Training volunteer roles

Our shops help raise lots of money for us. It’s always lovely chatting to our customers about the fabulous items we sell and telling them about the fantastic work that we do. As a volunteer you will get the chance to meet new people and make friends, plus be part of an amazing team of volunteers.
There’s so much for you to get stuck into when volunteering in our shops. We get lots of donations so you will be rolling up your sleeves in the back room where you will be receiving, sorting, steaming and pricing donations, it's always exciting when one of our volunteers spots a real gem. 
On the shop floor, as well as welcoming and serving our customers with a smile, you will be using the till (don't worry, we will show you how) and handling money. When people come in to donate items you will also be completing the Gift Aid forms that let their donations help us even more.
It’s really important that our window and shop displays look appealing so people keep visiting our shops, so you'll be wielding a duster and vacuum as well as your imagination to make the shop look its best.
It would be ideal if you could volunteer one shift a week, which is about four hours but we're also happy to have more flexible times. No special skills are needed as we will show you what to do and will provide all the training you need. But if you have any experience or particular interest tell us, it may come in useful. It’s really easy to get your volunteering started, if you're over 16 years old,please apply now.

Our shops help raise lots of money for us. It’s always lovely chatting to our customers about the fabulous items we sell and telling them about the fantastic work that we do. As a volunteer you will get the chance to meet new people and make friends, plus be part of an amazing team of volunteers.

There’s so much for you to get stuck into when volunteering in our shops. We have several different positions available.

Stock Sorting Assistant:
We get lots of donations so you will be rolling up your sleeves in the back room where you will be receiving, sorting, and pricing donations, predominantly Bric-a-Brac, Books and Clothes, it's always exciting when one of our volunteers spots a real gem. 

Furniture Store Assistant:
The role will also include assisting with moving furniture around the store, assembling & dismantling beds, and other flat packed furniture, and getting to express your creative side, by making attractive room displays. 

It would be ideal if you could volunteer at least one shift a week, which is about four hours but we're also happy to have more flexible times.

No special skills are needed as we will show you what to do and will provide all the training you need. But if you have any experience or particular interest tell us, it may come in useful. It’s really easy to get your volunteering started, if you're over 16 years old, please apply now.

Are you passionate about fitness and the positive impact it can have on others? Do you hold a fitness qualification and interested in volunteering your time to support people in crisis? If so, we have the perfect role for you!

We know that exercise releases happy endorphins that support us to improve our mood. It also helps us to get out in the world, reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, provides an opportunity to connect with others and build friendships. Volunteering with us at Hestia, will mean you will play a vital role in supporting people’s overall wellbeing!

We are recruiting volunteers to coordinate and facilitate fitness and general wellbeing sessions at our services.

What you will be doing

• Design session plans which will enable group members to increase fitness and their general well-being
• Able to recognise the needs of beginners and mixed age/ability groups
• Ensure that everyone taking part has completed a health and wellbeing form, which includes referring those with existing health issues to their GP
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• A skilled and qualified Fitness Instructor
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Willing to participate in supervision and to liaise with Hestia staff as required

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

If you want to make a difference to people living with a mental health condition then we’d love to hear from you!

About us

At The Mental Health Community we use our lived experience to build understanding and support for what it’s like to live and work alongside managing a mental health condition. 

We know that it can be difficult to get, or keep a job if your energy levels, how you’re feeling and your ability to go to a place of work every day are affected by a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. But we also know that having a sense of purpose and belonging can really help with the symptoms and impact that mental health conditions can have on you.

Our work is focused on helping people with a mental health condition who are in work or looking for work. We do this by supporting businesses to improve how they look after people, because we know that by creating inclusive and safe spaces at work we make it possible for people with mental ill health to stay in the workplace which helps keep them well and benefits the businesses too.

