Health safety volunteer volunteer roles

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

Would you like to help end food insecurity and tackle climate change in Greater Manchester, whilst gaining valuable experience and skills? Or perhaps you'd just like to keep busy and active and make new friends, whilst supporting a great cause.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

Induction, training and support.
Practical experience and transferable skills in food redistribution and warehousing.
A reference (after 2 months with us).
An understanding of warehousing and logistics.
Expenses: Reimbursement of travel costs of up to £5 for public transport, and up to £6 for car drivers. Up to £3 towards lunch, if you have special dietary requirements. (We provide lunch, so will contribute towards the cost of a meal, should you bring your own, only if what we are offering isn't considered suitable; e.g. a diet that's restricted for health, ethics or religion).

ABOUT US

As a sustainability charity, we take donated surplus (over-stocked) food and redistribute it to people in need.
The initiatives we support include food banks, schools, community groups and charities.

Our vital work supports people experiencing extreme hardship and prevents good food going to landfill, where it would contribute to climate warming through greenhouse gas emissions. 

We need help in our warehouse to receive and record supplies, load and unload vans, and prepare orders for delivery.
In return, we offer training and support to help you obtain skills and experience if you are seeking work.
If you're not looking for a job, volunteering with us is rewarding in many other ways; offering an opportunity to make friends, keep physically active and support your community.

This role is vital to FareShare's work, ensuring that the food in our warehouse is sorted, labelled and organised into orders.
It is perfect for someone who is:

a) Looking for a practical activity to keep busy and physically fit.
b) Looking for experience and skills to gain employment in the food industry and warehousing.
c) Wanting to help their community and help tackle global warming.
d) Wanting to make new friends.

Our volunteer roles are available Monday to Friday, for a whole or half day, with shifts between 8:30-am-12:30pm and 12:30-4:30pm. 

Volunteers are typically involved on one day a week.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Receiving, sorting, cataloguing and storing chilled and ambient food and preparing orders for delivery. 
Ensuring food quality and safety by checking ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates.
Unpacking deliveries, recording and categorising food.
Assembling food orders.
Maintaining health and safety and hygiene standards. 
Helping with cleaning and other routine tasks.

PERSON SPECIFICATION: You must...
Be reasonably physically fit to carry out tasks, including lifting and loading.
Be reliable and able to commit to an agreed session/day.
Speak English well in order to understand and follow instructions and health and safety rules. 
Have basic literacy and numeracy skills to record details of donated food.
Be able to work to Health and Safety standards.
Be happy to complete tasks independently according to instruction.
Be positive, friendly and enthusiastic about tackling food waste and food insecurity.

LOCATION
We are located in Maynard House, New Smithfield Market, Openshaw, M11 2WJ, which is easily reachable on public transport. We have free-onsite parking and secure storage for bicycles.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be a UK resident and living within easy commuting distance of our base in order to volunteer with us. This is because our volunteers must be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for 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. :)

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

FareShare Greater Manchester is looking for safe, confident drivers to join our busy, friendly delivery team. 

We re-distribute tonnes of surplus food a month to charities and community initiatives across Greater Manchester. This is an achievement of which we’re proud, and want to expand and is why we need your driving and delivery skills to support our growing operation, especially in these current times of increased need.

Key responsibilities

Driving a van to deliver surplus food orders to the premises of the various Community Food Members we support. 
Loading and unloading the vehicle and carrying out a range of tasks, from basic vehicle checks to delivery administration.

As a Delivery Driver at FareShare, you will be driving a temperature-controlled 3.5 tonnes Mercedes Sprinter van; working closely with a Driver’s Assistant to re-distribute food orders to the premises of a wide variety of Community Food Members. You will be involved with loading the vehicle and carrying out a range of tasks, from basic vehicle checks to delivery administration.

The required skills and attributes are as follows. You must:

Be aged 25 or over, with a clean driver's licence (or a maximum of 3 points).
(Experience of driving a van is desirable though not essential).

Be reliable and be able to commit to pre-agreed volunteer shifts.

Be physically fit to take on moving and handling of food orders.

Possess the ability to follow procedures and instructions.

Have good verbal communication skills.

Have a high respect for Health & Safety standards and procedures.

Have an interest in the work of FareShare Greater Manchester and our values.

In return you will gain:

Career, 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. 

