Training volunteer roles

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

Are you green-fingered and have time to help nurture wildflowers for the community?

The Wetland Wildflower Project aims to grow and distribute meadow plants of local provenance to enhance the wildflower diversity of local community projects, as well as the grounds and reserve areas at WWT Slimbridge.  We will grow these plants in a recently refurbished polytunnel at Slimbridge.

Floodplain meadows are not only beautiful, but these rare, species-rich plant communities are part of the heritage of the Severn Vale.  Floodplain meadows can store more carbon than woodlands, are incredibly biodiverse and can help mitigate flooding. Unfortunately, today just over 1000ha remain in England and Wales.

To help our efforts to restore floodplain meadows and other wet grasslands in the Severn Vale, we are looking for volunteers to assist with growing wildflower plug plants in our polytunnel.

This is a great role for those who will enjoy this hands-on work behind the scenes, whilst playing a role in saving wetlands for wildlife and people.  

Tasks will include:

• Receiving simple training on the methods and essential health & safety
• Caring for plug plants e.g. weeding, hand watering, potting on plants for sale in shop and watering and replacing these, as required
• Seed collecting  and looking for pests and diseases
• Preparing plants for orders
• Ensuring optimal growing conditions in the polytunnel e.g. raising /lowering sides of tunnel, adapting automatic watering regime
• Some general maintenance, as needed, including moving trays and keeping work areas clean and safe
• Updating records, e.g. of any problems/loss of plants/transfer of plants
• Planting out plugs, as and when required 
• Supporting attendance at plant sales and fairs, as agreed

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

At the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust we believe that the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close.  You will be directly involved in shaping our visitors’ unforgettable experiences through your warm welcome, your interaction with them and the information that you provide.  We need friendly, outgoing people to help with the canoe safari operation, ensuring that our visitors feel part of something amazing.

The role may include providing health and safety talks, fitting visitors in buoyancy aids and helping them in and out of canoes, or you may undertake tours on our electric boat. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

Volunteer Helpline Advisor – Role Description 

Purpose of role:

As a Volunteer Helpline Advisor, responding to Helpline enquiries from parents and carers, you will be playing a part in helping ERIC to achieve its key goal of reaching even more families.

You will work remotely, with equipment and training provided.

If you are passionate about helping to improve the lives of families whose children are affected by continence issues, and can commit your time on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.

Terms:

Due to the nature of the work, our helpline volunteers are continence nurses or qualified healthcare professsionals.Volunteer sessions are a full day of 5 hours, on the same day each week, please note that currently we need more volunteers on Mondays & Tuesdays only. We ask volunteers to commit to this regular weekly pattern, ideally for a period of one year or more. This helps to maintain consistency and a high standard of professional practice. 

Expenses may be paid, subject to agreement in advance . 

Tasks could include:  

· Answering calls on the Helpline

· Signposting to information on our website

· Responding to & following up enquiries by email  

· Entering information onto our IT system

Skills and qualities:

· Professional qualification and/or clinical experience

· Enjoy working as part of a team

· Friendly and positive with a can-do attitude

· Well organised with good time management skills

· Empathetic and non-judgmental

· Able to use standard IT packages including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook)

· Able to follow ERIC’s policies, including safeguarding and confidentiality 

· Willing to continuously develop professional practice.

Would you love to nurse in the way you always wanted? As a Volunteer Nurse at Skanda Vale Hospice you have a golden opportunity to do just that and have the satisfaction of providing palliative nursing in a beautiful environment that upholds the highest standards of holistic, person-centred care. You will be part of a supportive team, headed by our inspirational Lead Nurse who was awarded 2024 Nurse of the Year for the Independent Sector.

Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for overseas volunteers.

About Skanda Vale Hospice

Skanda Vale Hospice offers unhurried, highly individualised care and respite to families affected by life-limiting illnesses, completely free of charge. A beautiful and happy place, filled with laughter and vibrant colour, our hospice is nurse led and primarily run by volunteers. Volunteering with us means being a valued part of a dedicated team who give of themselves wholeheartedly. Compassion is at the heart of what we do, expressed by human kindness, generosity and a deep commitment to the well-being of everyone we care for and work alongside.

