Tutor volunteer volunteer roles in Loughton, essex

Victory Afghanistan is a volunteer -led nonprofit providing free online English lessons and mentoring for Afghan girls and women who are currently barred from formal education. Our mission is to equip them with the skills and confidence to apply for scholarships and university placements abroad.

We are looking for a number of volunteer IELTS Tutors to support our mentorship-level students from January to May 2026. These students already have an IELTS level of around 6.0 and now need focused preparation to achieve higher scores required for university entry.

You will be teaching bright, ambitious young women who are eager to perfect their academic English, improve their fluency, and succeed in international admissions. Lessons are held online once or twice a week, and materials can be adapted to suit your teaching style.

Commitment: 1–2 hours per week (online) depending on your availability.
Programme duration: 16 weeks
Start date: Third week of January 2026
End date: Third week of May 2026

This is a critical role in helping our students prepare for higher education starting September 2026—your guidance can truly change lives.

Action Tutoring is a national education charity that offers free maths and English tutoring to pupils facing disadvantage. 

By volunteering as a tutor at a local school or online, you'll be supporting children to build their confidence and help ensure they leave school with the grades needed to build a bright future.

What will I be doing?

• Tutoring 1-3 pupils in Year 5 or 6, or Year 7, 10 or 11.

• Commit to one hour a week, for up to 20 weeks. You choose the day and time to sign up to.

• Use our tutor workbooks to guide your pupils through activities that will boost their confidence and grades.

What you'll gain:

• Receive induction training, tutor workbooks and ongoing support.

• Develop skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

• Meet like-minded people in our volunteer community.

• Travel expense reimbursement (up to £5 per session).

• Free DBS check.

This volunteer role is perfect for you if you:

• Are passionate about making a difference and helping young people succeed, particularly those facing disadvantage.

• Seek valuable experience working with children and are eager to hone essential skills such as communication, mentorship, and leadership – all highly valued in any career path.

• Have a busy schedule but are keen to contribute to your community, as this flexible role requires just one hour a week, either in-person or conveniently online.

We look for volunteers with:

• Solid subject knowledge in the area they wish to tutor, which may be demonstrated by a degree or grade B at A-level qualification (or equivalent) or relevant experience.

• The ability to explain concepts clearly and patiently.

• A commitment to supporting pupils’ academic progress.

We recognise that valuable experience can be gained through diverse routes, so if your qualifications differ from those mentioned - we still encourage you to apply! Please highlight any relevant experience or skills in your application.

We welcome applications from volunteers across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. (Please note: this is a volunteer, unpaid position.)

Our volunteers say:

" The Action Tutoring team has been fabulous in their support: timely updates, always available, closely following progress, and ready to intervene where needed, very professional indeed!"

"Volunteering is very rewarding. I would say the skills that one develops from teaching the pupils are transferable to any walk of life and make you a better person. I would highly recommend it."

We are looking for volunteers who would like to play a role in building people’s confidence! As an English-speaking volunteer whether native or fluent and with any kind of accent or background, you will have the skills needed to support people who would like to improve and learn the English language. Just by talking to those wanting to learn, you will be helping and making a difference!

What you will be doing

• Prepare and deliver engaging and supportive ESOL sessions tailored to learners’ needs
• Help participants improve everyday English for social situations, key events, and community integration

The skills you need

• Patience, empathy, and a passion for empowering others
• Ability to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment
• Preferably hold a TEFL qualification but not a necessity

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 - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Exam Star – Southwark, London

We are looking for a volunteer tutor to support Shalom, a Year 11 student preparing for his GCSE Maths (Edexcel) and Science (AQA Chemistry and Physics) exams in summer 2026.

Shalom is polite, hardworking and keen to learn. He uses Sparx Maths and other revision materials but needs help building confidence and working through questions step by step.

Tutoring is one hour a week, on Sunday (any time) or Monday after 4:00 PM, via Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet.

Exam Star Learner, based in Southwark, provides affordable one-to-one tutoring to help children and young people aged 5 to 18 achieve their potential.

