Supporter services volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Northwood, hertfordshire

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: 

• Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm 

• 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: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * 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.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

Be a catalyst for change. Champion mental wellness and positive masculinity for the next generation—share our story, open doors, create impact.

About Future Men

Future Men is a specialist charity working towards a better future for every boy, every man, and everyone. Since 1988, we've supported disadvantaged and marginalised young males at critical life transitions—school exclusion, antisocial behaviour, or first-time fatherhood. Our work builds emotional resilience, strengthens relationships, and helps boys and men to navigate key life transitions. We offer:

• School programmes improving behaviour, emotional regulation, and achievement
• Community mentoring keeping young men safe and connected
• Fatherhood support giving fathers tools to actively engage in their children's lives
• Advocacy influencing policy on fatherhood and masculinity

Rooted in an understanding of positive masculinities, we empower boys and men to thrive—not just survive—so they can contribute confidently and positively to their families, communities, and wider society. 

The Opportunity

Be a voice for change. As a Volunteer Ambassador, you'll help us reach new people, open doors, and champion a cause that's transforming lives across London.

This is a flexible, remote role that fits around your schedule—perfect if you're passionate about mental health, youth development, or building stronger communities.

What You'll Do

Connect & Introduce (the most powerful thing you can do)

• Make warm introductions to potential partners, funders, or supporters in your network
• Help us connect with corporates, foundations, and local organisations—especially in Southwark & Lambeth

Amplify Our Message

• Share Future Men's work on social media (LinkedIn, etc.) and in your professional circles
• Be a spokesperson: Share Future Men's message at various events, like community gatherings, school assemblies, or corporate meetings. This could involve giving short talks or presentations about our work.
• Use your voice (social media, events, conversations) to normalise discussions around mental wellness, integrity, and healthy relationships

Open Doors to Support

• Identify sponsorship opportunities or pro bono support (legal, marketing, HR, communications)
• Connect us with grant makers, volunteers, or in-kind resources

Share Your Insights

• Give us feedback on how Future Men is perceived and where we can strengthen our impact
• Provide feedback on community needs, challenges, and ideas to help us refine our approach

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong personal or professional networks (especially in business, corporate, or community sectors)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfortable making introductions and representing the organisation
• Commitment to our mission: positive masculinity, mental wellness, and mentorship
• Ability to commit 5 hours per month for at least 12 months

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience in fundraising, business development, or partnership building
• Knowledge of the charity sector or social issues affecting boys and men
• Experience using LinkedIn or other social media for advocacy

What We Offer

Training & Support

• Comprehensive induction and orientation session
• Welcome pack with key messages, brand guidelines, and social media assets
• Designated point of contact for ongoing support
• Regular check-ins and connection with the team

Other Benefits

• Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., travel)
• A chance to make a tangible difference in boys' and men's lives
• Connection to a supportive, mission-driven team
• Flexibility to contribute in ways that suit your strengths and schedule

Safeguarding

Future Men is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All volunteers are expected to share this commitment and adhere to our safeguarding policies. A basic DBS check may be required depending on the nature of your ambassador activities.

Important Information

• This is a voluntary, unpaid position
• Notice period: one month by either party
• You will be expected to maintain confidentiality regarding any sensitive information
• All ambassadors must adhere to Nolan's Seven Principles of Public Life

Be Part of our Communication Team at Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership

Location: Hybrid - charity based in Watford, Hertfordshire
Commitment: 5-7 hours a week

Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership is dedicated to supporting refugees and asylum seekers by providing immigration services, advocacy, a social hub and ESOL classes. As  Communication Volunteers, you will play a key role in sharing the stories of refugees and asylum seekers, raising awareness about their challenges, and promoting the charity’s mission. As part of a team you will develop and implement communication strategies to engage supporters, attract donors, and build partnerships. This role involves managing social media, creating compelling content, and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop engaging content for social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tiktok), newsletters, blogs, and website updates whilst monitoring engagement and responding to comments.
• Write press releases, articles, and promotional materials to raise awareness.
• Develop partnerships with influencers, community groups, media outlets and other charities and organisations.
• Support campaigns that promote refugee rights, integration, and policy change.
• Help develop communication guidelines that ensure respectful and ethical storytelling.
• Assist in volunteer and donor engagement through impactful messaging.
• Provide updates on the charity’s work through reports, newsletters, and event promotions.

