Service volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Putney, greater london
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for volunteers (21yrs+) to befriend a child or young person in care or leaving care. To provide opportunities for them to develop a meaningful. long-term relationship.
W E A R E L O O K I N G F O R S O M E O N E W H O
Can establish a positive, stable and long-term relationship with a young person.
Is reliable, non-judgemental, a good listener and able to engage with a child/young person.
Can promote the young persons developmental, social, emotional, cultural and religious needs.
Can value and respect the wishes and feelings of the child or young person and where necessary can advocate on their behalf.
Can adhere to policies and procedures at all times with emphasis on confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety and relevant local authority procedures.
Is 21+ years old Has a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
W H A T C A N I E X P E C T T O B E D O I N G ?
Meeting with the young person on a regular basis in the community for a couple of hours.
Engage with the young person in recreational/educational and fun activities.
Help them to explore new experiences to build their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Act as a positive role model for the young person.
W H A T A R E T H E B E N E F I T S
You will receive a thorough induction programme and training for the role.
You will receive quarterly supervisions and ongoing support from a member of the team.
You will make a real difference to a young persons life.
You will have opportunities to meet with other volunteers and young people.
Out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse providers of mental health, community and social care in the UK.
Our football for wellbeing hub provides a safe, inclusive and wellbeing space in the community to improve mental and physical health in collaboration with QPR FC, Everyone Active and FootyAddicts Company.
As Football Session Helper Volunteer you will help the facilitator/s with pre-session tasks and delivery of exciting football sessions while adhering to the FA code of conduct. We are currently seeking applications to support our newly launched football sessions and potentially coach/manage our Football Club’s (West London NHS Peer FC) team if an FA qualified coach or willing to get the qualification.
In return we will offer you:
- A full induction including support to access the FA free training
- On-going support, guidance and supervision from a member of staff
- The opportunity to develop your personal, professional and football coaching skills
- The opportunity to get involved in other areas of The Trust’s work, including NHS careers
- Reimbursement of reasonable expenses
- The opportunity to contribute to our mission
We’re committed to promoting hope and wellbeing, working with patients, service users, carers, families and partners across the communities we serve.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
- Form a Sponsor Group Create a team of six or more volunteers — friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the Role
We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.
We want to collaborate with more organisations, schools, and hospitals to spread the word about our work and services. To do this, we are looking for volunteers to join our outreach team and support these efforts.
Who Are We Looking For?
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Enthusiastic about increasing representation and inclusion
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Interested in development, with possible experience working with schools, hospitals, or in business development
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Strong communicator (verbal or other forms such as Sign Language, Eye Gaze, etc.)
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Creative thinker who can bring fresh ideas to the team
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Collaborative and team-minded
What Do We Expect?
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Willingness to undertake our virtual training programme
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Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us
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Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed)
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A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness
What Can You Expect?
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A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers
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Flexibility- contribute at times that suit you
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Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations
Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C
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Make a tangible difference in your community
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Develop skills in outreach, communication, and partnership building
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Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers
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Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired
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Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work
To increase inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.
Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) is a dynamic local charity established in 2006. We support asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants, to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. We provide both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes to tackle the underlying problems that lead people to be in crisis.
We are a team of 15 majority part-time paid staff (9FTE) and over 100 volunteers. Our office is based in the Leemore Centre in central Lewisham. AFRIL works with residents in Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bexley and Bromley. In the last 12 months AFRIL has supported over 750 individuals.
AFRIL’s Casework and Advocacy Team provides complex casework and legal interventions in the areas of housing and homelessness, Asylum Support, Benefits, No Recourse to Public Funds and Community Care. AFRIL also offers community activities to the residents of a local Asylum Support Hotel. Activities are arranged in situ at the hotel, as well through trips and outings.
AFRIL’s ESOL support volunteers will work with AFRIL’s Community Activities Coordinator to provide friendly and professional ESOL and English Conversation activities to participants.
Your duties will include:
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Arrive promptly to support AFRIL staff to set up the ESOL / English Conversation activity.
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You will work with the Community Activities Coordinator to plan activities and sessions according to the appropriate level of the participants’ English.
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You will engage participants in the activities, supporting them to take part, improving their English and confidence.
Other duties also include:
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Undertake comprehensive training (including safeguarding training) to support you in carrying out your volunteer role.
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Uphold AFRIL’s values when working alongside staff, volunteers and clients, and follow AFRIL’s policies and procedures at all times.
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Be vigilant of any safeguarding concerns and report these swiftly to AFRIL staff.
