Learning volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Canning town, greater london

We’re currently recruiting Outreach, Events & Fundraising Volunteers to join our amazing and dynamic volunteer team at elop!

elop is an award-winning LGBT Mental Health and Wellbeing Charity with 29 years’ experience of supporting LGBT+ communities across London and Essex borders.

Joining our LGBT+ Volunteer team you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who value & appreciate the benefit of giving back to the community and enjoy the opportunity to work with others to raise much needed funds to support our work at elop.

Supported by staff or lead volunteers, our volunteer teams plan & deliver events, organise & host varied fundraising initiatives such as karaoke nights, drag bingo, and comedy events.  If you’re someone who enjoys talking to people and have a friendly disposition, then you’d be well placed to help us reach new audiences, promote our work, and raise money.

WANTED: Local Legends. No Cape Required.

Some kids climb trees.
Some build rockets from cardboard boxes.
Some are learning how to light a fire without burning their eyebrows off.
They’re curious, messy, hilarious – and they need YOU.

At 23rd Poplar Scouts, we’ve got a growing bunch of Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers (ages 4 to 18) who are bursting with energy, questions, and potential.

And we’re looking for more grown-ups (yes, you!) to join our crew of volunteers.

Here's the deal - we don’t care if you can’t tie 12 knots or survive a week in the woods with just a spork or whether you're a parent, student, working professional, or retiree.
We do care if you:

• Enjoy seeing young people grow in confidence

• Like a laugh

• Are reliable

• Are up for trying something new (even if it involves glitter, tents, or biscuits)

You could help once a week, once a month, or just whenever you can. We’ll show you the ropes, give you some training, and promise not to make you wear shorts in winter.

This is about community, confidence, and connection – and giving young people a place to feel like they belong.

Sound good?

!!!Click on apply and share a few details about yourself.

Join us at 23rd Poplar Scouts and help shape the future, one adventure at a time.

Volunteer roles available in:

• Squirrels (4–6 yrs) – storytelling, play, and first friendships.

• Beavers (6–8 yrs) – crafts, games, and learning new things.

• Cubs (8–10½ yrs) – exploring, teamwork, and outdoor skills.

• Scouts (10½–14 yrs) – adventure, responsibility, and independence.

• Explorers (14–18 yrs) – leadership, community service, and big challenges.

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. Candidates must be over 18.

Volunteering in the shop

Our Hendon 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.

Volunteering Coordinator – Build Our Family of Volunteers at SUNSHINE

Loneliness is one of the fastest-growing epidemics of our time. Across London, thousands of people feel isolated, disconnected, and unseen. At SUNSHINE, we believe no one should feel alone. Our mission is to bring sunshine into people’s lives through grassroots, community-led programmes that spark joy, foster friendships, and transform lives.

We are seeking a Volunteering Coordinator to lead the set-up and development of our volunteering programme, ensuring we have a pool of talented, skilled, and passionate volunteers driving SUNSHINE forward with huge team spirit and a family feel.

Why This Role Matters

Volunteers are the heartbeat of SUNSHINE. They bring our mission to life, create spaces of joy, and ensure no one feels alone. As Volunteering Coordinator, you will design and grow a programme that attracts, nurtures, and retains incredible people who want to make a difference. Your leadership will ensure every volunteer feels valued, heard, and part of the SUNSHINE family.

What You’ll Do

• Lead programme development: Build and shape SUNSHINE’s volunteering programme from the ground up.

• Recruit and onboard: Attract skilled, passionate volunteers and ensure they feel welcomed and supported.

• Retain and empower: Create a culture where volunteers feel valued, engaged, and motivated to stay.

• Champion team spirit: Foster a family-like environment where everyone contributes to shared success.

• Drive impact: Align volunteer efforts with SUNSHINE’s mission to tackle loneliness and spread joy across London.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people who believe in community, joy, and togetherness. Ideally, you will bring:

• Experience in volunteer management, recruitment, or programme development (desirable but not essential).

• Organisational skills to manage people and processes effectively.

• Leadership qualities to inspire and motivate volunteers with warmth and clarity.

• A passion for people, inclusivity, and building strong communities.

• Creativity, energy, and resilience to grow SUNSHINE’s volunteer family.

Join Us

At SUNSHINE, the Volunteering Coordinator is more than a coordinator — they are the architect of our volunteer community, the champion of team spirit, and the guardian of belonging. Together, we can make SUNSHINE one of the best charities to volunteer with in London.

Step forward. Shine bright. Build our family of volunteers. Because when you lead our programme, you’re not just managing people — you’re creating a movement of joy, connection, and impact.

SUNSHINE

Loneliness Charity in London

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

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year and the majority of these success stories are thanks to the dedication and effort of our passionate volunteers. Our recruitment support volunteers help local volunteer groups and teams by promoting volunteer roles, matching passionate cat loving volunteers to roles and informing potential volunteers about the variety of volunteer roles available at Cats Protection.

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:

• Identifying opportunities for volunteer involvement
• Planning volunteer recruitment campaigns
• Managing volunteer recruitment by advertising and promoting roles
• Overseeing the volunteer application process
• Meeting potential volunteers and providing information about roles
• Matching potential volunteers with suitable roles
• Promoting a culture of volunteering best practice

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting? You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products!

