Volunteer information meeting volunteer volunteer roles in Newcastle

We’re looking for three Support Group Volunteer over the age of 18 years old, based in Scotland.

You’ll be volunteering fortnightly Thursday between 10:30am and 11:30am plus additional time for volunteer team meetings and training.

As a support group volunteer, you will help with the running of the group. The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.

The volunteer will be

· A people person, with good listening skills

· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people

· Good at putting people at ease

· Reliable and organised

· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke

· IT literate, have good administrative and record keeping skills and be able to follow relevant policies

A protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check is required for this role.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As an Administration Volunteer you’ll play an essential role in your local group.

You’ll act as the first point of contact for the group and circulate information to other volunteers and members. You’ll ensure that data and details are kept up to date, to comply with data protection legislation.

In this role you’ll develop your administration and organisation skills.

Why we want you

As one of our wonderful volunteers, you can get involved in:

• providing support and services to the MS community
• increasing awareness of, and delivering resources to people affected by MS
• raising vital funds to help stop MS
• boosting our community voice by advocating for MS research and policy

What you will be doing

• Keeping records and data up to date and taking notes at meetings
• Preparing mailouts and answering enquiries from the group inbox
• Booking venues for meetings and activities
• Keeping other group volunteers informed of current agreements and activities
• Supporting the development of the group’s activity plan
• Supporting the group’s shared responsibility for designing and delivering services and activities.

The skills you need

• Skills and/or experience in what you'll be doing
• Commitment to MS Society policies and procedures
• Confidence in using Microsoft Office, the internet and email will be required for some volunteer roles
• Compassion and sensitivity
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when required
• A willingness to support the work of MS Society and be a positive representative for the MS community.

What's in it for you:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack
• You’ll have an induction to your role
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities
• You’ll be reimbursed for any related expenses while carrying out your role

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:                                                           

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Fundraising Events Organiser Volunteer

Would you like to be part of a dedicated and friendly team of volunteers and make a real difference to the lives of cats and kittens in our care?Do you enjoy planning and organising for events?  Maybe you have a particular skill that you would like to put to use?
 
Then this could be the role for you! 
 
Our Fundraising Events Team are at the heart of what we do, raising essential funds for the cats.

Our Fundraising Events Organisersshare ideas, tasks and inspiration, planning and delivering local events, with the support of the Fundraising events helpers, such as Open Days (usually 2 per year) at the centre andour annual Christmas Bazaar.

Time Expectation:  This role can be varied and time commitment can be flexible. 

Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.

We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.

Please note:  Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Full training and support will be given for all roles.  We look forward to hearing from you!

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

This opportunity will be at both Crook and Durham so volunteers need to be willing to volunteer at both sites.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Volunteer Reading Coordinator

The Coordinator is the first point of contact for those who want to learn to read. Using a simple assessment, the Coordinator will explain to a potential new ‘Reader’ how Read Easy may be able to help them. The Coordinator pairs up new Coaches with those who want to learn to read and provides ongoing support to these reading pairs. They visit reading sessions occasionally and maintain support through regular calls with both Reader and Coach to check all is going well, calling on the group’s Literacy Specialist to respond to any literacy related difficulties a pair may be having.

Being a Read Easy Coordinator is very flexible. You decide how much time you have to offer, and this will determine the number of reading pairs you look after. The role provides lots of variety, is home-based and can work well around other commitments. 

How we will support you:

You will be provided with the Coordinator Handbook, training, induction, policies, resources and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser. In addition, the Coordinator Supporter will meet with you regularly to provide support and find out how your Reading Pairs are getting on. You will be invited to Read Easy UK’s volunteer forums and National Conference which gives volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other groups.

What you will be doing:

● Help interview new Coaches when recruited and shortlisted by the Volunteer Recruiter.

● Enrol and assess new Readers, using the simple resources provided.

● Match Readers with Coaches, make introductions, and help them organise their reading sessions (which will take place in an approved venue or online).

 ● Visit your reading pairs to provide encouragement, presenting certificates on occasion.

● Work collaboratively with any other Coordinators in the group.

● Contribute to Coach meetings where volunteers discuss their experiences and receive further support. (Run by the Management Team typically every 8 weeks.)

● Attend Management Team meetings when invited, typically every 6-8 weeks either in person or remotely.

● Record progress of your reading pairs using resources provided, sharing these with the Management Team to keep them fully informed and submit expenses for payment regularly.

