Volunteer roles in addlestone, surrey

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you

About Bank.Green

Since the Paris Agreement, global banks have poured a staggering $6.9t into the fossil fuel industry. At Bank.Green, our mission is to lower this vast carbon footprint via technology and consumer action. We empower bank customers with the tools and insights they need to influence their banks towards sustainable lending, or switch to greener alternatives. To date, our bank-checking tool has been used over 500,000 times by bank customers worldwide, while we have shifted at least £40m towards banks who are financing a greener future. Through transparency, engagement, and innovation, we aim to redefine the role of banks in the fight against climate change.

Role Overview

As our Major Gifts Fundraiser, you will play a leading role in identifying, cultivating, and stewarding high-value donors to power our mission. You’ll also help shape a supporter journey that includes appropriate engagement opportunities for a wider range of donors—such as legacy givers, mid-level donors, and monthly supporters—ensuring our broader communications create pathways for meaningful connection and support.

This is a unique opportunity to develop your skills in major donor fundraising while also helping shape the donor engagement strategy of a fast-moving nonprofit focused on systemic change in the financial sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively research and identify new major donor prospects, particularly individuals with an interest in climate, finance, or systems change.
• Reach out to and cultivate relationships with potential major donors, coordinating communications and developing tailored engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on donor meetings, proposals, and stewardship plans.
• Lead on integrating major donor and legacy messaging into our wider communications, ensuring our email and social channels create clear on-ramps for support across all levels.
• Support the development of donor materials, including impact updates, campaign briefings, and stewardship reports.

Desired Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, especially for high-value audiences.
• Confidence in reaching out to new contacts and representing the organisation’s mission.
• Strategic thinking and creativity in identifying and cultivating funding opportunities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a remote team environment.
• Passion for environmental issues and climate justice.
• Experience or willingness to learn about major gift fundraising, legacy giving, and donor engagement strategy.

Commitment

• This role is an unpaid volunteer opportunity
• We are seeking a commitment of 5–10 hours per week.
• We are looking for someone to come on long-term, but are open to shorter-term applicants.

PCR at a glance 

In just a few short years we have achieved remarkable growth, expanding our income threefold from £1.5 million to £4.9 million in 2023-24 and have sustained this income in 2024-25. This growth reflects not only the urgency and importance of our mission but also the unwavering commitment of our team, trustees, and supporters who share our determination to fight prostate cancer and support the people it affects.

Guided by our vision to transform lives affected by prostate cancer, we remain committed to driving meaningful impact across our four core areas of focus:

Academic Research 

In 2024 we launched two new grant calls to tackle critical areas of unmet need: racial disparities in prostate cancer outcomes and advancements in treating bone metastases. These initiatives have continued our tradition of supporting cutting-edge research that transforms patient care and improves survival rates.

Translational Research  

Building on our success in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application, we have expanded our translational research portfolio to seven active projects. By fostering collaborations with biotech companies and research institutions, we will accelerate the development of groundbreaking diagnostics and treatments, ensuring they reach patients faster.

Influencing

Our influencing work has taken centre stage this year with the completion of our cost-benefit analysis, which has already generated significant interest. We have already launched this impactful analysis at an event at the House of Commons, at which we advocated for policy changes that prioritise early detection and equitable access to prostate cancer care. This initiative will help secure national commitment to advancing screening and diagnostic pathways.

We are now driving this campaign forward through lobbying and publicity as we aim to maximise on comms opportunities to raise the profile and awareness around the need for early detection.

Patient Projects

Empowering patients remains at the heart of everything we do. Following the success of our Infopool initiative, we will develop a follow-on project to enhance support for those living with prostate cancer. This new resource will build on the strengths of Infopool by providing even more tailored, accessible information to patients and their families with a focus on those most in need of better information. We have created truly groundbreaking projects that reach diverse communities, tackle deep-rooted challenges, and unlock the potential of scientists, advocates, and the communities we serve.

