Health project support volunteer volunteer roles

Help give animals a voice – join our Public and Guardian Involvement and Engagement (PGIE) Group.

Do you want to help shape a fairer future for animals, where progress in medicine is equal, ethical, and compassionate?

We’re looking for passionate changemakers to join our Public and Guardian Involvement and Engagement (PGIE) Group as volunteer members. Whether you’re a professional (human clinician, vet, scientist, engineer, or bioethicist), an animal guardian, or simply someone who believes in equality for all species, then we’d love to hear from you.

What is PGIE?

In human healthcare, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) has become a powerful way to make sure research meets real patient needs. At Humanimal Trust, we’re translating this idea into veterinary medicine through PGIE – bringing together patients (in our case animals, via their guardians), the public, and professionals, to develop best practices.

By joining, you’ll be helping to guide research, so it benefits both humans AND animals.

As a volunteer member, you’ll:

• Help shape an ethical framework for One Medicine, focusing on good practice in veterinary clinical trials and collaboration between human and veterinary medicine.
• Join virtual group meetings (around 6 per year, with at least 60% attendance expected).
• Share your ideas and perspectives to support our mission and influence real change.
• Work with others to build consensus on key issues.
• Support projects and campaigns that spread the message of One Medicine.
• Occasionally represent the group at meetings and events.

What you’ll bring:

• Good listening and communication skills.
• An open mind and respect for different perspectives.
• A real passion for making a difference.
• Enthusiasm for our mission to create a fairer, kinder future for all species.

What’s in it for you:

• Be part of something truly groundbreaking – PGIE is the first group of its kind.
• Play a direct role in giving animals a voice in medical progress.
• Help build stronger connections between humans and animals in the fight against disease.
• Be part of a supportive, inspiring community of people who care as much as you do.

While this is a voluntary role, we will do our best to cover any out-of-pocket expenses related to your involvement.

Together, we can make sure that all humans and animals benefit from equal and sustainable medical progress, but not at the expense of an animal’s life. This is One Medicine.

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Are you a leader who could authentically lead and grow a movement of volunteers in a Community, including helping them navigate change? Do you have a strong commitment to educating, developing and engaging people? We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Network Leader who can work and lead volunteering groups and leaders in their own way, supported by our central teams.

Impact

Accountable for creating a network of St John people and supporters that are empowered and enabled to deliver community impact in the form of community first aid, community education and community fundraising.

Accountable for ensuring the people within your network feel that they have sense of purpose, belonging and joyfulness, as well as access to development and growth opportunities.

Expected time commitment: 30 hours per month

Responsibilities

• Leading and inspiring a volunteer movement across a community or geography to deliver community first aid, community education and fundraising activities
• Delivering a diverse, inclusive and positive volunteering experience for those within your network
• Building strong relationships with local communities and organisations (e.g., Local Authorities, NHS, Council for Volunteering Services, etc)
• Leading your community first aid network to respond to the needs of your local communities.

What you will be accountable for

• Convening all St John people in your geography to collaboratively develop a clear plan to deliver against St John’s priorities, as set out in our new strategy.
• Delivery of collaboratively set KPIs in the following areas – Clinical cover at local events, Fundraising, Community Engagement including educating the public and communication and media, and expansion of our work with Young People.
• Developing an operating model for your geography that supports adults and young people, Priory and SJA volunteers, operational and non-operational volunteers to join in, either directly through network delivery or through associated ‘spokes’.
• Inspiring and supporting volunteers to try new ways of working to put the above in practice to deliver more impact in communities.
• Ensuring St John is represented at local networking opportunities and events to raise our profile or advocate for community health.
• Ensure that all volunteers in your network are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge
• Ensure the work of St John and our people is rewarded and recognised
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives based on feedback and best practices, particularly feeding back on the early adopter cohort learning in establishing a network.

You will need to following (personal specification):

• Impactful leadership and people management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to motivate, inspire and support others
• Ability to build relationships with a wide range of people
• Effective planning and organising skills
• Leadership and people management skills
• Ability to work proactively and on own initiative
• Understanding of change and leading people through change empathetically

Training and Support

The training and support we will make available for you is as follows:

Mandatory:

• Welcome programme introducing you to the project & wider charity
• Training in appropriate SJA policies
• St John Safeguarding training relevant to your role
• GDPR
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Keeping you safe at St John Ambulance
• Care Quality Commission
• Leadership training

Optional

• Speaking and listening skills
• Media engagement skills
• Finance process skills.

