Support group volunteer volunteer roles in manchester

A bit about this role

We need Fundraising Volunteers to help in and around the Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough area. The postcode areas we are active in are TN1, TN2, TN3, TN4, TN5, TN6, TN7, TN8, TN9, TN10, TN11, TN13, TN14, TN15, TN16, TN17, TN18, TN19, TN20, TN21 and TN22.

We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help. 

Our Volunteer led branches operate within local communities nationwide and rely on funds donated by generous members of the public to continue to help cats and kittens in need of new homes, supporting owners with neutering, managing trap, neuter and return programmes and educating people about cat welfare. 

Our fundraising volunteers are part of a passionate team that help raise funds to help cats. They help plan and deliver exciting and varied fundraising events, which can be anything from craft fairs, cake sales, sponsored abseils – and anything in between!

What can you expect to be doing?

• Helping organise fundraising events in your local area 
• Championing our cause and making a better life for cats
• Getting involved with new and exciting fundraising ideas 
• Engaging communities, spreading awareness and starting conversations
• Promoting National fundraising initiatives where appropriate

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and help raise funds that will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens in need. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication skills
• Responsible to handle money
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation 

Our fundraising volunteers, on average, usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role. You can offer your time flexibly, seasonally or remotely and it can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed and you can encourage others to join us too. 

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Do you want to see more happiness and kindness in the world? We’re looking for dynamic Volunteers to be part of creating exactly that!

About the Role:

Our volunteers bring people together for shared online learning experiences, based on positive psychology, that boost the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Our groups and courses can be run online or in-person in your local area.

- The amazing 6-week Happiness Habits Course is designed to be run by pairs of volunteers.  It features expert videos, science-backed exercises and the chance to form meaningful connections. Our course has been specially designed to gather the insights of the world's leading experts on six fundamental aspects of a happy and meaningful life: Gratitude, Self-Care, Relationships, Resilience, Kindness, and Meaning. It is a very impactful (many say life-changing) experience.

- Alternatively, you can get involved by supporting a Monthly Group, bringing like-minded people together to learn evidence-based tools for creating a happier and more meaningful life. Explore the monthly themes and encourage people to set personal actions towards happiness, that support both themselves and others.

Volunteering with Action for Happiness is a path of action that consistently feels like you are making a difference in the world. You don’t have to be an expert - or be happy all the time. If you are a warm and enthusiastic person that is more than enough to get started.

Why Volunteer with Us?

Do something that matters: spreading happiness and witnessing people transform for the better is a huge source of meaning.

Grow your skills: inspiring others, learning together and reinforcing your own happiness skills all contribute to personal growth.

Build community: meeting like-minded people, building lasting friendships and belonging to a global community contributing to a better future for all.

How do I know it’s right for me?

Try out free VOLUNTEER TRAINING via the Action For Happiness website and decide for yourself.

We've designed it especially to help you answer questions like this as it explains thoroughly what being a volunteer involves and helps you reflect on your readiness.

What is the time commitment?

You'll need to set aside a couple of hours for the training initially and a few more for planning your course or group and connecting with your co-volunteer. Then you'll need a couple of hours per session for facilitating (x6 weekly sessions for a course, or x1 session per month for a group). 

- Apply today! Together, we can inspire change that ripples out through people’s lives, communities and the world.
 

Volunteer:  Volunteer Community Outreach Officer

Location: Off-site with occasional in-person activities

Reports to: Volunteer Manager

Support Connect and Inspire Local Volunteers for ROLDA UK!

Are you interested in animal welfare and want to make a positive difference in your community? ROLDA UK are now seeking Volunteer Community Outreach Officer to help reach out to local volunteers, facilitate small activities in the community, and raise awareness of our charity's mission to rescue and rehabilitate stray and abandoned animals.

Your Role

• Help ROLDA UK build a local presence within your community by networking and growing local volunteers who are interested in animal welfare and ask them to join you.

• Create new opportunities within your local community and grow a network of volunteers who can get involved in local fundraising events like charity walks, bake sales, and helping to run local stalls etc.

• Inspire and encourage local volunteers to join your community group, collaborate, share ideas, and plan effective activities.

• Help raise awareness about ROLDA UK within your community by recruiting for volunteers to join your hub and help build local networks.

