Making connections volunteer volunteer roles in gateshead, greater london

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.

Join The Kids Network to Support Children in Your Westminister Community! 

Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or spend your time in a meaningful way? The Kids Network gives you the chance to make a real difference in a child’s life while developing your own skills and building connections. Support a Little Londoner in  Westminister by helping them build confidence. Just a little of your time each week can spark creativity, bring joy, and leave a lasting impact on children's future!

If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.

Why Choose The Kids Network?

• Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
• Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
• Proven Impact: With 100% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring.

Impact on Mentees

• Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
• Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Connection

• Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
• Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
• Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.

 Join Us Today

Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.

For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website

Join the Board of Trustees at SUNSHINE Charity: Help Us Combat Loneliness!

Are you passionate about making a tangible difference in people's lives? Do you have the vision and expertise to help steer a brand-new UK charity dedicated to fighting loneliness and social isolation?

SUNSHINE Charity is launching, and we're building our inaugural Board of Trustees. This is a unique and incredibly rewarding opportunity to shape our strategic direction, ensure robust governance, and help us bring sunshine, connection, and confidence to individuals experiencing social isolation across the UK.

We are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join us at SUNSHINE as a TRUSTEE.

We are particularly looking for the following roles;

1. Treasurer (Board of Trustees)

• Role: To oversee the charity's financial health, ensure sound financial management, budgeting, reporting, and compliance with charity accounting regulations. You'll be instrumental in establishing our financial processes.

• Skills: Strong financial acumen, accounting qualifications (desirable but not essential), experience with financial management, attention to detail, and a commitment to transparency.

2. Secretary (Board of Trustees)

• Role: To ensure the charity operates legally and ethically, maintaining accurate records, managing board meeting logistics, and overseeing compliance with the Charity Commission and other regulatory bodies.

• Skills: Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, strong administrative capabilities, understanding of legal compliance (especially GDPR and charity law), and good communication.

3. Trustees (General)

• Role: To contribute to the overall governance, strategic planning, and oversight of SUNSHINE Charity. We are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in:

  • Charity Law & Governance

  • Fundraising & Income Generation

  • Marketing & Communications

  • Programme Development & Impact Measurement (especially in social welfare/mental health)

  • Human Resources & Volunteer Management

  • Safeguarding

• Skills: Strategic thinking, a willingness to contribute actively to discussions, a commitment to our beneficiaries, strong communication, and a genuine passion for our cause.

What You'll Bring to the Board:

• A passion for combating loneliness and fostering community connection.

• A strategic mindset and the ability to contribute to high-level decision-making.

• A commitment to good governance, financial prudence, and ethical conduct.

• The ability to dedicate time for board meetings (e.g., quarterly, plus sub-committee work) and preparation.

• Relevant professional experience or expertise that aligns with one of the key areas listed above.

• A willingness to work collaboratively within a new, dynamic team.

What We Offer You:

• The incredible opportunity to be a founding member of a vital new UK charity.

• The chance to directly impact the lives of individuals experiencing social isolation.

• A rewarding and stimulating experience at a strategic level.

• An opportunity to expand your network and work with a dedicated team.

• The satisfaction of creating a lasting positive legacy within your community.

All Trustee roles are voluntary, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and a DBS check.

If you're ready to use your skills and experience to help shape a brighter future for those affected by loneliness, we want to hear from you!

CLOSING DATE: Friday 8th August 2025, at 5pm

Could You Help a Young Refugee Find Their Path?

Are you passionate about supporting young refugees and asylum seekers as they begin their journey into the UK workforce? Become a Volunteer Mentor with Breadwinners!

What Does a Volunteer Mentor Do?

As a volunteer mentor, you'll be paired with a young person in one of our two core programmes:

• Risers Programme (2 months): For young asylum seekers aged 16-24 who are awaiting refugee status.
• Breadwinners Programme (6 months): For refugees with the right to work in the UK, helping them gain vital skills and experience.

Most mentors will work with our Risers, as this program is more fast-paced, but opportunities exist to mentor our Breadwinners too.

Your role? Help your mentee gain hands-on work experience at one of our weekend market stalls and lead weekly 1:1 mentoring sessions. These sessions are designed to develop employability skills, explore future goals, and foster social connections. Many of our mentors build lasting relationships with their mentees even after the program ends.

Time Commitment:

• Market Shifts: 2 hours per weekend (Saturday or Sunday).
• 1:1 Mentoring: 1 hour per week, in person or online, to support career development.
• Ongoing Support: Stay in touch via text or calls during the week to help with logistics and provide encouragement.

