Support volunteer volunteer roles in elm park, greater london
Are you looking for a meaningful, flexible way to support others? Join the Talking Bubble Project and help tackle loneliness through the power of a simple phone call.
Since the pandemic, many befriending services have wound down—but Talking Bubble remains one of the few projects still offering regular, phone-based companionship to those who need it most. Demand for this kind of support remains high, and we’re actively looking for kind, compassionate English-speaking volunteers to help meet this growing need.
What is the Talking Bubble Project?
☎︎ It’s a phone-based befriending service that connects volunteers with older adults and vulnerable individuals across the UK who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation. By committing just a little time each week, you can offer someone the warmth of conversation and a regular point of connection.
Why Volunteer With Us?
✔ Make a genuine impact on someone's life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours from the comfort of your home
✔ Receive full training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your sense of purpose and community
What You’ll Need
✅ No experience required—just a kind heart, a listening ear, and a willingness to talk
✅ Volunteers must complete Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check—we cover the cost of both
✅ Must be a UK resident
How to Get Involved
Apply now via the CharityJob website, or contact us directly for more information. Together, we can keep connection alive—one call at a time.
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!
The Listening Place is a volunteer-led charity aiming to transform how we support people who feel suicidal. Our trained volunteers are part of a team delivering face-to-face, confidential, ongoing support to thousands of people each year. They help create the warm and welcoming environment that encourages people struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings to talk openly without being judged or given advice.
Listening volunteers provide ongoing face-to-face support to visitors on regular, fortnightly 4-hour shifts during which they meet with up to 3 visitors (for up to 50 minutes each). In order to ensure continuity for our visitors we require a one-year minimum commitment from our LVs, as well as three months’ notice of intention to leave.
No experience or qualifications are necessary – we provide full training in active listening. We look for warmth, empathy and resilience in our volunteers and the ability to be non-judgemental and avoid giving advice.
We are primarily recruiting Listening Volunteers for our Hammersmith and Liverpool Street sites.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Mental Health Recovery Pathway (MHRP) service provides day service opportunities for people with low and medium Preventative Care Needs.
We are currently looking to offer volunteering placements with our Mental Health Recovery Pathway (MHRP) – a mental health provision based across three sites in Islington responding to the mental health needs of Islington residents.
You will be assisting service users who experience mental distress in group settings.
We ask for a commitment of at least 1 day a week 10:15am – 4:00pm for a full year (+ about 2-3 months for DBS check and induction), though there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer more than one day a week.
If this sounds interesting and suitable to you, please complete the MHRP volunteer application form and return with your CV, indicating why are you interested in volunteering for Islington Mind, if there is anything specific that you would like to do in your volunteering placement – e.g. facilitate activities, support our open access drop-in sessions, support service users with completing forms, accompany service users to appointments etc, and your availability – e.g. one or more days a week and which days of the week you are available.
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!
The “Friends of St Helena Hospice” is our well known Collection Pot scheme that runs across the local area. Yearly the donations from the pots bring in over £20,000 for the hospice, which helps local people facing incurable illness and bereavement. We are looking for Volunteer Pot Collectors in local communities to assist in the collection and distribution of St Helena collection pots to local businesses in and around their own local area.
Due to the nature of this role and the requirements to visit licenced premises, we cannot accept applications from anyone aged 18 and under.
Main duties of the role
• To issue and collect St Helena Collection pots to businesses in the local community in your specific dedicated area.
• Maintain own records relating to those pots and to be always aware which pots are being given out and which are due for collection.
• Build a relationship with businesses that host a pot and liaise with the community team to ensure supply of new pots.
• Look for new pot locations across the area you cover and liaise with the community team to let them know the new locations.
Training & supervision
Full training and support will be provided in addition to an induction and Health and Safety training. You will also have a line manager who you can report to when needed.
Experience and Qualifications Required
• Organised with a methodical approach
• Confident to approach new and existing businesses to establish a relationship
• Excellent communication skills
• Car driver and access to own vehicle (essential)
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
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!
