Volunteer volunteer roles in Birmingham or West midlands

SV 2 has been supporting victims and survivors of sexual abuse since 1994, and today provides a range of services to anyone in Derbyshire and Derby City who has experienced sexual abuse, assault or violence, including their friends and family members. We support people irrespective of age, gender or when the abuse occurred.

We are looking to recruit a team of events volunteers to help raise awareness of SV2 services at external events, celebrations and various festivals across Derbyshire.

Requirements: You must be over the age of 18 along with having great communication and interpersonal skills. You must be flexible and willing to volunteer at various locations including outside events on a rota basis with the expectation of approximately 1-2 events per month (travel expenses will be covered).

You must be enthusiastic about raising awareness of sexual abuse. You will also need access to a car with business insurance which can be used to transport marketing material such as banners and leaflets to events for this role.

If you think you have the right skills and experience, then we are keen to hear from you.

Responsibilities: You will be working with a small team of volunteers to provide a visible presence in order to promote SV2 services and raise aware of sexual abuse at various events within the county. At the start and end of the event you will be expected to set up and pack away SV2 promotion materials and banners.

You must have excellent communication skills and the ability to build rapport with a wide range of people. You will need to be non-judgemental and stay calm in sometimes challenging situations.
 

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

Unfortunately cats can occasionally stray or get lost, which can be extremely distressing for their owners. Our lost and found volunteers are passionate about reuniting lost cats and bringing families back together. They help cats and their owners by advertising lost cats and providing support, advice and guidance to people searching for their cats.

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
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

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 Organisers share 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 and our 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!

About This Role

Location: Remote

Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)

Contribution Requirements: Minimum 10–15 hours per week; minimum 3 months

About Solution Community

Solution Community is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization pioneering an innovative social platform dedicated to enabling actionable change. With volunteers from over 70 countries, we are a testament to the power of global collaboration. Our members bring experience from world-leading companies — including Apple, Toyota, Google, Netflix, Walmart, and Meta — united by a shared mission to build a compassionate and collaborative world.

Our Mission

To foster a global community of compassion, uniting individuals and organizations to solve the world’s social problems. We connect non-profits, businesses, philanthropists, and volunteers, empowering them to create meaningful change for current and future generations.

Our Vision

A world where every person can thrive — united by collaboration, compassion, and action. At Solution Community, we work every day to bring this vision to life.

Professional Volunteering

Professional volunteering is skills‑based service performed with the same reliability, accountability, and quality expected in a paid professional role. Volunteers are core contributors whose work directly supports our mission of global compassion, collaboration, and action.

Expectations include:

• Consistent weekly availability

• Timely communication and responsiveness

• Ownership of assigned tasks and follow‑through

• Participation in team meetings and workflows

• Alignment with organizational values and processes

Role Overview: Senior Recruiter (Volunteer)

The Senior Recruiter plays a vital leadership role in expanding Solution Community’s global volunteer team. This person will design and execute recruitment strategies, strengthen outreach pipelines, and ensure we attract passionate, skilled individuals aligned with our mission. As a senior leader in the volunteer recruitment team, you will guide recruitment operations, support interview processes, and help create a positive, welcoming experience for prospective volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement volunteer recruitment strategies aligned with organizational needs and growth goals.

• Identify talent gaps; collaborate with department leads to understand role requirements.

• Build scalable recruitment pipelines to support the onboarding of international volunteers.

Volunteer Sourcing & Outreach

• Source volunteers through job boards, social platforms, professional networks, NGOs, and community groups.

• Strengthen outreach efforts to diversify volunteer participation across countries and backgrounds.

• Engage potential volunteers and inspire interest in Solution Community’s mission and opportunities.

Interviewing & Selection

• Conduct initial screening calls and interviews to assess volunteer fit, skills, and motivation.

• Support hiring teams with interview invitations using Google iCal Link

• Ensure recruitment decisions reflect Solution Community’s values of compassion, integrity, and inclusivity.

Recruitment Operations & Processes

• Improve and maintain recruitment workflows, templates, and documentation.

• Track and report recruitment metrics to leadership (applications, conversion, placements, etc.).

• Collaborate with the onboarding team to ensure smooth transitions from selection to onboarding.

Volunteer Experience & Engagement

• Create a welcoming, supportive recruitment experience for all applicants.

