Learning support volunteer volunteer roles in loughton, essex
Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.
Tasks and Responsibilities
If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.
Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.
As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week.
Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.
As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.
Selection Criteria
A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:
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Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend
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Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing
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Be open-minded
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Be supportive
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Be reliable
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Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times
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Be accepting and non-judgemental
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Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout
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Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback
Requirements
- You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering.
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
- All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.
It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health.
Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:
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Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.
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Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?
Benefits to Volunteers
The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.
Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.
Application Process
You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.
You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you.
We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send.
Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way.
This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.
We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents.
Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision.
If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.
Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Thank you for your interest to become a Fosterer at Cats Protection! We are looking for volunteers to foster cats and kittens in the South Ayrshire area of Scotland.
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
- Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
- You must live in the South Ayrshire area of Scotland
- A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home (separate room minimum size 3.6m squared - essential to meet UK animal welfare standards)
- Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
- A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
- Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
- You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website
Time expectation
Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.
You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
A bit about this role
As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
You can expect us to
- make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You'll be
- help set up and/or man stalls at events
- help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
- help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
- promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events
Time expectation
This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events. These events will be based in and around the South Wirral/Chester area.
We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.
You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our weekly FAB Phone Cafe. In this role you'll be helping to create a friendly, welcoming space and community connections with a group of older people facing isolation.
At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs. In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible. We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.
We are currently looking for volunteers for our Phone Cafes on
Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 and 2:00-3:00pm
This role involves
- Welcoming older people who are new to the telephone group.
- Facilitating conversation in the group
- Keeping attendance sheets for group participants.
- Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team
The qualities and skills required for this role are
- A friendly disposition, with the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and include people so as to encourage an enjoyable experience.
- Ability to be assertive and intervene if necessary, for instance manage group members who may dominate the conversation
- Reliability and punctuality – calls need to run on time.
- Access to a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet.
- Confidence in using new software so that calls run on time and everyone connects with the group (training provided; the platform we use is quite straightforward and easy to learn).
- Good verbal communication skills to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible and encourage shyer callers.
- An understanding of the needs of older people.
- Ability to respond to any Safeguarding concerns and keep the environment safe.
- Willingness to follow Age UK Bristol’s policies, such as Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Equal Opportunities, and to complete any training and admin needed to perform the role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
CAT FOSTERER
Cat Fosterer (RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch)
We’re looking for cat-loving volunteers to play a vital role in helping us improve the wellbeing of the cats in our care whilst they wait to be rehomed. Can you help them by providing a calm and caring home whilst we find their purrfect forever home?
Overview of the opportunity
As a cat fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing our cats with the safety of your home whilst tending to their welfare needs such as feeding and grooming. In addition to this, by providing a temporary loving environment, you will play a crucial role in a cat’s wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.
Once everything is in place, the animal centre will guide you through the fostering process and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care for your fostered cat. The RSPCA is also happy to reimburse any other pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.
Whilst our cats are in your foster care, you will:
- Provide them with care, suitable housing, and a safe environment as per our policies and guidelines.
- Feed, water, and groom them in line with our advice.
- Transport them to any veterinary appointments if required.
- Provide them with your time and patience.
- Help us spread the word about the cats in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
- Playing and cuddles are also a must!
What we are looking for in a volunteer Cat Fosterer
- Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for cats.
- Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
- For their wellbeing, our cats need to be kept in a separate room, so the whole family should be on board.
- Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they cannot be so, please let us know if this is the case).
What we can offer you as a volunteer Cat Fosterer
- You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the cats in your care.
- Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
- Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.
- Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.
It is worth mentioning that our cats do have different needs as whilst some are ready for rehoming others may require rehabilitation or ongoing medication. Therefore, we also aim to understand your situation and circumstances to ensure that we match you with your perfect foster cat.
If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!
Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for volunteers who can spend time with our clients in and around Central London. Meetings are regular over a period of 6 months; weekly or fortnightly. Many volunteers stay involved for much longer but only because they enjoy what they do!