SJA will provide uniform for this role.

Screening requirements

• Right to Volunteer check.
• Two references

Our values

This role requires the volunteer to embrace the organisation’s vision and values, which are: Communities that preserve and protect life through volunteering for health and first aid.

The way we do things as a charity is underpinned by our ‘HEART’ values. We expect all ourpeople to uphold and apply these values in all they do.

This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations of Offenders Act.

This role profile is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and will be amended considering the changing needs of St John Ambulance. It is expected that the post holder will be as positive and flexible as possible in using this document as a framework

Volunteering Matters brings people together to overcome some of society’s most complex issues through the power of volunteering. We partner with local families to build strength, resilience, and hope across communities. Mentoring is a core part of transforming lives—and that’s where you come in. Volunteering Matters

The Family Mentor Project supports parents and carers in Southend‑on‑Sea, helping them to access the tools, confidence and support they need to create safe, stable, positive home environments for their children.

What Does a Family Mentor Do?

As a Family Mentor Volunteer, you will:

• Build a trusting, supportive relationship with a family or caregiver.
• Help them identify goals for their family life (e.g. routines, communication, managing behaviour, accessing local services).
• Offer practical support—signposting, encouragement, sometimes assisting with navigating social or health systems.
• Be a consistent presence: offering emotional support, listening, celebrating successes and helping find solutions when things are hard.
• Keep records (confidentially), attend supervision and ongoing training.

Who We’re Looking For

Someone who:

• Is patient, reliable, non‑judgemental, and can commit to being there over time.
• Has good listening and communication skills.
• Is organised enough to help plan sessions, set realistic goals, follow through.
• Is able to maintain confidentiality and boundaries.
• Preferably has some experience (professional, volunteering or lived) with families, children or community work—but not essential.
• Can attend occasional training and supervision.

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to make a real, positive difference in someone’s life, and in your wider community.
• Increased confidence, interpersonal and mentoring skills.
• Training & support from Volunteering Matters, plus access to a network of volunteers.
• The rewards of seeing growth, change and resilience in people you’ve supported.

Practical Info & Support

• Full training provided before and during your volunteering.
• Regular supervision & ongoing development.
• Reasonable travel expenses / out‑of‑pocket costs reimbursed.
• CRB / DBS check (or equivalent) as required.

How to Apply

If you believe in the power of mentoring, and want to help families thrive in Southend‑on‑Sea, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, please:

1. Register interest
2. Attend an informal interview - via Teams or Face to face
3. If successful, engage in initial training, then begin making connections with a family.

The Brompton Fountain is a children's charity working with those impacted by heart and lung conditions in Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals. 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 Stock and Merchandise Coordinator to help our organisation create a bigger and smoother impact to our patients. 

We would like the volunteer to help with:

• Taking inventory of our current stock that is being used for both in-patients and out patients. 

• Organising stock and adding to a system that makes it accessible.

• Creating and packing resources for different services we provide in hospital.

• Packing orders from our online charity shop to send out to customers.

• Tracking resources we need on the wards and accommodation units.

• Processing deliveries e.g unboxing and sorting.

• Ad-hoc requests that may arise in the office.

You will be supporting our Community Engagement Lead and our 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 how smoothly our operations run, and how we are able to interact and support our service users. With your help we will be able to have a more organised process in allocating our resources, be able to support the children and their families in the ward, and have a clearer set of operations with distribution off-site.

Criteria

We are looking for a volunteer who has:

• Strong organisational skills.

• Accuracy and attention to detail. 

• Ability to work well with others.

• Flexible and adaptive.

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

• Willing to have an enhanced DBS check.

• Willing to partake in safeguarding training.

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

• Must be over 18.

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. Some weekend work would be desirable.

We are currently recruiting for volunteer Finance Manager for our newly formed not for profit organisation which provides fully qualified mental assistance dogs for those in need across Northamptonshire.

This is ideal for anyone who is looking to make a difference and be in from the start of designing policies and procedures for their area of the organisation.

Essential to the role

ü  Part-ACA/ACCA qualified

ü  Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

ü  Satisfactory references

ü  Strong working knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook

Role and Responsibilities

• Preparation of year end accounts, company tax returns, individual tax returns, VAT returns etc.
• Preparation of monthly management reports, including analysis/presentation to client
• Provide excellent service to internal and external clients by supporting and answering queries.
• Managing Petty Cash.
• Cashflow forecasting and other project work.
• Steer the business of legal requirements for the organisation.
• You will be responsible for working with HR to recruit, train and coach members of your team to work alongside.
• You will be measured against Key Performance Indicators
• Work with internal departments and external partners such as HMRC. Along with senior stakeholders within the organisation.