• Support your local community hub by organising regular online and in-person gatherings. Attend community events to discuss ROLDA UK’s work and encourage others to support the cause.

What We’re Looking For

• Friendly and approachable people who enjoy meeting and engaging with people.

• Good communicators who can share information and encourage others to get involved.

• Passionate about animal welfare and interested in fundraising locally to help support stray and abandoned animals.

• Organised and enthusiastic to help with planning local activities, promotion and helping out at local events.

Who Should Apply?

• Anyone interested in helping animals and becoming a part of their local community.

• Individuals who enjoy working with others and bringing people together.

• People looking for a rewarding way to volunteer and make a difference at home.

Time commitment and what’s in it for you

•  Flexible volunteer hours (for this role we just ask for a minimum of 5 hours+ a week) and give as much or as little time as you like.

• Meet like-minded people and be part of a friendly and supportive team.

• Gain valuable experience in community engagement, activities, and event planning.

• Make a difference by helping ROLDA UK grow its local presence and support more animals in need.

If you’d like to connect with others, support a great cause, and help make a difference for animals, we’d love to hear from you!

Join us today and be part of something special.

ROLDA does not support visa applications for volunteers. All in-person volunteers must have the legal right to volunteer in the country where they are located. It is the volunteer's responsibility to ensure they meet the necessary visa and work authorisation requirements before participating in any activities with ROLDA. However, remote volunteer roles do not require a visa, as they can be performed from anywhere.

Join us in promoting health and wellness in our community! We are looking for a passionate volunteer to teach Online Tai Chi sessions for individuals with mixed abilities as part of our online groups programme. Your role will be key in supporting to reduce isolation and bringing people together! If you are qualified and would like to get involved, please apply now!

At Hestia, we support adults and children who have experienced crisis and trauma, to find safety, hope and purpose. We specialise in trauma and resilience informed support for people in crisis or who have experienced trauma – including survivors of modern slavery, adults and children escaping domestic abuse, people needing support with their mental health, and people leaving prison. We foster trusting relationships at crucial moments in their recovery, that empower individuals to

build a life beyond crisis.

What you will be doing

• Planning and deliver Tai Chi classes for diverse groups and skill levels.
• Create a welcoming environment which encourages participation
• Educating participants on the physical and mental benefits of Tai Chi.
• Providing guidance during practice, encouraging participants, and helping them achieve their goals.

The skills you need

• Qualified in teaching Tai Chi
• A friendly, approachable, and patient demeanour
• An interest in promoting health, mindfulness, and community well-being
• Excellent communication and listening skills

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

It Gets Better UK envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally and know their worthiness and power as individuals. We strive to tell the stories of LGBTQ+ people and to provide positive and reassuring messages to LGBTQ+ youth.

The It Gets Better Project was founded in 2010 in America. Since then, affiliated charities have been formed in over 20 different countries. We are now at the exciting stage of continue to grow and develop the UK affiliate having formally launched in October 2018.

Join our network of Regional Ambassadors to help promote It Gets Better UK, to inspire and engage with members of their local LGBTQ+ communities to get involved, and to help fundraise.

We're looking for volunteers UK-wide, particularly across Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and parts of England (North East, North West, and South West). If you are not based in these areas but are interested in the role, you are still welcome to apply as the local role exists across the country. 

What will I be doing? 

We ask Regional Ambassadors to deliver four self-led regional actions per year, and to expect to be asked to be involved in more ad-hoc centrally-led actions and activities as these arise. Key activities include: 

• Raise awareness of It Gets Better UK and our work through talking to members of the LGBTQ+ community in your area, and on social media 

• Look after our information and fundraising stands at local events – most importantly, hosting an It Gets Better UK Pride stall in your local area. Members of the It Gets Better team will support you with sign-up admin and capacity on the day. So far, we're planning to attend Edinburgh Pride!

• Support other members of the It Gets Better UK volunteer team to deliver events in their area by adding capacity where possible, and within a distance that suits you – for example, helping out at a Pride stall run by another Ambassador nearby. 

• Deliver talks to local LGBTQ+ groups, community groups, schools etc about the work of It Gets Better UK and how they could help us achieve our goals 

• Inspire members of the LGBTQ+ community to add their own It Gets Better story to our work 

What skills/experience do I need? 

