Volunteer roles in bacup, lancashire

Lead Support Volunteer

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.

About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Lead Support Volunteer for the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Group. As a Lead Support Volunteer, you will be coordinating the support team, representing the needs of people affected by MS and our services and collate information about relevant local organisations. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll have empathetic listening and interpersonal skills and be able to support a team of volunteers.

Apply 

Read through the role description carefully

Apply online 

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Chorley and Leyland group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Chorley and Leyland area to carry out this role.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

JOB BRIEF

We are seeking a strategic and persuasive Campaigner to join our advocacy team at The IWI: International Women’s Initiative. In this critical position, you will leverage your extensive political acumen and strategic insight to influence legislation and policy on behalf of The IWI. The Campaigner will play a critical part in shaping public policy and advocacy initiatives that align with our mission and objectives. They will serve as a key liaison between our organisation and governmental entities, ensuring that our interests are effectively represented and advanced. Ideal candidates for this role possess a keen understanding of advocacy, the legislative process, excellent communication skills, and an unwavering commitment to the human rights of women. We encourage applicants who may not meet every requirement to apply. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a valuable addition to our team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

o Establish and maintain relationships with elected officials, policymakers, community leaders, coalitions, advocacy groups  and other stakeholders to promote The IWI's objectives;

o Monitor and report on legislative developments and emerging issues that may impact The IWI;

o Collaborate with internal teams to align lobbying efforts with broader organisational goals and messaging;

o Draft and advocate policy proposals, position papers, policy briefs, reports, and testimony to articulate our stance on key issues, while representing The IWI in public forums;

o Prepare reports and recommendations for senior staff;

o Draft and disseminate press releases, position papers, and other communication materials to promote The IWI advocacy initiatives;

o Utilise social media platforms to enhance public engagement and support for The IWI lobbying efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

o 5+ years of experience in change behaviour, lobbying, public policy and government relations, with a proven track record of successful advocacy and campaigns efforts.

o Deep understanding of the legislative process and the political landscape (in the USA, Europe specifically), particularly as it relates to CEDAW;

o Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to articulate complex policy issues clearly and persuasively;

o Experience in developing and maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including lawmakers, industry groups, and grassroots organisations;

o Strong network of contacts within the legislative and regulatory community; media and related NGOs.

o Able to work independently with minimal supervision;

o Ability to manage people and multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred:

o Advanced degree in public policy, political science, law, or a related field;

o Experience in women’s human rights relevant to The IWI's mission;

o Proven ability to navigate complex political environments and build consensus among diverse groups;

o Membership in relevant professional organisations or certifications in lobbying or advocacy is a plus.

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND RELEVANT TECHNOLOGIES

o Proficiency in using advocacy management software and tools for tracking legislation and stakeholder engagement;

o Strong analytical skills to assess the impact of proposed legislation on organisational objectives;

o Familiarity with social media and digital advocacy platforms to enhance outreach efforts.

SOFT SKILLS AND CULTURAL FIT

o Advanced interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset, capable of working effectively with diverse teams;

o Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for advocacy;

o Integrity and professionalism, demonstrating a commitment to ethical lobbying practices;

o       A passion for public service and a deep understanding of the issues affecting women’s human rights globally.

Over past decades, enormous advances have been made in our understanding of MS. Research has got us to a critical point, and we can see a future where nobody needs to worry about their MS getting worse. Our Stop MS Appeal needs to raise £100 million to find treatments for everyone with MS.

Our Stop MS Champions help us reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal by encouraging raising funds and awareness by delivering presentations, attending events and identifying new audiences to speak to. They inspire people to engage with and influence fundraisers and groups, enthuse people and make sure our community’s voice is heard.

As our Lead Stop MS Champion, you’ll motivate your team of Stop MS Champions to help reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal.

By using your ability to motivate and support, you will oversee and lead a team of 5-10 Stop MS Champion volunteers, encouraging them to engage the people they know to raise funds and awareness, and provide reliable information and guidance.

You’ll also network to engage with and influence fundraisers and community groups, enthusing people by delivering presentations at events and finding new audiences to speak to. In this role, as well as developing your leadership, networking, influencing, communication, organisation and presentation skills, you’ll have a chance to be part of something amazing – you could help us stop MS.

��Volunteer Opportunity: Make a Real Difference across West Glamorgan! ��

Join one of our Programme Boards or Steering and Advisory Boards as a Lived Experience or Unpaid Carer Volunteer Representative

Are you passionate about improving health and social care services in your community? Do you have lived experience or care for someone who uses health and social care services? 

