Stepping out volunteer volunteer volunteer roles
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!
Volunteer with Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure
Stepping Stones is a small, friendly charity in Southwark providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.
We’re currently looking for volunteers to support our sessions in:
- Art (Tuesday afternoons)
- Dance Fit (Thursday mornings and/or afternoons)
- Social Club (Thursday afternoons)
- Drama (Friday afternoons)
These weekly groups offer creative, social, and wellbeing-focused opportunities for our learners, led by experienced tutors in a relaxed, supportive setting.
All sessions take place at St Faith’s Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations)
What You’ll Do
As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting adults with learning disabilities to participate fully in the sessions, connect with others, and enjoy meaningful activities. Your role might include:
- Setting up and packing away equipment and materials
- Welcoming students and their carers or support workers
- Offering encouragement and practical support in one-to-one or small group settings
- Helping tutors to deliver fun, engaging activities
All sessions are led by experienced tutors, and you’ll be part of a warm and supportive staff and volunteer team who are committed to inclusion, creativity and care.
What You’ll Gain
Volunteering with us is a chance to:
- Build experience working with adults with learning disabilities
- Gain hands on involvement in creative, wellbeing and social activities
- Be part of a welcoming and friendly team
- Develop your confidence, communication and teamwork skills
- Make a meaningful contribution to your local community
- Learn from people with diverse experiences
Whether you’re exploring a career in social care or looking to give back and become a stronger link in your community, we’d love to hear from you.
Who We’re Looking For
You don’t need to be an expert! We’re looking for people with the right attitude, values, and willingness to support others. Even if you don’t have experience of working with adults with learning disabilities, the following qualities are especially helpful:
- Enthusiasm and positivity. Your energy can set the tone for the group. A cheerful presence helps create a welcoming and encouraging environment.
- Patience. Some learners may take time to engage or communicate. Patience helps build trust and ensures everyone feels supported.
- Reliable and punctual. Many of our learners value consistency and routine. Being dependable helps build rapport and ensures the session runs smoothly.
- Inclusive communication skills. You should feel confident listening carefully, offering clear instructions or encouragement, and adapting your communication to meet individual needs.
- Inclusive and non-judgemental. We welcome people from all walks of life. An open-minded approach helps every learner feel accepted and valued.
- Adaptable and flexible. Things don’t always go to plan. A calm, flexible approach helps maintain a relaxed and safe environment for our sessions to run.
- Ready to get stuck in! Many sessions involve art, music or movement. You don’t need to be an expert, but a willingness to join in and get involved makes a big difference.
Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:
- Attend an induction meeting
- Provide two references
- Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
- Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we ask that you commit to volunteer for a minimum of a year with us.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and answer the following questions (these will come up when you hit "Apply"):
- What session(s) would you like to volunteer in?
- Why you would like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
- What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you will bring to your volunteering role?
Empowering adults with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling, connected lives through opportunities shaped by their ideas and aspirations.



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!
Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a small, friendly charity based in Southwark, providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.
We’re currently looking for a Drama Volunteer to support our weekly drama group on Friday afternoons, held at St Faith’s Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations).
About the Role
This role is ideal for someone with a background or strong interest in drama, theatre or performance. You’ll support our Drama Tutor to deliver inclusive and engaging drama sessions for a small group of adults with learning disabilities. Each year, the group works towards a production which is performed at our end-of-year Summer Show, making this a fun, creative, and rewarding volunteering opportunity.
As a Drama Volunteer, you will:
- Assist the tutor in planning and running weekly drama activities
- Encourage and support learners during rehearsals and performances
- Help with setting up props, costumes and resources for sessions
- Offer 1:1 or small group support where needed to help participants engage
- Help build a warm, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express themselves
What You’ll Gain
Volunteering with us is a chance to:
- Gain hands-on experience in drama facilitation and inclusive practice
- Contribute to a creative and meaningful community project
- Feel the joy of supporting learners to grow in confidence and express themselves
- Experience working with adults with learning disabilities in a supportive setting
- Develop skills in teamwork, adaptability, communication, and creative problem-solving
- Have a place in a welcoming and friendly team of tutors, staff and volunteers
What We’re Looking For
You don’t need to be a professional actor or drama teacher, just someone who is enthusiastic about drama and passionate about inclusion. We especially value:
- A background or interest in drama, theatre, or performance
- Good communication and a warm, encouraging approach
- Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to get involved
- A non-judgemental and inclusive mindset
- Reliability and commitment, especially in the lead-up to the summer show
- Flexibility to support a creative, sometimes unpredictable environment
Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:
- Attend an induction meeting
- Provide two references
- Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
- Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we ask that you commit to volunteer for a minimum of a year with us.