Drivers' 4 hour shifts begin at 8:30am. 

We especially 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. :)

REMAP Brighton & Sussex

Are you passionate about using your practical maker/ engineer skills to solve real problems? Do you want to help disabled people live more independently? Join REMAP's volunteer community, the UK’s leading charity to create custom-built equipment for disabled individuals.

About REMAP

Since 1964, REMAP has helped thousands of people each year overcome everyday challenges through innovative, bespoke solutions. When commercial products don’t meet a person’s needs, REMAP volunteers design and make one-off equipment tailored specifically for them. With over 65 volunteer-run branches across the UK, our work is powered by skilled, compassionate volunteers like you.

The Role

As a volunteer Maker/ Engineer with practical skills, you will design and build custom equipment /adaptations using materials such as wood, metal, plastic, or electronics. Previous solutions/adaptations designed by REMAP volunteers have included: adapted handles, specialist supports, modified furniture, access aids and other one-off items designed around a person’s individual needs. You can find more inspiring solutions on REMAP's website on the Solutions section. 

In this role, you will volunteer directly with clients to understand their needs and create anything from simple adaptations to fully bespoke devices. You will also take part in regular branch meetings, case discussions approximately every 6 weeks, and occasional home visits. Each project matches your skills, availability, and location.

Location: 

You should be able and willing to travel within and around at least one of these areas:Littlehampton, Worthing, Brighton, Eastbourne, Bexhill, Hastings, Horsham, and surrounding areas.

What are we looking for: 

· Practical engineering or maker skills;

· Ability to listen and problem-solve;

· Commitment to inclusion and safety;

· Access to own tools or a workshop

· Ability to travel locally in your area

Time Commitment:

Flexible volunteering with attendance at meetings approximately every 6 weeks. Time varies depending on projects.

Expenses and support: 

All reasonable expenses are reimbursed, full support is provided including induction, mentoring, and DBS checks if required.

Why volunteer with REMAP?

• To make a real difference in someone’s life.
• To contribute and find slutions to meaningful engineering challenges.
• To join a supportive community of likeminded practical volunteers in your area.
• To learn new skills, and share your existing maker practical skills
• To improve your wellbeing through a meaningful volunteer role. 

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

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. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

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

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• 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 – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• 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 additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• 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 with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

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? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered. 

Volunteer Opportunity – Volunteer Coordinator

Lyonic Scots

Help Build and Support Our Volunteer Community

The Lyonic Scots Society is seeking a passionate and organised Volunteer Coordinator to help recruit, support, and develop volunteers across our growing international community.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in building the volunteer team that will help preserve Scottish heritage, strengthen our community, organise events, and support the development of the Lyonic Scots Society.

As Volunteer Coordinator, you will be at the heart of our organisation, ensuring volunteers feel welcomed, valued, supported, and inspired to contribute their skills and time.

About the Role

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for helping the Society attract, recruit, engage, and retain volunteers across a wide range of roles.

You will work closely with the Chair, Committee members, and volunteers to create a positive and rewarding volunteer experience while helping the Society grow its capacity and impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. Volunteer Recruitment

• Develop and promote volunteer opportunities.
• Create and manage volunteer recruitment campaigns.
• Respond to volunteer enquiries.
• Arrange informal volunteer conversations and onboarding.
• Help match volunteers to suitable roles based on their interests and skills.

2. Volunteer Support

• Welcome and support new volunteers.
• Act as a key point of contact for volunteers.
• Help ensure volunteers feel included, informed, and appreciated.
• Support volunteers with any questions or concerns.
• Encourage volunteer wellbeing and engagement.

3. Volunteer Development

• Help identify training and development opportunities.
• Support volunteers to gain confidence and experience.
• Encourage progression into leadership and committee roles where appropriate.
• Help build a positive and supportive volunteer culture.

4. Volunteer Administration

• Maintain volunteer records and contact information.
• Track volunteer numbers and participation.
• Assist with volunteer communications.
• Support the organisation of volunteer meetings and events.

5. Community Building

• Help create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Promote the Society’s values and mission.
• Encourage collaboration between volunteers across different projects and locations.
• Celebrate volunteer achievements and contributions.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Has

• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Good organisational abilities.
• A friendly, approachable, and supportive attitude.
• The ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Reliability and commitment.
• An interest in Scottish heritage, community development, or volunteering.

