Social group volunteer volunteer roles in merton, 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!
Role Description:
This role sits within our Men’s Minds project, based in Hounslow. The aim of the service is to improve men’s mental health outcomes by developing a mental health network supported and directed by the voices of its members.
This will be achieved through three service strands: 1) Peer support network, 2) Psychoeducation workshops, addressing common needs of men’s mental health 3) Outreach support to raise awareness of men’s mental health and promote this service.
The role of the Peer Volunteer will be to support the Project Coordinator with developing and delivering various workshops and events. You will also take the lead in developing peer led support. Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face in a group basis to individuals who may have challenging life experiences.
At the start of the placement you will be in weekly training sessions and shadow mental health groups with the general public. Over time you would develop skills to run these groups and using your own interests create workshops for these service users. We would be keen to work with you to develop your own interests related to this project such as marketing, fundraising or strategy.
This volunteer position tends to attract students training in psychology, counselling and or social work. However, we would welcome your application should you be able to demonstrate a keen interest in this field.
Our timetable which you would be working within is:
Walk and Talk: Tuesdays 2-3.30pm
A chat and some fresh air in a loop around Inwood Park.
Men’s Support Group: Tuesdays 6-8pm
A deeper chance to share your experiences and needs.
Homeless Support: Thursdays 9.30-11am
Based at Trinity Church
Lunchtime Coffee: Thursdays 2-3.30pm
Come meet us in our space, bring food if you like.
We are looking for volunteers who:
- Identify as male
- Can learn new skills quickly and are passionate in motivating themselves and others.
- Have lived experience of mental health challenges
- Are a non-judgemental and friendly individual
- To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
- To feel comfortable engaging with people with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk
- Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding mental health
- Are willing to tap into their lived experiences and use their stories to inspire hope in others when appropriate
- Are comfortable with co-producing and co-facilitating peer led workshops
- To assist the Project Coordinator with admin and planning
- Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity. We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role.
We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.
To apply, please send your CV and expression of interest addressing the below answers
Please tell us why you would like to volunteer at Men’s Minds at HFEH Mind? (minimum 50 words)
Please share any relevant skills or experience you have for the role, particularly in counselling or mental health skills. This may include education, work or voluntary experience (minimum 100 words)
We’re here to make sure that everyone suffering with a mental health problem gets the help they need to recover.




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!
Fundraising team leader volunteer
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
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 team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
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:
· supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
· planning fundraising events and activities with your team
· allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
· keeping financial records 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 team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
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.
Applicants will be requested to complete an application form, with references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


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!
Fundraising volunteer
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
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 volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!
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
This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:
- face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
- online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
- marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
- completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
Time expectation
This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!
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
Applicants will be asked to complete and application and provide details for two references
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


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!
Fundraising volunteer
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
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 volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!
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
This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:
- face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
- online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
- marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
- completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
Time expectation
This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!
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
Applicants will be required to complete an application form, with references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


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!
Fundraising volunteer
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
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 volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!
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
This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:
- face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
- online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
- marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
- completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
Time expectation
This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!
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
Applicants will be requested to complete an application for and provide two references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


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!
Meditation can give us a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both our emotional wellbeing and overall health. Do you have experience in delivering meditation sessions and would like to give back your time to support people in crisis?
The hustle and bustle of everyday life can leave us feeling tired and burnt out. People in our services are feeling this more than ever and would benefit from learning mindfulness techniques and strategies. It is important for us to pay more attention to the present moment, our own thoughts, feelings and the world around us as it is known to support and improve our mental wellbeing, sleep, and increase our overall happiness.
What you will be doing
- Facilitate a weekly online meditation session in a small group
- Plan each session and identify any items needed for the Meditation sessions.
- Lead on the logistics and set up of the session alongside the staff team.
- Inspire and motivate people using the services to attend.
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team.
The skills you need
- Have an interest in quizzes
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
- Good communication skills
- Calm and patient approach
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.