To apply, please send your CV and answer the following questions (these will come up when you hit "Apply"):
Why would you like to volunteer with the drama group at Stepping Stones?
What drama or performance experience do you have (formal or informal)?
What strengths or values would you bring to this role?
Empowering adults with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling, connected lives through opportunities shaped by their ideas and aspirations.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the Role
We are looking for a volunteer to join our team as an Activity Support & Driver. This role is all about helping one individual enjoy a wider range of activities in the community. You’ll play a key part in making outings possible by driving their car and offering practical support during trips. Together, you’ll help create positive experiences and build confidence through regular activities.
What Will You Do?
· Drive the individual’s car for trips out in the community
· Support the person to enjoy activities and social opportunities
· Help establish a routine of outings that enrich their life
When?
We’re looking for someone who can volunteer 2–3 times per week, ideally on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Each session will be arranged in advance to fit around your availability.
What We’re Looking For
· Full manual driving licence (essential)
· Caring and positive attitude
· Comfortable helping with wheelchair mobility
· Enjoys going out and engaging in community activities
What We Offer
- Travel expenses covered for each volunteering shift
- Activity expenses discussed with the individual and support staff
- Support to get familiar with our vehicles (usually a Ford Tourneo, occasionally a Vauxhall Movano)
- Full training and ongoing guidance from the volunteer team and a designated staff member
Important Information:
- A DBS check will be carried out
- We will request two references
- All volunteers complete online training before starting
- You’ll be supported every step of the way by our volunteer team and the service staff
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!
Do you have 5 hours to spare each week?
Want to help those with challenges in their lives?
We are looking for Client Support Volunteers to assist in the Garden alongside our horticulturists in the supervision of our adult clients and teenagers with a variety of disabilities.
Our volunteers work in the garden with clients, helping them with various tasks such as planting, harvesting, pruning and mowing to name a few, under the guidance of our team of horticulturists.
As well as general gardening work you will be assisting our clients, both children and adults with the opportunity to achieve a qualification in horticulture.
Other tasks our volunteers help with include general garden maintenance, DIY tasks or craft/cookery activities.
No gardening experience is required, just the ability to get along with others and muck in! This can be a great stepping stone to further education or work opportunities.
At present, we are looking for Volunteers who can offer a regular weekly commitment.
We aim to have a positive significant impact on the lives of people facing challenges in life, via the power of gardening by connecting with nature



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!
Join a small charity with a big heart and help shape our future.
Barefoot and Free is a grassroots UK-based charity funding respite breaks for families with neurodivergent children or children affected by trauma. We're growing from the ground up and we’re looking for passionate, creative Volunteer Fundraising Champions to grow with us.
This is more than a stepping stone role. It’s a real opportunity to be part of something long term that's meaningful, mission-driven, and deeply rewarding. You'll play a key role in shaping a small charity with huge potential and your efforts will directly impact the lives of families who truly need support.
Why Join Us?
Grassroots charity work is full of heart but it’s not without its challenges. We don’t have huge budgets, so we need fundraisers who can think outside the box, raise funds rather than spend funds and inspire others to get behind the cause.
But the rewards? They’re immense:
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You’ll see the direct results of your work as we grow together.
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You’ll gain invaluable experience for your CV and future roles in the third sector.
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You’ll be part of a close-knit team where your ideas and efforts are truly valued and supported.
Your Role
As a Volunteer Fundraising Champion, you’ll help us raise the funds we need to provide life-changing breaks for families. You’ll be the creative spark and the friendly face behind fundraising efforts that make a real difference.
Key Responsibilities:
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Plan, organise and deliver creative fundraising activities (raffles, online quizzes, challenge events, etc.)