• Confident public speaker with excellent communication skills 

• Confident in crowds and talking to new people 

• Excellent organisational skills 

• Reliable and professional demeanour 

• A personal and friendly manner 

• Flexibility to be called upon when needed 

• An honest and trustworthy nature 

• A good knowledge of the local LGBTQ+ community 

What is the time commitment? 

This is a flexible role and the times will vary. Taking into account four self-led regional actions per year and ad-hoc centrally-led actions and activities, we recommend expecting to spend at least two hours a week on your role. We ask Regional Ambassadors to try to be available for Pride events over the summer: this means some half/full day activities over the summer period, usually on Saturdays. You’ll be able to sign up for days which suit you. Regional Ambassadors are appointed for up to two years. Regional Ambassadors will have a monthly online meeting with their It Gets Better UK point of contact. 

 
How will I be trained and supported? 

• You will receive a full induction into It Gets Better UK and to your role 

• You will have a named contact who will support you and answer any questions 

• You will join our international and UK networks of volunteers where you can share ideas, ask questions, and support one another 

What can I gain from volunteering with you? 

• The satisfaction that you are helping to inspire and empower LGBTQ+ youth 

• Being part of an international movement 

• The opportunity to use your existing skills as well as develop and learn new ones 

• It Gets Better UK will act as a referee for you after successful completion of your role 

• Reimbursement of any expenses incurred (with prior agreement) 

Where will I be based? 

This role is based within your local area, with some travel at your discretion and with expense reimbursement as pre-agreed.

How do I apply? Please complete our Regional Ambassador form on the website. We’ll then meet online for an introductory conversation, seek 2 references, and conduct a DBS check. Once these steps are completed satisfactorily, we’ll share our resources for you to read. 

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Fundraising Volunteer for the Warrington Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

About Us

Suicide Awareness Prevention UK (SAPUK) is a dedicated, non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), established in 2016, focused on providing support to individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Our goal is to guide people from distress toward hope, helping them regain the strength to live their lives to the fullest.

Our Work Environment Includes:

• On-the-job training
• Growth opportunities
• A relaxed atmosphere
• Flexible working hours

Job Description

SAPUK is looking for volunteers to assist with our support services, which run daily from 6am to 11pm. Volunteers will engage through our instant messaging support line, which operates via Meta and offers anonymous communication via our website. The service is managed through a free app, available for download on all smart devices.

Over the years, our dedicated team has supported countless individuals, helping them overcome feelings of distress and guiding them away from the darkness. As a volunteer, you’ll be part of a compassionate team, committed to providing life-changing support.

SAPUK offers regular training to help volunteers enhance their skills and gain invaluable experience. Volunteers will become part of a supportive, collaborative team that prioritizes mental health and the well-being of both those we serve and our volunteers.

Volunteer Requirements:

• A minimum of 6 hours per week (one shift, or split into two 3-hour shifts).
• Flexible shift options to fit your schedule, with shifts ranging from 6am to 11pm.
• We’re looking for individuals who can commit to at least one shift per week, though we’ll work to accommodate your availability.

Shift Patterns Available:

• 6am - 12pm
  1. 6am - 9am
  2. 9am - 12pm
• 12pm - 6pm
  1. 12pm - 3pm
  2. 3pm - 6pm
• 6pm - 11pm
  1. 6pm - 9pm
  2. 9pm - 11pm

Application Process:

• You must be based in the UK (no overseas applications accepted).
• Strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills are required.
• Strong proficiency in English is essential.
• Successful candidates will be contacted to complete an application and confidentiality form and provide two references (one work-related, one educational or work-related).
• Following the submission of the forms and references, we’ll arrange a call to discuss the role, then provide you with a training video.
• Volunteers will be added to our WhatsApp groups, and you’ll begin shadowing more experienced team members before taking on your own chats.
• Shadowing typically requires 9-18 hours, depending on your confidence level.

Please note: This role may be distressing at times. Our team is incredibly supportive, and volunteers are encouraged to reach out to team members whenever necessary.