If you’re patient, encouraging and passionate about education, we’d love to hear from you. Join us today and help Shalom gain the skills and confidence he needs to succeed in Maths and Science.

About Action Tutoring

Action Tutoring is a national education charity founded in 2011, committed to ensuring that no child’s life chances are limited by their socio-economic background. Working across 11 hubs in England, the charity partners with primary and secondary schools to provide high-quality, curriculum-aligned tutoring in English and maths for pupils at risk of leaving school without reaching expected standards. By harnessing a network of trained volunteer tutors, Action Tutoring delivers personalised academic support to those who would otherwise be unable to access it.

The need for the charity’s work is significant. Disadvantaged pupils are, on average, 18 months behind their peers by the end of secondary school, and the attainment gap is now at its widest in 12 years. In 2024, only 46% of disadvantaged primary pupils met expected standards, compared with 67% of their non-disadvantaged peers.

Action Tutoring’s impact is clear. In 2023–24, pupils who received at least 10 tutoring sessions achieved markedly improved outcomes:

• Primary pupils were 15 percentage points more likely to meet expected reading standards and 11 percentage points more likely in maths
• Secondary pupils were nearly nine percentage points more likely to pass their maths GCSE

During this period, the charity supported 42,487 pupils, delivered more than 61,000 hours of tutoring, and engaged nearly 2,000 volunteer tutors nationwide. Its work is underpinned by diverse funding streams, including partnerships with organisations such as the Education Endowment Foundation and the Inflexion Foundation.

With a team of over 50 staff operating from a London head office and across regional hubs, Action Tutoring fosters a flexible, inclusive working culture grounded in social mobility, integrity, collaboration and evidence-based practice. The charity has been recognised for its commitment to staff wellbeing, partnership working and inclusivity, and maintains a strong focus on safeguarding and continuous learning.

Action Tutoring is now entering a pivotal period as it develops its next organisational strategy. This includes strengthening partnerships with schools and multi-academy trusts, expanding its reach to support more pupils facing disadvantage, and exploring how digital innovation and artificial intelligence can further enhance its tutoring model. Further detail on this strategic work can be found here.

Role specification

Trustees play a central role in shaping Action Tutoring’s long-term vision, supporting the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Senior Leadership Team, and ensuring strong governance across safeguarding, finance, strategy and risk. Working collectively, the Board provides constructive challenge and support to ensure the charity remains financially sustainable, evidence-led and focused on delivering meaningful impact for disadvantaged pupils.

Main responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that Action Tutoring pursues its mission and charitable objectives for public benefit, and that all strategic decisions reinforce this purpose
• Contributing to the formulation, oversight and review of the organisation’s strategic plan, ensuring it is ambitious, sustainable and underpinned by clear priorities for impact and growth
• Supporting and challenging the Senior Leadership Team and wider Board to ensure that strategic plans are implemented effectively and that progress is measured and evaluated
• Ensuring compliance with Action Tutoring’s governing document, charity law and regulatory requirements, including robust safeguarding practice in line with statutory guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education
• Acting at all times in the best interests of the charity, upholding its values, championing its work, and serving as an advocate with external stakeholders
• Providing stewardship and oversight of the charity’s financial management, ensuring resources are used responsibly, risks are identified and mitigated, and long-term sustainability is maintained
• Holding the CEO and senior team to account for organisational performance, safeguarding effectiveness, programme delivery, impact evaluation and cultural alignment
• Reviewing data, financial information and operational reporting to ensure transparency, rigorous scrutiny and organisational accountability
• Bringing reasonable care, skill and professional expertise to the role, including preparing thoroughly for meetings, attending regularly, and applying relevant insight—for example, in safeguarding or multi-academy trust governance—to provide informed, strategic challenge and guidance

Person specification

Action Tutoring seeks to appoint two new Trustees to its Board: one bringing senior leadership experience within schools or multi-academy trusts (MATs) and who can act as the Trustee point of contact for safeguarding oversight, working closely with the internal team. The other will bring strategic insight into educational technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Both individuals will be driven, values-led and collaborative, with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people facing disadvantage. They will bring a strong understanding of the barriers faced by disadvantaged children.

