Mentor volunteer roles

Ready to Shape the Future of London's Youth? Become a Founding Trustee at Urban Youth!

Urban Youth, a brand-new, vibrant youth work charity, is on a mission to create a positive, inclusive community for young Londoners. We're seeking Founding Trustees to help us get set up, registered, and ready to empower young people across the city.

Laying the Foundations, Inspiring a Generation

At Urban Youth, we're not just about running activities; we're about sparking self-discovery, fostering friendships, and equipping young people with essential life skills. We're about creating unforgettable memories and guiding them to explore the world around them.

As a Founding Trustee, you won't just be advising; you'll be instrumental in establishing our charity from the ground up. You'll bring your strategic vision, governance expertise, and passion for youth empowerment to help us:

• Secure our charitable registration.
• Develop robust governance frameworks and policies.
• Establish our operational foundations.
• Guide our initial strategy and growth.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the very core of Urban Youth, ensuring we're well-equipped to make a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of young Londoners.

Why Join the Urban Youth Movement?

This is more than just volunteering; it's an opportunity to leave a profound and lasting mark:

• Make a Foundational Impact: Your leadership will directly enable Urban Youth to launch and empower young people, shaping their positive futures from day one.
• Pioneer a New Initiative: Be part of the inaugural team, building a dynamic new charity from its inception.
• Utilize Your Expertise: Apply your experience in governance, strategy, and charity development to a cause that truly matters.
• Join a Passionate Community: Become part of a dedicated team committed to making a tangible difference in London.

If you're buzzing with strategic ideas and ready to use your expertise to inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation, we want to hear from you! Help us create a charity that perfectly captures the spirit and aspirations of London's incredible youth.

Ready to make your mark and help us create a wave of positive change in young people's lives?

Express your interest by applying via this Charity Job website. We can't wait to hear from you!

URBAN YOUTH

Building Futures | Forging Connections | Creating Memories.

Volunteer Opportunities at Happy Smiles Training CIC

About Us
Happy Smiles Training is a multi-award-winning, disabled people's organisation based in the North West. With over 90% of our team being disabled people, we are passionate about creating inclusive communities through lived experience-led training and advocacy. We work with schools, community groups, businesses and more – challenging stigma, raising awareness and building a more inclusive society.

Role Title: Volunteer (Flexible Role Based on Skills and Interests)
Location: In-person (Wigan Borough and surrounding areas) and/or Remote
Time Commitment: Fully flexible – you choose your availability
Reporting To: Volunteer Coordinator 

Purpose of the Role

We’re looking for passionate individuals to support our mission in a way that works for them. Whether you bring creativity, organisation, tech skills or lived experience of disability, there’s a place for you on our team. This is a chance to be part of a movement led by disabled people, making real social impact across communities.

What You Could Be Doing

Depending on your skills, interests and availability, volunteer roles may include:

• Trainer with Lived Experience of Disability: Join our team of Inclusion Champions to co-deliver engaging training sessions across schools, businesses and community settings. Share your story, help break down barriers and inspire change. Training and ongoing support provided.

• Event Support: Help deliver training sessions and community events, supporting trainers with set-up, accessibility and participant engagement.

• Creative Media & Content Creation: Support with video editing, graphic design, social media content or photography to help spread our message.

• Admin & Organisation: Assist with behind-the-scenes tasks such as scheduling, emails, minute-taking or managing documents.

• Fundraising & Campaigning: Help us raise funds and awareness by organising local events, supporting campaigns or writing funding applications.

• Digital Support: Provide IT or accessibility support for our virtual sessions or help us improve our digital platforms.

• Research & Impact: Assist in gathering feedback, analysing data or helping us report on the social impact of our work.

• Wellbeing & Peer Support: Offer friendly peer-to-peer support, help with community connection or support our team’s wellbeing activities.

What We’re Looking For

There’s no single type of volunteer we’re after – if you’re enthusiastic about inclusion and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! You might have:

• A passion for disability rights, inclusion and social change

• Skills in communication, admin, creativity, tech or training

• Personal or professional experience related to disability – especially lived experience

• A desire to learn, grow and contribute to a values-driven team

All roles are flexible and can be adapted to meet access needs and availability.

