Support volunteer volunteer roles in bethnal green, greater london
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
What is involved
This is considered a full-time volunteer role. The brood will live with you from approximately 14-18 months of age until retirement.
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With guidance support and advice from our breeding team maintain the broods health and welfare, including maintaining a good weight and fitness level along with basic training and general obedience.
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Be available for and attend training sessions within the working week that will involve:
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home visits
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virtual online training
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one-to-ones
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Be available to take the brood for essential veterinary visits as required.
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The brood will have approximately two seasons per year and will stay at home during her season. Advice on management or any veterinary visits required during the season, will be given by our breeding team.
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The brood will have one litter per year from the age of two, up to a maximum of four litters. Each litter will be born within the home and the puppies will remain with the brood until they are approximately eight weeks old and ready to go to their puppy parents (plenty of opportunities for puppy cuddles). Full support, guidance and training will be provided by our breeding team throughout the broods’ mating season, pregnancy, whelping and litter. Equipment for the litter is provided.
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Whilst the brood has a litter – we ask that pet dogs have restricted exercise (full information and guidance is given by the breeding team). This measure is to minimise the risk of infection to the litter.
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The dog breeding volunteer will have updates throughout each litters training.
What we require from you
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The primary dog breeding volunteer must be 18 years or over
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Have a dog friendly secure garden
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Be at home for most of the day and ideally live within one hour of LE12 9SR
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Though desirable, prior dog ownership is not required
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If you are a dog owner, you cannot have an entire male dog. Maximum of three pet dogs which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis considering the size of pet dogs, along with available space within in the property. Any pet dogs will be assessed as part of the home assessment.
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Time and stamina to provide the brood with a minimum of one hour's exercise per day (this can be completed in one or multiple walks).
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Time to provide training sessions to maintain basic obedience.
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Access to own transport to travel the brood on essential journeys such as veterinary appointments and pre-mating tests as required.
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Have time and stamina to devote to the brood and her litter. The brood cannot be routinely left for more than four hours in a day.
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Have space within the home for the brood and her litter.
Support and Training
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Induction process which includes submitting of application, telephone interview, home visit, training and handling sessions.
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Each volunteer is allocated a member of the Canine Partners breeding team as their first point of contact.
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Receive regular training, resources and other important information via your trainer; this may be in the format of physical copies, digital or in person.
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All equipment for the litter is provided.
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Our breeding team will offer continued support throughout the pregnancy and litter.
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Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from a pre-mating test
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Invitation to join Official Canine Partners Community Facebook Group
We will change the lives of disabled people using expertly trained dogs to improve physical, emotional and social wellbeing.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Who they are
Citizens Advice Richmond is a local charity that has helped the people of Richmond since 1940. They offer generalist advice on any issue and specialist debt advice. Citizens Advice Richmond is a member of the national Citizens Advice service, a network of around 300 local advice centres.
The role What will you do?
● Complete an introduction for your role.
● Maintain an awareness of how the local Citizens Advice is operating.
● Read papers for board meetings and attend six board meetings per year.
● Work on specific projects with other trustees or staff within the local Citizens Advice to further the strategic objectives of the local Citizens Advice.
● Provide support and assistance to the Chair and the Chief Officer in carrying out their responsibilities, acting as a ‘critical friend’ and sounding board.
● Take on specific responsibilities delegated by the Chair, e.g., supporting new trustees with their induction.
● Carry out the Chair’s duties in their absence, with the acknowledgment of the board as being capable and suitable to do so.
● Be prepared to take over as Chair in the near future.
● Be open to approaches, where appropriate, from other trustees about the work or judgment of the Chair. The Vice Chair will then discuss any issues arising with the Chair or National Citizens Advice.
● Take an active role in discussions during board meetings and work with other trustees to:
● Set policy and strategy direction, set targets, and evaluate the performance of the local Citizens Advice.
● Seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community.
● Ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers.
