Social work volunteer volunteer roles

Recruitment blurb

The Vavengers is looking to expand its Board of Trustees.  We are The Vavengers. We are a women and survivor-led movement working to end FGM and intersecting Violence Against Women and Girls. We campaign, convene and connect to end Gender-Based Violence.

As a led by and for movement, we encourage female candidates and candidates who have lived experience of Gender-Based Violence, migration, war and poverty to join our movement. 

The Vavengers is a proud Living Wage Employer, Certified Halo Workplace and member of the Sunflower Network for Hidden Disabilities.

The Vavengers Board

As Trustee terms come to an end, we are seeking a number of new Board members. We are a small charity, and our Board provides a vital role in supporting the CEO, including providing specialist expertise in areas such as fundraising, Human Resources, charity/donor finance, events and volunteer management. We are also seeking specific Legal, Treasurer and Co-Chair roles (see below).      

All Trustee Candidates must have 

• Personal integrity, sound judgement and a commitment to robust governance

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive, collaborative relationships

• A leadership style that reflects empathy, accountability and the values of The Vavengers, which underpin everything we do

• Strong commitment to social and racial justice, gender equality and ending all forms of Gender-Based Violence 

In return, we will provide you with a comprehensive induction and the opportunity to work with an extraordinary team of staff, ambassadors and volunteers, to gain experience in a governance role and to contribute towards the goal of ending FGM and intersecting violence everywhere. 

Time commitment:  As a Trustee, you will commit to attending 4 Board meetings per year and providing ad hoc support if required between meetings. You will leverage your professional networks to support the goals of the charity. 

The Vavengers Co-Chair designate

The Vavengers has recently transitioned to a Co-Chair approach to better support our small but dedicated team, and in recognition of the heightened risk of isolation and burnout in small charities. This dual-leadership model allows the Co-Chairs to prioritise staff well-being and offer more robust, active support to The Vavengers staff.  Our Co-Chairs and CEOs work as close partners, using frequent, informal check-ins to ensure rapid decision-making and a collaborative culture.

One of our Co-Chairs will step down in the coming months; therefore, The Vavengers is seeking a new Trustee to join the Board and step into the Co-Chair role.  A full handover will be provided.

The Co-Chair will:

• Co-led the Board of Trustees, planning and chairing meetings, setting agendas and ensuring all trustees contribute to effective and inclusive decision-making

• Ensure the Board meets the highest standards of governance and compliance in line with charity law and Charity Commission requirements.

• Lead the board in setting the charity’s strategic direction and monitoring implementation of The Vavengers ' 3-year strategic plan, which was launched in July 2025

• Support the CEO, acting as a critical friend and leading the CEO’s annual appraisal process.

• Oversee Trustee recruitment and ensure Board effectiveness through regular performance review.s

• Represent the charity in external forums, as directed by the CEO

The ideal candidate will bring integrity, diplomacy and emotional intelligence to this Co-Chair role.  They will have previous Board experience, ideally as a Chair or Vice-Chair and a strong understanding of charity governance and the distinction between governance and operational management.  They will have a proven ability to build strong relationships with the CEO, fellow trustees, staff, volunteers and external stakeholders.  They should have experience in navigating risk and uncertainty at the organisational and sector level.  They must be committed to building an open, collegiate co-leadership relationship with their Co-Chair.

Time commitment:  The role involves working with your Co-Chair and CEO to prepare and deliver 4 Board meetings per year, regular check-ins with the CEO, routine check-ins with Trustees, a strong partnership and open communication with your Co-Chair to divide tasks and ensure The Vavengers team is supported.  One Board meeting per year will be in person.  All other Board meetings will be via Google Meet. 

The Vavengers Treasurer

We are seeking a Treasurer to join the Board and oversee financial governance. The Treasurer will:

• Provide strategic financial support to the CEO

• Establish and chair a new Audit and Risk sub-committee

• Monitor financial performance, ensuring appropriate controls and compliance are in place and advising on risk.

The ideal candidate will be a senior finance professional with strong experience in governance, audit and risk. Candidates should be comfortable operating at the Board level, providing constructive challenge and communicating financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues. Knowledge of charity finance and the SORP would be an advantage, but is not essential.  