Please complete the application form and submit alongside your CV. Please mention the position within the title of your email.
We support asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we want you
As branch chair you and your branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.
What you will be doing
- Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising activities so that potential beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters are aware of SSAFA as first in mind for support.
- Building relationships with the regional and national SSAFA team, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA serving community teams, local military establishments, etc.
- Attending events as a key SSAFA representative.
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
- Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
- Working with other volunteers, regional and national team members to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
- Work closely with the community engagement co-ordinator to recruit, welcome, induct, support, and manage volunteers in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
The skills you need
- Motivating leadership with an ability lead a team of volunteers.
- Friendly and approachable
- Great written and verbal communication skills
- Basic IT skills
What's in it for you
- Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area.
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community.
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Care4Calais
Care4Calais is a volunteer-led charity delivering essential aid and support to people seeking asylum living in the UK and Northern France. We provide direct aid and advocate for a fair asylum system, including safe routes to claim asylum.
The UK Direct Aid team delivers essential support through practical services; such as running distributions, delivering English classes and casework-style support through drop-ins. The UK Direct Aid team also provides services to promote wellbeing such as trips and sports activities.
Volunteer Role Description
We are looking for empathetic and motivated people, who are committed to welcoming people seeking safety to join our volunteer teams across the UK. We have volunteer teams across the UK so there will be a local group you can join.
What you will receive:
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Comprehensive training to equip you in your role; including safeguarding training, Induction Training, Activities and Distribution Training and Boundaries and Resilience Training.
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Support from a wonderful team
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Opportunity to develop skills, including casework, networking, and interpersonal skills
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Greater understanding of the UK asylum system
As a volunteer, there is a range of activities you can choose to get involved in, depending on the area you volunteer. Some activities include:
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English classes/ conversation clubs
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Drop-ins - help with requests and signpost to support.
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Distributions - provide essential items like clothing, shoes, toiletries.
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Sports - activities like yoga, football etc. are a great way to improve wellbeing, and for people to connect with others.
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Trips - organise trips to places such as the park, cinema to help boost mood and give people time away from the hotel.
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Wellbeing activities - sessions like crafts and cooking are popular.
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Workshops - help with housing once someone receives Leave to Remain; familiarise people with life in the UK.
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Events - mark specific days or holidays to get people together and celebrate.
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Media/ Press/ Engagements - as a volunteer, you may be asked to share a story for our social media or help someone with lived experience to share.
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Remote working - support with tasks such as contacting Migrant Help, assisting individuals to register with GPS, researching local support, or general admin.
Care4Calais strongly encourages people with experience of the asylum system to apply, and recognises the specific value that lived experience brings to an organisation.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Amy’s Place is a partnership between the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Clarion Housing, providing supported living accommodation for young women aged 18-30 in recovery from drugs, alcohol and other addictive behaviors.
With training in alternative therapies such as Reiki and Sound Healing, you will support young women to improve their physical and emotional well-being in a group setting or on an individual basis.
Activities
- Delivering Sound Healing sessions in a 1-2-1 or group basis.
- Providing a safe, relaxing, therapeutic environment for the activity to take place.
Experience and requirements:
- Suitable candidates need to be qualified or nearing the end of a substantial training.
- Volunteers may be asked to have professional liability insurance.
- This role will require us to carry out an enhanced check through the disclosure and barring service.
Commitment
Commitment can be flexible to suit your availability, from about 1-2 hours per week. Ideally this volunteer will commit to a minimum of 3 months
Support
- Volunteers receive a thorough induction and have access to any relevant in-house and external training
- Reasonable travel and lunch expenses will be reimbursed
- The role is based at the service in East London. The exact address cannot be given until the volunteer starts due to safety and privacy reasons
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
A charity based in Croydon, Surrey, London, UK is looking for volunteer Charity Team Assistants; to volunteer 30 unpaid hours per week. The Charity serves a multi ethnic community especially people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds.
Responsibilities:
- To assist GNDFuk's permanent instructors in finding and providing creative forms of engagement for both our youth and adult programmes.
- To assist in project and schedule planning including setting and clearing up 30 minutes before and after projects and events
- To assist in ensuring that activities are executed safely
- To assist in coordinating events and activities to encourage the objectives of GNDFuk
Person Specification:
- Someone enthusiastic and creative who is committed to working towards the achievements of the charities objectives.
- Knowledege of Black and ethnic minority tradition/culture is preferable however not essential.
- Experience is desirable.
This is a non-paid one year temporary position however accommodation and maintenance will be provided.