The skills you will need:

● A passion for supporting others achieve either their reading or coaching goals;

● A willingness to become familiar with the methods of the phonics based Turning Pages coaching manuals, so that you can confidently guide others;

● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality. Strong organisational, time management and record keeping skills;

● Self-awareness, personal responsibility and a professional approach;

● Reasonable confidence in using IT(accessing documents, completing electronic forms and records, email, Teams/Zoom meetings);

● The ability to use initiative and willingness to work independently and as part of a team;

● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures;

● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for support from the Management Team; ● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included;

● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of 2-3 hours a week to commit to the role.

What's in it for you? You will:

● receive outstanding Reading Coach Training;

● meet and work collaboratively with new people, and

● be active and engaged, adding value to your local community.

● Gain access to ongoing support and development.

● Out of pocket travel expenses reimbursed.

We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.

We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling. 

About Us

Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK's leading charity dedicated to uniting for a life unlimited for everyone affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a life-limiting genetic condition affecting over 11,000 people across the UK. We fund vital research, campaign for access to life-changing treatments, and provide support to people living with CF and their families.

About the Role

Wear Yellow Day is one of Cystic Fibrosis Trust's flagship fundraising campaigns, bringing people together across the UK to raise awareness and vital funds for everyone affected by cystic fibrosis.

Since launching more than a decade ago, Wear Yellow Day participants have raised over £1 million to support Cystic Fibrosis Trust's work. We're now looking ahead to Wear Yellow Day 2027, taking place on 11 June 2027, and are seeking enthusiastic Champions to help us build on that success.

As a Wear Yellow Day Champion, you'll help spread the word about the campaign through your own networks. Whether that's encouraging colleagues, inspiring friends and family, promoting Wear Yellow Day within a school or community group, or sharing campaign messages online, you'll play an important role in helping make the campaign a success.

By joining us early, you'll also have the opportunity to help shape ideas, build awareness and generate momentum ahead of Wear Yellow Day 2027.

This is a UK based role and a flexible volunteering opportunity that can fit around your existing commitments. Full training, resources and support will be provided.

What You'll Be Doing

You could support us in a variety of ways, including:

• Promoting Wear Yellow Day within your workplace, school, university, community group or local network.
• Encouraging friends, family members, colleagues and community contacts to take part.
• Sharing campaign messages, fundraising ideas and promotional resources.
• Raising awareness through social media and other communication channels.
• Helping people access campaign information and resources.
• Celebrating and sharing the achievements of Wear Yellow Day participants.
• Sharing ideas and feedback to help improve future campaigns.

We recognise that every volunteer brings different strengths, experiences and connections, and aspects of the role can be tailored accordingly.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for people who:

• Are enthusiastic about supporting Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Wear Yellow Day.
• Enjoy encouraging and inspiring others.
• Feel comfortable communicating with a variety of people.
• Are confident sharing information within their own networks and communities.
• Have access to email and basic digital communication tools.
• Are passionate about raising awareness and supporting people affected by cystic fibrosis.

Previous fundraising or volunteering experience is welcome but not essential. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of cystic fibrosis, either directly or through a family member, although this is not a requirement.

Why Volunteer with Us?

• Help raise awareness of cystic fibrosis and inspire others to get involved.
• Play an important role in one of Cystic Fibrosis Trust's flagship campaigns.
• Develop confidence, communication and leadership skills.
• Gain valuable experience in campaigning, fundraising and community engagement.
• Meet other passionate supporters and become part of a supportive community.
• Receive training, guidance and ongoing support from our team.

Time Commitment

This is a flexible, campaign-based volunteering opportunity. While momentum typically builds during the six weeks leading up to Wear Yellow Day, Champions are welcome to contribute throughout the year in a way that works for them.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your application by clicking on the link “Apply Now”.

To apply, you will need your up-to-date CV and a covering letter demonstrating why you would like to become a Wear Yellow Day Champion.

Important Dates

Closing date for applications:  rolling deadline

Shortlisted candidates will be notified directly as soon as possible of the next stage of the process. We will offer as much notice as possible to support availability. 

Further Information

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact us

The Snow Sports Foundation is a small UK charity that helps fund life-changing snow sports opportunities for neurodivergent children and adults.

We are looking for a volunteer Treasurer to help oversee the charity's finances. This role can be undertaken either as a Trustee or as a non-trustee, depending on your preference. This will be for about 1-2 hours a month.

