Social care development volunteer volunteer roles

Wintercomfort is seeking to appoint new Trustees to join our Board. If you are keen to shape the strategic direction of the charity and support strong, effective governance, we would love to hear from you. We are particularly interested to recruit people with homelessness sector knowledge and experience. However, we warmly welcome applications from individuals with a wide range of professional backgrounds and lived experiences who can bring fresh perspectives and a commitment to our mission.

About Us

Wintercomfort is an advice and support hub for homeless and vulnerably housed people in Cambridge.  Open daily throughout the year, we provide services to aid every stage of recovery – from immediate basic welfare needs to long-term support to help people overcome challenges and fulfil their potential.  We offer housing and tenancy support, debt advice, support with training and employment, access to a range of mental and physical health services, a dedicated women’s programme, and work to promote social inclusion.

We are looking for people to join an experienced and passionate Board of Trustees who work collaboratively in providing strategic oversight and governance of Wintercomfort, to ensure its financial stability and that it achieves its mission.  No prior experience of the charity sector is required.  Induction and training is provided for all new Trustees.

Wintercomfort is committed to celebrating diversity, promoting equality, fostering equal opportunities and tackling discrimination in all it does.

This is a voluntary, unpaid, position for an initial term of 3 years. Reasonable travel expenses can be paid.

We are welcoming applications until 14th September 2026.

Interested?

We have attached the Candidate Pack to this advert with more information about the role duties and to help with your application. If you would like to apply for this position, please click the apply button and attach your CV and a short letter outlining why you would like to become a trustee of Wintercomfort and what skills you would bring to the board, it will be sent automatically to us.

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Wolverhampton.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process 

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Stafford.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process 

 Volunteering Opportunity 

Dementia Activity Coordinator

What You’ll Do

Bring joy and stimulation to people living with dementia by planning and running creative, engaging activities at our day care centre, that encourage connection, laughter and participation. You’ll us your skills and imagination to lead sessions centred around an activity area of your choice such as music, movement, theatre, storytelling, arts, cooking or gardening.

You will:

· Plan and deliver fun and inclusive activity sessions for day centre members living with dementia

· Adapt activities to suit individual needs and abilities

· Encourage participation and build confidence among members

· Work alongside staff to ensure sessions run safely and smoothly

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Creativity and the ability to engage people

· Good communication and interpersonal skills

· Patience, empathy, and understanding of dementia

· Organisation and planning skills

· Confidence leading small group activities

Time Commitment

Flexible- ideally a regular session each week between 10:30 am and 3:00 pm (Weekdays)

Location: The Mabel Churn Centre, 55b Sunny Road, Enfield, EN3 5EF

Reports to: Day Centre Manager

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it to us. (Email address included in the application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

NYAS' Side by Side care leaver programme supports care-experienced young people leaving care. When young people leave care, they often struggle with isolation, homelessness, and living independently because they are often thrown into independence way before they're ready. Side by Side bridges the gap between care and adulthood. We want to give young people the support they need to really succeed, but just as importantly, we want to make them feel confident in knowing that somebody is by their side.

There's a lot you can do as a volunteer for Side by Side, including assisting young people with their transition to adulthood, discovering their aspirations and goals, and generally supporting and signposting them to help achieve these.

You do not need any special qualifications, but we are looking for dedicated people of all ages who are comfortable with mentoring and being a good role model for a  young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood. We ask that you are able to commit to a few hours each week for a minimum of 1 year.

This is a worthwhile opportunity where you will make a positive difference to the life of a vulnerable young person, become part of a leading national children's charity, gain valuable experience and meet new people.

· You will have an hour or two to spare each week for the minimum of 1 year

• You will have good communication skills
• You will receive training in boundaries, goal setting and reflective check ins.
• You will enjoy meeting with others and supporting them to achieve their goals.
• You will receive all the support and training you need to make the most of your role.
• Volunteers will be supported in their own professional development and you will gain experience that could help in your future career goals.
• Expenses will be reimbursed.

Please note: This opportunity is for people over the age of 25 years.

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Derby.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process 

We are busy team delivering the Supported Internships programme in Stafford (ST18). The programme is based around employment and leisure for young adults with learning disabilities between age 16 and 25. We help people to develop skills for work in a employment setting and build their confidence.

We prepare them for work, and help them improve their Maths and English skills in a classroom setting, as well as:

• Improving their confidence and communication skills
• Building on their social skills with each other and out in the community
• Keeping them inspired and engaged

What You will be doing:

• You will support staff in the classroom with activities
• You will support learners to improve their Maths and English skills
• You will engage with learners, to improve their confidence and independence
• You will encourage learners to try new things and gain new skills
• Out in the community you will support staff to keep learners motivated and engaged

As a volunteer you will help Mencap staff deliver the classroom sessions assisting young adults to improve their skills, and be a support in the community.