• Provide timely communication and updates throughout the recruitment lifecycle.

• Gather feedback from candidates and teams to strengthen the volunteer experience.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor junior recruiters and assist in training new recruitment volunteers.

• Partner with People Operations, Onboarding, HR, and Program teams to ensure alignment.

• Serve as an ambassador for Solution Community’s mission, values, and culture globally.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of experience in recruitment, talent acquisition, volunteer coordination, or related HR roles.

• Ability to manage high-volume recruitment pipelines in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

• Strong communication, interviewing, and interpersonal skills.

• Passion for community building, social impact, and supporting global volunteers.

• Comfortable working in a remote environment across multiple time zones.

Preferred

• Experience in non-profit, volunteer-based, or international organizations.

• Familiarity with recruitment systems, applicant tracking tools, and digital collaboration platforms.

• Experience mentoring or guiding recruitment teams.

What We Offer:

• Global collaboration with leaders and strategists from top global companies

• Meaningful impact on global causes and communities

• A vibrant, multicultural team spanning 70+ countries

• A supportive environment rooted in compassion, integrity, innovation, and collaboration

• Flexible work life with full autonomy

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

• A formal recommendation upon successful completion of your volunteer term.

We are seeking a qualified and compassionate counsellor to volunteer their time to facilitate weekly emotional support groups for people living with sight loss. These groups provide a safe and supportive space for members to share experiences, build resilience, and reduce isolation.

You will lead one or more specialist peer groups, which may include:
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Support Group
• Sight Loss After Stroke Group
• Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Support Group
• Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) Support Group

Each group brings together individuals facing similar challenges, offering mutual understanding and connection. Your skills as a counsellor will help guide conversations, support emotional wellbeing, and foster a caring, inclusive environment.

You will:
• Facilitate a weekly 2 hour emotional support group.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and non judgemental atmosphere.
• Encourage group discussion and peer support while managing boundaries.
• Offer emotional support and signposting where appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality in line with ethical guidelines.

What We Offer:
• Full induction and training related to visual impairment awareness.
• Ongoing support and supervision.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by sight loss.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires 2 references and a criminal record check.

Location

Region

• Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, South West, South East, North West, North East, Greater London, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, East Midlands, East of England

Home based

• This role is home based

Additional location information

• This is an online/remote role.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• We are looking for someone who is: • A qualified counsellor (minimum Level 4 diploma or equivalent). • Warm, empathetic, and confident in group facilitation. • Passionate about supporting people affected by sight loss. • Comfortable working with individuals who may be newly diagnosed or adjusting to changes in their vision. • Able to commit to 2 hours per week on a regular basis. Experience working with visually impaired people is beneficial but not essential - training and guidance will be provided.

Production Assistant

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance. We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace.To learn more about our impactful work at Quilombo UK, we encourage you to explore our website and YouTube channel. 

 Join us in leading positive change!

Role Overview

As a Production Assistant, you will support the Video Production Manager and team in all stages of video production, focusing primarily on the pre and production phase. Your role will be crucial in ensuring that our video projects are well-planned and executed smoothly. You will be involved in tasks ranging from script writing to stage setting, ensuring that all necessary preparations are in place for successful video production.
 

Main Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Video Production Manager to develop and refine scripts for various video projects, conducting research to gather relevant information and insights to inform script content and invite guests when necessary.

• Assist in planning and setting up stages for video shoots, including arranging props, lighting, and other necessary equipment, and coordinate with the production team to ensure all stage elements are in place.

• Work with the Video Production Manager to create detailed production schedules and timelines, and coordinate with cast, crew, and other stakeholders to ensure everyone is informed of shoot dates and times.

• Assist in identifying and securing suitable locations for video shoots, conducting site visits to assess the suitability of locations and addressing any logistical considerations.

• Organize and manage all production materials and resources, including scripts, shot lists, and production notes, ensuring all necessary permits and permissions are obtained for filming locations.

• Act as a point of contact between the pre/production team and other departments, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration, and provide regular updates to the Video Production Manager on the progress of pr/production tasks.

Essential

• Provide production assistance as needed (e.g. props, crafty, runner duties)

• Good interpersonal skills with ability to get on with people at all levels.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• Creativity and attention to detail in script writing and stage setting.

• Experience in camera set-ups for live events /ob-doc /scripted content

• Appropriate DIT practices for media management 

• Working knowledge of audio production and basic audio set-ups for live events and recorded audio. 