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Engage and support individual fundraisers (e.g. sponsored runners, event hosts)
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Act as a key contact for fundraising volunteers providing encouragement, advice, and practical support
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Develop and maintain a central fundraising tracker (Excel or similar)
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Log all fundraising activity, targets, and deadlines
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Collaborate with our social media volunteer to promote campaigns
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Support recruitment and onboarding of new fundraising volunteers
What You’ll Bring
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Clear, friendly written and verbal communication
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Creativity and confidence in engaging with people online and offline
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Strong organisation and time management skills
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Self-motivation and the ability to work independently
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A genuine passion for our mission and grassroots charity work
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Experience in fundraising or event planning is helpful but not essential, heart and drive matter more
Time Commitment
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Flexible and remote
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Around 2 to 5 hours per week
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We’ll work around your availability this role can fit around your life, studies, job, or family
What You’ll Gain
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Hands-on experience in fundraising, event planning and project coordination
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Something impressive and meaningful for your CV or portfolio
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Real-world charity sector experience
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Friendly support and mentoring from a passionate team
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A strong sense of purpose, knowing your efforts directly support families in need
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References available on request
How to Apply:
Please send a recent CV along with a short note about yourself, including any relevant fundraising or event planning experience (formal or informal!)
We can’t wait to hear from you and hopefully welcome you to the Barefoot and Free family.
Providing funded respite breaks for families of neurodivergent children and children affected by trauma.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you looking for a fresh challenge that makes a positive difference to the lives of Young People throughout the UK?
At Childline we are actively recruiting new Volunteers.
What will I be doing?
- Your shift will consist of 3hrs30mns counselling, sandwiched between a 15mns brief before your shift and a 30mns debrief post shift. This is to ensure that you can start and finish your shift with any support you require from your Practitioners.
- On shift you will take contacts from Young People who rely on the service that Childline offers. Childline is not there to solve problems, we are a listening service for Young People and in each contact your role is to engage the Young Person, explore their situation and to support them in deciding their next steps.
- The contacts you would take from Young People can come in 3 ways. Traditional phone call contacts, live chats via instant response typed messaging or less commonly via 'PIBS' which are essentially emails sent by Young People in the knowledge the response will not be 'live' and instant.
What impact will this have?
- Childline is a unique service, valued greatly by the Young People who contact us.
- It provides a safe place for Young People to talk confidentially to our Volunteer Counsellors, an option that many of them do not have elsewhere.
- Young People rely on us being there for them 24/7. In an average month, Childline London takes approx. 1,500 live chats, 900 voice calls and 300 PIBs.
- However, the demand for the service often outstrips the supply as Young People who desperately need our service cannot always get through.
- That is why we are actively recruiting new Volunteers to be able to meet the need of all Young People who are in distress and need the support that Childline provides.
Training
- Childline offers a full 12 week online training programme to new Volunteers. This consists of one 4 hour session per week.
- During the training, you will meet other Volunteers in your cohort and have access to your 2 dedicated Childline Trainers.
- As part of the training, you will also go in person to the London Base for observation and mentored shifts which give you a face to face insight into how the Counselling Room works.
- You will also have access to a dedicated Volunteer Engagement Lead to give you a London Base tour (optional) and generally be on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have - big or small, if they matter to you they matter because you are giving your time to volunteer and Childline wants to offer you every level of support.
- Once you pass through training and become a qualified Childline Volunteer Counsellor, the development opportunities do not stop there. You will have access to a multitude of mandatory and optional training courses that are accredited and 100% free to all Volunteers.
Childline provides a safe place for Young People to talk confidentially to Volunteer Counsellors, an option that many of them do not have elsewhere.
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!
We are excited to be launching our first-ever volunteer led Armed Forces Community project in the North West and are now recruiting for a bank of volunteers across the region to help us reach veterans who are in need of support to enhance their wellbeing and quality of life.
If you are a veteran, or family member with experience of military life and are free to volunteer and give something back in your community, we would love to hear from you. You may have had personal experience of being medically discharged or since leaving the Armed Forces have found it difficult to transition to civvy street and want to help others to have a better experience. You may already have a reasonable understanding of what is available or lacking in your neighbourhood for veterans in your community. Our Volunteer Ambassadors will report into our experienced Volunteer Coordinator and will work remotely in their community, helping veterans by signposting them to organisations and charities that can help improve their circumstances.