Education Trustee:

The successful candidate will bring senior leadership experience from the education sector, and their professional background will equip them with a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing disadvantaged pupils and the school settings in which they learn. They will have strong safeguarding knowledge and be willing to act as the Board’s first point of contact for the Designated Safeguarding Lead and wider team, providing informed advice and scrutiny. They will offer insight into how Action Tutoring’s model aligns with school-based strategies for raising attainment and addressing disadvantage, and how the charity can strengthen its partnerships with schools, education leaders and MATs to support sustainable growth. From time to time, they may also act as a mentor to the Programme Director.

EdTech/AI Trustee:

The EdTech/AI Trustee will be a strategic leader with a strong understanding of artificial intelligence and its potential application within education. They will bring awareness of emerging AI trends and the commercial implications for programme delivery, supporting the development of Action Tutoring’s AI tutor pilot, planned for 2026. While not required to be a technical specialist, they will be able to connect the charity to the right expertise when needed. Candidates may come from big tech, advisory, consulting or large-scale project environments, with EdTech experience valuable but not essential. They will provide strategic insight into how Action Tutoring’s model could evolve to harness AI responsibly, advise on technology-related risk, contribute to the organisation’s AI steering group, and act as a connector to key stakeholders who can support the charity’s long-term digital strategy.

Across both roles, Trustees will be expected to uphold Action Tutoring’s mission, values and safeguarding commitments, contributing to a culture of integrity, inclusion and accountability. They will work collaboratively with fellow Board members and the Senior Leadership Team to ensure effective governance, champion the charity’s work externally, and support the organisation to deliver high-quality, evidence-based programmes that improve life chances for disadvantaged young people.

Action Tutoring is partnering with Nurole, the leading board-level search specialist, to find Trustees. You can find out more and apply here. 

Ready to make a difference to a young person's life? Team Up is seeking dynamic volunteers to help transform the lives of disadvantaged pupils by building confidence, resilience and doubling their expected progress in English or maths.

We are looking for inspirational role models who will tutor Maths or English on one of our school programmes across London. You will be matched with a small number of pupils and provide them with the academic support, encouragement and inspiration they need to get back on track. All our volunteer tutors receive full training, lesson resources and support from a qualified teacher/facilitator throughout their placement.

Practical Considerations:

• You can choose a programme that suits your timetable and location.
• Sessions are between 60-90 minutes and will take place on a fixed day of the week, normally at the end of the school day (between 3-5pm).
• Each programme runs across a 12 week period, usually during term time. You will be expected to volunteer for at least one programme (10-12 weeks). 
• Team Up provides full lesson plans and teaching resources.
• This role requires you to undergo a free of charge DBS check, which will be arranged by Team Up.
• Travel expenses up to £15 per session are covered.

If you are looking to make a difference in a local community and find a fulfilling role whilst building your professional skillset, then look no further!

Our volunteers love building a rapport with each pupil, seeing pupil growth, and personal confidence increase across the 12 week programme. By the end of the programme, you will see how the support you give has enabled a young person to not only double their expected progress, but also build long term resilience. 

Alongside this meaningful experience, you will also be able to gain access to our career mentorship scheme and attend our employability seminars, as well as receiving a personalised reference upon completion.

This is an opportunity to enhance your CV and improve your employability skills - all whilst supporting young people from low-income backgrounds! 

You will receive:

• Full tutor-training, including safeguarding training. 
• Ongoing coaching, training and support from an experienced teacher during your placement. 
• Lesson observations alongside personalised developmental feedback and logged classroom hours.
• Opportunities to attend employability workshops incl. cover letter writing skills and coding.
• Access to our Tutor Awards Ladder recognising excellence.

