Volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

Our shops help raise lots of money for us. It’s always lovely chatting to our customers about the fabulous items we sell and telling them about the fantastic work that we do. You’ll get the chance to meet new people and make friends plus you’ll be part of an amazing team of volunteers.

There’s so much for you to get stuck in to when you’re volunteering in our shops. We get lots of donations and it's always exciting when one of our volunteers spots a real gem. You'll be taking in, sorting, steaming and pricing donations, rolling up your sleeves in the backroom as well as being on the shop floor.

Serving customers with a smile is so important. You’ll be using the till (don't worry, we'll show you how) and handling money. And when people come in to donate items you'll also be completing the Gift Aid forms that let their donations help us even more.

It’s really important that our window and shop displays look appealing so people keep visiting our shops. So you'll be wielding a duster and vacuum as well as your imagination to make the shop look its best.

It would be ideal if you could volunteer one shift a week, but we're also happy to have more flexible times and we do ask for a minimum commitment of three months. No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do and we provide all the training you’ll need. But if you have any experience or particular interest tell us, it may come in useful. It’s really easy to get your volunteering started. Just click on ‘Apply’ and get filling in your details!

Home-Start Croydon is a charity dedicated to helping parents give their children the best possible start in life.

 As a volunteer, you will help run a warm and welcoming peer-to-peer stay and play group for families with children aged 0–5. You will engage with parents, share information about local services, and take part in play activities that encourage children to learn and explore.

 Your support will help strengthen community bonds, promote inclusion, and reduce isolation—creating a safe, supportive space where families and children can flourish and thrive.

Role title: Stay & Play Group Volunteer

Hours: 3 hours per week, term-time only

Key activities

v Setting up the group room and tidying up afterwards

v Chatting with parents and making them feel welcome

v Making refreshments for adults/healthy snacks for children

v  Encouraging children to play and explore

v  Participating with the families in the activities organised for the day

v Inspiring parents to build friendships and support networks amongst themselves

v  Providing information on childcare options / signposting to local services for families (training provided)

v  Being attentive, observant, able to read situations and respond with care

v  Building a good knowledge of your own community and links with local families

v Collaborating and coordinating with fellow volunteers to ensure sessions run smoothly

v Recording and documenting basic but essential information needed for funding purposes

v Attending training

v  Regularly meeting with the Parent Champion Coordinator and other volunteers to share good practice

Skills and Experience

v  Have experience of being a parent or carer

v  Have a positive experience of using formal childcare and local family services

v  Having an understanding of professional and personal boundaries

v  Being warm, jovial and welcoming with the families and colleagues

v  Have a non-judgemental attitude, able to communicate and listen with kindness and understanding

v  Have the ability to empathise with some of the difficulties parents face

v  Be able to work collaboratively in small teams

v  Have an awareness of Confidentiality and Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults (training provided)

v  Have knowledge of and commitment to equal opportunities, fairness and diversity

v  Be able to keep basic records as requested by Home-Start Croydon

Prospective volunteers will be contacted and invited to attend an induction training course provided by Home-Start Croydon and Coram Family and Childcare. An enhanced DBS check is required and will be carried out as part of the application process by Home-Start.

Home-Start Croydon is committed to safe recruitment practice as an important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults.

This role involves volunteering with families who may be going through difficult times. It is essential that candidates are in a stable and positive place themselves, meet the above criteria, and are prepared to work sensitively and responsibly with families. Home-Start Croydon reserves the right to decline any volunteer application if the individual does not meet the requirements or if it is considered not suitable for the families’ well-being.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

Our Bearsden Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

From stunning boutiques full of designer gems to discount stores where you can grab a bargain, our charity shops are much-loved across Scotland.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to help our shop management team assist customers and donors, and ensure the shop is tidy and well stocked. Whether you have a passion for fashion and love chatting to customers, or you would prefer to be behind the scenes in our stockroom, your help could make a difference in your local community.

Our Retail Volunteer Anne shares why she loves volunteering, “I wanted to learn new skills as well as get to know more people locally, so volunteering in the shop was ideal. I enjoy being part of the team! It’s good to feel useful and part of the successful running of the shop.”

