373 Health and wellbeing volunteer volunteer jobs

Support, Guide and Lead Services That Change Lives

This is your opportunity to provide leadership to services that make a real difference to people, families and communities across Lancashire. Join a values-led organisation where your leadership will help shape services, support talented teams, and create positive, lasting change.

At New Era North West, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. For over 40 years, we have worked alongside children, young people, adults and families to reduce inequality, improve wellbeing, increase opportunities and build stronger communities. Through our work in employment, skills and education, health and wellbeing, and family and community services, we help people overcome challenges, build resilience and achieve their potential. 

As our Charitable Service Lead, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across our charitable services, ensuring they remain high quality, responsive and focused on delivering meaningful outcomes. Working closely with the CEO, Operations Manager and Leadership Team, you will provide direction, guidance and support to service managers and practitioners, enabling them to deliver high-quality services that achieve positive outcomes for the people and communities we serve. You'll play a key role in developing confident, capable teams, fostering a positive and supportive culture, and ensuring our services continue to make a lasting difference across Lancashire. 

This role offers the opportunity to influence the future direction of a respected and growing organisation. You'll lead and support passionate teams, develop strong partnerships, and help create a positive workplace culture where people feel valued, supported and empowered to do their best work. We're looking for someone who can inspire others, bring people together, and balance strategic thinking with a practical approach to leadership.

What We Offer

• Salary: £38,428.46 per annum 
• Contract: Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)
• Location: Burnley, Lancashire, with travel across service areas required (essential car user) 
• Annual Leave: 32 days per year 
• The opportunity to shape and influence services that improve lives and strengthen communities.
• A supportive, values-driven culture built on Care, Support and Belief.
• The chance to work alongside committed colleagues who are passionate about making a difference.
• A senior leadership role where your ideas, experience and vision can have a genuine impact.

If you are passionate about creating opportunities, supporting communities and leading services that deliver real social impact, we'd love to hear from you. Join us and help challenge inequality, strengthen communities and transform lives.

We’re currently recruiting for one full-timeTrainee Children Wellbeing Practitioners (CWP)to work directly with young people within our mental health services. For this post you need to have a Undergraduate degree, second class or above, in a mental health of child development related subject OR any subject with further training or experience in a relevant field. We are also looking for someone with an open and flexible attitude; excellent engagement skills and a passion for working with children and young people around mental health. 

Responsibilities include offering a CBT based self-guided mental health interventions to young people and their families including individual, parent-led and group-based support; workshops; crisis support; mental health themed activities. 

This post is based on-site and may require flexibility to work across different service areas and interventions. Some evening and/or weekend work may be necessary to meet the needs of young people. 

This is a training position where the post holder will undertake training at Kings College London alongside working in service for Off The Record. Applicants will need to be ready to start work in early January 2027 and posts cannot be offered to candidates unless they can guarantee this start date. 

Shortlisted candidates will also need to submit an application form to KCL for a place on the Postgraduate Diploma in Child Wellbeing Practice (CWP). Please see links below.

The full Job Description and Person Specification are attached. 

Applying for the Posts 

To be considered for the position, the Application Form needs to be completed and return via email to the email address on the application form by Sunday 20th September 2026.   

We understand some candidates may want to use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we also want to learn more about the authentic you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences wherever possible. In the spirit of transparency - we also ask that you indicate if you have used AI in your application.

Decisions about who to invite for interview will be based on how well someone demonstrates that they meet the person specification for the specific post, so please make sure you complete the application form fully and accurately, giving evidence of how you meet each point in the person specification and indicating your relevant knowledge, skills and experience. Please note that CVs will not be considered. 

Email applicants will receive a confirmation of receipt and shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date. 

Job Summary 
This Volunteering Coordinator is a new position that will directly support the management of our volunteers, the projects they work within and how they engage with people experiencing homelessness. Volunteers are integral to our projects year-round and contribute to our strategic goals around community power and solidarity. Our projects range from Christmas events, engagement projects, prevention initiatives and supporting fundraising campaigns. 

This Volunteering Coordinator will be instrumental in the recruitment, onboarding, welfare and on-going support of our volunteers, some of whom also use our services. They will be passionate about people and enjoy working closely within our project teams to ensure volunteers have the best possible experience. 