A full handover will be provided by our current Treasurer, who is stepping down in the summer. 

Time commitment:  The role involves Board meetings 4 times per year, Finance Committee meetings 4 times per year and some ad hoc support between meetings.  One Board meeting per year will be in person.  All other Board meetings will be via Google Meet. 

The Vavengers, Legal Trustee

We are seeking a legal trustee for the Vavengers Board.  The legal trustee will already have or will be willing to develop a strong understanding of charity governance and will be eager to grow and amplify the charity’s significant public advocacy work.   

The right candidate would bring professional legal experience from one or more areas relevant to our work, which may include human rights, immigration and asylum, media and communication, employment and equality, defamation, risk management, compliance and data protection.  Experience in charity law and governance would be an advantage, but is not essential.

A full handover will be provided by our current Legal Trustee, who is stepping down in the summer. 

Time commitment:  The role involves Board meetings 4 times per year, with additional meetings should the Trustee join one of the charity’s committees.  Some ad hoc support may be required between meetings.  One Board meeting per year will be in person.  All other Board meetings will be via Google Meet. 

To apply

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter which answers the following questions:

• Why do you want to become a Trustee of The Vavengers

• What expertise and experience will you bring to the Vavengers Board

You can read full job descriptions at our website under get involved - join our board of trustees.

—

"When women and girls rise, we all thrive."

The Vavengers is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in England and Wales | Registration number: 1184202 | The Vavengers Headquarters: 59-60 Cornhill House, First Floor, London EC3V 3PD United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Whether you’re a jobseeker interested in a career in construction or woodwork, a student or recent college graduate seeking experience, or just someone with spare time on your hands, wanting to do something positive and meet new people, volunteering with the Touch Wood project at EMERGE 3Rs may be just the ticket!

Touch Wood is a wood recycling and upcycling initiative, which collects surplus and waste wood and timber and gives it a new lease of life, preventing it from being burned, chipped, or dumped in landfill.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Preparing wood for resale

* Assisting with the construction of wooden products, from small household items to pieces of furniture

Our Touch Wood volunteers are able to gain skills in practical woodworking, as we offer hands-on experience of working with reclaimed timber; from making basic lumber products ready for resale, through to assisting with the creation of bespoke items, such as kitchen equipment and home and garden furniture.

Full training in woodworking and health and safety is provided, along with Personal Protection Equipment.
Capped reimbursement of expenses is awarded for lunches and travel, where applicable.

The UK generates around 5 million tonnes of wood waste every year, but less than 1% is reused. Touch Wood rescues waste timber that would otherwise be landfilled or turned into woodchip; creating jobs and training opportunities for disadvantaged local people at the same time. We collect from construction sites, industrial estates and other commercial sources, reclaiming everything from pallets to indoor cycle tracks – you name it, we take it! Anything we can’t reuse is locally recycled, so nothing goes to waste. This reduces the carbon emissions associated with disposing of waste wood, offers cost savings for DIY enthusiasts, and provides training and job potential to volunteers in the workshop. Some of the timber we work with comes from high profile sources, including the entire track of the Manchester Velodrome cycling centre and wood removed in the recent refurbishment of Manchester’s historic Town Hall!

Our skilled team of staff and volunteers often use reclaimed timber to create beautiful and practical products, such as home and garden furniture. We regularly create bespoke pieces to order; some of it for famous clients like Olympic cycling champions Jason and Laura Kenny, for whom we made a table from the Manchester Velodrome track.

Please be advised that our volunteers require a fair level of physical fitness and manual dexterity as the role is entirely practical.

Our Touch Wood workshop and wood store is open Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 4pm.
We occupy a unit at Maynard House, inside New Smithfield Market, in Openshaw, North Manchester, which is accessed from the main entrance on Whitworth Street East (off Ashton Old Road). The site is served well by buses, and we have free parking onsite, as well as secure storage racks for pushbikes.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

Ready to make a difference to a young person's life? Team Up is seeking dynamic volunteers to help transform the lives of disadvantaged pupils by improving their grades and building confidence in their learning.

We are recruiting inspirational role models who will tutor English or Maths once a week on one of our 10-12 week online programmes, starting in September 2026. 

