Health and wellbeing volunteer volunteer roles

Why we want you: Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. The friendly faces and warm welcome provided by branch volunteers mean attendees get the most from the group, with the activities on offer running smoothly.

What you will be doing: Core to group meetings, you'll help set up the venue, offering a warm welcome to all attendees; assist with fundraising events; getting involved in the activities the group offers - joining in to get the most out of these for you too.

The skills you need: Good communication skills; supportive; able to listen to the needs of people with Parkinson's, and reflect these to the group to shape the support provided; honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group.

What's in it for you: You'll make new friends and meet new people, both in the branch and in the local community; you'll be making a real difference for people affected by Parkinson's in your community; developing valuable organisational and people skills; you'll be part of a movement of people improving the lives of people affected by Parkinson's; you'll be able to take part in the activities of the group.

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About the CARAS ESOL Team:

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to adults at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling people to attend college and access other services in the future.

About the Role:

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face adult ESOL classes in Tooting. Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session every Wednesday during these times: 

• Mondays ESOL 9:30 to 13:30

• Tuesday 9:30 to 11:30

• Tuesday One-to-one employability and language learning support 15:00 to 17:00 

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older; 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• An interest in education and English language teaching; 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• The ability to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months; 

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• *Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; 

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role. 

 *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

Support our mission to bring light and joy to seriously ill children.

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Volunteer Researcher to support our Major Gifts team. Your role will be pivotal in identifying and researching prospective major donors and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who align with our mission. You will help us grow our pipeline of supporters and inform personalised, strategic approaches that lead to meaningful engagement and transformational gifts.

About Us:

Rays of Sunshine is dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill young people and their families by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospital and within the community. We are seeking a motivated volunteer to support our major gifts team by conducting research and helping to build our partnerships pipeline.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on potential major donors and philanthropists using public sources

• Identify individuals, trusts, and networks with an interest in children’s health, wellbeing, or emotional support causes

• Produce concise and insightful research profiles and briefing notes

• Support the preparation of meeting briefs and donor cultivation plans

• Keep our CRM system up to date with relevant research findings

What We’re Looking For:

• Excellent research and analytical skills

• Strong written communication and attention to detail

• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information

• A proactive and curious mindset

• Ideally some understanding or interest in philanthropy, fundraising, or the charity sector

• Previous research experience (academic or professional) is helpful but not essential

What You’ll Gain:

• Experience working in a high-impact fundraising team

• A behind-the-scenes look at major donor engagement and strategy

• Training and support from a passionate, collaborative team

• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of seriously ill children and their families

• A reference upon successful completion of your volunteering

Ideal Candidate :

• Strong research and analytical skills
   
• Excellent written and verbal communication
   
• Detail-oriented and organised
   
• Passionate about our mission and eager to learn If you’re ready to make a difference and gain valuable experience please do reach out

Barefoot and Free is a grassroots charity that supports families of neurodivergent children and children affected by trauma. We offer fully funded staycations and nature-based respite breaks for families and parent carers who are often at breaking point.

We’re a small, warm team not a large wealthy organisation and we care deeply about what we do. There are no airs and graces here, just real people doing our best to help families who need a break. Right now, we need someone with the skills and experience to help us bring in more funding to meet the growing need.

We’re looking for someone experienced and independent.
This is not a start out training opportunity. You’ll be working alongside an existing bid writer and need to come in ready to get stuck in with little to no guidance, it will test your resiliance and give you some amazing challenges. We’re looking for someone who knows how to write strong, successful bids and is comfortable finding opportunities, matching them to our projects, and managing the process from start to finish, we are giving you alot of exciting responsibility so if you wish to progress and move to the next step and meet some personal goals this is for you. 

What are we looking for?

• Solid experience writing successful funding bids, ideally in the charity or non-profit sector

• Someone self-motivated, confident, and able to work without close supervision

• A clear communicator who can work independently and enjoy networking.

• Someone who genuinely cares about the work we do and wants to help us keep doing it

• Meet funding dealines and reporting deadlines

• Help along with our team to maintain the funding database and outcomes

What difference will you make?

By securing funding through successful bids, you will be supporting Barefoot and Free towards building a more sustainable and resilient organisation. Your input will be instrumental in establishing long-term sustainability, ensuring that our vulnerable families are supported over time. Families are often stretched to the limit with carer roles, supporting vulnerable children and young people without breaks or respite, by securing suitable funding you will be supporting them and the long-term sustainability of the organisation's efforts with the ultimate goal of profoundly improving the quality of life for our families.