Key responsibilities 

As the Volunteering Coordinator is a new role for Caring in Bristol, certain elements will evolve as the position embeds into the team. However, the key focusses will be to: 

Recruitment of volunteers 

• Promote volunteering opportunities across the city 

• Target potential volunteers who support our mission and values, have appropriate skillsets, and represent groups who are representative of the clients we support and align with our strategic Equality, Diversity and Inclusion goals 

• Through a variety of promotional tools create and distribute volunteer recruitment assets for Caring in Bristol marketing channels to spread CiB volunteering opportunities 

• Attend volunteering recruitment events and engage with prospective volunteers 

• Work with Income Generation colleagues to build a base of engaged and informed volunteers to support fundraising events and activities in the community 

• Develop and deliver the volunteer application process 

• Conduct reference and DBS checks for new volunteers where required 

Volunteer Retention 

• Update and develop our volunteer induction programme with project staff embedding the values of the charity as well as an understanding of homelessness in our city 

• Provide pastoral guidance to volunteers, to ensure they feel heard and supported 

• Get to know our regular volunteers and work alongside them to understand the best way to motivate and engage them in their roles 

• Attend the projects on a regular basis 

• Work with CiB Safeguarding Leads to uphold the safety and safeguarding of volunteers and our service users in the development and management of volunteering in the organisation 

• Escalate volunteer complaints or disciplinary issues to project managers and senior management as appropriate 

• Manage communication with our volunteer groups, including curating a regular newsletter to keep volunteers informed about our work 

Administration - Volunteer Management & Development 

• Working alongside our Corporate and Community Coordinator, manage opportunities for groups of corporate volunteers within the organisation 

• Update volunteer-facing documentation and policies including the Code of Conduct, ensuring they are implemented consistently across Caring in Bristol volunteering

• Become the organisation's administrator/key user for the volunteer management database. 

• Provide administrative support to ensure volunteers receive any out-of-pocket expenses

• Support Caring at Christmas volunteer allocations and project-specific communication 

• Work as part of the Caring at Christmas on-site management rota 

• Manage the central volunteer email inbox, consulting with project teams where necessary to ensure queries are managed in an appropriate and timely fashion.

#Volunteer #Volunteering #Coordinator #Caring in Bristol #Homelessness #Bristol

We’re currently recruiting 4 full-time Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHP) to work directly with young people in our Croydon Mental Health Support Team (MHST). For this post you need to have an Undergraduate degree, second class or above, in a mental health of child development related subject (e.g., Psychology, Education, Childhood development, Social Work etc), OR any subject with further training or experience in a relevant field (e.g., Teaching/TA; Learning Support; HCA; Youth Work; etc). We are also looking for people with an open and flexible attitude; excellent engagement skills and a passion for working with children and young people around mental health. 

Responsibilities include offering CBT based, self-guided mental health interventions to primary and secondary aged children and young people and their families. This involves individual and group-based support directly with young people, parent-led support, and supporting schools to implement a whole school approach to emotional wellbeing. The posts have scope and opportunity for developing new initiatives and ways of working to support young people’s mental health across South London. 

All posts are based on-site (office/school) and may require flexibility to work across different service areas and interventions. Some evening and/or weekend work may be necessary to meet the needs of young people. 

This is a training position where the post holder will undertake training at Kings College London alongside working in service for Off The Record. Applicants will need to be ready to start work in early January 2027 and posts cannot be offered to candidates unless they can guarantee this start date. 

Shortlisted candidates will also need to submit an application form to KCL for a place on the Postgraduate Diploma in Child Wellbeing Practice (CWP). Please see links below. 

The full Job Description and Person Specification are attached. 

Applying for the Posts 

To be considered for the position, the Application Form need to be completed and return via email to email address on the application by the end of Sunday 20th September 2026.

We understand some candidates may want to use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we also want to learn more about the authentic you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences wherever possible. In the spirit of transparency - we also ask that you indicate if you have used AI in your application.

Decisions about who to invite for interview will be based on how well someone demonstrates that they meet the person specification for the specific post, so please make sure you complete the application form fully and accurately, giving evidence of how you meet each point in the person specification and indicating your relevant knowledge, skills and experience. Please note that CVs will not be considered. 

Email applicants will receive a confirmation of receipt and shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date. 

Are you passionate about empowering young people to break down barriers, gain independence, and achieve their career goals?