West Glamorgan Regional Partnership wants to hear from you!

We are looking for volunteer representatives to help us shape the future of health and social care services across the region. This is your chance to be part of something meaningful; ensuring real experiences guide real change.

Volunteers must live in the Swansea or Neath Port Talbot region.

We have a variety of Programmes:

•   Communities and Older Peoples Programme
•   Carers Partnership
•   Dementia Programme
•   Well-being and Learning Disability Programme
•   Emotional Well-being and Mental Health Programme
•   Children and Young People Programme
•   Neurodiverse Programme

�� What you’ll be doing:

• Sharing your experiences and those of others in your network.

• Helping shape and influence regional health and social care programmes.

• Working alongside professionals and other volunteers to improve services.

• Representing the views of unpaid carers and people with lived experience—not just your own.

�� Time Commitment:

• Quarterly meetings (approximately every 12 weeks)

• 2-hour meetings

• Meetings held online or in person, Monday–Friday during office hours.

• Some time needed to prepare for meetings

• 4-year volunteer term (flexible and supported).

�� Skills & Support:

• No qualifications needed, just your experience and willingness to contribute.

• Full induction, training, and ongoing support provided.

• Travel expenses reimbursed.

�� Why Volunteer?

• Make a positive impact in your community.

• Gain valuable experience and transferable skills.

• Be part of transforming health and social care locally.

• Receive references to support any future employment.

GamLEARN are Seeking a New Trustee: Bring Your Expertise to Our Board!

About Us

GamLEARN (Lived Experience and Recovery Network) is a UK charity dedicated to empowering people affected by gambling. We provide a platform for lived experience, support peer-led recovery, and influence systems change.

Our vision is to ensure all voices impacted by gambling harm are heard, valued, and lead change.

The Role of Trustee

Reports to: Chair of the Board

Location: Remote or Hybrid (UK)

Time Commitment: Approx. 4–6 board meetings per year

Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

As a Trustee, you will support the strategic leadership of GamLEARN, ensuring accountability, transparency, and mission alignment.

Key Responsibilities

- Shape strategic direction and support delivery of mission
- Ensure good governance and regulatory compliance
- Provide oversight of risk and finance
- Champion lived experience and support inclusive leadership
- Promote and advocate for the organisation 

Who We’re Looking For

We particularly welcome applicants with: Experience within or alongside the gambling sector,regulation or public policy. Legal knowledge or experience, Communication and PR, experience within the 3rd sector, lived experience of gambling harm within the Criminal Justice System, Strong values and team work, willingness to act in the best interests of beneficaries. 

Closing date for applications: 10th of September 2025

Interviews to be held: Last 2 weeks of September 2025

Start Date Anticipated: Within first 2 weeks of October 2025

Use your skills to help shape brighter futures for children, young people, and families across Kirklees

About Fresh Futures

Fresh Futures is a Kirklees-based charity aiming to improve lives and inspire change for vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people, adults, and families.

Our vision is for everyone to have opportunities for a better life, now and in the future.

To achieve this, Fresh Futures focuses on four interwoven strands: Education, Health & Wellbeing, Employability & Skills, and Relationships.

What will you be doing?

One of Fresh Futures key services is Brian Jackson College, an alternative education provision. The college can support up to 100 young people aged 13 to 18 based across three sites, in Heckmondwike and Huddersfield. The College is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

There are ambitious plans to grow the provision across Kirklees and neighbouring areas in the near future.

The Board of Governors is a sub-committee of Fresh Futures Board of Trustees. Governors can also be appointed as Trustees of the Charity, but do not need to be so.

The role of the Governors is to:

· Ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction

· Hold the Head Teacher to account for the educational performance of the College students, and the performance management of staff

· Oversee the financial performance of the College and make sure budgets are allocated appropriately

Governors are asked to attend 4 meetings a year, one per term, usually held virtually via Teams, and one in-person awayday.

What are we looking for?

We are looking to fill vacancies on our Trustee board and on our Finance and Governors sub committees.

Members of these committees do not necessarily have to also be Trustees. We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

We are particularly interested in recruiting new Trustees/members who have experience in any of the following:

· Health and safety

· Charity finance

· Marketing & PR

· Charity fundraising

· The commercial sector

· Knowledge of Kirklees

· Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

· Independent education

We strive to be more representative of the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications from first time Trustees/Governors are welcome, you do not have to have previous experience of being on a board. Training and induction are provided.

What difference will you make?