Prostate Cancer Research (“PCR”) is looking for up to three new Trustees to join our Board. We are specifically looking for people with the following experience:

 A Senior Comms professional. This trustee would potentially open doors with media outlets and help PCR to navigate and maximise the increased opportunities we have recently experienced. Examples include a long-standing campaign focused on screening for men that has been extensively featured in the Daily Mail. We now have further opportunities with potential TV ads and an awareness on the back of a prominent story in a popular soap.

A Senior Finance professional.  This trustee will have financial management experience (highly likely but not required to be a qualified accountant). They will bring financial expertise and experience to PCR’s activities and will be required to be part of our Finance Audit and Risk Committee.

A Translational Research/Data Analyst professional. This trustee will have translational research and/or Data Analyst expertise and will be capable of guiding strategic decisions and ensuring the organisation's research efforts are impactful and effective. This person would ideally have experience of spinning out a company or be well versed in the pharmaceutical industry.

A Senior HR professional. This trustee will have a track record of managing high performing teams in a growth environment. The Trustee will be a member of our People and Culture sub-committee, seeking to ensure staff are motivated by our vision & mission, enabling high retention and strong performance, alongside oversight of nominations, remuneration and policies. 

We would ideally find candidates that have some experience across two of the areas of experience.

We are committed to diversity, equality and inclusion as an organisation and seek to represent the patients and families we serve. To support this we would particularly welcome applications from women and members of the black community. 

The Opportunity  

Prostate Cancer Research’s Board comprises Trustees with experience across the medical sector, the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, charity governance, finance, fundraising and communications. We also ensure that the experience of prostate cancer patients is directly represented on our Board.

Our Board provides governance and oversight to ensure we are fulfilling our objectives. Its responsibilities are to:

• Contribute to the strategic direction of PCR, setting overall strategy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance.

• Engage effectively as a Board to stimulate carefully considered and highquality strategic decision-making.

• Work in partnership with the CEO and Senior Management, helping them achieve the aims of PCR. 

• Act as an ambassador of PCR, to promote the charity and the importance of research into new treatments and diagnostics for prostate cancer patients.

• Provide governance oversight to ensure compliance with charity law and good practice.

• Safeguard the charity’s assets, including responsibility for its financial sustainability. 

In addition to the above, each Trustee uses specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the Trustee has expertise.

The Trustee Role and Responsibilities 

 Terms of the appointment:

• The Board meets four times per year.

• Meetings are held in person at PCR’s offices in London, with the option for Trustees to join meetings remotely depending on their location or availability. Candidates are expected to be UK-based. 

• In addition, Trustees often choose to provide advice and support to PCR’s Senior Management on specific projects and initiatives that are relevant to a Trustee’s areas of expertise. Involvement of this nature is discretionary and flexible, being respectful of Trustees other professional and personal commitments. 

• Trustees can also join a Board committee, which also meet four times per year ahead of the full board meeting. We have highlighted in the specs above which roles will be required to join a specific committee.

• This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed.

• The appointment is for an initial three-year term, with Trustees expected to serve for at least two terms. A third term is possible at the discretion of the Board.

Bright Futures UK are looking for warm and energetic volunteer befrienders to provide support and a fun, safe space for young people with serious illness.

Provide companionship virtually for just one hour per week to fit flexibly around your schedule. If you have a hobby that you enjoy, a topic you are particularly passionate about or you just enjoy being sociable, we would love you to join us as a Volunteer Befriender!

What are we looking for?

• Positive Engagement: Ability to engage with young people in a positive and friendly way.

• Empathy and Understanding: A kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.

• Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment  for a minimum of 14 weeks.

• Adaptability: Willingness to try new activities and adapt to the needs of the young person you are paired with.

What difference will you make?

• Impactful Contribution: Make a significant difference in the lives of young people who have missed out on many school experiences.

• Personal Fulfillment: Gain personal satisfaction from helping young people feel less isolated and more engaged with their education and hobbies.

What will you gain?

• Enhanced DBS will be provided

• Safeguarding Level One Training

• Skill Development opportunities

• Direct experience working with children and young people

Our partner empowers the most disadvantaged rural communities in Ethiopia to end child poverty, working with local communities to provide them with the support they need to take ownership of projects and drive sustainable change.