Volunteer Centre Kensington & Chelsea (VCKC) is looking for a dedicated Stepping Stones: XP Officer to join our team. In this delivery-focused role, you will provide person-centered, strengths-based support to young people aged 16–25 who identify as having Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND).

You will manage a small, targeted caseload, guiding participants through their journey from building initial confidence to securing inclusive volunteering placements, work experience, and paid employment.

Key Responsibilities

• 1-to-1 Caseload Support: Co-design realistic action plans, identify reasonable adjustments, and deliver tailored employment and volunteering readiness support.

• Brokerage & Employer Engagement: Build strong relationships with local employers and volunteer-involving organisations to source safe, accessible placements.

• Practical Guidance: Assist participants with CV writing, application forms, and work-readiness skills tailored to their unique needs.

• Placement Monitoring: Provide light-touch, SEND-informed support to both participants and hosts to ensure placements are successful and sustainable.

• Network & Resource Mobilisation: Connect clients with external support services, training opportunities, and grants for work clothing or tools.

What We Are Looking For

• Relevant Experience: Proven track record of supporting young people (aged 16–25) or adults facing barriers to work, particularly those with SEND.

• Strengths-Based Approach: Ability to deliver empowering, direct 1-to-1 support that builds confidence and self-advocacy.

• Relationship Building: Experience working alongside employers and community organisations to champion inclusive practice.

• Organisational Skills: High-level administrative abilities to manage time, maintain accurate client data, and handle record-keeping effectively within a part-time role.

• Values-Driven: Strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion, and the values of VCKC.

(Note: Appointment is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check).

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing how your experience meets the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Are you passionate about mental health and making a real difference in people’s lives? Join our dedicated team as a Crisis Café Support Worker.

You’ll provide compassionate, person-centred support to individuals experiencing mental health crises. You’ll play a key role in de-escalating crises, fostering recovery, and empowering clients to develop self-management strategies.

You’ll also facilitate group activities, collaborate with colleagues and partner agencies, and help create a welcoming, supportive environment for service users.

The role requires evening and weekend work.

What You’ll Bring:

 •  Experience working with individuals in mental health crises or with complex needs.

 •  Excellent listening, communication, and motivational skills.

 •  Resilience and a calm approach to challenging situations.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in mental health provision and join a supportive team.

Apply Now to be part of a service that saves lives and transforms wellbeing.

We offer:

· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year, increasing by 1 day per full year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days) [pro rata]

· Contributory pension

· Bonus 1 day of annual leave per year over the festive period (pro rata)

· Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which includes free counselling sessions

· Training and personal development opportunities

· Paid time off for medical appointments

· Staff away days and socials

The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure & Barring (DBS) check.

Richmond Borough Mind is committed to diversity and inclusion. We are actively interviewing for this role. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Are you passionate about reducing health inequalities and supporting some of the most marginalised people in our communities?

We are recruiting for a compassionate, organised, and proactive Peer Support Lead to support our hepatitis C peer project in the Oxford & Thames Valley area. Peers use their lived experience to raise awareness of hepatitis C, reduce stigma, and help people access testing and treatment.

Working alongside healthcare professionals, drug and alcohol services, homelessness services, and community organisations, you will recruit, train and support volunteer peers to deliver hepatitis C awareness raising, practical and emotional support.

This is a varied and rewarding community-based position involving travel across the Oxford and Thames Valley region.

About you
We are looking for someone who can build trust and engage people with complex needs in a respectful, non-judgemental way. You’ll be a good communicator, confident working with partner services and supporting volunteers, with good organisational skills and an understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries and managing risk.

We welcome applications from people with either lived experience or professional experience relevant to the role. This may include hepatitis C, drug or alcohol use, homelessness, the criminal justice system, or supporting people facing similar challenges.

Why join us?
The Hepatitis C Trust is a national, patient-led charity committed to eliminating hepatitis C and improving access to harm reduction services across the UK. We are proud to be a Living Wage Employer and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.  

How to apply
The closing date for applications is midnight, Sunday 27th September 2026.

Mid Kent Mind is a local, independent, mental health and wellbeing charity providing a safe environment for individuals where everyone is valued. We improve the lives of those in our community by building their resilience and giving them hope for a better future. We strive to tackle stigma and discrimination through projects that promote a better understanding of mental health. Our vision is for a community where all individuals are accepted, included and supported to thrive. We aim to ensure that the needs of each individual who experiences a mental health problem, are met with the best possible support and outcome.