We believe everyone has the right to live life to the full following the diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, stroke, or Long Covid. Our shops are vital in helping us raise the funds needed to provide services such as community support services, specialist nurses, advice and information, education, and peer support.

Join our fabulous team of Retail Volunteers and learn new skills, make great friends, and make a real difference to people in Scotland who are isolated, scared, or anxious about their condition.

Why we want you

We are looking for someone to help our shop management team assist customers and donors and ensure the shop is tidy and well stocked.

What you will be doing

• Welcoming and assisting customers and donors
• Customer care
• Stock control
• Sorting donations
• Hanging and ticketing stock
• Helping to keep shop clean and tidy

The skills you need

• Effective communication and customer care skills
• A willingness to volunteer in a team environment, and with the public
• A willingness to undertake all training required for role

What's in it for you

• Meet new people
• Use your skills and learn new ones
• Make a real difference to people with our conditions

Disclaimer

Expenses Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. These should be discussed with your Line Manager prior to outlay and must be submitted within the prescribed guidelines as detailed in the CHSS Volunteer Expenses Policy. Safeguarding In line with our commitment to safeguarding, this role is subject to a basic disclosure check. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland are committed to equality of opportunity, and we aim to ensure no volunteer is unfairly treated on the grounds of an offending background.

The Stroke Association - Fundraising Project Volunteer

Our Regional Fundraising Team work closely with individuals, groups, and organisations who are raising money for us or have the potential to raise funds. This can be through our campaigns, active challenges, partnerships or through their own ideas. Fundraising is important to our charity as our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the generosity of supporters. In this role you will help with projects that will help us find new fundraising supporters, help with promoting our campaigns or be involved with ensuring our supporters have a fantastic experience

What the role involves:

As a fundraising project volunteer, there are a wide range of activities that you might be involved with. When you enquire about volunteering, we will find out about your interests and skills to find the right projects for you to support us with. Tasks may vary throughout the year. They include:

• Researching organisations and community groups that may be able to support the charity financially.
• Promoting our fundraising campaigns in communities to encourage them to get involved.
• Helping ensure our supporters have a great experience by thanking them, wishing them good luck or sharing charity updates. This could be through cards, emails or phone calls.
• General administrative tasks on word or excel.
• Support with our events in person if they are near to you. This could involve meeting fundraisers, cheering along our runners or talking about the charity.

Who the role might suit:

• To be an effective fundraising project volunteer you will need a methodical approach to work and be able to follow agreed systems and processes.
• Our fundraising project volunteers need to be thorough with a good eye for detail, and able to use office equipment and relevant computer software.
• Some of the tasks involved will need you to be someone who can communicate effectively in writing, over the phone and in person.
• You will have ongoing support from our staff but will spend much of your time working on your own so you will need to be someone who is comfortable working without direct supervision.

What the role can offer you personally:

• Being a fundraising project volunteer means you will gain practical experience of working in a busy team, supporting our ongoing work and on a variety of projects that make a real difference to people’s lives. 
• The role provides an opportunity to learn new keyboard and IT skills and use various software and database packages.
• Fundraising project volunteers also find it helps them develop new skills with a well-respected charity which can improve their CV and employability.
• You would be able to see how your support has made an impact by seeing the amount of money raised or hearing feedback from our supporters.

Training for this role:

We provide all of our volunteers with training, so they feel confident in the role and give the best possible support to stroke survivors.

Essential training for the role will include some modules on our learn system, such as GDPR, safeguarding and information security. Other training may be required depending on the tasks you complete. We will confirm this as part of your induction.

We also offer a range of optional training courses to support you in your role and to support your knowledge of the Stroke Association.

We also offer ongoing support and expenses where appropriate.

Where and when you would volunteer:

The role is a remote volunteering role that you will complete from home at a time that suits you. There may be times when we invite you along to virtual meetings, but times would be discussed.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, an Access NI check or membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme is not required for this role.

Our vision is for there to be fewer strokes, and for people affected by stroke to get the help they need to live the best life they can.

Our core purpose is to be the trusted voice of stroke survivors and their families. We want to drive better outcomes in stroke prevention, treatment and lifelong support for everyone affected by stroke.