What You’ll Get in Return

• A warm welcome into a supportive and empowering team

• Experience working within a leading disabled people's organisation

• Opportunities to develop skills, confidence and connections

• Recognition through regular volunteer spotlights and celebration events

• Reimbursement for pre-agreed expenses

• Full induction and training relevant to your role

• Flexible hours and support tailored to your needs

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and particularly encourage disabled people and people with lived experience of disability to get involved – your voice matters here.

Could you help to change a care-experienced child's life by reading with them for just an hour a week over a six month period?

We're looking for new volunteers to read online. Reading Heroes is a highly individualised initiative - every book that you read has been chosen specifically for you and the child.  All books are provided, and you will receive ongoing personal support from our dedicated Reading Heroes team, as well as opportunities to meet with other volunteers.

The number of care-experienced children in the UK growing; research tells us that these children are more likely to experience social, emotional and mental health problems, so we believe that Reading Heroes is a more important project than ever.

We have found that the Reading Heroes scheme has helped the children involved with their reading and other literacy-based skills, but these are not our primary purposes. Reading Heroes simply promotes reading for pleasure, and giving some of our time to children who need a little extra support - along with a kindly, friendly listener!

As a Reading Heroes volunteer, you’ll be instilling a love of stories which can have a lifelong positive impact. 80% of participants tell us they enjoy reading more after taking part.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/FVts50SBrIm

“Thank you for helping me read better and for making reading fun and not stupid boring!" (Reading Heroes participant)

Responsibilities:

1. Visit veterans, provide companionship, read, play games, or assist with non-medical tasks.
2. Visit to offer friendly conversation and emotional support to veterans who live in assisted living or long-term care homes
3. Support veterans with small home projects, yard work, or safety modifications.
4. Deliver food to homebound or disabled veterans.
5. Help veterans in transition to civilian careers by assist them in Resume Writing & Job Coaching.
6. Observe and understand the physical, mental, and emotional needs of veterans.
7. Encourage and assist veterans to maintain their independence where possible.
8. Support engagement in social activities or hobbies to promote well-being.
9.  Assist with educational goals or mentorship for younger veterans.
10. Help organize or run events on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, etc.

IGNITE THE SPARK 

Become SUNSHINE's Volunteer Coordinator and Build Our Family!

Are you a natural people-person, brimming with enthusiasm, and passionate about empowering others?

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, dedicated to combating loneliness and radiating joy throughout our community. Our mission lives and breathes through the incredible individuals who volunteer their time – and we urgently need a warm, dynamic Volunteer Coordinator to bring them all together!

This isn't just about managing schedules; it's about building a vibrant, supportive family. You'll be the heart of our volunteer team, playing a pivotal role in:

• Recruiting & Welcoming: Finding and onboarding the amazing people who will spread our message and our mission.
• Training & Empowering: Equipping our volunteers with the skills and confidence to shine.
• Motivating & Valuing: Ensuring every volunteer feels appreciated, supported, and truly part of the SUNSHINE mission and family.
• Fostering Connection: Creating a strong, happy team that embodies the very spirit of our charity.

If you are passionate, dedicated, and committed to nurturing talent, building relationships, and seeing the direct impact of a thriving volunteer force – this flexible volunteer role is calling you! Your efforts will directly enable us to reach more isolated individuals and transform more lives.

Ready to build the most joyful volunteer family and truly spread SUNSHINE?

CULTIVATE CONNECTIONS

Become SUNSHINE's Volunteer Coordinator!

Do you have a unique talent for bringing out the best in people and building incredibly supportive communities?

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, dedicated to combating loneliness and radiating joy. Our mission thrives because of our amazing volunteers, and we desperately need a nurturing Volunteer Coordinator to be their champion!

