orders placed by our charities and community groups.
It is perfect for someone who is:
a) Looking for a practical activity.
b) Looking for experience and skills to gain employment in the food industry, warehousing and customer service.
c) Wanting to help their community and/or help tackle global warming.
d) Wanting to make new friends.
e) Wanting to keep busy and/or physically fit.
Our volunteer opportunities are available Monday to Friday, for a whole or half day, with shifts between 8:30-am - 12:30pm and 12:30 - 4:30pm. Volunteers are typically involved for one day a week.
What will I be doing?
Receiving, sorting, cataloguing and storing chilled and ambient surplus food in a warehouse, and preparing orders for delivery. You may also be assisting customers when they pick up their orders.
Ensuring food quality and safety by checking ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates.
Sorting and unpacking deliveries, categorising and recording food.
Assembling food orders placed by charities and community groups.
Assisting our Community Food Members with their food order collections.
Maintaining health and safety and food hygiene standards.
Helping with cleaning and other tasks identified by warehouse staff.
Person Specification:
Must be reasonably physically fit to carry out tasks, including lifting and loading.
Have a good command of English in order to understand and follow instructions and health and safety rules.
Have basic literacy and numeracy skills to record quantities and types of food donated.
Able to work in a manner that respects Health and Safety standards.
Be happy to complete tasks independently according to instruction.
Be positive, friendly and enthusiastic about tackling food waste and food poverty.
Must be reliable and able to commit to an agreed session/day.
We are located in our brand new depot at Maynard House, New Smithfield Market, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2WJ.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us.
This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles.
We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.
Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)
As a leading food charity to tackle hunger, our aim is to help tackle the food poverty issue in Greater Manchester.



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!
Are you passionate about supporting young people and giving back to your community?
Whether you have experience in fundraising, governance, building corporate partnerships, or simply a willingness to get involved and make a difference – we’d love to hear from you!
About us
We’re part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, a national youth organisation empowering 12- to 20-year-olds through flying, adventure training, sports, and leadership development.
West Mercian Wing supports over 900 cadets across 27 Squadrons in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, the Black Country, and overseas in Cyprus.
Each squadron has a committee, a team of trustees who support the squadron by overseeing governance, fundraising, and building community partnerships. Trustees are vital in ensuring squadrons can continue providing incredible opportunities for cadets.
Squadrons in this area
- 63 (Bridgnorth) Squadron, Cadet Centre, Oldbury Wells School, Oldbury Wells, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 5JE
- 333 (Ludlow) Squadron, ATC Centre, Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1RU
- 2497 (Cosford) Squadron, RAF Cosford, Wolverhampton, Shropshire, WV7 3EX
Why become a trustee?
Volunteering as a trustee isn’t just about helping others - it’s about growing yourself too!
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Gain valuable experience in leadership, governance, and fundraising.
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Expand your network and become part of a supportive team.
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Make a lasting difference to young people in your community.
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Shape the future of an organisation with a rich legacy.
What’s involved?
Meetings are structured but friendly, typically every three months for around two hours. A typical agenda includes:
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Updates from the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Squadron Commander
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Funding requests and financial decisions
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Future planning, upcoming events, and key priorities
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Opportunities to contribute based on your skills and interests
Beyond meetings, involvement is flexible depending on your availability and expertise.
What we’re looking for
We welcome all backgrounds and skill levels, but we’d particularly love to hear from those with experience in:
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Fundraising
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Governance & charity compliance
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Corporate partnerships
No military background or youth work experience is required - just enthusiasm, reliability, and a passion for making a difference!
Opportunities for progression
Trustees can take on leadership roles within their squadron, support squadrons at sector or wing level, or even contribute to regional and national RAF Air Cadets governance. Some trustees also transition into squadron volunteer roles, working directly with cadets.
To join us, you’ll need to
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Be 20 years or older
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Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
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Attend an evening meeting every three months (varies by squadron)
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Bring enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to support young people.
Typical joining process:
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Submit an expression of interest.
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We’ll invite you to visit your chosen squadron to learn more.
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Complete a simple online application if invited.
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Undergo a DBS and background check.
This process usually takes a few weeks, depending on availability and checks.
Ready to make an impact?
If you’re excited about supporting young people and helping your local squadron thrive, we’d love to hear from you!
The RAF Air Cadets offer young people exciting opportunities for personal and professional development.
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!
No Panic is a national charity at the frontline of accessible help for anxiety sufferers.
The No Panic Helpline is open 365 days a year between 10am and 10pm.
Those who call us can be struggling across a range of anxiety disorders: OCD; Panic Attacks; Phobias or General Anxiety Disorder.
We train our helpline volunteers to provide sufferers with all the information they need to begin the process of self-help recovery.
This is a remote volunteering opportunity where everything is done from home, including training, and there is never a need to attend elsewhere. This makes it the ideal opportunity for those with mobility or fitness issues.
Our volunteers work a 3-hour shift once a week.
Initial training is one evening a week for 8 weeks (for a small charge of £25 to cover costs), with backup support for the first 8 weeks on the helpline. There is continued support via bi-monthly support groups.
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.
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!
Overview
Could you make a difference as a volunteer Digital Champion?
We are looking for people with a good understanding of how to use computers,
smart phones and tablets to give peer support to people who are new to these
devices. You will help them to do things like:
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use Google
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set up an email account
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look for reliable health information online
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connect with friends and family using video calling
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use MS word to write a CV
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access job search websites
You need a good level of basic computer skills, but you don't have to be an IT
genius. Much more important is having enthusiasm and patience to spend some
time helping others to get online.
In return you’ll get:
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The opportunity to develop your own digital skills and knowledge
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Free accredited online training
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Access to a community of Champions to help each other and share ideas
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Ongoing support from a dedicated Digital Support Officer
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A Digital Record tracking achievements and learners helped – perfect to show prospective employers!
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A free Basic DBS check
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Payment for travel expenses
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Immense satisfaction that you’ve made a difference to someone else
Find out more
Digital Champions | Digital skills and support | Clarion Housing
Could you join the team?
We are currently looking for Digital Champions to support learners in Borehamwood on a Wednesday and/or Thursday.
Sessions are held at Windsor Hall, WD6 5DL between 10am and 2pm, you don’t have to be able to volunteer for the whole session, a couple of hours would be perfect!
Whilst the session time is fixed, we welcome volunteers who can volunteer
weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
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 vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You’ll be:
- Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
- Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
- Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
- Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
- Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
- Organising and chairing team meetings
- Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection
Time expectation
Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
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 vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You’ll be:
- Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
- Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
- Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
- Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
- Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
- Organising and chairing team meetings
- Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection
Time expectation
Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
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:
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17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)
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24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams))
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3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)
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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 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 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.
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You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Pursuing the role
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
- Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025
Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/01/2026
This Group meet on a Tuesday.
Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units, by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.
You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Pursuing the role
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
This group meet on a Wednesday evening.
- Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025
Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/01/2026