Person Specifications

If you’re passionate about mental health and want to help those in need, SAPUK is the place for you. As a volunteer, you’ll make a significant difference while joining a caring and selfless team.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 or older.
• Minimum commitment of 6 hours per week, with flexible scheduling options.
• Must have WhatsApp and Facebook (or be willing to get them).
• A working email address and phone number linked to WhatsApp are required.
• Willingness to download an additional app and join multiple WhatsApp groups to communicate with the SAPUK team and support individuals.

Benefits:

• Remote work (work from home)
• Gain valuable experience
• Be part of a supportive team
• Work flexible hours, including days, nights, and weekends
• Volunteer benefits package

Job Type:

• Volunteer

Location:

• Remote (UK-based applicants only)

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: None (Voluntary)

Expected Hours: Minimum 6 hours per week

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Night shift
• Weekend availability

Licence/Certification:

• DBS (preferred, not essential)

Work Authorization:

• Must be based in the UK 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Sooty, the nation’s much-loved bear and a true national treasure, has featured on RNIB’s collection boxes for over 50 years. Thanks to generous public support, these iconic boxes have raised more than £13 million in donations.

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join our network of Sooty Box collectors. In this flexible role, you’ll help place new boxes and collect and bank donations from Sooty Boxes in local shops, cafés and other businesses in your area. Whether you volunteer on your own, with a friend or as part of a group, you’ll be making a real difference in your community.

You can give as much or as little time as you like and fit the role around your other commitments.

Please note: Volunteers are expected to use their own transport and ideally should have access to a car. Mileage or public transport costs will be reimbursed.

How often will I be needed?

• 1 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• Requires 2 references

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland, North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, Greater London, Wales, South West, West Midlands, East of England, South East, Scotland

Additional location information

• We are particularly looking for volunteers in Ayreshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Devon, Derbyshire, Dorset, Essex, Gloucestershire, Gwynedd, Isle of Wight, Jersey, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Norfolk, Northern Ireland, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, South Humberside, Staffordshire, Suffolk, Warwickshire, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Wiltshire

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Good organisational skills • Trustworthy, enthusiastic and self-motivated • Willing to travel in and around your local area • Comfortable working independently • Able to send and receive emails

Support Hongkongers to learn and practise English in a welcoming and friendly setting

Organisation: Meridian Wellbeing

Location: Remote (online sessions)

Type: Volunteer

Time commitment:

• 1 session per week (2 to 2.5 hours)

• Initial sessions are expected to take place around lunchtime

• Evening or weekend sessions may be introduced in future based on participant availability

• Final session times will be discussed and agreed in advance with each volunteer

Minimum commitment: 3 months

About Us

Meridian Wellbeing is an independent charity working to improve the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of individuals and communities in Barnet. As part of our ongoing support for Hongkongers who have settled in the UK via the BN(O) visa route, we are launching informal, volunteer-led online English sessions to help participants build confidence in using English in everyday life.

We know that many newcomers from Hong Kong face challenges accessing traditional ESOL courses due to long working hours, family commitments, or limited local services. Our project offers an alternative: flexible, accessible, and welcoming English learning spaces run by volunteers.

We are currently recruiting for two volunteer roles:

1. Volunteer ESOL Teacher (Online)

We are looking for a volunteer with a recognised English teaching qualification to lead weekly online ESOL classes (entry level). Sessions are informal but structured, with a focus on everyday communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver weekly English classes online (2–2.5 hours per session)
• Prepare simple, tailored lesson plans and resources
• Encourage participation in a safe, inclusive environment
• Collaborate with the team and help monitor engagement

Requirements:

• ESOL/TEFL/CELTA/TESOL qualification (required)
• Experience working with English learners (desirable)
• Confident using Zoom or similar platforms (training provided as required)
• Experience managing group sessions/classes
• Friendly, patient and culturally aware
• Fluent or highly proficient in spoken English (native-level fluency preferred)
• Available for lunchtime sessions, with potential flexibility for evening or weekend sessions in future.

2. Volunteer Conversation Café Facilitator (Online)

We’re also seeking facilitators to host informal group sessions where Hongkongers can practise English through conversation. No teaching qualifications are needed — just a warm personality and willingness to support others.

Key Responsibilities:

• Host or co-host weekly conversation sessions online (2–2.5 hours)
• Use topics or prompts to encourage group discussion
• Help create a welcoming, supportive environment
• Respect and support participants with different English levels

Requirements:

• Fluent or highly proficient in spoken English (native-level fluency preferred)
• Friendly and confident leading small groups
• Able to use Zoom (training provided as required)
• Available for lunchtime sessions, with potential flexibility for evening or weekend sessions in future.