Learn to Love to Read offers one-to-one support to children who find learning to read challenging, in schools and online via Zoom.Our In-school volunteers are asked to commit 90 minutes, one afternoon a week, usually between 1-3 pm.
Our virtual volunteers are asked to commit 30-60 minutes, one afternoon a week, usually between 4-6 pm.
Full training and ongoing support is provided for all volunteers to provide them with a framework which supports children's reading skills, while also building their self-esteem, confidence and love of reading. Our volunteers support the same children each week, providing 20 minutes of one-to-one support for the whole academic year. This ensures a consistent and rewarding experience for both the volunteer and the children.
In Wandsworth, post-COVID, 20% of Key Stage 1 and 25% of Key Stage 2 children did not reach the expected standard of reading in summer 2025. Low literacy is linked to poverty and social exclusion, limiting options in life. Early literacy intervention is crucial to break this cycle. School closures due to COVID-19 have been tough for children from disadvantaged families.
Please note we only work with schools in the London borough of Wandsworth and all our volunteers need to live in or within easy reach of that borough.
In line with Safer Recruitment, all applicants are asked to complete an application form, provide references, take part in a face-to-face interview and ID check, and attend online training which includes safeguarding. All volunteers must have an enhanced DBS check which we arrange on your behalf. You will also be required to obtain checks from any country in which you've lived for more than three months from the age of 16 in line with Wandsworth's guidance. Once you have registered, we’ll send you a link to the application form.
Learn to Love to Read is committed to working without bias and offering equal opportunities for our volunteers. We are committed to valuing diversity and working inclusively across all our activities. Our aim is that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Every child a reader - supporting children's literacy in the London Borough of Wandsworth
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 looking for volunteers who can spend time with our clients in and around Central London. Meetings are regular over a period of 6 months; weekly or fortnightly. Many volunteers stay involved for much longer but only because they enjoy what they do!
Befriending is a simple way to make a positive difference to someone who is lonely or socially isolated and your gift of time and regular companionship will give them, and you, something to look forward to. As one of our volunteers once told us, “this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”
Your meetings could be in the local community, having chats in a coffee shop, visiting places of interest, or in our client’s home; all activities are risk assessed so what you do together will depend on the results of this, and / orour clients abilities and interests. Most of our clients are older 1st and 2nd generation Scots living in London who simply want to do the activities that most of us take for granted but have no-one to do them with.
ScotsCare works across London and beyond so we're looking for volunteers who live in the area or can travel to the following areas; Lambeth, Islington, Camden, central London and Broxbourne EN10. We may have clients in more locations so please contact us to learn more if you want to be involved in this rewarding and impactful activity.
We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters to keep you informed.
This could be the ideal opportunity to gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting, or for anyone who enjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter.
Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must be living in or around the London area.
Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!
Skills & Characteristics Required for Befriending are:
- English spoken, good communication skills for listening and talking
- Friendly, warm, non-judgemental
- Honesty, reliable and committment to helping others
- Empathy and patience
- An ability to follow policies and procedures
We will process a DBS check for all successful applicants and require two references.
To improve the lives of Scots and the children of Scots in London
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!
Are you passionate about the world of gaming? STAMMA’s Minecraft club is a project which aims to bring young people aged 7-14 who stammer together through the exciting world of Minecraft! Our club plays in a private virtual realm where we can build exciting creations and collaborate on imaginative group projects. And you can be part of it too!
We know that the world can feel like a lonely place for young people who stammer. We want to help people connect and show them how great being part of the stammering community can be.
We’re looking for people to join us to be Minecraft session leaders. We’ll support you to lead short 1-hour ‘play together’ sessions in our virtual world 2x a month on a Tuesday or Thursday evening 6-7pm.
Please note that this volunteer role is only open to people who are resident in the UK.
Basic information
Hours: 3 hours a month plus one quarterly catch-up session on Zoom (amounts to 2 sessions a month of 1.5 hours)
Day and time: A regular slot on either Monday/Thursdays 5.45-7.15pm (session runs 6-7pm)
Commitment: We hope that you will enjoy this role and commit at least 12 months to the position
Location: Home-based
Supported by: Catherine Woolley (Children and Families Lead)
What does the role involve?