This pivotal role isn't just about managing tasks; it's about building relationships, fostering growth, and ensuring every single volunteer feels valued, equipped, and excited to spread SUNSHINE. You'll be the backbone of our incredible team, responsible for:

• Inspiring Recruitment: Attracting kind-hearted individuals eager to make a difference.
• Empowering Training: Equipping our volunteers with the skills and confidence they need to shine.
• Nurturing Support: Providing ongoing guidance, appreciation, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Cultivating Community: Ensuring our volunteer team is as connected and joyful as the community we serve.

If you are passionate, dedicated, and committed to building a vibrant, engaged team, and you're seeking a flexible volunteer role where your people skills directly transform lives – this is your chance to make a profound impact.

Ready to grow our SUNSHINE family and help us light up the world?

Join the Wheels for All Volunteer Team – Help Us Make Cycling Inclusive for Everyone!  

Do you want to make a difference in your local community? Are you passionate about inclusion, wellbeing, and having fun outdoors? Join Wheels for All, a national charity making cycling accessible for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. 

We believe everyone should experience the joy, freedom, and empowerment of cycling. Our inclusive cycling sessions are only possible thanks to a diverse team of dedicated volunteers—and that’s where you come in! 

 What You’ll Get Involved with: 

• Support people to use adapted cycles during sessions 

• Help with setting up and packing away equipment 

• Provide a friendly, welcoming environment for participants and families 

• Be part of a fun and supportive volunteer team 

Volunteer Benefits 

• Claim reasonable expenses in line with our Volunteer Expense Policy 

• Receive a Wheels for All branded uniform 

• Access volunteer training courses to support your development 

• Be part of an inspiring, positive, and supportive charity culture 

No experience? No problem! 

We provide full training, including disability awareness and safety, and ongoing support from our team and fellow volunteers. 

What are we looking for? 

• An approachable and friendly nature 

• Good interpersonal and communication skills 

• Empathy and an understanding of individual needs 

• Patience and an inclusive approach to engagement 

• Adaptability and flexibility in changing situations 

• A team-oriented attitude 

• Positivity, honesty, and integrity 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to take initiative 

• Some cycling experience is helpful but not essential 

Why volunteer with us? 

“The best thing about volunteering is seeing the happy faces! The riders come back beaming—it’s amazing to be a part of that joy.” – Dave, Volunteer 

“People that aren’t normally able to get out cycling can come here and join in and enjoy the great outdoors. I really enjoy volunteering with Wheels for All because I can visibly see how the simple act of cycling brings a lot of happiness” - Vince, Volunteer 

You’ll Gain: 

• Confidence and new skills 

• Connections and friendships 

• Improved mental wellbeing 

• A chance to be part of a national movement for inclusive cycling 

• Recognition through social events, newsletters, and volunteer awards 

Your Legacy Starts Here

Become a Founding Trustee for SUNSHINE!

This isn't just a volunteer role; it's an invitation to ignite a movement.

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, born from a fervent belief that no one should face loneliness alone. We are on the cusp of bringing immense joy, genuine connection, and vital community spirit to countless lives. But to truly shine, we need YOU.

We're looking for visionary leaders to join our passionate Board of Trustees – the very architects of SUNSHINE's future. As a founding Trustee, you won't just advise; you'll build, shape, and drive the strategic direction of a charity set to transform lives.

This is a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding opportunity to leverage your expertise at a pivotal moment. Imagine the profound satisfaction of knowing your guidance directly establishes our foundation, enables our growth, and creates a lasting impact on community wellbeing.

We urgently need Trustees with exceptional skills and a burning desire to make a difference, particularly for:

• General Trustees: Individuals with strong strategic thinking, governance awareness, and a passion for our mission to provide invaluable oversight and guidance.

Alongside our crucial core leadership roles (Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer), we are specifically seeking Trustees with vital experience in:

• Fundraising & Grant Writing: To unlock the vital resources that will fuel our mission and expand our reach, securing our sustainable future.

• Social Work, Community Work & Service Development: To ensure our programmes are deeply responsive to community needs, ethically delivered, and maximally impactful for those facing isolation.

• HR & Learning and Development: To champion the growth, wellbeing, and professional development of our invaluable volunteer team, making SUNSHINE a truly supportive environment.