Volunteer Opportunity: Join Our Helpline Team!
Are you a healthcare professional—or nearing qualification—and looking for a meaningful way to give back?
The Brain & Spine Foundation is looking for three Health Professionals to join our trusted national Helpline as volunteers.
Our Helpline offers a safe, supportive space where individuals and families living with neurological conditions can receive practical and emotional guidance. Run by experienced neuroscience nurses, we handled over 2,500 enquiries in 2024 alone. Now, we’re growing—and we would love your help.
The Brain & Spine Foundation provides professional information and support for every one of the 600+ neurological conditions affecting 1 in 6 people.





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!
What is the Access Advisory Group?
We want to be able to share the Royal Air Force (RAF) story with everyone, including those living with all kinds of disability, visible or hidden. Our Access Advisory Group is a group of volunteers who meet to support and advise the RAF Museum to ensure access for all. Examples of previous areas of group input include new exhibitions to commemorate the centenary of the RAF and the access information available on our website.
What will I be doing?
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Attending meetings a few times a year, which you can opt to attend either online or on site,
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Giving the Museum your opinion and advice on matters relating to access,
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Contributing to tangible improvements and changes at RAF Museum London.
This role is perfect for you if you…
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Live/have lived with a disability or have an understanding of living with a disability, or live with dementia or are supporting/have supported someone living with dementia,
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Have an interest in museums and a commitment to making museums accessible,
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Have the ability and willingness to use your experience to help us improve access throughout the Museum,
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Are committed to attending three meetings per year either online or at the RAF Museum in Hendon.
How much time would I need to commit?
The group meets three times per year (on dates agreed in advance). You can opt to attend on site or online. Meetings last for approximately two hours and are usually held during Museum opening times (10am – 5pm). We may also send occasional emails asking for advice and opinions.
Generally meetings are held every four months. Our address in London is Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL.
What happens next?
Once you have completed the form to show your interest, we will email you with the date of the next meeting. Having attended this meeting, you could then decide if this group is for you.
Expectations
- Attend three meetings per year
Benefits
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Help heritage to be accessible to all,
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Become part of a great team of volunteers and staff,
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Gain behind-the-scenes experience within the heritage sector,
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Discover more about the history of the RAF,
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25% discount at our retail outlets and café,
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Free access to flight simulator, 4D and virtual reality experiences,
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Travel expenses reimbursed up to £14.50 per day, in line with our policy,
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Free entry to a wide range of museums and heritage sites across the UK.
Contact
Please apply by clicking the Apply Now button on this page.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Board of Trustees.
Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core service and increase the number of women we can support into work by dressing and coaching women for interview and job success.
The time commitment for this voluntary, unpaid role is an average of a day a month, with more time given at busy periods of the year. There will be a requirement to attend board meetings, with some trustees also sitting on subcommittees that meet around 4 times a year. In addition, there are events to attend and occasional additional duties to support our wider work.
If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Smart Works mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you.
Please see the job pack attached for full details and apply via the portal by 31st July 2025.
We exist to give unemployed women the clothing, coaching and confidence they need to succeed at interview and get the job.




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!
Music has long been held as an effective and soothing way to help relieve stress and improve mental health. Do you have a passion for playing the guitar and would like to teach others?
Playing a guitar in a group allows for time to focus on the here and now, providing total mindfulness. This enables us to forget about the past or our future worries for a while, providing time without any distractions!
Support others to learn to play chords and push their worries to the back of their mind and an opportunity to engage with people that have a similar interest!
What you will be doing
- To facilitate guitar lessons for beginners on a 1:1 basis
- Plan each session, in collaboration with those you are supporting
- Lead on logistics and organisation of the sessions alongside the staff team
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
The skills you need
- Experience teaching playing a guitar and the ability to teach at beginner level
- Good communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
- Calm and patient approach
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.




