Music volunteer roles in manchester

Good Vibrations is a national arts organisation that changes lives through music. We work with some of the most vulnerable and hard to reach people in the UK, including in prisons, secure hospitals, and in the community. We are best known for using the Indonesian gamelan, a magnificent set of bronze gongs, xylophones and drums. We use communal music-making to support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances to develop transferable life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives.

We have an outstanding track record, with the impact of our work evidenced through nine independent pieces of academic research, including by Cambridge University and the University of London.

We are a Registered UK Learning Provider and OCNL Qualification Centre and hold National High Secure Prison Effective Intervention Status.

We are looking for new people to join our Board of Trustees as two members are reaching the end of their tenure. This is a very rewarding voluntary position with an ambitious charity.

We are looking for people with experience of one (or more) of the following areas:

• Lived experience of challenging circumstances / complex needs
• The arts / music in particular
• Fundraising
• Law
• The Criminal Justice System
• Business development
• Financial management
• Strategy

In particular we are looking for a treasurer to help provide strategic financial oversight, ensuring the charity’s financial stability and compliance with regulatory requirements. As a trustee, the Treasurer will work closely with the Board, CEO, Head of Delivery, and any finance-related professional advisors to support decision-making and financial planning. 

This is a voluntary governance role for which your travel expenses would be covered. Trustees are asked to commit to attending 4 meetings (in the evenings) and 1 strategic development day a year. They are also asked for help by sharing their skills on developmental projects. We are particularly interested in people who have experienced the issues participants of our courses have experienced.

To see who is already on our Board, visit Our Board of Trustees on our website's about us section.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to expand our existing Trustee Board, to bring their experience and fresh, innovative and realistic ideas to the charity.

To apply click below and please include a CV and cover letter.

We love running events again and by joining our Volunteer Events Crew you could play a key role in their success! We have some fantastic events, including festivals and music concerts, research campaigns, and various differently themed fundraisers. This is a great chance to gain some hands-on charity experience while enjoying a host of wide-ranging activities. You could be welcoming people to a music festival one week, taking collections at a football match the next, then supporting young people to enjoy arts activities a few weeks later… One thing’s for sure: no two events will be the same!

Why we want you

We run a number of events across the year, to spread awareness of what we do, to raise funds to support our life-changing services, and to provide fantastic opportunities for he amazing people we support. These events need friendly reliable people to make them happen.

What you will be doing

• welcoming and directing attendees
• supporting activities such as arts / crafts sessions
• collecting cash and in-kind donations
• giving information
• selling goods and raffle tickets
• handing out refreshments

The skills you need

• Flexibility – our events will take place at different times and days, with different activities at each – that’s the beauty of the role!
• Reliability – if you say you’re helping, we’ll be relying on you!
• Enthusiasm – help us bring our events to life!

What's in it for you

• great experience of events and charity work
• rewarding and fun way to spend a few hours of your spare time.
• worthwhile addition to your CV – demonstrate your get-up-and-go dedication.
• no need for weekly commitment

Do you want to gain professional writing skills and have your named work viewed by thousands? Do you have a passion for great literature or fine art or classical or contemporary music or history or archaeology or something else in the humanities? Do you love to learn about other cultures, their cuisine, customs and language? Do you want to join a vibrant community of writers? Then write for us!

The Cultural Me is a platform for arts and culture with a focus on discovering practical solutions for mental wellbeing, leisure and travel.

We are looking for writers to research and write micro-articles (roughly 750 words), on selected subjects, for example, a piece on Tolstoy, or Early Renaissance to Contemporary Art, or Latin American magic realism to Postcolonial Literature, or Sri Lankan culture, or Beethoven, or Film... You will also be involved in editing contributions from other writers.

If you have never written professionally before, then don't worry: all we ask for is a Bachelor’s Degree in the Arts and Humanities. We are also happy to consider you if you have alternative qualifications — provided you can demonstrate specialist subject matter knowledge in one or more areas in the arts and culture (and you love reading). The articles we produce (unlike popular media) are to the best academic standards. The ideal person, therefore, should enjoy writing articles that are well-researched yet written in an accessible format suitable for the public at large.

Here is what you can expect from us in return for your voluntary work:

• Detailed and friendly, one-to-one editorial feedback on almost every line you write.
• How to write for a busy mainstream reader: developing a story.
• A language and style guide reflecting modern trends in mainstream media.
• The chance to develop a deeper understanding of the arts, history, philosophy...
• Publication of your work to a global audience on a fast-growing platform.
• A link to your writing portfolio to include in your CV.
• A chance to join our diverse community of writers in our active chat space with the option to contribute to our growing social feed on the Cultural Me website.

