Trainer volunteer roles in bexley, kent
Do you want to make a real difference?
At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.
By undertaking this role you will be enabling the shop to open for trading and close up, supervise and lead other volunteers in undertaking tasks and duties that enable the smooth running of the shop, and support the management team in task management.
Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:
Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!
Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as supervising a team, customer service, and teamwork.
Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.
Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.
Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!
What happens next?
After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!
We are Oxfam Together we can create a more equal future, free from poverty.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Programmes & Services department keeps our organisation running. Our team work directly with volunteers by offering them support.
Our Programmes & Services department is divided into four roles. Each of these roles reports to our Programmes & Services Manager. Our four roles are:
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People Coordinator
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Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
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Referrals Coordinator
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Training Coordinator
Key tasks and responsibilities
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Track the attendance of all volunteers.
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Maintain friendly relationships with caseworkers.
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Be the first point of contact for queries from volunteers and signpost to the relevant team/person.
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Support the accessibility needs of volunteers attending in person or online.
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Organise socials for the organisation.
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Feedback volunteer experiences to the management team.
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Support the People Coordinator to ensure the smooth onboarding and offboarding of volunteers.
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In person attendance on Saturdays is compulsory but there is no expectation of remote work throughout week.
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!
Job description
We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Olympia store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.
About Octavia Foundation Shops
We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.
Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.
Job Type: Volunteer
Pay: £0.01-£0.02 per year
Benefits:
- Free or subsidised travel
- Store discount
Flexible language requirement:
- English not required
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
- Weekends only
Work Location: In person
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
We need dedicated volunteers to join our friendly team at our store on Wilton Road in the popular shopping area of Victoria. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.
About Octavia Foundation Shops
We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.
Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.
Job Type: Volunteer
Benefits:
- Travel Expenses claimable
- Store discount
Flexible language requirement:
- English not required
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
- Weekends only
Work Location: In person
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!
Job description
We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Tooting store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.
About Octavia Foundation Shops
We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.
Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.
Job Type: Volunteer
Pay: n/a
Benefits:
- Travel Expenses claimable
- Store discount
Flexible language requirement:
- English not required
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
- Weekends only
Work Location: In person
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!
Job description
We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Finchley Road store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.
About Octavia Foundation Shops
We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.
Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.
Job Type: Volunteer
Pay: n/a
Benefits:
- Travel Expenses claimable
- Store discount
Flexible language requirement:
- English not required
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
- Weekends only
Work Location: In person
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 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 the CARAS ESOL Team:
Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to adults at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling people to attend college and access other services in the future.
About the Role:
CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face adult ESOL classes in Tooting. Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session every Wednesday during these times:
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Mondays ESOL 9:30 to 13:30
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Tuesday 9:30 to 11:30
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Tuesday One-to-one employability and language learning support 15:00 to 17:00
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;
-
Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;
-
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 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;
-
Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;
-
The ability to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three 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;
-
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;
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Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering;
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Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
We provide firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Job description
We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Askew Road store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.
About Octavia Foundation Shops
We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.
Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.
Job Type: Volunteer
Pay: n/a
Benefits:
- Travel Expenses claimable
- Store discount
Flexible language requirement:
- English not required
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
- Weekends only
Work Location: In person
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!
Job description
We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Fulham Road store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.
About Octavia Foundation Shops
We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.
Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.
Job Type: Volunteer
Pay: n/a
Benefits:
- Travel Expenses claimable
- Store discount
Flexible language requirement:
- English not required
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
- Weekends only
Work Location: In person
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!
Job description
We need dedicated volunteers to work at our South Kensington store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.
About Octavia Foundation Shops
We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.
Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.
Job Type: Volunteer
Pay: n/a
Benefits:
- Travel Expenses claimable
- Store discount
Flexible language requirement:
- English not required
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
- Weekends only
Work Location: In person
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about the natural world and inspiring others to engage with it?
Join us as a Trustee at the Field Studies Council and help shape the future of environmental education.
- You can be based anywhere in the UK
- You’ll need to commit approx. 10 days a year
- It’s a voluntary position but reasonable expenses are reimbursed
About Us
Field Studies Council is an environmental education charity. For over 80 years, we've been inspiring people to understand and care for the natural world. Through our network of centres across the UK, we provide fieldwork and outdoor learning experiences for all ages — from school groups and university students to families and lifelong learners.