You will be matched to a small group of care-experienced pupils who need extra support to reach their full academic potential. Equipped with full training and detailed lesson plans, you will provide them with the academic support, encouragment and inspiration they need to get back on track. Our tuition programmes aim to build not just academic strength, but confidence and positivity towards learning as well. 

All our volunteer tutors receive full training and support from a programme manager throughout the programme. . 

Practical Considerations:

• Our online programme runs on Tuesday afternoons from 17:00 till 18:00.
• The start date is mid-September (date TBC)
• Sessions are 60 minutes and take place via Teams. Tutors are expected to be online 15 minutes prior to their session. There is a 15-minute debrief with your progarmme manager after each session.
• This role requires you to undergo a free of charge enhanced DBS check, arranged by Team Up.

We are looking for:

• Strong grades in English or Maths
• Experience working with young people
• Committed, organised and patient individuals 
• Good interpersonal skills when dealing with pupils
• Individuals who are passionate about helping to reduce the education attainment gap and improve social mobility

Our volunteers love building a rapport with each pupil, seeing pupil growth, and personal confidence increase across the 12- week programme. By the end of the programme, you will see how the support you give has enabled a young person to not only improve their grades, but also build long term resilience. 

Alongside this meaningful experience, you will also be able to attend our online employability seminars, as well as receiving a personalised reference upon completion of the programme.

We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.

Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem. 

About the volunteer role

To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:

• Stock preparation volunteer
• Volunteer shop sales assistant
• Volunteer stock generation assistant
• Volunteer window dresser/Merchandiser
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
• Housekeeping volunteer

Key tasks

There is a variety of tasks within the above mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers with their purchases, providing them with great customer service and a delightful shopping experience
• Receiving donated items from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
• Creating visually appealing window and in-store displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, clean and coordinated
• Processing sales and serving at the till
• Signing up gift aid donors
• Stock rotation
• Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock

About you

• Passionate about customer service 
• Good communication skills 
• Friendly and helpful
• Respectful of others and their diversity

Experience & skills you will gain

• Experience of working as part of a team
• Retail experience 
• Stock organisation
• Selling skills 
• Customer service skills 

Our Commitment

We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

Are you passionate about creating inclusive, anti-sectarian, and empowering spaces for Muslims?

Inclusive Mosque Initiative is looking for a Chair of Trustees to help lead our mission forward.

The Chair provides visionary and strategic leadership to the Board 
of Trustees of IMI, ensuring effective governance, accountability, and alignment with IMI’s 
mission to create inclusive, safe, and inter-sectarian spaces for Muslim worship, learning, and 
community building. This pivotal role supports the organisation’s growth and impact while 
fostering a values-driven, accessible, and collaborative board culture.

Why Join the Board?

• Be a Changemaker: Help steer a mosque committed to justice, inclusion, and community.
• Use Your Skills for Good: Whether your expertise is finance, governance, community engagement, or advocacy, your contribution will help us grow.
• Grow and Learn: Access free training in governance, leadership, and social justice while working alongside passionate Muslim leaders.
• Shape the Future: Play a pivotal role in guiding IMI’s growth, from expanding community programs to strengthening our financial sustainability.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome Trustees who:

• Are Muslim.
• Are passionate about IMI’s Core Values and mission.
• Bring diverse professional and lived experience and skills to strengthen the Board.
• Are ready to collaborate, challenge, and support in a dedicated team.

To apply, see the role description packs and fill in the online form

If you want to have a governing role in a charity that is dedicated to having a lasting impact on the lives of marginalised young people, we’d like to hear from you!

To learn more about The Outrunners, what we are looking for from new Trustees, and what to expect from the role, please read on: 

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About The Outrunners

The Outrunners support young people to get outdoors, get moving, and build the futures they want - all through the power of running, movement and community. Our vision is a London where everyone is included and no one is left behind. 

The young people we work with have incredible talent, creativity and energy - but they don’t get the opportunities they need because of deep structural disadvantages, whether that’s racism, sexism or financial inequality.