As a Minecraft Session leader, we’re hoping you’ll feel comfortable to:
- Run a ‘play together’ session for young people who stammer either on your own or with another session leader. Sessions are usually run by two volunteers working in partnership.
- Help to keep our Minecraft realm a friendly space for everyone.
- Support new players, such as showing them around the world, introducing them to other players and answering any questions they have.
- Helping families to set up Minecraft on their device and access the session for the first time.
What support would you get?
We'll help you through a training programme, which will include online training modules and some shadowing. This training is likely to take around 5-6 hours in total and can be completed in bite-sized amounts to suit your schedule. We will also provide ongoing support through our quarterly catch up sessions for Minecraft session volunteers to share experiences and explore any concerns or challenges.
What would you need?
- A quiet place where you can work in privacy and not be overheard during calls
- A console/computer with Minecraft installed
- A second device where you can take part in a Zoom call
- Stable internet connection which supports gaming
Who might enjoy this volunteer role?
You’re likely to enjoy volunteering with our Minecraft groups if you:
- Are experienced at playing Minecraft.
- Enjoy listening and talking to young people.
- Have a genuine curiosity about people and their experiences.
- Are passionate about making the world a better place for people who stammer.
It’s not essential to stammer if you are interested in volunteering with us, but you may particularly enjoy this role if you do. Your personal experience of stammering can be very useful!
Other Information
As a volunteer you can, of course, step back from the role at any time. However, both you and the Minecraft club are likely to get most out of the opportunity if you’re able to volunteer with us for at least 12 months. By gradually learning and developing your confidence in the role, you can have the biggest impact.
This is a volunteer role and is unpaid. As this is a role where you will be working with children and young people, we will need you to complete a DBS check with us before you can lead any sessions on your own.
Contact & apply
To express an interest in volunteering on the STAMMA's Minecraft Club, or if you have any questions, please complete the volunteer form on our website.
We exist to create a world that makes space for stammering. Where a stammer is embraced as just a difference.


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 looking for volunteers (21yrs+) to befriend a child or young person in care or leaving care. To provide opportunities for them to develop a meaningful. long-term relationship.
W E A R E L O O K I N G F O R S O M E O N E W H O
Can establish a positive, stable and long-term relationship with a young person.
Is reliable, non-judgemental, a good listener and able to engage with a child/young person.
Can promote the young persons developmental, social, emotional, cultural and religious needs.
Can value and respect the wishes and feelings of the child or young person and where necessary can advocate on their behalf.
Can adhere to policies and procedures at all times with emphasis on confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety and relevant local authority procedures.
Is 21+ years old Has a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
W H A T C A N I E X P E C T T O B E D O I N G ?
Meeting with the young person on a regular basis in the community for a couple of hours.
Engage with the young person in recreational/educational and fun activities.
Help them to explore new experiences to build their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Act as a positive role model for the young person.
W H A T A R E T H E B E N E F I T S
You will receive a thorough induction programme and training for the role.
You will receive quarterly supervisions and ongoing support from a member of the team.
You will make a real difference to a young persons life.
You will have opportunities to meet with other volunteers and young people.
Out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
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!
Fundraising events helper
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
As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
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
What we need from you
You’ll be:
· help set up and/or man stalls at events
· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events
Time expectation
This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.
We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.
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.
Applicants will be asked to complete and application and provide details for two references
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
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!
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
If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food – and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.
Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
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!
Become an Independent Visitor to be matched one to one with a young person in care. You will meet once or twice a month to take them out to do fun activities together. This is an opportunity for our young people to develop a healthy relationship with a trusted adult, have fun and share their worries and feelings if they are ready to do so.
We'll provide full training, all your expenses and ongoing support from dedicated staff.
This is an opportunity for you to build skills and knowledge within social care and test yourself with real life experience of a young person in care.
We're looking for enthusiastic, committed people to bring their experience, skills and positivity to the lives of young people who have been through tough times. We will be providing training on the following subjects.
