Learning volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Canning town, greater london

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Lambeth

Hospital Visitor Volunteer 

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake. 

As a hospital volunteer, you might:

• hold drop-in sessions
• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
• share information
• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

​All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

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 opportunitie

ABOUT THE ROLE
As part of our Community Support team, you will play a key role in ensuring the fulfilment of our users' needs by sharing information about our services, projects, and activities; this takes place in person, through our digital channels and helpline. Additionally, you will be responsible for keeping up to date information about other services and partner organisations.
The primary challenge faced by the Latin American community is the language barrier, which hinders their comprehension of the UK system and their entitlements. Taking part in the Community Interpreting service, you will support service users in navigating these obstacles, enabling them to establish a more integrated life in the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to better understand the challenges faced by the Latin American community in London; use their language skills in a positive and impactful way; and develop valuable administrative and customer service skills in a multicultural, fast-paced organisation.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
● Connecting service users to our services, projects and activities in person or by answering phone calls and emails
● Supporting users with general enquiries, referring them to relevant services within our organisation as well as signposting and referring to external services
● Registering users on our database and keeping accurate records of services offered
● Monitoring internal calendars and appointments
● Sharing useful, up-to-date information with users as instructed by other team members
● Ensuring internal communications, flyers and handouts are up to date
● Interpreting calls for service users and supporting with non-official translations
● Supporting community members with basic application forms
● Liaising with staff in other departments and with external contacts

PERSON SPECIFICATION
● Good verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish and/or Portuguese
● Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and with a diverse population of service users, staff and partners
● A caring, sensitive and non-judgemental approach
● Ability to cope with stressful and emotionally challenging issues
● Professionalism to handle sensitive and confidential information
● Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to multitask
● Ability to set their own work priorities, take initiatives and work with minimal supervision
● Good IT skills, including in using Microsoft and Google suite packages and different database systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 
● Two references from current/previous employers
● Enhanced DBS Check (completed through IRMO)
● Safeguarding Level 1 (completed through IRMO)
● One month trial period

BENEFITS FROM VOLUNTEERING AT IRMO
● Gives the opportunity of helping others and to give back
● Creates an ideal space to learn new skills in a multicultural, cooperative and inspiring environment
● Get involved with the Latin American Community and increase knowledge of the situation of Latin American migrants in the UK
● Helps to gain experience and strengthen previous skills to face UK’s competitive job market;
● Enhance CV and get references (after a 3-month period) for further impact on the employment status
● Participate in training sessions with high-quality learning outcomes (in-house and external) in areas related to the role
● Receive regular supervision and support.

Fundraising events helper

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

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.

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.

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.

As part of the Government led Gommunities for Afghans programme, we are looking to recruit individuals or groups to make up a team of 6 volunteers to support an Afghan family - you could be friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations are welcome. 

We are currently focussed on supporting families across Wales, West Midlands and Scotland but be keen to support elsewhere geographically where possible.  With this in mind, you may live in these areas, but we are also delighted to bring volunteers together remotely to support a family. 

You will be at the heart of this programme. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference!

The Communities for Afghans programme is a community-led Government initiative supporting families as they rebuild their lives in the UK. It is a Government-approved scheme that enables local people to welcome Afghan refugee famiklies into their community. Volunteers will be supported by us to find housing for a family, provide practical and emotional support enabling them to settle into daily life and feel a genuine sense of belonging in the community.

How community sponsorship work

1. Form a Sponsor Group Create a team of six or more volunteers — friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations.
2. Training & Ongoing Support Our partners provide full training, so your group feels confident and well prepared. This simple, practical training is offered before you begin and continues throughout the sponsorship journey.
3. Identify Suitable Housing With our guidance, your group helps find long-term accommodation. We then match an Afghan family of the appropriate size and ensure the property is suitable and affordable. Government funding is available for rent deposits and related costs.
4. Welcome & Support the Family Volunteers help the family register with schools, healthcare, benefits, and local services, while introducing them to the community and supporting them as they adjust to life in the UK.
5. Be the Local Point of Contact You act as the family’s trusted guide, helping them navigate the area, understand local systems, and access opportunities that only residents truly know.
6. Commit for Three Years Sponsor groups support the family for three years, providing consistency as they grow in independence, confidence, and resilience.

Why Your Support Matters

Volunteering through Community Sponsorship is a powerful act of solidarity. You are not only helping one family — you are strengthening your entire community.

Your support helps families: 

• Rebuild their lives in safety and dignity
• Access education, healthcare, and employment
• Learn English and integrate into the community
• Become confident and independent

And your community benefits:

• Stronger local connections
• Celebrated diversity
• Practical meaningful humanitarian action

Volunteer Opportunities with Beyond the Streets

Do you want to invest your time supporting women who are marginalised in Tower Hamlets? Do you feel called to social justice and want to do something about it? For over 20 years we have been supporting women involved in selling sex.  Many of the women credit our Door of Hope project with being key to their sense of wellbeing whilst on the streets and for some, their exit from selling sex.

We are recruiting new volunteers to continue delivering consistent outreach, early morning, and late evening, spanning different days of the week.

We need volunteers to work with the women we support. We are looking for women with:

• A vision for reaching out to women involved in/affected by selling sex/sexual exploitation.
• Empathy, compassion and a non-judgmental approach.
• An ability to build trusting relationships whilst maintaining personal boundaries.

What you can expect from us

• An opportunity to work together to see an end to sexual exploitation.
• A friendly, supportive, and experienced team.
• A positive volunteering environment, including volunteer induction and ongoing supervision and support.
• Safeguarding and outreach training
• Access to free organisational training around working with women.

What we ask from you

• A regular time commitment to take part in outreach, 1 session a month with 1 session as a back up.
• Be available to attend Induction and training sessions (including a Christmas social)
• A commitment to reflective practice – taking good care of yourself, contributing to team or 1-1 supervision, responding reflectively to your experiences with Door of Hope
• An openness to learning and working together.
• Availability to attend team meet ups 4-5 events a year (usually on a Monday or Tuesday evening)

We are looking for local volunteers:

• If you live within 8 miles of Tower Hamlets, we can cover the cost of late night, safe transport to and from the outreach meeting place via Taxi.
• If you live outside an 8-mile radius of Tower Hamlets it would be helpful if you had access to a car or be willing to contribute to the cost of a taxi home.

We are now accepting applicants.

To apple, please visit out website via the 'Apply' button here on Indeed. 

The closing date for applications is Midnight Sunday 30th November 2025. Provisional Interview date Monday 15th December 2025.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.