Training volunteer volunteer roles

Do you have experence of fundraising reserach and/or writing grants applications? Want to put those skills to use and make  a difference for those whose lives are affected by cancer?

This role would suit those with experience or interest in research, bid writing, charity fundraising, marketing, creative writing, commissioning, public sector tenders or grant assessment who is looking for a meaningful, regular volunteering commitment. Anyone with expertise or transferable skills in the area of research and/or writing compelling proposals/marketing who is interested in volunteering is encouraged to have a chat with us as we can be flexible.

The Mulberry Centre is looking for opportunities to identify and apply for relevant grants, trust and foundations funding in a competitive market. Grant requests will be on average £500-£10,000 for specific services as well as core Centre costs. This Fundraising Volunteer (the role can be undertaken by one volunteer or split into two parts and shared) will work closely with the Fundraising and Engagement Team to help streamline the research and application process. The first part of the role is to research and check grants and trust funding lists and databases for current opportunities and deadlines for applications to determine which are relevant, where we meet the necessary criteria, and how quickly we need to apply. The second part of the role is to draft and adapt application information to inspire and appeal positively to specific funders. 

Children’s charity Mentor Link is recruiting Volunteer Mentors from the West Midlands and Gloucestershire area to provide one to one support to vulnerable children and young people in schools and the community. Mentor Link are keen to hear from people in business and the community, who would be interested in becoming a Volunteer Mentor to support a young person to achieve their full potential. The mentors are specially trained to listen to and support young people and aim to improve their self- esteem and engagement in learning. The charity has an excellent track record of success in achieving positive outcomes with children and young people.

We are looking for a friendly, patient and kind volunteer befriender to visit a gentleman with a calm soul, in Ickenham. Spending time together might involve sitting in the garden or in his flat, perhaps looking at pictures or magazines of trains, which he is particularly fond of, or going for small walks in the local community joined by one of his carers. He is hard of hearing and doesn’t communicate verbally, so a calm and friendly approach is key. If you’re someone who values quiet connection and meaningful moments, we’d love to hear from you

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year and, in many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is a Check in visit role, meaning that your visits are likely to be short - on average 30 minutes or less. Some of the people we visit may be unable to communicate with words. Sometimes the person might choose not to meet with their visitor. Your visit is however very important, and these are some of the things you could be doing on a visit:

• Checking in on their well-being and speak to support staff to get an update on how the person is doing
• You might be able to bring a treat that the person enjoys, like chocolates or fruit.
• Some people we support enjoy sensory experiences so items that will stimulate their senses can also help you create a sense of connection with the person you visit.

Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions.

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Support football and multi-use games area activities by encouraging participation, teamwork, and positive engagement. Volunteers will assist staff with informal games, challenges, tournaments, and recreational activities while helping to create a safe and inclusive environment for all young people.

Promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles Build confidence, teamwork, and resilience Encourage positive peer relationships Help young people develop sportsmanship and leadership skills

The skills you'll need

• Interest in football or sport
• Positive attitude and enthusiasm
• Ability to motivate and encourage young people
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Reliability and flexibility
• Commitment to inclusion and fair play

Vault Youth Zone is accessible by local bus and train services.

Local public parking is available. Full directions will be provided upon successful application.

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, times to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, times to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, times to be advised
• Training for role - Date, times to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/07/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Join FARA, a charity with over 30 years of experience and 39 charity shops across London. Our FARA Barnes Kids shop is looking for a creative and enthusiastic Social Media Instagram Volunteer to help us keep our Instagram content fresh, engaging, and up to date.

By volunteering with us, you’ll directly support our mission, help promote reuse through donation and recycling, and contribute to a positive experience for our customers and online community.

