Support volunteer volunteer roles in loughton, essex

Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for our service users to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?

At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.

We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.

We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.

What you will be doing

• Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
• To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
• Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
• Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
• Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
• Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
• Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities

The skills you need

• A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
• Calm and patient approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

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

Why do we need your help?

Food banks provide three-day emergency food parcels for people in crisis, working in partnership with organisations across the community. Drivers play a fundamental role in the running of the food bank, collecting food donations from a variety of locations such as supermarkets or churches across the local area as well as distributing the sorted donations from the warehouse to the local food bank centres. You will be given all the required training and provided with ongoing support and development opportunities. You will also have a main contact at the food bank throughout your time volunteering with us.

What will you be doing?

• Collecting food donations from collection points such as supermarkets, schools and churches within Brent

• Coordinating with the warehouse manager and supermarket community champions

• Delivering the food donations to the warehouse, located in Willesden

• Transporting sorted food from the warehouse across two food banks within Brent

• Regular loading and unloading of vehicles, helping your driver buddy

• Regular driving across the local area

The skills you need:

• Clean and current driving licence

• Physically strong and capable of carrying heavy boxes of canned foods

• Experienced and confident driver, you will be driving a small van around Brent

• Adaptable and flexible, sometimes we need to change your driving route or times

• Personable and committed, you will be the representatives of Brent Foodbank amongst our supermarket community

• You will need to follow the driving policy of the food bank

• You should enjoy being part of a volunteer team

• Have an eye for detail and be able to solve problems

• If you can’t drive but enjoy being out on the road, you can also be a driver buddy!

What’s in it for you?

• Using your existing skills to make a difference

• Meet new people who share your passion to end poverty in the community

• Make a real difference to the running of your food bank

• The opportunity to serve your local community

You will be given all the required training and provided with ongoing support and development opportunities. You will also have a main contact at the food bank throughout your time volunteering with us. 

We recognise that we have under-represented groups within our team. As part of our commitment to diversity and equality of opportunity we are actively encouraging applications from under-represented groups such as parents or carers who are re-entering volunteering after a career break, people who are LGBTQ+, from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, with a disability, impairment, learning difference or long-term condition.

If you have space in your home and heart, for a guide dog mum who will be bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world, then this could be the role for you! A role where you can care and nurture for a guide dog mum and plenty of little puppies when they arrive. 

What you’ll be doing: 

• Providing a loving home for a guide dog mum who will be at least 12 months old, for around six years whilst they are in the breeding programme (with the option to re-home after this, once the guide dog mum retires at around 7 years-old.) 
• Giving a guide dog mum the care and support that our canine companions need, like feeding and grooming.
• Creating a safe environment for the guide dog mum when they are giving birth within your home and helping with the birth of future guide dogs, which usually happens once a year. (You don’t need any previous experience of breeding or having dogs – we have expert staff who will help you!) 
• Providing care and support for the newborn puppies for at least 6 weeks while they are still in the nest, including socialising them to the new sounds and first-time experiences in your home.

Can I care for a guide dog mum? 

If you want to care for a guide dog mum, here's what we ideally look for:

• A loving home with a secure garden.
• Access to a car, to support with any appointments needed for the guide dog mum.
• Live within an hour’s drive of the National Centre in Leamington Spa.

Guide dog mums can happily live with other dogs or children, however we wouldn’t place them with a male dog that has not been neutered. To determine whether you are suitable, we will conduct a home visit as part of the application process. 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
• The satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding experience of bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world and caring for their mum.
• Our volunteers have access to our bespoke training techniques to implement with their guide dog mum a great bonus for any dog owners! 
• The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

Training and support

Our volunteers also receive lots of support from their volunteer managers to help them implement the training modules, as well as managing the birth of new-born puppies. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your interview along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to the litter or your volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs or any specialist breeding equipment.  All you may need to buy is a bed and grooming equipment.

Minimum age of volunteer: 18.

Finance Volunteer

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.

About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Finance Volunteer for our Greenwich Group. As a Finance Volunteer, you would be joining a coordinating team of volunteers to plan and deliver services and activities to support people locally.

You will maintain and approve income and expenditure records and explain financial information clearly to other group members. You would ensure our financial requirements and policies are followed, and that money is spent in a cost effective manner.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience with a large charity, 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 comfortable with figures, preferably with an accounting or business background.

Apply 

Read through the role description carefully

Please apply online

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

BFUK are seeking enthusiastic, compassionate volunteers to support the delivery of our creative and educational hospital workshops. These sessions not only offer children and young people the opportunity to be imaginative, learn something new, and socialise, but also serve as a welcome distraction from time spent in the hospital. There is always something new to experience; previous workshops have included various crafts, make-up artistry, indoor gardening, hands-on VR demonstrations and mocktail making!

Our workshops take place in Great Ormond Street Hospital on Tuesdays and University College Hospital on Wednesdays.

As a Workshop Volunteer, you will:

• Assist with the preparation of workshop activities and support the sessions to run smoothly
• Chat and engage warmly with children, young people and their families during activities, offering encouragement and support
• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
• Have the opportunity to plan and lead your own workshop, if you wish

What do we look for in our Workshop Volunteers?