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

We are growing our volunteering team and looking to recruit 2 Lead Volunteers for our Content Team. We’re looking for two people who have a passion for promoting a charity supporting a rare condition and have the ability to support a volunteering team as well as plan and use communication tools such as websites, Canva and other digital platforms.

This is a flexible volunteering opportunity, which means your commitment can be balanced around your lifestyle - being part of a team to ensure that communications to our community and supporters are up to date and timely.

You will provide leadership for your team and support the development of a communications plan for the charity.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Lead a team of content writer volunteers.
• Lead and co-ordinate internal projects, activities and campaigns that help build awareness of our organisation and its aims.
• Building, leading and inspiring the content team, ensuring goals are agreed and communicated to support the achievement of our overall aims and projects.
• Ensuring all content is on-brand, consistent in terms of style, quality and tone of voice, and ideally optimised for search and user experience for channels of content including on our website, in our members' magazine as well as supporting the content for social media .
• Supporting the development of a communications strategy, focusing on the content section.
• The implementation of a functional content calendar
• Establishing workflow for requesting, creating, editing, publishing, and repurposing content
• Operate as the point of contact for content volunteers in the team.
• To also be an active part of the content team as a content writer.
• Identifying, initiating and leading on content projects which align to the strategy and realise our goals.
• Collaborate with the team
• To contribute to the Annual Report or other reporting documents.
• Protecting our charity brand identity, ensuring it is delivered consistently, both internally and externally.
• Promote the charity across all our channels and forms of communication.
• Ensure effective, regular communication to both internal and external audiences.
• Support the review of progress and effectiveness of the Communications Strategy on an annual basis.

What are we looking for?

About You

To be successful in this role you will:

• Have a real enthusiasm for excellence, innovation, continuous improvement and change.
• Be a team leader who is positive, hands-on and able to get the best out of a team.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and are adept at building relationships with different stakeholders.
• Have the ability to think strategically but also enjoy being at an operational level to support your team and key stakeholders.
• Have a high level of attention to detail.
• Have the ability to prioritise, plan and organise projects and to manage expectations.

Experience and Skills

• The ability to communicate (verbal and non-verbal) to a wide variety of audiences including the public, various forms of media and on an individual basis.
• Experience in building and leading a team.
• Previous experience of working or volunteering for charities and/or volunteer organisations is desirable but not required.
• Creativity 
• Good IT skills.
• Ability to motivate and enthuse others.
• To be a part of a team.
• Previous experience in marketing, communications, or related fields.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire volunteers.
• Experience of using Canva or similar design packages.
• A strong network of PR and media contacts would be highly advantageous.

What's in it for you?

This role is a fantastic opportunity to volunteer with a small but ambitious charity, developing and honing your skills around leadership in the Third sector.

Getting the right story in print and online can be challenging, especially when dealing with a rare health condition, but it is definitely rewarding.

You will gain experience in the charity sector, gain new or update your writing skills, a broader C.V., and a sense of accomplishment from using your skills to help people affected by a very painful condition.

You would be leading our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people who may not have heard about the charity or about the condition. You would also have a key role in developing a communications and marketing strategy for a small charity. This is an excellent opportunity for you to make a real difference to a rare condition.

Key Benefits

• Gain valuable experience in communications and marketing, plus charity team leadership.
• Make a meaningful impact on the fight to support the CRPS community.
• Develop professional skills and expand your network.

We are seeking a compassionate and reliable befriender volunteer to support an individual who is working hard to rebuild his life and reconnect with his community. Your role will involve offering encouragement, structure, and practical support to help him increase confidence, independence, and social engagement.

What you will be doing

• Provide friendly, non-judgmental support and encouragement.
• Help identify local community, cultural, or wellbeing activities.
• Support the individual in researching and attending suitable training, volunteering, or employment opportunities.
• Accompany the individual to local groups or activities where appropriate (e.g., community centres, courses, clubs).
• Assist with setting achievable personal and social goals, and celebrate progress.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
• Communicate regularly with the supervising coordinator regarding progress, concerns, or safeguarding issues.

The skills you need

• Empathetic, patient, and non-judgmental approach.
• Good listening and communication skills.
• Understanding or willingness to learn about recovery from alcohol use and the challenges of mental health conditions such as anxiety and ADHD.
• Reliable, consistent, and able to maintain confidentiality.
• Comfortable supporting someone who may experience periods of low motivation or confidence.
• Knowledge of local community resources, or willingness to research them.