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments

• Proficiency with Google Workspace/Microsoft Office

• Working knowledge of file codecs and wrappers

• Digital Asset Management (Utilising enterprise versions of Google Drive etc)

• Coordinating the activities of writers, directors, managers, actors, and other personnel throughout the production process

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortune 

• 1 + years of production in broadcast and film

• Understanding of broadcast acquisition standards for file deliveries

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

Car drivers needed to help with transporting our members to and from medical appointments, shopping trips, day centres, social events, etc.. Vehicle and fuel provided. Our Dial-a-Ride service is targeted towards people who would struggle to use public transport, whether that's due to medical issues, special education needs, or being elderly or frail.

• Flexible hours to suit (Monday to Friday)
• An opportunity to meet and work with a variety of people
• Making good use of spare time
• Being a valued member of a team
• Satisfaction in providing an essential service

Drivers must:

• Be over 25 years of age
• Hold a valid driving licence
• Be able to work within a code of practice
• Supply references
• Pass Disclosure & Barring Service checks*

*DBS checks funded by Community Link

�� Build technology that actually changes lives.

We’re looking for a Senior Developer to join the team behind Unify Giving.

Unify Giving is building technology that helps people support verified individuals experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, poverty and other forms of vulnerability through direct, transparent digital giving.

We’re a small team with a big vision and we’re looking for someone who wants to use their skills to help build products with genuine social impact.

What you’ll be doing

• Working alongside our product and leadership team
• Helping shape technical architecture and future product direction
• Supporting feature development across web and mobile platforms
• Contributing ideas, not just code
• Helping us build scalable technology that can reach thousands of people

We’re looking for someone who

• Has strong experience as a software engineer or senior developer
• Enjoys solving complex problems
• Is comfortable working in a startup environment
• Believes technology can be a force for good
• Can commit a few hours per week

What you’ll get

• Real ownership and influence over the product
• Experience working on meaningful social impact projects
• A chance to build alongside founders, designers and volunteers from around the world
• References and recognition for your contribution
• The opportunity to help shape something from an early stage

If you’ve ever wanted your technical skills to contribute to something bigger than another dashboard or marketing platform, we’d love to hear from you.

About this Role: Senior Performance Analyst (Volunteer)

Location: Remote

Commitment: Part-time (volunteer, pro bono role)

Contribution Requirements: minimum 10–15 hours a week; minimum 3- 6 months.

Professional Volunteering

Professional volunteering is skills‑based service performed with the same reliability, accountability, and quality expected in a paid professional role. Volunteers are core contributors whose work directly supports our mission of global compassion, collaboration, and action. Expectations include:

• Consistent weekly availability

• Timely communication and responsiveness

• Ownership of assigned tasks and follow‑through

• Participation in team meetings and workflows

• Alignment with organizational values.

About Solution Community:

Solution Community is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, pioneering an innovative social platform dedicated to enabling actionable change. With volunteers from over 70 countries, we are a testament to the power of global collaboration. Our team members bring experiences from some of the world’s most successful companies, including Apple, Toyota, Google, Netflix, Walmart, Meta, and many others, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge and passion.

Our Mission:

To foster a global community of compassion, uniting individuals and organizations to solve the world’s social problems. We are the bridge that connects non-profits, businesses, philanthropists, and volunteers, empowering them to create meaningful change for current and future generations.

Our Vision:

Imagine a world where every person has the opportunity to thrive - a world united by collaboration, compassion, and action. At Solution Community, we are turning that vision into reality, driving transformative change that reshapes the future.

Summary of Role:

As our Senior Performance Analyst, you will be a driving force behind organizational excellence, working closely with the Head of Organizational Performance to design, implement, and continuously refine systems that measure, track, and elevate impact across all functions. You will turn vision into measurable outcomes, ensuring that every initiative contributes meaningfully to our mission.

Responsibilities

• Design Performance Frameworks: Develop and implement organization-wide performance measurement systems, including KPIs, OKRs, and impact metrics that align with strategic priorities.

• Drive Accountability and Clarity: Partner with team leads to define success metrics, track progress, and ensure transparency in performance across departments and initiatives.