● Review their own work and how effectively they operate, including action for improvement.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role Description:
This role sits within our Men’s Minds project, based in Hounslow. The aim of the service is to improve men’s mental health outcomes by developing a mental health network supported and directed by the voices of its members.
This will be achieved through three service strands: 1) Peer support network, 2) Psychoeducation workshops, addressing common needs of men’s mental health 3) Outreach support to raise awareness of men’s mental health and promote this service.
The role of the Peer Volunteer will be to support the Project Coordinator with developing and delivering various workshops and events. You will also take the lead in developing peer led support. Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face in a group basis to individuals who may have challenging life experiences.
At the start of the placement you will be in weekly training sessions and shadow mental health groups with the general public. Over time you would develop skills to run these groups and using your own interests create workshops for these service users. We would be keen to work with you to develop your own interests related to this project such as marketing, fundraising or strategy.
This volunteer position tends to attract students training in psychology, counselling and or social work. However, we would welcome your application should you be able to demonstrate a keen interest in this field.
Our timetable which you would be working within is:
Walk and Talk: Tuesdays 2-3.30pm
A chat and some fresh air in a loop around Inwood Park.
Men’s Support Group: Tuesdays 6-8pm
A deeper chance to share your experiences and needs.
Homeless Support: Thursdays 9.30-11am
Based at Trinity Church
Lunchtime Coffee: Thursdays 2-3.30pm
Come meet us in our space, bring food if you like.
We are looking for volunteers who:
- Identify as male
- Can learn new skills quickly and are passionate in motivating themselves and others.
- Have lived experience of mental health challenges
- Are a non-judgemental and friendly individual
- To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
- To feel comfortable engaging with people with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk
- Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding mental health
- Are willing to tap into their lived experiences and use their stories to inspire hope in others when appropriate
- Are comfortable with co-producing and co-facilitating peer led workshops
- To assist the Project Coordinator with admin and planning
- Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity. We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role.
We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.
To apply, please send your CV and expression of interest addressing the below answers
Please tell us why you would like to volunteer at Men’s Minds at HFEH Mind? (minimum 50 words)
Please share any relevant skills or experience you have for the role, particularly in counselling or mental health skills. This may include education, work or voluntary experience (minimum 100 words)
We’re here to make sure that everyone suffering with a mental health problem gets the help they need to recover.




Do you enjoy organising things and making this happen?
Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?
Yes? We’d love to hear from you.
We’re looking for admin volunteers to help with our daily operations. We have a variety of ways you can get involved:
- Responding to client requests and enquiries
- Fundrasing and partnership management
- Managing and updating company databases
- Keeping track of partnership enquiries
- Maintaining internal, volunteer, and client records
- Drafting and mailing client correspondence and newsletters
- Organising events, scheduling meetings, and making travel arrangements
- Providing administrative support to other departments or projects as needed
- Performing other duties as agreed in advance
We’ve designed our volunteering programme to be flexible and adaptive to you. All volunteering is 100% remote and you’re supported fully by our team. You control what you do and how many hours per week you want to volunteer. Some roles may require an Enhanced DBS check. If your application is successful, we will ask for a donation towards the cost of your enhanced DBS check if it's required for your role. This cost is £20.60.
Here’s some further information on what’s needed:
Are you over 18 and living in the UK?
You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK. You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.
Do you have a laptop?
A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.
How much time can you give?
A minimum of 2 hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.
Training
We provide CPD accredited training with 3 short courses needing to be completed prior starting your volunteer role. After, you’ll have access to over 90 CPD accredited courses should you want to study further.
To always be ‘by your side’ when you need mental health peer support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Board of Trustees.
Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core service and increase the number of women we can support into work by dressing and coaching women for interview and job success.
The time commitment for this voluntary, unpaid role is an average of a day a month, with more time given at busy periods of the year. There will be a requirement to attend board meetings, with some trustees also sitting on subcommittees that meet around 4 times a year. In addition, there are events to attend and occasional additional duties to support our wider work.