We are a leader in biodiversity training, the publisher of best-selling wildlife ID guides, and a champion for accessible outdoor education, particularly for disadvantaged young people. Our mission is simple but vital: to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.
Your Opportunity to Make a Difference
We’re currently looking to appoint four new Trustees to bring fresh perspectives and help us grow in diversity, representation and expertise. As a Trustee, you'll help guide and shape our charity’s future.
While the day-to-day running of our charity is handled by our staff and volunteers, the Board of Trustees plays a key role in making sure everything stays on track.
That includes overseeing our work, making big-picture decisions, and ensuring we meet our legal and regulatory responsibilities. It’s an important role, but you won’t be doing it alone. You will:
- Provide strategic oversight and guidance to support our mission and values
- Use your insight and experience to influence decisions that impact tens of thousands of learners annually
- Act as an ambassador for environmental education and social inclusion
- Contribute to Board and committee meetings, and participate in key annual activities including visiting one of our field centres each year to see our work in action
- Use your knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to help us innovate, grow, and reach more people
Who We’re Looking For
You don’t need to be an academic, ecologist or environmentalist to join us or have charity trustee, company director or equivalent experience — we welcome applicants from all walks of life. We are especially interested in candidates with skills in:
- Charity governance
- Finance (qualified professionals – potential Honorary Treasurer role)
- Fundraising & stakeholder engagement
- Marketing & communications
Above all, we want individuals who are:
- Passionate about equal access to outdoor learning
- Ready to speak up and bring a new perspective
- Willing to give their time and energy to support the Field Studies Council
We’re committed to building a Trustee board that is inclusive, representative, and reflective of the diverse communities we serve.
We warmly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in charity governance — including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ communities, young people, and those with lived experience of social or economic disadvantage.
If you're excited by our mission and ready to help others experience the power of nature, we’d love to hear from you.
What’s Involved
- Approx. 10 days per year commitment for an initial 3-year term (this includes board and committee meetings, and a centre visit)
- Most meetings are held virtually, with one in-person event annually
- All reasonable expenses are covered
- Appropriate training and support will be provided
Please download the Trustee Candidate Information Pack to learn more and take the next step in helping us connect people with the natural world
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and low numeracy amongst people across the UK?
Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. We recently developed an online version of our Turning Pages reading programme, and we are currently in the process of doing the same with our Count Me In numeracy programme. As a community admin support volunteer, your role will help support the day to day running and ongoing development of both these platforms, ensuring that we are effective in responding to the needs of our users.
This is a new role to Shannon Trust and we are open to developing the role with the volunteer.
We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions.
Closing date for applications 26 May 2025. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare.
Interview date: 2 June 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Night Stars is a volunteer night-safety initiative run by Westminster City Council. The program aims to provide a welcoming place for all and collaborate to ensure that Westminster’s nightlife remains a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike. Volunteers are there to help anyone who finds themselves in a vulnerable situation, whether they need water, someone to talk to, or a safe place to sober up. It is delivered across the West End, and focuses on areas such as Soho, Piccadilly, Leicester Square, and Embankment, and operates on Fridays from 19:00 pm to 04.00am.
This is great opportunity for students to gain volunteer experience and key skills necessary for future success. We have many volunteers, and it is a wonderful way for them to make friends and new connections, as well as learn more about London's night-time economy.
The role is highly flexible, but your aim will be to:
- Act as an ambassador for the night-time economy and interact with visitors and local businesses to create a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Provide information, advice and practical support to visitors and vulnerable people
- Signpost people to support services if required.
- Be part of the wider strategic partnership in the area which is supporting and protecting visitors. In other words, interacting with emergency services such as the police, ambulance services, BIDS, and council enforcement staff, to ensure that Westminster remains safe.
- Look after those who are unable to keep themselves safe, and support them to get home without coming to harm
During patrols, volunteers may engage with:
- Intoxicated or Lost Individuals in need of assistance
- Victims of Crime, such as theft and assault
- Individuals in Need of Emotional or Mental Health Support
- Venue Security and Emergency Services
- Council Enforcement Staff, such as City Inspectors or Anti-Social Behaviour Officers
Skills Required
- Empathy for the needs of vulnerable people.