All interested candidates are required to send us a letter of application, a resume, and contact to the email provided. If your application is accepted, you will be invited for a telephone interview. Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered unless we have been unable to find a suitable candidate for this vacancy.
Successful candidates will require a DBS/POLICE check and references prior to commencement.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the Role
We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.
We are looking for volunteers to help us apply for and secure funding to support our valuable work. This role can be done remotely, with no fixed rota, and the amount of time you give is flexible.
Who Are We Looking For?
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Interested in fundraising or securing funding
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May have experience in the community or charity sector
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Legal or corporate background, or studying law or similar subjects
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Willingness to learn, motivated, and proactive
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Organised and detail-oriented
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Positive attitude and collaborative
What Do We Expect?
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Willingness to undertake our virtual training programme at a time convenient to you
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Have a basic DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us
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Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed)
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A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness
What Can You Expect?
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A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers
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Flexibility – contribute at times that suit you
-
Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations
Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C.
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Make a tangible difference in your community
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Develop skills in fundraising, research, and grant applications
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Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers
-
Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired
-
Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work
To increase inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The International Academy of Secrets Wisdom welcomes volunteers to contribute to its educational and administrative activities.
Even if you have no prior experience, you are welcome to join under direct supervision by experienced staff to ensure quality and skill development.
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### Personal Information
- Full Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Country / City
- Age
- Primary Language (Arabic / English)
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### Available Volunteering Fields (choose one or more)
- Human Resources (HR)
- Executive Assistant to CEO
- Trainer
- Marketer
- Sales Team
- Zoom Room Supervisor
- Content Writer
- Podcast Host
- Accountant
- Business Manager
- Fundraising Campaign Specialist
- Social Media Manager
- Certificates Officer
- Arabic–English Translator
- Lawyer (preferably specialized in corporate law, based in the UK)
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### Benefits
- Experience certificate in the chosen field (minimum 7 months of volunteering required).
- Opportunity to obtain a paid contract after the volunteering period, as the academy grows.
- Work will be online (remote).
Academy Message: Providing comprehensive and innovative educational and training programs designed to develop individuals and prepare them to become c
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Amy’s Place is a partnership between the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Clarion Housing Group providing supported living accommodation for young women in recovery and receiving support with drug and alcohol issues.
A confident and experienced hypnotherapist, with appropriate qualifications and interest in working with clients affected by addiction. The successful applicant will be someone who can provide supportive and calming sessions tailored to the individual needs of the client to promote their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Activities
- 1:1 or group Hypnotherapy sessions for residents
- Provide a safe, relaxing, therapeutic environment for the activity to take place.
- Suitable candidates must hold a professional qualification
- Volunteers may be asked to have professional liability insurance
Support
- Volunteers receive a thorough induction and have access to any relevant in-house and external training.
- Volunteers have a named supervisor providing day-to-day support and encouragement.
This is a flexible opportunity and volunteering times and frequency will vary depending on your availability and the needs of service users. It might be every week or fortnight, 3 to 4 hours, ideally for a minimum of 3 months.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:
- It's fun
- It's flexible
- You'll learn and share skills
- You'll be making a difference
- You'll work with a great team
We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18.
Weekend Opportunity!
We’re looking for people to join our weekend teams and we can offer flexibility. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week -this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.
Volunteering in the shop
Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.
Our Richmond Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.
It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.
Why volunteer with Save the Children?
In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.
Skills and experiences we seek
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.
We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.
What happens next?
After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).
How to apply
Express your interest on email via the apply button.
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE)
CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.
Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.
We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work:
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.
About Youth ESOL:
Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.
About the Role:
CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
The reading group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the reading group sessions are as follows:
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Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm
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Wednesday mornings 11am to 1pm.
Volunteers are required to attend either one of both sessions. Volunteers are also welcome to stay and support the more traditional English language classes either before the reading session on Mondays or after the reading session on Wednesdays.
Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.
The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.
The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.
Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.
Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.
Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:
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Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions;
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Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;
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Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;
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Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;
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Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;
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Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;
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Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;
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Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;
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Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom;
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Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
Essential
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To be 18 years or older;
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An interest in education and English language teaching;
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Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status
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* Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.
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Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role
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Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed);
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To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds;
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To be reliable and punctual;
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Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;
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An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry
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The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;
Desirable:
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Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish;
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Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics.
Through volunteering with us you will:
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Gain experience of English language teaching;
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Meet new members of your local community;
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Learn about different cultures;
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Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
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Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
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Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English;
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Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
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Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering.
We provide firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