· Be honest, reliable and knowledgeable about our services and how we support the local community.

Join a small charity with a big heart and help shape our future.

Barefoot and Free is a grassroots UK-based charity funding respite breaks for families with neurodivergent children or children affected by trauma. We're growing from the ground up and we’re looking for passionate, creative Volunteer Fundraising Champions to grow with us.

This is more than a stepping stone role. It’s a real opportunity to be part of something long term that's meaningful, mission-driven, and deeply rewarding. You'll play a key role in shaping a small charity with huge potential and your efforts will directly impact the lives of families who truly need support.

Why Join Us?

Grassroots charity work is full of heart but it’s not without its challenges. We don’t have huge budgets, so we need fundraisers who can think outside the box, raise funds rather than spend funds and inspire others to get behind the cause.

But the rewards? They’re immense:

• You’ll see the direct results of your work as we grow together.

• You’ll gain invaluable experience for your CV and future roles in the third sector.

• You’ll be part of a close-knit team where your ideas and efforts are truly valued and supported.

Your Role

As a Volunteer Fundraising Champion, you’ll help us raise the funds we need to provide life-changing breaks for families. You’ll be the creative spark and the friendly face behind fundraising efforts that make a real difference.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, organise and deliver creative fundraising activities (raffles, online quizzes, challenge events, etc.)

• Engage and support individual fundraisers (e.g. sponsored runners, event hosts)

• Act as a key contact for fundraising volunteers providing encouragement, advice, and practical support

• Develop and maintain a central fundraising tracker (Excel or similar)

• Log all fundraising activity, targets, and deadlines

• Collaborate with our social media volunteer to promote campaigns

• Support recruitment and onboarding of new fundraising volunteers

What You’ll Bring

• Clear, friendly written and verbal communication

• Creativity and confidence in engaging with people online and offline

• Strong organisation and time management skills

• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently

• A genuine passion for our mission and grassroots charity work

• Experience in fundraising or event planning is helpful but not essential, heart and drive matter more

Time Commitment

• Flexible and remote

• Around 2 to 5 hours per week

• We’ll work around your availability this role can fit around your life, studies, job, or family

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in fundraising, event planning and project coordination

• Something impressive and meaningful for your CV or portfolio

• Real-world charity sector experience

• Friendly support and mentoring from a passionate team

• A strong sense of purpose, knowing your efforts directly support families in need

• References available on request

How to Apply

Please send a recent CV along with a short note about yourself, including any relevant fundraising or event planning experience (formal or informal!).

We can’t wait to hear from you and hopefully welcome you to the Barefoot and Free family.

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 volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’

This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Streatham on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

We also run Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon classes open to all existing CARAS youth community members, 4:30pm to 6pm. These classes tend to be larger and have a large range of language levels. 

Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:

• Monday 10 am to 3pm

• Tuesday 2pm to 6pm 

• Wednesday 11am to 6pm

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;

• Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;

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

• Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.

• Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;

• 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 and food 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 Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four 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 (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 

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 access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

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

To Apply: 

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers with email subject header “Youth ESOL Teaching Assistant Volunteer”. 

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 

 All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

About volunteering with Rays of Sunshine
We brighten the lives of seriously ill young people by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospital and within the community, but we couldn't do it without our amazing volunteers.
It's more than volunteering with us, it's making magic happen. By joining us, you'll play a crucial role in turning the dreams of seriously ill children into reality. In whatever role you take on - from helping with fundraising, events, or wishes, you'll help create memories that last a lifetime for seriously ill children and for you too.

Purpose of role
We're on a mission to grant magical wishes and create lasting memories for seriously ill children and their families. Our team is best described as small but mighty. For us to have more impact, we need the help of volunteers who can give the gift of their time to help us achieve our goals.
Our wishes are as unique as children themselves. Whether a child wants to be a princess or a fireman for a day, go to Legoland, have a UK break with their family, own an iPad or meet their favourite pop star, Rays of Sunshine works hard to make that wish come true.
Wishes are important because they give a child the chance to forget their illness and do something they could only dream of. Wishes make a child feel extra-special and bring them joy, hope and happiness. They also provide families with treasured memories of happy times to look back on.