We harness the collective energy of the running world to change that: helping young people to access fun and accessible running sessions. We help to improve their physical and mental health, their confidence, and their teamwork skills. But that’s just the beginning. The Youth Practitioners who work with our young people are not just coaches but trusted mentors and role models, helping to keep them on the right path. And our Outrunners Youth Hub is not just a room for bag drop but a specially designed space for young people to hang out before a session, play games, read comics, eat healthy snacks, or try to beat us at table tennis! We also use our brand partnerships to provide work experience opportunities, giving young people that all-important foot in the door and setting them up for bright futures.

We also run two unique marathon and half-marathon training Academies - there is a Youth Academy for young people aged 16-21 as well as a Women’s Academy for ethnically diverse women. We bring people together who have never run long-distance before, help foster a supportive community crew, and give them the skills, kit, coaching and confidence to cross that finish line and realise that they can do whatever they set their minds to - and that running belongs to them, too. 

Driven by young people themselves, we are building a community that moves together: removing barriers to participation in running and movement; building connections in London’s diverse neighbourhoods; creating pathways to help young people achieve their ambitions; and driving change to tackle disadvantage and make running truly inclusive. Last year, we supported over 1,150 young people across our programmes. 

In the 8 years that The Outrunners has existed, we have rapidly caught the attention of the running world and have grown quickly, thanks to the impactful support of major brands, races, the wider running world and the philanthropic and community sectors. We now have significant partnerships with Nike, Moju and Precision Fuel & Hydration that are taking us to the next level.

We have an experienced team, a growing basis of dedicated supporters, connections in the running and sports world, and a strong income pipeline for 2026/27.

Charity Number: 1189583

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About our Leadership Team and Board of Trustees

Leadership Team:

• Tyler Williams-Green
  Role: Founder and CEO
  Background: Tyler has 19 years of experience of working in the charity sector and is an experienced Youth Practitioner. He has worked with vulnerable young people helping to address a wide range of complex issues, from mental health through to housing. He has the lived experience of being a Black man growing up in London and currently lives in Hackney. He has been CEO of The Outrunners for 8 years. 

• Laura Murphy
  Role: Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor
  Background: Laura has 16 years of experience working in Marketing with a variety of audiences, including young people. She is currently the head of Brand, Marketing and Communication at Girlguiding.

Trustees:

• Daniel Burnand - Commercial Real Estate Partner at international law firm BCLP.

• Rachel Soloman - Head of Community Investment at Peabody, one of the largest and most established housing associations in the UK. 

• Lauren Baker - VP Financial Planning & Analysis Exec at AMC Networks with an Executive MBA and Big Four finance experience.

• Hamid Vaghefian - Communities & DEI Director and Social Community Engagement Specialist at London Marathon Events.

• Sam Browne - Co-Founder and CEO of Let’s Do This, one of the biggest running events onboarding platform.

• Simon Wharton - Retired Ex-CIO at BP and volunteer for several sports organisations.

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Why do we need new Trustees?

We are at the next stage of our development and want to bring on board the expertise and skills that can support and guide our growth. With our strong partnership, increasing influence, and growing network of supporters, we have a major opportunity to grow our impact in the coming years. We currently have a broad range of skillsets from our existing Trustees, who have a wide range of professional backgrounds - including law, the charity sector, and sports organisation founders. As part of our ongoing development, we want to deepen the expertise of this dynamic team.

We want to ensure that The Outrunners are equipped to maximise this opportunity to support more young people and drive real structural change in the running world and beyond. 
 

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What do we need from our Trustees?

Trustees must be people with independent judgement, an ability to speak their mind, and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and networks to support The Outrunners.

Although not essential, we are particularly interested in Trustees with either of the following skills and experience: 

• Experience navigating periods of rapid growth and scaling, including providing governance over the internal infrastructure required to do this sustainably, and managing the risks this entails.

Beyond this, the things we need from our Trustees are:

• A passion for shaping a different future for young people and having a positive impact in local communities.

• An understanding of the challenges facing young people in Hackney, and an insight into how The Outrunners Charity can best add value to supporting the future generations around us. 

• The ability to support and guide our organisation’s learning and impact upon the community around us and to think strategically and creatively about the challenges and opportunities ahead.

• An understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures that will ensure the organisation is rigorous in its processes, ensuring the safety of the communities it engages with.