If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Smart Works mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you.
Please see the job pack attached for full details and apply via the portal by 31st July 2025.
We exist to give unemployed women the clothing, coaching and confidence they need to succeed at interview and get the job.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Help shape the future of mental health support in your community. Become a Trustee at Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind and make a meaningful impact in just a few hours a month.
Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind is looking for compassionate, values-led individuals to join our Board of Trustees. This is a unique opportunity to play a vital role in guiding one of the region’s leading mental health charities at a time of growth and transformation.
As a Trustee, you’ll support strategic decision-making, champion inclusive and community-based mental health services, and help ensure strong governance and financial sustainability. You don’t need prior board experience—we’re looking for people with diverse backgrounds, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to improving mental health for all.
We’re especially interested in hearing from people with lived experience of mental health challenges, as well as those with expertise in finance, safeguarding, digital strategy, income generation, clinical services, or HR.
Our board meets around 8–10 times a year, usually in the evenings. The average time commitment is 2–4 hours per month, and we provide a full induction, training, and reasonable expenses.
By joining us, you’ll be part of a passionate, forward-thinking team helping to create a future where everyone facing a mental health challenge is recognised, valued, and supported.
We provide advice and support to empower anyone in our local communities experiencing a mental health problem.




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!
Canine Partners are looking for volunteers who can provide loving homes for our young dogs, aged 14 months upwards, whilst helping to train them to be canine partners.
By volunteering you will:
- Be a valued member of our Charity
- Know that you are integrally involved in the care and training of a dog that will change the life of a person waiting for their Canine Partner
- Benefit from the companionship and enjoyment of having a dog in your life without lifelong commitment or costs associated with dog ownership
- Meet like-minded people
- Can develop your knowledge of puppy development and training.
‘With out the continued hard work and support from our volunteers, we would not be able to provide our clients with our life changing dogs.’
What is involved
- Commitment to providing a loving home, care, and training for a dog for the duration of their time in training.
- We consider this a full-time role as you, or another approved adult member of the household, will be required to care for the dog for much of the day and overnight.
- Our trainers need access to the dogs during weekdays for training purposes. We ask that you commute to and from our training centre when required to drop off/collect the dog. Drop off and collection times are between 7.30 - 9.30am and 4-6pm. We try to be as flexible as possible with the times that are best for you.
- Availability to attend pre-arranged training sessions at your home, in your local area, and at our training centre.
- Attend an Introduction session before we coordinate a dog into your care
- With our guidance, and using positive training methods, to continue the training of the dog in various areas. For example:
- Home behaviour
- Social behaviour
- Behaviour around other animals
- Walking on a lead
- Off lead exercise
- Maintaining the dog’s health and welfare and, via support and training, to recognise behaviour/health concerns and report them immediately to the dog’s trainer.
What we require from you
- You live within a 30-minute drive of our training centre (post code LE12 9SR)
- That you, as the dog's main carer, are over 18 years of age
- You have a dog friendly secure garden
- Though desirable, prior dog ownership is not required.
- All members of the household are keen to foster.
- There is no more than one pet dog living in your home. The pet dog must be over 12 months of age and would need to undergo our pet dog suitability assessment
- Have the time and ability to commit to the training and care of a young dog. This is a physical role
- Have access to a suitable vehicle to transport the dog
- That you or other approved adult member of the household are at home most of the day, and overnight, to care for the dog
- Attend two training sessions each year
- Understand that the dog in your care remains under the ownership of Canine Partners
Support and Training
- Induction process which includes telephone assessment and home visit
- On-going Instruction and support from our dog trainers. This will be in person, via video link, phone calls, handouts etc.
- Holiday cover and appointments cover can be arranged.
- Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from a training session with a Canine Partner representative
- Access to our volunteer portal with many resources for your use.