Skills & Experience

• Passion for refugee rights, humanitarian work, or social justice.
• desirable to have experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field (volunteer or professional).
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with sensitivity to refugee experiences.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and content creation tools (e.g., Canva, Hootsuite, Mailchimp).
• Basic graphic design or video editing skills (preferred but not required).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

What we offer

• Gain hands-on experience in nonprofit communications and advocacy.
• Help amplify refugee voices and raise awareness about critical issues.
• Expand your professional network and build valuable skills.

How to Apply:
Please apply via Charity Job and someone will give you a call/email to discuss further.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

By joining us, you will play a pivotal role in our Professional Development Programme (PDP), which supports career changers and newcomers to the UK in bridging employment gaps and tackling discrimination in the job market. We are currently working towards SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) certification to provide formal accreditation for the time our team members spend with us. This will allow participants to count their contribution as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), a vital step for those qualifying via the SQE route. This is a unique opportunity to deliver tangible community impact while directly enhancing the employability and professional standing of legal professionals.

Head of Department (Legal)

The Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity for a career step-up, providing experience in managing legal teams and departmental operations within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring every individual we support is empowered to achieve their full potential.

Role Purpose

The Head of Department (Legal) oversees a team of dedicated legal professionals and graduates who operate in a capacity similar to paralegals. You will bridge the gap between Directors and the legal team, turning high-level objectives into actionable legal support plans while ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct and social justice advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight: Developing and managing the legal department’s roadmap to support Quilombo UK’s social justice initiatives.

• Team Supervision: Overseeing the work of legal graduates, many of whom are working towards their LLM (Master of Laws), ensuring their contributions are technically sound and ethically grounded.

• Departmental Leadership: Coaching the legal team to maintain 100% project visibility and ensuring all work meets the rigorous standards required for future SRA accreditation.

• Social Justice Advocacy: Managing caseloads and research projects that tackle systemic inequalities and discrimination within the community.

• Operational Control: Maintaining 100% visibility of all legal tasks via project management tools and providing weekly reports to Directors on risks, progress, and Work in Progress (WIP).

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, Graphic Design, PR, and Production teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support.

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Financial Incentives

• 15% Profit Share: A share of the commission for work carried out, divided among individuals at the HoD level for specific tasks.

• 10% Business Development: An additional commission if new work or clients are brought into the organisation independently by the HoD.

Requirements

• A strong legal background (GDL, or equivalent) with a deep commitment to social justice.

• Experience in a supervisory or management role, ideally overseeing paralegals or junior legal researchers.

• A clear understanding of the SRA regulatory framework and the requirements for Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

• Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references

Volunteer Placement Counsellor 

Location: Remote - online & telephone

Hours: 3 x clients per week - Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays

Supervision provided:3.30pm Tuesdays, fortnightly

Wimbledon Guild are recruiting up to three Volunteer Placement Counsellors to help deliver our online and telephone counselling service.  

We offer up to 16 sessions of individual online or telephone counselling to people who might find it hard to leave their homes, or their carers.

You will be on or have completed a Level 4 or above counselling course and have completed 50 hours of clinical experience or the equivalent.

You will be available to attend online supervision at 3.30pm Tuesday afternoons.  You will see a caseload of up to 3 clients online or over the telephone on either Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. As this position is for online / telephone counselling, you will need access to a private and confidential working space, Wi-Fi, a private laptop and telephone. 

Wimbledon Guild Talking Therapies is accredited with BACP.

In return for your volunteering, you will receive free, online supervision, a full induction, and experience in a well-established counselling department in a London-based charity.

If you are interested, please read the Job Description/Person Specification attached.