Previous experience coordinating volunteers, managing teams, or working within community organisations is welcome but not essential.

What You’ll Gain

By volunteering as our Volunteer Coordinator, you will:

• Gain valuable leadership and management experience.
• Develop skills in recruitment, people management, and community engagement.
• Build experience within a growing cultural organisation.
• Enhance your CV and professional development.
• Meet people from diverse backgrounds and locations.
• Play a key role in shaping the future of the Lyonic Scots Society.

Time Commitment

Flexible and home-based.

We anticipate approximately 4–8 hours per MONTH, although this can vary depending on recruitment campaigns and Society activities.

We are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive community where volunteers can thrive and make a meaningful contribution.

Apply Today

If you enjoy working with people and would like to help build a thriving volunteer community, we would love to hear from you. Apply via Charity Job site with your CV and a Cover Letter on why you wish to volunteer with the Lyonic Scots.

Join the Lyonic Scots Society and help us preserve our heritage, strengthen our community, and build a legacy for future generations.

We're looking for volunteers to assist with the day to day running of our shops located across north east Essex. Volunteer vacancies are available in various shop locations.

Duties of the role include the following:

(Note - Not all the tasks apply to every shop and will be dependent on which shop; type of tasks required for that area and your level of experience)

• Customer service
• Operating till & cash handling
• Signing customers up to Gift Aid scheme & inputting gift aid data if required
• Preparing donated goods for sale
• Ensuring recyclable goods are put in appropriate place
• Pricing as outlined by the shop manager
• Display and merchandising (may include transferring items from one display to another)
• Stock control
• Sorting donated goods (this may include lifting or moving moderately heavy items such as sacks of donated clothes or boxes containing books in some areas)
• Light cleaning duties and using an iron or steamer to press donated clothes

For coffee shops only:

• Operating coffee machines, serving customers and clearing and wiping down tables
• Ensure good food hygiene, health and safety and fire regulations are adhered to at all times

Training & supervision

• All required training, including till operation, gift aid and health & safety will be provided.
• For coffee shops you will be required to undertake online food hygiene training courses.

Knowledge & experience required

• Some customer service experience would be advantageous
• Ability to remain calm while listening to a customer complaint
• Ability to handle cash
• Excellent communication skills
• Previous experience of working or volunteering in a retail environment desirable
• Ability to use electronic tills and devices
• Friendly and approachable manner

Personal attributes

• Passionate about St Helena
• Attention to detail
• Comfortable handling cash
• Excellent communication skills
• Personable and approachable
• Reliable, trustworthy and flexible to meet the demands of the business
• Team player with a friendly outlook

Why we want you
As a food bank warehouse team leader, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of the food bank warehouse, supporting volunteers, coordinating activities and being the main point of contact for handling queries for the duration of the session. In this role you can make a real difference to both the people you serve and the volunteers you lead, ensuring a positive experience for all.
 

What you will be doing

• Supervise and motivate a team of volunteers.

• Support the recruitment and induction of new volunteers as required.

• Oversee and delegate tasks to ensure the smooth running of the food bank warehouse.

• Uphold safeguarding, health and safety and hygiene policies, reporting any concerns to your Main Contact.

• Ensure food bank policies and procedures are followed.

• Create a welcoming, caring and friendly atmosphere for volunteers and people coming to the centre.

• Lead a volunteer debrief at the end of each session.

• Attend team leader meetings as required.

• Regularly report to your Main Contact / Food bank Project Manager.

The skills you need

• Strong team player.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Empathetic.

• Organised and self-motivated.

• Strong leadership skills.

• Drivers License (preferable).

What's in it for you

• Using your existing skills to make a difference.

• Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the community.

• Make a real difference to the running of your food bank.

About the Role

As a Maintenance Volunteer, you will help maintain and improve the homes and environments of people with autism, sight loss, and learning disabilities. Your support will help create safe, comfortable, and welcoming spaces where people can thrive.

This role involves practical tasks such as painting, decorating, gardening, and general DIY. Please note that electrical, plumbing, and gas work are not included in this volunteer role.

 The Difference You Will Make

By volunteering, you will help to:

• Improve the appearance and comfort of people's homes.
• Create safe and welcoming environments.
• Support people to feel proud of where they live.
• Enhance the wellbeing of the people we support.