**The classroom sessions run from 9am - 4.30pm. Monday and Tuesday. We require a volunteer to be able to commit to one day per week or fortnightly for the academic year. **

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Leeds Memory Walk is back for 2026, and so are our amazing volunteering opportunities. Memory Walk is so much more than a sponsored walk. Every year thousands of people come together to remember and bring hope for a brighter future.  It will take a society to beat dementia and by volunteering at Memory Walk you can be a part of it.

This is a walk like no other; this is thousands of people walking for a better future for those with dementia. Join the volunteer team on Sunday 11th October at Temple Newsam Estate, in Leeds.

There is something for everyone, with roles based in the event site and along the route. Be part of an unforgettable event experience as you cheer at a marshal point, follow the route as a back marker, sell some goodies or congratulate walkers with their finish line medal. You will have the opportunity to pair up with a friend or another volunteer and we’ll make sure you have everything you need! 

Sign up to volunteer at Memory Walk this October! 

A Peer Mentor is a volunteer who has experienced similar challenges and experiences as the person they are supporting. Being a peer mentor is seen as a positive and secure way to progress towards education, work, or employment.

Volunteers who take on peer support roles can feel empowered, have a greater confidence and a more positive sense of identity.

Could you provide an authentic voice that our clients can relate to?

· Do you have 1-2 hours a week to support a client

· Can you inspire others, give them hope through self-disclosure and by being an example of recovery?

· Build relationships based on trust, acceptance, understanding and an empathy from a shared lived experience?

· Can we rely on you to tap into your own experiences to help us identify barriers and gaps in our services and how we can be improving and identify good practice?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

· Inspiring service users by using your own life experiences and by being a positive role model

· Providing a safe sounding space, listen in a non-judgemental way

· Helping to improve wellbeing, confidence, and independence by exploring activities that promote this

· Assist service users to engage with formalised support

· Attend appropriate training and development opportunities as required

A Peer Mentor is a volunteer who has experienced similar challenges and experiences as the person they are supporting. Being a peer mentor is seen as a positive and secure way to progress towards education, work, or employment.

Volunteers who take on peer support roles can feel empowered, have a greater confidence and a more positive sense of identity.

Could you provide an authentic voice that our clients can relate to?

· Do you have 1-2 hours a week to support a client at our Supported Accomodation - Oasis House

· Can you inspire others, give them hope through self-disclosure and by being an example of recovery?

· Build relationships based on trust, acceptance, understanding and an empathy from a shared lived experience?

· Can we rely on you to tap into your own experiences to help us identify barriers and gaps in our services and how we can be improving and identify good practice?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

· Inspiring service users by using your own life experiences and by being a positive role model

· Providing a safe sounding space, listen in a non-judgemental way

· Helping to improve wellbeing, confidence, and independence by exploring activities that promote this

· Assist service users to engage with formalised support

· Attend appropriate training and development opportunities as required

Volunteer Creator & Collaborator Outreach Assistant (Remote) 

Organisation: Influential Stars 

Location: Remote – UK based 

Commitment: Approximately 10-15 flexible hours per week 

Contract Type: Volunteer 

About Us 

Influential Stars is a purpose-driven platform connecting Creators, Collaborators, supporters and causes through exclusive experiences, sponsored events and fundraising campaigns. 

We believe anyone with a BIG heart can use their influence, networks and community to make a positive difference. 

Our Story 

Influential Stars was founded by Lisa Connell, who is living with an inoperable brain tumour and has spent many years supporting charitable causes. 

The platform was created from a simple belief: when influence, connection and community come together, they can create meaningful impact. 

Role and Purpose 

Did you know you can use your influence for good? 

Most people don’t realise how much influence they already have. Influence is not just about social media followers, it can come from your workplace, university, local community, friendships, professional network or simply knowing the right person. 

We are looking for proactive and enthusiastic individuals to help identify and inspire people with BIG hearts to become Creators or Collaborators with Influential Stars. 

As a Volunteer Creator & Collaborator Outreach Assistant, you will help raise awareness by building relationships, introducing suitable people to the platform and sharing Influential Stars within online and offline communities. 

______________________________

Every registered Collaborator receives a personalised A4 referral poster featuring their unique QR code and referral code. This means you can support the platform by distributing posters in appropriate locations, sharing your tracked referral details or speaking directly to people within your network. 

You can focus on poster distribution, digital outreach, community networking or a combination of all three. You do not need a large social media following or previous professional experience. 

Ways You Could Help 

● Display your personalised referral poster in workplaces, universities, cafés, gyms, salons, community centres, clubs and other suitable venues, with permission. 

● Ask local businesses and organisations to display your poster. ● Share your unique referral link, QR code and approved Influential Stars content online. 