To Apply:  Please complete the Application Form, addressing the specific criteria in the Person Specification in your Supporting Statement and return the form to us.

Closing Date:  There is currently no closing date, although we reserve the right to close applications when placements are full. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and applicants notified if they are invited to interview.

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We want to collaborate with more organisations, schools, and hospitals to spread the word about our work and services. To do this, we are looking for volunteers to join our outreach team and support these efforts.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Enthusiastic about increasing representation and inclusion

• Interested in development, with possible experience working with schools, hospitals, or in business development

• Strong communicator (verbal or other forms such as Sign Language, Eye Gaze, etc.)

• Creative thinker who can bring fresh ideas to the team

• Collaborative and team-minded

What Do We Expect?

• Willingness to undertake our virtual training programme

• Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us

• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed)

• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness

What Can You Expect?

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers

• Flexibility- contribute at times that suit you

• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C

• Make a tangible difference in your community

• Develop skills in outreach, communication, and partnership building

• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers

• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired

• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work

We are Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC).

Alex TLC is a trusted and experienced organisation offering support and information for all those affected by a genetic leukodystrophy. Formerly ALD Life, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for people affected by adrenoleukodystrophy and adrenomyeloneuropathy, the charity was established in 2004.

Due to popular demand, we extended our services to support all leukodystrophies in 2019 and became Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity.

Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to the recognised voice for adrenoleukodystrophy patients and their families. Our charitable work is supported by our chain of five charity shops across south east London.

With scant resources we are always in need of trustworthy and reliable volunteers to assist retail staff.

Could you spare a few hours a week? 

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people.

We need help to give hope and support to people affected by leukodystrophy – could you be that help?

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for volunteers who can:

• sort and clean stock
• serve customers
• create eye catching displays
• identify potentially valuable stock

ABOUT YOU

Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:

• an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do
• honesty and trustworthiness
• reliability
• enthusiasm

The role is located in any of our five shops in Forest Hill, Greenwich, Peckham, Penge or Walworth Road.

Alex TLC is committed to promoting diversity. 

We are only able to accept applications from UK residents. 

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We are looking for volunteers to help us apply for and secure funding to support our valuable work. This role can be done remotely, with no fixed rota, and the amount of time you give is flexible.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Interested in fundraising or securing funding

• May have experience in the community or charity sector

• Legal or corporate background, or studying law or similar subjects

• Willingness to learn, motivated, and proactive

• Organised and detail-oriented

• Positive attitude and collaborative

What Do We Expect?

• Willingness to undertake our virtual training programme at a time convenient to you

• Have a basic DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us

• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed)

• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness

What Can You Expect?

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers

• Flexibility – contribute at times that suit you

• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C.

• Make a tangible difference in your community

• Develop skills in fundraising, research, and grant applications

• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers

• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired

• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

What is the purpose of this role?

To support people aged 18+ in the community by leading a series of guided walks around open spaces in Nottingham city (and Nottinghamshire).

Walk Leaders can make a difference by creating safe, enjoyable, and accessible walking opportunities that enhance health, wellbeing, and social connection.

What impact does this role have?

Provides accessible, guided health walks across Nottingham’s parks and open spaces. The walks encourage a healthy lifestyle by combining exercise with opportunities to socialise, helping people stay active, build friendships, and explore their local community.

What activities might you be involved in?

· Offering a friendly welcome to all walkers, especially those joining for the first time

· Providing a short briefing before the walk to ensure all participants are prepared

· Making sure the walk is safe and accessible for participants on the day of the walk

· Taking the lead in walks and ensuring they are safe, friendly and enjoyable and well managed

· Addressing and resolving issues that arise during walks, following guidance from your Line Manager, and promptly reporting any incidents or concerns to them.

· Providing information about other Age UK Notts services and other walks offered by the scheme, and basic information about how to keep active

· Ensuring all required paperwork is properly completed

· Attending occasional walk leaders’ meetings, one-to-one meetings and relevant training

What are we looking for?