What Our Graduates Say:

“Having a mentor helped me feel more confident. I could ask questions, felt motivated, and learned new things. It was nice to have conversations about my future and how to succeed.”
— Sura, Risers Graduate

Who Are We Looking For?

You don’t need special qualifications to be a mentor—just a good understanding of working in the UK, strong communication skills, and a passion for helping young people succeed. If you’re ready to make a real difference and become part of a fun, supportive community, this role is for you!

Feeling Inspired?
Apply today and join us in helping young refugees build brighter futures!

We recruit every January, April, July, October. 

Shannon Trust Volunteer HR Assistant

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As our Volunteer HR Assistant your role will help us to make this a reality by providing support with a variety of HR administrative tasks. This will include assisting with recruitment, staff onboarding, creating letters/emails from templates and other HR related admin tasks as needed.

This is a home-based role and we are looking for a volunteer who can commit to 6 – 10 hours per week on a consistent and reliable basis - flexible over Monday to Friday but ideally covering Friday. The individual will ideally have previous HR or business administration experience or is keen to gain experience in an HR environment. The ideal candidate will have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. In addition, you will be methodical, have great attention to detail and demonstrate exemplary levels of confidentiality.

Volunteer benefits include: induction training and ongoing training, support and development in the role, flexible working, recognition for your contribution and reimbursement of expenses where applicable. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome volunteer applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions.

Closing date: 15th August 2025

Interview dates: w/c 1st September 2025

Why we want you

Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. Each group has a committee, who work together to plan the groups activities or fundraising - all in line with Parkinson's UK guidelines.

What you will be doing

• Keep up to date about the news and developments of Parkinson's UK more widely, sharing these with the group
• contributing ideas for fundraising, activities and speakers
• sharing experiences with the committee and connecting with the local community
• helping to prepare for and clear up after group meetings
• assisting at fundraising events and any activities arranged by the branch
• taking notes / minutes at meetings and events

The skills you need

• be a good communicator, as you will be working with a wide range of different people
• Honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group
• be collaborative and team focused, as you will take part in regular meetings and discussions
• be motivated and reliable, and able to show patience and empathy when dealing with sensitive situations

What's in it for you

• Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, making new friends and building connections
• You'll be part of a pioneering organisation, committed to finding a cure and improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson's - in your local area and beyond
• Gain valuable organisational, administrative and people skills

Disclaimer

It's important that people affected by Parkinson’s can trust us with their personal information. In this role you could be handling personal or sensitive data, so by undertaking this role you'll need to complete our Advanced Data Protection training. Your Parkinson’s UK staff contact can help you do this.

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.

Why we want you: Can you inspire and bring a team together? We need leaders to unite the Parkinson's UK community locally, aligning with the charity's values. Local groups across the UK are volunteer-run, offering friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families. As a forward-thinking Branch Chair, you'll provide leadership to the group, from liaising with the wider charity to bringing out the best in the lead volunteer team, driving your local team to have the greatest impact on those affected by Parkinson's in your area.

What you will be doing: Be an ambassador for Parkinson's UK by engaging with local staff, volunteers, and your community to maximize the group's impact. Stay updated with Parkinson's UK news, share it, and ensure the group operates within guidelines. Effectively utilize volunteers' skills, delegating when necessary, and working as a team to meet local needs. Be responsible for keeping up with training, leading by example, and performing your role in line with the Parkinson’s UK Volunteering Agreement and values.

The skills you need: Enthusiasm for Parkinson's UK and as a local group ambassador. Strong leadership, organisational, delegation, and communication skills. The ability to lead inclusive meetings, make decisions considering multiple viewpoints, and possess a can-do attitude for community engagement, incorporating feedback innovatively. Confidence in learning and using computers, email, and other digital tools is also required. What's in it for you: Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, Team Parkinson's, and wider local planning, making new friends and building connections. Develop valuable leadership, teamwork, and people skills. You'll be part of a pioneering organisation committed to finding a cure and improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson's, both locally and beyond.

Disclaimer: As a Branch Chair handling personal or sensitive data, you must complete and maintain data protection and confidentiality training.

Finance Trustee - Join Us in Transforming Children’s Lives!

At School-Home Support, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be in school and ready to learn – no matter the obstacles they face. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every child is in school, every day, by 2050. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Finance Trustee to help us make this vision a reality and have a lasting impact on children and families across the country. 

We’re seeking an individual who shares our passion for improving children’s lives. If you have experience as a trustee and are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we would love to hear from you. 