What will I be doing?

• Providing skilled nursing care, administering medication, managing symptoms, and helping with personal care.

• Carrying out thorough, holistic patient assessments and developing care plans.

• Building trusting relationships with patients, families and colleagues.

• Keeping accurate and up-to-date records of patient care.

• Offering support and advice to patients and families.

• Working collaboratively with other team members to support genuinely patient-centred care.

How much time should I give?

10 hours or 1 shift minimum per month (averaged over the year).

What are the benefits of being a Volunteer Nurse?

• Satisfaction from making a profound difference to people’s lives.

• Sense of purpose from using your skills in a worthwhile cause.

• Feeling valued and appreciated as a key part of a vital team.

• Working in a welcoming environment with other warmhearted people.

• Training and development opportunities.

• Earning Tempo Time Credits to spend on activities both locally and across the UK.

• Travel expenses reimbursed.

• Free accommodation if participating in our residential volunteering program.

What do I need to have?

• Registered Nurse qualification with current registration and indemnity insurance to practise without restrictions.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Strong clinical assessment and nursing skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively with sensitivity and respect with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Empathy, with a patient-centred approach to care.

• Ability to respond well to changing circumstances.

• Composure in potentially stressful situations and the ability to respond promptly to critical events. 

• A permanent UK address or a visa that allows you to stay and volunteer in the UK (unfortunately we cannot sponsor visa applications). 

What training and support will I be given?

You will receive comprehensive induction and training to familiarise you with hospice policies and procedures as well as ongoing support and supervision from our Lead Nurse / Deputy Lead Nurse to ensure you feel confident and valued in your role. We also offer a range of team wellbeing and development opportunities. 

How do I find out more?

Contact us or drop in at one of our Coffee Mornings. These are held between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm on the last Thursday of each month and offer the chance for an informal chat and a look around - while enjoying fresh coffee and homemade cake, free of charge. Come along, we’d love to meet you!

Enjoy driving and want to help animals along the way?

We need a reliable driver to collect and deliver donations between our rescue centre in Whitminster and our charity shop in Stroud.

What you’ll be doing:

• Collecting, loading and moving donations
• Driving between sites to drop off and pick up items
• Unloading at each location and helping store items safely

What you’ll need:

• A full UK driving licence and a safe, confident driving style
• Physically fit – able to lift and carry donations
• Happy to drive our transit van or use your own vehicle

What’s in it for you:

• Induction, training and ongoing support
• A chance to get out and about while helping animals
• Meet new people, build experience, and gain skills
• A reference for future opportunities

National Helpline Volunteer Role

Join our team of dedicated helpline volunteers and help change the lives of bereaved people. 

Volunteers have always been, and remain at the very heart of Cruse, supporting thousands of bereaved people every year and playing an incredible role enriching so many aspects of our organisation.  The National Helpline is a key service within Cruse, enabling us to support bereaved people with compassion and empathy. 

As a Helpline Bereavement Volunteer, you will join a thriving volunteer community to provide emotional support, information and signposting over the phone to bereaved people. You provide this through a person-centred, empathetic and non-judgemental approach to supporting all our callers, in accordance with Cruse Bereavement Supports policies and procedures. This role is home-based only, so you must have a quiet and private space to work in, access to a computer (Tablets or iPad’s will not be suitable) and a stable Wi-Fi connection. 

You must be open to communicating with a diverse range of clients over the phone and understand that some of the content of the calls may be distressing to hear. Although it may be difficult at times, the reward of being able to support someone is one of our volunteers’ main motivations for doing this role. 

Want to find out more? 

We will be holding an open day on the 22nd May where you can join our Zoom session to find out more about the role, the training involved, meet with other volunteers and hear from members of the helpline team. 