Session 1 Introduction to IV and the Care system
Session 2 Trauma, Attachment and Growth
Session 3 Safeguarding
Session 4 Communications and Boundaries
Session 5 The Role Of The IV
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!
About Us
Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil CIC is a grassroots community interest company committed to fighting Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) across all UK communities.
We work to protect, heal, and empower survivors, amplify their voices, and educate the public through media, outreach, and education.
Our CIC is a movement, not just an organisation — everything we do is built from the ground up by people with heart, courage, and vision. We believe in truth, love as law, and community unity.
This is a grassroots, volunteer-driven structure, so this role will suit someone who values purpose, legacy, and growth over titles or pay at this stage.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Voluntary Assistant to the Executive Assistant, who will directly support the Executive Assistant to the Founder in the day-to-day coordination, administration, and communications of the CIC.
You will play a vital role in helping the team stay organised, efficient, and connected as we expand our operations, events, and fundraising programmes.
This is an unpaid voluntary position for someone passionate about helping build a movement that fights CSA and supports survivors across the UK.
Key Responsibilities
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Support the Executive Assistant in managing schedules, meetings, and communications.
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Assist with preparing reports, tracking project tasks, and ensuring follow-ups through Asana.
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Help organise and document team meetings, training sessions, and fundraising events.
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Communicate with internal departments, volunteers, and external partners in a professional and sensitive manner.
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Assist with digital organisation — filing, cloud storage management, and shared document control.
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Help prepare correspondence, press materials, or short summaries for the Founder or senior team.
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Occasionally attend virtual or in-person meetings to take notes and ensure next steps are actioned.
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Maintain confidentiality and sensitivity when handling information related to CSA, survivors, and internal operations.
Ideal Candidate
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Passionate about fighting against CSA and supporting survivors.
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Organised, proactive, and eager to learn about how community organisations operate.
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Tech-savvy and comfortable with tools like Asana, Microsoft Office, and Google Drive.
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Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
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Professional, empathetic, and committed to the CIC’s values of truth, love, and collective healing.
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Able to take initiative and work independently or within a small, close-knit team.
What You Will Gain
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Direct mentorship from the Executive Assistant and leadership team.
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Experience working closely with the Founder and understanding the inner workings of a fast-growing grassroots organisation.
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Opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and project management skills.
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The chance to make a real difference in the fight against CSA and contribute to something historic.
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Full training, mentoring, and ongoing personal development provided.
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Travel and food expenses covered for any in-person activities.
The possibility of transitioning into a paid role as the organisation grows.
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!
Family Friends carefully recruits, trains, and matches volunteers with families in Central-West London. Our befriending volunteers offer long-term practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two befriending volunteer opportunities with us-, Big Buddies and Parent Buddies.
Our Big Buddies support young people, aged 10-18, for a few hours each week over a period of 6 -12 months. With encouragement and support, volunteers will aim to help young people to discover their strengths and build confidence.
Support may look like:
- Helping to strengthen family relationships.
- Providing a listening ear
- Taking young person to the cinema, museums, libraries - broadening their horizons!
Essential Criteria:
- Can commit to the Big Buddies programme for a minimum of 6 months
- 18+
- Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years
What we provide in return:
- Full induction training and ongoing training
- Full DBS check
- Support and supervision
- The chance to learn new skills
- References provided after 6 months' commitment
- Reimbursement of travel and session expenses
We are an equal opportunities charity and we value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and would like to encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.
In the first instance, please register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us by contacting us here for an online application form.
Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are a dynamic charity, focused on helping survivors of modern slavery rebuild their lives and achieve sustainable freedom by providing invaluable training, coaching, work experience and advocacy across the UK. It is now two years since we launched a new strategy from which we have increased our impact whilst strengthening and broadening our services for survivors of modern slavery. In these challenging times it is even more important that we continue to be bold, resilient and effective.