The Role:

As a volunteer, your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Creating Instagram content, including posts and stories
• Capturing photos and videos that highlight our activities, updates, and events
• Showcasing donation appeals in a clear and appealing way
• Helping maintain a consistent and on-brand social media presence
• Monitoring basic engagement (likes, comments, and shares)
• Greeting and assisting customers when required

The Volunteer:

We’re looking for someone who:

• Knowledge of using Instagram and current social media trends
• Is creative, visually focused, and confident taking photos or short videos
• Is friendly, approachable, enthusiastic, and able to communicate our mission online
• Is reliable and able to work as part of a team
• Has experience in social media content creation is a bonus, but not essential

What’s in it for You?

At FARA, our shops are run by welcoming and collaborative teams. You’ll gain hands-on experience in social media content creation while working alongside supportive colleagues. Full training is provided, and we offer a positive, inclusive, and safe volunteering environment.

Your Time:

Our shop operates from 09:30 to 17:30, and we’re looking for someone who can volunteer for a minimum of 4 hours either in the morning or afternoon, whenever you are available in arrangement with the shop manager.

FARA is committed to creating an inclusive environment. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Do you have a passion for the outdoors and personal experience of the benefits that physical activity, nature connection and being with others can have on a person’s wellbeing? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

We’re excited to be recruiting for our next round of Volunteer Activity Leads with Flourish in Nature. This project aims to improve mental and physical wellbeing by encouraging people to (re)connect with nature and the world around them through in-house, peer/volunteer-led activities as well as outsourced activities from local providers. The project supports social inclusion, personal and community development, and boosts people’s sense of belonging and feelings of personal achievement.

These roles are ideally suited to people with lived experience of mental health or addiction recovery. Full training is provided, including recognised First Aid certificates. You would be joining a supportive, recovery focussed, community development team. Opportunities are also available to combine this role with ‘in-house’ activity support such as Flourish Recovery Cafes and creative groups.

Tasks you may be involve in:

· Promote Flourish in Nature activities

· Identify potential community activities

· Be a point of contact for community activity providers

· Risk assess group activities and complete risk assessment paperwork

· Attend activities in a position of responsibility, assessing whether it is safe

· for attendee’s to participate in the activity

· Alongside other Activity Lead Volunteers, run and supervise activities

· Identify and report any concerns, risks, or incidents to Community Development Leads or duty managers.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

· Discounts from various schemes

· Training and personal development

· A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

· Free induction and role-specific training

· Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

· Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

· Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

· Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Description

The Revv it up Festival is a thrilling festival featuring music, tractor pulling and family fun organised by BRM Restoration and Engineering Services. RNIB has been chosen as one of their charity partners and have been invited along to host an information stand and to help out on the day.

We’re looking for volunteers who live in or close to Dungiven, Northern Ireland who have excellent communication skills, lots of enthusiasm and who enjoy talking to people about the work of RNIB.

The event will take place from 17 to 19 July 2026 and volunteers are needed for a day or more at 47 Ballyguddin Rd, Dungiven, Londonderry BT47 4RJ. The days will be busy and varied and could include:

• talking to members of the public
• handing out merchandise
• Directing people to the RNIB stand

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

How often will I be needed?

• 5 Hours per Day

Key requirements

• 16 years Being able to be on your feet for most of the day.

Additional location information

• 47 Ballyguddin Rd, Dungiven, Londonderry BT47 4RJ.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 16 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Being able to be on your feet for most of the day. We would like volunteers who are confident talking to people. The opportunity will involve standing for most of the day. Volunteers are needed for one day or more from 17 to 19 July 2026.

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Multiple locations available across:

· Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)

· Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)

· Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)

· Wales (RAF Valley)

· Wiltshire (MOD Boscombe Down)

· Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

· Cornwall (RAF St Mawgan)

· West Midlands (RAF Cosford)

· Shropshire (RAF Shawbury)

·       Hampshire (RAF Odiham)​

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required
 

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, time and location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, time and location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, time and location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, time and location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 05/09/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

DofE Award Program Manager / Co-ordinator

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a UK charity that makes a difference to young people’s lives and prepares them  for life and work. Young people from every possible background take part in the DofE programme each year to broaden their horizons, develop their leadership skills, learn to work with others, volunteer in their local communities, increase their employability, and prove to themselves they can succeed at a serious challenge. 