In addition, if you provide The Cultural Me as a reference for a potential job, we will provide a personalised reference based on your portfolio. Our writers have secured jobs with organisations such as the Red Cross, Kobalt Music, Oxford University Museums, amongst others.

This is a brilliant opportunity for someone with a passion for the arts and culture to join a community on a worthy mission. If you love the idea, then please email Emma by clicking on ‘Apply’ and writing a short cover letter explaining what you like about the role.

COMMENTS FROM OUR WRITERS

Claire Woods — MA Creative Writing, Open University

‘The editors have a keen eye for detail, and I’m learning so much already!’

Florence Gildea — MPhil Sociology, University of Cambridge

‘The level of support, the attention to detail and the encouragement I experienced while writing for The Cultural Me was absolutely unprecedented in all my years of writing. Editing is an underappreciated skill these days, as people are keen to publish content as quickly as possible. It is a testament to the commitment of the Editors at The Cultural Me for producing resources of the highest quality that they put so much time and effort into working with writers like me. I felt both stretched and valued.’

Zoe Willis — BA French and German, University of Bristol

‘Working on The Cultural Me micro-articles really made me interrogate what I was writing, making sure the subject was absolutely clear for those reading it. At university, you are never told to examine each sentence as to how it fits in with your argument.’

Elise Czyzowska — BA English Literature & Language, University of Oxford

‘Writing for The Cultural Me has allowed me to continue practising my analytical reading from university, and given me the opportunity to share my thoughts on the literature I know and love.’

Nicholas Benton — BA English Literature, University of Sheffield

‘The Cultural Me provided me with a detailed commendatory reference that helped me secure a place on a master’s degree at the University of Birmingham.’

Tom Mackinnon — BA History of Art, University of Cambridge

‘Since starting to write for The Cultural Me, I’ve actually learned a lot about writing for mainstream readers. At the same time, I really enjoy being able to keep in touch with the topics I love. I do recommend this experience to anyone wanting to pursue a career in writing, curation or education.’

SAMPLE MICRO-ARTICLES

Please see the attachment.

SAMPLE WRITER PROFILES

Deepa — https://thecultural.me/people/Deepa-Srivastava-109829

Elizabeth — https://thecultural.me/people/Elizabeth-Hopkins-109782

Rami — https://thecultural.me/people/Rami-Barhoumi-109470

Gemma —  https://thecultural.me/people/Gemma-Unyereno-109538

Belinda —  https://thecultural.me/people/Belinda-Robinson-109600

Josef — https://thecultural.me/people/Josef-Steen-109610

TikTok and Instagram Reels Content Creator (Volunteer, Unpaid)

Empathos Foundation is looking for a creative and enthusiastic TikTok and Instagram Reels Content Creator to help us craft impactful short-form videos that amplify our mission and campaigns. This is a volunteer, unpaid role designed for individuals passionate about storytelling, social media trends, and creating meaningful content. This remote position requires a commitment of approximately 4 hours per week, with access to Canva Pro for your video editing needs.

What You’ll Do:

• Edit and create a series of TikTok and Instagram Reels using post-event footage, photos, and media that we’ll upload to Google Drive.
• Transform raw content into engaging short-form videos that highlight events, promote campaigns, and resonate with our audience.
• Stay on top of TikTok and Instagram Reels trends, incorporating music, transitions, and styles to increase engagement.
• Collaborate with the team to align your work with our branding and objectives.
• Produce visually compelling and shareable videos to promote events, initiatives, and impact stories.

The Impact of Your Work:

Your contributions as a volunteer will help us:

• Amplify our mission: Use engaging videos to highlight our work in academia and welfare, inspiring wider support and participation.
• Promote events effectively: Showcase event highlights and key moments to attract and engage audiences.
• Expand our reach: Build a stronger social media presence, reaching new audiences and increasing our visibility.
• Foster community engagement: Use storytelling to connect with supporters and encourage their involvement.

Skills, Experience, and Qualities:

• Video Editing Skills: Proficiency with Canva Pro, CapCut, Adobe Premiere, or similar tools to create professional-quality videos.
• Social Media Trend Knowledge: Awareness of TikTok and Instagram Reels trends, including popular music, challenges, and editing techniques.
• Creative and Organised: Ability to create engaging narratives from raw footage and maintain consistent quality and branding.
• Passion for Storytelling: Strong enthusiasm for using video to inspire change and communicate our impact.
• Time Management: Commitment to approximately 4 hours per week, with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Collaborative Mindset: Comfortable working remotely with a team and open to feedback.