What's in it for you

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

Could you help to raise vital funds 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 Branch Fundraiser?

As part of a local team, our fundraisers represent SSAFA at events, and in public. The role includes helping at fayres, street collections, concerts, quizzes, raffles, sporting events 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.

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.

SSAFA branches rely on regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent need. A varied programme of fundraising 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 involves being out and about at public events and would suit someone looking to give the occasional day, half day or evening to support SSAFA; when and where would be flexible to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Be part of a team with collection/buckets tins at events, supermarkets, shopping centres, etc.
• Acting as a marshal at a public event e.g., handing out water to runners, supervising parking etc.
• Being part of a team running a stall at an event, Armed Forces Day, fayre, county show etc.
• Helping with putting up posters, building gazebos, serving refreshments, packing/unpacking cars etc.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA, engaging people of all backgrounds and interests
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
• 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 - fundraising workshops.
• 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, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
• Local Fundraising Coordinator
• Fundraising Manager (per region)
• Access to the Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
• 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 the Fundraising Coordinator about your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events.

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: 16

Please note: If you are under 18 you are not allowed by law to volunteer at a street collection, raffle or an event serving alcohol. If you are under 16, please contact us, you will need to volunteer with a parent or adult responsible for your safety.

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

Be a catalyst for change. Champion mental wellness and positive masculinity for the next generation—share our story, open doors, create impact.

About Future Men

Future Men is a specialist charity working towards a better future for every boy, every man, and everyone. Since 1988, we've supported disadvantaged and marginalised young males at critical life transitions—school exclusion, antisocial behaviour, or first-time fatherhood. Our work builds emotional resilience, strengthens relationships, and helps boys and men to navigate key life transitions. We offer:

• School programmes improving behaviour, emotional regulation, and achievement
• Community mentoring keeping young men safe and connected
• Fatherhood support giving fathers tools to actively engage in their children's lives
• Advocacy influencing policy on fatherhood and masculinity

Rooted in an understanding of positive masculinities, we empower boys and men to thrive—not just survive—so they can contribute confidently and positively to their families, communities, and wider society. 

The Opportunity

Be a voice for change. As a Volunteer Ambassador, you'll help us reach new people, open doors, and champion a cause that's transforming lives across London.

This is a flexible, remote role that fits around your schedule—perfect if you're passionate about mental health, youth development, or building stronger communities.

What You'll Do

Connect & Introduce (the most powerful thing you can do)

• Make warm introductions to potential partners, funders, or supporters in your network
• Help us connect with corporates, foundations, and local organisations—especially in Southwark & Lambeth

Amplify Our Message

• Share Future Men's work on social media (LinkedIn, etc.) and in your professional circles
• Be a spokesperson: Share Future Men's message at various events, like community gatherings, school assemblies, or corporate meetings. This could involve giving short talks or presentations about our work.
• Use your voice (social media, events, conversations) to normalise discussions around mental wellness, integrity, and healthy relationships

Open Doors to Support

• Identify sponsorship opportunities or pro bono support (legal, marketing, HR, communications)
• Connect us with grant makers, volunteers, or in-kind resources

Share Your Insights

• Give us feedback on how Future Men is perceived and where we can strengthen our impact
• Provide feedback on community needs, challenges, and ideas to help us refine our approach

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong personal or professional networks (especially in business, corporate, or community sectors)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfortable making introductions and representing the organisation
• Commitment to our mission: positive masculinity, mental wellness, and mentorship
• Ability to commit 5 hours per month for at least 12 months

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience in fundraising, business development, or partnership building
• Knowledge of the charity sector or social issues affecting boys and men
• Experience using LinkedIn or other social media for advocacy

What We Offer

Training & Support

• Comprehensive induction and orientation session
• Welcome pack with key messages, brand guidelines, and social media assets
• Designated point of contact for ongoing support
• Regular check-ins and connection with the team

Other Benefits

• Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., travel)
• A chance to make a tangible difference in boys' and men's lives
• Connection to a supportive, mission-driven team
• Flexibility to contribute in ways that suit your strengths and schedule

Safeguarding

Future Men is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All volunteers are expected to share this commitment and adhere to our safeguarding policies. A basic DBS check may be required depending on the nature of your ambassador activities.