- Invitation to join our Official Canine Partners Community Facebook Group
We will change the lives of disabled people using expertly trained dogs to improve physical, emotional and social wellbeing.





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!
Provide holistic end-of-life care to people who are suffering of a terminal illness, under the direction of the Palliative Care Nurse Team Leader. By caring for those often isolated, hopeless, and fearful, this position is a living example of God’s love and compassion for the weak, lonely, and marginalised members of society. This position works primarily off-ship; hot and dusty or wet (depending on season) conditions can be expected. Visiting people in their house requires cultural sensitivity.
What You Will Contribute
• Support terminally ill patients and their family members through the grieving process, preparing them for death
• Train and assist family members with wound care for the afflicted person
• Share basic health principles with terminally ill patients and family members in order to improve their health
• Encourage the use of local, affordable materials for wound care and locally available analgesia
• Encourage the family to find ways to be self-supporting and teach them about planning for the future
• Assist in reaching out to local healthcare professionals who care for palliative patients, build meaningful relationships, assess their practical and intellectual needs and assist them in sustainable and culturally appropriate ways, through mentoring and teaching
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!
Summary
East Herts Family Support Service are looking for Volunteers across a variety of roles and locations to support the service lead by One YMCA.
Some of the sessions that require support include:
Stay & Play
Providing a fun session for children aged 0-5 years with a range of activities and resources for children to explore. We will provide a specific area for babies with staff on hand to offer support and advice. Families can come along with their children to have fun and socialise with other parents and carers.
Gilston Village Hall, GILSTON, Wednesdays, 10 - 11.30 am
Beane valley family centre (0 to 18 months), HERTFORD, Thursdays, 12.45 - 3.15pm
Selections Family center, HERTFORD, Fridays, 9.30 - 12.00pm
Southern Maltings,WARE, Thursdays, 9.30 - 11.30pm
High Trees Family Centre, TURNFORD, Fridays, 1.15pm - 3.45
Active Rhyme Time, High Trees Family Centre, TURNFORD, Mondays, 9.30 - 11.15
Creswick Family Centre, WELWYN GARDEN CITY, Wednesday, 9.30am - 12.00pm
Silver Birches Family Centre, WARE, Tuesdays, 9.30am - 11.15am
Greenfield FC – Waltham Cross, Tuesdays, 9.15am - 11.45am
Rosedale Community Church, Cheshunt, Mondays, 12.30 - 3.30pm
Woolmer Green Village Hall, KNEBWORTH,Tuesday, 9.30am - 12.000am
Howe Dell Community Hall, Hatfield, Wednesdays, 9.30am -12.00am
Breaks Manor Community Centre, Hatfield, Mondays, 9.30am - 12.00
Main Tasks could include:
To support the vision of the Family Centre supporting the Early Start Team in their work with parents, carer's, families and Children (under 11years)
- To ensure all families
- feel welcome comfortable and valued.
- To support the engagement of parents in their children’s development and learning.
- Setting up/tidying away
- activities.
- Engage & play with the children.
- Lead on specific activities as required.
- Includes both indoor and outdoor activities
- Encourage and support families to register with the service
Skills, Experience and Qualities needed:
- Aged 18 or over.
- Willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
- You need to have a friendly approach.
- Excellent communication skills
- Maintain confidentiality at all times
- The ability to work well in a team and unsupervised.
Support Offered:
- Training provided prior to starting role.
- Full induction into the service
- Ongoing support and supervision throughout role.
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!
Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?
Art plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that crafting, regardless of the medium you use can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in art-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now. You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products! We are recruiting for a volunteer to support and facilitate an art and craft group.
What you will be doing
- To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
- Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
- Encourage individuals to continue independent activities
The skills you need
- Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
- Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
- A calm and patient manner
- Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
- An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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 Croydon 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.
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!