• Analyze and Elevate Impact: Translate data into insights, identifying performance gaps, opportunities, and actionable recommendations to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

• Collaborate Across Functions: Work closely with cross-functional teams to embed a culture of performance, learning, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

• Support Strategic Execution: Assist the Head of Organizational Performance in aligning initiatives with overarching goals, ensuring consistent follow-through and measurable outcomes.

• Build Scalable Systems: Create tools, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms that enable real-time performance tracking and long-term scalability.

• Champion a Culture of Growth: Encourage reflection, learning, and innovation by promoting best practices in performance management and organizational development.

Qualifications

• Experienced Performance Leaders: You bring 5+ years of experience in performance management, strategy execution, operations, consulting, or a related field, with a proven ability to drive measurable outcomes.

• Analytical Thinkers: You are highly data-driven, comfortable working with metrics, and skilled at translating complex information into clear, actionable insights.

• Collaborative Influencers: You excel at working across diverse teams, building alignment, and fostering accountability without formal authority.

• Systems Builders: You have experience designing scalable frameworks, dashboards, or tools that improve organizational performance and clarity.

• Mission-Aligned Changemakers: You are passionate about social impact and motivated to contribute your skills to a purpose-driven, global organization.

What We Offer

• Global collaboration with leaders and strategists from top global companies

• Meaningful impact on global causes and communities

• A vibrant, multicultural team spanning 70+ countries

• A supportive environment rooted in compassion, integrity, innovation, and collaboration

• Flexible work life with full autonomy

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

• A formal recommendation upon successful completion of your volunteer term.

About this Role: Volunteer Lead Security Engineer

Location: Remote

Commitment: Part-time (volunteer, pro bono role)

Contribution Requirements: minimum 10-15 hours a week; minimum 3 to 6 months.

About Solution Community:

Solution Community is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, pioneering an innovative social platform dedicated to enabling actionable change. With volunteers from over 70 countries, we are a testament to the power of global collaboration. Our team members bring experiences from some of the world’s most successful companies, including Apple, Toyota, Google, Netflix, Walmart, Meta, and many others, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge and passion.

Our Mission:

To foster a global community of compassion, uniting individuals and organizations to solve the world’s social problems. We are the bridge that connects non-profits, businesses, philanthropists, and volunteers, empowering them to create meaningful change for current and future generations.

Our Vision:

Imagine a world where every person can thrive - a world united by collaboration, compassion, and action. At Solution Community, we are making that vision a reality and driving change that will shape the future.

Professional Volunteering:

Professional volunteering is skills‑based service performed with the same reliability, accountability, and quality expected in a paid professional role. Volunteers are core contributors whose work directly supports our mission of global compassion, collaboration, and action.

Expectations include:

• Consistent weekly availability

• Timely communication and responsiveness

• Ownership of assigned tasks and follow‑through

• Participation in team meetings and workflows

• Alignment with organizational values and processes

Examples:

• Attending your weekly team sync and sharing updates

• Responding to Slack messages within a reasonable timeframe

• Completing assigned tasks by agreed deadlines

Role Summary:

As our Lead Security Engineer, you will be the guardian of our digital ecosystem, designing and implementing secure systems that protect our platform, data, and global community. You will lead our security strategy, ensuring resilience, trust, and integrity across all technological initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Design and Defend: Architect and implement robust security frameworks, policies, and protocols that safeguard our infrastructure, applications, and user data.

• Identify and Mitigate Risks: Proactively assess vulnerabilities, conduct security audits, and lead threat modeling to prevent and respond to potential risks.

• Secure Development Practices: Embed security into the software development lifecycle, guiding teams on best practices such as secure coding, encryption, and authentication.

• Lead Incident Response: Establish and manage incident detection and response processes to ensure rapid resolution and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with engineering, product, and operations teams to ensure security is integrated into every layer of our platform.

• Educate and Empower: Mentor team members and raise security awareness across the organization, fostering a culture of shared responsibility.

Qualifications:

• Experienced Security Leaders: 7+ years of experience leading cybersecurity or information security, with a strong background in securing cloud-based systems and applications.

• Technical Experts: Possess deep knowledge of security principles, including network security, identity and access management, encryption, and vulnerability management.

• Strategic Thinkers: Able to balance security with usability and scalability, making thoughtful decisions in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment.

• Collaborative Communicators: Able to clearly explain complex security concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders across a global team.