What You’ll Gain:

• Make a real difference in people’s lives
• Develop skills in teaching and group facilitation
• Be part of a supportive and inclusive team
• Receive basic training and ongoing guidance

Note: All volunteers will need to complete a DBS check. Cantonese language skills are not required.

Join our amazing volunteer team in this flexible opportunity that puts you at the heart of our work supporting blind and partially sighted people. You’ll make taking part in events and carrying out volunteering easier and more enjoyable for our customers and volunteers with sight loss.
You’ll take some of the stress and anxiety out of getting around and taking part in activities as a blind or partially sighted person. The help you give will encourage people to do more.

What you’ll be doing
• Sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals in and around venues, so they can take part in events.
• Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities which range from facilitating a regular community group to delivering a talk about sight loss to a local business. Your role would involve things like guiding; Meeting and greeting at group activities or creating a welcoming and interesting display stand at events.

In this role you will only be helping individuals in places open to the public, often in a group setting. We will provide training in sighted guiding techniques and understanding sight loss.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Event

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference.

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people. • An empathetic and professional manner. • The ability to take the supportive and helpful role.

The role: Our scholars are eager to meet graduates and professionals who can support them in achieving their ambitions. Mentors are mainly responsible for providing support and career advice to pupils. Mentors must also be committed to supporting us at our events, which take place in the evenings and on Saturdays throughout the term. These events include our scholar enrichment days, our parent and pupil information sessions and our volunteer social events which are held in London. 

Availability: Mentors must be available for approximately 2-3 hours a month to meet with their mentee, and discuss via phone, email or in person. There is a minimum commitment of one year (three terms).

In addition to this, you will need to support a minimum of 2 events throughout the year. Enrichment and skill-building events for our scholars usually take place in the evenings and at weekends, with events ranging from 2-8 hours in length.

Location: Mentoring sessions and events can take place online or in person.

Responsibilities: 

• Working collaboratively with parents to give students guidance and advice on how to achieve their aspirations

• Informing pupils of opportunities to them so that they can achieve their aspirations

• Meeting with pupils for one to one mentoring sessions

• Supporting pupils with university, sixth form or job applications

• Monitoring and reporting on each pupils progress

• Giving feedback to parents and programme coordinators

• Working collaboratively with other tutors and mentors

• Supporting at events including:

  • Collaborate effectively with other volunteers within the events team

  • Assist with setting up and clearing up at events

  • Support workshop facilitators with managing groups of young people or parents

  • Assist with the coordination of lunch or refreshments for attendees

  • Assist the event coordinator with ensuring the health and safety of attendees and overall risk management at events

  • Give feedback to the event coordinators and programme managers at the end of each event.

Person specification:

• Be passionate and committed to tackling educational inequality

• Enjoy working with children and young people

• Be educated to a minimum of degree level or equivalent

• Possess strong communication skills both written and verbal

• Be punctual and organised

• Be able to remain calm under pressure

• Have excellent time management skills

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.

In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment by welcoming new members to the group and encouraging participation.
• Supporting group conversations – Instigating dialogue based on eye health related days/events or more interest-based topics.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring group rules are followed and that content is appropriate by alerting managers when inappropriate content is posted or when there is a safeguarding issue.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community by by engaging with the people with sight loss, local and national organisations.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers through regular moderator meetings

Time commitment
• This volunteering role requires a commitment of around 5 hours a week, there is the option to volunteer for a greater number of hours but this isn't essential.

How often will I be needed?

• 5 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires an enhanced criminal record check and 2 references.

Location

Region

• Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, North West, South East, West Midlands, North East, South West, Greater London

Home based

• This role is home based

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• An understanding and interest in maximising the benefits of social media platforms. A willingness to learn about local services and activities to inform the community as appropriate. Interested in helping people get the information they need. Good communication skills.

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people and some occasional free time.

What is a Branch Fundraiser?

As part of a local team, our fundraisers represent SSAFA at events, and in public. The role includes helping at fayres, street collections, concerts, quizzes, raffles, sporting events etc.