- Excellent team player.
- Outgoing, friendly, and positive character.
- Good communication skills.
- Able to use your own initiative but able to ask for help when needed.
- Willing to work unsociable hours.
Training and support
- Alcohol and Drugs Awareness: Handling intoxication situations.
- Conflict Resolution: Managing aggression.
- Adult and Child Safeguarding: Ensuring safety and protection.
- Women’s Vulnerability Awareness: Intervening in vulnerable situations.
- Anti-Sexual Harassment: Preventing and addressing harassment.
- Communication: Effective interaction techniques.
- Emotional Support: Assisting distressed individuals.
- First Aid: Basic emergency medical skills.
- Equipment Use: Proper handling and operation.
- Counter Terrorism: Guidance on safety procedures.
- Employee Assistance: Access to the council's support services.
These trainings ensure that volunteers are well-prepared to handle various situations effectively and safely.
Benefits to volunteers
- The satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference to vulnerable people.
- Building self-confidence and the ability to work flexibly.
- Ability to undertake specific training and gain experience of supporting the vulnerable and conflict resolution.
- Opportunity to meet new people and learn more about London’s night-time economy.
- Working as part of the team and wider strategic partnership for the night-time economy.
- Offers great experience to anyone considering a career in the social sciences, health or social care, medicine, public engagement, crime prevention or a career that requires effective communication, dynamic problem solving, and teamwork.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE)
CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.
Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.
We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work:
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.
About Youth ESOL:
Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.
About the Role:
- CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
- The reading group is in Tooting and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education.
- 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;
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Learn about different cultures;
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Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
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Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
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Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English;
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Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
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Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering.
We provide firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Us:
The Orpheus Centre is a specialist further education college and charity working to support young disabled adults, who are passionate about the arts, to achieve their potential and lead independent lives.
Set up by musician and songwriter Sir Richard Stilgoe, Orpheus offers learning, supported housing and personal care on the same site in Godstone, Surrey.
Volunteer Role:
Collection Box Coordinator – 2 hours a week
Why volunteer:
Through volunteering with us you will gain a greater sense of purpose and help with fundraising for Orpheus. You will coordinate the regular collection and replacement of Orpheus donation boxes within the local area and liaise with other volunteers to inform them which boxes need collecting. You will also need to maintain our database, inputting current and new locations, reporting stolen or broken boxes, researching new locations to distribute boxes and inform the Community Fundraiser.
This role would suite someone who is self-motivated, have a confident manner and experience of dealing with the public face-to-face. Experience using excel spreadsheets or databases would be beneficial, however we can provide training if necessary. You’ll need to be reliable, an excellent communicator, have a friendly and enthusiastic personality and committed to helping. Being a car driver will help you within this role.
You will have a mentor who will help and guide you when you first start volunteering at Orpheus.
Training:
Role relevant training, including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Safeguarding will be given prior to start date. There is also the opportunity to attend our Learning Support training.
On-going support will be available throughout your time at Orpheus.
Benefits/What you’ll get:
- Experience of volunteering in an education setting.
- Working within a team as well as independently.
- The opportunity to meet new people and having fun.
- Develop confidence, empathy, listening and communication skills through working with our students.
- Gain experience in the charity sector.
- Opportunities to volunteer at other fundraising or on site events at Orpheus.
- Free on-site parking and expenses claimed back.
- Discounted lunches.
- Volunteer social events, like our Volunteer Tea Party.
Safeguarding:
Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all service users. We are committed to the promotion of equal opportunities.
This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is therefore subject to an Enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS).
Equality & Diversity:
- To enforce the zero tolerance policy of all forms of victimisation, discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
- To be tolerant of differences and use respectful language.
- Ensure professional standards and boundaries are clear.
- To treat everyone respectfully.
Application Process:
Once your application has been received it will be reviewed, you may then be invited in for an informal interview.
Your references will be checked and you will need to complete the online DBS application before bringing the relevant documents in to be checked.
You will then need to attend all of our training. This can all take 3-4 weeks to be completed before you start volunteering with us.
We look forward to hearing from you.
We are focused on inspiring and empowering young disabled students to live fulfilling, independent lives




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.