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!
Rideshare Group
Rideshare Group is a network of niche carpooling platforms designed to reduce carbon emissions, increase transport accessibility, and foster stronger community connections.
Mobility Rideshare Football Rideshare Mountain Rideshare Festival Rideshare Surf Rideshare
By enabling people with empty seats in their vehicles to easily share rides with others travelling to the same destination, we directly address issues of sustainability, affordability, and social inclusion.
Our platform serves diverse communities — from outdoor enthusiasts (Mountain Rideshare, Surf Rideshare), to sports fans (Football Rideshare), to cultural event participants (Festival Rideshare). In addition, we actively work to include passengers with mobility challenges or disabilities who often face limited transport options, particularly in rural or underserved areas. By making carpooling more accessible for disabled individuals, we help remove barriers to social participation, employment, healthcare, and recreation.
Beyond the environmental benefits of reducing single-occupancy vehicle use and lowering CO₂ emissions, Rideshare Group contributes to more affordable, inclusive, and sustainable transportation solutions that strengthen both local and regional communities across Europe.
Driving alone is inefficient, expensive, and unsustainable.
70%+ of car journeys in the EU/UK are single-occupancy Rising fuel costs and climate concerns
Public transport often doesn’t reach remote destinations like mountains, festivals, or surf spots
Safety concerns and lack of trust in generic carpooling options
Rideshare Group A family of COMMUNITY SPECIFIC carpooling platforms designed to connect like-minded travellers with shared destinations… SUSTAINABLY!
Looking forward to connecting with people who would help DRIVE the Rideshare project forward!
Grants and Funding Specialist
Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)
Research and identify relevant grant and funding opportunities to support our mission.
Write compelling grant proposals, manage submissions, and build relationships with funders.
Work closely with our founder to align proposals with the Rideshare Group’s social impact goals in sustainability, mobility accessibility (including disabled access), and community-building.
Weekly Time Commitment
7-9 hours per week
Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)
3-5 months
We connect professionals with impact startups matching their causes, skills & schedule.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
This role supports Aspire’s commitment to healing, dignity and community resilience. Volunteers help facilitate or support creative and wellbeing activities that foster connection, confidence and recovery
Ending Single Homelessness in Redbridge and Beyond


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!
Fundraising events helper
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes 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:
· help set up and/or man stalls at events
· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events
Time expectation
This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.
We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.
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.
Applicants will be required to complete an application from, with two references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


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!
Who are we?
Switchboard LGBTQIA+ exists to provide members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as their friends, family and those supporting them, with a listening service that they can contact via phone, instant message and email between the hours of 10am to 10pm every day.
We are happy to talk to service users about any topic they wish. Topics we often talk to service users about include: sexual health, safer sex, relationships, coming-out, gender identity, transitioning, mental health, experiences of hate crimes, support for meeting other LGBTQIA+ people and making friends, and much more.
However, we want to also be upfront and transparent about the fact that not all of our conversations are positive or constructive. Our volunteers can also be exposed to abuse from the public, manipulative callers, sexual fantasies and safeguarding concerns.
Training for POC volunteers
At Switchboard we are working to ensure that our volunteer membership reflects everyone within the LGBTQIA+ community. We want service users to be able to speak with volunteers who can empathise with their experiences and volunteers to connect with folks from a wide range of different backgrounds, cultures and identities.
To help enable us to do this even more, we have created brand new dedicated training groups for different identities within the LGBTQIA+ community.
This group training group is specifically set up for people of colour. By joining this group, you'll undertake our Core Acceptance Training programme which equips you with the skills needed to support those contacting us via phone and instant message. Our hope is that this safe space enables you to freely ask questions, put our listening toolkit into practice and discuss approaches to different scenarios in an engaging, enjoyable way.
Who are we looking for?
To ensure we can provide a high quality service to those who contact us, we are looking for volunteers who:
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Simply put, like communicating and chatting with other people (you’re most likely a people-person who feels energised by this type of communication)
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Feel comfortable taking calls and speaking over the phone to people you do not already know
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Are familiar with different instant messaging platforms (such as WhatsApp and other chat tools) and the types of communication they might receive
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Are able to read between the lines to decipher messages
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Are good listeners who let others lead conversations and instead create the space they need
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Are able to ask broad, open questions to keep conversations flowing
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Understand the importance of using the right tone when communicating in writing, and are able to flex their writing style to suit different people
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Have a strong attention to detail, with a particular focus on spelling and grammar
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Are able to evaluate sources of information and identify those that can be trusted, from those that cannot
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Know when to challenge and when to step back
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Have essential digital literacy skills (such as using email tools such as gmail and outlook, search the web for information and copy and paste website URLs)
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Understand and support our mission
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Have an awareness of the challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community
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Are empathetic in nature
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Agree to uphold our values of being non-directive and non-judgemental
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.