● Add your referral link to your social media biography, email signature or appropriate community profiles. 

● Introduce Influential Stars within professional networks, university societies, local groups and community organisations. 

● Speak to friends, colleagues, business owners and community members who may make suitable Creators or Collaborators. 

● Attend networking events, community events or local activities and introduce people to the platform. 

● Encourage other people to register as Collaborators and begin sharing their own personalised referral poster. 

● Make FIT List nominations and inspire suitable people to use their influence for a meaningful cause. 

Key Responsibilities 

● Identify potential Creators, Collaborators and supporters. 

● Build relationships and introduce suitable individuals to Influential Stars.

● Explain the Creator and Collaborator opportunities clearly and accurately using approved information. 

● Encourage people to explore fundraising opportunities for causes they care about. 

● Promote Influential Stars within online and offline communities.

● Share your personalised referral link, QR code and approved content.

● Approach appropriate venues and request permission to display your personalised A4 poster. 

__________________

● Keep a record of poster placements, including the venue, contact, agreed display period and a photograph where possible. 

● Check, replace or remove posters when necessary or at the end of an agreed display period. 

● Engage with people through LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and other appropriate networks. 

● Follow up with people who have expressed an interest and direct detailed enquiries to the relevant Influential Stars team member. 

● Share approved content and help raise awareness of the platform and its registered causes. 

● Keep accurate records of outreach, referrals, responses and follow-up actions within our CRM system. 

● Follow Influential Stars’ brand guidance and avoid unsolicited or excessive messaging. 

● Contribute ideas for building awareness, attracting new Collaborators and reaching potential Creators. 

Skills and Experience Required 

Essential 

● Strong communication and relationship-building skills. 

● Confidence approaching and speaking with people online or offline.

● A friendly, professional and respectful approach. 

● Good organisational and follow-up skills. 

● Self-motivated, proactive and reliable. 

● Comfortable following approved messaging and guidance. 

● Passion for helping others and creating a positive impact. 

● Willingness to represent Influential Stars appropriately. 

Desirable 

● Interest in digital marketing, communications, PR, business, events, charities or fundraising. 

● Experience in outreach, networking, promotions, community engagement, recruitment, customer service or business development. 

● Experience using social media for engagement or promotion.

● Confidence approaching businesses and community venues about displaying posters. 

● Existing connections with workplaces, universities, clubs, local businesses or community groups. 

● Experience as a student ambassador, brand ambassador, volunteer coordinator or event promoter. 

_________________________

Previous professional experience is not essential. Guidance, approved messaging, resources and a personalised referral poster will be provided. 

Working Arrangement 

● Fully remote volunteer position. 

● Flexible hours to fit around studies, employment and other commitments. ● Typical commitment of approximately 2–5 hours per week. 

● Freedom to focus on digital outreach, poster distribution, community networking or a combination. 

● Optional online and in-person team meetings. 

● Ongoing guidance and support from the Influential Stars team. 

Why Volunteer with Us? 

● Gain practical experience in outreach, networking and community growth. ● Develop communication, relationship-building and promotional skills. ● Gain experience using tracked referrals and offline marketing materials. ● Build confidence approaching businesses, organisations and potential supporters. 

● Strengthen your CV and LinkedIn profile. 

● Build your professional and community network. 

● Join a growing, mission-driven organisation. 

● Help people use their influence to raise funds and awareness for meaningful causes. 

Volunteer Benefits & Rewards 

This is currently a volunteer role, offering valuable experience and the opportunity to be part of Influential Stars as the platform grows. 

As a registered Collaborator, you may also be eligible for: 

● A £25 referral reward when a Collaborator you introduce goes on to refer a Creator who successfully completes their first qualifying campaign.

● A 5% Collaborator Thank You from Influential Stars’ platform share when a Creator you personally introduce successfully completes their first qualifying entry-based campaign. 

These payments are provided by Influential Stars and never reduce the guaranteed amount donated to the charity or personal cause. 

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Cannock.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process 

South Shields Memory Walk is back for 2026, and so are our amazing volunteering opportunities. Memory Walk is so much more than a sponsored walk. Every year thousands of people come together to remember and bring hope for a brighter future.  It will take a society to beat dementia and by volunteering at Memory Walk you can be a part of it.

This is a walk like no other; this is thousands of people walking for a better future for those with dementia. Join the volunteer team on Saturday 10th October at Bents Park in South Shields. 

There is something for everyone, with roles based in the event site and along the route. Be part of an unforgettable event experience as you cheer at a marshal point, follow the route as a back marker, sell some goodies or congratulate walkers with their finish line medal. You will have the opportunity to pair up with a friend or another volunteer and we’ll make sure you have everything you need! 

Sign up to volunteer at Memory Walk this October! 

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help cats. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances
• providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.