We are looking for:

• Enthusiasm and strong grades in English/maths. 
• Committed and organised individuals who are keen to develop new skills.
• Individuals who are passionate about social mobility and helping to reduce the education attainment gap. 
• Good interpersonal skills when dealing with pupils. 

About Children With Voices

Children With Voices (CWV) is a grassroots charity supporting children, young people, and families through alternative education, life-skills programmes, wellbeing activities, and community food hubs.
Our mission is to empower children with confidence, resilience, and the tools they need to thrive. We work closely with local schools, families, and partners to create safe, supportive learning environments where every child is valued and heard.

Role: Education Coordinator / Tutor

Location: London / Community sites
Hours: Flexible (sessional or part-time)
Contract: Volunteer
Reports to: Head of Programmes & Education

Role Overview

You will deliver engaging alternative education and life-skills sessions for children and young people who need additional support. This is a hands-on role where your creativity, compassion, and commitment can truly change lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver 1:1 and group sessions (education, wellbeing, life-skills)

• Prepare session plans and teaching materials

• Support children’s learning, confidence and emotional development

• Maintain attendance records and contribute to feedback reports

• Build positive relationships with children, families, and schools

• Support evaluation and planning of programmes

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in tutoring, teaching, mentoring or youth support

• Patient, creative, and compassionate

• Ability to adapt teaching to different learning needs

• Strong safeguarding awareness (training provided)

Desirable:

• Experience with SEN, SEMH or behavioural support

• Teaching qualification or youth work background

Benefits

• Flexible hours

• Full training provided (safeguarding, youth work basics)

• Opportunity to gain experience in education/charity sector

• Supportive, passionate team environment

• Make a direct impact on children’s lives

Ready to make a difference to a young person's life? Team Up is seeking dynamic volunteer to help transform the lives of disadvantaged pupils by improving their grades and building confidence in their learning.

We are looking for inspirational role models who will tutorEnglish on one of our 10-12 week online progarmmes, starting mid-January 2026.

You will be matched with a small number of pupils and provide them with the academic support, encouragement and inspiration they need to get back on track. The pupils on our online programmes have had some disrupted schooling due to challenging personal circumstances and our tuition programmes aim to build not just academic strength, but confidence and positivity towards learning as well. 

All our volunteer tutors receive full training, lesson resources and support from a qualified teacher / team manager throughout their placement.

Practical Considerations:

• Our online programme runs on Tuesday afternoons from 17:00 till 18:00.
• The start date is 13th January 2026 and the final session is on Tuesday 24th March 2026
• Sessions are 60 minutes and take place via Teams. Tutors are expected to be online 15 minutes prior to their session. There is a 15-minute debrief with your progarmme manager after each session.
• This role requires you to undergo a free of charge enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged by Team Up.

We are looking for:

• Strong grades in English
• Experience working with young people
• Committed, organised and patient individuals 
• Good interpersonal skills when dealing with pupils
• Individuals who are passionate about social mobility and helping to reduce the education attainment gap

Our volunteers love building a rapport with each pupil, seeing pupil growth, and personal confidence increase across the 12 week programme. By the end of the programme, you will see how the support you give has enabled a young person to not only improve their grades, but also build long term resilience. 

Alongside this meaningful experience, you will also be able to attend our employability seminars, as well as receiving a personalised reference upon completion of the programme.

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 Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games.

Youth club takes place at Tooting Hub- Beechcroft Road, Tooting, SW17 7B

About the Role:

CARAS is looking for volunteer Football Assistants to support our Football sessions on Mondays, 5.30-7pm in Balham.

Football coaching sessions are led by Fulham FC Kicks programme weekly, supported by CARAS volunteers to offer welcome to young people.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities

· Welcoming young people to the session;

· Helping young people to register for sessions;

· Join in and be role model for young refugees and asylum seekers;

· Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

· Following FULHAM FC safeguarding policy and CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management, online communications and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

Essential

· To be 18 years or older;

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

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Monday evenings for a minimum of four months;

· Currently resident in the UK;

- A love of football, and wanting to encourage others to play.