What does the role involve?
We are looking for a creative and organized individual to support our wish granting team. You will be responsible for assisting the team with daily tasks and creative projects that support the wish journey and our families.

Duties may include:
• Work with wish team to identify new suppliers that can support with granting wishes (including discounts and gifts in kind)
• Assist with creating bespoke itineraries for our wish children (each child is sent their own itinerary which creatively outlines every aspect of their wish experience)
• Helping to source wish enhancements items for wishes (these are small gifts/toys that are sent to each child ahead of their wish)
• Assist Wish Granters with chasing paperwork from families/medical teams (this could include disclaimers, medical forms, wish forms and form an important part of the wish process)
• Booking in initial calls with families and their wish granters to discuss wishes and start the planning process (these calls are designed to learn more about the child and what their wishes mean to them)

Types of wishes that may require your support include:
• To be wishes (princess for the day, policeman for the day, etc)
• Celebration parties (end of treatment party, birthdays, etc)
• To Go (trips to the theatre, musical venues, exhibitions, etc)
• To Have (to own a laptop, gaming pc, bedroom makeover, etc)
• UK Breaks (4 night/5 day holiday anywhere in the UK, i.e. Centerparcs, Butlins, etc)

What skills do I need to have?
• Friendly, you'll be an ambassador of Rays of Sunshine whilst volunteering with us
• Computer literacy (training will be given on our internal systems, but general knowledge of word, excel, pdf, powerpoint)
• Be comfortable working as part of a team and talking to our beneficiaries (wish families, medical teams, etc)
• Ability to problem solve and manage unexpected situations/last minute requests with a calm and professional manner
• Attention to detail and discretion
• A creative approach and passion for making the child’s experience as magical as possible

Why volunteer with us?
• Make a real difference: Witness the impact of your support firsthand as you spread joy and raise awareness.
• Join a supportive community: Be part of a friendly and passionate team, connecting with people who are driven to make         more wishes happen.
• Gain experience and a great way to see firsthand the impact of a wish
• Meet new people from different backgrounds and networking opportunities with like-minded people and organisations

What training and support will I receive?
• Learn about the work of Rays of Sunshine and the types of wishes you may be supporting•
• The impact of a wish and overview of the day in the life of a wish granter
• All Rays of Sunshine staff and wish volunteers must complete the charity’s Safeguarding Children training (mandatory)
• Only trained Rays of Sunshine team members and volunteers with a current DBS check can work with wish children (mandatory)
• Health and Safety Training (mandatory)
• The opportunity to shadow an experienced member of the Wish team to see a wish in progress.

Rays of Sunshine Values
Our values are at the heart of everything we do and help guide us in our mission to grant more magical wishes for seriously ill children.
• Kindness - We are kind to ourselves and others in everything we do.
• Joy - We work with fun, passion, and a sprinkle of magic
• Empowerment - We work to build confidence and nurture potential.
• Connection - We build strong connections with everyone in our wish community
• Integrity - We are honest and trusted to do the right thing.

Rays of Sunshine is committed to being an equal opportunities organisation; to promoting equal opportunities and preventing discrimination. Rays of Sunshine is also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all service users, volunteers and staff and expects all volunteers and staff to share this commitment.

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!

Role – Community Engagement Volunteer

Are you passionate about supporting the Armed Forces Community? Could you help to raise awareness for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people and some occasional free time.

What is a Community Engagement Volunteer?

As a community engagement volunteer, you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. We want to ensure that our Armed Forces community knows that SSAFA is here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families.

A varied programme of awareness raising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community, so everyone knows who we are and how we can help.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

Event Champions

Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.

Activity Organisers

Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.

Promoting SSAFA Services

Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.

SSAFA Storytellers

Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.

Community Connectors

Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects

Fundraising Heroes

Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.

Administrators

Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.

• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.

• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.

• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience

lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role 

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep

clients, their families safe and personal information safe.

• Access to a range of e-learning courses and marketing materials.

• Access to support from across SSAFA.

• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people.

• Confident people who feel happy to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and

SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.

• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.

• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

At Merstham Community Facility Trust our vision is thriving community where every resident has the opportunity to belong. We aim to support, empower and connect the people of Merstham.

The purpose of the charity is to support the Merstham community by delivering services that reflect the needs and ideas of local residents. We are committed to championing community led projects, events and volunteering opportunities, and we strive to foster a sense of belonging, enhance personal development and promote wellbeing.

If you are a committed and enthusiastic person who wants to make a difference to the lives of the people of Merstham then this could be the volunteering position for you!