We rely entirely on grants and donations. Every successful bid helps keep the doors open for families who often have nowhere else to turn.

Perks of volunteering with us:

• Flexibility to work around your life, take the lead on bids from start to finish

• Join a genuinely warm, down-to-earth team where your input is truly valued and felt

• Be part of something that directly supports struggling families in a very real way

• A rewarding role where your skills will have a direct and lasting impact

• Achieve some personal goals and a chance to build your portfolio with meaningful, purpose-driven work

If you’re looking to be part of something real, something with heart, and you’ve got the experience to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you today.

Are you motivated by the happiness of others and the opportunity to improve the quality of lives led by people facing challenges, with the firm belief that everyone should get the chance to thrive? You might just be the right person to join the Involve Kent team!

Involve Kent is dedicated to building a society where everyone has the chance to thrive. We do this by strengthening connections, supporting independence, and tackling inequalities within individuals and communities. Fifty years on from being founded in 1975 as Maidstone Volunteer Bureau, Involve Kent is pioneering innovative approaches of working alongside children, adults and the wider community. With an ambitious vision for the future, Involve Kent is reshaping perceptions of health and mental health, championing the power of prevention and the life-changing impact of social interventions. Our mission is simple but powerful: healthy, connected people and communities.

So what does the role involve?

Are you looking for a voluntary role that is rewarding and offers you the chance to provide leadership with your financial expertise? 

The Board is responsible for our strategic direction and governance, ensuring we achieve our charitable objects and are well run. It is a demanding but highly rewarding volunteer role, one in which you will make a difference to the lives of thousands of people. We are currently looking for an experienced finance professional to join our Board as Treasurer/Finance Trustee and also head up the finance subcommittee. The Treasurer plays a key role in overseeing the charity’s financial health and ensuring the Board can make informed, responsible decisions. 

You may be a qualified accountant or have equivalent knowledge gained by experience. We are ideally looking for someone with experience in charity finances who is able to take a strategic approach to financial planning and oversight and to help non-financial colleagues understand these.

Previous trustee experience isn’t required, and you will be supported into the role through an onboarding and induction process.

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what we do

We are absolutely committed to equality, diversity and inclusion; it is part of our charitable mission and one of our core values.  We are proactively seeking people from a range of backgrounds to bring a diversity of voices and challenge.  We are particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience of some of the issues we are tackling, including long-term health conditions, disability, poverty, childhood adversity, and a demanding caring role. We value this lived experience as highly as learned experience/education

Please read the candidate information pack for further information before you apply. Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining Involve Kent!

Ready to apply?

Eastside People is supporting Involve Kent in the recruitment of these roles. Please 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 Treasurer role at Involve Kent? 
• Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role? This might come from paid work, study, community or voluntary work or other experience.

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 Friday, 3rd October. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after, and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with Involve Kent during the week beginning 20th October.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Do you enjoy meeting people and engaging with them? We are looking for volunteers to join our team to provide a friendly face as people arrive at our Services. You will support people to connect with others, make them feel welcome whilst assisting our staff to run services for people in crisis. Get in touch and make a difference!

What you will be doing

• Holding conversations with people using the Service, checking in on their wellbeing and providing a listening ear/friendly face
• Motivate and inspire people to take part in activities
• Support with ad hoc and administrative tasks to support the smooth running of the Service
• Opportunities to deliver activities alongside the staff team and other volunteers
• Work alongside staff to support people living in the service or accessing one of our drop-in sessions
• Welcoming and engaging people using the Service
• Support with preparing light refreshments to create a relaxed environment

The skills you need

• Good communications skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Maintain discretion and judgement when dealing with sensitive and/or confidential information

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people?

We are offering 1 young person aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer for 3 months with the Spanish Red Cross in Manresa (Creu Roja Manresa). Placements dates are planned for: September 2025 – December 2025 (subject to visas).

You will be supporting the Creu Roja Manresa youth team’s work with children and young people from excluded backgrounds e.g. migrants, those in the travelling community, homeless families and/or those with poor socio-economic conditions. You will assist in providing practical support e.g. a place to wash clothes, shower, have a meal, and assist with supported environment activities for children e.g. psycho-social support, support with homework, and a space to play.