Befriending is a simple way to make a positive difference to someone who is lonely or socially isolated and your gift of time, will give them, and you, something to look forward to. As one of our volunteers once told us, “this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”
Your meetings could be in the local community, having chats in a coffee shop, visiting places of interest, or in our client’s home; all activities are risk assessed so what you do together will depend on the results of this, and / orour clients abilities and interests. Most of our clients are older 1st and 2nd generation Scots living in London who simply want to do the activities that most of us take for granted but have no-one to do them with.
ScotsCare works across London and beyond so we're looking for volunteers who live in the area or can travel to the following areas; Lambeth, Islington, Camden, central London and Broxbourne EN10. We may have clients in more locations so please contact us to learn more if you want to be involved in this rewarding and impactful activity.
We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters to keep you informed.
This could be the ideal opportunity to gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting, or for anyone who enjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter.
Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must be living in or around the London area.
Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!
Skills & Characteristics Required for Befriending are:
- English spoken, good communication skills for listening and talking
- Friendly, warm, non-judgemental
- Honesty, reliable and committment to helping others
- Empathy and patience
- An ability to follow policies and procedures
We will process a DBS check for all successful applicants and request two references.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to become an Ambassador for knus? We've introduced our new arm-chairing volunteer position.
If you're interested arm-chair volunteering (our most flexible, low commitment role) and applying to volunteer at knus, simply read through the information on this page and apply.
- Are you over 18 and living in the UK? You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
- Do you have a mobile phone or laptop? You can do this role whether you are, whether it be on a sofa or on a plane.
- How much time can you give? As much as you want to do. We are flexible and like to work around you.
- Do you like to learn? We provide training for all volunteers that join us. You'll have access to our CPD courses to help you advance your knowledge and certificates to add to your CV.
How does it work?
In 2025 we launched our arm chair volunteering initiative to help us spread the word about our service and to give people the opportunity to take part in surveys and projects to help us deliver the best mental health support to the UK public.
We'd like to embrace what you love doing, whether that be sharing on socials, proof reading, surveys, sharing experiences or getting involved in our fabulous projects.
Important information:
In order to volunteer for knus as an ambassador, you will need to complete a brief application form and a ID check. A DBS is not required for this role, however, if you wish to progress to another role you may need a disclosure. We do this to ensure of service remains a safe place to volunteer for all. Please do not worry about this, we will help you as much as we can.
Training is provided by us and our training partners. You will be required to attend this training using online conferencing software such as zoom or teams.
To always be ‘by your side’ when you need mental health peer support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.
You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Thursday evening meetings on a regular basis during school term times. Doesn’t have to be every week.
Pursuing the role
Closing date for these opportunities is: 30th September 2025
To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Support our mission to bring light and joy to seriously ill children.
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Volunteer Researcher to support our Major Gifts team. Your role will be pivotal in identifying and researching prospective major donors and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who align with our mission. You will help us grow our pipeline of supporters and inform personalised, strategic approaches that lead to meaningful engagement and transformational gifts.
About Us:
Rays of Sunshine is dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill young people and their families by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospital and within the community. We are seeking a motivated volunteer to support our major gifts team by conducting research and helping to build our partnerships pipeline.
Key Responsibilities:
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Conduct research on potential major donors and philanthropists using public sources
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Identify individuals, trusts, and networks with an interest in children’s health, wellbeing, or emotional support causes
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Produce concise and insightful research profiles and briefing notes
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Support the preparation of meeting briefs and donor cultivation plans
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Keep our CRM system up to date with relevant research findings
What We’re Looking For:
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Excellent research and analytical skills
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Strong written communication and attention to detail
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Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information
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A proactive and curious mindset
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Ideally some understanding or interest in philanthropy, fundraising, or the charity sector
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Previous research experience (academic or professional) is helpful but not essential
What You’ll Gain:
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Experience working in a high-impact fundraising team
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A behind-the-scenes look at major donor engagement and strategy
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Training and support from a passionate, collaborative team
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A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of seriously ill children and their families
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A reference upon successful completion of your volunteering
Ideal Candidate :
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Detail-oriented and organised
- Passionate about our mission and eager to learn If you’re ready to make a difference and gain valuable experience please do reach out
We brighten the lives of seriously ill children across the UK by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospitals and within the community
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Befriender
Octavia works with people affected by unemployment, ill health, social isolation or low income to connect them with opportunities for positive personal change. Our vision is to build stronger, happier and healthier communities in central and west London to help create an enriched life where we live. Please help us to do this by volunteering to befriend a member of the local community, who is isolated and vulnerable, in Westminster or Kensington and Chelsea.