About the role

Working closely with the Chair and fellow volunteer Trustees, you will help ensure the charity's finances remain well managed and that the Board has the financial information needed to make informed decisions.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor the charity's financial position and present financial updates at the quarterly online meeting (or the finance section of the meetings if appointed as a non-trustee Treasurer).
• Approve bank payments.
• Vote on funding proposals (if a Trustee).
• Co-ordinate the preparation of the charity's annual report and accounts to be audited by the independent examiner.
• Upload annual report on the Charity's Commission website.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls and financial records are maintained.
• Keep up-to-date with charity commission reporting requirements and amend finance policies and procedures as required.

Skills

• Has experience in finance and accounting.
• Has experience of preparing and compiling annual reports.
• Has experience of working as a Treasurer and working with a board of Trustees.
• Can explain financial information clearly to the Board.
• Shares the charity's passion for helping more neurodiverse people experience the benefits of inclusive snow sports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A background in the charity sector would be preferable but not essential.

What you'll gain

• The satisfaction of helping a small charity make a difference to people with neurodiversity.
• A chance to use your professional skills for a meaningful cause.
• The opportunity to work with a friendly and committed volunteer team.

About us: 

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C is a pioneering Podcast/YouTube Channel and healing membership organisation. We provide a platform for survivors and whistleblowers to share their lived experiences, highlight systemic frustrations and offer solutions rooted in culturally trauma-informed care.

Our membership offers young people and survivors a path to heal, learn digital skills and interactively participate in our Alchemic 369 Book Club, where members engage in weekly interactive discussions, debates and critical analysis of African, Caribbean and world history, Ifa, classics and political thought. Members will sharpen their reading, reasoning and imagination skills, with opportunities to discuss works directly with authors, highly subsidised plant-based transformative retreats and join a community designed to empower and educate.

We are a mission-driven, collective-focused C.I.C building a movement that combines healing, re-education and empowerment.

Our content focuses on:

• Survivors of CSA, RSA, CT, CA stories
• Whistleblowers and retired experts
• Generational trauma and healing
• Youth empowerment and education
• Community transformation through honest storytelling

Our mission is to challenge generational cycles, expose hidden truths, fight for justice and create a platform rooted in authenticity, deep healing, and transformation.

Job Purpose:

We are seeking a highly organised, proactive, and trustworthy Executive Assistant to support the Founder with the day-to-day coordination, administration, communication, and priorities of the CIC.

You will work closely with the Founder and senior team to keep meetings, projects, communications, and actions organised and moving forward.

This is an unpaid voluntary position for someone passionate about fighting CSA and supporting survivors across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the Founder’s calendar, meetings, appointments, and commitments.
• Support the Founder with emails, correspondence, reports, presentations, and briefing documents.
• Attend meetings, take notes, track actions, and ensure follow-ups are completed through Asana.
• Coordinate with departments, volunteers, partners, and external stakeholders on behalf of the Founder.
• Support the organisation of events, training, fundraising activities, and key meetings.
• Maintain organised digital files, shared documents, and confidential information.
• Help the Founder stay informed by gathering updates and highlighting key priorities and deadlines.
• Handle sensitive information relating to CSA, survivors, and organisational matters with discretion.
• Provide additional administrative and coordination support as required.

Ideal Candidate

• Passionate about fighting CSA and supporting survivors.
• Highly organised, proactive, reliable, and able to manage competing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional, empathetic, discreet, and trustworthy.
• Confident working independently and directly with senior leadership.
• Comfortable using Asana, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Google Drive.
• Aligned with our values of truth, love, healing, justice, education, and empowerment.

Previous Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant, administration, or project coordination experience is beneficial but not essential.

What You Will Gain

• Direct experience supporting the Founder and senior leadership team.
• Mentoring, training, and ongoing personal development.
• Experience in leadership support, project coordination, communication, and organisational management.
• The opportunity to contribute ideas and make a real difference in the fight against CSA.
• Travel and food expenses covered for approved in-person activities.

This role is designed as a long-term pathway opportunity to a paid position and lifestyle transformation.

We don’t operate on individualism. We build through collectivism, meaning: as the platform grows, your role, influence, and opportunities grow with it.