You will support 3 projects run by the youth team which are thematically linked by humanitarian action at a community level, aimed at preventing social exclusion and improving young people’s well-being.

• Casal-ot: offers 3 hours of evening activities for a group of children, aged 3 -12 years old, during weekdays. Children are divided into groups and rotate through hands-on games, board games, and computing. Those with homework receive help with it, and each child has a responsibility in the kitchen (clearing, laying the table, washing up etc) related to the evening meal.
• Ludugurus: the Ludoteca is a bespoke building based over three floors, providing youth group activities for different age ranges during weekday evenings between 5.30 and 8.30pm. The groups are aged 6-10, 10-12 and 12-14 and the Ludoteca offers an outdoor space to play football, a homework room for quiet study as well as computers for games, board games and arts and crafts projects.
• JNA (Jo’venes Nu’cleo Antiguo (Teenagers from the Old Town): attended predominantly by boys, JNA is based around designated outdoor space which includes a football pitch/basketball court. The age range is between 12-16, for 2 hours per evening, and includes a different sport each week, as well as occasional workshops on health, sexuality, healthy eating etc. The football team may also play at weekends in local leagues.

This is a great opportunity to get involved in these projects and find out what you are interested in. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement!

Typical tasks may involve:

• Running activities with children, using your own initiative and creativity
• Meeting with staff and volunteers to plan, monitor and evaluate activities
• Supporting activities with young people
• Studying Catalan for at least one-two hours per day in order to facilitate integration into the host community and the project.
• Getting involved in other activities and/or services of the Red Cross in Manresa that may be of interest to you
• Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role. Interviews will take place online with shortlisted candidates.

We are keen to hear from individuals especially those who do not normally get the chance to volunteer overseas, who are passionate and motivated about working in the humanitarian sector and international volunteering but who also understand that these types of placements require adaptability and resilience. We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs.

Please note that only young people (aged 18-25) based in Wales can apply for this role. Depending on the situation at the time, we will either run an in-person selection day or run zoom interviews with shortlisted candidates.

FareShare Greater Manchester is looking for volunteer Driver's Assistants to join our busy friendly delivery team with redistributing tonnes of surplus food a month to charities and community initiatives across Greater Manchester.

FareShare is a national charity fighting food poverty and global warming by tackling food surplus. We source overstocked food from retailers and manufacturers and engage many volunteers to help re-distribute it to over 220 frontline charities and community groups across Greater Manchester. These groups, in turn, provide meals to vulnerable people experiencing food poverty, individuals who are homeless, families, and people who are unemployed or socially isolated. This food would otherwise have gone to waste, so we are simultaneously supporting people in need and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key responsibilities

Working closely with the driver of a temperature-controlled 3.5 tonne Mercedes Sprinter van to deliver surplus food orders to the premises of the benevolent projects we support. 

Loading and unloading the vehicle and carrying out a range of tasks, from basic vehicle checks to delivery administration.

The required skills and attributes are:

• Reliability and ability to commit to pre-agreed volunteer shifts (ESSENTIAL)

• Physical fitness, to take on moving and handling of food orders

• Ability to follow procedures and instructions

• Good verbal communication skills

• Interest in the work of FareShare Greater Manchester and our values

• High respect for Health & Safety procedures and standards

In return you will gain:

Career and CV advice and support

A reference for future employers

Reimbursement of travel and lunch expenses 

The opportunity to give practical help to fight food poverty and reduce food waste (and associated CO2 emissions)

The opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends

Our operating hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. 

Driver and Driver’s Assistant shifts begin at 8:30am. 

We welcome volunteers who can commit to one day a week. 

The days and rota hours of volunteering are agreed around your availability.

​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. There are no exceptions to this rule. 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. :)

Role Description

We are seeking dedicated innovative thinkers, event superstar planners, and fundraising heroes to join our Events & Fundraising Team at Emerge Worldwide. Our goal is to develop impactful events that generate essential support to protect children and young people from sexual exploitation.

The role will:

• Design and deliver memorable events
• Engage local communities and sponsors
• Promote our mission broadly
• Raise life-changing transformative funds

Your expertise and ideas can help us make an impactful difference to lives.

Join us and contribute to the protection of vulnerable children, young people and women.

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking volunteers with experience in Events - designing, researching, planning, delivery, and Community Engagement. We are also seeking volunteers who have fundraising experience including working around sponsorship. 

We are looking for volunteers who have:

● Experience in planning successful events and activities.

