Support volunteer volunteer roles in kilmarnock, east ayrshire
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 Community Volunteers are vital in enabling us to continue to feed the 2.4 million children we feed every day and to help us reach the next child. They use their talents in their communities to spread the story of Mary’s Meals.
What is the role of a Community Volunteer?
Some of the things you can do as a community volunteer:
- Help us to share our story – arrange and give Mary’s Meals talks to local community organisations, schools, churches and faith groups to raise vital awareness and funds
- Use your networks and contacts to book talks, stalls and events and help us share our story
- Organise fundraising events in your local area such as coffee mornings, quizzes, supermarket bag packs and bucket collections
- Organise film screenings in your community to show Mary’s Meals films
- Volunteer at local fundraising and awareness events such as film screenings, bucket collections or concerts
- Promote Mary’s Meals’ fundraising campaigns and events in your community and across their networks and contacts
- Distribute and display promotional materials
- Place collection tins in local community areas
- Host community engagement events about Mary’s Meals’ work
- Come together as a group with other local volunteers to support each other with this work
- Lead a group in your community to fundraise for Mary’s Meals
What support and resources will I receive?
- Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
- A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
- Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
- Training and if desired, public speaking training
- Resources to fulfil your role
- A regular volunteer update e-mail
What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?
- Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
- Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
- Meeting new like-minded people
- Increasing confidence and team-working skills
- Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
- Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.
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!
The Great Autistic CIC is Newly-Founded and exists to tackle rising mental health concerns, hypermobility, inadequate support systems, limited awareness and inclusion, educational barriers and community disconnection faced by neurodiverse individuals, particularly those with autism and learning difficulties.
“
We believe that every neurodiverse brain has its own superpowers. Our organisation turns challenges into opportunities by offering tailored educational support, creative social activities like art clubs and nature walks, and strong advocacy that gives voice to those with autism. We’re a community built on lived experience and on a mission to help every unique individual shine.
”
Are you a creative whiz with a knack for web design? Do you want to make a real difference in your community?
The Great Autistic CIC is looking for a passionate and talented Volunteer Web Designer to join our team! We're a friendly bunch dedicated to supporting the autistic community, and we need your help to make our online presence shine.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Help us create a beautiful and user-friendly website: We want our website to be a welcoming and informative space for everyone.
- Work on exciting projects: You'll get to use your design skills on real projects that make a difference.
- Learn and grow: We're a supportive team, and you'll have the chance to develop your skills and learn new things.
What We're Looking For:
- Someone with a passion for web design: Whether you're a beginner or a pro, we'd love to hear from you!
- A friendly and reliable person: We're looking for someone who's easy to work with and committed to helping out.
- Someone who's kind, honest, and understanding: We value these qualities in all our volunteers.
What You'll Get:
- The chance to build your portfolio: Showcase your skills and experience with real-world projects.
- Connect with a wonderful community: Meet new people and make a difference.
- Feel good about giving back: Your work will help us support autistic individuals and their families.
Interested: please email us!!
and tell us a bit about yourself and why you'd like to volunteer with us!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Single Parents Support and Advice Services is a Charitable Incorporated Company with over 35000 members UK wide.
Our charity founder and director, Nicola Booth, took the initiative to set up SPSAS in 2012, with the purpose to reduce isolation, loneliness, and to promote equal and fair treatment amongst Single Parents and their Children. We also aim to help, advise and support single / lone parents by giving them access to support and services that they normally would not be able to access for varied reasons. We try to eliminate the stigma attached to being a single parent in society, within all ethnicities across the UK.
Our charity runs solely on donations and all members of our charity, including the director are currently working on a non-paid voluntary basis. Despite these hurdles, we feel we have made a positive impact with our services.