Reasons to volunteer
Would you like to assist an isolated person in your local area? Would you like to provide them with the emotional support, social skills and confidence that will help them to feel happier in their everyday life?
You will know that you have helped someone to move on in their life and take part in society
Full induction, ongoing training and support. This includes training on: communication, empathy, health and safety, confidentiality and safeguarding
Opportunity to enhance your CV and to learn new skills
We are able to provide references to employers and/or further education establishments
Travel costs and out of pocket expenses reimbursed on the provision of receipts*
What would I be doing?
Meeting once a week with the person you have been matched with, in their own home or an agreed public place, at a mutually agreed time
Encourage communication on a shared interest or topic
Arrange activities and listen to your Befriendee with empathy and encouragement
On occasion you may be asked by your befriendee to accompany/escort them outside on a one to one basis or do some shopping in circumstances where they are unable to
What skills are we looking for?
Good communication skills
Understanding of empathy and the needs of people with isolation issues
Understanding of confidentiality
Able to use own initiative and work unsupervised, reliable and trustworthy
We ask that you volunteer for 1 hour per week, for a minimum of 6 months
Sounds great! How do I sign up?
When you aplply, we ask for 2 references but these do not need to be from employers. For instance, they can be character references from college tutors or support workers who know you well. We also carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks on all volunteers, but this would only happen if we both agree that Befriending is the right fit for you.
We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please contact us should you prefer to apply over the phone or via hard copy, for accessibility reasons. If you require any adjustments due to a disability (including: physical, psychological or neurological disease or disorders) in order to get the most out of your time volunteering with us, please do let us know so that we can ideally facilitate this.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.
You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
We meet weekly during term time on a Wednesday. Outside of our weekly meetings, there are optional opportunities to attend training, events, and other youth activities, including summer camps.
Pursuing the role
- Welcome Event (Induction) : 09/06/2025
- Training for role : Safeguarding Level 2 Youth Leader Training
Closing date for these opportunities is: 23/07/2025
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.
You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
We meet weekly during term time on a Wednesday. Outside of our weekly meetings, there are optional opportunities to attend training, events, and other youth activities, including summer camps.
Pursuing the role
- Welcome Event (Induction) - Monday 2nd June 2025
Closing date for these opportunities is: Wednesday 23rd July 2025
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Befriender
Octavia works with people affected by unemployment, ill health, social isolation or low income to connect them with opportunities for positive personal change. Our vision is to build stronger, happier and healthier communities in central and west London to help create an enriched life where we live. Please help us to do this by volunteering to befriend a member of the local community, who is isolated and vulnerable, in Westminster or Kensington and Chelsea.
Reasons to volunteer
Would you like to assist an isolated person in your local area? Would you like to provide them with the emotional support, social skills and confidence that will help them to feel happier in their everyday life?
You will know that you have helped someone to move on in their life and take part in society
Full induction, ongoing training and support. This includes training on: communication, empathy, health and safety, confidentiality and safeguarding
Opportunity to enhance your CV and to learn new skills
We are able to provide references to employers and/or further education establishments
Travel costs and out of pocket expenses reimbursed on the provision of receipts*
What would I be doing?
Meeting once a week with the person you have been matched with, in their own home or an agreed public place, at a mutually agreed time
Encourage communication on a shared interest or topic
Arrange activities and listen to your Befriendee with empathy and encouragement
On occasion you may be asked by your befriendee to accompany/escort them outside on a one to one basis or do some shopping in circumstances where they are unable to
What skills are we looking for?
Good communication skills
Understanding of empathy and the needs of people with isolation issues
Understanding of confidentiality
Able to use own initiative and work unsupervised, reliable and trustworthy
We ask that you volunteer for 1 hour per week, for a minimum of 6 months
Sounds great! How do I sign up?