Roles are on a voluntary basis and therefore unpaid. A car is essential and any business mileage or meeting costs will be reimbursed. A mobile phone will also be provided with training in Safeguarding and Confidentiality/Data Protection, Professional Boundaries and Lone Working. Applications are initially open to those living in Lancashire and particularly Chorley, Preston or Wigan. However, we also welcome interest further afield from those living in Liverpool/Merseyside or Cumbria.
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!
Do you enjoy networking and meeting new people? Are you passionate about volunteering? If so, we would love to hear from you. You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with people, and a good level of IT skills.
What is a Volunteering Coordinator?
Volunteering Coordinators are a key role within the team, leading on the local recruitment, induction, on-going support and celebration of volunteers. As the first point of contact for volunteering in the branch, they ensure volunteers are welcomed and supported.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles and fundraisers.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups. To continue providing help when it’s needed most, Volunteering Coordinators ensure that SSAFA has a diverse and committed network of volunteers who are skilled, supported and valued.
What would you be doing?
- Although every SSAFA Branch has different needs, below are the main activities of a Volunteering Coordinator.
- Keeping in touch: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date lists of branch volunteer details and checking in with people about their volunteer experience.
- Supporting volunteer recruitment: Working alongside the Branch Chair to monitor volunteer numbers and develop plans to recruit new volunteers as required, for example, using online volunteer recruitment platforms.
- Creating local links: Taking opportunities to advertise and promote volunteering opportunities locally, including linking with local volunteer centres and community groups.
- Welcoming and supporting: In partnership with SSAFA central office teams, supporting the recruitment and induction of new volunteers e.g., carrying out informal interviews and ensuring every volunteer has an identified volunteer manager.
- Celebrating and saying thank you: Seeking ways to celebrate volunteering and to say thank you to volunteers for their efforts.
- Being a volunteering champion: Working with the regional Volunteer Development Manager to promote volunteering best practice across the branch and ensure volunteers have the best possible experience with SSAFA.
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. This course lasts approx. 3 hours.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Local induction and support, from other branch volunteers.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
- Support from Regional volunteering and operations staff.
- Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out the role.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Give back to the Armed Forces community.
- Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across your local area.
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
- Good IT skills e.g., ability to use email and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach.
- Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
- A belief in the impact of volunteering.
- Some experience of coordinating people is beneficial.
- This role would suit someone who would like to volunteer regularly, each week.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA takes the utmost care at every step of volunteer recruitment to ensure that the people we involve are suitable and appropriate. All measures taken are to help make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
Are references required? Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
ScotsCare's reception is run by a team of friendly volunteers who each cover one shift per week.
We are looking for a volunteer who is free to commit to this role for at least 6 months from around the middle of January. The shift is weekly on Tuesday mornings from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
As our receptionist you will:
- Use Outlook to check staff availability and wherabouts
- Screen and transfer phone calls to staff or pass messages on by email
- Provide a warm welcome to visitors and ensure they sign in and out
- Deal with requests to send information out, mainly application packs andletters
- Assist with outgoing mail, franking, posting and ocasionally going to the post office
- Assist with other admin tasks as they arise - skills and interests dependent.
You will need to be confident answering the phone, clearly spoken in English and a good listener. Ideally, you will be experienced in using Outlook and Excel for basic tasks although we can provide training if necessary. Most importantly, you will need to be reliable,good with timekeeping, non-judgemental and committed to helping Scots living in London who are struggling with life.
If you have the time to spare, can commit to volunteering with us on a regular basis for at least six months, preferably longer, want to meet new people or gain experience of working in an office /charity environment, please get in touch.
Applications are welcome from adults aged 18 and over. Our office has no step free access.
In return, we can offer:
- Travel expenses with proof of purchase
- Training and induction to help you feel confident in your role
- A 4-weeks trial period
- Regular newsletters and annual volunteer social events
- An opportunity to work within a small friendly team (23 staff working from home , office and in the community)
- Opportunities to help in other areas of our work if interested in doing more
- A very warm welcome, plus an endless supply of tea, coffee, fresh fruit and biscuits!
To improve the lives of Scots and the children of Scots in London
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Role purpose: Complete administrative tasks predominantly for Penfriends in our London office. Volunteer Penfriends need to be over 21 years old, so this is also a requirement of the administrators role. Other tasks may be included to support our Programmes and Office Administrator.