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check (residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to start of role

Desirable

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

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

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

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a small, friendly charity based in Southwark, providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for a Drama Volunteer to support our weekly drama group on Friday afternoons, held at St Faith’s Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations).

About the Role

This role is ideal for someone with a background or strong interest in drama, theatre or performance. You’ll support our Drama Tutor to deliver inclusive and engaging drama sessions for a small group of adults with learning disabilities. Each year, the group works towards a production which is performed at our end-of-year Summer Show, making this a fun, creative, and rewarding volunteering opportunity.

As a Drama Volunteer, you will:

• Assist the tutor in planning and running weekly drama activities
• Encourage and support learners during rehearsals and performances
• Help with setting up props, costumes and resources for sessions
• Offer 1:1 or small group support where needed to help participants engage
• Help build a warm, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express themselves

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Gain hands-on experience in drama facilitation and inclusive practice
• Contribute to a creative and meaningful community project
• Feel the joy of supporting learners to grow in confidence and express themselves
• Experience working with adults with learning disabilities in a supportive setting
• Develop skills in teamwork, adaptability, communication, and creative problem-solving
• Have a place in a welcoming and friendly team of tutors, staff and volunteers

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be a professional actor or drama teacher, just someone who is enthusiastic about drama and passionate about inclusion. We especially value:

• A background or interest in drama, theatre, or performance
• Good communication and a warm, encouraging approach
• Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to get involved
• A non-judgemental and inclusive mindset
• Reliability and commitment, especially in the lead-up to the summer show
• Flexibility to support a creative, sometimes unpredictable environment

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an induction meeting
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we ask that you commit to volunteer for a minimum of a year with us.

Adult Casework Volunteer - Role description 

Role: Adult Casework Volunteer 

Team: Casework 

Supervised by: Adult caseworker 

Location: Tooting office on a Thursday afternoon (2-5.30pm)

Time commitment: 3.5 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months 

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 CARAS casework:

CARAS works with adults and young people of a refugee and asylum seeker background to find solutions to their problems. There are two separate sub-teams within the Casework team; young people and adults. We support adults to navigate the asylum system, understand their options, access benefits, connect with services and realise their goals. We are a non-specialist casework and advocacy service, so we work in close partnership with other local organisations to whom we refer people with more complex issues.

Using the empowerment model, our casework service embodies CARAS’ values of ‘with not for’, always striving to ensure people are armed with the information and resources they need to make decisions and take action for themselves.

About the Role:

We are currently recruiting for 2 volunteers to join our Adult Casework team. 

The purpose of the Adult Casework volunteer role is to support adults with a refugee or asylum seeking background to understand their rights, access information and services, and ultimately, take control of their own lives. You will work with individuals to address problems they may face relating to, among other issues, asylum support, accessing healthcare and education, access to legal advice and finding activities and opportunities.

You will start from an understanding that individuals are always best placed to solve their own problems, and often need nothing more than to talk out a problem and find the solution themselves. When helpful, you will provide information to clarify and support to take action. 

The Adult Casework team hold a support session at our office in Tooting on Thursday afternoons from 2-5.30pm.  Volunteer caseworkers have 1:1 appointments, either in person or by phone, with CARAS members.  These can be related to a range of topics.  Currently our biggest areas of work are around housing for people seeking asylum, access to college, nursery/school places for children, referrals to mental health providers, searches and signposting to activities, finding solicitors and supporting people to apply for bus passes and ID cards.  Volunteers also support with administrative tasks such as updating our databases, collating resources and creating information guides. 

Adult Casework Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities:  

• Working in an empowering way with individuals and promoting their independence through goal-setting.  

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge of rights and entitlements.   

• Assisting with filling out forms 

• Signposting and referring onto other services and organisations.  

• Gathering information from experts and disseminating information to people in an accessible manner.  

• Engaging in collaborative internet and phone research on services, organisations and grants.  

• Flagging safeguarding concerns and other issues where further support is required.  