● Experience of fundraising in the charity sector is desirable but not essential.

● Reliable, organised with good timekeeping.

● Able to work independently and proactively as well as in a team.

● Clear and confident in communication.

● Excellent working knowledge and comprehension of written English.

What you will gain:

By volunteering with us, you’ll experience the profound impact of helping communities, be part of a movement changing lives across the UK, gain experience in advocacy, and work with a team passionate about protecting children, young people and women against exploitation and trafficking.

Impact of Role

1. Fuelling the Mission

• Every event organised and every pound raised goes directly towards programmes that protect and empower vulnerable children and women.
• Volunteers help generate the funds that allow Emerge Worldwide to deliver training in schools, create resources, and support awareness campaigns.

2. Expanding Reach & Awareness

• Events are not just about money — they also raise the charity’s visibility and influence.
• By helping to plan and run events, volunteers spread the message of exploitation prevention to a wider audience, attracting new supporters and partners.

3. Building Community & Partnerships

• Volunteers help bring people together through fundraising dinners, charity runs, community fairs, and awareness campaigns.
• These events build a sense of shared purpose and create lasting relationships with donors, schools, businesses, and local communities.

4. Creating Memorable Experiences

• With creativity and enthusiasm, volunteers help design fun, inspiring, and impactful events that engage people’s hearts.
• These experiences encourage people to give generously and stay connected to the cause long-term.

5. Sustaining the Charity’s Growth

• By contributing to fundraising targets, volunteers ensure Emerge Worldwide can expand its projects, train more schools, produce more resources, and campaign for systemic change.
• This means their behind-the-scenes efforts translate into life-changing impact for survivors and prevention for those at risk.

We are a welcoming team, dedicated to creating a positive and engaging volunteer experience where you’ll feel valued, inspired, and empowered to bring your ideas to life.

Please note that we will request references, and a DBS check will be required due to the nature of our work.

Do you want to help raising vital funds for Scope, the disability equality charity?

Do you thrive in an exciting and inclusive working environment?

Do you have a few hours a week to support our ecommerce operation?

You might like our warehouse volunteer role!
 

About this role

You will be vital to the work of our ecommerce hub helping to sort, quality check and monitor donated products from our corporate partners.

• Your role may include:
• sorting donated pallets of stock ready for sale
• quality checking products to sort the good from the bad
• scanning products to trade in, such as books and CDs
• helping to pack orders to go our shops
• helping keep our warehouse tidy and our stock system accurate
• When and where
• You will be in our Scope Ecommerce Hub. The hub is based at 19 to 20 Guide Street, Salford M50 1BX. We can be flexible on the times you would like to volunteer. Our hub opening times (Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm). We’d love your help for as little as 1 hour a week, but if you can give more time that would help us even more
   

Who we are looking for

We welcome anyone who is passionate about disability equality and willing to support our work! You must be over 18 years old. You will need to feel comfortable working in a large busy warehouse environment and be able to lift and carry items, although we have a forklift truck to assist with heavier items.

Some volunteers want to learn more about charities or about retail. Others want to make a difference to the lives of disabled people. Other volunteers are interested in our training and development opportunities. Some people join us to meet new people and make friends. Sometimes people want to help a charity shop they like shopping in, while also getting a discount online!
We particularly welcome applications from disabled people. Equality and inclusion are at the heart of Scope’s mission. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all volunteers.
 

Skills and experience you can gain

• teamwork
• organisation
• warehousing
• ecommerce
• communication
• stock preparation and management
• health and safety
• valuable experience for your CV
• experience of a large, national disability charity

What we can offer you

• introduction to Scope
• demonstration of your tasks
• training courses, in person and online
• personal development opportunities
• support and regular catchups from a dedicated manager
• agreed travel expenses
• adjustments to make the role accessible for you
• work experience for your CV
• a work reference
• 20% discount in our Scope eBay shop
• safety shoes and a hi vis jacket will be provided

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Scope is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children and adults at risk, whether receiving services or being staff or volunteers. It expects all trustees, staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Volunteering at Scope
Scope is a disability equality charity providing practical information, emotional support and campaigning for a fairer society. As a volunteer in our warehouse, you’ll help raise vital funds for our work towards everyday equality for disabled people. You will make a real difference to the lives of disabled people and their families.

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

• CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
• The reading group is in Tooting and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education.
• Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.
• The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.
• The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.
• Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.
• Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates. 