Merton Mencap is a leading local charity in the London borough of Merton. Formed over 70 years ago, we support children, young people and adults with a learning disability and autism and their families by providing a range of services and activities. Our teams of staff and volunteers are hugely dedicated to providing the highest quality support for local people.
The charity is led by its Executive Committee comprising 8 trustees and the Chief Executive, who meet 6 times a year to ensure the organisation is carrying out its charitable aims.
We have an exciting volunteer vacancy of Treasurer, who will also be a trustee. The Treasurer works alongside the Finance Manager and Chief Executive to provide mentorship, expert accounting advice and guidance, and chairs our Finance Committee.
All our volunteers receive the charity's mandatory training and support from our team.
Supporting children, young people and adults with a learning disability and/or autism and their parents and carers to live full and rewarding lives


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!
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
Unfortunately cats can occasionally stray or get lost, which can be extremely distressing for their owners. Our lost and found volunteers are passionate about reuniting lost cats and bringing families back together. They help cats and their owners by advertising lost cats and providing support, advice and guidance to people searching for their cats.
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
A bit more information about this role and the team
- Going out to scan cats; own transport is needed
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Delivering donated food to stray cats being fed by households, if required
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Providing a quarterly update report to the local volunteer committee
What we need from you
You’ll be:
- Responding to enquiries from the public about lost and found cats
- Keeping up to date records of lost and founds cats
- Matching cats that are reported lost with those reported found
- Advertising lost and found cats
- Providing help and information to owners about their lost cats
Time expectation
Our lost and found volunteers usually spend between 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
- 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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Who are we?
Switchboard LGBTQIA+ exists to provide members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as their friends, family and those supporting them, with a listening service that they can contact via phone, instant message and email between the hours of 10am to 10pm every day.
We are happy to talk to service users about any topic they wish. Topics we often talk to service users about include: sexual health, safer sex, relationships, coming-out, gender identity, transitioning, mental health, experiences of hate crimes, support for meeting other LGBTQIA+ people and making friends, and much more.
However, we want to also be upfront and transparent about the fact that not all of our conversations are positive or constructive. Our volunteers can also be exposed to abuse from the public, manipulative callers, sexual fantasies and safeguarding concerns.
What is our over 50's club?
Our over 50's club is a new initiative for Switchboard.
We want to create a space that enables older members of the LGBTQIA+ community to volunteer with us on our phone lines and instant messaging service, whilst providing a social element that encourages volunteers to come together at our London HQ.
This club will meet on both Mondays and Tuesdays during the day (you can choose which day works better for you), completing a shift either between 10am to 1pm or 2:00pm to 5:00pm. You can join us weekly or bi-weekly, whichever you prefer.
We then come together between 1pm and 2:00pm to have lunch (paid for by us) and a good natter!
Volunteers who support Switchboard in this capacity are trained to take both phone calls and respond to instant messages. They do not respond to emails, however.
Who are we looking for?
To ensure we can provide a high quality service to those who contact us, we are looking for volunteers who:
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Simply put, like communicating and chatting with other people (you’re most likely a people-person who feels energised by this type of communication)
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Feel comfortable taking calls and speaking over the phone to people you do not already know
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Are familiar with different instant messaging platforms (such as WhatsApp and other chat tools) and the types of communication they might receive
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Are able to read between the lines to decipher messages
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Are good listeners who let others lead conversations and instead create the space they need
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Are able to ask broad, open questions to keep conversations flowing
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Understand the importance of using the right tone when communicating in writing, and are able to flex their writing style to suit different people
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Have a strong attention to detail, with a particular focus on spelling and grammar
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Are able to evaluate sources of information and identify those that can be trusted, from those that cannot
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Know when to challenge and when to step back
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Have essential digital literacy skills (such as using email tools such as gmail and outlook, search the web for information and copy and paste website URLs)
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Understand and support our mission
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Have an awareness of the challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community
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Are empathetic in nature
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Agree to uphold our values of being non-directive and non-judgemental
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.