• Marketing & Communications: To amplify our voice, build crucial alliances, and strategically spread the word about SUNSHINE far and wide, reaching those who need us most.

• And more! If you have strategic leadership skills and expertise in any field related to charity set up, growth, and development – from legal and finance to operations and technology – we want to hear from you.

Why step up now? Because this is your chance to be part of something truly special from its very inception. Your leadership will directly enable SUNSHINE to get formally set up, registered, and launch the vital programmes that will change lives by fostering connection and combating isolation.

Are you ready to build a brighter future, one life-changing connection at a time? Are you passionate, dedicated, and committed to taking on this powerful challenge with flexible hours?

Your legacy of compassion and community impact awaits.

The Landmark Arts Centre is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to continue their journey. The independent charity responsible for operating one of the largest multidisciplinary arts venues in south-west London.

Who they are

The Landmark is an independent Arts Charity responsible for operating one of the largest multidisciplinary arts venues in south-west London. For 30 years, they have been a vital cultural and creative hub for all. Housed in a stunning Grade II* listed building in Teddington, they welcome over 50,000 people annually to a rich programme of performances, classes, workshops, art fairs, exhibitions, and entertainment.

The role

They are seeking a Chairperson able to:

Be an enthusiastic advocate and ambassador of the Landmark Arts Centre and the arts in general.

Shape the future next steps to build on what they have already achieved and ensure they are able to deliver on the potential that their magnificent space offers to audiences and artists.

Work with the community and its leaders, the trustees, and the staff team in promoting well-considered strategic decision-making, effective oversight, and a culture of inclusion.

Looking to become a trustee with a local charity with an excellent track record? Live in or bordering Bedfordshire?

Carers in Bedfordshire is seeking new Trustees with digital, marketing or academic research expertise to shape and grow the Charity.

Digital and AI 

Are you passionate about the power of digital to drive positive change? Can you bring your expertise in digital strategy, innovation, and systems to our forward-thinking board?

Marketing and Comms

Help Amplify a Mission That Matters

Do you believe in the power of voice to spark change? We’re looking for a Marketing Trustee to help us strengthen our brand, sharpen our message, and reach the people who need to hear it most.

Academic and researchTrustee

Bring Evidence and Insight to the Heart of What We Do

We’re seeking a trustee with academic, policy, or research expertise to help us steer a thoughtful, evidence-informed path forward.

Even if you don’t have the specific skills and experience identified above, we are still interested in hearing from motivated individuals who have experience in an area of expertise relevant to the Charity. 

Of particular interest would be:-

• Service provision in health and social care setting
• Clinical expertise especially in a community setting
• Community Fundraising
• HR

The Board of Aston Community Education Trust, comprising 12 schools primarily centred in Sheffield, is recruiting up to four new Trustees possessing a range of skills – including finance, risk and audit; marketing; safeguarding, curriculum and standards; and legal/procurement. The Trust supports 5,000 young people and has an annual budget of c.£40 million.

Aston Community Education Trust (ACET) operates 12 schools, primarily based in Sheffield, with offices in Holderness. Established in 2011, ACET was an early adopter of the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) model. The Trust includes nine primary academies—most of which received ‘Good’ or better ratings in their latest Ofsted inspections—and three secondary academies. Of the secondaries, one is rated ‘Good’ while the other two are judged as ‘Requiring Improvement,’ though both are progressing well according to Ofsted monitoring.

ACET runs an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit at Thurcroft Juniors, which has been rated ‘Outstanding’. From September 2025, all junior schools within the Trust will transition to full primary schools, expanding their intake to include Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils. ACET is a well-established, medium-sized Trust known for its robust leadership and transparent governance, with regular audits and Ofsted reviews publicly shared online. The Trust is firmly embedded in the urban heart of South Yorkshire.

ACET operates under clearly defined Articles of Association and a revised Scheme of Delegation that guides its governance. It maintains strong working relationships with Sheffield, Rotherham, and Derbyshire local authorities. The Trust actively engages with DfE-funded English and Maths Hubs for curriculum and teacher training support.