As one of our Wellbeing Coaches you will be instrumental in facilitating a wide range of support across Maidstone, Ashford and Swale.

You will lead on the existing service delivery, courses and social groups, both out in the community and based at our Wellbeing Centre in Maidstone.

You will plan and prepare a range of engaging online and face to face group sessions, and courses.

You will conduct wellbeing assessments with our service users.

You will be instrumental in facilitating a wide range of support across Maidstone, Ashford and Swale. You will lead on our structured mental health courses, and community groups whilst also having the opportunity to shape your individual approach to support the needs of our service users.

Full licence and access to vehicle is required, due to the nature of the role and the remote areas Mid Kent Mind covers.

To find out more please read the full job description and additional information document.

#Wellbeing Coach #Wellbeing Coach Jobs #Community Wellbeing Coach #Mental Health Wellbeing Coach #Wellbeing Support #Wellbeing Worker #Wellbeing Practitioner #Wellbeing Services #Wellbeing Programmes

#Health And Wellbeing #Emotional Wellbeing #Community Wellbeing #Mental Health #Mental Health Support #Mental Health Services #Mental Health Recovery #Mental Health Awareness #Community Mental Health

#Community Support #Community Services #Community Groups #Community Outreach #Support Worker #Support Services #Recovery Support #Recovery Worker #Group Facilitator #Course Facilitator #Group Support

#Wellbeing Courses #Wellbeing Assessment #Person Centred Support #One To One Coach #Mental Health Coach  #Wellbeing Jobs #Wellbeing Coach Jobs

Salary: Band G (£27,480 with potential for pay progression)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with occasional work at evenings/weekends for Rainbows events.
Location: Primarily based at Rainbows Hospice, Loughborough, with occasional travel to support volunteers across the East Midlands
Contract: Full time / Permanent

Help shape the experience of volunteers across Rainbows

At Rainbows, volunteers support almost every aspect of our work – from fundraising and events, to our retail shops and the hospice itself – with over 400 individuals generously volunteering their time, skills, and passion.

As the Volunteer Coordinator, you'll play a vital role in ensuring those volunteers feel welcomed, supported, valued and able to make the greatest possible impact.

You'll also help shape how volunteering develops across Rainbows, supporting colleagues, improving volunteer experiences and championing the value volunteers bring to our work.

This is a varied and rewarding role for somebody who has experience of working with volunteers and enjoys building strong relationships, solving problems and supporting others succeed.

About the role

Working closely with the Head of Volunteering, you will play a key role in translating the Volunteering Strategy into day-to-day practice across the organisation.

You'll coordinate the volunteer journey from enquiry and recruitment through to onboarding, training, support, engagement and recognition. You'll be a trusted point of contact for volunteers, helping them feel confident in their role whilst also supporting colleagues across the organisation to involve volunteers effectively and confidently.

Alongside maintaining strong operational processes, you'll also help identify opportunities to improve the volunteer experience, strengthen volunteer engagement and support delivery of our Volunteering Strategy.

You'll also provide advice and support to colleagues across Rainbows, helping them involve volunteers effectively and create positive volunteering experiences.

No two days are quite the same. One day you may be interviewing prospective volunteers, delivering training, or supporting colleagues with volunteer management queries. The next you may be analysing recruitment trends, improving volunteer processes, or representing Rainbows at a community event.

What you’ll be doing:

· Managing volunteer recruitment, onboarding and induction.

· Supporting and guiding volunteers throughout their volunteering journey.

· Delivering volunteer training and development opportunities.

· Advising colleagues on volunteer involvement and good practice.

· Coordinating volunteer communications, engagement and recognition activity.

· Maintaining volunteer records and compliance processes.

· Using feedback and data to improve volunteer experiences and ways of working.

· Supporting delivery of volunteering projects and initiatives across Rainbows

About you

We’re looking for someone who:

· Enjoys building relationships with a wide range of people.

· Can balance empathy with good judgement.

· Is confident advising and supporting others.

· Has experience coordinating people, processes or activities in a busy environment.

· Can manage competing priorities and work independently.

· Has strong administrative and organisational skills.

· Is comfortable using systems, data and technology to support their work.

· Is passionate about creating positive experiences for volunteers and supporters.

· Understands the value volunteers bring to organisations and communities.

Previous experience of working with volunteers is highly desirable, and experience of supporting, coordinating or managing volunteers would be an advantage.