Who We're Looking For: 

We are looking to recruit a Finance Trustee who is passionate about the work of School-Home Support and brings energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work we do and the cause we serve.

As a Finance Trustee, You Will: 

• Contribute to setting goals, targets, and overall policy for the organisation

• Share your expertise and networks to support the development and growth of the charity. 

• Help ensure compliance with our legal obligations and the organisation’s core purpose. 

• Provide oversight of the budget to guarantee School-Home Support’s financial sustainability. 

• Ensure measures are in place for safeguarding for the children and families we support and the staff team

• Act as a champion and ambassador for School-Home Support, enhancing our reputation, representing us at key events, and supporting fundraising efforts. 

What We Offer: 

• Impactful Role: By joining our Board of Trustees, you will play a key role in shaping our national impact and supporting our mission to transform the lives of children in need. 

• Training & Development: You will receive tailored training specific to your role and access to additional learning opportunities through our staff-led EDI networks. 

• Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to expand your professional network and make valuable connections within the education and charity sectors.

• Support Throughout Your Journey: We will buddy you with a more experienced trustee or corporate volunteer to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your time with us

Expectations: 

• Commitment: A commitment of three years to this voluntary role

• Meetings: Attend four half-day board meetings and one AGM each year, which are typically held in Stratford, London, or remotely. 

• Sub-Committees: Participate in one of our sub-committees to help guide specific areas of our work. 

• External Events: Attend 2-3 fundraising events each year (usually evenings) and make at least one school visit annually.

• Inclusion & Diversity: A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of diversity in all aspects of your work. 

If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to creating brighter futures for children and their families, we want to hear from you! 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please review the Trustee Pack and submit your application today!

Become a Trustee at Union Grove Community Nursery – Help Shape a Brighter Start for Local Children 

Role: Trustee (Voluntary Position)
 Location: Union Grove Community Nursery, Lambeth, London
 Commitment: Approx. 1 hour per month; online or occasionally in person
 Start Date: Ongoing

About Us
Union Grove Community Nursery is a warm, welcoming, not-for-profit nursery rooted in community values. Run by a small, passionate team and guided by a dedicated board of trustees, our nursery offers high-quality, affordable early years education in a nurturing, play-based environment.

We believe that early childhood is a precious time – full of exploration, creativity, and connection. As a community-led nursery, we work hand in hand with families to ensure that every child is seen, heard, and supported to thrive.

The Opportunity
 We’re looking for new Trustees to join our friendly Management Committee. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute your skills and passion to a truly meaningful cause – supporting young children and their families at the very start of their journey.

As a trustee, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of the nursery, helping us remain sustainable, inclusive, and community-focused. You don’t need previous trustee experience – just a willingness to learn and a desire to make a difference.

Your Role as a Trustee

● Provide strategic direction and oversight to help the nursery flourish

● Support decision-making around finances, governance, staffing, and long-term planning

● Act as an ambassador for the nursery in the wider community

● Champion our values of inclusion, play, creativity, and child-led learning

● Work collaboratively with other trustees, staff, and parents
 

We’re Especially Keen to Hear From People With Skills or Experience In:

● Early years education or child development

● Child nutrition and exercise

● Finance or accountancy

● HR, legal, or safeguarding

● Fundraising or community engagement

● Charity governance or management

● Communications and marketing
 

But if you don’t tick these boxes and still feel you have something to offer – please reach out! Lived experience, passion for early years, or being part of the local community is just as valuable.

What You'll Gain
 ✨A deeply rewarding role supporting children’s growth and well-being
✨ A chance to develop leadership and governance skills
✨ Connections with a warm, values-driven team of staff and volunteers
 ✨Opportunities for training and learning
 ✨ A direct impact on your local community

How to Get Involved
Interested? We’d love to have a conversation with you. Please send a brief email telling us a little about yourself and why you're interested in the trustee role. Don’t worry about formal CVs – we’re all about people, not paperwork.

Union Grove Community Nursery celebrates diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Whether you're a seasoned trustee or completely new to governance, we’ll support you every step of the way. We can only accept applicants who are residents of the UK with a valid right to work.

Let’s grow something special together.

Why we want you

Prison in reach volunteers support members of the Armed Forces community who are in prison. They make a real difference by providing essential support during these incredibly difficult times.

Our volunteers work closely with veterans in custody support officers, attending veteran forums, and offering one to one support, including making applications for financial assistance. We also connect clients with organisations, to help support pathways for positive change.

Come and join our team! We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

We are keen to increase volunteer diversity, especially from under-represented groups such as young people, those of working age and individuals from minoritised groups.