Its secondary academies collaborate with Wales High School in Rotherham, and all schools participate in teacher training placements for PGCE and QTS qualifications through partnerships with Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield. The primary schools benefit from a collaborative hub model, with professional development and leadership training available across all academies.

Currently, ACET is not seeking immediate expansion in terms of adding new schools to the Trust. The strategic focus is rather on converting its junior schools into full primary settings and strengthening outcomes across its secondary phase. The CEO’s senior leadership team includes a range of school improvement professionals working across both phases, supporting leaders with inspections and improving educational outcomes.

The Trust serves approximately 5,000 pupils and employs around 750 staff. Its academies serve a diverse demographic, predominantly from lower socio-economic areas of Sheffield. Two schools—Listerdale and Waverley Primary Academies—have more balanced socio-economic intakes. A defining characteristic of the Trust is its focus on supporting disadvantaged communities, including families with intergenerational unemployment. The Trust leadership is deeply committed to using education as a transformative tool and views ACET as a central community anchor.

Financially, ACET’s 2023/24 outturn aligned with expectations. All academies operated within their original budgets, and the Trust maintained an annual income of approximately £40 million. The 2023/24 external audit report confirmed ACET’s compliance and effective management of DfE funding. The Trust holds reserves in line with DfE recommendations, indicating prudent financial stewardship. Nonetheless, like many Trusts serving disadvantaged populations, ACET faces growing budgetary pressures. High SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) needs and poor attendance rates among secondary students are particularly impactful on financial and academic performance.

The Trust’s Requirements

ACET’s Trust Board currently comprises eight Trustees, though several retirements are anticipated within the next year. The Trust aims to recruit at least four new Trustees to maintain governance capacity and expertise. Specifically, the Trust seeks individuals with skills in:

1. finance, risk and audit;
2. marketing;
3. safeguarding, curriculum and standards;
4. legal/procurement.

There may also be a need to appoint a new Chair and Vice Chair within 12 months, so candidates with Board leadership experience and ambition to assume such a role within the Trust are especially welcome.

Succession planning is underway, and the Trust is working to ensure Board resilience during this transition. All Trustees have the option to operate remotely if required.

In terms of governance structure, ACET has four members – an ‘eyes-on, hands-off’ role akin to that of the shareholder – and completed an External Trust Review with the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) in March 2023. A follow-up action plan is currently in progress.

Trustee time commitments are clearly outlined: the full Board meets up to six times per year, while sub-committees meet at least once per term. Trustees usually join one or two committees aligned to their expertise.

Meetings are scheduled for late afternoons and offer both in-person and remote attendance options. Local candidates from Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, or Derbyshire are especially encouraged to apply, provided they bring relevant expertise.

New Trustees will complete a structured induction that includes face-to-face and online sessions, mentoring, and engagement with senior leaders, including the CEO, CFO, and academy heads. Trustees are expected to contribute beyond regular meetings by joining committees, participating in review panels, attending key Trust events, and, where appropriate, helping to appoint senior leaders. Committee meetings are held termly and typically last around two hours.

ACET has a well-developed governance infrastructure. It employs a Lead Governance Professional, a Financial Director, and a team of School Improvement Directors who support the CEO in preparing reports and maintaining oversight. The Trust places high importance on safeguarding and has a dedicated Safeguarding Governance Group led by executive staff and supported by designated safeguarding leads across academies. A safeguarding Trustee is nominated annually, and all Trustees are required to complete safeguarding training and remain familiar with statutory guidance, including the DfE’s Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE). Safeguarding is monitored rigorously, with data shared regularly with the Board and included in the Annual Report.

ACET supports its Trustees through partnerships with the National Governance Association (NGA) and CST, enhancing professional development opportunities. The Trustee role is seen as a meaningful opportunity to contribute to educational and social impact in South Yorkshire. The Trust is described as forward-thinking and led by a second-generation CEO committed to sustainable growth over the next five years. Every decision is anchored in ACET’s values of excellence, equity, integrity, empowerment, and esteem, all of which place children at the heart of the Trust’s mission.

BE THE DRIVING FORCE

Lead SUNSHINE as in the Volunteer role of SUNSHINE Charity Manager!