• A desire to work with children (age 5-12) or young people (age 13-18)
• A passion for inspiring creativity and learning
• Commitment to BFUK’s core values: equity, empathy, empowerment, connection and advocacy

What do our Workshop Volunteers gain?

• Enhanced DBS will be provided
• Safeguarding Level One Training
• Direct experience working with children and young people
• Opportunities to develop teaching and facilitation skills
• Experience working within a hospital setting
• Opportunities to socialise with other members of our volunteer community

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

Meditation can give us a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both our emotional wellbeing and overall health. Do you have experience in delivering meditation sessions and would like to give back your time to support people in crisis?

We are recruiting for a volunteer to run meditation sessions.

The hustle and bustle of everyday life can leave us feeling tired and burnt out. People in our services are feeling this more than ever and would benefit from learning mindfulness techniques and strategies. It is important for us to pay more attention to the present moment, our own thoughts, feelings and the world around us as it is known to support and improve our mental wellbeing, sleep, and increase our overall happiness.

Are you interested, if so, get in touch! We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.

We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community

What you will be doing

• Facilitate a meditation sessions, one to one or in a small group over video call
• Plan each session and identify any items needed for the Meditation sessions
• Lead on the logistics and set up of the session alongside the staff team
• Inspire and motivate people using the services to attend
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Experience delivering Meditation group sessions
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

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

Job Title: Public Relations Assistant                                                              

Reports To: Head of PR

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Public Relations (PR) Assistant to support the communications and public engagement strategy for the festival and wider organisational goals. This role is ideal for someone passionate about storytelling, community outreach, and brand visibility, while gaining hands-on experience in a meaningful cultural project. 

Position Overview:
The PR Assistant will support the PR Department in developing and executing external communications, engaging with local communities, coordinating media opportunities, and planning promotional campaigns. The position also includes leadership and team support responsibilities, offering the chance to build project management and people skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Media & Communications Support:

• Conduct research to inform PR planning and outreach strategies.

• Assist in writing and editing press releases, articles, and promotional content.

• Support social media content planning and scheduling under supervision.

Event & Community Engagement:

• Support the organisation and promotion of events that engage the local community.

• Foster positive community relations through public initiatives and collaboration.

• Liaise with stakeholders and partners to maximise event exposure.

Team Leadership & Administration:

• Assist in leading PR team activities and supporting volunteers with communications tasks.

• Motivate and coach team members to fill skill gaps and grow professionally.

• Manage or contribute to PR-related projects, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.

General Support:

• Contribute ideas and feedback during staff meetings.

• Provide support for administrative tasks and internal communications when needed.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• No formal degree required; coursework or experience in communications, public relations, or marketing is an asset.

Experience:

• Previous exposure to public relations, event coordination, or social media strategy is desirable.

• Familiarity with community engagement and nonprofit promotion is a plus.

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication.

• Strong understanding of social media platforms and content strategy.

• Organised, proactive, and adaptable with a positive, solution-oriented approach.

• Confident team player with basic leadership and project coordination ability.

• Knowledge of online and offline marketing tactics.

• Event planning experience is an advantage.

Benefits:

• Build real-world PR and event coordination experience in a mission-led organisation.

• Enhance your leadership, communication, and project planning skills.

• Gain references and portfolio work to support future career opportunities.

• Work remotely with flexible hours and a supportive team.

• Travel expenses reimbursed for any required in-person events or meetings. 

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Volunteering for Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do. 

When you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

In this role, you will be supporting us with all or some of the following tasks:

• Supporting clients at your service to engage in cooking activities, in a casual setting, encouraging them to socialise in the group and to make something tasty to eat.

• Designing recipes in collaboration with staff and clients each week that meet the needs of the group.

• Collaborating with staff to buy ingredients needed for the activities, using the services Petty Cash.

• Complying with St Mungo’s Policies and Procedures at all times.

Are you passionate about fitness and would like to make a difference in the community? We are recruiting for an enthusiastic volunteer to facilitate online Chair Exercise sessions. This is an amazing opportunity to promote health, well-being and social interaction amongst others!

What you will be doing

• Facilitating gentle chair exercise sessions for people with mixed abilities
• Encouraging service users to get involved
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Relevant fitness qualification
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

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

Community Co-Lead

Role Type: Volunteer
Time Commitment: Flexible – support at 1–2 events/month or as needed
Location: In-person at walks/events

About the role:
This is a people-first role. As Community Co-Lead, you help ensure everyone feels welcome and looked after at events. You’ll be the warm, grounding presence who checks in on attendees, helps ease social nerves, and sets a kind tone for the space.

You might enjoy this role if you:

• Naturally check in on people and help them feel included

• Are warm, grounded, and good at reading group energy

• Love community and believe in gentle leadership

• Want to help create a safe, open-hearted atmosphere

Web Developer (Volunteer) – Build the Digital Home of MINDSET

Are you a web-savvy creative who believes technology can drive social change? Do you want to help build a platform that empowers men to speak up, grow, and thrive?