Why join Rainbows?

At Rainbows, we are dedicated to making a real difference to the lives of children and families across the East Midlands. You'll be part of a friendly and supportive team where volunteering is valued and recognised as an important part of delivering that mission.

You'll have the opportunity to work with over 400 volunteers, influence the experience they receive, and help shape how volunteering develops across the organisation in the years ahead.

Further requirements can be found by downloading the Person Specification.

Our Benefits include:

· Free onsite parking at the Hospice, Lark Rise, Loughborough.

· Eligibility to join blue light card discount scheme and Company Shop.

· Healthcare Cashback plan.

· Life Assurance.

· 27 days holiday plus bank holidays.

· Contributory pension scheme or Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme

· Affordable meals at the Hospice, Lark Rise, Loughborough.

· Free Tea, Coffee and Fruit whilst at the Hospice

· Free access to Health Assured employee assistance programme

· Wellbeing support and access to Mental Health First Aiders

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and barring Service Check) and pre-employment checks.

Help shape the UK’s dedicated Muslim Cancer Support Network. Lead, inspire and support volunteers delivering faith‑sensitive cancer support across the country.

Safeena is the UK’s dedicated Muslim Cancer Support Network, created to ensure no Muslim facing cancer feels alone. As we grow into a professionally governed national charity, we are recruiting a Volunteer Manager to lead, develop and support our expanding volunteer workforce.

The Volunteer Manager will oversee Safeena’s national volunteer programme including Befrienders, Community Champions, Bereavement Volunteers and operational volunteers, ensuring high‑quality recruitment, training, safeguarding, supervision and ongoing support. This role is central to Safeena’s transformation programme, helping build a credible, compliant and compassionate volunteer service that reflects the needs of Muslim communities affected by cancer.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit, onboard and train volunteers

• Deliver induction and ongoing training programmes

• Provide supervision, wellbeing support and reflective practice

• Coordinate rotas, assignments and community outreach activity

• Maintain volunteer records, policies and compliance

• Promote Safeena’s volunteer opportunities across communities and mosques

Person Requirements

Essential

• Experience managing or coordinating volunteers

• Strong organisational and communication skills

• Ability to support volunteers in emotionally sensitive roles

• Knowledge of safeguarding and confidentiality

• Confident delivering training or group sessions

Desirable

• Experience in charity, community or health settings

• Understanding of Muslim communities and culturally sensitive support

• Training in safeguarding, bereavement or cancer awareness

This is a varied and rewarding leadership role that combines operational management, people leadership, and business development. You'll play a key part in growing our impact by developing new partnerships, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and expanding both our on-site and outreach programmes.

To succeed in this role, you'll be a confident and adaptable manager who can balance day-to-day operational demands with strategic thinking and creativity. You'll enjoy problem-solving, prioritising competing demands, and managing a diverse workload where no two days are the same.

We're looking for someone who:
• Has strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop teams
• Can foster positive collaboration across teams and functions
• Has experience building and managing partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Brings commercial awareness and business development experience
• Has experience working in the charity, social care, health, or related sectors

We're looking for someone who:
• Has strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop teams
• Can foster positive collaboration across teams and functions
• Has experience building and managing partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Brings commercial awareness and business development experience
• Has experience working in the charity, social care, health, or related sectors

In return, Thrive offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference every day, working with a values-driven charity that transforms lives through gardening and nature. In addition, you’ll be working in a collaborative and supportive organisation at our National Office, set in 3 acres of beautiful grounds.

SMART is hiring!

SMART is a warm and welcoming mental health charity that provides a holistic programme of support to the people we serve.

We have a vacancy for a full time Mental Health Community Navigator. The Navigators support people with serious mental illness, with a range of issues including: housing, benefits, finance and social isolation. Please refer to the attachments below for the full job description and person specification. 

We offer a friendly, collaborative, hybrid and integrated work environment in partnership with the NHS and other voluntary sector services, We have a strong focus on staff well-being including a 35 hour working week, 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, a wellbeing hour, regular clinical supervision, an Employee Asisstance Programme and an annual schedule of training and events designed to support personal and professional progression

Ideally you will have experience of working within mental health/vulnerable adult services, working within multi-disciplinary teams, knowledge of the issues people face with housing/benefits etc and liaising with other services and professionals on service users behalf.

Mental Health Navigators make a real difference to people's lives.