Please note that should you wish to become a Helpline Volunteer after attending the open day, we will be holding informal interviews from 2nd June to the 23rd of June during office hours. 

https://buytickets.at/crusenationalservices/1659153 - 1.30pm Link 

 https://buytickets.at/crusenationalservices/1659160 - 6pm Link 

Background to the role:

Keep Active is a volunteer-delivered project at The Creighton Centre, which aims to provide support to older people (60+) who have had a fall, stroke or other illness.  We work in partnership with the NHS Community Rehabilitation Service across Hammersmith & Fulham. As a Keep Active Volunteer you would visit an older person (the average age is 84) once a week for up to nine weeks to help them with improving mobility indoors with exercises, or outdoors with walks in their community. This project aims to empower people to get back to independence, access community once more and reduce risks of future falls and hospital re-admittance.

Availability/commitment:

· To live in or near Hammersmith and Fulham, or travel regularly through

· To be able to spare 1-2 hours a week, preferably during working hours

Role of the Keep Active Volunteer:

· To attend an initial one-off training session [with Volunteer Coordinator and therapists from NHS rehabilitation teams].

· To visit an older person’s home once a week for up to 9 weeks to supervise and motivate them to continue practicing their exercise and walking goals, as prescribed by NHS rehabilitation teams.

· Support might include:

- A walk around their local community possibly going to the park or visiting shops.

- Encouraging them to complete a prescribed gentle exercise program.

- Keeping an older and sometimes isolated person company.

- Visiting someone in their homes to help them reach their exercise goals.

NB: Please note that this is a volunteer role and you will not be expected to provide any physical support. This is a motivational role only.

We will provide:

· Induction training and NHS Community Rehabilitation led training (weekday training).

· Regular contact and support from the project staff.

· Occasional social events for volunteers

· Occasional training opportunities for volunteers

· A reference after 3-6 months of volunteering with us

· An enhanced DBS check

· Reimbursement of travel expenses incurred during your volunteering

Skills needed:

· Good listening and communication skills and a good level of spoken English.

· Empathy and a kind and patience approach.

· Enthusiasm and commitment.

· A friendly personality.

· The desire to make a positive difference to someone’s health and wellbeing

· Ability to cope with clients who are unwell.

· A positive attitude towards empowering and improving the lives of older people

· An understanding of and commitment to our policies (including: Confidentiality, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities)

Accountable to:

Keep Active Coordinator

Become a Creative Workshop Leader with Bright Futures UK

Are you passionate about sharing your creative talents and inspiring the next generation? Bright Futures UK is looking for enthusiastic and skilled individuals to lead engaging workshops for young people who have taken time out of education due to illness.

About the Role:
As a Creative Workshop Leader, you will work with us to design a fun and meaningful workshop tailored to your expertise, which you’ll deliver on a Wednesday afternoon. Whether your speciality is henna design, cake or cookie decorating, crochet, glitter art, or another creative discipline, we’d love to hear from you! You’ll have the full support of our team to ensure your workshop runs smoothly and makes a real impact.

What You’ll Need:

• A skill or craft that can be shared with young people.
• Enthusiasm for teaching and inspiring creativity.
• A willingness to collaborate with us in planning the session.

What You’ll Gain:

• The chance to make a difference in the lives of young people facing significant challenges.
• DBS and training provided at no cost.
• Opportunities to develop your teaching and facilitation skills.
• The rewarding experience of sharing your passion with others.

Why You’ll Love Volunteering with Us:
At Bright Futures UK, we believe in supporting young people as they rebuild their confidence and reengage with education. Through your workshop, you’ll help create a positive, nurturing environment where creativity thrives and connections are made.

Overview

Children with Voices, a dynamic children's charity based in Hackney, London, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Operations Manager to join our team. This pivotal role involves overseeing day-to-day operations, developing and optimising processes and systems, and supporting digital transformation initiatives to enhance organisational efficiency. The Operations Manager will work closely with the CEO, staff, and volunteers to facilitate smooth operations, modernise workflows, and drive the growth of the charity.