By joining our board you will be: 

• Making a lasting impact by helping us make more workplaces safe and inclusive for people with a mental health condition
• Shaping the future of our charity as we expand our services and reach more people who need our support
• Using your skills and experience for good by helping guide the strategic direction of our charity.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for at least 4 new trustees to join our team. Whatever your skillset, we’d love to hear from you and there are some areas where we need particular help:

· Treasurer: oversee our financial health, provide guidance on building long term financial plans to help us grow and ensure appropriate financial management.

· Marketing and Communications: strategic oversight of our marketing and communications, raising awareness of our work and reaching new audiences through digital strategies and media engagement.

· Fundraising: develop our fundraising strategy and income streams, including grant applications, corporate sponsorship and campaigns.

· Governance: guide us in operating transparently and effectively whilst maintaining high standards of governance in compliance with our governing document and charity law.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental ill health, young people aged 18-30, people of all socio-economic backgrounds, genders and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

About the role

As a board of trustees we meet remotely every 6 weeks, there may be some activity in between meetings so the estimated total time commitment is 4 hours every 6 weeks.

In addition to using your specific skills to develop how we work, all trustees share responsibility for:

· Developing our activities to help us achieve our purpose and positive impact,

· Making sure we are compliant with our governing document and the requirements of the Charity Commission, and

· Being an active member of the board to help us make good decisions

What you can expect from us

We are committed to supporting our Trustees: you can expect an induction to the organisation and trustee role plus any additional conversations and support you need to help you feel confident in your role.

Our meetings are relaxed and informal; there are no expectations of ‘business clothes’, technical jargon or having all the answers.

We welcome and support your preferences for the way we work together, how you like to receive information and how we can make it easier for you to participate actively in our discussions.

One more thing

We know that great trustees come from many backgrounds and with a variety of experiences and that’s great - we really value people who bring different perspectives and add new voices to our team.

But you might not feel you ‘check all the boxes’ as you read this advert or the role description, especially if you’ve been marginalised or excluded. We get it, and we’ve felt like that too. But we hope you’ll apply anyway because we’d love to hear from you and will take care to help you feel welcome and included.

For more information on the role please see the role description.

We are looking for a new Company Board Director to help guide Climate Emergency UK over the course of the next 2 years.

Climate Emergency UK is at a exciting time, since starting just over 5 years ago we have have successfully launched the first ever complete UK assessment of coucil climate action, with the Council Climate Action Scorecards, and are about to launch the second one in June 2025. We are halfway through delivering our first 3 year strategy, with focusses on how we can advocate at a national level for further and faster council climate action, sustain ourselves as an organisation and keep up our crucial local work with councils and residents via the Scorecards, training and other projects. 

We need support from our Board to further the sustainability of the organisation. 

We are particularly looking for Directors with either/or any of the following experience:

• Experience of local government, either as a councillor, officer or other

• Landing national media coverage for projects and campaigns and previous work with national and regional news outlets

• Experience of effective fundraising for small organisations

We particularly welcome applications from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates or other marginalised groups.

To apply, please send us your CV and an Expression of Interest Letter (no more than one side of A4) to our email (click on how to apply for our email address).

Applications close 18th May 2025.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable KS3 Maths tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with long-term illnesses. 

What will you be doing? 

• Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person. 
• Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS3 Maths. 
• Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

What are we looking for? 

• Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS2 and KS3 Maths concepts and specifications.
• Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
• Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
• Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
• You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

What difference will you make?   

• Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
• Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
• Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. 

What will you gain?

• The opportunity to fight education inequities and make a difference in a young person's life
• Enhanced DBS Certificate
• Safeguarding level one training
• Skill development opportunities and practical experience

Location 

• Remote/Online

Time 

• 1 Hour per Week 
•  Duration: 14 Weeks minimum

Asian MS is a national support group that offers tailored and culturally-sensitive services for Asian people with MS, their carers, friends and family. It's aimed at people whose heritage originates from South Asia.

As an Asian MS Community Engagement Volunteer you will the Group's local representative, helping us to find and attend events and reaching out to your local Asian MS community to raise awareness and extend the reach of the Group.