We are looking for a solicitor or barrister to occasionally supervise our legal student advisors currentlystudying LPC/BPC. The role is based remotely
Key Responsibilities:
Your duties will include, but are not limited to, will include the supervision of students carrying out legal work, including some legal advice activity,
Essential
·Be a qualified solicitor/barrister with experience of family law and various other laws;
·Have a valid practice certificate
·Commitat least 1 day a week for a minimum 3-month period
·Have an enthusiasm for working with students;
·Have proven networking and public speaking skills;
·Be dedicated to providing a stimulating learning environment for students;
·Have a demonstrable commitment to pro bono, ideally through pro bono work or volunteering;
·Have an understanding of and commitment to the roles of both clinics and pro bono in the provision of legal services;
·Have excellent organisational and management skills;
·Have excellent verbal and written skills and ability to convey complex information in an accessible way;
·Be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines ;
·Be able to prioritise tasks;
·Be able to work as part of a team;
·Be able to use computer and information technology;
·Demonstrate enthusiasm, initiative and motivation
We hope we have caught your interest and very much appreciate it if you would agree to become a volunteer for SPSAS.
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!
Visit someone and share stories over a cup of tea/cofee, connect through hobbies/interests, chat about life, update them regarding local or wider activities.
Be a steady presence for someone who has received a termianl diagnosis
Marie Curie is looking for compassionate, everyday people to join our Companion Team within the surrounding areas of Bournemouth
What you’ll be part of:
- Offering emotional comfort and conversation
- Help someone express what matters most to them
- Share helpful information
- Point them to local resources and services
- Support family members or carers, before and after bereavement.
You’d be a great fit if you’re:
- Patient and good at listening
- Non-judgmental of others and friendly
- Emotionally mature and steady in sensitive moments
- Able to commit to 3 hours p/week
- Comfortable using email and completing short visit reports
What we will provide you with:
- A deep sense of purpose and connection
- Ongoing support, training and guidance
- A welcoming volunteer community
- Recognition and appreciation for the time you give
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses each month
Ready to take the next step?
Here is what you’ll need to do:
- Firstly, be 18 years or older to apply
- Secondly, complete an online application form, providing 2 non-family references
Apply now or get in touch to find out more
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for friendly, enthusiastic and energetic volunteers to walk our Wellness Walk routes with our participants to be someone that walkers can chat to if they’ve arrived and walking alone, provide a morale boost and support.
As the UK’s leading diabetes charity, it’s our job to tackle the diabetes crisis. We’re here to prevent type 2 diabetes, campaign for and support everyone affected by diabetes, and fund research that will one day lead us to a cure.
Thousands of people from across the UK will take part in our fun and family-friendly, sponsored Wellness Walks. It’s a chance to get out outside, take a deep breath, seize the day and change the world for everyone affected by diabetes.
There are currently 3 Wellness Walks held across the UK. We ask our walkers to think about their wellbeing and make a few small changes to how they live their lives, so that they can begin to feel healthier.
The walks are between 8-10 miles and are fully accessible – so pushchairs and mobility scooters are welcome.
Route volunteers guide walkers accurately and keep enthusiasm high. You must be aged 16+ to volunteer for this role (16 - 17 year olds must with be with a parent or guardian aged 18+), Volunteers in these roles will be positioned at key points on the walk route and will:
- Ensure walkers are heading in the right direction
- Motivate and cheer people on as they walk past your position
- Hand out hypo snacks, plasters or report medical incidents
- Monitor and report back to the route manager
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
About the opportunity
This role involves supporting with events in your local area throughout the year.
There is no minimum commitment for the role. Times will vary depending on the requirements of the event. You will be provided with an event brief beforehand to ensure you are happy with the requirements for that activity.
By volunteering you will:
- Be a valued member of the Charity
- Can work with dogs without lifelong commitment or costs associated with dog ownership
- Be able to meet like-minded people
- Gain practical experience in the field of canine care and welfare.
- Have fun by joining a friendly, enthusiastic, and supportive team of volunteers.
‘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
- Raising awareness of Canine Partners and what we do by speaking to event attendees
- Promoting fundraising activities at the event (selling raffle tickets etc)
- Handing out leaflets, taking donations
- Set up and pack away on event day
- Passing on any leads to the Community Fundraising team
What we require from you
- Age 18 or over
- Access to your own transport with flexibility to visit various locations
- Polite, confident, and personable manner
- Excellent customer service skills
- Most opportunities require standing for the duration of the session and/or being in a busy environment. Please advise us if you have any concerns about this, and we will do our best to support you.
Support and Training
- Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from an event.
- Dedicated point of contact in the fundraising team
- Pre-event briefings outlining the requirements of the event
- Volunteer clothing and ID badge
- 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!