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature

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 and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

We are looking for volunteers who would like to play a role in building people’s confidence! As an English-speaking volunteer whether native or fluent and with any kind of accent or background, you will have the skills needed to support people who would like to improve and learn the English language. Just by talking to those wanting to learn, you will be helping and making a difference!

What you will be doing

• Prepare and deliver engaging and supportive ESOL sessions tailored to learners’ needs
• Help participants improve everyday English for social situations, key events, and community integration

The skills you need

• Patience, empathy, and a passion for empowering others
• Ability to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment
• Preferably hold a TEFL qualification but not a necessity

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 - 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.

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that 
have been bereaved. 

THIS ROLE COULD BE FOR YOU IF:

- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life

- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call

- Are a good listener

- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature

- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills

- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice

- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

REQUIREMENTS OF A BEFRIENDER INCLUDE:

- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed

- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call

- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others

- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs

- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

BENEFITS OF THE ROLE MAY INCLUDE:

- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life

- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation

- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills

- An opportunity to engage with your community

SUPPORT AND TRAINING PROVIDED:

- Omega Chatterbox induction program

- Safeguarding training

- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support

- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate

- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

LOCATION OF THE ROLE:

- Home-based

WHEN ARE YOU NEEDED:

- Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

Are you passionate about fitness and the positive impact it can have on others? Do you hold a fitness qualification and interested in volunteering your time to support people in crisis? If so, we have the perfect role for you!

What you will be doing

• Design session plans which will enable group members to increase fitness and their general well-being
• Able to recognise the needs of beginners and mixed age/ability groups
• Ensure that everyone taking part has completed a health and wellbeing form, which includes referring those with existing health issues to their GP
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• A skilled and qualified Fitness Instructor
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Willing to participate in supervision and to liaise with Hestia staff as required

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 and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

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

Unfortunately cats can occasionally stray or get lost, which can be extremely distressing for their owners. Our lost and found volunteers are passionate about reuniting lost cats and bringing families back together. They help cats and their owners by advertising lost cats and providing support, advice and guidance to people searching for their cats.

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

Shape the Heart of MINDSET Charity – Build a Community of Purpose

Who We Are

MINDSET Charity is a new, volunteer-run organisation dedicated to transforming men’s lives across England. We support men on their journeys of mental wellbeing and self-improvement through workshops, creative programmes, and community-building activities.

We are building a movement of resilience, dignity, and brotherhood. To make this possible, we need a dedicated HR & Volunteering Manager to create and nurture our volunteer community.

The Role of HR & Volunteering Manager

As our Volunteer HR & Volunteering Manager, you will:

• Design and launch our volunteering programme, ensuring clarity, inclusivity, and impact.

• Recruit, onboard, and retain volunteers, building a team of talented, skilled, and positive individuals.

• Foster a brilliant team-spirited culture, where volunteers feel valued, supported, and inspired.

• Develop policies and processes that safeguard wellbeing and sustain long-term engagement.

• Champion our values of brotherhood, empowerment, integrity, and growth in every aspect of volunteer management.

This is a volunteer role, but your leadership will be the heartbeat of MINDSET Charity — creating a community that makes a real difference in men’s lives.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who share our passion for men’s mental wellbeing. Experience in HR, volunteer management, or team leadership is highly valuable, but what matters most is your commitment to building a culture of positivity, dignity, and purpose.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a pioneering charity at its foundation stage.

• Shape the volunteer culture of a national movement.

• See your work directly empower men and communities.

• Collaborate with passionate volunteers united by vision and brotherhood.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to build a community of purpose and help shape MINDSET Charity’s future, we’d love to hear from you. 

This is more than HR. It’s about creating a family of volunteers who stand together, uplift one another, and change lives. Join us, and let’s build MINDSET together.

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. Candidates must be over 18.

Weekend Opportunity!

We’re looking for people to join our weekend teams and we can offer flexibility. 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.

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.

Our Richmond 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

Our Community Volunteers will work alongside our County Representatives to support our Fundraising Team by being the public face of Combat Stress in their local county, and will help build support from individuals and groups by raising awareness and funds. Income generation is key to our continued success and the support of volunteers enables us to raise more funds to support former servicemen and women, so that when a veteran is having a tough time, we’re there to help tackle the past and to help them take on the future. 

• A full induction to Combat Stress and its work, including training an appropriate materials to support you in the role.
• Ongoing support, advice and guidance from the Regional Community Fundraiser.
• Learn and develop fundraising skills
• Meet new people and be actively engaged in your local community.
• Learn new transferable skills & improve your CV.
• Develop self-confidence.
• Receive reimbursement for out of pocket expenses.
• Be part of the UK’s leading Charity for veterans’ mental health.
• Have the reward of knowing you will be making a positive contribution to the lives of UK Veterans and their families.

Volunteer ESOL Teacher to provide face to face classes for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. You will plan and deliver lessons independently with the assistance of experienced ESOL teachers.  Your students will be from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and ages.

We run classes from Mon to Wed from 10 am until 12. 

Previous teaching experience is not compulsory; CELTA or TEFL appreciated.

Minimum 3 month commitment preferred.