MINDSET is a bold new charity focused on men’s mental health and self-improvement. We will be offering peer-led support, practical workshops, and a community built on courage and connection. Now we’re looking for a volunteer Web Developer to help bring our vision online.

Why MINDSET Needs You

• Many men struggle in silence—our website will be their first step toward connection.

• We need a digital space that’s simple, welcoming, and emotionally resonant.

• Your skills can help us reach more people, share resources, and build community.

Your Role: Web Developer (Volunteer)

You’ll design and maintain a user-friendly website that reflects MINDSET’s values and supports our mission. From showcasing events and resources to enabling donations and sign-ups, your work will be central to our impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain a simple, responsive website (WordPress, Wix, or similar).

• Integrate features like event listings, donation options, and volunteer sign-ups.

• Ensure accessibility, mobile compatibility, and emotional resonance in design.

• Collaborate with branding, content, and outreach volunteers.

• Provide occasional updates and troubleshoot issues as needed.

Who We’re Looking For

• Experience with web platforms like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or custom builds.

• Passionate about mental health, inclusion, and grassroots change.

• Able to work independently and communicate clearly with a small team.

​Why Volunteer with MINDSET?

• Use your tech skills to make a real difference.

• Help build a digital space that empowers and connects.

• Collaborate with a visionary, grassroots team.

• Be part of a movement that turns vulnerability into strength.

Apply Now

Send a short bio and a few examples of your web work (or portfolio link).

Deadline: 22nd August 2025 before 5:30pm

Let’s build a digital home where every man feels seen, heard, and supported.

Your code could be the key to someone’s first step toward healing.

MINDSET Charity

*��Join AfriLife M.I.N.D. as Volunteer Trustee Director
�� Southeast London (Remote/in-person)
�� Voluntary, flexible hours
�� Deadline: 18 August 2025
�� Send CV,+ 2 references + short interest note:

Are you a values-driven leader in social justice, mental health and community empowerment? We’re seeking two Trustee Directors to guide our mission empowering BAME communities with culturally responsive, (w)holistic care.

Who We Are
AfriLife M.I.N.D. is a profit-for-purpose setup transforming lives through mental, emotional, physical and social wellbeing services. We centre BAME lived experience and deliver inclusive, culturally competent supporting health and wellbeing.

Our Approach
We apply a (w)holistic lens—recognising how health, identity and community intertwine. Our work is rooted in compassion, collaboration and cultural relevance.

Our Values

• Abundance: investing in purpose and growth
• Empowerment: helping people own their lives
• Introspection: reflecting to refine impact
• Unity: celebrating diversity and solidarity

About the Role
You’ll help shape strategic direction, uphold strong governance and drive mission growth. Collaborate with a passionate board and contribute your expertise to help us thrive.

You Bring

• Experience in leadership, governance or community development
• Strategic thinking and a collaborative spirit
• Passion for health, education or social equity
• Commitment to inclusive, values-led service
• Bonus: interest in (w)holistic living or plant-based lifestyles

What You Gain

• A meaningful leadership role in a grassroots organisation
• The chance to influence positive change and grow your network
• A platform to live your values and make a real difference

Note
All Trustee Directors must be registered with Companies House, providing basic personal details (name, birth year, service address, nationality) for public record—standard UK requirement.

We welcome applications from African, Caribbean and other ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with lived mental health experience and those with diverse abilities.

Why we want you

Prison in reach volunteers support members of the Armed Forces community who are in prison. They make a real difference by providing essential support during these incredibly difficult times.

Our volunteers work closely with veterans in custody support officers, attending veteran forums, and offering one to one support, including making applications for financial assistance. We also connect clients with organisations, to help support pathways for positive change.

Come and join our team! We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

We are keen to increase volunteer diversity, especially from under-represented groups such as young people, those of working age and individuals from minoritised groups.

What you will be doing

• Attend group forums for veterans within the prison environment.
• Complete individual assessments and complete one to one personalised support for veterans within the prison environment, which includes casework.
• Promote the services available to family members.
• Establish an agreement around the rate of visits with the VCJS team and the prison.
• Record the support offered to veterans accordingly and appropriately.
• Complete monitoring reports.

The skills you need

• Be over 21.
• Have a good level of fitness to able to move around a prison quickly - including stairs.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Awareness of boundaries and confidentiality.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of people, including prison staff, other agencies, SSAFA colleagues and clients.
• Positive, committed and non-judgemental. Non-judgemental and empathetic attitude.
• Good IT skills.
• An enhanced DBS check is required for this role. Individual prisons will determine if they authorise individuals to be based in their facilities based on security considerations. Security Vetting by His Majesty’s Prison Service is often required. For further discussion, please get in touch.
• You will need to declare potential conflicts of interest, for example any family connection with the prison.

What's in it for you

• Full training provided with regular ongoing support.
• You gain criminal justice sector experience and build your CV.
• You can make a real difference to the lives of Veterans who are in the justice system.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost for you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.