 What You Will Do

• Assist with painting and decorating projects.
• Carry out basic DIY tasks and minor repairs.
• Help with gardening and outdoor maintenance.
• Support with assembling furniture and equipment.
• Follow health and safety guidance at all times.
• Report any maintenance concerns to SeeAbility staff.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Practical and reliable.
• Friendly and approachable.
• Happy to work as part of a team.
• Enthusiastic about making a difference.
• Committed to inclusion and equality.

Previous DIY or maintenance experience is essential.

Requirements

• Aged 18 or over.
• Complete volunteer induction and training.
• Provide references.
• Complete a DBS check if required.
• Follow SeeAbility policies and health and safety procedures.

About Us

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. In 2024 we  celebrated our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Why we want you 

We are the RSPCA South Bucks Branch and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day. 

Can you help us provide high levels of care to our cats? We are looking for reliable volunteers to help the cats in our small cattery by keeping them fed, watered, and clean, and providing them with vital socialising and human contact while they are waiting to be rehomed. You will enhance your animal care skills and have the satisfaction of making our cats very happy whilst they wait for their forever home.

Overview of the role

As a volunteer Cattery Assistant, you will play a vital role by providing daily care and attention to cats who are waiting to be rehomed. As well as the essential tasks of feeding the cats and cleaning the cattery pens, you will also spend some quality time engaging in play and cuddling the cats. 

Many of the cats in our care have never experienced life in a loving, family home, so this plays a vital role in bridging the gap until they find their forever home. 

This is a physically demanding role and requires someone who really cares about cat welfare. Full online and onsite training will be provided, and you will be supported by the Volunteer Cat Co-ordinator and other volunteers.

Volunteers need to commit to a Monday morning each week starting between 8am and 9am for a two hour session and be available for a minimum six month commitment.  The role is not suitable for people who can only attend occasionally.

What you will be doing 

• Preparing and providing food and water for the cats in the cattery, as per the instructions for each cat.

• Cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining the cattery to a high standard of cleanliness, making our cats are as comfortable as possible.

• Following the health and safety procedures and ensuring that they are always observed.

• Complete observation forms, so that we can monitor the progress and welfare of each cat. 

• Inform the volunteer Cat Co-ordinator about any changes in behaviour or health concerns. 

• Adhere to any other guidelines and notices about the welfare of the cats in the cattery. 

• Groom and socialise the cats, being mindful that each will have their own temperament and character.

• Spend time with cats in the cattery pens - playing, grooming, encouraging mobility, and providing those essential cuddles. Always being mindful that each cat will have their own temperament and character.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Cattery Assistant

• Experience of cats and caring for them. Able to understand and show sensitivity to their behaviour. You may have gained this as a cat owner or through a professional or volunteer cat-caring role. 

• Can carry out demanding, physical tasks. Cleaning the pens is hard work and you will need to bend and stretch to reach all areas. You must be able to lift containers of cat feed and litter.  

• Must be comfortable cleaning up cat faeces, urine, and vomit. Always following the bio-security procedures. 

• The site is outdoors in a garden. There is no toilet on-site but there is access to outdoor hot and cold taps for handwashing.

• Being highly committed and able to volunteer for a couple of hours on a set day each week is essential. The cats will be relying on you to care for them. 

• Able to complete the daily observation forms. 

• Capable of working with minimal supervision, once fully trained. 

• Has a level of resilience as you will see the result of neglect at first hand.

• A patient and understanding nature. 

• Volunteers need to be aged 18 or over.

• Must be able to complete comprehensive online induction training. You will need basic IT skills and access to a computer.  You will need to have access to a mobile phone and be willing to be part of the team’s Whatsapp group which is used for sharing information and updates about the cats.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Cattery Assistant

• An extremely rewarding opportunity and a chance to make a direct impact on the welfare of cats.  You will have improved cat welfare and made them happy whilst they are waiting for their forever home.

• A way to meet new people in your local area.

• Enhance your existing cat care skills and learn new skills to add to your CV.

• An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role.

• Be part of a supportive team of volunteers in a similar role.

Our volunteer roles are subject to an informal interview, two references, completion of training and a trial period.  

Our Gardener Volunteers support our homes by helping to maintain their outdoor spaces through weeding, pruning and planting, so that the people we support can enjoy spending time in a beautiful environment. 