Application Deadline: 11th Octoberat 23:30. PLEASE NOTE: We may interview before the closing date if we receive enough suitable applications. Interviews are likely to be held on the 16th October.

Feedback: Unfortunately, we are not able to give feedback to candidates not shortlisted. If you have not heard from us within a week of the closing date, please assume your application has not been shortlisted at this time.

Youth Volunteering Officer

35 hours per week, temporary contract until December 2028.

We are Chester Zoo

We're not just an award-winning visitor attraction that's home to 30,000 incredible animals within 128 acres of stunning gardens. We're a major conservation charity committed to preventing extinction and restoring nature, both locally and globally.

As the world faces an extinction crisis, we're making a significant contribution to conservation when it's needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Youth Volunteering Officer to join our Volunteering Team within the Conservation Education and Engagement Directorate.

As a Youth Volunteering Officer, you will work closely with the Volunteer Manager and the Networks for Nature project staff to deliver an inclusive volunteering programme for young people aged 14-25. The role focuses on creating meaningful opportunities that connect young people with conservation and social action, whilst supporting their personal development and wellbeing.

The Youth Volunteering Officer will recruit, train and mentor young volunteers, ensuring high-quality experiences that are inclusive, safe and impactful. The Youth Volunteering Officer will also recruit, train and support adult Youth Champion Volunteers who will be empower and support the youth volunteers to participate and engage in the volunteer programme.

As Youth Volunteer Officer, you will co-ordinate a supported programme for young people that will include practical conservation, visitor engagement and the Conservation Changemakers programme, designing and delivering their own projects while recognising and evidencing the skills they gain.

The role will also support the delivery of our wider youth programmes including our Environmental Leadership courses, and Youth Network events supporting pathways for young people to access training, events, and volunteer experiences.

We're looking for someone who can:

Programme Delivery

With guidance from the Volunteer Manager, coordinate and deliver youth volunteering opportunities for young people aged 14-25, including practical conservation activities, visitor engagement opportunities and social action projects. Support young people to develop skills, confidence and experience through meaningful volunteering.

Volunteer Recruitment and Support

Recruit, induct, train and support youth volunteers, ensuring they receive a positive and rewarding volunteering experience. Support young people to access pathways into conservation, community action and the wider youth programme. Recruit, train and support Youth Champion Volunteers who play a key role in encouraging and facilitating youth participation within the programme.

Inclusive Participation

Work proactively to reduce barriers to participation and provide tailored support for young people from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, neurodiversity, mental health challenges or socio-economic disadvantage.

Youth-led Projects and Co-production

Coordinate and facilitate youth-led conservation and community action projects through the Conservation Changemakers programme. Enable young people to generate ideas, plan activities, take ownership of projects and evidence their learning and achievements.

Events, Training and Activities Planning and Delivery

With support from the Volunteer Manager, deliver volunteer events, training sessions, workshops and networking opportunities for youth volunteers, working with colleagues and partners to provide engaging and high-quality experiences. Support the delivery of youth programme events, including Environmental Leadership courses.

Participant Engagement Monitoring

Monitor participation through surveys, feedback mechanisms and regular check-ins. Collate engagement and outcome data, contributing to project evaluation and reporting for internal stakeholders and funders.

Daily Volunteer Engagement

Manage day-to-day communication with youth volunteers and Youth Champion Volunteers, including responding to enquiries, processing applications, maintaining records, organising rotas and training bookings, and providing ongoing support.

Safeguarding, Safety and Risk Assessments

Work with the Volunteer Manager to ensure all youth volunteering activities operate within safeguarding policies and procedures. Assist with risk assessments and ensure that appropriate welfare, wellbeing and safety measures are embedded throughout all activities.

Partnership Working

Work with the Volunteer Manager to develop effective working relationships with schools, colleges, youth organisations, community groups and relevant internal departments to increase participation, reduce barriers to engagement and strengthen programme delivery.

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?

Well, where do we start? Here goes…

We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.
As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.

Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office – where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?

The Package

• Fixed term contract until December 2028

• 35 hours per week

• Salary £24,062.50 per annum (pro rata based on 35 hours per week)

• The postholder will work 5 days out of 7 including a regular weekend day

• 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days (pro rota)

• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family

• Cycle to work scheme

• Healthcare plan

• Discounted gym membership

• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks

• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions

Our Requirements

• An understanding of and commitment to Chester Zoo's mission, vision and values.