By joining Fresh Futures as a Governor, you’ll help guide our strategy, strengthen governance, and ensure we continue improving lives across Kirklees. Your skills and perspective will support vital services in education, employability, health and wellbeing, and relationships - helping thousands of children, young people, and families thrive.

Hours: Variable – depending on individual circumstances and what people can do

Location: Variable – we are looking to extend our reach of peer support walks throughout Yorkshire

Main Tasks:

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Support our regular wellbeing/peer support walks

· Welcome participants and help them feel comfortable, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere

· Encourage conversations among participants, offering a listening ear

· Be attentive to the well-being of all participants during the walk

· Offer information on YBTC services

· Attending occasional training sessions or volunteer meetings organised by YBTC

We are looking for people who are:

· Are warm and non-judgemental

· Reliability – are punctual and committed to scheduled walks

· Collaborative mindset to work effectively with staff and volunteers

· Basic physical fitness to complete the walks, awareness of the needs of participants with

different mobility/health conditions

We can offer you the following:

· Full induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· Opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people

· The satisfaction of making a positive impact on those affected by brain tumours

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumours are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are: Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire through local support and research.

Are you aged 18-25, West Midlands based and passionate about environmental change? 
 
Join us on our FREE programme!
 
Across 9 months, you’ll take part in both online and in-person events, equipping you with the skills and knowledge you need to spark positive change in your local area and beyond. 
 
If you’d like to get more connected to nature, build transferable skills and meet like-minded people, apply now at the ELP2 website.

The West Midlands Environmental Leadership Programme2 (ELP2) is powered by Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts and Shropshire Wildlife Trust and it is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Asking people you know who might be willing to have a collection box in their business

· Approaching local businesses to display the boxes and collect loose change from their customers

· Building and maintaining relationships with your box holders to inspire loyalty and encourage people to continue giving year after year

· Collecting the boxes in your area as and when required and taking to your YBTC contact

We are looking for people who are:

· Have a warm, friendly and confident outlook

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Are creative and imaginative – spotting opportunities to boost your distribution

· Are well organised and enjoy meeting new people

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

We can offer you:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are Integrity, Compassion, Community, & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and

research.

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

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Helping with event preparation

· Manning checkpoints

· Walking support

· First-aid support

· Marshals

· Support drivers

· Helping with community stalls

We are looking for people who are:

· Warm and non-judgemental

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Good team players, able to work with other staff/volunteers

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

We can offer you the following:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

About Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are:

Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and research.

We are looking for new volunteers from all over the North West area to be Speak out. Stay Safe Volunteers. You would visit primary schools local to you to help us protect a generation of children from abuse and neglect.

We are currently not recruiting for the following areas: Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Warrington, Wigan, Bolton, Oldham, Bury, Stockport and Tameside, Isle of Man and Rochdale

In 2022 the NSPCC's Speak out. Stay safe volunteers returned to primary schools. As a Speak out. Stay safe. volunteer, you will visit primary schools to deliver Speak out. Stay safe. workshops that teach children about the different types of abuse and how they can speak out and stay safe. Our Speak out. Stay safe. workshops are age-appropriate and memorable and need an energetic and enthusiastic person to deliver them. You'll work alongside other Speak out. Stay safe. volunteers to make sure at the end of each session the children feel empowered and know who they can speak out to if they are worried.

If you are interested in volunteering as a Speak out. Stay safe. volunteer and want to find out more about the role, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting, which is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
• Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey

Our meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply – there's no obligation or expectation that you'll apply if you attend one. At the meeting, you'll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.

For this role, we can only accept people over the age of 16. 

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.

Respond is seeking a qualified accountant to join the Board of Trustees as honorary Treasurer.

About the Respond Treasurer role

This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer in a vital governance role at Respond: the Treasurer maintains an overview of the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer also supports good governance, helping set the strategic direction of the charity for the years to come.

The role would suit a qualified accountant with some knowledge of charity accounting and the ability to communicate financial information to the wider board in a clear and accessible way. 

With a passionate Board of Trustees and a committed staff team, you’ll join an organisation focused on making a real difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma.

Please note this is a voluntary role. Any expenses incurred while carrying out the duties of the role will be reimbursed.

About Respond

Respond is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma. Respond offers psychotherapy and advocacy support and provides specialist trauma informed training for services.

Through specialist advocacy and therapeutic support, we support people to navigate complex systems such as criminal justice, social services and housing, and to cope with the impact of trauma, build healthy relationships and move forward with their lives.

If you are a qualified accountant that shared our passion for supporting survivors, we would love to hear from you.