• Keeping accurate casenotes 

• Supporting to maintain our signposting database 

• Researching and collating resources 

• Working collaboratively as a team and assisting to shape the Adult Casework project.  

• Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements:

Essential

• Experience of doing 1:1 advice work/casework.

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English.   

• Confidence in using IT (Microsft office, outlook, zoom, Google search, online forms)  

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

• A commitment to confidentiality and data protection 

• Thorough with good attention to detail 

• Reliable 

• A high level of spoken and written English 

• Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way  

• A calm, friendly, kind and patient approach 

• Enjoyment in speaking to new people 

• A commitment to working in an empowering way 

• Able to maintain boundaries 

• Able to work autonomously 

• Currently resident in the UK 

Desirable 

• Working knowledge or experience of relevant law and policy around asylum support, the asylum process, rights and entitlements for people seeking asylum 

• Experience of working with interpreters 

• Direct experience of the UK immigration system.  

• Past experience of working with people seeking asylum 

• Proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu or Vietnamese.  

We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process 

Benefits to Volunteering:

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

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

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

• Obtain a reference from us relating to your volunteering 

All volunteers must complete a basic DBS check for volunteers working with adults and attend training with us before starting.  You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

To Apply:

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form, using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.

 Applicants will have an informal meeting with the Adult caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP. 

Successful applicants will undergo training and induction with our team. 

Volunteer with Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure

Stepping Stones is a small, friendly charity in Southwark providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for volunteers to support our sessions in:

• Art (Tuesday afternoons)
• Dance Fit (Thursday mornings and/or afternoons)
• Social Club (Thursday afternoons)
• Drama (Friday afternoons)

These weekly groups offer creative, social, and wellbeing-focused opportunities for our learners, led by experienced tutors in a relaxed, supportive setting.

All sessions take place at St Faith’s Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations)

What You’ll Do

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting adults with learning disabilities to participate fully in the sessions, connect with others, and enjoy meaningful activities. Your role might include:

• Setting up and packing away equipment and materials
• Welcoming students and their carers or support workers
• Offering encouragement and practical support in one-to-one or small group settings
• Helping tutors to deliver fun, engaging activities

All sessions are led by experienced tutors, and you’ll be part of a warm and supportive staff and volunteer team who are committed to inclusion, creativity and care.

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Build experience working with adults with learning disabilities
• Gain hands on involvement in creative, wellbeing and social activities
• Be part of a welcoming and friendly team
• Develop your confidence, communication and teamwork skills
• Make a meaningful contribution to your local community
• Learn from people with diverse experiences 

Whether you’re exploring a career in social care or looking to give back and become a stronger link in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be an expert! We’re looking for people with the right attitude, values, and willingness to support others. Even if you don’t have experience of working with adults with learning disabilities, the following qualities are especially helpful:

• Enthusiasm and positivity. Your energy can set the tone for the group. A cheerful presence helps create a welcoming and encouraging environment.
• Patience. Some learners may take time to engage or communicate. Patience helps build trust and ensures everyone feels supported.
• Reliable and punctual. Many of our learners value consistency and routine. Being dependable helps build rapport and ensures the session runs smoothly.
• Inclusive communication skills. You should feel confident listening carefully, offering clear instructions or encouragement, and adapting your communication to meet individual needs.
• Inclusive and non-judgemental. We welcome people from all walks of life. An open-minded approach helps every learner feel accepted and valued.
• Adaptable and flexible. Things don’t always go to plan. A calm, flexible approach helps maintain a relaxed and safe environment for our sessions to run.
• Ready to get stuck in! Many sessions involve art, music or movement. You don’t need to be an expert, but a willingness to join in and get involved makes a big difference.

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an induction meeting
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we ask that you commit to volunteer for a minimum of a year with us.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and answer the following questions (these will come up when you hit "Apply"):

• What session(s) would you like to volunteer in?
• Why you would like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
• What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you will bring to your volunteering role?

Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) is a dynamic local charity established in 2006. We support asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants, to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. We provide both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes to tackle the underlying problems that lead people to be in crisis.