We are currently looking for volunteer gardeners for one of our services, who can support with the following tasks:

• Create planters

• Provide general maintenance of our gardens

• Watering, planting, weeding and pruning

• Maintaining flower beds

• Creating/improving/maintaining our sensory garden spaces

Skills required 

In order to become one of our gardener volunteers you will be:

• Knowledgeable about plants

• Confident using gardening equipment

• Punctual and reliable

• Friendly and approachable.

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

• Safeguarding

• H&S

• Manual Handling

• How to be Eye Care Aware

• Fire Safety

• Infection Control

• Data Security and Confidentiality

• First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to give something positive back to society and have a direct impact on people’s lives.

Gardening is a great way to get out and about, stay fit and meet new people.

Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us 

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

The Community Ambassador Volunteer role is a flexible, people-focused role where you'll represent MumsAid at local events, community fairs, business engagement opportunities, and awareness-raising activities. Acting as a friendly and knowledgeable ambassador, you'll help share information about our services, fundraising activities, and volunteering opportunities, helping more people learn about MumsAid. 

No previous experience is required. We will provide training, resources, and ongoing support to help you feel confident representing MumsAid in your community. 

What will you be doing? 

• Representing MumsAid at local community events, fairs, markets, business events, and awareness-raising opportunities. 

• Acting as a friendly and welcoming point of contact for members of the public. 

• Talking to people about MumsAid's services and the support available. 

• Sharing information about volunteering, fundraising, and ways to get involved with MumsAid. 

• Distributing leaflets, promotional materials, and information resources. 

• Helping raise awareness of perinatal mental health and the support available through MumsAid. 

• Answering general questions about MumsAid and signposting enquiries to the appropriate staff member where needed. 

• Gathering feedback, questions, and community insights to share with the MumsAid team. 

• Helping to create a positive, inclusive, and welcoming presence for MumsAid within the local community. 

• Following MumsAid's policies and procedures, including safeguarding, confidentiality, health and safety, and equality and diversity guidance. 

What skills and qualities can you bring? 

• Warm, friendly, and approachable personality. 

• Passionate about supporting mums, families, and maternal mental health. 

• Comfortable speaking with people from a variety of backgrounds. 

• Good listening and communication skills. 

• Reliable and committed to attending agreed volunteering opportunities. 

• Confident representing MumsAid in a professional and positive manner. 

• Willingness to learn about MumsAid's services, fundraising activities, and volunteering opportunities. 

• Able to work independently as well as part of a team. 

• Supportive of equality, diversity, and inclusion. 

• Respectful of confidentiality and personal boundaries. 

What is in it for me? 

• Join a friendly, welcoming, and supportive volunteer team. 

• Be part of a charity making a meaningful difference to mums and families in the local community. 

• Receive training and guidance to help you feel confident in your role. 

• Gain experience in community engagement, public speaking, and ambassadorial work. 

• Meet new people and build connections within your local community. 

• Develop your communication and networking skills. 

• Receive clear communication and support from the MumsAid team before each opportunity. 

• Volunteer t-shirt and relevant event materials provided where appropriate. 

• Reimbursement of pre-agreed travel expenses (with receipts). 

Join the team! 
Become a MumsAid Community Ambassador Volunteer and help ensure more mums and families know that support is available. Through conversations, connections, and community engagement, you'll play an important role in helping us raise awareness of maternal mental health and the services MumsAid provides. 

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.

About Youth Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games. We also work in partnership with a range of organisations to run a rich programme of workshops within our youth club. Some of these have included creative visual arts, drama, music and workshops on rights and entitlements of young asylum seekers. We also cook a hot meal from time to time and offer a range of snacks each week. Our casework team are also on-site to support young people with a range of advice and signposting needs, usually by-appointment.

Youth club takes place at Furzedown Youth Centre. Welham Rd, London SW16 6TJ

About the role:

As a Youth Club volunteer, you would be helping young people to feel welcome, join in with activities and be a great role model.

Youth Club takes place every Wednesday at 6.00-8.30pm. We ask for a commitment of at least 2 sessions per month for a minimum of 6 months.

Tasks and responsibilities:

· To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur 15 minutes after each session.

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.

· To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.

· To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.

· To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.

· To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

To be 18 years or older;

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

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Wednesday evenings for a minimum of six months;

· Current resident of the UK;

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

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm - 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon - 2pm once every 3 months.

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.

Desirable:

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· 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;