Important Information

• This is a voluntary, unpaid position
• Notice period: one month by either party
• You will be expected to maintain confidentiality regarding any sensitive information
• All ambassadors must adhere to Nolan's Seven Principles of Public Life

Across the UK, our 65 local branches work with disabled people to help them live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our volunteer Fundraisers use their organisational and people skills, as well as creativity and a sense of fun, to raise vital funds for their local branch.

What the role involves

This is a varied role that each branch can do a little differently, but it may include the following responsibilities, with potential for additional fundraising opportunities:

· Organising fundraising events big and small

· Identifying and helping to apply for local grants

What you’ll need for this role

· An interest in fundraising – prior experience isn’t a must

· Able to work independently from home

· Willing to attend meetings of your local branch

· A commitment to our aims and values

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and a reference check.

If it works better for you, there’s a possibility this role could be done remotely.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation, and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

Want to make a difference without breaking a sweat? Join our incredible team of Cheer Team Volunteers and help support runners taking on the Brighton Marathon to raise money for Alzheimer's Society.

You'll be part of a high energy, feel-good atmosphere, giving our runners the boost they need with your cheers, claps, and encouragement.

By joining us, you’re helping us fulfil our mission: to give help to those living with dementia today and provide hope for the future.

What’s involved:

· Stand at a designated cheer point on the race route

· Clap, shout, wave flags and motivate runners

· Work alongside a friendly, supportive team

What you’ll get:

· A fun and rewarding experience

· Branded t-shirt

· A chance to make a real impact in just a few hours

No previous experience is needed just bring your energy, your voice, and your enthusiasm!

Ready to join our Cheer Squad? Sign up today and help us celebrate every step toward a dementia-free future.

Who are we?

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. We work to increase inclusion and representation across society for the disabled community.We have several different services including inclusive characters, sensory workshops, resources, events, advocacy and more.

What are we looking for?

Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity that you can do in your own time and without having to leave the comfort of the sofa? Do you have a good imagination? Are you interested in graphic design? Or have an artistic flair?

We have a range of creative projects and tasks and our creative team have more work than people. From helping to bring our characters and bubble world to life to helping with our rebrand project. 

What do we expect?

• Be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.

• Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if appropriate).

• A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answer questions on this.

What can you expect?

• A community group that does not currently operate a rota system of any kind. Youdon’t have to regularly commit your time.

• A kind, caring, nurturing company who cares about people, staff and volunteers. Our aim is to keep your wellbeing at the centre of our work.

• A very positive and proactive approach to disability and illness. Any and all accommodations will be made that you require. If there is anything you wish to discuss in private please email us and we will arrange a confidential chat.

Benefits to Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles CIC

• Gaining valuable experience and improving your confidence

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest.

• Make a difference to community

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills.

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers.

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future employment.

For further information or to apply email us and we will be more than happy to have a chat. 

Please note we are looking for volunteers who are based in the UK. 

Want to make a difference without breaking a sweat? Join our incredible team of Cheer Team Volunteers and help support runners taking on the Brighton Half Marathon to raise money for Alzheimer's Society.

You'll be part of a high energy, feel-good atmosphere, giving our runners the boost they need with your cheers, claps, and encouragement.

By joining us, you’re helping us fulfil our mission: to give help to those living with dementia today and provide hope for the future.

What’s involved:

· Stand at a designated cheer point on the race route

· Clap, shout, wave flags and motivate runners

· Work alongside a friendly, supportive team

What you’ll get:

· A fun and rewarding experience

· Branded t-shirt

· A chance to make a real impact in just a few hours

No previous experience is needed just bring your energy, your voice, and your enthusiasm!

Ready to join our Cheer Squad? Sign up today and help us celebrate every step toward a dementia-free future.

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. We ask volunteers to commit to at least one class every week for a minimum of 4 months. If you are unable to attend a class due to a planned holiday, you must inform the program lead in advance. 

• 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 

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

Desirable: 

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

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

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

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to 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: 

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.