• Good listening skills and the ability to respect the opinions of others.

• Good understanding of the responsibilities required of a Trustee.

• Willingness to undertake any necessary training which we require of you.

We are not expecting applicants to have all of these qualities, and expect that the best candidates will come with some others. But we hope that our Trustees between them will be able to cover all of these key attributes and more.

Above all, you need to have genuine enthusiasm and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for the young people we work with by supporting and guiding our Chief Executive and The Outrunners’ passionate and committed staff and volunteers in their mission to better the lives of marginalised young people in Hackney.

Role Description/Responsibilities:

• Desirable - someone who has previous Trustee experience.

• Work with the existing board of Trustees and comply with the 6 main duties of being a Trustee which are:

1. Ensure your charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit

2. Comply with your charity’s governing document and the law

3. Act in your charity’s best interests

4. Manage your charity’s resources responsibly 

5. Act with reasonable care and skill

6. Ensure your charity is accountable

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What will you get from us?

The Board is committed to tackling the varied challenges of The Outrunners Charity. 

In return, you will be rewarded by:

• Contributing to making a real difference to the lives of young people in Hackney and beyond;

• Being part of a team of staff and volunteers made up of interesting, skilled experts and working closely with The Outrunners Charity's visionary Chief Executive;

• Receiving an in-depth induction and opportunities to attend a wide selection of events, with a focus on networking, sharing learning, and celebrating our community and organisational successes;

• Obtaining high-quality safeguarding training as well as a bespoke training programme aimed at understanding the needs of the young people that The Outrunners support; and

• Becoming part of the founding vision of a young and ambitious charity, which has multiple and well-respected local community links, and a chance to influence the direction in which this charity will be heading to.

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Time commitment expectations

Board members are expected to attend the four quarterly meetings and AGM, whilst also being flexible and responsive to unexpected changes. Our Board members are active ambassadors for The Outrunners Charity. This means attending and supporting events and taking opportunities to promote and develop the work of The Outrunners Charity through networks and contacts. We therefore ask that Board members commit about 2 days per year to The Outrunners Charity, on top of the four evening Board Meetings a year and an AGM.

The four essential board meetings are 3 hours long. Meetings are held at a date and time which is convenient for all, which is usually a weekday evening, and are held either online or in-person.

Minimum tenure for a Trustee is 2 years.

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Valuing inclusion

We currently have a very diverse leadership team and we welcome applications from people who are LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, people with mental and physical health conditions, and people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
 

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Next steps and what to expect

If you would like to put yourself forward as a potential Trustee please submit your CV and also complete the Trustee application form below, giving us a brief outline of why you are interested in the role and what you think you would bring to The Outrunners. The application form is available here:

TRUSTEE APPLICATION FORM: https://forms.gle/1rnGXDPKmfhHqKuc9

We don’t expect you to cover all the points about The Outrunners, or to respond line by line to this job pack, but we do want to hear how you will make a difference to our organisation and to the people we work with, if you become a Trustee.

We will be accepting applications until 11.59pm on Friday 10th July 2026.

Once we have reviewed the applications, we will follow up with an informal meeting or telephone call before inviting a small number of people to meet with our Chief Executive and current Trustees.

If you would like an informal discussion about these roles then please contact us via our website. 

For background information on The Outrunners Charity, please visit our website or our Instagram page.

You can find out more about being a Trustee and what it involves on the Charity Commission website.

Looking for a meaningful way to use your skills and make a real difference?

Devon & Cornwall Food Action is a volunteer-led charity turning surplus food into vital support for families across the region—and we’re looking for a Fundraising Lead to help us grow our impact.

About the role

As our Volunteer Fundraising Lead, you’ll play a central role in helping sustain and grow our work.

We collect surplus food from local businesses and turn it into weekly shopping for families facing food poverty—but to make that happen, we need funding to cover essentials like food top-ups, fuel, warehouse costs and equipment.

You’ll help build relationships, identify funding opportunities and support fundraising activities that keep everything running.

This is a flexible role with real ownership and the opportunity to shape how you contribute.