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

The Brompton Fountain is a children's charity working with those impacted by heart and lung conditions in Royal Brompton and Harefield hospital. Our charity provides a wide range of vital resources, services, parent/carer amenities, and accommodation. We also fund medical equipment, facilities improvements and projects outside of the NHS remit. We are currently looking for a voluntary In-Patient Services Officer to help our organisation support the children and their families on the wards of our hospitals by distributing/providing resources/services to improve the quality of their stay in our hospitals.

Of Note: This role entails interacting and seeing children who can be very sick. This is understandably very sad and can be distressing to witness. Please make sure you are able to cope with this before applying.

We would like the volunteer to help with:

• Distribution of resources to patients and families on the ward e.g care packages and food vouchers.

• Being a point of contact for families in hospital to talk to.

• Supporting in-hospital socials.

• The tea and coffee service we deliver on the wards.

• Communicating with families who may share personal stories related to the charity. Feeling comfortable and confident to speak to people about our charity and what we do.

You will be supporting our Community Lead and Children and Families Service Lead who will provide an overview of our existing processes and be there to help you every step of the way. The Brompton Fountain has a strong team of staff and volunteers who you will be working collaboratively with as a team to support the families we are in contact with.

Your input will greatly affect the patients and their families lives whilst they are staying with us. With your help we will be able to provide them with the resources they need whilst staying with us and create a strong support system for them here in the hospitals.

Criteria

We are looking for a volunteer who has:

• Is an empathetic and compassionate person who is willing to have discussions with families around topics like health issues, additional needs, and bereavement.

• Confident and proactive.

• Flexible and adaptive.

• Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these.

• Is willing to have an enhanced DBS check.

• Is willing to partake in safeguarding training.

• Is willing to partake in onboarding training to understand our charity and the mission in more detail.

• Must be over 18.

Location

Mostly on-site at Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney St, London SW3 6NP. If willing and able, off-site support at community and fundraising events would be appreciated. 

Time

Due to our mission, we would greatly appreciate at least 6 weeks of your time, preferably more; working 3-7 hours one day a week. We are an understanding and flexible organisation, and would be happy to discuss options with you. 

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your interest in joining the Board of Trustees at The Diana Award. We are expanding our Board to help shape the future of a charity that exists to celebrate and empower young people making positive change in their communities.

As we mark 25 years of continuing Princess Diana’s legacy, we stand at a pivotal moment. Our newly refreshed strategy and global partnerships demand an ambitious, dynamic, and forward-thinking Board – one that reflects both our values and the communities we serve.

We are seeking to appoint:

• Four new Trustees
• With one Trustee to serve as Chair of our new Income Generation sub-committee

A few words from the Chair

“This is a pivotal and exciting time for our charity. We have a clear vision, an ambitious strategy for growth, and the support of a skilled and dedicated senior team and Board.

Since stepping into the role of Chair last year, I’ve been continually inspired by the passion, expertise, and commitment of our trustees and staff. Their collective experience has been invaluable as we navigate the evolving challenges facing the sector.

While the external environment remains complex for all charities, we are focused on the future – confident in our direction and energised by the opportunities ahead. We are now seeking new trustees to join us on this journey and help shape the next chapter of our work.” - Rebecca Crook

ABOUT THE DIANA AWARD

The Diana Award is a charity legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better. Since 1999, over 47,000 young people have been recognised with The Diana Award for making an outstanding difference in their communities’ across the globe.

With the support of HRH Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge and HRH Prince Harry, The Diana Award aims to inspire and recognise social action in young people by going beyond its original Awards programme with three additional youth led initiatives that emphasize a peer led approach.

We exist to:

1. UNLOCK POTENTIAL

With support, guidance, and opportunities, every young person can reach their full potential, ensuring no young person is left out or left behind.

2. CREATE OPPORTUNITIES

It is vital that young people have a seat at the table. Through our initiatives, we will provide them with skills, tools, and experiences which empower them to lead the change they want to see, both for themselves and the world around them.

3. INSPIRE ACTION

We will continue to inspire, empower, and advocate for action through our initiatives, guided by young people and the change they want to see in the world.

WHY WE ARE RECRUITING

Our Board of Trustees is committed, diverse, and values led. We have strong foundations in strategic leadership and finance. However, a recent skills audit highlighted areas we now wish to strengthen as we continue to evolve.