This role is very flexible, but there will be planning time (with your staff contact) and also attending events, meetings with networks and presentations. We would estimate the role taking no longer than 10 hours per month.

You’ll have support from a member of staff as well as a welcome and induction checklist which lists what resources are available to support you in your role.

As part of your role, you may have to complete some mandatory learning. Please refer to your welcome and induction checklist.

About you

Presentation Skills, confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.

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

Apply

Read the role description

All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.

The Nasio Trust

The Nasio Trust is a non-profit organisation that is empowering communities to break the cycle of poverty through the provision of education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods.

The Nasio Trust works in western Kenya - an impoverished yet fertile zone in the country. Located close to Lake Victoria on the Trans African Highway, the area has been ravaged by HIV, whose rates continue to be high. Endemic poverty due to small land holdings, unpredictable agricultural yields and lack of industry has exacerbated other social issues such as teenage pregnancy and child safeguarding.

The Nasio Trust has a holistic and self sustaining model of operation that provides the child with an environment in which they can flourish and grow. Our Early Childhood Education Centres have an intake from age 4 and up. The families of supported children have access to free healthcare through our medical centre and they are empowered to become economically independent through training in enterprises such as soap making and poultry.

Fundraising Strategist

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Create a 5-year fundraising strategy for a UK and Kenya based charity that can appropriately tackle prevailing issues in the global development landscape such as funding cuts.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-4 weeks

RNIB has been invited to create a show garden for the RHS at their new venue for 2025, the RHS Flower Show at Wentworth Woodhouse near Rotherham, South Yorkshire. The garden is supported by Players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and we’re working with an internationally known garden designer, Paul Hervey-Brookes, an RHS judge to create an accessible, sensory space that celebrates the incredible impact of gifts in Wills. Gifts in Wills are a very special way of giving and account for more than a third of RNIB’s annual income.

We’re looking for volunteers who live in or close to Rotherham, South Yorkshire who have excellent communication skills, lots of enthusiasm and who enjoy talking to people about the work of RNIB. An interest in gardening would be advantageous but not essential.

The event is taking place from 16 until 20 July 2025 and volunteers are needed for a day or more at Wentworth Woodhouse near Rotherham. The days will be busy and varied and could include:

• talking to members of the public
• handing out merchandise
• helping supporters in the garden

How you will be supported in your role:
Training will be given before the show and there will be members of RNIB staff on hand to deal with any queries throughout the duration of the show.

Nabweru Community Initiative for Youth Empowerment

We empower youth in Uganda through entrepreneurship, child advocacy, HIV/AIDS awareness, climate action, sports, culture, and capacity building.

While NCIYE promotes good agricultural practices and empowers youth in farming, there is a significant challenge in providing adequate resources, training, and tools for youth to fully implement sustainable and effective farming methods. Many youth lack access to modern farming technology and knowledge about advanced agricultural practices that could help them increase productivity and improve income. Health Awareness and Accessibility:

Despite efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and other diseases through community sensitization, many youth still face barriers in accessing reliable healthcare services and preventive resources. The ongoing stigma surrounding diseases like HIV/AIDS and limited access to treatment continue to hinder the effectiveness of awareness campaigns. Limited Opportunities for Youth Engagement in Sports and Culture:

Although sports competitions and environmental conservation activities are part of NCIYE’s current offerings, the organization faces challenges in scaling up these programs. The lack of adequate facilities, funding, and structured opportunities for youth to engage in sports and culture means that these initiatives do not reach their full potential for personal and community development. Barriers to Youth Entrepreneurship:

NCIYE strives to provide entrepreneurial skills to youth, but the challenge remains in connecting these young entrepreneurs with the resources they need to start and grow successful businesses. Issues such as limited access to capital, markets, and mentorship programs hinder the ability of youth to translate entrepreneurial training into successful ventures.