• Experience of working with young people.

• Experience of coordinating, supporting or working with volunteers.

• Experience of delivering training, workshops or activities with a range of audiences.

• Knowledge of inclusive practice and supporting young people with diverse needs.

• Strong organisational, administrative and planning skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent communication and literacy skills including by phone, face to face and via email/online discussion boards

• Ability to build positive relationships with young people, colleagues and partner organisations.

• Sound working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and digital communication tools.

• Experience of working in a busy office environment as part of a team & on own initiative

• Full UK driving licence.

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• Knowledge of youth work/ youth engagement which could be demonstrated by a relevant qualification in youth work, education, community development, related field or relevant experience

• Experience of delivering conservation, environmental or outdoor learning activities.

• Experience of supporting young people facing barriers to participation.

• Working knowledge of volunteer management systems.

• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice.

• Experience of monitoring and evaluating volunteering activities

Additional Information

• Due to the nature of the role, this post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

• The closing date for applications is 27/09/2026.

Networks for Nature is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.

Empower people. Build confidence. Change lives.

Salary: £28,804 per annum
Contract: Fixed-term, 30 months
Hours: Full Time – 37.5hrs per week

Harrogate Homeless Project is seeking a compassionate, motivated and resilient Life Skills Coach to join our dedicated support team.

Every day, we help people experiencing homelessness take positive steps towards a brighter future. As a Life Skills Coach, you will play a key role in helping individuals develop the practical skills, confidence and resilience needed to live independently and maintain a stable home.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a genuine difference in people’s lives, supporting individuals as they move from homelessness towards greater independence, wellbeing and long-term stability.

About Harrogate Homeless Project

Harrogate Homeless Project provides people experiencing homelessness with a safe place to stay and the support they need to build confidence, develop independence and move forward with their lives.

Everything we do is guided by our values of Hope, Empowerment and Teamwork, and we are looking for someone who shares our commitment to helping people achieve lasting positive change.

About the Role

Working directly with people accessing our services, you will provide tailored one-to-one support and deliver engaging group workshops that help individuals gain essential life skills.

You will support people to improve their financial wellbeing, maintain their health and wellbeing, prepare for independent living and develop the confidence required to sustain successful tenancies. You will also continue to provide support to individuals after they leave HHP accommodation, helping them maintain their homes and avoid returning to homelessness.

No two days will be the same, but every day will offer the opportunity to help someone move closer to achieving their goals.

Key Responsibilities

One-to-One Coaching and Support

• Conduct assessments to identify clients’ strengths, aspirations and barriers to independence.
• Develop personalised action plans alongside service users and support staff.
• Provide practical guidance around budgeting, debt management, benefits, cooking and healthy living.
• Support clients to understand tenancy rights and responsibilities.
• Help individuals prepare for independent living and maintain successful tenancies after moving on from HHP accommodation.
• Build positive, supportive relationships that encourage confidence, resilience and personal growth.

Group Workshops and Activities

• Design and deliver engaging workshops covering life skills, literacy, digital skills, communication and emotional wellbeing.
• Support service users to develop practical financial skills, including budgeting, saving and accessing appropriate benefits.
• Work alongside colleagues to organise activities that promote physical health, mental wellbeing and social inclusion.
• Encourage and support clients to maintain a clean, safe and healthy living environment.

Partnership Working and Administration

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of support provided and progress achieved.
• Work collaboratively with HHP colleagues and external agencies to deliver holistic support.
• Signpost clients to specialist services including mental health support, addiction recovery services, housing providers, training and education opportunities.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive and person-centred culture across the organisation.

About You

We are looking for someone who is passionate about helping people overcome challenges and build better futures.

Why Join HHP?

At Harrogate Homeless Project, you’ll become part of a supportive team dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact, develop meaningful relationships with service users and contribute to an organisation that is transforming lives across our community.

If you are passionate about empowering people, promoting independence and creating positive change, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits Include

• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus birthday leave.
• Healthcare package.
• Travel benefits.
• Workplace pension scheme.
• The opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of women experiencing homelessness.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter to Iain McLeod or call for an informal conversation about the role.

Closing Date: 4 October 2026

We will assess applications as they are received and interview suitable candidates on a rolling basis. Therefore, we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is appointed. Early applications are encouraged.

Harrogate Homeless Project is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.