We are looking to find up to 3 inspirational Trustees with experience in one of more of the following areas:
- Legal (employment, contract, and charity law)
- Development/Fundraising (significant networks amongst corporate partners or major and mid-level donors)
- Policy/Advocacy or Public Affairs (with an understanding of the Modern Slavery or adjacent human rights topics)
As a trustee of the Sophie Hayes Foundation, you will be part of a small team of volunteers who are collectively responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and ensure that we continue to support and advocate for survivors of modern slavery.
Trustee Role & Responsibilities
The people that we work with come from all over the world and have a wide variety of beliefs, experiences and backgrounds. We are committed to sharing in and reflecting this rich diversity amongst our staff, volunteers and trustees and would strongly encourage applicants from minority and under-represented groups, and from those with lived experience. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are.
Responsibilities
As a trustee of SHF, you will work collectively with fellow board members to provide effective governance, oversight and strategic support. Your core duties will include:
1.Upholding SHF’s Mission and Values
- Support and advise on SHF’s purpose, vision, goals and charitable objects.
- Act at all times in the best interests of survivors and SHF’s mission.
- Promote SHF’s values, including survivor-centred practice, inclusion and safeguarding.
2. Governance, Compliance and Ethical Oversight
- Ensure SHF complies with its constitution, charity law and relevant regulations.
- Ensure resources are used responsibly and exclusively to further SHF’s charitable purposes.
- Maintain high standards of integrity, including declaring and managing conflicts of interest.
- Support effective governance structures, including participation in learningfocused reviews.
3. Financial Stewardship and Risk Management
- Oversee the charity’s financial health, ensuring sustainability and protection of assets.
- Monitor financial performance, risks and internal controls.
- Contribute to board-level scrutiny of finance and risk, supporting informed decision-making.
4. Strategic Support and Constructive Challenge
- Provide strategic guidance and support to the Executive, helping to shape direction, priorities and performance.
- Contribute to discussions on strategy, planning and organisational development.
- Offer constructive challenge in line with SHF’s values and governance expectations.
5. Safeguarding, Culture and Psychological Safety
- Promote a safe, transparent and inclusive organisational culture.
- Support safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring staff, volunteers and people with lived experience feel safe to raise concerns.
6. Board Participation and Collaboration
- Use your skills, experience and networks to strengthen the Board’s effectiveness.
- Prepare for, attend and actively contribute to Board and relevant committee meetings.
- Work collaboratively and respectfully with other trustees, the Chair and the Executive.
7. Advocacy and External Engagement
- Act as an ambassador for SHF, promoting our work and raising our profile.
- Advocate for survivors of modern slavery and support SHF’s influence, partnerships and fundraising efforts.
Specialist Responsibilities
We are seeking up to 3 trustees who can bring specialist expertise in one or more of the following areas, complementing the skills of the Chair and wider Board:
Legal
- Experience in employment, contract, charity or human rights law.
- Ability to advise on legal risk, governance obligations and regulatory duties.
Development / Fundraising
- Strong personal or professional networks with potential corporate, philanthropic or major donors.
- Ability to open doors, strengthen partnerships and support revenue generation.
Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs
- Understanding of modern slavery or adjacent human rights issues.
- Ability to support SHF’s policy development, influencing work and external relationships.
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!
INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE)
CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.
Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.
We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work:
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.
About Youth ESOL:
Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.
About the Role:
CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
The reading group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the reading group sessions are as follows:
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Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm
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Wednesday mornings 11am to 1pm.
Volunteers are required to attend either one of both sessions. Volunteers are also welcome to stay and support the more traditional English language classes either before the reading session on Mondays or after the reading session on Wednesdays.
Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.
The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.
The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.
Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.
Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.
Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:
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Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions;
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Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;
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Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;
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Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;
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Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;
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Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;
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Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;
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Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;
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Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom;
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Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
Essential
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To be 18 years or older;
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An interest in education and English language teaching;
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Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status
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* Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.
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Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role
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Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed);
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To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds;
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To be reliable and punctual;
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Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;
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An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry
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The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;
Desirable:
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Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish;
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Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics.
Through volunteering with us you will:
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Gain experience of English language teaching;
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Meet new members of your local community;
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Learn about different cultures;
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Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
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Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
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Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English;
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Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
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Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering.
We provide firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.