Overview
In partnership with a second, and possibly third Leader, you will lead a Fire (Group) of 8-12 Young Explorers. Social Leader role is to ensure that all young people can develop and thrive on our expeditions. They provide additional support with pastoral care and behavioural management for young people, particularly those facing challenges. Social Leaders will have demonstrable experience of working with young people in residential environments.
We are looking for applicants who are:
- Able and passionate about leading, inspiring, and facilitating sessions with young people.
- Comfortable spending extended periods in remote and sometimes harsh environments.
- Able to commit to all pre-expedition training events.
As a charity, all Leader positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis and Leaders join for the intrinsic value of adventure, education, and personal development of young people.
We want equal access to challenging learning and adventure in the wilderness as an unbeatable preparation for adult life.





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 requested to complete an application for and provide 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!
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 requested to complete an application for and provide 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!
This collections volunteer role involves managing all static collection tins within your local area including identifying opportunities to place a collection tin, emptying the tin and banking the money.
There is no minimum time commitment, but the role requires a level of regular commitment to ensure that tasks are completed.
Canine Partners is a registered charity that transforms the lives of people with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs. Our amazing dogs bring a greater independence and quality of life to their partners, offering support, security, companionship, and practical help with everyday household tasks.
By volunteering at Canine Partners, you contribute to something incredibly special - ‘transforming the lives of people with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs’
By volunteering you will:
- Be a valued member of our Charity
- Can work with dogs without lifelong commitment or costs associated with dog ownership
- Be able to meet like-minded people
- Gain practical experience in the field of canine care and welfare.
‘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 we require from you
- Age 18 or over
- Access to your own transport with flexibility to visit different locations
- Polite, confident and personable manner
- Excellent customer service skills
- Excellent record keeping skills
Support and Training
- Public Liability Insurance
- Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from a talk.
- Volunteer clothing and ID badge
- Dedicated point of contact in the fundraising team
- Guidance on cash handling
- Income monitoring sheet provided
- 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!
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, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If you already have some fundraising experience that would be great too but it’s not essential.
What is a Fundraising Coordinator?
As Fundraising Coordinator, you would work with your local SSAFA branch to develop a Fundraising Plan. You would be central to delivering this local plan to raise funds through a range of local sources including grants, trusts, appeals, collections, and events.
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 a 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 needs. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community. We’d love to hear from you if you could help by coordinating this vital aspect of your local SSAFA branch.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. You would also be out and about at events and meetings. This role would suit someone looking to give a regular time commitment to SSAFA although when and where would be flexible to suit you.
What would you be doing?
- Developing an ethical fundraising plan based on the needs of the branch and choosing a mix of sources.
- Working with the branch secretary and Regional Fundraising Manager, recruit a team of fundraising volunteers to support events, appeals and collections.
- Working with the Regional Fundraising Manager, support national fundraising campaigns.
- Working with the Branch Publicity Officer, develop opportunities to combine awareness and fundraising.
- Planning and running local appeals, collections, and events
- Identifying and submitting applications to appropriate trusts and grant funding organisations
- Working with Marketing staff at central office check that all fundraising materials meet SSAFA branding style and current key messages.
- Liaise with Regional Fundraising Manager when pursuing opportunities beyond local sources e.g., corporates.
- Evaluate fundraising activities and provide reports and information for the branch.
- Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA including all sections of the community in awareness raising
- 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?
- 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.
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - Fundraising workshops.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
- Fundraising Manager (per region)
- 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 with good communication skills including written and spoken English.
- Confident to deal with the public, potential clients, volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues – face-to-face, by phone, email or via social media.
- Experience of running events and or submitting funding applications would be welcome but not essential.
- Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
- Ability to make enquires about fundraising opportunities by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms
- Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
- Access to public transport or a car to get to meetings and 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: 18
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
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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 required to complete an application form, with references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Womankind is recruiting reliable and resilient women, who are able to commit to 1-2 daytime hours each week for six months, to join our Volunteer Befriending Service. Befrienders encourage and support vulnerable women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse, empowering them to make their own decisions and improve their mental health and wellbeing so that they can lead more fulfilling lives.