When you aplply, we ask for 2 references but these do not need to be from employers. For instance, they can be character references from college tutors or support workers who know you well. We also carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks on all volunteers, but this would only happen if we both agree that Befriending is the right fit for you.
We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please contact us should you prefer to apply over the phone or via hard copy, for accessibility reasons. If you require any adjustments due to a disability (including: physical, psychological or neurological disease or disorders) in order to get the most out of your time volunteering with us, please do let us know so that we can ideally facilitate this.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About volunteering with Rays of Sunshine
We brighten the lives of seriously ill young people by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospital and within the community, but we couldn't do it without our amazing volunteers.
It's more than volunteering with us, it's making magic happen. By joining us, you'll play a crucial role in turning the dreams of seriously ill children into reality. In whatever role you take on - from helping with fundraising, events, or wishes, you'll help create memories that last a lifetime for seriously ill children and for you too.
Purpose of role
We're on a mission to grant magical wishes and create lasting memories for seriously ill children and their families. Our team is best described as small but mighty. For us to have more impact, we need the help of volunteers who can give the gift of their time to help us achieve our goals.
Our wishes are as unique as children themselves. Whether a child wants to be a princess or a fireman for a day, go to Legoland, have a UK break with their family, own an iPad or meet their favourite pop star, Rays of Sunshine works hard to make that wish come true.
Wishes are important because they give a child the chance to forget their illness and do something they could only dream of. Wishes make a child feel extra-special and bring them joy, hope and happiness. They also provide families with treasured memories of happy times to look back on.
What does the role involve?
We are looking for a creative and organized individual to support our wish granting team. You will be responsible for assisting the team with daily tasks and creative projects that support the wish journey and our families.
Duties may include:
• Work with wish team to identify new suppliers that can support with granting wishes (including discounts and gifts in kind)
• Assist with creating bespoke itineraries for our wish children (each child is sent their own itinerary which creatively outlines every aspect of their wish experience)
• Helping to source wish enhancements items for wishes (these are small gifts/toys that are sent to each child ahead of their wish)
• Assist Wish Granters with chasing paperwork from families/medical teams (this could include disclaimers, medical forms, wish forms and form an important part of the wish process)
• Booking in initial calls with families and their wish granters to discuss wishes and start the planning process (these calls are designed to learn more about the child and what their wishes mean to them)
Types of wishes that may require your support include:
• To be wishes (princess for the day, policeman for the day, etc)
• Celebration parties (end of treatment party, birthdays, etc)
• To Go (trips to the theatre, musical venues, exhibitions, etc)
• To Have (to own a laptop, gaming pc, bedroom makeover, etc)
• UK Breaks (4 night/5 day holiday anywhere in the UK, i.e. Centerparcs, Butlins, etc)
What skills do I need to have?
• Friendly, you'll be an ambassador of Rays of Sunshine whilst volunteering with us
• Computer literacy (training will be given on our internal systems, but general knowledge of word, excel, pdf, powerpoint)
• Be comfortable working as part of a team and talking to our beneficiaries (wish families, medical teams, etc)
• Ability to problem solve and manage unexpected situations/last minute requests with a calm and professional manner
• Attention to detail and discretion
• A creative approach and passion for making the child’s experience as magical as possible
Why volunteer with us?
• Make a real difference: Witness the impact of your support firsthand as you spread joy and raise awareness.
• Join a supportive community: Be part of a friendly and passionate team, connecting with people who are driven to make more wishes happen.
• Gain experience and a great way to see firsthand the impact of a wish
• Meet new people from different backgrounds and networking opportunities with like-minded people and organisations
What training and support will I receive?
• Learn about the work of Rays of Sunshine and the types of wishes you may be supporting•
• The impact of a wish and overview of the day in the life of a wish granter
• All Rays of Sunshine staff and wish volunteers must complete the charity’s Safeguarding Children training (mandatory)
• Only trained Rays of Sunshine team members and volunteers with a current DBS check can work with wish children (mandatory)
• Health and Safety Training (mandatory)
• The opportunity to shadow an experienced member of the Wish team to see a wish in progress.
