Social welfare volunteer roles

Are you passionate about animal welfare and skilled at creating engaging Instagram content?

IAPWA is looking for a talented Instagram Manager (Volunteer) to help us grow our audience on this platform, strengthen supporter engagement, and above all, develop this channel into a source of vital fundraising income.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience managing and growing Instagram accounts
• Can create high-quality, tailored content that aligns with our brand and mission
• Understands how to drive engagement and build online communities
• Is enthusiastic about using social media to make a real impact for animals in need

We’re ideally looking for someone who can fully manage this channel as their own project, offering a small amount of time each day to post, respond, and engage with our audience. As social media and fundraising are dynamic and fast-moving, this regular attention will help us build momentum and maximise opportunities for growth.

This is a fantastic opportunity to use your creative and strategic skills to support a global animal welfare charity and make a difference to the lives of so many animals in need.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.  The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development 
• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting 
• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust 
• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community 
• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

We are looking for a male mentor volunteer to provide guidance, support, and inspiration to young boys in our Brent Domestic Abuse Service. You will act as a positive role model by offering a listening ear for challenges, helping build social connections, and developing life skills like self-esteem, respecting others, and decision-making. This role requires empathy, reliability, and a commitment to a positive, non-judgmental approach. If you would like to make a difference, get in touch!

Hestia provides holistic, one-to-one support in our refuges and the community. Our refuge services are for women and children, offering a safe place to stay and vital emotional and practical support.

Outside of our refuges, most of our support services are accessible by anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, including men.

In the last year, 3,855 women and children were supported by Hestia to recover from domestic abuse.

Anyone can experience domestic abuse, at any point in their life, regardless of their background, age, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. However, it is a gendered crime, with women being three times more likely to be victims.

We help people understand what domestic abuse is and develop the knowledge, skills and tools they need to protect themselves, stay safe and leave a relationship, if and when they’re ready to do so.

What you will be doing

• Build a trusting relationship with a young boy by being a supportive, compassionate, and empathetic friend and role model
• Help the young person identify and work toward personal and academic goals
• Provide guidance and support on challenges the young boy faces, helping them consider various options and make positive life choices
• Support the young person in developing positive life skills and problem-solving abilities
• Assist in making social connections within the local community or through other positive activities and groups

The skills you need

• Ability to listen effectively and non-judgmentally
• A genuine desire to support young people and an ability to understand their needs and concerns
• Willingness to serve as a positive example and share experiences, if appropriate
• A commitment to working with the young person over a sustained period to foster growth and positive change

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 - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Are you a qualified Yoga Instructor who would enjoy facilitating weekly sessions to help individuals with their general well-being. This is an opportunity for you to share techniques with others.

Practicing yoga has been shown to increase mindfulness not just in class session, but in other areas of a person's life.

What you will be doing

• Design session plans enabling all group members to increase fitness, suppleness and help them relax
• Teach the group yoga postures and breathing techniques which allow a range of mixed ages and abilities to participate
• Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group activities where possible and encourage the group to help design future sessions
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Skilled and qualified Yoga Instructor
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

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 - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Join our choir as a Guitarist Volunteer, contributing your musical talents to enhance our rehearsals and performances! Your role will support in creating a lively atmosphere, allowing our choir to deliver unforgettable performances! Sessions take place every Thursday from 3-4pm, if you are available and would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you!

What you will be doing

• Accompany choir members during rehearsals and performances with live guitar music.
• Collaborate with choir members to select appropriate songs.
• Engage with other volunteers and service users, creating a positive and supportive environment.

The skills you need

• Experience in playing the guitar, either personally, professionally.
• Experience with a variety of music genres
• Strong communication and collaborative skills

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

Do you have a passion for knitting and would like to share your skills with others? We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Knitting Volunteer to facilitate a Knitting group in one of our Domestic Abuse refuges. Knitting is good way to relieve stress, increase confidence and create a sense of purpose.

What you will be doing

• Supporting others to improve their knitting and crochet skills and adhere to all abilities
• Facilitate a fun and enjoyable interactive group
• Maintain strict confidentiality and good working relationships

The skills you need

• Good interpersonal & communication skills to give instructions clearly to service user
• Kind and patient nature
• Interest and experience in knitting and Crochet
• Helpful and motivating attitude with a supportive 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

Make a difference by providing company and conversation to an older person in Croydon. Our Befriending service supports older adults by alleviating loneliness and isolation, supporting independence, and increasing self-confidence, by making weekly or fortnightly visits to a client living in the borough of Croydon.

Befriender - In Person

Duties:
• Providing companionship to clients in their home, sharing a cup of tea
• Other activities mutually agreed by both the volunteer and client, such as reading together, or helping with post, and within the Befriending Programme’s guidelines
• Maintaining records of client visits and sending those to the Befriending Coordinator on a regular basis
• Accompanying client out for a walk or to the shop if they are sufficiently able
• Accompanying client to weekly activities or social clubs to support client’s
independence
• Escorting clients to GP/hospital appointments as needed
• Adherence to Age UK Croydon’s policies and procedures, including Confidentiality and Safeguarding
Skills Required:
• Good listening and communication skills
• An open-minded and non-judgemental attitude
• An understanding and awareness of issues faced by older adults
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries

Befriender - Telephone

Duties:
• Providing companionship to clients by telephone for a chat
• Maintaining records of telephone calls to clients and sending those to the Befriending
Coordinator on a regular basis

Skills Required:
• Good listening and communication skills
• An open-minded and non-judgemental attitude
• An understanding and awareness of issues faced by older adults
• Adherence to Age UK Croydon’s policies and procedures, including Confidentiality and
Safeguarding
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries

Volunteer Role: Trusts and Foundations

We were set up to transform the former Edward Hain hospital, in St Ives, Cornwall, into a community centre for health and wellbeing. The hospital was founded in 1920, with funds from the Cornish Hain Steamship Company. When it closed n 2021, our community, led by the hospital’s League of Friends, came together to save the building for the town. Now it brings together much needed health and wellbeing services, along with social, community and welfare support, all under one roof.