Ø  A genuine interest in the wellbeing of people and community engagement

Ø  Friendly, welcoming and empowering with good communication skills

Ø  Knowledgeable about the basics of the benefits of walking and physical activity

Ø  Reliable, punctual, honest and well-organised

Ø  Able to volunteer independently but with guidance and support

Ø  Confident at speaking in front of small groups

Ø  Able to take control and be assertive when needed

Ø  Ability to complete basic paperwork punctually and accurately

Ø  Willing to observe and learn from an experienced leader before taking on independent leadership

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The role can be flexible around your availability. Most volunteers lead walks weekly or monthly, with walks lasting 20–60 minutes. These may be starter/easy walks or wellbeing-focused walks. At times, we may request your support to provide cover at short notice if required.

 While we are looking to expand, our current walks  take place on Monday mornings at the Arboretum, Wednesday mornings at Highfields Park/Lakeside and Thursday mornings in Sneinton.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role. This will include a one-day Ramblers Wellbeing Walks, Walk Leader Course, risk assessment guidance and a thorough departmental induction to provide you with further information about your role. 

What can you gain from this opportunity?

· The chance to make a difference to a person’s life

· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one

· A comprehensive training programme including the opportunity for further training (e.g. First Aid)

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· Experience to add to your CV

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

Additional Information

Please note a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.

We are looking for volunteers who have availability to support our walks across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 

We are looking for volunteers who can support a minimum of one walk per week, every week (time and days tbc)

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 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 to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

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 volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’

This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Streatham on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

We also run Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon classes open to all existing CARAS youth community members, 4:30pm to 6pm. These classes tend to be larger and have a large range of language levels. 

Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:

• Monday 10 am to 3pm

• Tuesday 2pm to 6pm 

• Wednesday 11am to 6pm

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;

• Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.

• Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older;

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel and food expenses can be reimbursed);

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;

• To be reliable and punctual. We ask volunteers to commit to at least one class every week for a minimum of 4 months. If you are unable to attend a class due to a planned holiday, you must inform the program lead in advance. 

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;

• The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum seeker or refugee status

• *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);

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

*DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering 
   

To Apply: 

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 
 

 All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

Nova New Opportunities is an educational charity based near Ladbroke Grove. As we ease out of London, we are looking for volunteers to help on day trips in and around London to support families in getting back to normality again.

Trips will include anything from horse riding through to the beach, farms and Kew Gardens. This is an opportunity to help families from marginalised communities while gaining experience of working with a small, friendly and supportive charity.

Volunteers will help the group leader to accompany groups of parents/guardians and their children on a variety of cultural/fun trips, helping to make them feel welcome. 

Suitable volunteers will be reliable and sociable and enjoy working with children. Volunteers must be available for day trips during school holidays, as this is when most of the trips take place.

Volunteers receive a full induction, and support from the Children and Young People Coordinator. Travel expenses on the outings and any entrance fees are covered, and some further expenses can also be claimed.

IMPORTANT: An enhanced DBS check is required for this role, and so we are unfortunately only able to accept applications from UK-based applicants or British nationals living abroad.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• 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!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Our Gardener Volunteers support our homes by helping to maintain their outdoor spaces through weeding, pruning and planting, so that the people we support can enjoy spending time in a beautiful environment. 

We are currently looking for volunteer gardeners for one of our services, who can support with the following tasks:

• Create planters

• Provide general maintenance of our gardens

• Watering, planting, weeding and pruning

• Maintaining flower beds

• Creating/improving/maintaining our sensory garden spaces

Skills required 

In order to become one of our gardener volunteers you will be:

• Knowledgeable about plants

• Confident using gardening equipment

• Punctual and reliable

• Friendly and approachable.

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

• Safeguarding

• H&S

• Manual Handling

• How to be Eye Care Aware

• Fire Safety

• Infection Control

• Data Security and Confidentiality

• First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to give something positive back to society and have a direct impact on people’s lives.

Gardening is a great way to get out and about, stay fit and meet new people.

Volunteers can claim travel expenses

About us

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.