Training:
Befrienders attend an initial online meet & greet session and then receive 4 taught sessions of comprehensive training over Zoom. These sessions will take place over 4 weeks, starting in Autumn 2025 (DATES AND TIMES TBC). Befrienders will be expected to complete homestudy in between sessions. You will be part of a team of trainees and benefit from peer support as well as help and guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator. Our training comes with over 30 years of experience working in women’s mental health, giving volunteers the very best preparation for the role, and a support network of like-minded women.
The Role:
Upon the completion of training, each volunteer is matched with one woman who has experienced childhood abuse, trauma, sexual violence and/or domestic abuse, and will be experiencing mental ill health and social isolation.
As a befriender you would be expected to commit 1-2 hours on a weekly basis for 6 months and attend monthly group and individual supervision. Many of our volunteers decide they would like to be matched with another woman after the completion of their first match and continue volunteering with us for another 6 months.
You and your befriendee would start by getting to know each other gradually. Once you have built up your relationship, you would support her emotionally, using active listening skills and providing her with a space to express her feelings and feel heard. You would help her to believe that she can achieve her goals and have safer relationships. Part of your role would be demonstrating what a healthy and boundaried relationship looks like.
You:
You will be enthusiastic and interested in helping another woman improve her mental health and wellbeing so that she can lead a more fulfilling life. You will be friendly and non-judgemental, have good communication skills and be a reliable and patient listener.
The befriending role can be challenging and emotionally overwhelming at times. Therefore, we need befrienders who have adequate life experience and feel emotionally robust and resilient enough to take on the role. We welcome volunteers with personal experience of mental health and other relevant issues but will require you to have at least a one-year period of stability and ideally to have received professional help like counselling in your recovery.
As this is a remote service, we welcome applications from women who are based across the UK.
Please note, there is very limited availability for women who can only volunteer during the evenings and weekends.
Because of the nature of this role, it is only open to women applicants and is exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 Equalities Act 2010.
At Womankind we recognise that while women share many characteristics and experiences as a result of living within a patriarchal society, women belonging to marginalised groups experience discrimination on multiple fronts. It is really important to us that the women who use our services feel represented amongst our volunteers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, especially from groups which are marginalised and underrepresented in our organisation, such as working-class women and Black and Minoritised women.
What Past Befrienders Say:
“I loved the training, that was possibly one of my favourite things about this whole experience...it was really thorough. I loved being in a space with like-minded women – and it was also challenging, which I liked.”
“In terms of supervision and knowledge, how to prepare the role – it was much more prepared, much more in depth than other places I’ve volunteered.”
“It’s been a pleasure, I love volunteering with you guys. It’s special being part of this – in a world where are so few spaces where you can have a direct impact on someone’s life, doing this role is really special.”
Closing Date: 31/08/2025
Job Type: Volunteer
Work Location: Remote, must be UK-based
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 YAUK
Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects
that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.
Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.
We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.
Overview
We are looking to appoint a Senior Research Manager who is able to lead all our Initial Research function, this function is fulfilled by usually 4 teams all led by a Research Manager and Senior Researcher. Initial Research Teams follow an Initial Research framework which guides our research led approach. Suggestions for research topics are made at regular intervals and these teams carry that research out over the course of a few months. Once initial research has been carried out a report is created and this is referred for either long term research, policy work or a long term project.
Responsibilities
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To support the overall management of the Research & Policy Department by leading the Initial Research function
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To guide and support more junior management to achieve success in their roles, directly managing up to 4 Research Managers
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To have overall responsibility for all of our Initial Research work, usually overseeing approximately 4 short term research projects at any one time
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To engage with research ethics volunteers to ensure of ethical compliance
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To oversee and develop relevant procedure and process
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To align Initial Research Team Research Managers with the objectives and goals of the department
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To provide support to Research Managers and Initial Research Teams, ensuring a good level of support is provided across each team
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To ensure of effective supervision of volunteers
You will need
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Some experience in a management position
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At least 2 years of operational research experience
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A postgraduate course of study, ideally at PhD level
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A good understanding of ethical compliance in research
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Planning skills
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Research report writing experience
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Ability to create and manage policy
Benefits
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This is a UK based 100% Fully remote and flexible role
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Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.
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Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.