We are a team of 15 majority part-time paid staff (9 FTE) and over 100 volunteers. AFRIL works with residents in Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bexley and Bromley. In the last 12 months AFRIL has supported over 750 individuals. 

AFRIL’s Casework and Advocacy Team provides complex casework and legal interventions in the areas of housing and homelessness, Asylum Support, Benefits, No Recourse to Public Funds and Community Care. AFRIL also offers community activities to the residents of a local Asylum Support Hotel. Activities are arranged in situ at the hotel, as well through trips and outings.

Your duties will include:
Community Activities Volunteer
● Arrive promptly to support AFRIL staff to set up the Community Activitysession which, depending on the day, could include:
    ○ Arts & craft activities
    ○ ESOL / english conversation practice
    ○ It is also possible you will support a group on an outing to amuseum, to AFRIL’s Allotment of Refuge or to another location.
● As a volunteer, your role during these activities will involve supporting the staff to deliver the relevant activities, and will specifically include:
    ○ Engage all participants in a warm and friendly manner, making all feel welcome and involved
    ○ Support new participants to complete the registration forms, and log attendances on the register
    ○ Putting out resources, materials, games and actively support participation in such activities
    ○ Arranging and distributing food and drink to members
    ○ Helping the group to navigate safely if out on trips

Outreach Volunteer
● Arrive promptly at 12.15pm to support AFRIL staff to set up the Outreach Advice session.
    ○ Welcome clients to the drop in, provide an overview of how AFRIL can support, record basic information to pass onto AFRIL caseworkers
    ○ Oversee a queue system of those seeking advice from Caseworkers
    ○ Provide clients with refreshments, build rapport and field basic questions about the outreach session whilst clients are waiting

Duties for both roles also include:
● Undertake comprehensive training (including safeguarding training) to support you in carrying out your volunteer role.
● Uphold AFRIL’s values when working alongside staff, volunteers and clients, and follow AFRIL’s policies and procedures at all times.
● Be vigilant of any safeguarding concerns and report these swiftly to AFRIL staff.

AFRIL’s Community Activities & Outreach Volunteer will have the opportunity to volunteer at AFRIL’s Community Activity sessions (weekly) and Outreach Advice sessions (fortnightly). The volunteers will provide friendly and professional support to participants, collect basic information and support AFRIL staff where appropriate. 

Our volunteers are crucial in supporting AFRIL staff to obtain the best outcomes for our clients, and this role will provide you with valuable insight into the immigration system and its many challenges.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) is a dynamic local charity established in 2006. We support asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants, to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. We provide both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes to tackle the underlying problems that lead people to be in crisis.

We are a team of 15 majority part-time paid staff (9FTE) and over 100 volunteers. Our office is based in the Leemore Centre in central Lewisham. AFRIL works with residents in Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bexley and Bromley. In the last 12 months AFRIL has supported over 750 individuals. 

AFRIL’s Casework and Advocacy Team provides complex casework and legal interventions in the areas of housing and homelessness, Asylum Support, Benefits, No Recourse to Public Funds and Community Care. AFRIL also offers community activities to the residents of a local Asylum Support Hotel. Activities are arranged in situ at the hotel, as well through trips and outings.

AFRIL’s ESOL support volunteers will work with AFRIL’s Community Activities Coordinator to provide friendly and professional ESOL and English Conversation activities to participants.

Your duties will include: 

• Arrive promptly to support AFRIL staff to set up the ESOL / English Conversation activity.

• You will work with the Community Activities Coordinator to plan activities and sessions according to the appropriate level of the participants’ English.

• You will engage participants in the activities, supporting them to take part, improving their English and confidence.

Other duties also include:

• Undertake comprehensive training (including safeguarding training) to support you in carrying out your volunteer role.

• Uphold AFRIL’s values when working alongside staff, volunteers and clients, and follow AFRIL’s policies and procedures at all times.

• Be vigilant of any safeguarding concerns and report these swiftly to AFRIL staff.