The DofE Manager will perform a vital role to ensure that The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is operated in  accordance with the terms of the CAG Licence agreement and support the DofE’s mission. They will develop, support and promote the delivery of the DofE within the remit of CAG.

Description

We are looking for someone to manage and coordinate our DofE program.  To get the most out of this role, you’ll probably have worked with young people before and  have a love of the great outdoors and maybe into paddling, cycling, mountain biking and walking. You’ll be comfortable with the skills needed to  complete expeditions (e.g. navigation, map reading, using a compass), and be able to cope with  changing and challenging situations. 

Formal qualifications in outdoor leadership (e.g. BEL or ML awards) or other skills (e.g.canoeing) are welcomed but not essential.

The key tasks of the role are to:

Young People

• Ensure the delivery of high quality programmes and identify opportunities for increased participation.

• Manage the provision of safe and enjoyable DofE programs for participants.

• Issue badges and certificates on completion of Awards.

• Arrange suitable opportunities to celebrate young people’s DofE achievements.

• Purchase Welcome Packs and assign Participation Places.

• Deal with complaints and queries in an efficient manner.

DofE Groups

• Authorise, manage and set up sufficient DofE groups to ensure access to a DofE programme for all participants who wish to take part.

• Approve the appointment of Leaders, Instructors, Supervisors and Assessors and ensure they have access to appropriate training/qualifications for their role.

• Manage and support Leaders – support them in their role, ensure they have undergone appropriate training and actively manage the recruitment of new Leaders when necessary.

• Use eDofE to actively manage DofE groups and leaders.

• Ensure that all DofE groups are adhering to the correct policies and procedures.

• Run an active volunteer recruitment programme.

General 

• In conjunction with the relevant DofE Regional/Country Office develop, implement and review a DofE development plan, which includes supporting the DofE to meet its strategic aims.

• Use eDofE to support the delivery and management of DofE 

• Use the eDofE reporting functions to measure performance and set development targets. 

• Attend at least one meeting/event organised by your DofE Regional/Country Office per year to keep up to date with  DofE developments. 

• Ensure compliance with all aspects of the DofE Licence. 

• Be a champion for the DofE within CAG and actively promote the DofE within the local  community. 

In addition you must undertake the e-induction and Introduction to the DofE courses.

Ideally you should have / be:

• An ability to communicate with adults and young people, both verbally and in writing.

• An ability to organise and plan effectively.

• Office software literate.

• Ability to manage staff effectively.

• Able to provide inspirational leadership and motivate adults.

• Build, maintain and facilitate effective working relationships with a wide range of people.

• Plan, manage and monitor your own tasks and time.

• Construct and implement long-term plans that improve and expand DofE programmes offered to young people and identify any training, resources and other needs required to undertake this work.

In addition you will need:

• Integrity.

• Respected decision maker.

• Committed to ensuring high standards.

• Commitment to DofE’s guiding principles.

• Flexible approach.

• Self-motivated.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check, either a current or new application that can be made through CAG

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the running of CAG as well as securing its future.  This role puts you in a real position to support young people in developing their skills in  expedition activities. You will play an invaluable part of the quality checking process of the  expeditions. If you’re thinking of a career in teaching, youth work or outdoor education, or wish  to further your experience as an expedition expert, this role will give you invaluable experience.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.  You will also have some fun, support a good cause, gain skills and experience, and support the  DofE. 

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer can do some of the work remotely, for instance, access eDofE from home and contact participants via online messaging services.  However, most of your time will be spent working in close contact with the DofE participants at our unit in Bickenhill on Tuesday meeting nights or on some weekends away on training and practice expeditions.

Travel Limit

• Some remote work but mainly on Tuesday nights at our meeting place in Bickenhill, Solihull

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Mostly Tuesday evenings (CAG’s meeting night 7pm - 9pm during term time). 