About the role

We are looking for volunteers to help us raise funds from Trusts and Foundations. Grants, such the one we secured from National Lottery, already help keep us open all year. Although previous experience in grant writing would be welcomed, it is absolutely not required. More important are your enthusiasm and desire to help local people. ideally, you will be able to volunteer at least one or two days a month on a regular basis and preferably have access to a computer.

What’s involved?

· Drafting and submitting funding applications with help and support from our team.

· Working with other volunteers and staff to identify new funding opportunities.

· Researching grant-making bodies, trusts, and foundations that can fund the Centre.

The role will suit you if you

· Are comfortable with a computer.

· Have good written communication skills.

· Want to help local residents thrive.

· Can pay attention to detail and follow funder guidelines.

We will support you with

· An induction to volunteering for Edward Hain

· Training and briefings on how trusts and foundations fundraising.

· Coaching on how to draft and submit applications, supported with tools and templates.

• Occasional meetings at the Centre with other volunteers and staff.

We are looking for up to five regular volunteers. There is also an opportunity for significant coaching and development for those interested in pursuing jobs in this field in the longer term and wanting to use this role to develop the necessary skills. For more information contact:

Claire Jefferies Community Hub Officer

Are you musical? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through music?

Music plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that it can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in music-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now.

You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final music pieces!

We are recruiting for a volunteer to support and facilitate a Music Group.

What you will be doing

• To prepare music sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their musical skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of Music either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan a music group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature
• Ability to handle individuals with complex needs and work with a person-centred 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

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?

Art plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that crafting, regardless of the medium you use can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in art-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now. You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products!

We are recruiting for a volunteer to support and facilitate an art and craft group.

Hestia has a variety of different services that support people across London and the South East. These services support people that are struggling with their mental health, are victims of Domestic Abuse or Modern Slavery, and more. Join our team of volunteers who play a vital role in what we do!

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature

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

The RAF Benevolent Fund runs groups in the community for members of the RAF Family who have diagnosed and undiagnosed memory loss with the aim of enhancing their wellbeing through social contact and reminiscence. The groups are a very relaxed and fluid environment where the volunteers will mostly find themselves talking socially with the beneficiaries as a group or individually and helping with refreshments. Volunteers provide additional social contact across the group where benecificaries may be new to the group or find the group aspect more difficult. By listening to the beneficiaries, volunteers can also find out about any further welfare needs an individual may have, and signpost them to additional services via fund staff.

To support the running of the reminiscence group, volunteers are asked to:

· Welcome beneficiaries as they arrive, helping them settle in and start up social conversations.

· Support with the sign up forms for anyone who is new to the group.

· Listen to beneficiaries about any welfare needs they may have and either signpost them to additional Fund services (if known) and pass the information on to staff members to follow up.

·   Assist with refreshments for the group where needed.

Skills needed for this role include:

· Approachable

· Proactive

· Empathetic and thoughtful

· Flexible to the needs of others

(Some experience communicating with people living with dementia is preferable but not essential) 

Are you passionate about making a difference and shaping the future for young lives? Are you a professional interested in developing your own mentoring skills? Mentoring can be a rewarding way to ‘give back’ and share your experiences with someone who could really benefit from hearing an informed, consistent and fresh perspective…possibly something they haven’t had before.

We’re delivering ‘Developing Futures’ a funded 12-week e-mentoring programme for young people aged between 18-24 years from ethnic minority backgrounds and facing mental health challenges, in the London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow and Haringey.

What you will be doing

• Motivate, guide and support service users towards the achievement of positive goals.
• Support service users with exploring careers, identifying and setting goals, developing contacts, and identifying resources.
• Promote and develop a positive relationship

The skills you need

• Good listening and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries
• To be consistent in attendance

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 - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for our service users to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?

At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.

We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.

We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.

What you will be doing

• Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
• To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
• Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
• Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
• Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
• Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
• Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities

The skills you need

• A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
• Calm and patient approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

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

Could you be a star baker, master chef or perhaps you simply enjoy baking or cooking! We are recruiting for a volunteer to join our team supporting individuals to learn new recipes together as a group.

Baking and cooking helps to relax, get creative and indulge in our senses. Often, it can spark nostalgia and helps us to recreate positive experiences or memories. Inspire and motivate people in our services to do something that brings joy, an opportunity to learn new skills whilst connecting with others over sharing baked goods and delicious meals.

What you will be doing

• Research and plan new recipes for cooking/baking sessions in collaboration with the group each week
• Encourage individuals to participate in the sessions and delegate cooking tasks
• Support individuals to shop for ingredients needed for the session
• Support individuals each week in setting up for the sessions and tidying away afterwards
• Encourage individuals to participate in all aspects of the planning and attendance
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Food Safety Certificate/knowledge or willingness to complete relevant training
• Passion and knowledge of healthy eating and cooking
• Ability to engage, encourage and motivate individuals to participate in sessions
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere

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 - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.