At Nabweru Community Initiative for Youth Empowerment Ltd (NCIYE), we believe in the power of collective action and the incredible impact that volunteers can have in transforming communities. We are always open to passionate and dedicated individuals, as well as organizations, who share our vision and goals for creating lasting change in the lives of youth, women, and communities at large.

Grant Writer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Research and Identification

• Identify potential grant opportunities from government agencies, foundations, and private entities.
• Evaluate funding sources for alignment with the organization's mission, goals, and programs.

Proposal Development

• Write and edit grant proposals tailored to specific funders’ requirements.
• Develop narratives that clearly describe the need for funding, project objectives, methods, evaluation plans, and budget justifications.
• Gather supporting documentation, such as financial statements, staff bios, and letters of support.

Project and Budget Coordination

• Work with program staff to outline project details, goals, timelines, and deliverables.
• Collaborate with finance teams to develop accurate and persuasive budgets.

Compliance and Submission

• Ensure proposals comply with funder guidelines and deadlines.
• Submit applications through various platforms (e.g., Grants, foundation portals).

Grant Management Support

• Track proposal submissions and funding status.
• Assist with reporting requirements, including progress reports and financial updates to funders.

Relationship Management

• Communicate with grant officers and funders.
• Help maintain long-term relationships with funding agencies by ensuring transparency and delivering outcomes.

Capacity Building

• Train or support staff in grant-related processes.
• Stay updated on funding trends and share insights with the organization.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

1-2 weeks

The Open Age reception team builds the personal relationships that make our visitors feel comfortable and relaxed while we inform them of the activities we offer, help them select and book onto those that suit them best, and assist with the practical, ongoing event support that gives people a great customer experience. This is a frontline customer facing role which would suit a confident, approachable person, with good interpersonal skills and an awareness of the importance of providing great customer service to build positive relationships with our local community.

Reception Volunteer Role

· Support and strengthen Open Age reception team to provide a high-quality customer service experience to center visitors, members and potential volunteers.

· Provide relevant, current, information that informs customer choices and helps secure appropriate courses, events and activity bookings.

· Identify any improvable gaps in Open Age reception customer service and make positive suggestions for improvements to the wider staff reception team.

Reception Volunteer Tasks

· Greet members and drop-in visitors warmly, courteously and in a way that settles any anxiety or confusion on arrival at reception.

· Provide information and publications about upcoming activities and events, giving directions to venues and classes where needed.

· Assist staff in setting up rooms and providing refreshments for members when needed.

· Answer telephone and email enquiries in a prompt and courteous manner, and follow up members by phone and email to update them on any course changes and developments.

HEALTH ADVISOR

Across the UK, our 65 local branches work with disabled people to help them live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our volunteer Health Advisors bring their professional skills and experience to help shape the work of their local branch, supporting other volunteers to produce solutions that meet the needs of our clients.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need will shape what you’ll be working on, but primarily you’ll be offering guidance to our Engineers/Makers on producing aids, adaptations and equipment.

What you’ll need for this role

· Qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist

· If you’re not currently practising that’s fine - you’ll just need to have done so within the past 3 years

· A commitment to our aims and values

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training, as well as a DBS check if you’re not practising.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without you - your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

ENGINEERS/MAKERS

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs

• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)

• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow REMAP policies and procedures and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access these)

• Able to drive or have good transport links

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training, as well as a DBS check and reference check.

Are you passionate about fitness and the positive impact it can have on others? Do you hold a fitness qualification and interested in volunteering your time to support people in crisis? If so, we have the perfect role for you! You will be supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse to find their passion for fitness.

What you will be doing

• Design session plans which will enable group members to increase fitness and their general well-being
• Able to recognise the needs of beginners and mixed age/ability groups
• Ensure that everyone taking part has completed a health and wellbeing form, which includes referring those with existing health issues to their GP
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• A skilled and qualified Fitness Instructor
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Willing to participate in supervision and to liaise with Hestia staff as required

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