We are therefore seeking up to four Trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising and Income Generation
• Mental Health and Wellbeing 
• Education Sector
• Social Sustainability 
• Marketing, PR, or Communications
• Legal and Compliance

We are particularly keen to hear from diverse leaders and individuals with lived experience related to our mission. 

Please note: All applications must have the right to volunteer as a trustee in the UK. As part of our safeguarding commitments, all trustee appointments are voluntary and subject to a UK Enhanced DBS check, which must be satisfactorily completed before confirmation of the role.

THE ROLE OF A TRUSTEE

As a Trustee, you will be part of a Board that sets the strategic direction and ensures robust governance of the charity. You will work in partnership with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team to oversee the delivery of our objectives and safeguard the charity’s future. Training and support will be provided for all new trustees.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Trustees are expected to:

• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission regulations and governance best practice
• Uphold the charity’s vision, values, and legal and financial integrity
• Provide strategic oversight and challenge to plans, budgets and risks
• Support income generation through networking, advocacy or fundraising
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the charity’s work
• Attend and contribute to Board and sub-committee meetings

COMMITMENT

• A three-year term, renewable once

• About of 2 hours per month, which breaks down as:
  • Four board meetings per year (2.5 hours each, usually 5pm–7.30pm)
  • One full-day annual strategy session
  • Optional participation in events or subcommittees

• Meetings are hybrid (London-based with virtual access)

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR - PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES

• Passionate about The Diana Award’s mission and youth empowerment

• Understand the importance of youth voice participation

• Strategic thinker with good judgement and independence of mind

• Inclusive communicator who values diverse perspectives

• Willing to contribute time, expertise, and networks

• Understanding of governance, or willingness to learn quickly

• Commitment to safeguarding practices

DESIRABLE SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

One or more of the following:

• Fundraising and Income Generation - In an increasingly competitive and uncertain funding environment, we need trustees who can help us think creatively and strategically about income generation. This includes drawing on networks, identifying new opportunities, and supporting innovative fundraising approaches that will strengthen our financial resilience and enable us to deliver long-term impact for young people. We are also looking for a new Trustee to chair our new Income Generation sub-committee.
• Mental Health & Wellbeing - With youth mental health at a critical point, we seek trustees with expertise from educational, therapeutic, or public health settings to guide evidence-based strategies that help young people thrive.
• Education Sector - As our work is deeply rooted in schools and learning environments, we value trustees with knowledge of the education sector. Your insight will help us navigate its priorities and challenges, forge strong partnerships, and ensure our programmes complement and enhance the role of education in young people’s lives.
• Social Sustainability - We are seeking trustees who understand how to build inclusive cultures, systems, and communities. Your expertise will help us embed equity and belonging across our organisation, partnerships, and programmes, ensuring every young person feels seen, valued, and able to thrive.
• Marketing, PR, or Communications - We need trustees with senior-level experience in communications, marketing, or public/government relations to help amplify our voice, strengthen our brand, and influence key audiences. Your skills will ensure our message resonates with supporters, partners, and decision-makers.
• Legal and Compliance - Robust governance is critical to maintaining the trust of our stakeholders and the integrity of our work. We are seeking trustees with expertise in legal and compliance matters to help us navigate an evolving regulatory landscape, manage risk effectively, and ensure our policies and practices meet the highest standards.

GOVERNANCE

The Board is chaired by Rebecca Crook and supported by a strong leadership team including CEO Dr Tessy Ojo CBE. The Nominations Committee, a sub-committee of the Board, leads the trustee recruitment process. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome candidates from all backgrounds. In particular, we welcome and encourage applications from young people, and those from black, Asian and global majority backgrounds.

You can see more information about the Nominations Committees governance structure and terms of reference at the end.

RESOURCES

If you’re new to being a trustee, you may find the following resources helpful in understanding the role and responsibilities:

Charity Commission (UK): The Essential Trustee Guide

Young Trustee Movement

Getting On Board - Resources for aspiring trustees

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please email:

1. Your CV (including contact details for two referees)

2. A Supporting Statement (no more than two pages), outlining:

o The skills and experience you bring in relation to the list of desirable criteria

o How your skills and expertise align with the needs of our Board at this time

o If you wish to be considered for the role of Chair of the Income Generation Subcommittee, please outline your relevant experience and how it would support this area of our work

o Your motivation for becoming a Trustee of The Diana Award and the contribution you hope to make to our mission