• Mission-Driven Contributors: Deeply committed to our mission and able to consistently contribute 10–15 hours per week for the duration of the engagement. Your dedication, reliability, and sense of purpose drive meaningful progress and impact.

Team & Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Head of Engineering

• Collaborate with: Engineering, DevOps, Product, Data, and Leadership teams

• May lead or mentor: Volunteer engineers and security contributors

What We Offer:

• Global collaboration with leaders and strategists from top global companies

• Meaningful impact on global causes and communities

• A vibrant, multicultural team spanning 70+ countries

• A supportive environment rooted in compassion, integrity, innovation, and collaboration

• Flexible work life with full autonomy

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

• A formal recommendation upon successful completion of your volunteer term.

Would you like to help end food insecurity and tackle climate change in Greater Manchester, whilst gaining valuable experience and skills? Or perhaps you'd just like to keep busy and active and make new friends, whilst supporting a great cause.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

Induction, training and support.
Practical experience and transferable skills in food redistribution and warehousing.
A reference (after 2 months with us).
An understanding of warehousing and logistics.
Expenses:
Reimbursement of travel costs of up to £5 for public transport, and up to £6 for car drivers.
Up to £3 towards lunch, if you have special dietary requirements. (We provide lunch, so will contribute towards the cost of a meal, should you bring your own, if what we are offering isn't considered suitable; e.g. a diet that's restricted for health, ethics or religion).

ABOUT US
As a sustainability charity, we take donated surplus (over-stocked) food and redistribute it to people in need.
The initiatives we support include food banks, schools, community groups and charities.
Our vital work supports people experiencing extreme hardship and prevents good food going to landfill, where it would contribute to climate warming through greenhouse gas emissions. 
We need help in our warehouse to receive and record supplies, load and unload vans, and prepare orders for delivery. In return, we offer training and support to help you obtain skills and experience if you are seeking work. If you're not looking for a job, volunteering with us is rewarding in many other ways; offering an opportunity to make friends, keep physically active and support your community.

This role is vital to FareShare's work, ensuring that the food in our warehouse is sorted, labelled and organised into orders.
It is perfect for someone who is:

a) Looking for a practical activity to keep busy and physically fit.
b) Looking for experience and skills to gain employment in the food industry, warehousing or customer service.
c) Wanting to help their community and help tackle global warming.
d) Wanting to make new friends.

Our volunteer roles are available Monday to Friday, for a whole or half day, with shifts between 8:30-am-12:30pm and 12:30-4:30pm. 
Volunteers are typically involved on one day a week.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Receiving, sorting, cataloguing and storing chilled and ambient food and preparing orders for delivery. 
Ensuring food quality and safety by checking ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates.
Unpacking deliveries, recording and categorising food.
Assembling food orders.
Assisting our Community Food Members with their order collections.
Maintaining health and safety and hygiene standards. 
Helping with cleaning and other routine tasks.

PERSON SPECIFICATION: You must...
Be reasonably physically fit to carry out tasks, including lifting and loading.
Speak English well in order to communicate clearly with our Community Food Members, and to understand and follow instructions and health and safety rules. 
Have basic literacy and numeracy skills to record details of donated food.
Be able to work to Health and Safety standards.
Be happy to complete tasks independently according to instruction.
Be positive, friendly and enthusiastic about tackling food waste and food insecurity.
Be reliable and able to commit to an agreed session/day.

LOCATION
We are located in Maynard House, New Smithfield Market, Openshaw, M11 2WJ, which is easily reachable on public transport. We have free-onsite parking and secure storage for bicycles.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be a UK resident and living within easy commuting distance of our base in order to volunteer with us. This is because our volunteers must be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for our roles.
We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

Whether you’re a jobseeker interested in a career in construction or woodwork, a student or recent college graduate seeking experience, or just someone with spare time on your hands, wanting to do something positive and meet new people, volunteering with the Touch Wood project at EMERGE 3Rs may be just the ticket!

Touch Wood is a wood recycling and upcycling initiative, which collects surplus and waste wood and timber and gives it a new lease of life, preventing it from being burned, chipped, or dumped in landfill.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Preparing wood for resale

* Assisting with the construction of wooden products, from small household items to pieces of furniture

Our Touch Wood volunteers are able to gain skills in practical woodworking, as we offer hands-on experience of working with reclaimed timber; from making basic lumber products ready for resale, through to assisting with the creation of bespoke items, such as kitchen equipment and home and garden furniture.