Rays of Sunshine Values
Our values are at the heart of everything we do and help guide us in our mission to grant more magical wishes for seriously ill children.
• Kindness - We are kind to ourselves and others in everything we do.
• Joy - We work with fun, passion, and a sprinkle of magic
• Empowerment - We work to build confidence and nurture potential.
• Connection - We build strong connections with everyone in our wish community
• Integrity - We are honest and trusted to do the right thing.
Rays of Sunshine is committed to being an equal opportunities organisation; to promoting equal opportunities and preventing discrimination. Rays of Sunshine is also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all service users, volunteers and staff and expects all volunteers and staff to share this commitment.
We brighten the lives of seriously ill children across the UK by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospitals and within the community
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Reports to: Chief People Officer
Direct Reports: HRBP Lead, HR Managers
Team Structure: Six HR Teams (HRBP team, Recruitment, Learning & Development, Volunteer Relations, Policy, and Engagement) – supported by Senior HR Officers and HR Officers
Location: Remote, UK-based
Time Commitment: 12 months minimum | Part-time | Flexible hours
About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Head of HR to lead and oversee our HR function at a pivotal time in YouthAdvantage UK’s ambition to become a registered charity.
Reporting into the Chief People Officer, you’ll provide strategic leadership to a multi-layered HR structure, directly managing our HRBP Lead and HR Managers, and overseeing five core teams that support the organisation’s people and culture strategy.
This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced HR leader who wants to give back by mentoring the next generation of HR professionals, shaping policy and practice, and helping us build a strong, inclusive, and values-led volunteer workforce across the UK.
Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role. There is no direct financial compensation or future paid opportunity attached.
Key Responsibilities
•Provide overall leadership to the HR function, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and values.
•Manage and coach HRBP Lead and HR Managers to ensure smooth delivery across all people-related functions.
•Oversee and guide the five core HR teams:
oRecruitment – ensuring effective onboarding of skilled and diverse volunteers.
oLearning & Development – supporting volunteer upskilling and capability-building.
oVolunteer Relations – maintaining engagement, support, and wellbeing.
oPolicy – upholding inclusive, clear, and robust HR governance.
oEngagement – fostering culture, recognition, and retention.
•Partner with the Chief People Officer on strategic planning, workforce design, and key organisational initiatives.
•Lead succession planning and ensure continuity across all volunteer HR roles.
•Monitor performance and facilitate cross-team collaboration.
•Champion inclusive, accessible practices across the organisation.
What We're Looking For
We’re looking for someone who’s experienced enough to hit the ground running and humble enough to grow with us.
You’ll be most successful in this role if you have:
•Solid operational HR experience, ideally across generalist and specialist areas such as recruitment, employee relations/law, L&D, and policy.
•Previous line management experience, with a demonstrable record of supporting and developing HR team members or volunteers.
•A practical, sleeves-rolled-up approach - someone who is hands-on, accessible, and able to get things done in a busy, volunteer-led environment.
•A strategic mindset, but also the willingness to dig into day-to-day HR activity and problem-solving.
•A collaborative, coaching-ready attitude - this is a great opportunity for someone who has enough experience to stand on their own feet, but is open to being coached by the Chief People Officer to further develop their leadership style.
•Good communication and people skills, with the ability to work across different functions and with a wide range of volunteers.
•An interest in or understanding of the third sector and volunteer engagement is a bonus, but not essential.
•Experience working remotely or in hybrid teams is helpful.
•Above all, a genuine passion for youth empowerment and a belief in what we’re building at YouthAdvantage UK.
What You’ll Gain
•A chance to lead a national HR function with real-world complexity and purpose.
•The opportunity to mentor and develop emerging HR talent.
•Practical experience shaping HR strategy within the third sector.
•Recognition through:
oLinkedIn testimonial and reference
oA public thank you post
oPermission to list YouthAdvantage UK as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
oA written reference upon completion of your commitment
Important Information
This role is completely voluntary. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. It is ideal for experienced HR professionals looking to give back, stay active in leadership, or contribute to a values-led organisation in a meaningful way.
Apply Now
If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help shape a dynamic, inclusive, and youth-focused volunteer organisation, we’d love to hear from you.