Are you a natural leader ready to build something truly extraordinary from the ground up?

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, born to combat loneliness and infuse our community with joy and connection. We're on the brink of lighting up countless lives, but to truly take flight, we urgently need a passionate Charity Manager to lead us from the front!

This is more than a role; it's an exhilarating challenge for someone who thrives on getting things done, connecting with people, and seeing immediate impact. As our Charity Manager, you will be the strategic heartbeat and the energetic face driving SUNSHINE forward. You'll work hand-in-hand with our Founder and Board of Trustees, turning vision into vibrant reality.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it:

• Lead from the Front: Be the dynamic force getting SUNSHINE fully up and running in the community.
• Be Our Voice: Connect with local groups, partners, and residents, building our presence on the ground.
• Drive Operations: Oversee the launch of our vital programmes, ensuring everything runs smoothly and effectively.
• Empower Volunteers: Inspire, guide, and grow our incredible volunteer team.
• Change Lives: Directly enable the genuine connections that transform individuals from isolation to belonging.

If you are passionate, dedicated, and committed to taking on this pivotal, flexible volunteer role, and you're ready to see the direct results of your leadership in a grateful community – this is your moment.

Your leadership will directly bring SUNSHINE to those who need it most.

Would you like to support suicidal people in their time of need?

At our sanctuary (Finsbury Park, North London) for those in suicidal crisis, we offer a potentially transformative experience with a once-only 4-night stay at our non-medical, family-style house. Through respite, time and space for reflection and compassionate and nurturing care, our Volunteer Befrienders and Lead Befrienders support an opportunity for the revival of hope and resilience.  

Volunteer Befrienders are key to Maytree and work alongside Lead Befrienders to provide an open and containing space for people who are feeling suicidal. Befriending is as it sounds: sitting alongside our guests as a compassionate, confidential, and non-judgemental friend. Through active listening and human warmth our volunteers enable our guests to explore their feelings and their options in their own way and in their own time. This face-to-face support is not therapy; it is about being calm and committed and not afraid of difficult subjects, including suicide.  

Your Legacy Starts Here!

Become a Founding Trustee for SUNSHINE!

This isn't just a volunteer role; it's an invitation to ignite a movement.

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, born from a fervent belief that no one should face loneliness alone. We are on the cusp of bringing immense joy, genuine connection, and vital community spirit to countless lives. But to truly shine, we need YOU.

We're looking for visionary leaders to join our passionate Board of Trustees – the very architects of SUNSHINE's future. As a founding Trustee, you won't just advise; you'll build, shape, and drive the strategic direction of a charity set to transform lives.

This is a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding opportunity to leverage your expertise at a pivotal moment. Imagine the profound satisfaction of knowing your guidance directly establishes our foundation, enables our growth, and creates a lasting impact on community wellbeing.

We urgently need Trustees with exceptional skills and a burning desire to make a difference, particularly for the crucial roles of:

• Vice Chair: To provide dynamic leadership and strategic support to the Chair, ensuring robust governance and inspiring our team.
• Secretary: To be the backbone of our governance, ensuring meticulous records, legal compliance, and smooth board operations.
• Treasurer: To expertly set up, manage, and control our financial aspects, ensuring transparency and sustainable growth from day one.
• General Trustees

Beyond these core roles, we are also seeking Trustees with vital experience in:

• Fundraising: To unlock the resources that will fuel our mission and expand our reach. This includes Grant writing experience.
• Service Development: To design and refine impactful programmes that truly resonate with community needs.
• Marketing & Partnerships: To amplify our voice, build crucial alliances, and spread the word far and wide.
• And more! If you have strategic leadership skills and a passion for our cause, we want to hear from you.

Why step up now? Because this is your chance to be part of something truly special from its very inception. Your leadership will directly enable SUNSHINE to get formally set up, registered, and launch the vital programmes that will change lives by fostering connection and combating isolation.

Are you ready to build a brighter future, one life-changing connection at a time? Are you passionate, dedicated, and committed to taking on this powerful challenge with flexible hours?

Your legacy of compassion and community impact awaits.