What you will be doing

• Attend group forums for veterans within the prison environment.
• Complete individual assessments and complete one to one personalised support for veterans within the prison environment, which includes casework.
• Promote the services available to family members.
• Establish an agreement around the rate of visits with the VCJS team and the prison.
• Record the support offered to veterans accordingly and appropriately.
• Complete monitoring reports.

The skills you need

• Be over 21.
• Have a good level of fitness to able to move around a prison quickly - including stairs.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Awareness of boundaries and confidentiality.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of people, including prison staff, other agencies, SSAFA colleagues and clients.
• Positive, committed and non-judgemental. Non-judgemental and empathetic attitude.
• Good IT skills.
• An enhanced DBS check is required for this role. Individual prisons will determine if they authorise individuals to be based in their facilities based on security considerations. Security Vetting by His Majesty’s Prison Service is often required. For further discussion, please get in touch.
• You will need to declare potential conflicts of interest, for example any family connection with the prison.

What's in it for you

• Full training provided with regular ongoing support.
• You gain criminal justice sector experience and build your CV.
• You can make a real difference to the lives of Veterans who are in the justice system.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost for you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. Each group has a committee, who work together to plan the groups activities or fundraising - all in line with Parkinson's UK guidelines.

What you will be doing

• Keep up to date about the news and developments of Parkinson's UK more widely, sharing these with the group
• contributing ideas for fundraising, activities and speakers
• sharing experiences with the committee and connecting with the local community
• helping to prepare for and clear up after group meetings
• assisting at fundraising events and any activities arranged by the branch
• taking notes / minutes at meetings and events

The skills you need

• be a good communicator, as you will be working with a wide range of different people
• Honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group
• be collaborative and team focused, as you will take part in regular meetings and discussions
• be motivated and reliable, and able to show patience and empathy when dealing with sensitive situations

What's in it for you

• Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, making new friends and building connections
• You'll be part of a pioneering organisation, committed to finding a cure and improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson's - in your local area and beyond
• Gain valuable organisational, administrative and people skills

Disclaimer

It's important that people affected by Parkinson’s can trust us with their personal information. In this role you could be handling personal or sensitive data, so by undertaking this role you'll need to complete our Advanced Data Protection training. Your Parkinson’s UK staff contact can help you do this.

Are you a Pashto speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!

Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Pashto-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By giving just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference — offering companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.

� What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎️ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular calls, you’ll help build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and offer emotional support — especially for those more comfortable speaking Pashto.

� Why volunteer with us?

✔ Support members of the Pashto-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a real difference in someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your own sense of fulfilment and purpose

✅ What’s required?

✔ Completion of online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training
✔ A DBS check (both fully funded by us)
✔ A kind and compassionate approach, and a willingness to engage in friendly conversations

� How to get involved:

Apply through the CharityJob website — no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.

Help us bring connection and kindness to the Pashto-speaking community across the UK!

Why we want you

Prison in reach volunteers support members of the Armed Forces community who are in prison. They make a real difference by providing essential support during these incredibly difficult times.

Our volunteers work closely with veterans in custody support officers, attending veteran forums, and offering one to one support, including making applications for financial assistance. We also connect clients with organisations, to help support pathways for positive change.

Come and join our team! We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

We are keen to increase volunteer diversity, especially from under-represented groups such as young people, those of working age and individuals from minoritised groups.

What you will be doing

• Attend group forums for veterans within the prison environment.
• Complete individual assessments and complete one to one personalised support for veterans within the prison environment, which includes casework.
• Promote the services available to family members.
• Establish an agreement around the rate of visits with the VCJS team and the prison.
• Record the support offered to veterans accordingly and appropriately.
• Complete monitoring reports.

The skills you need

• Be over 21.
• Have a good level of fitness to able to move around a prison quickly - including stairs.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Awareness of boundaries and confidentiality.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of people, including prison staff, other agencies, SSAFA colleagues and clients.
• Positive, committed and non-judgemental. Non-judgemental and empathetic attitude.
• Good IT skills.
• An enhanced DBS check is required for this role. Individual prisons will determine if they authorise individuals to be based in their facilities based on security considerations. Security Vetting by His Majesty’s Prison Service is often required. For further discussion, please get in touch.
• You will need to declare potential conflicts of interest, for example any family connection with the prison.

What's in it for you

• Full training provided with regular ongoing support.
• You gain criminal justice sector experience and build your CV.
• You can make a real difference to the lives of Veterans who are in the justice system.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost for you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.