Full training in woodworking and health and safety is provided, along with Personal Protection Equipment.
Capped reimbursement of expenses is awarded for lunches and travel, where applicable.

The UK generates around 5 million tonnes of wood waste every year, but less than 1% is reused. Touch Wood rescues waste timber that would otherwise be landfilled or turned into woodchip; creating jobs and training opportunities for disadvantaged local people at the same time. We collect from construction sites, industrial estates and other commercial sources, reclaiming everything from pallets to indoor cycle tracks – you name it, we take it! Anything we can’t reuse is locally recycled, so nothing goes to waste. This reduces the carbon emissions associated with disposing of waste wood, offers cost savings for DIY enthusiasts, and provides training and job potential to volunteers in the workshop. Some of the timber we work with comes from high profile sources, including the entire track of the Manchester Velodrome cycling centre and wood removed in the recent refurbishment of Manchester’s historic Town Hall!

Our skilled team of staff and volunteers often use reclaimed timber to create beautiful and practical products, such as home and garden furniture. We regularly create bespoke pieces to order; some of it for famous clients like Olympic cycling champions Jason and Laura Kenny, for whom we made a table from the Manchester Velodrome track.

Please be advised that our volunteers require a fair level of physical fitness and manual dexterity as the role is entirely practical.

Our Touch Wood workshop and wood store is open Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 4pm.
We occupy a unit at Maynard House, inside New Smithfield Market, in Openshaw, North Manchester, which is accessed from the main entrance on Whitworth Street East (off Ashton Old Road). The site is served well by buses, and we have free parking onsite, as well as secure storage racks for pushbikes.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

Would you like to help end food insecurity and tackle climate change in Greater Manchester, whilst gaining valuable experience and skills? Or perhaps you'd just like to keep busy and active and make new friends, whilst supporting a great cause.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

Induction, training and support.
Practical experience and transferable skills in food redistribution and warehousing.
A reference (after 2 months with us).
An understanding of warehousing and logistics.
Expenses: Reimbursement of travel costs of up to £5 for public transport, and up to £6 for car drivers. Up to £3 towards lunch, if you have special dietary requirements. (We provide lunch, so will contribute towards the cost of a meal, should you bring your own, only if what we are offering isn't considered suitable; e.g. a diet that's restricted for health, ethics or religion).

ABOUT US

As a sustainability charity, we take donated surplus (over-stocked) food and redistribute it to people in need.
The initiatives we support include food banks, schools, community groups and charities.

Our vital work supports people experiencing extreme hardship and prevents good food going to landfill, where it would contribute to climate warming through greenhouse gas emissions. 

We need help in our warehouse to receive and record supplies, load and unload vans, and prepare orders for delivery.
In return, we offer training and support to help you obtain skills and experience if you are seeking work.
If you're not looking for a job, volunteering with us is rewarding in many other ways; offering an opportunity to make friends, keep physically active and support your community.

This role is vital to FareShare's work, ensuring that the food in our warehouse is sorted, labelled and organised into orders.
It is perfect for someone who is:

a) Looking for a practical activity to keep busy and physically fit.
b) Looking for experience and skills to gain employment in the food industry and warehousing.
c) Wanting to help their community and help tackle global warming.
d) Wanting to make new friends.

Our volunteer roles are available Monday to Friday, for a whole or half day, with shifts between 8:30-am-12:30pm and 12:30-4:30pm. 

Volunteers are typically involved on one day a week.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Receiving, sorting, cataloguing and storing chilled and ambient food and preparing orders for delivery. 
Ensuring food quality and safety by checking ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates.
Unpacking deliveries, recording and categorising food.
Assembling food orders.
Maintaining health and safety and hygiene standards. 
Helping with cleaning and other routine tasks.

PERSON SPECIFICATION: You must...
Be reasonably physically fit to carry out tasks, including lifting and loading.
Be reliable and able to commit to an agreed session/day.
Speak English well in order to understand and follow instructions and health and safety rules. 
Have basic literacy and numeracy skills to record details of donated food.
Be able to work to Health and Safety standards.
Be happy to complete tasks independently according to instruction.
Be positive, friendly and enthusiastic about tackling food waste and food insecurity.