Responsible to: Volunteers are supported by the Programmes and Volunteer Coordinator.
Location and commitment: We are located in an office near Vauxhall station, London. The role is flexible and time committed can be discussed.
At The Hardman Trust we have a Mission, Purpose and Vision
Mission: Specialising in the unique needs of people on long sentences, we provide tailored practical and financial support to help people find belonging, move into work or training, and reach their personal goals.
Purpose: We support people on long sentences to take their next steps in life so they benefit, their families benefit and the wider community benefits too.
Vision: A future where everyone can achieve their potential within and beyond prison.
Who are Penfriends and how do they fit in?
Penfriends are part of The Hardman Trust. We make it possible for volunteers to write safely to prisoners, who are serving any length of prison sentence, giving friendship, hope and a reminder of the outside world to people at all stages of their sentence. Our The Penfriends programme supports the wellbeing of prisoners by encouraging safe, non-judgemental connection and friendship via letters and emails from volunteers across the UK.
By supporting prisoners who have been sentenced to any length of imprisonment, not just a long sentence, we provide support to the wider prison population. We are therefore available to any prisoners at any stage of their prison sentence, allowing us to support the wellbeing of more prisoners and the mission, purpose and vision of The Hardman Trust as a whole.
Role Summary
As a volunteer administrator you will support with the processing of letters received and sent from prisoners and their penfriends. This can include:
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Opening, sorting, checking and redistributing post to prisoners and penfriends
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Using our databases and other IT systems to record and maintain data
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Respond to emails and support prisoners and penfriends who communicate via email
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Work with other admin volunteers and the office administrator
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Support other office admin tasks to make a good use of your time
Relevant Skills and Experience
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Good communication and listening skills
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Good administrative and organisational skills
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Be IT literate
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Have good attention to detail
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Show reliability / commitment
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Ability to work within guidelines and expectations set by The Hardman Trust
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Be able to set and work within set boundaries
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Have an understanding of GDPR and confidentiality
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Willingness to attend any relevant training for the role
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Adhere to our safeguarding rules and remain vigilant at all times
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Have a current DBS check or willingness to undertake a DBS check (this is because of the sensitive and confidential information you will have access to and The Hardman Trust has a duty to safeguard prisoners, volunteers and staff)
What will you gain from this role?
You will join a volunteer community at The Hardman Trust, which is dedicated to supporting people serving long prison sentences..
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Work experience
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Knowledge of the criminal justice sector
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Be part of a friendly and diverse team working in a modern and ethical office space
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Travel and subsistence expenses
How to apply -
Please contact us by the 31st January 2026 to request an application form. Contact details can be found in attached role description.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?
Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.
We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.
Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.
Volunteer recruitment dates
The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.
Training:
You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.
Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:
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17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)
You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.
Why we want you
Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.
What you will be doing
- Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
- Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
- Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
- Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
- Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
- Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
- Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
- Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
- Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
- Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
- Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering
The skills you need
- A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
- Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
- Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
- Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
- Able to manage own time and prioritise
- Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
- Able to use IT
What's in it for you
- Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
- Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
- You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
- All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
- We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
- We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role
Disclaimer
In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.
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!
Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.
We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills.
Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.
We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
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!
Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.
We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals and Count Me In numeracy manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading and numeracy skills.
Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.
We are looking for volunteers who are able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Volunteers do not need to be teachers or qualified traininers, full training will be given. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
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!
Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.
We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills.
Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.
We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Volunteer with us!
At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.
To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Cotteridge shop. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between
As a Lead Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:
- Supporting the daily operation of the shop and stepping up to run it when needed.
- Delivering outstanding customer service and creating a warm, welcoming experience for every visitor.
- Guiding and supporting our amazing volunteers, offering direction and encouragement.
- Handling cash and completing banking tasks — full training provided, of course.
- Getting creative with merchandising, ensuring our displays always look their best.
- Maintaining high standards of housekeeping and helping with the smooth, day-to-day running of the store
Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm. You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.
Why Volunteer at Acorns?
- Achieve a sense of wellbeing that you are helping your local community
- To connect with like-minded people and make new friends
- To enhance your CV by learning new skills and gain valuable experience
- We’ll give you a reference for future work or volunteering
- You’ll get Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and awards
- You’ll receive free mandatory and role specific training
Full training will be provided