Responsibilities

Operations and Coordination

Coordinate day-to-day operations to ensure the smooth functioning of the organisation.

Provide guidance, support, and feedback to staff and volunteers to maximise their effectiveness.

Act as a liaison between different departments to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.

Process and Systems Development

Create and refine processes and systems to improve efficiency, using digital tools where appropriate.

Lead the implementation of digital transformation initiatives to modernise workflows and enhance operational effectiveness.

Monitor and assess existing systems, identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Leadership and Training

Collaborate with the CEO to discuss organisational priorities, challenges, and opportunities.

Identify training needs for staff and volunteers, facilitating skill development in collaboration with the HR Manager.

Support the team in adopting new systems and technologies, providing training and guidance as needed.

Policy and Strategic Development

Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.

Assist in shaping strategic plans and initiatives to achieve organisational goals, with a focus on leveraging digital tools and methods.

Monitoring and Reporting

Track progress on delegated tasks to ensure timely completion.

Evaluate the impact of new processes and systems, reporting on successes and areas for improvement.

Promoting Organisational Values

Uphold and promote the values and ethos of Children with Voices in all interactions and activities.

Qualifications

Previous experience in an operational or coordination role, preferably with experience in process improvement or digital transformation.

Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms to streamline operations (e.g., project management software, cloud-based systems).

Strong organisational and time management skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Proactive attitude and problem-solving abilities.

Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Commitment to the mission and values of Children with Voices.

Benefits

Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people.

Flexible hours suitable for retired individuals or those seeking part-time work.

Access to training and development opportunities, including in digital systems.

Joining a supportive and passionate team dedicated to empowering young individuals.

If you are passionate about making a difference and possess the skills and qualities outlined above, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Can you be the friendly face of our busy reception? We are looking for volunteers to support our reception staff during opening hours, but especially on alternate Saturdays

What you'll be doing:

• Booking in boarding animals 
• Answering the phone and dealing with enquiries
• Sorting donations, and helping keep the reception shop tidy and well stocked

What you'll need

• Confident and helpful when talking to people, with a friendly telephone manner
• Well organised and able to multitask
• Some IT and admin experience would be helpful

What's in it for you

• An induction, ongoing support, and training
• An opportunity to meet new people
• Gain experience, learn new skills, and make a difference
• A reference for studying or employment
• The chance to meet lots of cat and dogs

Volunteering can take place between 9am-5pm Monday-Sunday, but we are especially looking for help on alternate Saturdays. 

Become a STEM Workshop Leader with Bright Futures UK

Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation and showcasing new and innovative STEM learning? Bright Futures UK is looking for enthusiastic and skilled individuals to lead engaging workshops for young people who have taken time out of education due to illness.

About the Role:

As a STEM Workshop Leader, you will work with us to design a fun and meaningful workshop tailored to your expertise, which you’ll deliver on a Wednesday afternoon. Whether your speciality is coding, digital tools, engineering, Computer Aided Design or another skill within the world of STEM, we’d love to hear from you! You’ll have the full support of our team to ensure your workshop runs smoothly and makes a real impact.

What You’ll Need:

1. A skill or practical activity that can be shared with young people.

2. Enthusiasm for teaching and inspiring curiosity.

3. A willingness to collaborate with us in planning the session.

What You’ll Gain:

1. The chance to make a difference in the lives of young people facing significant challenges.

2. DBS and training provided at no cost.

3. Opportunities to develop your teaching and facilitation skills.

4. The rewarding experience of sharing your passion with others.

Why You’ll Love Volunteering with Us:

At Bright Futures UK, we believe in supporting young people as they rebuild their confidence and reengage with education. Through your workshop, you’ll help create a positive, nurturing environment where curiousity thrives and connections are made.

Application Instructions

Please submit your CV and, if you would like to, a cover letter outlining what your workshop may involve. Following this, we will be in touch to inform you of any next steps.

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.

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: Gain valuable retail experience you can add to your CV, such as merchandising, 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!