• Expeditions happen several times a year, in locations locally and further afield so you will need to be available for some weekends away for expedition training and practice - for instance in the Derbyshire Peak District, Shropshire etc.

Estimate of time commitment

• 0 - 4 hours / week - the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish.

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Application details

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.

Lived Experience Community Ambassador

Please note, this will be based across Bedford

Purpose / Summary of the Role

Aquarius is a national charity working to reduce harm caused by drugs, alcohol, and gambling. We support individuals, families, and communities through prevention, early intervention, and recovery focused services.

The Lived Experience Community Ambassador role works alongside Youth Ambassadors and Aquarius practitioners. The role uses lived experience of substance use, recovery, or being affected by someone else’s substance use to support learning, engagement, and understanding.

You will contribute to peer informed education, community outreach, and parent engagement. Your experience supports honest conversation, reduces stigma, and helps families feel understood and informed.

Responsibilities

· Work alongside practitioners to support education and outreach activity

· Share lived experience appropriately within agreed boundaries

· Support school based sessions and parent focused learning

· Contribute to community outreach and awareness activity

· Support parents and carers with practical insight and reassurance

· Reinforce prevention, harm reduction, and recovery messages

· Follow safeguarding, confidentiality, and information sharing procedures

· Communicate concerns or disclosures to practitioners promptly

Description of Tasks

· Take part in planned lived experience talks and panel discussions

· Support PSHE lessons or awareness sessions alongside staff

· Share personal insight to support understanding of substance use and recovery

· Support parent sessions with perspective drawn from lived experience

· Attend community events to promote support and early intervention

· Work with Youth Ambassadors to model safe, respectful engagement

· Prepare for sessions with practitioners to agree focus and boundaries

· Maintain professional boundaries at all times

Time commitment

- Minimum 2 to 4 hours per month

- Sessions planned in advance

- Flexibility to support school and community activity

Training and support

· Mandatory volunteer induction

· Lived experience and boundaries training

· Safeguarding training

· Project specific briefing before sessions

· Named supervisor

· Ongoing supervision and support

Skills and qualities

· Lived experience of substance use, recovery, or being affected by another person’s use

· Ability to reflect on experience safely and constructively

· Comfortable speaking in groups or community settings

· Calm and reliable approach

· Respectful and non judgemental communication

· Ability to maintain boundaries and confidentiality

· Willingness to work alongside practitioners and follow guidance

Benefits to the volunteer

· Opportunity to use lived experience to support others

· Contribution to prevention and early intervention work

· Development of confidence and communication skills

· Experience within education and community services

· Training and development opportunities

· Support from experienced practitioners

· Reimbursement of agreed expenses

Reimbursement of expenses

Agreed out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed

· Public transport

· Mileage costs at 0.45p per mile

Local Information

Service Name – Bedford

Service Model / Project

Prevention, Early Intervention, and Community Outreach Services

Location

Schools, community venues, and outreach settings

Additional Information / Application procedure

· Application form

· Assessment meeting

· DBS and references

· Induction and training

Person Criteria

Approachable, professional, and reflective

Organised and reliable

Ability to practice patience

Able to maintain confidentiality

Able to understand and maintain boundaries

Able to communicate in a non-judgemental way

Ability to work as part of a team

Lived experience relevant to substance use or recovery

Good level of self-awareness

All activities carried out in line with Aquarius policies and procedures

You should not be an active client of Aquarius services

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a session across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, time and location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, time and location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, time and location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, time and location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/09/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Location

Multiple locations available across:

· Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)

· Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)

· Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)

· Wales (RAF Valley)

· Wiltshire (MOD Boscombe Down)

· Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

· Cornwall (RAF St Mawgan)

· West Midlands (RAF Cosford)

· Shropshire (RAF Shawbury)

·       Hampshire (RAF Odiham)​

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required