Additional Notes

This role is not suitable if you:

• Prefer low-responsibility volunteer work
• Avoid handling sensitive data or detailed reporting
• Are seeking immediate paid employment
• Are uncomfortable applying analysis to strategic decisions

To Apply

Please send:

• Your CV, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile (if available)
• A short introduction about yourself
• Why this mission resonates with you
• Any relevant experience, skills, ideas, or vision you would bring to the role

We welcome individuals who are passionate about helping create platforms that inspire healing, justice, truth, education, empowerment, and lasting community impact. That see themselves transforming their lifestyles to maintain the above for the generations to come.

Tech Volunteer – Help People Build Digital Confidence

Do you have an interest in technology and enjoy helping others? Vision Northumberland is looking for friendly, patient and enthusiastic Tech Volunteers to help people living with sensory impairment get the most from digital technology.

As a Tech Volunteer, you’ll provide friendly, one-to-one or small-group support, helping people develop their confidence, skills and independence when using digital devices and accessible technology.

What will you be helping with?

Depending on each person’s needs and interests, you could support them to:

• Get started with smartphones, tablets, computers and smart glasses.
• Make phone calls and send text messages.
• Use email safely and confidently.
• Browse the internet and access online services.
• Shop online and manage everyday tasks digitally.
• Use video calls to stay connected with family and friends.
• Download and use useful apps.
• Discover accessibility features on Apple and Android devices.
• Use magnification, speech and voice-assistant features.
• Connect hearing aids to digital devices.

You don’t need to be an expert. What matters most is your willingness to learn, your interest in technology and your enthusiasm for helping someone overcome barriers and become more independent.

Who are we looking for? We’re looking for people who are:

• Patient, empathetic, warm and friendly.
• Interested in technology and willing to learn about assistive technology.
• Motivated to support people within the sensory impaired community.
• Confident communicators who enjoy meeting new people.
• Reliable and willing to work within Vision Northumberland’s policies and procedures.
• Willing to undertake training as reasonably requested.

The minimum age for this role is 18, and an enhanced DBS check will be required.

The time commitment is flexible, making this an opportunity that can fit around your existing commitments.

Vision Northumberland will cover reasonable out-of-pocket expenses directly related to your volunteering. If you drive your own vehicle on behalf of Vision Northumberland, you will also be reimbursed at 50p per mile.

Ready to make a difference?
If you’d like to use your interest in technology to help someone gain confidence, stay connected and live more independently, we’d love to hear from you.

Could you be the person who helps someone discover what technology can make possible? Join Vision Northumberland as a Tech Volunteer and help make a real difference.

The Wren Project is a volunteer-led charity that provides free, remote, one-to-one, ongoing listening support for people in distress and living with autoimmune disease. There are over 120 autoimmune diseases currently diagnosed by the NHS and these include Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn's disease- they are all chronic illnesses which can have life altering impacts.

Volunteers at the Wren Project provide emotional listening support to people with autoimmune disease (our Wrens). In appointments, volunteers offer listening support, where Wrens can talk about how autoimmune disease is impacting their life, without giving advice or offering solutions. Volunteers join a regular fortnightly shift during which they meet with up to 2 Wrens in two 50-minute appointments. 

Volunteers do not need to have qualifications or any knowledge or experience of autoimmune disease. We are looking for warm, empathetic, caring and resilient individuals who want to help others and have the time to offer ongoing, non-judgemental, listening support. 

We are the only charity in the UK who provide support for all autoimmune diseases. Our vision is to build support and community for all four million people in the UK diagnosed with autoimmune disease. Our service would not be possible without the commitment, empathy and support of our volunteers.

WHAT VOLUNTEERING FOR US INVOLVES:

Application and training process:

• Send an application form via our website;

• Attend a group information and discovery conversation where you will learn more about the Wren Project and the listening role 

• Applicants will be invited to participate in a remote, 5-week training programme focusing on listening skills, courageous inquiry, turning towards difficulty and living with autoimmune disease;

• A final one-to-one assessment of readiness before being matched with a Wren.

• Please note, we access an applicant’s suitability for the role throughout the process.

The role:

• Join a regular fortnightly shift, whereby you will support two Wrens in two separate, one-to-one sessions of 50 minutes via telephone/video call/online.

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development supported by staff-led reflective practice sessions. Monthly attendance required for the initial six months.

• Access to ongoing support from other volunteers and the Operations team;

• Opportunities to support the charity in a variety of additional roles.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN VOLUNTEERS:

• A desire to support people in times of distress.