They are seeking a new Treasurer to advise the small charity on all matters involving the custody of financial resources, the application of those resources, financial procedures, and financial reporting both within the charity and to external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include preparing draft financial plans and budgets, producing reports on actual financial performance against the budget, preparing end of year accounts, and overseeing financial records and the work of the organisations bookkeeper.

The Board meets quarterly, usually online but occasionally in London (hybrid), and the total time commitment required for the role is a few hours per month.

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For more Trustee & Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

Our partner is a UK based charity supporting a grassroots project in Moshi, Tanzania, that empowers children and young people with the skills and opportunities to prepare them for a future without poverty.

They are seeking a Treasurer to join their expanding UK Board of Trustees to maintain an overview of the organisation’s financial affairs, ensure that its plans are financially viable, and that proper fiscal records, policies and procedures are maintained.

Key responsibilities include overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements; ensuring that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs; and advising on the financial implications of the organisation's strategic plans.

The Board meets quarterly, currently on a Saturday, and the total estimated time commitment required is 4 hours per month.

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For more Trustee & Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Calling All Wordsmiths – Volunteer as a Grant Writer for RideWise!

Do you have a knack for writing and a passion for making a difference? RideWise, a charity championing sustainable and accessible transport, is looking for volunteer grant writers to help secure vital funding for our projects. Our work helps connect our communities to the people and places that are important to them - and helps safeguard our environment.

Your skills could help us unlock new opportunities, support local communities, and drive real change. Whether you're experienced or just eager to learn, we’d love to have you on board.

Use your words to power our mission. Join RideWise as a volunteer grant writer today!

Do you have proven experience in the charity sector, preferably at senior level? Would you like to make a positive, impactful difference to the lives of our vulnerable clients by using your skills? 

What will you be doing?

We're looking for passionate and committed people to join our Board of Trustees! Ashford Place is a thriving forty-year old charity based in NW London, making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. From one-on-one guidance to engaging group activities, we focus on building resilience and improving well-being in our community. As a trustee, you'll help guide our work and ensure we remain strong and sustainable, especially during these challenging times. It’s a chance to be part of something meaningful, shaping our future while helping us continue to provide vital support in London NW2.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience in the charity sector, preferably at senior level.
• Commitment to, and an enthusiasm for, our mission and values.
• Skills in governance, finance, legal, fundraising, risk management, and/or advocacy.
• Understanding of trustee responsibilities, including financial oversight and strategic planning.
• Collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills.
• Solutions driven
• Available

What difference will you make?

As a valued member of our board, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our vision, steering our strategic direction, and driving the success of our mission. In an increasingly competitive charitable world, your expertise and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our community.

As a local charity, a significant proportion of our funding is derived from partnerships with statutory organizations. We are seeking a trustee who can strengthen our engagement within this sector, increasing our meaningful connections and identifying opportunities to secure vital funding. Your efforts will enable us to sustain and expand our impact, ensuring we can continue delivering essential services to those who rely on our work.

Before you apply

Please contact us via Reach with any questions.

Our Linked Minds Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow due to a diagnosed mental health problem.

This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.

On successful completion of specialist mental health training, the Befriender is matched with someone suitable, by a Co-ordinator who then acts as a (non-clinical) supervisor for the befriending period, which is limited to a year. (Where applicable, this can count towards continuous professional development).

Befriender, client and supervisor make a plan together with a goal to work towards, and the Befriender makes a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea, go out for a walk together, visit a cafe or undertake a local activity. 

These visits make such a difference for the client, increasing their confidence and helping them explore and work towards getting a job, joining a club, meeting other people or whatever their goal may be.

The aim is that, by the end of the year, clients feel better about themselves, more valued, resilient, empowered, more linked to their community and better equipped for their journeys in recovery.

But volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.

As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.

Our core Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow. They may have a physical or sensory disability, or they may have mild dementia, and are sometimes housebound.

This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.

On successful completion of the training, Befrienders are matched with someone who lives close to them.

They make a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea or, where possible, go out for a walk together, visit a cafe or undertake a local activity.

These visits make such a difference for the client, but volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.