What you’ll be doing

• Building relationships with local businesses and supporters
• Identifying fundraising opportunities and income streams
• Supporting or developing grant applications
• Helping plan fundraising activities or events
• Contributing ideas to grow and sustain the charity

What you’ll gain

• The opportunity to use your experience for a meaningful cause
• Flexible volunteering that fits around your life
• A chance to make a lasting, visible impact in your local community
• Experience in charity fundraising, partnerships and strategy
• Being part of a friendly, supportive and purpose-driven team

What we’re looking for

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Organised, proactive and able to take initiative
• Interest in fundraising, business development or community engagement
• Friendly, reliable and motivated to make a difference

Previous fundraising experience is helpful but not essential—we welcome people with transferable skills and enthusiasm.

 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!

We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.

Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem. 

About the volunteer role

To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:

• Stock preparation volunteer
• Volunteer shop sales assistant
• Volunteer stock generation assistant
• Volunteer window dresser/Merchandiser
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
• Housekeeping volunteer

Key tasks

There is a variety of tasks within the above mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers with their purchases, providing them with great customer service and a delightful shopping experience
• Receiving donated items from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
• Creating visually appealing window and in-store displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, clean and coordinated
• Processing sales and serving at the till
• Signing up gift aid donors
• Stock rotation
• Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock

About you

• Passionate about customer service 
• Good communication skills 
• Friendly and helpful
• Respectful of others and their diversity

Experience & skills you will gain

• Experience of working as part of a team
• Retail experience 
• Stock organisation
• Selling skills 
• Customer service skills 

Our Commitment

We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

PR )Help us raise awareness, grow our community and bring more smiles to children across the UK.

Make a Smile is looking for a proactive, creative PR Officer to help share our story. If you enjoy communicating, building relationships and spotting opportunities, this role offers a meaningful way to make an impact.

What You’ll Do

• Seek out PR opportunities locally and nationally
• Build relationships with newspapers, radio, TV, university media and online platforms
• Pitch stories, arrange interviews and support chapters with media engagement
• Help organise university Instagram/TikTok takeovers and newsletter features
• Attend networking events and build connections with supporters and public figures
• Ensure our social media pages are high‑quality and on‑brand
• Work with the Website and Video Officers to share media features and create inspiring content
• Add interested contacts to our mailing list and help produce a monthly newsletter

Who This Role Suits

You don’t need formal PR experience - just enthusiasm and confidence. You’ll thrive if you:

• Enjoy writing, storytelling or creating content
• Feel comfortable reaching out to people and building relationships
• Are proactive and organised
• Have an interest in media, marketing, journalism or communications
• Want to gain experience in PR within a supportive charity environment
• Care about Make a Smile’s mission and want to help us reach more families

What You’ll Help Us Achieve

• Greater visibility for Make a Smile 
• Stronger volunteer recruitment and fundraising 
• Consistent, high‑quality branding across chapters
• More opportunities to showcase the impact of our work

Position Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career development professional to build hands-on experience in community fundraising and operational support. Based in the coastal town of Fort Dauphin, the Junior Fundraising and Operational Support Officer will play a key role in strengthening SEED’s community fundraising and supporting crowdfunding campaigns.

A core part of the role will be providing exceptional care to SEED’s community fundraisers, incoming staff and volunteers ensuring timely and professional communication. The postholder will lead volunteer and staff onboarding, supporting smooth and well-prepared arrivals in country, enhance communications and digital content, and assist with operational systems that underpin SEED’s work. 

The role will build strong relationships with schools, workplaces, running clubs, and community organisations in donor countries, supporting them to raise vital funds and awareness for SEED’s work. This will include identifying and researching new fundraising opportunities, stewarding community fundraising activities (such as bake sales and seasonal campaigns), and supporting fundraisers and volunteers to use third-party platforms effectively. 

Working within a collaborative national and international team, this is an office-based role with occasional field visits with opportunities to gain experience across fundraising, operations, and the realities of working in international development practice in a dynamic, cross-cultural environment. 

Title: Junior Fundraising and Operational Support Officer

Location: Fort Dauphin, Madagascar

Commitment: 12 months; Monday to Friday (35 hours a week)

Salary: Voluntary position, with local monthly stipend towards accommodation and a contribution of £650 towards insurance

About the Role 

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. We aim to increase inclusion and representation for the disabled community across society. We have several different services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails and more. 