• An empathetic and understanding attitude.

• A commitment to offering ongoing support to those in distress and to reflect upon the experience.

• A quiet and private space to conduct appointments.

• Access to a computer, telephone and a reliable internet connection.

• Confidentiality, professionalism and reliability.

• The commitment to volunteer at the Wren Project for at least one year.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR VOLUNTEERS:

• Lifelong skills in deep listening.

• Extensive training in empathetic listening and supporting distress.

• An excellent opportunity to engage in ongoing personal reflection and development in a supportive charity environment.

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development.

• An insight into life with chronic illness and mental health.

The Dementia Services supports people to live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love. The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia.

We offer clients from the Dementia Services (befriending and wellbeing) a short performance or creative activity delivered by a volunteer visual artist, musician, dancer, actor, performer, and other creative artforms. You may choose to share a creative hobby or an art form you practice professionally.

What does the role involve? 

·Share your creative talent or hobby with older people living with dementia by delivering a short performance to an older person at home or providing an opportunity for them to participate in a creative activity.

·Visit a minimum of 4 times per year for up to 1.5 hours each time, including 20/30 minutes for the performance/activity.

·Provide opportunities for connection with older people during your visit through conversation and engagement.

• Liaise with service coordinators to link with clients who have asked to receive these visits/calls.
• Provide feedback after every performance, including positive impact, improvements to the delivery of visits or concerns regarding the client. 

What will you get out of it?

·An opportunity to create meaningful experiences for all

·Be part of something rewarding and fulfilling

·Training in dementia awareness, safeguarding and more

·Supervision and support

·Reimbursement of expenses

·Opportunities to meet other volunteers

What are the benefits for people living with dementia?

 Many of the clients we support in this service are housebound or do not have the confidence or opportunity to attend events. Some clients may be artists, performers and creatives in their own right who do not get an opportunity to engage with or experience this aspect of their lives anymore.

Giving people who are living with memory loss an opportunity to be part of creative activities is a stimulating, fun way of putting them in touch with memories, other people and the wider community.

Bringing your artform into peoples’ homes can have a huge impact on reducing isolation, encouraging connection and bring a sprinkle of joy to those living with dementia.

We are looking for people who have:

• An interest in sharing or performing their creative, artistic skill whether you are a hobbyist or a professional: 
• Singing

·Playing a musical instrument

·Visual art activity

·Poetry/acting

·Dancing

·Culture-specific art/music/dance/poetry

These are just a handful of examples, but we will consider applications from a variety of artists/musicians/ performers and are open to suggestions.

What other attributes do you need?

• Good verbal and written skills in English 

• Enjoy conversation.
• A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history
• Consistency and reliability 
• An ability to empathise and understand the needs and experiences of an individual with dementia and memory loss.
• Understanding of confidentiality
• Patience and sensitivity
• Confidence to deal with emergencies
• Requirement to undertake induction training and follow guidelines and policies of Age UK Camden

Volunteering Hours 

Performances/activities:Usually approx. 20 -30 minutes but 1-1.5hrs are assigned to the visit

 Minimum of 4 - 6 visits a year (you can opt to do more). 

Visits will be a time agreed between you and the older person you are matched with.

Please note, early morning and late evenings are generally not suitable times for visits. 

Training and induction are provided for the role and includes: 

• Online Dementia Awareness course 
• Age UK Camden organisational induction 
• Induction to Dementia Befriending and Dementia Wellbeing Services and relationships, how to deliver a performer visit
• Safeguarding Adults online course
• Data Awareness online course

We will give you:

• Ongoing support including regular supervision by the coordinator of the service.
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses 
• Access to Volunteer Forum events

 If you are interested, we will ask you to: 

• Complete an application form

• Meet with Dementia Services staff member
• Provide details of two Referees
• Complete an Enhanced DBS check (we arrange this with you)
• Induction and training (as laid out above)

We understand that completing the various steps takes time, and we support and keep in touch with you through the process. 

As this role brings our volunteers into regular contact with vulnerable older people, we make sure that all volunteers understand their role and have completed our recruitment procedures to both our and their satisfaction. 

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison in the North East area. This could include visiting any of the following prisons: HMP Frankland, HMP Holme House, HMP Durham, HMP Northumberland, HMP Low Newton, HMP Deerbolt. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 6 September 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 7 and 18 September 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 8 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 15 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 22 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 12 November 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.