As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.

USPG is looking to appoint 3 Trustees (lay or ordained) committed to global mission within the Anglican Communion. At this time, we are seeking to appoint a qualified accountant and two trustees with significant regional knowledge (Caribbean/ Latin America, Middle East, East Asia or Africa) to serve from July 2025.

About You

In recruiting Trustees at this time, we are looking for individuals with the following skill sets and experience:

• Accountancy: A qualified accountant with current experience of scrutinising accounts of organisations of the scale of USPG (at least) is sought. The person appointed will become a member of USPG’s Finance & Audit Committee as well as contribute to the strategic discussions of the Trustee board.
• Global knowledge and understanding: A couple of trustees with significant regional knowledge, especially of the Caribbean/Latin America, but also of the Middle East, Asia or Africa. That understanding may come from working with the churches or from professional experience outside of the Church.

The role is not paid, but necessary expenses incurred for attending USPG meetings will be reimbursed.

About USPG

The United Society Partners in the Gospel, known widely as USPG, is the Anglican mission agency that partners churches across the Anglican Communion in rethinking mission, energising church and championing justice. Click here to find out more.

USPG is actively seeking a diverse board with a balance of gender, ethnicity and age.

Luminus Non-Executive Director opportunity

Are you looking for a chance to make a real difference to the lives of local people in Surrey, particularly those at risk of health inequalities?

As the NHS and local authority services face a period of significant change, it's vital that people and the quality of care remain front and centre, and their voices and experiences are heard.

This is a voluntary, unremunerated role, although we do cover all reasonable expenses and applicable care costs.

Luminus is a Surrey-based Community Interest Company (CIC) which exists to make sure those voices are heard. We are now seeking new Non-Executive Directors to help guide the next stage of our growth. This is a great time to join a well-led and well-governed organisation, bringing your existing skills, or building your experience on a Board, as we offer a warm welcome, friendly atmosphere, mentorship and training - as well as the chance to make a real difference. In particular (but not exclusively), we welcome applicants who have experience of one or more of the following:

• growing a business;
• a network of contacts across Surrey and beyond who are potentially relevant to the wider business interests of Luminus; and/ or
• a particular interest/ experience in fulfilling the Board’s oversight of finances and/ or its governance in general.

Luminus welcomes applicants with a diverse range of perspectives and experience, and welcomes people seeking their first Non-Executive Director (NED) role. A willingness to learn about our organisation and the responsibilities of our NEDs, and an ability to commit to the time involved, are essential.

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from ethnic minoritised communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ communities, and those with lived experience of social or health inequalities. If you are passionate about our mission but unsure whether this role is for you, we would love to hear from you - we welcome fresh perspectives.

Time commitment: Quarterly Board meetings plus workshops and potentially sub-committees – around 1 to 2 days per month.

Please find out more about the role in our NED recruitment document on our website.

We are also offering 2 further opportunities to find out more:

• We will be running an online information session via Teams on Wednesday 7 May at 1.30pm where you will be able to hear from our current Board co-chairs and CEO, and ask questions. If you are interested in attending please contact us for joining instructions before 7 May 2025.
• If you’d like an informal telephone chat with one of our co-chairs, please contact us and we can arrange this for you at a time that suits.

How to apply

Please submit your completed application form and CV by 5pm on 16 May 2025. Application forms are available on the Luminus website or message us and we will send to you.

If you have questions about the application process or would like support in applying please contact us.

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 26 May 2025 at our offices in Burpham, Guildford.

The Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants currently has volunteering opportunities from late April/early May available for our online English lessons.

Aimed at a wide range of clients whose English spans the spectrum of absolute beginners to higher levels, we offer daily online classes where practising spoken English in small groups with volunteers is a core part of our schedule.

Future opportunities may be available to those wishing to run their own class, depending on experience. 

Please get in touch if you have teaching experience OR equivalent qualifications (e.g. CELTA/TEFL/ESOL) and would like to be a volunteer teacher in our online classes headed up by our English Language Coordinator. 

Please refer to the Job Description for more details on the role.

You will be subject to a DBS check for this role.