As we continue to grow, we are on a mission to make finding and accessing information around everything to do with disability easier. Hence, we're putting together a brand-new team of volunteers who are passionate about content and using the power of social media for good

Who Are We Looking For?

·Someone who is passionate about our mission of inclusion, representation, and belonging.

·Having social media skills is helpful, but enthusiasm for creating and editing content, building online communities, and supporting our digital presence is essential.

·You should enjoy research, taking on challenges, and bringing a creative mindset to your work.

·Be willing to learn or have knowledge of editing and posting videos.

·Be able to support our online initiatives while collaborating with our team.

What Do We Expect?

·Must be willing to undertake our training programme, which will be completed virtually at a time that suits you.

·Have a DBS check (preferably be on the update service) or be willing to complete one with us.

·Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it, please discuss it with us; we’re happy to make small changes where appropriate.)

·Have a positive attitude toward disability and illness.

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C 

·Make a difference in your community. 

·Have a positive impact on people’s lives. 

· Develop your current skills and gain new ones. 

· Demonstrate your commitment and reliability to future employers. 

· Show your ability to balance and manage your time effectively. 

· Build your confidence. 

· Explore new areas of interest by taking on additional tasks if you wish. 

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Wasabi AI

We make AI and future-ready skills accessible to underserved students through hands-on training and year-long mentorship support.​

About the Role

Wasabi AI is building programs and ecosystems focused on AI literacy, youth capability development, university innovation, and social impact partnerships across Bharat.

As we grow, we are looking for a communications professional who can help shape a strong and credible public narrative around our work, vision, and positioning.

This is not a conventional volunteer role focused only on execution. We are looking for someone who enjoys thinking strategically about storytelling, perception, ecosystem positioning, and institutional communication.
The role offers an opportunity to contribute to a fast-evolving AI and social impact initiative working at the intersection of technology, education, innovation, and grassroots impact.

Roles & Responsibilities
Strategic Narrative Building

• Help shape the larger public narrative of Wasabi AI
• Refine how we communicate our mission, vision, and impact
• Support positioning across AI, education, and social impact ecosystems

Communication & Messaging

• Guide storytelling and messaging architecture
• Help simplify and sharpen communication materials
• Improve institutional communication and external-facing presentations

PR & Visibility

• Identify PR opportunities and relevant media angles
• Support thought leadership positioning
• Explore opportunities for ecosystem visibility and credibility building

Founder Positioning

• Support founder-led communication and strategic visibility
• Help improve how the organization is represented publicly
• Guide communication tone and perception strategy

Strategic Input

• Participate in periodic strategic discussions
• Provide external perspective and communication insights
• Help strengthen overall ecosystem legitimacy and positioning

Who Is Best Suited For This Role?
We care far more about experience, perspective, communication ability, and strategic thinking than formal qualifications.

This role may be a strong fit for:

• PR professionals
• Communication strategists
• Journalists or editors
• Brand and storytelling experts
• Corporate communications professionals
• Marketing leaders
• Agency professionals
• Thought leadership consultants
• Social impact communication specialists

What Kind of Experience Would Be Valuable?

We are especially looking for people who have:

• Built narratives for organizations, founders, startups, or campaigns
• Worked on strategic communication rather than only execution
• Helped improve public positioning or visibility
• Experience in media relations, ecosystem communication, or storytelling
• Worked with purpose-driven organizations, startups, nonprofits, education, or innovation ecosystems
• Experience handling communication for emerging or fast-growing initiatives

We value:

• clarity of thought
• communication maturity
• strategic perspective
• relationship understanding
• storytelling ability
• ecosystem awareness

more than degrees or titles.

What Motivates Someone In This Role?

This role is ideal for someone who:

• enjoys meaningful ecosystem-building work
• wants to contribute to emerging AI and social impact ecosystems
• enjoys strategic thinking and narrative shaping
• values flexibility and purpose-driven collaboration
• wants to mentor and contribute beyond conventional corporate work
• enjoys helping early-stage missions strengthen credibility and visibility

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

1-2 months