While this is an unpaid role, it’s a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, grow your portfolio, and make a real difference by contributing to meaningful causes.

Join Empathos Foundation as a TikTok and Instagram Reels Content Creator. Help us turn post-event media into inspiring stories that engage and empower communities!

HiDDEN are looking for an inspiring, forward-thinking Independent Chair to lead our growing network of heritage organisations into an exciting new chapter.

Job Description

HiDDEN is a dynamic and supportive network that champions Greater Manchester’s rare, overlooked, and underrepresented heritage. 

This voluntary leadership role is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic, mission-driven network that champions the hidden stories of Greater Manchester — stories that deserve to be uncovered, celebrated, and preserved. As Chair, you will bring strategic vision, support strong governance, and act as a key advocate for the network at both regional and national levels. You’ll play a vital role in steering our growth, deepening our impact, and ensuring that inclusion, integrity, and collaboration remain at the heart of everything we do. 

Key Responsibilities

• Governance and Oversight Ensure alignment with HiDDEN’s purpose, vision, and values.
• Oversee the adherence to the HiDDEN Code of Conduct.
• Facilitate the annual review of the members’ agreement and the Code of Practice.
• Meeting Facilitation Chair bi-monthly HiDDEN planning meetings, fostering inclusive and balanced discussions. Guide decision-making processes to achieve majority consensus in line with network objectives.
• Strategic Leadership Lead the development and refinement of HiDDEN’s strategic initiatives. Advocate for the network’s sustainability, identifying opportunities for growth and impact.
• Collaborate closely with Manchester Histories, the identified organisation for project management, to ensure effective implementation of strategies and initiatives.
• External Representation and Advocacy Represent HiDDEN at national and regional conferences, events, and within the heritage sector.
• Act as an ambassador for HiDDEN, promoting its mission and objectives to external stakeholders. Build and maintain relationships with key partners and funders.
• Conflict Resolution Mediate disputes within the network, ensuring fair and transparent resolutions.
• Provide impartial guidance and support to members to maintain positive relationships.
• Evaluation and Reporting Report on network activities and outcomes at planning meetings to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Lead the process for reviewing and adjusting network goals and strategies based on the needs of the network 

Person Specification

Experience: 

• You may have gained experience in leadership, governance, or planning through a variety of paths — including study, early career roles, volunteering, activism, or community engagement. 
• A background in the heritage, cultural, or nonprofit sectors is helpful but not essential.  We value lived experience and insight into the challenges and opportunities facing small or underrepresented organisations. 
• Skills and Attributes:  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  Ability to facilitate inclusive discussions and achieve consensus. 
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to act impartially and mediate conflicts. 
• Passion for heritage and a commitment to HiDDEN’s values of inclusivity, knowledge sharing, and environmental responsibility. 
• Commitment:  Willingness to commit 1-2 days per month, including participation in bi-monthly planning meetings. 
• Enthusiasm for working with a network of small to medium organisations to achieve shared goals.

Join us on a transformational journey

Be part of something powerful. As a Trustee on the Board of AfriKids UK, you’ll help shape the future of a proven, high-impact organisation that’s ready to go further. You’ll bring your ideas, insights and perspective to help us improve and grow for the children and communities we serve.

About AfriKids

AfriKids is an award-winning, locally-led charity dedicated to ensuring the rights of children in northern Ghana. Our mission is to help unlock the power of communities to ensure child rights, with a focus on helping people secure the means, motive and opportunity for every child to complete a quality basic education, as the most sustainable route out of poverty. Locally-led and internationally supported, we work hand-in-hand with local communities to design and deliver programmes that create lasting change for children, so they can thrive now and as the leaders of tomorrow. AfriKids UK exists to support this mission through faciliating access to international funding, partnerships, technical support and expertise — working in close collaboration with AfriKids Ghana, our independent local implementing partner.

The Role

With nearly 25 years of experience behind us, our Boards in the UK and Ghana are now helping to lead us through a period of transformational change, to impact more children than ever. We are seeking two more trustees to join the Board of AfriKids UK. As a Trustee of AfriKids, you will share collective responsibility for the governance and strategic direction of the charity, with guidance and support to learn about your responsibilities as a trustee if you have not been one before. Trustees play a crucial role in ensuring that AfriKids operates in accordance with its mission, values, and legal obligations.​ This is an opportunity to lend your unique knowledge, skills and experience to help advance our mission and make a difference for children.