Email Subject line: Trustee Application – Your Name

Please submit your applications by Friday 26 September 2025 at 5.00pm

PROPOSED TIMELINES

Application Milestones

Dates

• Trustee Recruitment Launch: Week commencing 1st September
• Deadline for Applications: Friday 26th September, 5:00pm
• Interviews Conducted: Thursday 9th & Friday 10th October
• Induction Begins: November
• Trustees Officially Begin: November/December

INTERVIEW PROCESS

Youth Panel Interview (Online) 30 minutes - You will meet with members of our Youth Panel. This will include structured questions and a 5-minute presentation about yourself, focusing on your background, motivations for applying, and what you hope to bring to the trustee role

Nominations Committee Interview (Online)  45 minutes - You will also meet with our Nominations Committee. This will involve structured interview questions focusing on your skills, experience, and alignment with our organisational values and strategic priorities

FUTURE BOARD MEETINGS

Dates

• 21st November 2025 - Strategy Day
• 12th February 2026, 5-7pm
• 7th May 2026, 5-7pm
• 10th September 2026, 5-7pm
• 26th November 2026 - Strategy Day

FINAL THOUGHTS

This is an exciting time to join The Diana Award. As we enter a new chapter, we are looking for bold, compassionate and future-facing leaders to help us shape our journey. We hope you are inspired to join us in empowering young people across the UK and the world.

We look forward to hearing from you.

APPENDIX

Purpose: The primary purpose of the Nominations Committee is to identify, evaluate, and recommend candidates for appointment as Trustees of The Diana Award. This committee ensures that the Board has the appropriate mix of skills, expertise, and diversity to effectively govern the organisation and fulfil its mission.

Membership: The Chair of the Nominations Committee (a Trustee) A minimum of two other Trustees CEO (ex officio member) Any additional members as deemed necessary (e.g., board secretary or HR support)

Frequency of Meetings: The committee will meet as required, typically monthly, and more frequently when necessary for the recruitment process 

Key Responsibilities:

• Review the current composition of the Board of Trustees to identify gaps in skills and diversity
• Develop a recruitment strategy that aligns with the strategic direction of The Diana Award
• Source and evaluate potential Trustee candidates
• Conduct interviews and assessments of candidates’ skills, expertise, and commitment to the mission
• Provide recommendations for new Trustee appointments to the full Board
• Ensure that diversity and inclusivity are considered in all recruitment activities
• Ensure compliance with legal and governance requirements related to Trustee recruitment
• Onboard new Trustees and ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities

Reporting Structure: The Nominations Committee reports to the Board of Trustees, providing recommendations for Trustee appointments

Childline Volunteer Counsellor- Someone who wants to make a difference to children’s lives by being there to listen when they feel they have no one else to turn to. As a Childline counsellor, you’ll be there for young people and listen to them as they open up about whatever is worrying them, whether it’s bullying, abuse, self-harm or family relationships – you’ll be there to support them.

What you’ll do

You’ll volunteer in our Leeds Childline base, offering counselling support to children and young people over the phone or through our 1-2-1 online chat. Your supervisor will help you develop and evaluate your counselling skills. After your initial training, you will be able to help young people as well as identify when a child or young person may be at risk, but don’t worry a supervisor will be on hand to give you plenty of support.

What you’ll get

You’ll receive training sessions over 12 weeks to prepare you for the role. When you start your regular shifts, a supervisor will be around all times to support you. Every shift includes a briefing and debriefing alongside other volunteers. Supervisors will also give you regular one-to-one support and group supervisions.

What we’ll need from you

Signing up to be a Childline counsellor is a big commitment and requires lots of training so, we do ask people to stay in the role for a minimum of one year.

We’ll also need to do some routine safeguarding checks, including an enhanced criminal record check and at least two satisfactory references with at least one covering a period of five years or more with no gaps. It’s nothing to worry about, and we can answer any questions you have about this.

Who’s right for the role?

While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experience.

• Passionate about helping young people and children
• Great communication skills
• Empathetic and perceptive
• able to think on your feet
• works well within a team
• emotional resilience

Why volunteer with us?

Not only will you gain valuable experience throughout your volunteering journey, you’ll also have access to useful resources including a catalogue of online training, discount portal and NSPCC inMind – an online mindfulness resource.

You’ll be fully supported throughout your volunteer journey with us and will have a dedicated key contact should you have any questions along the way.