LOCATION
We are located in Maynard House, New Smithfield Market, Openshaw, M11 2WJ, which is easily reachable on public transport. We have free-onsite parking and secure storage for bicycles.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be a UK resident and living within easy commuting distance of our base in order to volunteer with us. This is because our volunteers must be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for our roles.
We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
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Are you an experienced content professional looking to use your skills for a meaningful cause?

Burning Nights CRPS Support is seeking a passionate and creative Content Lead Volunteer to help shape and deliver engaging content that raises awareness of a rare chronic pain condition, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), supports those impacted and strengthens our charity’s voice across multiple platforms.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity to guide and inspire a team of volunteer content writers, oversee content planning and development, and play a key role in delivering our communications strategy. From website articles and member publications to awareness campaigns and digital content, your work will help ensure that people living with CRPS, their families, healthcare professionals and supporters have access to high-quality, accurate and engaging information.

As a national charity supporting thousands of people affected by CRPS across the UK, we are looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, has excellent communication skills, and is passionate about making a real difference.

By joining our friendly and ambitious team, you will gain valuable leadership experience, develop your communications and marketing expertise, expand your professional network, and directly contribute to improving the lives of people living with one of the most painful long-term conditions known to medicine.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Lead a team of content writer volunteers.
• Lead and co-ordinate internal projects, activities and campaigns that help build awareness of our organisation and its aims.
• Building, leading and inspiring the content team, ensuring goals are agreed and communicated to support the achievement of our overall aims and projects.
• Ensuring all content is on-brand, consistent in style, quality, and tone of voice, and ideally optimised for search and user experience across channels, including our website, our members' magazine, and social media.
• Supporting the development of a communications strategy from the 3-year charity's strategy, focusing on the content section.
• The implementation of a functional content calendar
• Establishing workflow for requesting, creating, editing, publishing, and repurposing content
• Operate as the point of contact for content volunteers in the team.
• To also be an active part of the content team as a content writer.
• Identifying, initiating and leading on content projects which align to the strategy and realise our goals.
• Collaborate with the team
• To contribute to the Annual Report or other reporting documents.
• Protecting our charity brand identity, ensuring it is delivered consistently, both internally and externally.
• Promote the charity across all our channels and forms of communication.
• Ensure effective, regular communication to both internal and external audiences.
• Support the review of progress and effectiveness of the Communications Strategy on an annual basis.

What are we looking for?

About You

To be successful in this role you will:

• Have a real enthusiasm for excellence, innovation, continuous improvement and change.
• Be a team leader who is positive, hands-on and able to get the best out of a team.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and are adept at building relationships with different stakeholders.
• Have the ability to think strategically but also enjoy being at an operational level to support your team and key stakeholders.
• Have a high level of attention to detail.
• Have the ability to prioritise, plan and organise projects and to manage expectations.

Experience and Skills

• The ability to communicate (verbal and non-verbal) to a wide variety of audiences including the public, various forms of media and on an individual basis.
• Experience in building and leading a team.
• Previous experience of working or volunteering for charities and/or volunteer organisations is desirable but not required.
• Creativity 
• Good IT skills.
• Ability to motivate and enthuse others.
• To be a part of a team.
• Previous experience in marketing, communications, or related fields.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire volunteers.
• Experience of using Canva or similar design packages.
• A strong network of PR and media contacts would be highly advantageous.

What's in it for you?

This is an exciting opportunity to use your communications and leadership skills to make a genuine difference to the lives of people affected by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a debilitating and often misunderstood pain condition.

As our Content Lead Volunteer, you will play a key role in shaping how a national charity communicates with thousands of people across the UK. You will have the opportunity to lead and develop a team of talented volunteers, influence content strategy, and help raise awareness of a rare condition that urgently needs greater understanding and recognition.

In return, you will:

• Gain valuable leadership and management experience within the charity sector.
• Develop and enhance your content strategy, communications and marketing skills.
• Build experience of managing and motivating a remote volunteer team.
• Play a strategic role in shaping the voice and messaging of a growing national charity.
• Expand your professional network and collaborate with passionate volunteers, trustees and healthcare stakeholders.
• Receive ongoing support, training and development opportunities.
• Enjoy flexible, remote volunteering that can fit around your existing commitments.
• Experience the satisfaction of knowing your work is helping people living with CRPS and their families access support, information and hope.

Most importantly, you will ensure that no one affected by CRPS has to face their journey alone.