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.

SSAFA branches rely on regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent need. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community, so everyone knows who we are and how we can help.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role involves being out and about at public events and would suit someone looking to give the occasional day, half day or evening to support SSAFA; when and where would be flexible to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Be part of a team with collection/buckets tins at events, supermarkets, shopping centres, etc.
• Acting as a marshal at a public event e.g., handing out water to runners, supervising parking etc.
• Being part of a team running a stall at an event, Armed Forces Day, fayre, county show etc.
• Helping with putting up posters, building gazebos, serving refreshments, packing/unpacking cars etc.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA, engaging people of all backgrounds and interests
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• 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 training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - fundraising workshops.
• 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.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
• Local Fundraising Coordinator
• Fundraising Manager (per region)
• Access to the Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people
• Confident people who feel happy to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected the Fundraising Coordinator about your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events.
•  

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: 16

Please note: If you are under 18 you are not allowed by law to volunteer at a street collection, raffle or an event serving alcohol. If you are under 16, please contact us, you will need to volunteer with a parent or adult responsible for your safety.

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

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

Would you like to help end food poverty and tackle climate change and CO2 emissions in Greater Manchester, whilst at the same time gaining valuable CV-enhancing experience and skills?

What we offer you

Induction, training and support from the staff of FareShare and its parent charity, EMERGE 3Rs.

Practical experience and transferable skills in warehousing and food redistribution.

A reference after 2 months with us.

An understanding of warehousing and logistics, and the importance of food surplus and recycling initiatives.

Expenses:
We reimburse travel expenses up to £6 for car drivers, and up to £5 for public transport costs.
Up to £3 is given towards the cost of lunch if a volunteer has special dietary requirements. (We provide lunch for our volunteers, so will contribute towards the cost of a volunteer's meal, should they bring their own, if what we are offering in the canteen isn't considered suitable; for example, a diet that's restricted for reasons of health, religion, or ethics).

As a sustainability charity, we take surplus food that's donated to us and redistribute it to people in need. The front line initiatives we support include food banks, schools, community groups and charities who, in turn, help people who are disadvantaged by poverty.

Our vital work supports people experiencing extreme hardship and prevents perfectly good food going to landfill, where it would otherwise contribute to climate warming. 

We need helping hands in our busy warehouse to receive and catalogue supplies, to load and unload vans, and to prepare orders for delivery. In return we offer training and support to help you obtain skills and experience to boost your CV if you are seeking work. If you're not looking for employment, volunteering with us is rewarding in many other ways; offering an opportunity to make friends, keep physically active and support your community.

This role is vital to the work of FareShare, ensuring that the food in our warehouse is correctly sorted, labelled and organised into orders placed by our charities and community groups.

It is perfect for someone who is:

a) Looking for a practical activity.

b) Looking for experience and skills to gain employment in the food industry, warehousing and customer service.

c) Wanting to help their community and/or help tackle global warming.

d) Wanting to make new friends.

e) Wanting to keep busy and/or physically fit.

Our volunteer opportunities are available Monday to Friday, for a whole or half day, with shifts between 8:30-am - 12:30pm and 12:30 - 4:30pm. Volunteers are typically involved for one day a week.

What will I be doing?

Receiving, sorting, cataloguing and storing chilled and ambient surplus food in a warehouse, and preparing orders for delivery. You may also be assisting customers when they pick up their orders.

Ensuring food quality and safety by checking ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates.

Sorting and unpacking deliveries, categorising and recording food.

Assembling food orders placed by charities and community groups.

Assisting our Community Food Members with their food order collections. 

Maintaining health and safety and food hygiene standards. 

Helping with cleaning and other tasks identified by warehouse staff.

Person Specification: 

Must be reasonably physically fit to carry out tasks, including lifting and loading.

Have a good command of English in order to understand and follow instructions and health and safety rules. 

Have basic literacy and numeracy skills to record quantities and types of food donated.

Able to work in a manner that respects Health and Safety standards.

Be happy to complete tasks independently according to instruction.

Be positive, friendly and enthusiastic about tackling food waste and food poverty.

Must be reliable and able to commit to an agreed session/day.

We are located in our brand new depot at Maynard House, New Smithfield Market, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2WJ.

​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.
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. :)