Our key initiatives are:

Addressing financial hardship by running a food club, hosting a food bank and providing a Community Fridge, using surplus food collected from local supermarkets and making it accesible to local residents, also saving tonnes of food ending up as waste. During the winter we provide a 'warm hub'

Improving Wellbeing including activities to address social isolation for example a community allotment, bee keeping, chatty tables, Craft tables, games evenings and a Cinema Club -aimed at reducing social isolation in the elderly. We have a number of mental health initiatives and have trained 20 Community Champions - who can give basic advice on mental and physical health issues. We organise various community events for example an Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Fayre and Coach outing to the coast.

Community Enablement Signposting to support, including access to Citizens advice, food bank and support groups. Employment support - provided by partners at the Hub to assist path to employment and increase employability. Up-skilling and training of volunteers and Lead volunteers to put skills back into our community, IT support

The Board is currently composed of six trustees and two associate trustees. We employ a manager, four part time office staff and three caretakers who conduct the work of the charity. There are about 60 volunteers and 20 Wellbeing Champions involved in the Hub, carrying out activities such as IT support, reception duties, Repair cafe etc. During the winter months we run a 'Warm Hub' where people of reduced means can receive a cup of tea, biscuits and a friendly welcome.

 As Chairman of the Board of Trustees you will play a vital role in shaping the future direction of the charity, and securing it's success in challenging the social inequalities faced by the community of Merstham.

Core Skills

1. Leadership & Facilitation

   • Ability to lead and inspire trustees and volunteers.

   • Encourages participation and manages diverse opinions.

2. Communication

   • Clear, respectful, and persuasive speaking and writing.

   • Able to represent the charity in public and with stakeholders.

3. Governance & Strategic Thinking

   • Understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities.

   • Can help develop and oversee long-term plans.

4. Meeting Management

   • Skilled in chairing meetings effectively, ensuring they are focused, inclusive, and productive.

5. Financial Awareness

   • Basic understanding of budgets, funding, and financial accountability (doesn’t need to be a finance expert).

6. Conflict Resolution

   • Ability to manage disagreements constructively and maintain harmony on the board.

Key Attributes

1. Integrity

   • High ethical standards and commitment to the charity’s mission.

2. Commitment

   • Willing to dedicate sufficient time and energy.

3. Impartiality

   • Treats all opinions fairly and avoids favouritism or personal agendas.

4. Empathy & Community Focus

   • Understands and connects with the community the charity serves.

5. Confidence Without Ego

   • Willing to make decisions and stand by them, but open to being challenged.

6. Reliability

   • Can be counted on to follow through with responsibilities and support the board and staff.

Optional but Valuable

• Fundraising experience

• Policy or nonprofit background

• Local community ties

• Experience managing volunteers

Purpose of role 

You will play a crucial role in supporting our Senior Hospital Services Partnerships & Outreach Executive with the administration and delivery of our Sunshine in Hospitals programme. From carrying out general administrative duties, liaising with medical professionals across our core hospitals, to supporting with the delivery of our diverse hospital programme, you will help create a positive and uplifting environment for young patients and their families currently undergoing medical treatment.  

Key Responsibilities: 

· General administrative duties, including sending out of promotional materials to hospitals, monitoring and responding to email enquiries from the hospital services inbox, and taking telephones calls.

• Supporting with the planning and delivery of activities at our Hospital Activity Days, such as arts and crafts, games, and storytelling sessions, tailored to the interests and abilities of the children. 

• Collaborate with hospital staff to ensure activities are safe and appropriate for the medical setting. 

• Assist in setting up and cleaning up activity areas before and after sessions. 

• Support with the delivery of our special projects (i.e. sensory bags, teddybear day, world book day, liquid to tablets initiative). Including and not limited to researching and sourcing products, dealing with suppliers and associated administrative duties.

• Support with the distribution and collection of feedback from medical teams and families taking part in any of our programmes.

What skills do I need to have? 

• Friendly, you'll be an ambassador of Rays of Sunshine whilst volunteering with us 

• Experience of working with children and young people (not essential but preferred) 

• Be comfortable interacting with others (especially children and young people) to create a relaxed and positive experience for them and their families 

• Creative and organised, with knowledge of using Microsoft programmes (such as powerpoint and excel)

• Ability to solve problems and manage unexpected situations/last minute requests with a calm and professional manner 

• Caring and empathic

• Ability to work collaboratively with hospital staff and other volunteers. 

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.

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. :)